From the county, to the state and now the national level of education advocacy, Dr. Catherine Finger, the superintendent of Grayslake Community High School District 127, is on a mission to serve as the 'voice of education.'

Finger was appointed to the Governing Board of the American Assocation of School Administrators by members of the Illinois AASA. She is among the 37 new members of the board who will serve a three year term to both represent their home state and report on the work of the Association to their home state affiliate.

"We're really the political advocacy for the state and federal, as well as local law-making efforts," Finger said.

 It's something she is somewhat familiar with. Finger has served as president, as well as in other positions, for the Lake County Superintendents Association that includes 45 districts; and on the state board for the Illinois Association of School Administrators which includes 866 districts.

"I'm delighted and really pleased," Finger said of being appointed by her peers to serve at the national level.

The professional organization has more than 13,000 educational leaders across the United States and throughout the world. At its July meeting the Governing Board heard reports from four members of Congress on current legislation affecting public education; and discussed issues such as the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, improving struggling schools, improving the standards of accountability for students served with federal dollars, improving the effectiveness of teachers and administrators among other topics.

"We are in this for the kids," Finger said. "And we want to ensure they have the best opportunities possible in education."