September 28, 2024, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster, TX -- Lancaster ISD is proud to announce that Superintendent Dr. A.K. Perera has been selected to join the Network of Distinguished Educators, supported by AASA—The School Superintendents’ Association and PDK International.
The Network of Distinguished Educators is committed to supporting superintendents and strengthening public education across the nation. Additionally, it focuses on convening, supporting, and elevating some of the nation’s most accomplished superintendents. Through research, professional learning, and the development of case studies, the organization aims to address the most significant challenges facing education leaders today.
Superintendent turnover in large school districts has reached an alarming rate in recent years. According to a 2024 report by the ILO Group, between March 2020 and July 2024, nearly half (49%) of the 500 most populous school districts in the country experienced leadership changes. Most notably, in the 2023-2024 school year alone, 100 districts saw a turnover rate of 20 percent, marking a significant increase from prior years.
“Strong, stable leadership is essential for strong, successful schools,” said Dr. Perera. “I am honored to be part of a network that is dedicated to not only supporting superintendents but also advancing the profession and public education through practical solutions and innovative approaches.”
What distinguishes the Network from other professional organizations is its partnership with the Harvard Graduate School of Education to produce open-source case studies based on the experiences of its members. These teaching tools focus on crucial topics such as navigating politics at all levels, managing media relationships, communicating core work amid societal challenges, strengthening governance, innovating in the world of AI, and ensuring student success in a rapidly changing world.
As a member of the Network of Distinguished Educators, Dr. Perera will have the opportunity to collaborate with other education leaders on strategies to support and retain a high-quality, diverse workforce, while continuing to keep students at the center of all efforts.