Many people mark time by watching another birthday or school year or even a dental appointment slide by.  During these last two years as President of CASE I’ve found myself marveling at how fast the days really can fly past.  With this issue of this newsletter we all suddenly realize it’s almost time for the next CEC Convention and we still haven’t sent in our registration forms.

       CASE will again sponsor an outstanding professional development program throughout the convention (as it is outlined in other sections of this newsletter), but Wednesday is our day to work hard and then celebrate!  Our annual membership meeting will allow us the opportunity to take information generated by the CASE Board of Directors in November yet another step.  Not only will direction for CASE activities be set, but we will continue to gather your input to guide our involvement in the reauthorization process  of IDEA.

        During this meeting we will honor units and individuals whose achievements set the high standards we all strive to reach.  In addition to the well-established Harrie Selznick and Outstanding Administrator awards, CASE has created an award that specifically honors an individual for his or her contributions to our organization.  Some Executive Committee members will be recognized as they near the ends of their terms of office and newly elected and appointed members will be named.  PLEASE RETURN YOUR POSTCARD BALLOT AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE IT!

        AND the announcement that we’ve all been waiting for will occur.  CASE has chosen a new Executive Director who will begin on July 1, 2002.  We will reveal where the CASE office will be located and those CASE members at the Annual meeting will meet the new Executive Director.  The Executive Committee is extremely excited about this person’s commitment to CASE, knowledge base, leadership skills and ability to stand with  us and for us as we continue to be a driving presence in educational administration and special education.

        When you open this newsletter you will find your invitation on page 4! Wednesday evening’s reception will allow us the opportunity to celebrate CASE’s 50th Anniversary, recognize our award winners and honor Jo Thomason, current CASE Executive Director as she nears her June 30, 2002 retirement.  We know many of you who would like to be a part of the celebration of CASE and recognition of Jo will not be able to join us in New York.  You can still join us by sending your tribute to me or President-elect Brenda Heiman. Our plan is to capture a pictorial record and post it on the web along with the evening’s program.