CLAS School Leader - Winter Issue 2021

The Official Publication of CLAS Winter Issue 2021 Volume 49, No. 1

E M P L O Y E R B E N E F I T S O L U T I O N S F O R E D U C AT I O N

“American Fidelity is a partner with our employees, and they’re always going to look for what’s best.”

Renee Hendrick Education professionals deserve a specialist.

Since 1960, the education community has turned to us for employee benefits, education, and enrollment they can trust.

We’d love to help you, too.

Associate Superintendent, Orange County Dept. of Education

See more of this story: americanfidelity.com/California

Learn more at americanfidelity.com/education

SB-32685-1019

Learn more at americanfidelity.com/education

American Fidelity Assurance Company

2020-2021 CLAS Board of Directors CLAS Officers President......................................................Dr. Susan Patterson Cullman City Schools

Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD)

Past President.................................................. Dr. Autumm Jeter Bessemer City Schools

Dr. Lisa Beckham.......................... Mountain Brook City Schools Ashley Catrett.................................... Crenshaw County Schools Dr. Patrick Chappell.......................................................... Retired Dr. Jan Tribble...................................Limestone County Schools Donald Turner, Jr.................................. Calhoun County Schools

Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)

Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS)

Van Phillips, Sr. ................................... Center Point High School Wes Rogers..................................... Elmore County High School David Sikes................................................... Fort Dale Academy Dr. Roderick Sheppard.............................. Florence High School Bennie Shellhouse.................................. Andalusia High School Dr. Travis Schrimsher............................ Monrovia Middle School Bobby Tittle...............................................Ohatchee High School Joe Toomey...................................................................... Retired

Dr. Frederick Abernathy, Jr..........................Decatur High School Scott Faulk.................................................. Dothan City Schools Bobby Jackson................................................................. Retired

President-Elect................................................ Donald Turner, Jr. Calhoun County Schools

Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA)

Alabama Association of Career/ Technical Administrators (ACTA) Chris McCullar................... Walker County Center of Technology Dr. Rhinnie Scott......................... Greene County Career Center

School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)

Tricia Culpepper.............................Cullman City Primary School Frances Finney................................................................. Retired Waller Martin......................... Enterprise Early Education Center Christopher Mitten......................... Windham Elementary School Rodney Richardson.......................... Horizon Elementary School Stan Stokley................................... Saraland Elementary School Dr. Dilhani Uswatte................... Rocky Ridge Elementary School

Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP)

Becky Birdsong.....................................Geneva County Schools Dr. Charles Ledbetter, Jr. ....................... Pike Road City Schools Dr. Aaron Milner........................................ Saraland City Schools Dr. Susan Patterson.................................. Cullman City Schools Ted Watson..............................................Andalusia City Schools

Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) Dr. David Asbury....................................... Gadsden City Schools Dr. Michelle Washington.............................. Lee County Schools

Cassandra Anderson............................. Straughn Middle School Andy Carpenter........................................... Pizitz Middle School Oliver Sinclair...................................Spanish Fort Middle School Keith York.................................................Opelika Middle School

Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE) Dr. Charla DeLeo........................................ Clay County Schools Dr. Annie Spike.....................................Marshall County Schools Lana Tew............................................... Morgan County Schools

Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND) Melinda Bonner........................................... Hoover City Schools

Alabama Leaders Advocating for English Learners (ALA-EL)

Affiliate Presidents Dr. Carlos Nelson............................................ AASCD President Dr. Charles Gardner.........................................AAESA President Ken Sealy........................................................... ACTA President Dr. Frederick Abernathy, Jr. .......................... AAPASS President Joe Toomey......................................................AASSP President Dr. Allison Mays................................................ AASPA President Jim Cunningham.................................................. SSA President Anthony Sanders............................................. AAMSP President Dr. Richard Templeton................................ALA-CASE President Heather McDermott........................................... ACND President Dr. Michael Douglas........................................ ALA-EL President

Stefanie Underwood................................... Decatur City Schools Winter Issue 2021

3

Winter Issue 2021

Mission Statement The mission of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools is to coordinate and facilitate the resources of all members for the advancement of public education.

Acknowledgments Publisher: CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools Editor: Alyssa L. Godfrey, CLAS Director of Communications and Technology Contributors: Mark Boardman; Dr. Amy L. Dagley; Dr. David Dagley; Alyssa Godfrey; Dr. Eric Mackey; Dr. Demica Sanders; Dr. Matthew L. Smith; Julie Weatherly, Esq.; Dr. Vic Wilson

About CLAS P.O. Box 428 | Montgomery, AL 36101 926 Pelham St. | Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 265-3610 | (800) 239-3616 www.clasleaders.org CLAS School Leader (USPS#494-450) is the official publication of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, 926 Pelham Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. CLAS School Leader is published in September (Back to School), February/March (Legislative), April (Convention), and July (Year End). The articles published in each issue represent the ideas or beliefs of the writers and are not necessarily the views of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. Of the CLAS membership dues, $15.00 goes toward subscription to the CLAS School Leader. Periodical postage paid at Montgomery, AL. CLAS is a non-profit organization exempt from income tax under code section (c)(6). Contributions or gifts are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Management has determined that 7% of membership dues paid are attributable to lobbying activities and are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CLAS School Leader, P.O. Box 428, Montgomery, AL 36101-0428

4

CLAS School Leader

6

Director’s View: “Leading in the Best & Worst of Times” 8

Special Education Update: “COVID or No COVID: Top 3 Common IEP Mistakes to Avoid” 11

SDE Spotlight: “JOB ONE - Academic Growth and Achievement” 12

Collegiate Composition: “Teaching During COVID-19”

15

CLAS Secretary of the Year Award

16 17

CLAS Legislative Platform

22

Upcoming Events

23

CLAS Affiliate Presidents

24

26

28

30 36

46

Legislative Update: “2021 Legislative Update”

Legal Forum: “A New Rule on Controlling Student Speech” Professional Learning Update: “Law, Language, and Power”

Ethically Speaking: “The Use of Confidential Information”

Legislative Directory

Featured Contribution: “Education Is in Session: Why Policy Decisions Matter More Than Ever”

CLAS Partnership Directory Winter Issue 2021

5

Director’s View

Leading in the

What did we expect when we began the 2020-2021 school year? Answers vary, and we simply do not have time to list every expectation. However, every answer can be summed up with the fact that we expected the unexpected to rule the day. Without exception, that has been the case with the current school year. Even the best intentions and best plans have been met with unexpected issues. At the end of the year, we will be able to look back and see success based on our ability to plan for unexpected issues and implement contingency plans based on prior planning.

Charles Dickens wrote the words above in 1859; however, the sentiment is sadly apropos to our current situation. To me, the words indicate choice. We can choose how to navigate the current reality with a positive attitude. I much prefer an age of wisdom 6

than one of foolishness; and living in a season of light is much nicer than living in a season of darkness. We may have little control over a situation; however, we can control our reaction to it.

From what I have seen during the past year, educators across our great state have chosen to live in light and wisdom far more often than choosing to live in darkness and foolishness. At every turn, we are reminded of the great things going on in Alabama schools even during a pandemic. Several ingredients are required for the great things to happen, but one ingredient that is crucial to the success occurring in schools is leadership. Without you, the likelihood of success is lessened.

The narrative of the great things going on in your school is yours to craft. Make sure you let others

CLAS School Leader

know about the great things going on under your care. CLAS is here to help when and where we can as you craft your narrative. Continue to let us know about the great things you are doing, and we will continue to highlight the good news.

I am confident that every leader in Alabama schools will continue to lead to excellence during the unexpected times ahead of us. I know that you will all work to engage those under your care in learning at high levels every day! As always let us know how CLAS can assist you in your endeavors.

Times!

Dickens opens his novel with the words above, but he also includes a much more upbeat comment.

Warmest regards,

Vic Wilson, Ed.D. Vic Wilson is the Executive Director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. He joined the CLAS staff in July of 2017.

Vic has 28 years in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, superintendent, and now as the executive director of CLAS. Vic is married to Felecia Dailey Wilson, and they are the parents of Dailey (25), Emma (21), and Paul (18).

Aside from spending time with his family, Vic loves reading, sports, and the arts.

@Othell Winter Issue 2021

7

Special Education Update

Covid or no covid: Top 3 Common IEP Mistakes to Avoid

Even though many more IEP meetings during the pandemic are now virtual and are somewhat different than in-person meetings, the law has not changed in any way with respect to how IEP meetings are to be held and how IEPs are to be developed. With “IEP season” for most Alabama districts just around the corner, it is important that educators be reminded of some common IEP mistakes they must continue to avoid. Obviously, all school personnel should be trained to appropriately participate in the development of IEPs and to do their best to avoid making mistakes, particularly those that can be fatal to a school district’s legal position.

Engaging in “Predetermination of Placement” Providing parents sufficient opportunity to meaningfully participate in IEP development and educational decisionmaking is vital under the law. Conduct that reflects what courts refer to as “predetermination of placement” will not only cause parents to lose trust in school staff, but it will also likely lead to a finding of a denial of FAPE. “Predetermination of placement” includes action such as fully developing and finalizing an IEP prior to a meeting with the parents and asking them to sign or agree without discussion. Denial of parental participation or sufficient input might also be reflected if proper written notice is not provided to parents of relevant information with respect to issues such as evaluation results, proposed services or other placement issues. Sample scenarios to avoid include school staff meeting prior to the IEP meeting, completing 8

the IEP, and leaving the special education teacher to present the IEP at a later time to the parents. Similarly, it may appear to be a predetermination if school personnel arrive at the annual IEP meeting with a draft IEP completed in full, ready to be finalized and signed by the parents.

Draft IEPs, if developed, should be presented with an explanation it is a draft for discussion purposes only.

Failing to Make Service Recommendations Based upon the Individual Needs of the Student Sometimes, IEP recommendations are made based upon something other than the “I” in IEP – i.e., the individual needs of the student. Under IDEA, things like the availability or cost of needed services is not a pertinent consideration.

Statements such as “oh, how I wish we could offer that because he really needs it, but we don’t have that here” should be avoided. If the student needs a particular service in order to receive FAPE, the school district must offer and provide it. Similarly, statements such as “we always do it that way” or “we’ve never done that before” should also be avoided.

In addition to service availability, cost of services is not a defense for the failure to offer services that are required to meet a student’s educational needs. Thus, it is not helpful to respond to parent inquiries or requests using cost as a reason for not offering or providing a particular service.

Statements such as “I am sorry, but that would just be too expensive” or “do you know how much that would cost if

CLAS School Leader

we did that for all of our students?” are simply not helpful and educators must be trained to avoid them.

Failing to Have Required School Staff at IEP Meetings in the Absence of an Appropriate Excusal Procedure Under IDEA and even in light of complications created by COVID, schools must ensure that legally mandated school personnel attend all IEP meetings. These mandatory members include, at a minimum: (1) not less than one regular education teacher of the student (if the student is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment); (2) not less than one special education teacher or service provider of the student; (3) a “local education agency representative” (LEA Rep) who is qualified to provide or supervise the provision of specially designed instruction; is knowledgeable about the general curriculum and the availability of district resources; can commit district resources; and will ensure implementation of the IEP. In addition, the team must include an individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results, who may be one of the members of the team already described. Unless the school agency has followed the somewhat complicated “excusal procedures” set forth in IDEA, these members must be present for the entire IEP meeting.

Noncompliance most often occurs with respect to the LEA Rep and the regular education teacher. With respect to the LEA Rep, this person may be someone in addition to the student’s teachers, but IDEA regulations indicate that the LEA Representative can be one of the other mandatory school members, as long as that person also meets the qualifications of serving as an LEA Representative. In Alabama, it is very common that the LEA Rep is the local school administrator or designee.

Julie J. Weatherly, Esq. Julie J. Weatherly, Esq. is the owner of Resolutions in Special Education, Inc. with offices and attorneys in Alabama and Florida. Julie is a member of the State Bars of Alabama and Georgia, and for over 30 years, has provided legal representation and consultative services to school districts and other agencies in the area of educating students with disabilities.

She has been a member of the faculty for many national and state legal institutes and is a frequent speaker at special education law conferences. Julie is the author of the legal update for the National CASE quarterly newsletter and is a member of LRP’s Special Education Attorneys Advisory Council.

Most importantly, whoever is designated as the LEA Rep must be made aware of and trained with respect to the qualifications for serving as the LEA Rep and the LEA Rep’s roles and responsibilities. Statements such as “yes, I am the LEA Rep, but I am just the assistant principal and don’t do special education. You’ll have to ask someone else because I really know nothing about it” will not be helpful to the district’s position.

With respect to regular education teachers, it is vital that they be adequately trained to fulfill their proper roles as members of an IEP team. Inadequate training often leads to improper comments such as “sorry I’m an hour late, but the principal just told me I needed to be here because I’m the only regular education teacher available today. I am not really sure what help I can give, since I don’t teach special education. So, can I go now?” The absence of a regular education teacher has been found by several courts to constitute a denial of FAPE, in and of itself.

Unless a proper excusal procedure has been followed, not less than one regular education teacher must attend the entire meeting if the student is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment and should be prepared to assume a proper role at the meeting.

This article is sponsored by the Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE) Winter Issue 2021

9

Emerge 2021 RESHAPING EDUCATION

2021 CLAS CONVENTION SM

CONVENTION

2021 CLAS CONVENTION

THOMAS C. MURRAY

DAMON WEST

SANEE BELL

Join us for the golden 50th celebration of the CLAS Summer Convention.

This extraordinary three-day event features content to inspire and guide leaders in their quest to improve school and district performance. Expand your professional growth with strategies to take your career, school, and students to the next level. You will not want to miss Alabama’s largest professional learning gathering for school and district administrators.

