The Administrator - April 2023

A D M I N I S T R A T O R

WRAPPING UP AND UNPACKING

As the legislative session winds down, Dr. Hernandez looks at how new legislation will impact districts.

Executive Viewpoint Page 3

BUILDING ARKANSAS’S FUTURE WORKFORCE

Brian Kirkendoll discusses opportunities for administrators to contribute to CTE.

President’s Perspective Page 4

ADMINISTRATOR SPOTLIGHT: MATT ZIEGLER

In the Spotlight this month is Matt Ziegler, Principal at Riverside High School, Riverside Public Schools.

Page 7

AAEA Staff

Dr. Mike Hernandez Executive Director m.hernandez@theaaea.org

2023 Calendar of Events

April

CASBO Certification Classes, April 11-12, 2023

Mike Mertens Assistant Executive Director m.mertens@theaaea.org

Lenett Thrasher Director of Learning Services & Operations l.thrasher@theaaea.org

Sharon Chuculate Fiscal Services Coordinator s.chuculate@theaaea.org

Sarah Shamburger Business Manager s.shamburger@theaaea.org

Marty Smith Member Relations Manager m.smith@theaaea.org

Karen Dean Certification Program Manager k.dean@theaaea.org

Alyse Mattox Communications & Technology Specialist a.mattox@theaaea.org

Melanie Thrasher Business Analyst m.thrasher@theaaea.org

Benton Event Center, Benton

ASPMA Certification Classes, April 12, 2023

Benton Event Center, Benton

May

ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference, May 2, 2023

Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock

AAFC Spring Conference, May 3-5, 2023

Hot Springs Convention Center

June

AAEA School Law Conference, June 6, 2023

Jacksonville School District

AASEA Summer Conference, June 12-13, 2023

Benton Event Center

July

AAEA Summer Conference, July 24-26, 2023

Marriott Hotel and Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock

For more information, visit theaaea.org/events or see Page 9.

2022-2023 AAEA Board of Directors

Brian Kirkendoll

AAEA President Principal, Alma

Skipper Ward AASA President Superintendent, Magnolia

Shawn Rose

AAESP President-Elect Principal, Hillcrest

Scott Smith

AASSP Past President Principal, Western Yell County

Melody Crane AASBO President Business Manager/District Treasurer, Hector

MonicaAAGEASpringfield President Gifted and Talented Specialist, Ozark Unlimited Resource ESC

Dr. Karla Neathery AAEA President-Elect Superintendent, Sheridan

Dr. Andrea Martin AASA President-Elect Superintendent, Greenland

Mark Lewis AAESP Past President Principal, Conway

Dr. Karen Lasker ArkASPA President Director of Personnel, Conway

Kevin Luck AASBO Past President Business Manager, Vilonia

J.D. AAMLAKeelingPresident Principal, Dardanelle

Jarod Morrison Tel-AR President Director of Maintenance/ Technology, Farmington

Stacy DeFoor AAEA Board Secretary Assistant Superintendent, Benton

Kelvin Gragg AASA Secretary AssistantPineSuperintendent, Bluff

Matt Ziegler

AASSP President Principal, Riverside

Lisa AACTEAHotsenpiller President Career & Technical Administrator/Supervisor, Fayetteville

Carla Curtis AASEA President Director of Special Services, Fayetteville

Aliza Jones ASPMA President (until Oct) Facilities Consortium Coordinator, Lavaca

Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director

Dr. Stephanie Nehus AAEA Past President Superintendent, Hot Springs

Carol Skiba AAESP President Principal, Cabot

Dr. Karla Tarkington AASSP President-Elect Principal, Beebe

Julie Adams AAFC President Federal Programs Coordinator, DeWitt

Dr. Steven Weber AACIA President Assistant Superintendent, Fayetteville

Craig Dupuy ASPMA President (begin Oct) Superintendent, Cleveland County

2022-2023 AAEA Corporate Sponsors

Prestigious

American Fidelity Assurance Co.

