American Heart Association: Superintendents support critical work to improve student well-being

Submitted by the American Heart Association

Superintendents across the northeast region are working with the American Heart Association to improve the health and well-being of students, families and educators. Nineteen superintendents were selected to serve as volunteer leaders for the second year of the AHA’s Eastern States Superintendent Council.

In its second year, the superintendent council has new leadership. Mark Laurrie, superintendent of Niagara Falls City School District, will serve as chairman. Dr. LaTanya D. McDade, superintendent of Prince William County Public Schools in Virginia, will serve as co-chairman. Dr. Aaron Spence, superintendent of Loudon County Public Schools in Virginia, is the immediate past chairman.

“We are incredibly proud that this group of trusted voices in our communities is lending their expertise as we work toward combatting issues that are affecting student well-being and overall health,” said Abby Bartley, eastern states region senior vice president, school engagement. “The superintendent council plays a critical role as we work to improve the lives of everyone in the eastern states region, and we’re excited to see the transformational impact the council will make on students within our communities.”

The eastern states region encompasses 13 states, along with Washington, D.C., from Maine to Virginia. The superintendent council is aimed at helping to strengthen the work of the American Heart Association across school districts in the eastern states region. The council will share, inform and help shape the work of the AHA, leading to greater impact across the region. The council members will help shape solutions and responses to current issues facing schools and districts.

The superintendent council is an elite group of American Heart Association volunteers comprised of superintendents from a diverse mix of urban and rural public-school districts across the eastern states region. Council members serve a two-year term, participating in stakeholder sessions and offering their individual and collective expertise to assist the AHA in creating a culture of health in school systems and communities across the region.

The council complements the work of the American Heart Association’s in-school programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, where volunteers with different backgrounds and perspectives focus on improving the health and well-being within their local communities and are committed to efforts that will help children achieve healthier, happier and longer lives.

Eastern States Region Superintendent Council members include:

• Chairman Mark Laurrie, Niagara Falls City School District, New York
• Co-Chairman Dr. LaTanya D. McDade, Prince William County Public Schools, Virginia
• Immediate Past Chairman Dr. Aaron Spence, Loudoun County Public Schools, Virginia
• Dr. Marc Baiocco, Clarkstown Central School District, New York
• Dr. Brian Brotschul, Somerset Hills School District, New Jersey
• Dr. Peter Cummings, Narragansett School System, Rhode Island
• Dr. Lisa Goldey, Tinton Falls School District, New Jersey
• Dr. Amy Martell, Canton Area School District, Pennsylvania
• Dr. Joseph Massimino, Woodbridge Township School District, New Jersey
• Dr. Salvatore Menzo, Goodwin University Magnet School System, Connecticut
• Dr. Michele Mitchell, Newport News Public Schools, Virginia
• Dr. Meredith Nadeau, School Administrative Unit 21, New Hampshire
• Dr. Brooke Olsen-Farrell, Slate Valley Unified Union School District, Vermont
• Daniel Rehman, West Hempstead Union Free School District, New York
• Dr. Myriam Rogers, Baltimore County Public Schools, Maryland
• J. Douglas Straley II, Louisa County Public Schools, Virginia
• Dr. Bill Stropkaj, Keystone Oaks School District, Pennsylvania
• Eddie Vincent, Barbour County Schools, West Virginia
• Dr. Tamara Willis, Susquehanna Township School District, Pennsylvania

“The impact of the continued work between school superintendents and the American Heart Association is leading to an exponential expansion of healthy heart practices and training like we have never seen before,” Laurrie said.

McDade said, "I am proud to continue joining with the American Heart Association's Eastern States Superintendent Council to champion student wellness as a foundation for learning. At Prince William County Public Schools, we know that academic success is deeply connected to physical health, emotional resilience, and a sense of belonging – all values that guide everything we do for our students."

The work of the American Heart Association, to save and improve every child’s life, is rooted in the organizational vision that all children – regardless of gender, race, location or economic status – should be able grow to their full potential. Efforts are being made around the country, including through this council, to make the places where kids live, learn and play to support their physical health and mental well-being, because according to the American Heart Association, only 29% of children have high cardiovascular health based on Life’s Essential 8 measurements.

To learn more about American Heart Association youth-based programs visit www.heart.org/getstarted.

More about the American Heart Association: The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.