Members Non-Members

PRE-REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION

ON-SITE

BY MAY 8

BY JUNE 12

JUNE 13-16

$ 290

$ 325

$ 355

$ 470

$ 505

$ 535

CONVENTION.CLASLEADERS.ORG

SDE Spotlight

JOB ONE - Academic Growth and Achievement One of the first endeavors I undertook as State Superintendent of Education was to pull together a committee of stakeholders and develop a strategic plan that focused squarely on my primary objective – student academic growth.

While compiling the contents of the plan, it became obvious that although there are more than 720,000 students in Alabama’s public schools, our goal is to make sure we reach and have a positive impact on every student in K-12, every opportunity possible, all the time. And so, our slogan was established: Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day. But platitudes without a strategy fall short of what our strategic plan mandates. To make sure we fulfill the promise of our plan, we are putting systems in place, and investing in programs that will affirmatively answer three fundamental questions: • • •

Will it help our students become better readers?

Will it help our students be better prepared for success in Algebra?

Will it help our students become more productive, responsible citizens when they graduate high school and enter into the workforce?

This year as we enter the legislative session, we did so with an understanding of the areas we need to focus on most and clear expectations for academic

Dr. Eric Mackey Dr. Eric G. Mackey currently serves as the Alabama State Superintendent of Education. Prior positions include executive director of the School Superintendents of Alabama, superintendent of Jacksonville City Schools, principal, and assistant principal.

growth and achievement for Alabama students.

The Alabama Achieves strategic plan outlines five areas of interest: Academic Growth and Achievement, Throughout his career, Dr. Mackey has College, Career, and been an advocate for increased rigor and advanced high school courses as Workforce Readiness, well as challenging elementary and Safe and Supportive middle school classes.

Learning Environments, He and his wife, Robin, have three Highly Effective Educators, boys, John (22), Brandon (19), and and Customer Friendly Christopher (14).

Services. Although each of these areas are critical to @egmackey establishing a more perfect public school system, Academic Growth and Achievement are the pinnacle of priority.

The Alabama Literacy Act, established in 2019, mandates all students entering the 4th grade read on grade level or face the possibility of retention. The point of the law is not to be punitive towards students, but rather to identify struggling readers early and showcase the array of reading resources available to them ahead of time. The goal is to push students forward, not hold them back.

In addition to much needed help from parents utilizing the new Read-at-Home Plan for Student Success, we have also asked the Alabama Legislature to fund the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) with $59 million – on par with last year’s appropriation.

This allowed for Alabama to increase the number of Reading Coaches who receive LETRS training (LETRS is professional development that helps teachers understand how students think and learn to read) from 0 to 11,761 in one year. Also

Continued on page 21 Winter Issue 2021

11

Collegiate Composition

Teaching During COVID-19

Why should principals have background knowledge of effective instructional and assessment strategies during a pandemic? Moreover, why should teachers have background knowledge of effective instructional and assessment strategies during a pandemic?

To answer these questions, I will explore specific recommendations to consider concerning instructional and assessment strategies during a pandemic.

In less than a year, the world has rapidly changed through the lives of students, parents, teachers, and principals due to the pandemic. As a result, change has been the only area to remain constant whether it be how the instruction and assessments are delivered or how learning has occurred. Therefore, we must consider the impact of the pandemic on student learning.

Related Studies

Based on norms provided in Star Reading (grades K-12) and Star Math assessments (1-12), Wyse, Stickney, Butz, Beckler, and Close (2020) conducted a study that utilized three hypotheses: 1) Did a student stop learning (measured at the end of March) when COVID-19 started? 2) Did a student advance a month (measured at the end of April) in their learning after COVID-19? 3) Did a student decline a month (measured at the end of February) in their learning after COVID-19? The results of the study indicated that a greater percent of students were below benchmarks compared with the end-of-year values. Furthermore, they discovered that students in the lower grades

12

seemed to be affected to a greater point. This finding is no surprise. From the perspective of an instructional leader, it is important to consider what instructional strategies might be employed to assist students in “catching up” the critical skills missed or not mastered from the previous year. Wyse et al. (2020) suggests to think about providing extra resources at early grades to help students catch up or prioritize what skills are taught in these grades. In addition, they suggest to frameworks such as MTSS/RTI frequently to identify needs and target instruction.

Lake and Olson (2020) summarized findings from a panel of assessment experts on diagnostic assessments and the role these assessments play in assisting educators and parents support student learning. They furthermore developed seven principles to consider when designing assessments.

I would encourage you to review the citation for

CLAS School Leader

this manuscript by Lake and Olson (2020) and obtain a copy for an indepth narrative on each of the seven principles, particularly if you as an instructional leader need assistance to support teachers in the area of assessment during the pandemic. Often times, it is a difficult challenge to know how to meet the needs of individual learners much less in a global pandemic.

Practical Experience and Strategies As a previous building-based school principal, I have experienced many challenges throughout my career. I have not been an instructional leader during a pandemic. But, I have taught graduate courses and worked in a leadership capacity during a pandemic. Therefore, I will share with you some practical advice that have worked for me. I hope that you find these strategies helpful in working with students and adults. These practical strategies are as follows:

1) Be a great listener.

More often than not, students/faculty simply need their voices to be heard. I have found in most cases that listening is a skill that we have to be intentional to develop. You may not be able to solve every problem nor should you be expected too. However, listening to the needs of others is a very important skill of an instructional leader.

2)Be an effective communicator.

Do not assume. I have found that clear communication is the key to success in both teaching and working with people. During this pandemic, it is of utmost importance to ramp up the communication efforts. Consider having a go-to person to review any written or oral communication prior to communicating it. It is also helpful to anticipate questions in advance.

Dr. Jeff Cornelius Dr. Jeff Cornelius is a Professor of Education and Department Chair at the University of North Alabama. A native of Tuscumbia, AL, he received degrees from Mississippi State University, University of North Alabama, and Samford University. He also has served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent.

jdcornelius@una.edu

3)Be a great facilitator.

Remember the old adage, actions speak louder than words, this adage still holds true. It is critical for teachers to witness an instructional leader that serves in both an active and participatory role. How many times have you witnessed as a teacher an instructional leader that never participated nor was present at data meetings or at some other important function?

This article discusses instructional and assessment strategies to consider during a pandemic. Moreover, the article shared some practical insights from the lens of a previous instructional leader. It is my hope that the article provided you with theoretical and practical knowledge of both instructional and assessment strategies.

References

Lake, R., Olson, L., & Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE). (2020). Learning as We Go: Principles for Effective Assessment during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Center on Reinventing Public Education. https://ezproxy.una.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,cookie&d b=eric&AN=ED606373&site=eds-live&scope=site Wyse, A. E., Stickney, E. M., Butz, D., Beckler, A., & Close, C. N. (2020). The Potential Impact of COVID-19 on Student Learning and How Schools Can Respond.

Educational Measurement: Issues & Practice, 39(3), 60–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/emip.12357

Winter Issue 2021

13

In Partnership with

NEW! AFFORDABLE INTERACTIVE FLAT PANEL DISPLAYS And MUCH More. Get Active in the Classroom!

Interactive Playground

Interactive Floor • • •

Ask for a quote on Flat Panel Displays.

Engage students with an interactive floor or wall.

Stop the Literacy slide with Augmented Reality. Evidence-based Supplemental Curriculum.

PowerUpEDU offers technology and professional learning solutions for ALL Classroom Learning Environments.

Early Childhood Literacy

Contact us Today & learn more. Click HERE or Call 888.517.3824, ext. 1.

Jennifer Cole Named CLAS Secretary of the Year The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and Simbli by eBOARDsolutions, the Secretary of the Year award sponsor, are proud to announce the selection of Ms. Jennifer Cole as the 2020 Secretary of the Year. Ms. Cole was selected from among eight district finalists across the state of Alabama.

Cole is a human resource analyst for the Hoover City School System. She was nominated by Director of Human Resources Mary Veal. Both Mary Veal and Superintendent Kathy Murphy were in attendance as Cole was presented with the 2020 Secretary of the Year Award.

Cole’s nomination credits her with “finding ways to work smarter, not harder, as evidenced by her development of a system for tracking renewals, updating information in Next Gen, and assisting in the electronic onboarding process.” Cole is known to pursue professional learning and training in areas that will fill gaps and maximize her skill set.

District Finalists District 1 Melodie Brown, Baldwin County Schools District 2 Kimberly McNeally, Dothan City Schools District 3 Jennifer Cole, Hoover City Schools District 4 Sherre McKelvey, Tuscaloosa City Schools District 5 Summer Rice, Pike Road City Schools District 6 Amanda Walters, Marshall County Schools District 7 Kathy Burgin, Trussville City Schools District 8 LaTisha King, Madison City Schools

“Jennifer Cole’s work ethic unquestionably aligns to the school district’s and department’s vision, mission, and goals,” states Mary Veal, director of human resources for Hoover City Schools and nominating supervisor.

“Ms. Cole’s selection as the Alabama Secretary of the Year is evidenced by her exemplary service and dedication to the Hoover City School System. She embodies the true spirit of this award,” stated CLAS Executive Director Dr. Vic Wilson. “Congratulations to all our district finalists as well as each secretary nominated. Their roles are truly invaluable to Alabama’s schools, systems, students, parents, and stakeholders.

Nominations for this award were submitted by direct supervisors in each State Board of Education District. Each finalist is held in high regard by his/her employer as well as by co-workers and community.

District finalists are in the next column.

Jennifer Cole is presented with a plaque and a bouquet of flowers as she is named the Secretary of the Year.

Secretary of the Year District Finalists

Dr. Vic Wilson

2021 Legislative Update We’ve only just begun…with apologies to The Carpenters, we are one week into the 2021 Alabama Legislative session. Hopefully, at the end of the session we will all be on top of the world. CLAS is committed to keeping you informed about the session, and we encourage you to read the legislation section of the Friday Update each week to see what bills have moved and are moving through the legislature.

@othell leaders, you can have a powerful impact on legislation.

Craft your narrative, or someone else will craft it for you.

Our Friday Update, each week, has an updated list of bills we are tracking. You can see our current position on those bills in that list as well. Currently, we support a few bills while we are watching many more. Our position on some of the bills may change depending on the course taken during the session. Likewise, as we gain insight on a bill and gather information from you, our position could change. As always, we follow the guidelines set forth in the 2021 CLAS Legislative Platform approved by the CLAS Board of Directors in November. The next four pages of this publication are the CLAS Legislative Platform.

If we see a bill that pertains to our members, we will engage you to get your thoughts on the bill. Also, if an issue arises that is not covered in our platform, I will engage the executive committee, and we will work together to address the issue and decide on a position.

In the meantime, I encourage you to read as much as you can that comes out about bills in the legislature. If you have a question about a bill, please let me know, and we can get you details so that you can make an informed decision.

As always, your voice is critical to the success of the legislative session. By speaking to your elected 16

CLAS School Leader

2021 www.clasleaders.org

LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM Professional Learning Networking Opportunities Legal Defense & Support Vic Wilson, Ed.D. Executive Director vic@clasleaders.org

Legislative Advocacy Communication & Information Awards and Recognition Programs

Advancing Public Education Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools | PO Box 428 | Montgomery, AL 36101 | (800) 239-3616

POLICY POSITIONS - Teaching and Learning CURRENT UNITS

CLAS supports state funding for the actual costs of salary and benefits for current units for school systems experiencing a high growth rate after the average daily membership (ADM) reporting period.

CERTIFICATION

CLAS supports clearer and simpler processes for certifying educators as well as alternative approaches that supplement the instructional program and address educator shortage.

LOCAL CONTROL

CLAS supports flexibility in budgeting and funding and believes that decisions concerning public schools are best made at the local level where schools are accountable to parents and the community.

FOUNDATION PROGRAM

CLAS supports fully funding The Foundation Program as a priority before funding or creating additional programs.

EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY FUND

CLAS supports the distribution of any unappropriated revenue in this fund as a block grant, based on ADM, to local school systems for expenditures identified in the law: repairs or deferred maintenance of facilities; classroom instructional support; transportation; school security measures; and, the acquisition of educational technology and equipment.

ENROLLMENT

CLAS supports legislation that aligns the age of attendance for city and county school systems to serve every child between the ages of 6 and 17.

TAX EXEMPTIONS/ CREDITS

CLAS opposes new tax exemptions or tax credits in the Education Trust Fund (ETF) and supports the review and repeal of existing exemptions that are harmful to the State budgets.

OPEN ENROLLMENT/ DISTRICT TRANSFERS

CLAS opposes any legislation that removes control of inter- or intra-district transfer policies from the local board of education.

PRESCHOOL

CLAS supports equitable preschool learning opportunities for all preschoolers including those students with special needs; a common definition between the SDE and OSR for certification for Pre-K teachers; and 100% funding of teacher salary and benefits as a “first priority use” of pre-K grant funds.

RECRUITMENT/ RETENTION

CLAS supports improving the state’s system for recruiting highly motivated, committed adults into the education profession by providing a competitive salary, working conditions, benefits and retirement as incentives to enter the education field.

GOVERNANCE

CLAS believes that the school board’s primary role is the establishment of policies and to delegate to the superintendent responsibility for all administrative functions. CLAS supports legislation that affirms these two principles and further affirms that the hiring of school personnel is an administrative function. In addition, board member behavior should be clearly defined.

SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTING

CLAS supports a school accountability program that is a multi-metric, research-based approach to determine what it means to be college ready, career ready, and life ready. We are committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population by looking beyond a narrow focus on assessment results.

STANDARDS

CLAS supports appropriate, rigorous and competitive standards for all students.

