AASU President’s Message
October 2026 | Welcome Back!
Dear AASU Members,
Welcome back from Fall Break! I hope you had an opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend some well-deserved time with family and friends. As we return to our schools and departments, I want to thank each of you for your continued dedication, leadership, and commitment to the students, staff, and communities we serve. The work we do is not always easy, but the impact we make every day is significant.
Remembering Joe Heinz
Our AASU family has experienced a heartbreaking loss with the passing of Joe Heinz, husband of our dear friend and colleague, Jen Heinz. Our hearts remain with Jen and her family during this incredibly difficult time. Moments like these remind us that beyond our professional roles, we are a family of colleagues who care deeply for one another. We all experience grief differently, and I encourage everyone to continue surrounding Jen with love, compassion, and support while respecting her wishes as she navigates her return to work.
Open Benefits Enrollment – Begins October 12
Open Enrollment begins Monday, October 12. I encourage all members to carefully review their healthcare options, plan changes, and updated rates for the upcoming year. As previously shared, there are important changes involving UCSD Medical Group and certain UnitedHealthcare plans. Please take advantage of the informational sessions and available resources to make the best decisions for yourself and your family.
AASU will continue advocating for quality, affordable healthcare options for our members. Your feedback is important as we participate in conversations regarding future benefits.
Our Continued Commitment to You
As we move through the school year, please know that AASU remains committed to supporting and advocating for every member. Whether navigating workplace challenges, addressing concerns, ensuring contractual protections, or working collaboratively with district leadership, our priority remains the same: making sure administrators have a voice, are treated fairly, and receive the respect and support they deserve.
Our first collective bargaining agreement was an important milestone, but our work does not stop there. We will continue building on that foundation, strengthening our association, and advocating for the working conditions and professional support our members need to be successful.
I also want to remind you that you are not alone in this work. Leadership can be challenging and, at times, isolating. Please reach out when you need guidance, support, or simply someone to listen. That is what being part of AASU is all about.
Thank you for all you do and for the trust you place in our association. I am proud to serve alongside such an exceptional group of educational leaders.
Here’s to a successful and productive remainder of the semester!
With appreciation and solidarity,
Dianne Huslin
President, AASU
Sweetwater Administrators Association
Please direct any questions about the UASC Voter Guide to Jesus Montana, our UASC Government Relations Officer.
AASU REPRESENTATION Over the past few months, AASU has provided representation and support to several of our members. If you find yourself in a situation where you are called to a meeting with your supervisor or Human Resources, ask the topic. If the topic could affect your employment in any way contact your AASU representative, Donis Coronel, and she will arrange for a representative to attend with you. Do not attend alone. [email protected] or 619-813-8792
DID YOU KNOW THAT UNION PLUS HAS DISCOUNTED PROGRAMS FOR COLLEGE DEGREES FOR MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES? Union Plus offers discounted tuition rates on hundreds of degrees and certificate programs. Top options include Business, Healthcare, Education, IT/Computer Science and Psychology — all fields with growing job demand and solid salaries. This benefit is available for all AASU Members in Good Standing. It also includes family members! Check it out! AASU is Local 150. https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/education?utm_source=solo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=college_program_081426