Cognia

Coryell Roofing and Construction, Inc.

Curriculum Associates

Educational Benefits, Inc.

GoSchoolBox

Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc.

NIET - National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

Performance Services

Pro Benefits Group, Inc.

Renaissance Learning, Inc.

Solution Tree, Inc.

Distinguished Apptegy

Lexia Learning

Pearson Virtual Schools

Diamond Baldwin & Shell ClassLink

Diamond (Continued)

ClassWallet

Edmentum

Education Elements

Energy Systems Group

ESS

First Security Beardsley

Imagine Learning

Middleton, Inc.

OnToCollege

Rave Mobile Safety

SmartData Dashboard

Stephens, Inc.

Tanium

Winsor Learning

Platinum AAMSCO

Architecture Plus, Inc.

C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC

DotCom Therapy, Inc.

Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC

Legacy Construction Management

Platinum (Continued)

Nabholz Construction Corp.

Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA)

Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects

Progressive Technologies

TRANE US, Inc.

Gold

CDI Contractors

Cynergy Rehab Group

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Kinco Constructors, LLC

Phoenix Contractors, LLC

Red Comet

TIPS - The Interlocal Purchasing System

Silver

American Bus Sales, Inc.

Correll, Inc.

French Architects, PA

Hight-Jackson Associates, PA SEAS

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

WRAPPING UP AND UNPACKING

The session is winding down and is expected to wrap up soon. It is always fast and furious due to the many bills filed toward the session's end. Due to the speed that legislation is presented and moved through the process at the end of the session, it is almost impossible to revise or speak in opposition. I greatly appreciate our AAEA legislative committee that has put in numerous hours throughout the session. They have spent time reviewing bills, amendments, and presentations at the legislature. The committees also discuss each bill thoroughly with their colleagues and decide what position the association should take. Some bills are straightforward to support when they help students and districts, but other bills take communication with legislators with hopes of amendments or opposition. I am proud of our fellow administrators for this essential work.

Our legislators also deserve our gratitude for using the time away from their communities to serve the state of Arkansas. Even though we are focused on education, the legislators must deal with many topics and various committees. We will not always agree with every decision, but we try to disagree with some policy changes respectfully. We must continue to inject our knowledge and wisdom anywhere we can find legislators discussing education policy. The reason is twofold. One is to ensure we can provide context and understand why things operate the way they do. The second is to hear new ideas that may help us become better educators and produce better outcomes for students.

There is certainly a lot to unpack with the new legislation that is continuing to be finalized. AAEA will continue to do the Tier I and legislative updates this summer as we prepare for next year. The most critical area is solidifying funding so districts can budget and get contracts out for staff. The House Education Committee recently adopted the funding bill with amounts for next year's foundation funding at $7,618 and $7,771 for FY25 and FY26, respectively. Districts now have to take their funding anticipated from LEARNS and the new expected foundation funding to develop a compensation package for the upcoming year. Many have questions about precisely what to do given the shorter timeline. Some districts are planning on a temporary schedule for next year and utilize their staff and school boards to develop a long-term schedule. This change will cause some discomfort in your school community. Many might be excited to get a significant raise, and some may struggle with a schedule that does not reflect seniority or educational attainment. Again, this is not a road we have been down very much in Arkansas, but I think it merits exploration. This is because many of our new generation of teachers don't hold the same allegiance to the education institution that our more veteran teachers do. Many new teachers will change schools and even career fields per the norm of today's young workforce. I have witnessed this many times over the years. Districts may figure out how to keep their current concepts of salary schedules in place, and that is ok, but we do have an opportunity to look at it differently.

I am happy that the session is coming to an end. It is always a stressful time for all involved. We will have some things that become law that are wonderful and some things that make us see red. No matter what comes at administrators, they will always rise to the occasion and do what is best for the students. Happy Easter, and we are here for you!