TIER 3

CLAS supports revisiting the Tier 2 classification to better recruit and retain teachers, administrators, career coaches, career tech instructors, reading specialists, school nurses, mental health and guidance counselors, bus drivers, mechanics, custodians, child nutrition employees, school secretaries, and others who are a part of the education program.

MENTAL HEALTH

CLAS supports funding for on-site, master’s level mental health professionals, to provide comprehensive services in schools.

FUNDING POSITIONS CLASS SIZE

CLAS supports consistent annual funding to maintain reasonable class size.

COMPENSATION

CLAS supports the examination of a budget structure that provides COLA’s for employees that are tied solely to the consumer price index.

EDUCATION TRUST FUND

CLAS opposes any attempts to use the Education Trust Fund as a direct or indirect funding source for any non-governmental and non-education agencies.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)

CLAS supports funding ELL at a minimum of $500 per identified student.

EXTENDED CONTRACTS FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL

CLAS supports full state funding for extended contracts for school personnel (ACT#2007284) essential to the opening and closing of schools and whose presence in the schools is necessary through the summer.

MERIT PAY

CLAS opposes any state initiative that rewards or singles out individuals for performance or merit pay without additional study and analysis to determine the impact on student achievement, school climate and culture, and appropriate evaluation measures.

SALARY ADJUSTMENTS

CLAS supports the Legislature funding the legally required 1% salary adjustment to cover actual certified employee costs as required by law (ACT#1997-238)

OTHER CURRENT EXPENSES (OCE)

CLAS supports funding OCE on actual operational expenditures that include the salaries and benefits of support workers as well as the cost of fixed expenses such as insurance, electricity, and other utilities.

RETIREMENT

CLAS supports maintaining the defined benefits plan administered under the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) as a means for providing long-term financial stability to the state’s retired public servants. CLAS supports ongoing efforts to reduce the long-term unfunded liability, and urges the Legislature not to repeat mistakes of the past; those made by legislative bodies in other states; or any actions which would lead to instability in the retirement structure.

SCHOOL SAFETY

CLAS supports the legislature providing dedicated and sustained funding for SRO’s, and a bond issue for school building security enhancements. We need to provide a safe and secure environment for teaching and learning.

SCHOOL NURSES

CLAS supports the funding of school nurses as earned units in the same manner as other instructional support personnel as part of the foundation program.

TECHNOLOGY

CLAS supports an increase in the line item for the system technology director and an additional appropriation in the ETF for the support, maintenance, and security of system and school technologies and data, which may include additional expenditures for appropriate staff, hardware, software, or contracted services, as needed.

TRANSPORTATION

CLAS supports a fully-funded transportation program.

VOUCHERS

CLAS opposes the use of any state tax dollars to support vouchers or education savings accounts for non-public education institutions.

Developed by the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA) and adopted by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS)

Budget Priorities www.clasleaders.org

ADM FUNDING

Many of our districts have experienced a drop in enrollment for the 20-day count, especially in the elementary grades. CLAS recommends that for the FY22 school year, the FY21 ADM numbers be used, at a minimum, with adjustments made for school systems with growth.

OPERATIONS AND EXPENSES

Other Current Expenses (OCE) funding provides for basic needs like fuel, electricity, and water as well as important support personnel like cafeteria workers, custodians, and school secretaries. In addition, many local safety initiatives are paid from OCE funds.

TRANSPORTATION

School buses transport students to and from school, field trips, and sporting events covering more than 100 million miles per year. Transportation is considered a function of the state and is designed to be fully funded at 100% of costs. State dollars for transportation do not cover actual costs.

Underfunding transportation has a disparate effect on larger, rural school systems, many of which have limited local funding. Full funding for transportation is a priority.

RETENTION AND RECRUITMENT

Alabama, like the rest of the nation, is facing a tremendous teacher shortage. We cannot compete with surrounding states in terms of salary and benefits. Last session, CLAS, in partnership with other education associations, proposed a new tier in the Retirement System to provide a competitive retirement program for our teachers. This continues to be a priority among our members.

Class size matters! Smaller classes make a difference in the lives of children. Parents know that having a smaller class means that each child will get more personal attention, teachers will be able to focus on individual needs, and students will have a better chance to excel. In Alabama, we lower class size by lowering the “divisors.” It is important that we set a goal of smaller class size, beginning in middle grades, where most overcrowding currently exists.

DIVISORS

SCHOOL NURSES

School nurses play an essential role in keeping children healthy, safe, and ready to learn. The school nurse supports student success by providing health care through assessment, intervention, and follow-up for all children within the school setting. The school nurse addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social health needs of students and supports their achievement in the learning process. The school nurse is often the sole healthcare provider in an academic setting.

MENTAL HEALTH/ SCHOOL COUNSELORS

School superintendents across the state say in-school mental healthcare services are needed now more than ever. According to the Alabama Department of Mental Health, students are six times more likely to complete mental health treatment in schools than in community settings.

Advancing Public Education Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools | PO Box 428 | Montgomery, AL 36101 | (800) 239-3616

SDE Spotlight Continued

requested is a total of $36 million for summer reading camps and more than $7 million in before and after school tutoring. We know that reading is the cornerstone to all learning – we consider this an adequate investment into the future of our state.

We have carefully studied the effectiveness of the Alabama Math and Science Technology Initiative (AMSTI) and have proposed a modernized approach called AMSTI4All. Our focus on improving math scores involves fully aligning Alabama’s new math standards and textbooks to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessment and using $8.5 million to put math coaches in the state’s lowest performing schools. Already, we have plans to use $3 million of CARES Act funding to support professional development in the summers of 2021, 2022, and 2023.

As intensive as these plans are, the barely scratch the surface when all of the specific line items for public education are taken into consideration. We are requesting funding, or increased funding, for various special populations including preschool special education students, gifted students, English learners, and many more.

After the school year we experienced in 2020, we

can anticipate there will be significant learning challenges in the coming years. We need teachers to help meet that challenge. Because schools are funded per pupil, and because 2020 saw a precipitous drop in student attendance, we have asked the Legislature for a Teacher Stabilization Proposal. Essentially, this will hold education harmless for the decline in student populations experienced in 2020 and fund education on par with the level established in 2019.

Also, our older students who are soon to face a world of unprecedented challenges must be able to transition from high school into their desired path, prepared for the future. Through various programs including Career Technical Education (CTE), Jobs for Alabama Graduate (JAG), Dual Enrollment, Advanced placement, Computer Science for Alabama, and credentialing; we are preparing Alabama graduates for life after high school. More than 173,165 CTE students took 556 courses in 16 career clusters. In recent years, we have seen a 120% increase in CTE credentials and as a state we are on pace to reach Governor Ivey’s ambitious goal of a 100 percent graduation rate in 30 JAG programs. Overall, we have requested more than $30 million for investment in our college, career, and workforce readiness efforts.

We have a lot of work to do. Together, with the collective assistance of students, parents, teachers, administrators, communities, law makers, and others we can and will meet the challenge of the day and truly establish what our strategic plan pointedly lays out – a better education for every child, every chance, every day.

Winter Issue 2021

21

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities Information and registration is located at www.clasleaders.org/PL/events CLAS Lunch & Learn Webinar: Using Data to Inform Decisions

CLAS Lunch & Learn Webinar: Updates from the SDE

ACTA Spring Conference Orange Beach, AL

CLAS Convention 2021: Birmingham, AL

CLAS Leadership Institute Social Fatigue Virtual

SSA Summer Conference 2021: Point Clear, AL

CLAS Leadership Institute Social Fatigue Virtual CLAS Leadership Institute Social Fatigue Virtual

22

CLAS School Leader

2020-2021 CLAS Affiliate Presidents

Charles Gardner AAESA President

Anthony Sanders AAMSP President

Frederick Abernathy AAPASS President

Carlos Nelson AASCD President

Allison Mays AASPA President

Joe Toomey AASSP President

Heather McDermott ACND President

Ken Sealy ACTA President

Richard Templeton ALA-CASE President

Michael Douglas ALA-EL President

Jim Cunningham SSA President

Winter Issue 2021

23

Legal Forum

A New Rule on Controlling Student Speech?

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in early February 2021 on a case where a student was punished because of her speech on social media. The Supreme Court has delivered opinions regarding student speech only four times in our nation’s history, each time crafting a new rule regarding the permissibility of school administrators to punish a student when the administrator believes the student has violated school rules. The case, B.L. v. Mahanoy Area School District, 964 F.3d 170 (3rd Cir. 2020), S.Ct. Case No. 20-255, is the subject of this commentary. A decision is not expected before June of 2021.

Before 1969, student speech was just another student behavior which could be punished under school rules, with no distinction between speech behaviors and action behaviors. But at the height of the Viet Nam conflict, Dr. David Dagley the Court held in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School Dr. Dave Dagley serves as professor District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969), that school administrators could not punish emeritus of educational leadership student speech unless the administrators could show that the speech with the University of Alabama. would cause a “material and substantial disruption,” which was originally Dagley holds the PhD degree from the conceived as a fairly high standard. Three later cases provided additional University of Utah and the JD degree rules, which were categorical exceptions to Tinker’s higher standard. from Cumberland Law School. He has In Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986), the served as a teacher, principal, assistant Supreme Court permitted school administrators to punish student speech superintendent, superintendent, and that was “obscene, profane, lewd, indecent, vulgar, or plainly offensive.” school board attorney. Dagley is a The lower courts have taken this rule to mean that school administrators frequent presenter at CLAS events on could control student speech, in which the administrator views the speech various legal topics. as sexual speech or innuendo. In Morse v. Frederick, 551, U.S. 393 (2007), the Supreme Court extended the Bethel rule, to permit school He has also been a long-time contributor administrators to control student speech, in the school setting or at to this publication. student activities, which the administrator views as being drug-related speech. A fourth case originated in a situation where a principal stepped in to edit two articles out of a school newspaper. In Hazelwood School 24

CLAS School Leader

District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988), the Supreme Court held that speech that would be considered in the larger community as the school’s speech is not protected by the First Amendment and therefore remains under the control of school administrators. The Hazelwood exception has been construed by the lower courts broadly, to include not just student publications, but wider applications, such as choice of athletic mascots, selection of textbooks and instructional materials, and individual teacher speech in the classroom.

Dr. Amy L. Dagley Amy Dagley, PhD, is an assistant professor in educational leadership at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

She previously worked for the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and as a public educator in Alaska. She has earned bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Alaska Southeast, and a PhD from the University of Alabama.

Amy Dagley is the daughter of long-time columnist for this magazine, Dr. Dave Dagley.

Now, some background on this new case. B.L. was a freshman high school student in Pennsylvania late in the spring of 2017. Although she had been on the junior varsity cheerleading team, she had just learned that she had not been selected for the varsity team for her sophomore year, but would continue on the junior varsity team. Especially disappointing was that an incoming freshman had made the varsity team, but she had not. She was also unhappy with her progress on a private softball team, and she was anxious about final exams. She was upset and frustrated. On a Saturday, she was with a friend at a local store, and she vented her frustrations with a Snapchat “snap.” She took a photograph of herself and her friend with their middle fingers raised and posted it with a vulgar caption showing disdain for school, softball, and cheerleading. A teammate took a screenshot of B.L.’s snap and sent it to one of two cheerleader coaches. The second cheerleader coach had already received multiple reports of the snap, and the two coaches conferred to decide that B.L.’s snap had violated team and school rules.

Among those rules were showing respect for their school, coaches, and other cheerleaders; avoiding foul language and inappropriate gestures; refraining from sharing negative information about the cheerleading team on the internet; and, conducting themselves in a way that would not tarnish the image of the school district. The coaches removed B.L. from the team for the next year, and B.L. lost her appeals to the athletic director, principal, superintendent, and school board. B.L. sued the school district for violating her free speech rights.

The federal district court granted summary judgment in B.L.’s favor. The district court ruled that B.L.’s snap was off-campus speech, so (even though B.L.’s speech decidedly included sexually-suggestive language) the rule in Bethel did not apply. The court also ruled that B.L.’s snap had not caused any actual, foreseeable, or substantial disruption in the school, so that the rule in Tinker did not apply. The school was ordered to pay nominal damages and expunge B.L.’s disciplinary record, and the school appealed to the Third Circuit Court of Appeal. The appellate court agreed with the district court, holding that Tinker does not apply to off-campus speech, which it described as speech that is outside school-owned, -operated, or –supervised channels and that is not reasonably interpreted as bearing the school’s sponsorship or imprimatur. The Supreme Court then decided to hear the case.

Continued on page 30 Winter Issue 2021

25

Professional Learning Update

Law, Language, and Power As a child, I remember waking early on Saturday mornings to begin my cartoon regime. While my parents cooked breakfast or sometimes before they woke up, I would sit on the couch watching the Smurfs or some other cartoon that caught my attention. During the Saturday morning programming block, Schoolhouse Rock would air short educational films. As I write this, I can vividly hear the words, “I’m just a bill, just a lonely old bill…” I learned a lot of information from these videos on grammar, science, math, economics, history, and civics – specifically on how a bill became a law. As I grew up and

developed other interests, these videos became less of my Saturday morning routine, but the premise of them stuck with me for a lifetime. Today, February 2, 2021 is the beginning of the legislative session and like some of you, I need Schoolhouse Rock to help me understand the legislative process!

Demica Sanders, Ed.D. Prior to her appointment as CLAS Director of Professional Learning, Demica Sanders was the superintendent in Midfield City Schools. In addition, her educational career encompassed a variety of roles including special education coordinator, adjunct instructor, staff development trainer and classroom teacher.

Demica is married to Tim Sanders and they are the parents of Jaylon (18) and Kameron (14). She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and shopping.

