MAEC News

July 17, 2025

Dear MAEC Community, 

I am deeply honored to step into the role of President at MAEC, an organization with a powerful legacy of supporting inclusive and thriving schools and communities.  

I want to begin by expressing my profound gratitude to my predecessor, Susan Shaffer. Over the last three decades, Susan transformed MAEC into a national leader in education and systems change, leading with grace, courage, and an unwavering belief in the power of people. She has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless educators, students, and families, including every member of our staff. 

I begin my role as MAEC’s president during a time of profound challenge and unique opportunity. Our nation’s civil rights are being tested in ways we haven’t seen in decades. Schools, districts, and states across the country that remain committed to serving all students are experiencing backlash and vilification for providing what is needed so that every student can succeed. And at the heart of it all, children and families are feeling the impact, especially those from historically marginalized communities.  

In this climate, MAEC’s work is not only relevant: it is essential.

We meet this moment with clarity, creativity, and bold resolve in pursuit of justice. My vision for the next phase of our story is rooted in three priorities: 

(1) Focus on innovation and learning

At MAEC, we are increasing our investment in research, data, and technology to make our resources more accessible and actionable for educators. I am particularly excited to share our upcoming Family Engagement Assessment Tool, which will be available online and offer users personalized guidance to improve family engagement in their communities. These will be accompanied by training modules that will be tailored to the needs of education communities. These resources will strengthen our technical assistance and ensure that MAEC continues to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve. Invest in MAEC so we can bring our bold ideas to life.

(2) Expand our reach and impact

Since 1992, we have worked to ensure that justice and opportunity are not just ideals, but everyday realities for every child and family. Using our Continuous Improvement for Equity (CI4E) framework, we will continue to support educators in family engagement, strategic planning, equity and curriculum audits, and training for educators. We’re also expanding our work in community engagement, bringing together diverse voices to shape decisions that affect children’s lives, both in and out of school. From school improvement plans to statewide family engagement centers, we are committed to creating spaces where all children and families can thrive. Get in touch to learn more about our services.

 

(3) Advance sustainability and justice

At MAEC, we believe that lasting change happens when we connect our expertise with your school community’s insight and knowledge. We work alongside our partners to co-construct solutions, centering the voices of those most impacted by injustice, and building on our clients’ capacity to sustain the work long after we’re gone. We remain committed to building a future where education solutions are sustainable, intersectional, and driven by those it’s meant to serve. Partner with us to make change for students.

 

This is a time for courage, collaboration, and imagination. I invite each of you—our staff, partners, clients, and supporters—to join me in writing the next chapter of MAEC’s story. Together, we will honor our past, rise to the challenges of the present, and shape a more just future for generations to come. 

With gratitude and determination, 

Karmen Rouland, PhD 

President 

MAEC