President’s Perspective

Brian Kirkendoll, AAEA Board President

BUILDING ARKANSAS’S FUTURE WORKFORCE

Building Arkansas‘s Future Workforce couldn’t be a more timely or important theme for this summer’s AAEA conference. Arkansas CTE will be on the forefront of new graduation pathways and will be critical in planning curriculum in the very near future. CTE is one of the most empowering areas that we are teaching in education today. It aides us in preparing our students to enter the workforce. Moreover, numerous certification areas emerge every year.

There are several opportunities to actively contribute to Arkansas CTE. One of the ways you can contribute is to join the Arkansas Association for Career and Technical Education Administrators (AACTEA). AACTEA offers many conferences and workshops to prepare educators and administrators in the latest world of career technical education throughout our state. In addition, they provide many opportunities for advocacy and networking. I will also add, the publication they send out to all their members is always informative and insightful.

Please go ahead and register for the summer conference if you haven’t already done so. This summer conference will allow many opportunities to network and discuss our current challenges and opportunities in our state’s career and technical education. I always take a lot away from every summer conference I attend, but I believe that this summer conference in particular will have more relevant and pertinent information than perhaps others of the past. This is especially true with the current LEARNS Act that we will be transitioning into over the next couple of years. I hope that everyone had a spring break that was restful and rejuvenating. Building Arkansas’s Future Workforce kicks off on July 24th and you can register now on theaaea.org.

CoSN: Support for Technology Administrators

CoSN is a great resource for school technology administrators. Check this page monthly for links to articles to assist technology leaders as they navigate through digital learning transformations.

Click Here to Read About This Month’s Topics

CoSN 2023 Driving K-12 Innovation Report

EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panel Broadcast Series:

Leading and Implementing Educational Technology Innovations: Hurdles, Accelerators and Tech Enablers

CoSN Membership

Over the Top

Advice from a Quality Assurance and Service Manager

Submitted by Deveny Coryell, Editor, Coryell Roofing & Construction

Having a relationship with a roofing company that has an outstanding quality assurance and service manager is a good way to save time and money. Coryell Roofing has one of the best in the business! Marcus Borchers has been with the company ten years: he is knowledgeable, skilled, and dependable. I asked Marcus if he could give helpful advice to administrators who want to maintain their roofing systems more efficiently to make those maintenance budget dollars stretch a little farther. Here are his suggestions:

Keep a log of whomever steps foot on your roof. The log can be kept beside the door hatch to the roof or with the maintenance supervisor. The log should require the date any person is on the roof, his name, the company he is with, and his purpose for being there. If your building begins to leak and a weather incident or the natural aging of the roof is not the cause, a careless worker may be responsible, and the repair bill could belong to them. Have your roof inspected every six months. An inspection will detect potential problems that often go unnoticed until you discover a leak in your building. Catching a problem early is most often a real money saver. An inspection will also give you an idea about repair and replacement expenses that might be in your future and help you budget for them.

Build a paper log for your roof. This log will document the findings of inspections as well as any repairs or maintenance you do. If you have to file an insurance claim, this record of your roof's condition at all times can help with the insurance claims process.

Through the years, Marcus has seen a lot of damage due to carelessness. He has seen systems gouged by dragging cords with sharp-edged hooks across a roofing system. He has seen punctures in the roof’s surface from sharp rocks embedded in workers’ boots. Marcus has seen old, retired mechanical equipment left on a roof. As strong winds blow these units and parts across a roofing system, they puncture and tear the surface. Without regular inspections, facility owners are often unaware of what is on their roofs.

Your roofing system is an investment only you can protect. Keeping a log of who is allowed on your roof, having 6month inspections, and keeping a paper log of your roofing systems condition are ways to protect your investment and save you time and money. Invest in a relationship with a roofing company whose quality assurance and service manager cares about the integrity of your roofing system and about your bottom line.