For you to understand the process, @demica_sanders it is vital that we understand a little about the nature of the lawmaking body, as well as the history of the Legislature. According to the Alabama Department of Archives and History, the 1819 Constitution of Alabama created a General Assembly (known as the Legislature after 1901), which included a House of Representatives and Senate. This group was charged with the writing the laws of Alabama within the framework of the Alabama and U.S. Constitutions. Today, there are 140 members who comprise the Legislature: 105 members of the House of Representatives and 35 Senators. Each member of the Legislature serves a four-year cycle called a quadrennium.

Advertiser Index Advertising in the CLAS School Leader Magazine is available to CLAS Corporate Partners as a partnership benefit. For information regarding advertising opportunities in this publication, please contact Alyssa Godfrey at (800) 239-3616 or via email at alyssa@clasleaders.org.

American Fidelity....................................................................................................................... 2 Fuel Education........................................................................................................................ 31 PowerUpEDU.......................................................................................................................... 14 Samford University.................................................................................................................. 39 SchoolCast.............................................................................................................................. 34 26

CLAS School Leader

Legislative Session

they? Social distancing, masking, and sanitizing has become common place, along with temperature The Legislative session is the time in which the scans. There will be no citizens or lobbyists allowed Legislature meets to conduct business, specifically to in the chambers or the hallways to ensure no introduce bills that may become law and to pass the coronavirus outbreak. Additionally, the legislators state general fund (SGF) and education trust fund will limit their sessions to a two- week period and (ETF) budgets. Usually the Legislature convenes then break and reconvene. There are already 241 in regular annual sessions on the first Tuesday in pre-filed bills in the House and 131 pre-filed bills in February except during the first year of the four-year the Senate, which should make for a remarkably term. When this occurs, the session begins on the interesting session! first Tuesday in March. In the last four-year term, Your Role the session begins the second Tuesday in January.

Regardless of when they meet, the length of the Now that you have a basic understanding of the regular session is limited to 30 meeting days within Legislative Session, what is your role in all of this? a period of 105 calendar days. There are usually As the 2021 Legislative session begins, there will be two meeting or “legislative” days per week, with bills that ultimately affect you and your stakeholders, other days devoted to committee meetings. Special so pay attention and stay engaged. John Lewis sessions of the Legislature may be called by the once said, “when you see something that is not Governor. right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You

have to say something; you have to do something.”

CLAS is partnering with you as we begin this 2021 Legislative session. Each week, Dr. Wilson will send out Legislative updates to keep everyone abreast of important educational bills. I encourage you to watch for the Friday updates and stay engaged during the 2021 session.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Citations: https://archives.alabama.gov/legislat/legislat.html https://www.wallacestate.edu/government/legislation www.alreporter.com/2021/02/02/2021-alabama-legislative-session-set-to-begin

Legislative Session During a Pandemic Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s legislative session will look and feel different.

Legislatures will conduct business, as usual, or will Winter Issue 2021

27

Ethically Speaking

The Use of Confidential Information Educators are familiar with keeping student records private, under FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Less well known are the confidentiality provisions of the Alabama Ethics Act. Alabama Code Section 36-25-8 says: No public official, public employee, former public official or former public employee, for a period consistent with the statute of limitations as contained in this chapter, shall use or disclose confidential information gained in the course of or by reason of his or her position or employment in any way that could result in financial gain other than his or her regular salary as such public official or public employee for himself or herself, a family member of the public employee or family member of the public official, or for any other person or business.

Thus, under this provision of the Alabama Ethics Act, a government employee (or family member of that employee) cannot use confidential government information and then seek to profit from it. For example, a member of a county commission, upon learning from ALDOT confidential information about an upcoming exit to be constructed on the nearby interstate, cannot buy the land from unsuspecting landowners in hopes of selling the property for more to ALDOT.

28

The prohibition equally applies to public education employees. Thus, if the board of education intends to expand an existing campus, or plans to build a new campus, a board of education member or employee cannot use that confidential information to buy property in hopes that the value will increase because of the school board’s construction plans.

Consider this scenario - - you have been unjustly named in a lawsuit brought by an “honor student.” You know that even though the student’s parents claim the student is an honor student, the student has been a discipline problem and is barely passing. Yet, that is confidential information. Your attorney will probably tell you that you cannot give out this confidential information. However, if the information becomes public at the trial of your case, then the fact that this information has become public removes any restrictions placed upon you under the Alabama Ethics Act. Does it matter if the party whose information is confidential grants you permission to use the information? No, because the Alabama Ethics Act contains no provisions which allow permission to use information that is otherwise confidential under the Ethics Act. Thus, the Ethics Act still prohibits using confidential information even if the “individual does not mind the confidential information being disclosed publically.”

Further, reading the statute closely, one will see that the confidentiality provision of the Alabama Ethics Law does not require that the financial gain be realized. Instead,

CLAS School Leader

it states that if financial gain could result, then disclosure of the confidential information violates the law.

The background of Alabama Ethics Commission Advisory Opinion 2009-003 is interesting. There, the Alabama judge who presided over a case involving the University of Alabama and the NCAA wanted to write a book about the lawsuit, which resulted in a $30 million verdict. The suit was brought by former Alabama assistant football coach Ronny Cottrell, whose lawyer painted University of Tennessee former coach Phil Fulmer and several Tennessee boosters as grand conspirators to take down the University of Alabama football program.

The case involved former Tide booster Logan Young and the recruitment of Memphis blue-chip prospect Albert Means. The Alabama Ethics Commission held that the judge could not include in his book information that he learned confidentially in the course of the litigation, even with the consent of those involved.

Note that the Ethics Act says that the public official or public employee cannot disclose information “for a period consistent with the statute of limitations.”

The statute of limitations for an ethics violation is four years from the date of the occurrence. However, the key is when the four years begin. The Alabama Ethics Commission, in its Advisory Opinion 2009-003 wrote: The statute of limitations for a felony Ethics violation is four years from the date of occurrence. In applying the statute of limitations to Section 36-25-8, it would appear that the statute begins to run at the time the confidential information is disclosed in a way that it may provide a financial gain to the individual or another person.

Thus, if it is possible you or a family member could have some type of financial gain from information you learned confidentially, you cannot disclose that information for a minimum of four years, or possibly ever.

Mark Boardman Mark Boardman is an attorney who represents governments and employees of state and local governments, including 123 boards of education. In addition, he also defends individuals before the Alabama Ethics Commission.

Boardman has served as a past president of the Alabama Council of School Board Attorneys. He also served two years as president of the Alabama Association of Municipal Attorneys.

Boardman is a frequent presenter for CLAS as well as other education entities.

Returning to the “honor” student lawsuit, let’s assume you won (of course!).

Suppose, after you won the lawsuit, that the Today Show wants to interview you live in their studio in New York City. If you are paid an appearance fee, you would have financial gain. On the other hand, if NBC instead only reimburses your expenses, you would not have financial gain. (While other portions of the Ethics Act talk about “a thing of value,” here the Ethics Act talks about “financial gain.”) If you are interviewed on the Today Show and are paid an appearance fee, you should not use confidential student information, even if you have later permission. ¹

²

³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷

⁸ ⁹

20 U.S. Code Section 1232g. This is commonly called the Buckley Amendment, after its principal sponsor, Senator James Buckley of New York. Senator Buckley offered FERPA as an amendment on the Senate floor, so this law was not subject to senate committee consideration.

We examined the difference in the definition of “family member” in CLAS School Leader Vol. 48, No. 2, Spring Edition 2020 in the “Ethically Speaking” article “Why the difference between being a public employee and a public official is significant.”

Alabama Ethics Commission Advisory Opinion 2009-003.

Id., at page 7.

Id., at page 6.

Alabama Code Section 36-25-8, first sentence.

Any felony prosecution must be commenced within four years of the commission of the offense. Alabama Code Section 36-25-27(h). For any misdemeanor prosecution, the statute of limitations is two years. Alabama Code Section 36-25-27(i) Alabama Ethics Commission Advisory Opinion, 2009-003, page 7.

Under FERPA, the statute of limitations does not run for a general education student until the general education student turns 21 in Alabama. Thus, while revealing confidential information after four years might not violate the Alabama Ethics Act, you could still be subject to FERPA liability.

Winter Issue 2021

29

Legal Forum (Continued)

The legal question presented by the school to the Supreme Court is, Whether Tinker v. Des Moines, which holds that public school officials may regulate speech that would materially and substantially disrupt the work and discipline of the school, applies to student speech that occurs off campus.

The competing legal question presented by B.L. to the Supreme Court is, Whether the court of appeal correctly held that a public high school violated the First Amendment when it punished a student for her colorful expression of frustration, made in an ephemeral Snapchat on her personal social media, on a weekend, off campus, containing no threat or harassment or mention of her school, and that did not cause or threaten any disruption of her school.

Obviously, there is a competitive advantage to the litigants in which way the Court addresses the legal question. The broader question posed by the school, if answered “yes,” gives the school much more latitude in controlling student speech away from the school setting. The more narrow question posed by the student, if answered “yes,” adds contingencies that give a student more opportunities to challenge a school’s punishment for speech outside the school.

Beyond that, there have been three different ways the district courts and the circuit courts of appeal have applied Tinker to student speech and the use of social media. One interpretation is that Tinker, if used, requires a showing of foreseeability—that it is reasonably foreseeable that the speech will reach the school. The second interpretation focuses on a nexus, a showing of a connection between the student’s speech on social media and an injury to the school’s pedagogical interests. The third interpretation spends most of its concern on the severity of the impact of the student’s speech on what happens in the school.

30

How the Court looks at these questions and the facts they use to arrive at its decision really matter. We have been going through a time over the last twenty years where more student expression increasingly occurs online. Indeed, during the pandemic year(s) even more of school has occurred online rather than in school. School administrators can fairly anticipate more and more novel questions related to online activity and school authority over students (witness the recent news item about a school punishing a student for allowing a pellet gun to be seen leaning in the corner of his bedroom by a teacher during instruction on Zoom.) As stated, the Court will likely not issue its opinion until June of 2021. If the Court categorically agrees with the Third Circuit Court of Appeal, that Tinker simply does not apply in any way to social media speech originating outside the school, then it will be necessary to analyze and take stock of best practices for school administrators in that eventuality. Likewise, if the Court adopts a fifth rule for student speech starting on social media, then analysis for best practices will have to be fashioned.

In the meantime, until the Court shows us the way, best practice for school administrators in dealing with student expression that originates on social media away from the school probably requires that school administrators incorporate all three different interpretations of Tinker, applied by the lower courts as described above. In that vein, best practices for school administrators in dealing with situations that arise from student speech on social media would include, as follows: 1. Discover and document fully the path of how the student’s speech started on social media and made its way into the school.

2. Discover and document fully the connection of the student’s speech to the pedagogical interests the school has in good instruction.

3. Discover and document fully the severity of the impact of the student’s speech on the pedagogical interests of the school.

CLAS School Leader

Spark Your Students’ Passion for Learning With Engaging Courses For Online and Blended Learning

Fuel Education has helped more than 2,000 schools and districts across the nation ignite those sparks with 500+ digital courses for K–12, including: • Core, Comprehensive, Honors and AP® • Career and Technical Education

Find out how FuelEd

• World Languages

can help you light up

• ELL

learning for each and

• Credit Recovery

every student—whether

• Stride™

they are on the fast track or falling behind—with personalized online and blended solutions.

CALL

844.879.3365

WEB

fueleducation.com Copyright © 2017, Fuel Education LLC. All rights reserved.

Government Alabama’s Constitutional Officers GOVERNOR KAY IVEY Compiled by Business Alabama, www.businessalabama.com 32

LIEUTENANT GOV. WILL AINSWORTH

State Capitol

11 S. Union St. # 725

Montgomery, AL 36130

334-261-9590

600 Dexter Ave. 334-242-7100

Fax: 334-353-0004

governor.alabama.gov

SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN MERRILL

Montgomery, AL 36130 Fax: 334-242-4661 ltgov.alabama.gov

STATE AUDITOR JIM ZEIGLER

600 Dexter Ave.

600 Dexter Ave.

Montgomery, AL 36130

Montgomery, AL 36130

Suite S-105

334-242-7200

Fax: 334-242-4993 sos.alabama.gov

Room S-101

334-242-7010

Fax: 334-242-7650

auditor.alabama.gov

ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE & INDUSTRIES — RICK PATE

STATE TREASURER JOHN MCMILLAN

501 Washington Ave. Montgomery, AL 36104 334-242-7300 / Fax: 334-242-4891 alabamaag.gov

1445 Federal Drive Montgomery, AL 36107 334-240-7100 / Fax: 334-240-7190 agi.alabama.gov

600 Dexter Ave., Room S-106 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-242-7500 / Fax: 334-242-7592 treasury.alabama.gov

CLAS School Leader

Alabama’s Congressional Members SENATOR

SENATOR

304 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-5744 shelby.senate.gov FMJ Federal Courthouse 15 Lee St., Ste. 208 Montgomery, AL 36104 334-223-7303

Dirksen Senate Building SD-B40, Ste. A Washington, DC 20510 202-228-2147 tuberville.senate.gov Chief of Staff: Stephen Boyd

MO BROOKS (R)

Photo by AP Images

Committees: Appropriations, Chairman; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Environment and Public Works; Rules and Administration Chief of Staff: Dayne Cutrell Press Secretary: Alyssa Pettus

ROBERT ADERHOLT (R)

U.S. REPRESENTATIVES

TOMMY TUBERVILLE (R)

JERRY CARL (R)

District 4: Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Marshall, Tuscaloosa, Walker & Winston 1203 Longworth Building Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-4876/Fax: 202-225-5587 aderholt.house.gov 247 Carl Elliot Building 1710 Alabama Ave. Jasper, AL 35501 205-221-2310/Fax: 205-221-9035 Committees: Appropriations Chief of Staff: Kerry Knott Press Secretary: Carson Clark

