AISA, AAIS announce merger

The Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) and the Alabama Association of Independent Schools (AAIS) announced Dec. 3 they have completed an agreement to merge.

Following the final approval by each of the governing bodies in the fall of 2014, the merged organization will operate as the Alabama Independent School Association.

AISA Executive Director Randy Skipper will remain as leader of the merged organization, with members of the previous AAIS Headmasters’ Association accepting immediate appointments to the AISA Board of Directors.

The newly merged AISA will operate with a full-time staff of five, serving approximately 25,000 students in 70 independent schools.

The merger strengthens Alabama’s independent school community by uniting the two largest independent school associations in the state.

“We look forward to advancing the vision of the Alabama Independent School Association and enhancing our commitment to independent school education,” said Skipper. “Together with AAIS, we have an opportunity to make a transformational impact on the independent school community in our state.”

Discussion about the merger began in the spring of 2013, based largely on the two groups’ shared vision and AISA’s extensive experience providing services for independent schools.

The newly formed AISA will focus on supporting and advocating for independent school education in the state of Alabama while providing member schools with strengthened educational and corporate services and programs.

“We’re extremely excited about this merger creating the opportunity to expand services offered to independent schools and to better serve as an advocate for independent school education in the state of Alabama,” said Palmer Kennedy, Advent Episcopal School Head and President of the AAIS Headmasters’ Association.

The Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) President Dr. Steve Robinson commended both groups for their collaborative spirit and commitment to supporting independent schools in Alabama.

“I think we can all learn from the vision and attitude of service demonstrated by the leadership at AISA and AAIS,” said Robinson. “Alabama is home to many excellent independent schools and forward thinking independent school leaders. SAIS looks forward to working with them and witnessing what they will accomplish in the years to come.”