David R. Schuler Named Learning First Alliance Board Chair

July 01, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Lara Wade
Director of Communications
Mobile: (813) 833-1498
lwade@aasa.org

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Learning First Alliance (LFA), an alliance of executives from leading K-12 education organizations, is pleased to announce that David R. Schuler, Ph.D., executive director of AASA, ܲAVƵ, has been elected Board Chair for 2026-27.

Daaiyah Bilal-Threats, senior director, Education Policy & Implementation Center, National Education Association (NEA), has been elected Secretary-Treasurer, and Barbara M. Hunter, APR, executive director of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA), will serve as the Immediate Past Chair.

Throughout his distinguished career, Schuler has championed student success, driven innovation, and strengthened public education in rural, urban, and suburban communities. As executive director of AASA, he leads the organization’s efforts to support and develop school system leaders while advocating for high-quality educational opportunities for every student. A former state and national Superintendent of the Year, Schuler is widely recognized for his collaborative leadership, commitment to educational excellence, and dedication to empowering school leaders and advancing public education nationwide.

A respected advocate for public education, workers’ rights, and social justice, Bilal-Threats has played a leading role in shaping education policy, building strategic partnerships, and advancing initiatives that support educators, students, and communities.

“It is an honor to serve as chair of the Learning First Alliance and work alongside organizations that represent every facet of the education profession,” said David Schuler. “By listening, learning, and working together, we can help schools meet today’s challenges while creating new opportunities for students to thrive. I look forward to advancing this important work with our member organizations in the year ahead.”

“David is a collaborative, action-oriented leader. I look forward to his leadership as Chair,” said Danny Carlson, executive director of LFA. “Together with David, Daaiyah, and our Board, we will continue to amplify the collective voice of our member organizations on behalf of students and educators at this critical moment for public education.”

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AASA, ܲAVƵ, founded in 1865, is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill. A professional community of more than 10,000 educational leaders, ܲAVƵand its members are committed to providing high-quality public education to all students. For more information, visit   

About the Learning First Alliance

is an alliance of associations advancing trust, investment, and equity in public education for each and every learner. Alliance members include: AASA: ܲAVƵ; American Federation of Teachers; American School Counselor Association; Association of Educational Service Agencies; Consortium for School Networking; Learning Forward; National Association of Elementary School Principals; National Education Association; National PTA; National School Boards Association, and National School Public Relations Association.