2246 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 202-225-4801 brooks.house.gov 2101 W. Clinton Ave., Ste. 302 Huntsville, AL 35805 256-551-0190 Committees: Armed Services; Science, Space & Technology Chief of Staff: Mark Pettitt Communications Director: Clay Mills

1330 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 carl.house.gov 41 W I-65 Service Rd. Mobile, AL 36608 Chief of Staff: Chad Carlough Communications Director: Zach Weidlich

GARY PALMER (R)

MIKE ROGERS (R)

TERRI SEWELL (D)

District 6: Blount, Bibb, Coosa, Chilton, Shelby and parts of Jefferson

207 Cannon House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-4921/Fax: 202-225-2082 palmer.house.gov 3535 Grandview Pkwy., Ste. 525 Birmingham, AL 35243 205-968-1290/Fax: 205-968-1294 Committees: Transportation & Infrastucture Chief of Staff: William Smith Press Secretary: Elizabeth Hance

District 5: Colbert, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone & Madison

BARRY MOORE (R) District 1: Baldwin, Escambia, Mobile and Washington counties and parts of Clarke

District 3: Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa & parts of Montgomery 2184 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-3261 / Fax: 202-226-8485 mike-rogers.house.gov 1129 Noble St. #104 Anniston, AL 36201 256-236-5655 / Fax: 256-237-9203 Committees: Armed Services; Homeland Security Chief of Staff: Christopher Brinson Press Secretary: Shea Snider Miller

District 7: Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter and Wilcox, and parts of Clarke, Jefferson, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa 2201 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-2665 / Fax: 202-226-9567 sewell.house.gov 908 Alabama Ave., Fed. Building, Ste. 112 Selma, AL 36701 334-877-4414 / Fax: 334-877-4489 Committees: Ways & Means, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chief of Staff: Cachavious English Communications Director: Jackie McGuinness

Winter Issue 2021

District 2: Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Pike & parts of Montgomery 5401 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 217 Graceland Dr., Ste. 5 Dothan, AL 36305 Phone: 334-794-9680 / Fax: 334-6711480 Chief of Staff: Shana Teehan Communications Director: Katie Milner District Director: Bill Harris

Alabama Congressional Races: Total Amounts Raised Listed in order of amounts raised

Doug Jones (D) $30,640,565 Tommy Tuberville (R) $8,548,910 Terri Sewell (D) $2,162,475 Jerry Carl (R) $1,938,692 Robert Aderholt (R) $1,252,664 Mike Rogers (R) $1,191,663 Gary Palmer (R) $914,379 Mo Brooks (R) $625,789 Barry Moore (R) $620,029 James Averhart (D) $79,089 Phyllis Harvey-Hall (D) $57,057 Adia Winfrey (D) $50,238 Rick Neighbors (D) $43,988 Michael Parrish (I) $5,116

Compiled by Business Alabama, www.businessalabama.com

U.S. SENATORS

RICHARD SHELBY (R)

Based on Federal Election Commission data available electronically on Dec. 10, 2020.

Sources: Center for Responsive Politics, opensecrets.org

33

Educators quickly identify and reach their communities with SchoolCast. Each contact can decide how you communicate, based on an emergency or non-emergency situation. Voice and SMS text messages, and enhanced e-mail - as well social media connections all can be delivered at rapid speed.

Take advantage of multi-language communication tools, auto-attendance and lunch balance notifications, parent dashboard, and non-emergency message "tagging" for sponsors and revenue generation.

Plus, with the SchoolCast for MeTM mobile app, schools and districts can provide a complete customized parent communication tool.

Deliver grade books, videos, alerts and much more!

• Reminders • Delays/Cancellations • Rumor Control • Daily Attendance • Lunch Balances

Powered by:

• Weather • Threats • Crisis Communication

888.988.5884

www.schoolcast.com

Alabama’s State Senate DONNIE CHESTEEN

CLYDE CHAMBLISS SAM GIVHAN

THOMAS BUTLER VIVIAN DAVIS FIGURES

BILLY BEASLEY CHRIS ELLIOTT

EMPLOYMENT

MONTGOMERY/ DISTRICT PHONE

DISTRICT ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS

GREG ALBRITTON, R 727 District 22: Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, Washington

Attorney

334-261-0785 251-937-0240

810 S. Pensacola Ave., Atmore, AL 36502 galbritton@att.net

GERALD ALLEN, R District 21: Lamar, Pickens, Tuscaloosa

729

Owner, Cashco Marketing

334-261-0861 205-556-5310

P.O. Box 70007, Tuscaloosa, AL 35407 gerald.allen@alsenate.gov

WILL BARFOOT, R District 25: Crenshaw, Elmore, Montgomery

733

Attorney

334-261-0895

Montgomery, AL 36104 will.barfoot@alsenate.gov

BILLY BEASLEY, D District 28: Barbour, Bullock, Henry, Houston, Lee, Macon, Russell

737

President, Pratts Station LLC

334-261-0868 334-775-7657

P.O. Box 606, Clayton, AL 36016 billy.beasley@alsenate.gov

TOM BUTLER, R District 2: Limestone, Madison

730

Pharmacist

334-261-0884 256-539-5441

P.O. Box 653, Madison, AL 35758 senbutler@aol.com

CLYDE CHAMBLISS, R District 30: Autauga, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, Tallapoosa

730

Principal engineer, Chambliss Engineering

334-261-0872

clyde.chambliss@alsenate.gov

DONNIE CHESTEEN, R District 29: Dale, Geneva, Houston

735

Retired pharmaceutical representative

334-261-0890 334-684-2196

P.O. Box 39, Geneva, AL 36340 donnie.chesteen@alsenate.gov

LINDA COLEMAN-MADISON, D District 20: Jefferson

737

Compliance Administrator, Americans with Disabilities

334-261-0864 205-798-1045

linda.coleman-madison@birminghamal.gov

PRISCILLA DUNN, D District 19: Jefferson

737

Homeless Education Coordinator, Bessemer City Schools

334-261-0793 205-426-3795

priscilla.dunn@alsenate.gov

CHRIS ELLIOTT, R District 32: Baldwin

735

Former Baldwin County commissioner

334-261-0897 251-990-4610

1100 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532 chris.elliott@alsenate.gov

VIVIAN DAVIS FIGURES, D District 33: Mobile

736

CEO, Figures Legacy Education Foundation

334-261-0871 251-208-5480

P.O. Box 7985, Mobile, AL 36670 vivian.figures@alsenate.gov

SAM GIVHAN, R District 7: Madison

735

Farmer, attorney

334-261-0867 256-539-5441

P.O. Box 2470, Huntsville, AL 35804 sam.givhan@alsenate.gov

Winter Issue 2021

Compiled by Business Alabama, www.businessalabama.com

SENATOR/PARTY/ DISTRICT

ROOM

Listed in alphabetical order.

GERALD ALLEN

LINDA COLEMAN-MADISON

GREG ALBRITTON

Montgomery address for all state senators: Alabama Legislature 11 S. Union St. Montgomery, AL 36130

PRISCILLA DUNN

MOST SENATE PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION OF COOPERATIVES

35

Featured Contribution

Education is in Session:

Why Policy Decisions Matter More Than Ever As a former high school teacher, middle school principal, and central office administrator in multiple school districts, I understand firsthand how, as practitioners, we can often feel far removed from the halls of power making education policy decisions. Most days, our attention is singularly (and rightfully) focused on our students, our curriculum, our instruction. Yet, federal, state, and local policy decisions reverberate through our schools and have incredible impact on the job we do every day. And in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, these decisions have never been felt more immediately, nor have they been so important.

From my most recent leadership position in Birmingham City Schools, I witnessed education policy in action when our schools closed last March. As we worked to respond, meetings were constant, planning was rapid, and questions were many. How could we deliver high quality remote instruction to over 25% of our students that lacked an internet connection or an electronic device?

How would we continue to feed the roughly 70% of students that qualified for free or reduced lunch? How could we ensure the on-going physical and mental safety of our students and staff? These are questions we have all faced this past year, as we have worked to constantly adapt to unprecedented challenges.

With a timeline emerging for the vaccination of all school staff, there is hope that the worst days of the crisis will soon be behind us. We must begin to turn our attention to the single most significant education challenge emerging from this pandemic: student learning loss. With almost $1 billion dollars of federal stimulus funding on its way to Alabama schools, it is critical to pay attention to the policy solutions and budget allocations that will help solve the challenge of unfinished learning. This year’s Legislative 36

Session, which commenced on February 2nd, will mark a particularly important year for Alabama’s education budget.

At A+, we have been intentional about our legislative priorities for this session. Our policy playbook, found on our website (aplusala.org/playbook), includes each of our 11 priorities for the 2021 Legislative Session. We have dedicated all of our energy to advocating for sound policy that can help us rise above every challenge that has surfaced this year, from the need for increased teacher pay and professional development to combating learning loss. Here are several ways we specifically focused our advocacy work to address the COVID-19 crisis:

Combating Learning Loss The potential education and economic loss brought about by the pandemic is staggering. Recent estimates

by Mckinsey & Company suggest that students could on average lose 5-9 months of learning by the end of this school year, especially in math. Even more alarming, students of color and students in poverty could fall 6-12 months behind. As such, significant investment will be required to curb this loss. A+ believes investments in the following areas are a promising, evidence-based path forward: •

Provide high-quality summer and afterschool learning opportunities for students along with targeted tutoring for students

•

Expand access to broadband internet for all students

•

Invest in high-quality professional development for teachers

CLAS School Leader

•

Invest in math coaches to support student achievement in math

•

Continue expanding Alabama’s First Class Pre-K Program

Continue Investing in Early Literacy Expected learning loss only exacerbates long-standing issues of educational inequity in our state. We all know the numbers on reading proficiency. We know we have an enormous challenge to tackle together. As a parent of a 2nd grader in public school, this challenge is both personal and professional.

The Alabama Literacy Act offers our state an opportunity to support principals and teachers more than ever, in both funding and tactical support. It calls for early screeners and assessments, providing interventions to help struggling readers, and training for teachers in the science of reading. Most importantly, it challenges and seeks to overcome historical inequitable outcomes for Alabama’s students. According to the American Educational Research Association, a student who can’t read on grade level by 3rd grade is 4X less likely to graduate high school. Add poverty to the mix, and a student is 13X less likely to graduate than their wealthier peers. By contrast, 96% of 3rd graders who are reading on grade level will graduate from high school.

No law is perfect and change is difficult, yet this act launched one of the largest state investments in early literacy in Alabama history. These investments are targeted to directly support schools as they support their students.

Since passage of the Act during the 2019 legislative session, progress has been made in efforts to support literacy rates in the state. Some highlights:

Dr. Matthew L. Smith Dr. Matthew L. Smith is the Vice President of Policy at the A+ Education Partnership.

Smith served in public schools for more than a decade in numerous capacities including social studies teacher, middle school principal, and central office administrator.

Matt completed his Ed.L.D. degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in May 2020. As Special Assistant to the Superintendent in Birmingham City during his doctoral residency, Matt led several pivotal initiatives central to the strategic plan of the district.

Matt is committed to continuous improvement, and recognizes that equitable, innovative learning and policy can significantly improve educational outcomes for all children.

@MattSmithEdLD #EdInSession

•

12,000 educators, including administrators, trained or currently being trained in the science of reading

•

3 early assessments recommended by the Literacy Task Force, with a total of 6 assessments funded with state dollars

•

4 intervention programs recommended by the Literacy Task Force

•

54 new regional literacy specialists hired to support our highest need schools

•

15 new regional leadership literacy specialists hired to support principals

•

26 teacher prep programs updated coursework to support the science of reading

This is important momentum to build on in the coming year as we work to continuously improve the implementation. Now is the time to commit to early literacy and continue increasing investments to ensure teachers and students have the support they need.

A+ is so grateful for Alabama educators’ tireless work during this tumultuous time. As the session commences and legislators begin discussing these and other important educational issues, we will continue to partner with our colleagues at CLAS to keep educators informed about the decisions that will impact their schools and classrooms. Follow us throughout the session on all social media channels (@aplusala) and through our Friday education news roundup email, The Gist (sign up at aplusala.org/stayinformed).

Winter Issue 2021

37

JIM McCLENDON

TIM MELSON

SHAY SHELNUTT

BOBBY SINGLETON

DEL MARSH DAVID SESSIONS JACK WILLIAMS

CLAY SCOFIELD TOM WHATLEY

STEVE LIVINGSTON

Montgomery/ District Phone

DISTRICT ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS

ROOM

MALIKA SANDERS-FORTIER ANDREW JONES

JIMMY HOLLEY GREG REED LARRY STUTTS

J.T. “JABO” WAGGONER

GARLAN GUDGER ARTHUR ORR RODGER SMITHERMAN

Compiled by Business Alabama, www.businessalabama.com 38

SENATOR/PARTY/ DISTRICT

EMPLOYMENT

GARLAN GUDGER, R District 4: Cullman, Lawrence, Marion, Winston

733

Owner, Southern Accents Architectural Antiques

334-261-0855

Cullman, AL 35055 garlan.gudget@alsenate.gov

JIMMY HOLLEY, R District 31: Coffee, Covington, Dale, Pike

721

Southeast Pharmaceuticals Inc.

