PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

OCASA Members,
As President, I am honored to lead an organization dedicated to supporting, developing, and advocating for the school leaders of Orange County. Building upon the strong foundation established under the leadership of past President McHale, OCASA has made significant strides in educational advocacy, invested in the future of our profession through student scholarships, and expanded our membership to represent more than 60% of school-based administrators across our district.

As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, we remain committed to strengthening our impact and growing our organization through three key areas of focus:

Developing Our Members in Both Their Professional and Personal Growth
Professional Leadership Development
Personal Career Planning and Mentorship

Strengthening Relationships at the District and Legislative Levels
District-Level Partnerships
Legislative Advocacy and Engagement

Advocating for Public Education
Local Advocacy
State Advocacy
National Advocacy

Throughout my career as a principal at the elementary, middle, and K–8 levels, I have witnessed firsthand the evolving landscape of school leadership. From navigating the state-wide impact of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy, to leading through the COVID-19 pandemic, to adapting to shifting educational models across our state, one thing has become increasingly clear: school leadership today requires greater resilience, deeper expertise, and stronger leadership than ever before.

OCASA has cultivated a strong and productive partnership with district leadership, ensuring that the challenges brought forward by our members are accompanied by thoughtful, practical solutions that best support the leaders who serve our students each day. We remain committed to being a trusted voice for school-based administrators and an advocate for positive change.

It is truly an honor to serve as your OCASA President for the 2026–2027 school year. I look forward to working alongside and supporting fellow school leaders throughout Orange County, across the great State of Florida, and throughout our nation. Together, we will continue to elevate the profession, strengthen our schools, and create opportunities for our members and communities we serve.

With appreciation and commitment,

Karena S. Chunoo, Ed.D
President, OCASA
2026–2027 School Year