Forty-nine retired school leaders from Montgomery County, Maryland, have come together as members of the Associated Retired Members (ARM) Chapter of the Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals (MCAAP).
In an official charter ceremony held on September 18, MCAAP President Christine Handy formally recognized the new chapter and its members with a commemorative plaque presentation at the union office.
These veteran educators have been invited by MCAAP’s Board of Directors to reengage with the union and play a key role in strengthening its political advocacy and community engagement efforts. All former MCAAP members who retired from Montgomery County Public Schools were invited to join ARM and return to the county to participate in the celebratory reception.
During her remarks, President Handy emphasized the powerful potential of ARM members to influence education policy at both the state and national levels. She called on the new chapter to champion the creation of a designated seat for school administrators on the Maryland State Board of Education. Handy also encouraged members to leverage their longstanding relationships within Montgomery County Public Schools to advocate for improved policies and increased resources for students and schools.
The event brought together the founding ARM members, MCAAP’s leadership, and AFSA President Mark Cannizzaro, who welcomed the retirees back into the fold of MCAAP, AFSA, and the AFL-CIO. The creation of the ARM chapter under MCAAP marks a significant milestone, adding a new retiree chapter to AFSA’s growing network. ARM joins the ranks of other strong AFSA retiree chapters across the nation.
Cannizzaro has been a steadfast advocate for retiree chapters and has pledged the full support of the national office to help organize these groups in any local that seeks assistance.
“Retired school leaders possess a lifetime of invaluable knowledge, skills, and experience. They remain vital to the future of not only AFSA, but the broader labor movement,” he said. “Their passion for education and public policy ensures that the voice of experienced school leaders is heard when shaping national education policy. Politically active and deeply connected, retired school leaders represent a formidable force—one that, through ARM, is now better positioned to make a lasting impact.”