334-261-0845 334-897-5181

4212 County Rd. 364, Elba, AL 36323 jimmy.holley@alsenate.gov

ANDREW JONES, R District 10: Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah, St. Clair

737

Farmer; Owner, Deep South Coffee Factory

334-261-0857

Centre, AL 35960 andrew.jones@alsenate.gov

STEVE LIVINGSTON, R District 8: DeKalb, Jackson, Madison

731

Oil executive

334-261-0858 256-609-6341

P.O. Box 8, Scottsboro, AL 35768 steve.livingston@alsenate.gov

DEL MARSH, R District 12: Calhoun, Clay, Talladega

722

Businessman

334-261-0712 256-237-8647

P.O. Drawer 2365, Anniston, AL 36202 del.marsh@alsenate.gov

JIM MCCLENDON, R District 11: Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega

729

Retired optometrist

334-261-0789 205-467-2656

361 Jones Rd., Springville, AL 35146 jimmcc@windstream.net

TIM MELSON, R District 1: Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison

732

Anesthesiologist

334-261-0773 256-539-5441

P.O. Box 550, Florence, AL 35631 tim.melson@alsenate.gov

ARTHUR ORR, R District 3: Limestone, Madison, Morgan

727

Vice President & General Counsel, Cook's Pest Control Inc.

334-261-0758 256-260-2146

P.O. Box 305, Decatur, AL 35602 arthur.orr@alsenate.gov

RANDY PRICE, R District 13: Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Lee, Randolph

733

Farmer, Small business owner

334-261-0894 334-599-0483

P.O. Box 429, Opelika, AL 36801 randyprice.sd13@gmail.com

GREG REED, R District 5: Fayette, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Winston

726

Vice President, Preferred Medical Systems

334-261-0894

900 Hwy. 78 E., Ste. 200 #106, Jasper, AL 35502 greg.reed@alsenate.gov

DAN ROBERTS, R District 15: Jefferson, Shelby, Talladega

729

Real estate development

334-261-0851

P.O. Box 43186, Birmingham, AL 35243 dan.roberts@alsenate.gov

MALIKA SANDERS-FORTIER, D 738 District 23: Butler, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Lowndes, Marengo, Perry, Washington, Wilcox

Attorney

334-261-0860

Selma, AL 36702 malika.sanders-fortier@alsenate.gov

CLAY SCOFIELD, R District 9: Blount, DeKalb, Madison, Marshall

Farmer

334-261-0876 256-582-7049

412-A Gunter Ave., Guntersville, AL 35976 clay.scofield@alsenate.gov

731

CLAS School Leader

DISTRICT ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS

EMPLOYMENT

DAVID SESSIONS, R District 35: Mobile

734

Co-owner, Sessions Farms

334-261-0882 251-208-5480

104 Lawrence St., Mobile, AL 36602 d.r.sessions@att.net

SHAY SHELNUTT, R District 17: Blount, Jefferson, St. Clair, Talladega

732

Realtor, Cahaba Real Estate

334-261-0794 205-413-9022

P.O. Box 120, Trussville, AL 35173 shay.sd17@gmail.com

BOBBY SINGLETON, D District 24: Choctaw, Clarke, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa

740

Consultant

334-261-0335

105 Cobb St., Greensboro, AL 36744 bsingle362@gmail.com

RODGER SMITHERMAN, D District 18: Jefferson

736

Attorney

334-261-0870 205-396-3213

2029 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203 rodger.smitherman@alsenate.gov

LARRY C. STUTTS, R District 6: Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion

733

Physician

334-261-0862

1120 S. Jackson Hwy., Ste 104, Sheffield, AL 35660 larry.stutts@alsenate.gov

J.T. “JABO” WAGGONER, R District 16: Jefferson, Shelby

726

President, Birmingham Business Consultants LLC

334-261-0892 205-978-7405

P.O. Box 660609, Vestavia Hills, AL 35266 jabo.waggoner@alsenate.gov

TOM WHATLEY, R District 27: Lee, Russell, Tallapoosa

734

Attorney

334-261-0893

P.O. Box 841, Auburn, AL 36831 tom.whatley@alsenate.gov

JACK WILLIAMS, R District 34: Mobile

735

Cattle farmer

334-261-0829 251-649-4164

10095A Wilmer Georgetown Rd., Wilmer, AL 36587 jackwilliams55@icloud.com

1) A primary runoff election to select the Democratic candidate for District 26 was slated for Dec. 15, 2020, between Kirk Hatcher and John Knight.

The winner will face Republican candidate William Greene on March 2, 2021. 2) Cam Ward was sworn in as director of the Board of Pardons and Paroles on Dec. 7, 2020. A primary election for the District 14 seat is set for Tuesday, March 30, 2021, with a runoff, if needed, on Tuesday, April 27. General election for this seat is set for Tuesday, July 13.

Winter Issue 2021

Compiled by Business Alabama, www.businessalabama.com

Montgomery/ District Phone

ROOM

SENATOR/PARTY/ DISTRICT

39

House of Representatives

Montgomery address for all state representatives: Alabama Legislature • 11 S. Union St. • Montgomery, AL 36130

K.L. BROWN

CHIP BROWN ANTHONY DANIELS

BARBARA BOYD TERRI COLLINS

NAPOLEON BRACY JR.

CHRIS BLACKSHEAR

DANNY CRAWFORD

Montgomery/ District Phone

DISTRICT ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS

ROOM

MERIKA COLEMAN-EVANS

MIKE BALL

ALAN BAKER ADLINE CLARKE

REPRESENTATIVE/PARTY/ DISTRICT

STEVE CLOUSE

LOUISE ALEXANDER

Compiled by Business Alabama, www.businessalabama.com 40

JIM CARNS

MOST HOUSE PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION OF COOPERATIVES

EMPLOYMENT

LOUISE ALEXANDER, D District 56: Jefferson

403-E

Florist

334-261-0529 205-253-3732

2301 9th Ave. N, Bessemer, AL 35022 louise.alexander@alhouse.gov

WES ALLEN, R District 89: Dale, Pike

427-M

Former Pike County probate judge

334-261-0593

P.O. Box 147, Troy, AL 36801 wesley.allen@alhouse.gov

ALAN BAKER, R District 66: Baldwin, Escambia

427-B

Former teacher

334-261-0420 251-867-0244

P.O. Box 975, Brewton, AL 36427 staterep@co.escambia.al.us

MIKE BALL, R District 10: Madison

401-A

Retired, Alabama Department of Public Safety

334-261-0483 256-539-5441

105 Canterbury Cir., Madison, AL 35758 mikeball@knology.net

RUSSELL BEDSOLE, R District 49: Bibb, Chilton, Shelby

524-E

Law enforcement

334-261-0500

russell.bedsole@alhouse.gov

CHRIS BLACKSHEAR, R District 80: Lee, Russell

404

Senior manager, TSYS

334-261-0428

chris.blackshear@alhouse.gov

BARBARA BOYD, D District 32: Calhoun, Talladega

517-F

Retired educator

334-261-0592 256-741-8683

P.O. Box 2132, Anniston, AL 36202 barbara.boyd@alhouse.gov

NAPOLEON BRACY JR., D District 98: Mobile

539-A

Workforce outreach coordinator, Austal USA

334-261-0556 251-208-5480

104 S. Lawrence St., Mobile, AL 36602 napoleon.bracy@alhouse.gov

CHIP BROWN, R District 105: Mobile

524-E

CEO, security training firm

334-261-0447

Hollingers Island, AL 36582

K.L. BROWN, R District 40: Calhoun

423

Owner, K.L. Brown Funeral Home

334-261-0496 256-435-7042

911 Public Safety Dr., Jacksonville, AL 36265 klbrown@cableone.net

JIM CARNS, R District 48: Jefferson, Shelby

403-A

Businessman

334-261-0429 205-967-3571

P.O. Box 43797, Birmingham, AL 35243 jwcarns@gmail.com

PRINCE CHESTNUT, D District 67: Dallas, Perry

537-E

Attorney

334-261-0598 334-261-0500

P.O. Box 628, Selma, AL 36702 prince.chestnut@alhouse.gov

ADLINE CLARKE, D District 97: Mobile

540-B

Business owner

334-261-0549 251-377-9990

P.O. Box 40758, Mobile, AL 36640 adline.clarke@alhouse.gov

STEVE CLOUSE, R District 93: Dale, Houston

410-D

Clouse Marketing Co.

334-261-0488 334-774-7384

P.O. Box 818, Ozark, AL 36361-0818 steve.clouse@alhouse.gov

MERIKA COLEMAN-EVANS, D District 57: Jefferson

537-A

Miles College faculty

334-261-0589 205-325-5308

P.O. Box 28888, Birmingham, AL 35228 merika.coleman@alhouse.gov

TERRI COLLINS, R District 8: Morgan

427-A

Owner, TLC Solutions

334-261-0472 256-227-0360

P.O. Box 21, Decatur, AL 35602 terri@terricollins.org

DANNY CRAWFORD, R District 5: Limestone

434

Crop insurance contractor

334-261-0516 256-656-1224

110 College St., Ste. E-4, Athens, AL 35611 danny.crawford@alhouse.gov

ANTHONY DANIELS, D District 53: Madison

428

COO, Premiere Dental

334-261-0522

P.O. Box 18711, Huntsville, AL 35801 anthony.daniels@alhouse.gov

WILL DISMUKES, R District 88: Autauga, Elmore

526-E

Owner, Custom Floor Covering

334-261-0499

Prattville, AL 36068 will.dismukes@alhouse.gov

CLAS School Leader

BOB FINCHER

BERRY FORTE

TOMMY HANES

COREY HARBISON

DISTRICT ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS

EMPLOYMENT

E. RICHARD DRAKE, R District 45: Jefferson, Shelby

432

Retired, U.S. Air Force

334-261-0527 205-699-7392

7049 Briarwood Ln., Leeds, AL 35094 dickiedrake45@gmail.com

BARBARA DRUMMOND, D District 103: Mobile

529

Owner, B-Inspired Marketing and Consulting Inc.

334-261-0564 251-471-5015

1266 Horton Dr., Mobile, AL 36605 drummondbarbara@att.net

BRETT EASTERBROOK, R District 65: Choctaw, Clarke, Marengo, Washington

526-D

Farmer; Finance, Outokumpu Stainless Steel

334-261-0402

Fruitdale, AL 36539

CORLEY ELLIS, R District 41: Shelby

404

Owner, Ellis Properties

334-261-0560

P.O. Box 1177, Columbiana, AL 35051 corley.ellis@alhouse.gov

CHRISTOPHER ENGLAND, D District 70: Tuscaloosa

539-B

Associate city attorney, Tuscaloosa

334-261-0503 205-535-4859

1681 Ozier Dr., Tuscaloosa, AL 35405 cjengland1@gmail.com

TRACY ESTES, R 525-C District 17: Lamar, Marion, Winston

News editor, Marion Journal Record

334-261-0434

Winfield, AL 35594 tracy.estes@alhouse.gov

ALLEN FARLEY, R District 15: Jefferson, Shelby

427-L

Law enforcement, retired

334-261-0474 205-960-7526

P.O. Box 516, McCalla, AL 35111 allenfarley@bellsouth.net

DAVID FAULKNER, R District 46: Jefferson

400-D

Partner, Christian & Small LLP

334-261-0442 205-870-9577

505 N. 20th St., Ste. 1800, Birmingham, AL 35203 david.faulkner@alhouse.gov

JOE FAUST, R District 94: Baldwin

426

Former insurance broker; Former Baldwin County commissioner

334-261-0409 251-990-4615

1100 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 36532 jfaust@baldwincountyal.gov

