As school librarians working with Susan Ballard in the Londonderry School District, we can attest that she combines 35 years of practical experience with a solid understanding of the daily issues the school librarian faces and a vision for the role the school library program can and must play in the future. In Londonderry, Susan has always stood with us and for us. We know she will do likewise for AASL and that her passion, humor, and intellect will serve our association well. We hope you will join us in supporting Susan Ballard for AASL President.
Marie Parker, North School
Jean Sand, Matthew Thornton School
Leslie Schilling, South School
Paula Chessin and Ellen Romanowski, Londonderry Middle School
Lydia Campos, Lynne Jackson and Gail March, Londonderry High School

As a member of the School Library Media Program of the Year Committee, I observed the leadership qualities Susan displayed in developing a school library program which was selected as the School Library Media Program of the year in 2000. She has demonstrated that she can use these same leadership skills as a member of advisory boards to producers of library resources and in leadership positions in school library associations in her state and region. I know that Susan will effectively use these needed leadership qualities as President of AASL
Donald C. Adcock
GSLIS, Dominican University
University Supervisor

For many years, Susan Ballard's influence has been felt throughout New England. She is probably the most knowledgeable school librarian I know. School librarians become more proactive and positively-charged when she speaks at conferences, and we all become better teachers with her wisdom. She is a perfect candidate for AASL President.
Gerri Fegan
President, MSLA
President-Elect, NESLA
AASL Affiliate Assembly Chair-Elect

Sue is unflinching in her vision that instructional quality matters in American schools and that school librarians can be key players in achieving that quality. Through her many leadership activities, most notably chairing the L4L implementation efforts, she has shown repeatedly that she is willing to work hard to move AASL forward.
Kristin Fontichiaro
Clinical Assistant Professor
School of Information
University of Michigan

I endorse the candidacy of Susan Ballard. She is the person who can bring school librarianship to the mainstream of 21st century education.
Carol Gordon, Assistant Professor
SCLIS, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

I whole-heartedly support Susan Ballard for AASL president. During the many years I have worked with her, I have observed: 1) her solid background knowledge related to school library issues, 2) her exceptional leadership skills, and 3) her ability to get people to work together to solve problems. She can convince decision makers, and members alike, of the need to stand up for and take action to support school libraries. I think Susan would be an exceptionally effective spokes person for our profession. She has my vote.
M. Ellen Jay
Past-President AASL

Sue is such a valuable asset to AASL! She has worked tirelessly in her role as L4L Standards and Guidelines Implementation Task Force Chair to promote and demonstrate the need for implementing the standards and guidelines in programs throughout the county.
Sue's passion for school library programs and the difference they can make for students inspires action! She is a true advocate for the school librarian's important role in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve.
Melissa P. Johnston, PhD Candidate
School of Library and Information Studies
College of Communication and Information, Florida State University

When Susan Ballard told me that she was running for AASL president, I did a backflip! I have known Susan for many years and have always been impressed with her skills. In addition to being a marvelous school librarian, Susan is a visionary. Susan has not only been a leader in our state, she is a national leader as well. Currently she is helping to lead the charge for the new standards and showing us how to implement them. I fully endorse Susan in her run and know that she will do us all proud.
Nancy J. Keane
Rundlett Middle School Librarian, Concord, NH
2009 Library Journal Movers and Shakers
The Tech-Savvy Booktalker" (2008)

I am so thrilled that Susan Ballard is a candidate for AASL president! Susan has been and continues to be a fantastic role model for all of us here in New England. Under her supervision, the library program in Londonderry NH received the AASL National School Library Media Program of the Year Award in 2000. She has shown her knowledge and expertise at the national level by chairing the AASL Standards and Guidelines Implementation Task Force. Susan and her committee are the driving force behind Learning 4 Life. The L4L resources that they have created support us as we implement the Standards and Guidelines in our school communities. I eagerly anticipate her guidance and leadership at the helm of AASL.
Irene Kwidzinski
2008 AASL Affiliate Chair
New Milford, CT

Susan is a born leader who is passionate about what school libraries mean to all learners. Over the last twenty-five years, I have observed Susan in a multitude of efforts (AASL Secretary, presenter, state and region representative, Affiliate Assembly representative, State and regional President, spokesperson, SLMPY winner, member of many AASL committees, and more) concerning the development of quality library media programs driven by dedicated professionals on the local, state, regional and national level.
When Susan is involved in a project, the work gets done and to the highest degree. She has an incredible way with words and her actions speak loudly for all in the school library profession. She is a good listener, a strong advocate and a superb voice for all school library media specialists. In addition, her sense of humor combined with a strong presence makes Susan the best candidate for the position of AASL President.
Harriet Lapointe
Teacher-Librarian
Colt Andrews Elementary School
Bristol, Rhode Island

Susan Ballard is as hard working and dedicated a professional to the school library world as anyone. She is conscientious, caring, energetic and thoughtful. I heartily endorse her candidacy for AASL President!
Betty Marcoux
Co-editor, Teacher Librarian

AASL could not have found a better candidate! Susan is not only forward thinking, leading her school and using the library department as a cornerstone in the restructuring of her district, but also pragmatic - knowing how everything fits together for the success of students and teachers. Her vision and ability to convince her educational partners will provide a guidepost for AASL for many years to come.
Carolyn Markuson
Interim Director of Libraries
Wellesley (MA) School District
President, Bibliotech

Susan Ballard has provided significant leadership in development of the inquiry-centered and knowledge-outcomes centered instructional role of school librarianship. As school libraries face critical challenges, her work plays a vital role in the ongoing transformation of this role.
Ross Todd
Associate Professor
SCLIS, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Susan Ballard is one of the most politically astute persons you will ever meet, and she will see that AASL keeps its premier role within the ALA structure in place. She is also a marvelous host if you are ever privileged to be a speaker in New Hampshire. She is someone who remembers your name AND your problem so that she can help you solve it, and she has many positive and possible solutions to these problems. She is a school library advocate who is heard inside and outside New Hampshire.
Blanche Woolls
Professor Emeritus
San Jose State University
Past President AASL and IASL

I am very pleased to lend my support to Susan Ballard’s candidacy for President of AASL. Over the past twenty-five years, Susan has demonstrated leadership ability as well as a commitment to the development of excellent school libraries at the local, state, and regional levels. She has proven herself to be a diligent worker and a dedicated professional, one who will provide visionary leadership. Her abilities have been forged as a result of many years of working actively with students, teachers, administrators, parents, and school boards. Through this effort, Susan was able to lead her district to the awarding of the prestigious National School Library Media Program of the Year Award. Susan has the vision to know what needs to be done to provide excellence in school libraries, and she has brought that vision to fruition in her own school district. Her excellent leadership ability is what is needed now by AASL as we face serious fiscal crises in towns and cities across the United States.
Mary Frances Zilonis
Director, School Library Teacher Program
Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science