BOB FINCHER, R District 37: Chambers, Cleburne, Randolph

427-K

Retired educator

334-261-0538 256-449-6149

11823 County Rd. 59, Woodland, AL 36280 rsfincher77@gmail.com

BERRY FORTE, D District 84: Barbour, Bullock, Russell

540-D

American Buildings

334-261-0566 334-687-9985

620 Davis Ln., Eufaula, AL 36027 berry.forte@alhouse.gov

MATT FRIDY, R District 73: Shelby

435

Attorney, Wallis, Jordan, Ratliff & Brandt

334-261-0469 205-665-1975

1900 Spring Creek Rd., Montevallo, AL 35115 mdfridy@gmail.com

DANNY GARRETT, R District 44: Jefferson

401-F

CFO, Vulcan Threaded Products

334-261-0535 205-410-4637

P.O. Box 531, Trussville, AL 35173 dannygarrett44@gmail.com

VICTOR GASTON, R District 100: Mobile

519-G

Retired educator & timber farmer

334-261-0563 251-639-2555

1136 Hillcrest Crossing W., Mobile, AL 36695 victor.gaston@alhouse.gov

JUANDALYNN GIVAN, D District 60: Jefferson

528-E

Owner, Givan & Associates Law Firm

334-261-0584 205-433-6132

P.O. Box 13803, Birmingham, AL 35202 juandalynn.givan@alhouse.gov

JEREMY GRAY, D District 83: Lee, Russell

536-C

CEO, Elevate Your Grind

334-261-9505

Opelika, AL 36804 jeremy.gray@alhouse.gov

LYNN GREER, R District 2: Lauderdale, Limestone

403-C

Construction

334-261-0476 256-247-5059

P.O. Box 40, Rogersville, Al 35652 lynn.greer@alhouse.gov

DEXTER GRIMSLEY, D District 85: Henry, Houston

537-F

Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Henry County

334-261-0513 334-889-0602

168 Res Dr., Newville, AL 36353 dexter.grimsley@alhouse.gov

LAURA HALL, D District 19: Madison

517-D

Retired educator

334-261-0517 256-859-2234

P.O. Box 3367, Huntsville, AL 35810 laura.hall@alhouse.gov

TOMMY HANES, R District 23: DeKalb, Jackson

427-G

Retired firefighter

334-261-0551 256-218-3090

100 Peachtree St., Scottsboro, AL 35768 tommy.hanes@alhouse.gov

COREY HARBISON, R District 12: Cullman

526-F

Former police officer

334-261-0578 256-385-5510

P.O. Box 472, Cullman, AL 35056 corey.harbison@alhouse.gov

Winter Issue 2021

Compiled by Business Alabama, www.businessalabama.com

JOE FAUST

ALLEN FARLEY LYNN GREER

LAURA HALL

CHRISTOPHER ENGLAND

JEREMY GRAY

DAVID FAULKNER

CORLEY ELLIS

DEXTER GRIMSLEY

Montgomery/ District Phone

ROOM

JUANDALYNN GIVAN

BRETT EASTERBROOK

BARBARA DRUMMOND DANNY GARRETT

VICTOR GASTON

RICHARD DRAKE MATT FRIDY

REPRESENTATIVE/PARTY/ DISTRICT

41

DISTRICT ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS

REED INGRAM

GIL ISBELL

JOE LOVVORN

RALPH HOWARD

NATHANIEL LEDBETTER

CRAIG LIPSCOMB

MIKE HOLMES KELVIN LAWRENCE

STEVE HURST

ROLANDA HOLLIS

JIM HILL MIKE JONES

JAMIE KIEL

KIRK HATCHER

THOMAS JACKSON

PAUL LEE

Montgomery/ District Phone

ROOM

Compiled by Business Alabama, www.businessalabama.com 42

REPRESENTATIVE/PARTY/ DISTRICT

EMPLOYMENT

KIRK HATCHER, D District 78: Montgomery

528-A

Teacher

334-261-0506

Montgomery, AL 36610 kirk.hatcher@alhouse.gov

JIM HILL, R District 50: St. Clair

419

Attorney

334-261-0494 205-629-5325

P.O. Box 310, Moody, AL 35004 jim.hill@alhouse.gov

ROLANDA HOLLIS, D District 58: Jefferson

536-D

Real estate broker

334-261-9520

Jefferson County, AL 35261 rolanda.hollis@alhouse.gov

MIKE HOLMES, R District 31: Autauga, Elmore

427-F

Agribusiness & real estate

334-261-0595 334-224-1347

67 Cabin Rd., Wetumpka, AL 36093 mike.holmes@alhouse.gov

RALPH HOWARD, D District 72: Bibb, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Sumter

534-A

Former Marine

334-261-0559 334-624-1887

P.O. Box 360, Greensboro, AL 36744 ralph.howard@alhouse.gov

STEVE HURST, R District 35: Calhoun, Clay, Coosa, Talladega

424

Employee, Georgia-Pacific Corp.

334-261-0415 256-761-1935

155 Quail Run Rd., Munford, AL 36268 steve.hurst@alhouse.gov

REED INGRAM, R District 75: Elmore, Montgomery

417-A

Former Montgomery County commissioner

334-261-0507 334-242-7707

2900 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116 reedingram75@gmail.com

GIL ISBELL, R District 28: Etowah

526-B

Businessman

334-261-0490 256-328-2032

604 Haralson Ave., Gadsden, AL 35901

THOMAS JACKSON, D District 68: Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Marengo, Monroe, Washington

437-D

Upward Bound director, Alabama Southern College

334-261-0437 334-636-8119

P.O. Box 636, Thomasville, AL 36784 thomas.jackson@alhouse.gov

MIKE JONES, R District 92: Coffee, Covington, Escambia

519-O

Attorney

334-261-0573 334-222-0111

P.O. Box 957, Andalusia, AL 36420 mljatty@gmail.com

SAM JONES, D District 99: Mobile

540-C

Former mayor, Mobile

334-261-0963

Mobile, AL 36640 sam.jones@alhouse.gov

JAMIE KIEL, R District 18: Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale

525-D

Owner, Kiel Equipment

334-261-0521

Russellville, AL 35653 jamie.kiel@alhouse.gov

WES KITCHENS, R District 27: Blount, DeKalb, Marshall

526-A

Cattle farmer; President, Arab Chamber of Commerce

334-261-0539

Arab, AL 35016 weskitchens@mclo.org

KELVIN LAWRENCE, D District 69: Autauga, Lowndes, Montgomery, Wilcox

430

Former mayor, Hayneville

334-261-0536 334-548-6125

50 Miller Circle, Hayneville, AL 36040 kelvinj73@gmail.com

NATHANIEL LEDBETTER, R District 24: DeKalb

401-G

Owner, Hometown Publications

334-261-9506 256-638-6397

P.O. Box 725, Rainsville, AL 35986 nathaniel.ledbetter@alhouse.gov

PAUL LEE, R District 86: Houston

410-F

Executive director, Wiregrass Rehab Center

334-261-0488 334-792-9682

304 Ashborough Cir., Dothan, AL 36301 pleed86@gmail.com

CRAIG LIPSCOMB, R District 30: Etowah, St. Clair

528-D

Architect

334-261-0546

Gadsden, AL 35902 craig.lipscomb@alhouse.gov

JOE LOVVORN, R District 79: Lee

433

Firefighter; Small business owner

334-261-0540

P.O. Box 950, Auburn, AL 36831 joe.lovvorn@alhouse.gov

CLAS School Leader

RHETT MARQUES, R District 91: Coffee

527-B

Small business owner

334-261-0473

Enterprise, AL 36330 rhett.marques@alhouse.gov

ARTIS (A.J.) McCAMPBELL, D District 71: Choctaw, Greene, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa

539-F

Sales, State Farm Insurance

334-261-0547 205-652-6531

P.O. Box 1469, Livingston, AL 35470 aj.mccampbell@alhouse.gov

THAD McCLAMMY, D District 76: Montgomery

534-D

Real estate broker & developer

334-261-0580 334-284-1769

858 W. South Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36105 thadmcclammy@aol.com

MAC McCUTCHEON, R District 25: Limestone, Madison

519-I

Farmer; Retired from City of Huntsville

334-261-0505 256-539-5441

189 Homeplace Ln. NW, Huntsville, AL 35806 mac.mccutcheon@alhouse.gov

STEPHEN McMILLAN, R District 95: Baldwin

532

McMillan & Associates

334-261-0523 251-937-0240

P.O. Box 776, Bay Minette, AL 36507 bcld07@gmail.com

LEAD Academy board chair

334-251-0500

539 Paddock Ln., Montgomery, AL 36109 charlotte.meadows@alhouse.gov

CHARLOTTE MEADOWS, R District 74, Montgomery ARNOLD MOONEY, R District 43: Jefferson, Shelby

400-F

Commercial realtor

334-261-9512 205-222-8721

P.O. Box 382466, Birmingham, AL 35238 arnold.mooney@alhouse.gov

MARY MOORE, D District 59: Jefferson

539-D

Retired medical technologist

334-261-0508 205-229-9966

1622 36th Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35207 mamoor48@bellsouth.net

PARKER MOORE, R District 4: Limestone, Morgan

417-E

Marketing, Encore Rehabilitation

334-261-0579

Decatur, AL 35601 parker@parkerduncanmoore.com

TASHINA MORRIS, D District 77: Montgomery

540-A

Nonprofit director

334-261-0597

P.O. Box 4122, Montgomery, AL 36103 tashina.morris@alhouse.gov

BECKY NORDGREN, R District 29: Calhoun, DeKalb, Etowah

401-D

Marketing director, Fuller Medical Co.

334-261-0432 256-328-1653

101 Cook St., Gadsden, AL 35904 rebeccasnordgren@gmail.com

ED OLIVER, R 524-A District 81: Chilton, Coosa, Tallapoosa

Former military pilot

334-261-0471

Dadeville, AL 36583 ed.oliver@alhouse.gov

PHILLIP PETTUS, R District 1: Lauderdale

400-A

Retired, Alabama State Trooper

334-261-0591 256-757-6679

771 County Rd. 144, Killen, AL 35645 phillip.pettus@alhouse.gov

BILL POOLE, R District 63: Tuscaloosa

514

Attorney

334-251-0524 205-614-8919

2918 7th St., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 bill.poole@alhouse.gov

CHRIS PRINGLE, R District 101: Mobile

402

Realtor, Southern Timberlands; Home builder, contractor

334-261-0489 251-341-1110

4 Princess Anne Rd., Mobile, AL 36608 chris.pringle@alhouse.gov

NEIL RAFFERTY, D District 54: Jefferson

539-E

Program director, Birmingham Comprehensive High Impact 334-261-0543 Prevention Project

Birmingham, AL 35232 reprafferty@gmail.com

REX REYNOLDS, R District 21: Madison

524-D

Former Huntsville Police chief

334-261-0571 256-539-5441

Madison County, AL rex.reynolds@alhouse.gov

KERRY RICH, R District 26: DeKalb, Marshall

417-I

Manager, WJIA 88.5 FM

334-261-0438 256-582-0619

412-A Gunter Ave., Guntersville, AL 35976 kerryrich@mclo.org

PRONCEY ROBERTSON, R District 7: Franklin, Lawrence, Morgan, Winston

525-A

Police officer

334-261-0454

Mount Hope, AL 35651 proncey.robertson@alhouse.gov

JOHN ROGERS, D District 52: Jefferson

523-A

President, Rogers & Rogers Inc.; Director of minority affairs, UAB

334-261-0387 205-925-3522

1424 18th St. SW, Birmingham, AL 35211 jwrogers@uab.edu

Winter Issue 2021

Compiled by Business Alabama, www.businessalabama.com

PARKER MOORE

JOHN W. ROGERS JR.

DISTRICT ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS

EMPLOYMENT

BECKY NORDGREN

MARY MOORE

KERRY RICH

CHARLOTTE MEADOWS

NEIL RAFFERTY

ARNOLD MOONEY

STEPHEN McMILLAN

REX REYNOLDS

Montgomery/ District Phone

ROOM

CHRIS PRINGLE

MAC McCUTCHEON

THAD McCLAMMY PHILLIP PETTUS

BILL POOLE

A.J. McCAMPBELL ED OLIVER

REPRESENTATIVE/PARTY/ DISTRICT

43

DISTRICT ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS

EMPLOYMENT

CONNIE ROWE, R District 13: Blount, Walker

400-E

Retired Jasper police chief

334-261-0495 205-522-1659

P.O. Box 4, Jasper, AL 35502 connie.rowe@alhouse.gov

HOWARD SANDERFORD, R District 20: Madison

413-C

President, Computer Leasing Co. Inc.

334-261-0444 256-533-1989

P.O. Box 16023, Huntsville, AL 35802 HS1989@aol.com

RODERICK HAMPTON SCOTT, D District 55: Jefferson

425

Professor, Miles College

334-261-0452 205-781-0261

P.O. Box 253, Fairfield, AL 35064 rodhscott@gmail.com

CHRIS SELLS, R District 90: Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Crenshaw

401-C

Founder, Sells Medical Eqiupment

334-261-0568 334-371-9304

1609 E. Commerce St., Greenville, AL 36037 csea@centurytel.net

GINNY SHAVER, R District 39: Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb

527-D

Assistant city clerk, Gadsden

334-261-0413

Leesburg, AL 35983 ginny.shaver@alhouse.gov

RANDALL SHEDD, R District 11: Blount, Cullman, Marshall, Morgan

427-E

Retired director, Cullman County Commission on Aging

334-261-0530 256-531-6641

P.O. Box 345, Baileyton, AL 35019 randall.shedd@alhouse.gov

HARRY SHIVER, R District 64: Baldwin, Monroe

427-I

Retired teacher

334-261-0445 251-937-1391

55550 State Hwy. 59 N, Stockton, AL 36579 harryshiver@aol.com

MATT SIMPSON, R District 96: Baldwin, Mobile

524-C

Assistant district attorney, Baldwin County

334-261-0424

P.O. Box 1791, Daphne, AL 36526 matt.simpson@alhouse.gov

VAN SMITH, R District 42, Autauga, Chilton

531

Former Autauga County commissioner

334-261-0459

van.smith@alhouse.gov

ANDREW SORRELL, R District 3: Colbert, Lauderdale, Lawrence

522-A

Small business owner

334-261-0435

Muscle Shoals, AL 35662 andrew.sorrell@alhouse.gov

JEFF SORRELLS, R District 87: Geneva, Houston

527-A

Former mayor, Hartford

334-261-0542

Hartford, AL 36344

KYLE SOUTH, R District 16: Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Tuscaloosa

410-C

General manager, West Alabama TV Cable

334-261-0482 205-932-4700

213 2nd Ave. NE, Fayette, AL 35555 ksouth@watvc.com

SCOTT STADTHAGEN, R District 9: Cullman, Marshall, Morgan

525-B

Owner, Hagen Homes Inc.

334-261-0436

Hartselle, AL 35640 scott.stadthagen@alhouse.gov

DAVID STANDRIDGE, R District 34: Blount, Marshall

403-B

Retired probate judge

334-261-0446 205-543-0647

P.O. Box 76, Hayden, AL 35079 david.standridge@alhouse.gov

SHANE STRINGER, R District 102: Mobile

524-B

Police chief, Satsuma

334-261-0594

Mobile County, AL

RODNEY SULLIVAN, R District 61: Greene, Pickens, Tuscaloosa

526-C

W.G. Sullivan Lumber Co.

334-261-0403

Northport, AL 35476 rodney.sullivan@alhouse.gov

ALLEN TREADAWAY, R District 51: Jefferson

417-G

Police captain, City of Birmingham

334-261-0585 205-254-1700

P.O. Box 126, Morris, AL 35116 allen.treadaway@alhouse.gov

TIM WADSWORTH, R District 14: Jefferson, Walker, Winston

427-C

Attorney

334-261-0554 205-712-1792

1175 Helicon Rd., Arley, AL 35541 wadsworth@centurytel.net

PEBBLIN WARREN, D District 82: Lee, Macon, Tallapoosa

517-B

Education administration

334-261-0541 334-727-9127

P.O. Box 1328, Tuskegee Institute, AL 36087 tiger9127@bellsouth.net

CLAS School Leader

VAN SMITH

MATT SIMPSON

RANDALL SHEDD ALLEN TREADAWAY

PEBBLIN WARREN

CHRIS SELLS DAVID STANDRIDGE

HARRY SHIVER

RODERICK HAMPTON SCOTT

HOWARD SANDERFORD KYLE SOUTH

SCOTT STADTHAGEN

CONNIE ROWE ANDREW SORRELL

TIM WADSWORTH

Montgomery/ District Phone

ROOM

Compiled by Business Alabama, www.businessalabama.com 44

REPRESENTATIVE/PARTY/ DISTRICT

RANDY WOOD

DEBBIE WOOD

RICH WINGO

MARGIE WILCOX

RITCHIE WHORTON

ANDY WHITT

DAVID WHEELER

Montgomery/ District Phone

DISTRICT ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS

ROOM

REPRESENTATIVE/PARTY/ DISTRICT

EMPLOYMENT

DAVID WHEELER, R District 47: Jefferson

522-E

Businessman

334-261-0439

Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 david.wheeler@alhouse.gov

ANDY WHITT, R District 6: Limestone, Madison

522-C

Senior vice president, First National Bank

334-261-0404

Harvest, AL 35749 andy.whitt@alhouse.gov

RITCHIE WHORTON, R District 22: Jackson, Madison

427-J

Co-owner, All Star Pools

334-261-0553 256-218-3090

100 E. Peachtree St., Scottsboro, AL 35768 ritchiewhorton@gmail.com

MARGIE WILCOX, R District 104: Mobile

524-F

Small business owner

334-261-0577 251-476-7711

2101 Marchfield Dr. E., Mobile, AL 36693 margie.wilcox@alhouse.gov

RICH WINGO, R District 62: Tuscaloosa

400-C

Commercial developer

334-261-0481 205-972-9652

700 Montgomery Hwy., Ste. 186, Birmingham, AL 35216 rich@blackwaterresources.com

DEBBIE HAMBY WOOD, R District 38: Chambers, Lee

527-C

Chambers County commissioner

334-261-0532

Valley, AL 36854 debbie.wood@alhouse.gov

RANDY WOOD, R District 36: Calhoun, St. Clair, Talladega

417-H

Owner, Wood's Auto Body Shop

334-261-0552 256-239-9190

P.O. Box 4432, Anniston, AL 36204 rwoodsr36@cableone.net

Note: District 33, representing Clay, Coosa and Talladega counties, is vacant following the death of longtime representative Ronald Johnson. A special general election is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2021.

Earn your Doctorate of Education in educational leadership at Orlean Beeson School of Education. Fully reach your potential by obtaining a quality doctoral degree in our practitioner-oriented program.

Why choose Samford?

• Faith-based environment • Blended format • Personal touch • Award-winning faculty

1

#

university in Alabama in national rankings -The Wall Street Journal (2021)

16

alumni currently serving as school superintendents

Go to samford.edu/education to apply today or to learn more about our other graduate programs!

Winter Issue 2021

45

Edgenuity

Edgenuity provides online and blended learning solutions for grades K-12 that propel student success, empower teachers, and enable schools to meet their academic goals.

Steve Santora 404-808-7782 steve.santora@edgenuity.com www.edgenuity.com

Edmentum

Adams Learning Resources

Adams Learning Resources has been working with teachers since 1997. Brining you ABE. ABE is web-based providing a program for student who need behavioral education.

Matt Adams (205) 936-0552 madams@adamslearningresources.com adamslearningresources.com

Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (ASAHPERD)

ASAHPERD is the ‘go-to’ organization for all of your health and physical education needs!

Contact us for information about quality physical education and health programs.

Donna Hester (205) 388-0304 dhester@asahperd.org asahperd.org

Campus Benefits

Campus Benefits is a full-service employee benefits brokerage/consulting and compliance firm serving public school districts across the southeast. Our team is focused on exceeding the expectations of their clients by crafting the best employee benefits package possible to date and providing a measurable resultsbased service plan. Constructing a client-specific benefits package tailored for the unique needs and desires of each client is accomplished by partnering with leading insurance carriers and assimilating clarity for product design with various enrollment options. Together we’re US. Todd Boozer tboozer@campusbenefits.com 205-223-3108 Trent Boozer trentboozer@campusbenefits.com 205-901-2414 www.campusbenefits.com

ALLNLearning

Daily student engagement and formative assessment and continuous progress monitoring made easy! Also, teachers can post grades to PowerSchool with one click!

Darren Ward 940-367-4119 darren@allinlearning.com allinlearning.com

American Fidelity Assurance

Providing employee and employer benefit solutions for education employees.

John Cole 205-987-0950 john.cole@americanfidelity.com www.americanfidelity.com

Bill Miller Photographers

We provide full-service photographic solutions for your school. Other services include cap and gown, composites, ID badges, yearbooks and so much more.

Glen Frederick 800-523-5960 www.billmillerphotographers.com

46

Carnegie Learning

Carnegie Learning Middle and High School Blended Math Solutions help create the next generation of great thinkers!

Amanda Creswell 888-851-7094 acreswell@carnegielearning.com carnegielearning.com

Champions Before- and After-School

As a leading provider of out-of-school-time learning and education programs, Champions offers school-age kids fun activities in a challenging environment.

Tammy Graham (803) 319-4031 tagraham@discoverchampions.com discoverchampions.com

Classworks

Classworks® is a comprehensive, online intervention solution that includes assessment, instruction, reporting, and progress monitoring in one intuitive platform.

Your teachers will thank you!

David Constantine 251-545-9903 dconstantine@classworks.com Kellan Huntley 864-421-2351 khuntley@classworks.com www.classworks.com

Curriculum Associates

Curriculum Associates research-based products i-Ready®, Ready®, BRIGANCE® and other programs provide teachers & administrators with resources that deliver assessments and data-driven, differentiated instruction for children.

Kelly-Ann Parson 978-313-1272 kparson@cainc.com www.curriculumassociates.com

E3 Strategic Solutions, LLC

We provide strategic and developmental consulting services to educational, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. Our specialty areas include strategic planning, funding solutions, and leadership development.

Darrell Cooper 334-209-8050 dcooper@e3strategicsolutions.com www.e3strategicsolutions.com

Class Solver

Class Solver helps schools create their best class lists in a fraction of the time.

Shannon Forte (954) 296-6975 Shannon@ClassSolver.com ClassSolver.com

CLAS School Leader

Edmentum empowers educators to move education forward with rigorous, researchbased curriculum, assessments, and practice items aligned to the most up-to-date standards.

Jai Abrams (952) 832-1139 jai.abrams@edmentum.com edmentum.com

FOCUS-SCJ Consultants, LLC

FOCUS empowers students to successfully lead the education and prevention of adolescent risk behaviors identified in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

Sue Jones (256) 453-0655 sjones@thefocusprogram.com thefocusprogram.com

Fuel Education

Fuel Education supports more than 2,000 districts in all 50 states and more than 100 countries to deliver engaging and effective online and blended learning.

Benj Sampson 817-888-1216 bsampson@k12.com www.fueleducation.com

Get More Math

Get More Math is practice software that provides cumulative practice sessions uniquely tailored to each student’s needs, supporting mastery of new skills and longterm retention.

Jerry Whitehead III (209) 288-5550 jwhitehead@getmoremath.com getmoremath.com

Great Southern Recreation

We design, sell and build commercial playgrounds, splashpads, site amenities, pavilions and sunshades.

Abby Vance (800) 390-8438 info@greatsouthernrec.com greatsouthernrec.com

Hi.Ed

Hi.Ed (Hyper Individualized Education Design) is a web-based platform that measures current status for graduation requirements, academic scholarships, and NCAA Eligibility (Div I and II).

Duwan Walker (251) 327-6507 duwan@walkerenterprisesala.com walkerenterprisesala.com

Horace Mann Companies

LeanStream Resource Partners

Financial institutions and insurance products.

Leslie Weitl, FSCP 512-808-3208 Leslie.Weitl@horacemann.com horacemann.com ®

Hybrid fundraising platform that combines traditional and next-generation fundraising ultimately designed to help do big things for students.

Jason Taylor 256-289-9781 jtaylor@leanstreamrp.com leanstreamrp.com

Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning partners with educators, providing supplemental digital literacy, math, and assessment programs for students in PreK to grade 8.

Christy Sanders 866-377-5071 christy.sanders@imaginelearning.com www.imaginelearning.com

Istation

Intervention and instruction for reading, math and Spanish literacy.

Duck Cunningham 205-613-6789 duckcunningham@istation.com www.istation.com

Jumpstart Test Prep

Jumpstart Test Prep is a unique, proven preparation approach that is crafted by ACT experts to help students of all ability levels improve test scores.

Sha Walker (601) 835-5589 sha@jumpstarttestprep.com jumpstarttestprep.com

Lathan Associates Architects

Lathan Associates Architects is a full-service design firm with 30 years experience working with the education market. Our goal is to partner with you to meet your needs; whether a new facility, renovation or everyday maintenance.

BEING GREAT IS WHAT WE DO! Carol Coleman 205-988-9112 ccoleman@lathanassociates.com www.lathanassociatesarchitects.com

As a leader in assessment, reading, and math solutions for pre-K–12, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth.

Karen Winn 800-338-4204 karen.winn@renaissance.com www.renaissance.com

The Torchbearer Group, LLC.

The Torchbearerer Group, LLC. is an educational consulting firm established to provide tailored solutions by experienced turnaround leaders focused on leadership, teacher, and student success.

Dr. Stacey Gill (205) 529-8393 staceypgill1914@gmail.com

ThriveWay

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) is a global learning company committed to delivering integrated solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes.

Jennifer Howard (800) 225-5425 Jennifer.Howard@hmhco.com hmhco.com

Renaissance

Military Child Education Coalition

The Military Child Education Coalition works to ensure inclusive, quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, transition, deployments and family separation.

Anna Startzell (254) 953-1923 anna.startzell@militarychild.org militarychild.org

PowerSchool Group, LLC

PowerSchool helps schools and districts efficiently manage instruction, learning, grading, attendance, assessment, analytics, state reporting, special education, student registration, talent, finance and HR. Jenny Scott 251-656-1397 jenny.scott@powerschool.com www.powerschool.com

PowerUpEDU

PowerUpEDU is an award-winning education solutions provider for Alabama classrooms, creating learning environments that engage students, empower teachers and bridge the gap between teaching and technology.

Laura Russell 205-203-8800 laura@powerupedu.com www.powerupedu.com

Presentation Solutions, Inc.

We are the company who provides Alabama schools with the ColorPro Poster Makers, the Recognizer ULTRA awards system and the CoolLam non-heat laminators.

Steven Sanders (800) 280-7809 steven@presentationsolutions.com presentationsolutions.com

Reading Horizons

Reading Horizons offers training and curriculum tools that prepare teachers to deliver the principles of reading science in both classroom and virtual settings.

Nate Smeding 385-245-1731 nate.smeding@readinghorizons.com www.readinghorizons.com

Samford University School of Education

Samford University’s School of Education graduate program information.

Marcie Harchuck (205) 726-4337 mjparson@samford.edu samford.edu

Peer Helpers is an evidence-based K-12th grade prevention and support program equipping students to support a wide range of emotional, societal and behavioral challenges.

Allison Moore (844) 705-1981 Ruby@thriveway.com thriveway.com

Scantron Assessment Solutions

UA Early College

SchoolCast

The University of Alabama Bama by Distance

From digital and paper assessment to worldclass analytics to school stakeholder surveys, Scantron solutions provide actionable results.

See what Scantron can do for you today!

Terrence Ingram (205) 249-0498 terrence.ingram@scantron.com scantron.com SchoolCast is a flexible notification system that lets your key stakeholders decide how they want you to communicate with them in an emergency or non-emergency.

888-988-5884 support@highgroundsolutions.com www.highgroundsolutons.com

The University of Alabama Early College program allows students to take college courses online or on campus while still in high school.

Jennifer Hayes (205) 348-7083 earlycollege@ua.edu

The University of Alabama offers many of its premier degrees in flexible, online formats with affordable tuition, so it fits your life and your wallet.

Gary Vaden (800) 467-0227 garyv.bama@ua.edu bamabydistance.ua.edu

Virco Simbli by eBOARDsolutions

The first and only comprehensive board management software solution for effective board governance.

Charlie Rigby 770-822-3626 crigby@eboardsolutions.com Suzanne Freeman sfreeman@eboardsolutions.com www.eboardsolutions.com

Synergetics DCS

Synergetics is a leading IT services consulting firm that specializes in the delivery of technology throughout the United States.

Kirby Cox (662) 461-0131 kcox@syndcs.com syndcs.com

65-year plus american-owned manufacturer of classrooom furniture serving k-12 schools in Alabama.

John Havicus 205-721-0514 johnhavicus@virco.com www.virco.com

Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary.com is a platform for systematic vocabulary improvement that adapts to the needs of individual students and aligns with any curriculum.

David Mickelsen 256-566-5545 dmickelsen@vocabulary.com www.vocabulary.com/educator-edition/

Terrell Enterprises, Inc.

Your school’s source for purchasing furniture, supplies, fixtures, flooring, and equipment. We will help create a safe, modern, engaging, and productive learning environment for students.

Al Brannon 334-382-7415 al@terrellenterprises.com www.terrellenterprises.com

Winter Issue 2021

47

P.O. Box 428 Montgomery, AL 36101 (800) 239-3616 www.clasleaders.org