Compliance Connection

Three Benefits Administration Myths

Submitted by Ginger Huff, Arkansas State Manager, American Fidelity Assurance Co.

Myth One: Technology to run benefits programs is expensive.

Using technology for benefits management can streamline processes and sync with other essential back-office functions, like payroll and attendance. Having this technology can mean:

• Improved accuracy and real-time reporting

• Increased savings on paper, printing, and postage

• Reduced billing errors, leading to lower employer administrative costs

Benefits management is an essential function of HR that affects employee satisfaction in attracting top talent and preventing turnover. Streamlining this process with technology is an excellent way to manage benefits cost-effectively rather than tracking your benefits program manually.

Myth Two: Compliance rules are optional.

In the public and private sectors, non-compliance is not only frowned upon but costly. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law that sets minimum standards for most employer sponsored retirement and health plans to protect individuals in these plans. Violations of ERISA regulations can be costly, and repeated offenses will add up. Even if some

rules are optional, the risk of not knowing which ones are and which aren’t is huge. Additionally, compliance changes within an organization may not always be communicated between departments, making compliance management even more challenging. Creating automated compliance processes could help ease the communication burden and ensure your organization follows the rules.

Myth Three: Investing in benefits education isn’t worth it.

According to a survey conducted by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), 48% of school business professionals responded that getting out updates about existing, new, or changes to benefits was one of the biggest challenges to educating employees about their health, retirement, and supplemental benefits.

Employers who have difficulty providing benefits education for employees should consider partnering with a benefits education provider that offers multiple ways for employees to learn about their benefits.

Read more on the importance of effective benefits education

Awards

Steven Helmick

AAESP Principal of the Year

Steven Helmick, principal of Don Roberts Elementary in Little Rock, was recently named the 2023 AAESP Principal of the Year! Mr. Helmick will represent Arkansas at the NAESP National Distinguished Principals Ceremony later this year. Congratulations, Steven Helmick!

On a Role! Certification Program Manager

Learn more about AAEA Staff and the roles they serve!

Our Certification Program Manager, Karen Dean, has been with the AAEA since 2011. Karen helps maintain our CASBO Certification program and credits professional development hours for events.

Before working for the AAEA, Karen worked for the Orinda Union School District in Orinda, California for 14 years, first as Office Manager and later as Technology Help Desk/District Clerical Support.

In her time off, Karen enjoys walking, reading, cooking, gardening, and photography.

Administrator Spotlight: Matt Ziegler

Matt Ziegler, Principal at Riverside High School, says "I used to think principals sat around drinking coffee and talking all day. Little did I know how much work those people were doing.” His first job in education was as a substitute teacher for Camp Raider summer program at Nettleton when he was a college student. He says he has always been interested in learning history and decided that teaching history would be a perfect fit. With several educators in his family, he says, " I grew up listening to stories about school. So, when I went into education I already knew the lingo." He started his teaching career at Riverside High School in 2008 teaching World History, went to Trumann High School for the 2012 school year, and then returned to Riverside where he has remained since. He became the school's assistant principal in 2016 before transitioning to the principal role in 2017.

Mr. Ziegler says his favorite part of his job is helping students reach their full potential. "It has been a blessing to see our students grow over the years. We have a 5year-old little girl and I love that a lot of her little buddies from school have parents that I have taught in class. I have been able to keep up with these former students and seeing them do well has certainly made me proud.” He says the most challenging part of his job is getting it all done. However, he believes if you have a passion for the job, it is highly rewarding, and he advises others considering the career to "do some soul searching, ask your principal some questions regarding their job and, if it sounds like something you’re interested in, you should definitely go for it."

One major change he's seen during his education career is the increased emphasis on how everyday decisions affect students. He says, "We try to look at everything from their perspective to positively affect their education.” Mr. Ziegler says his current goal is "making Riverside High School the best I can every day.” When asked where he'd like to be in 5 years, he says "Hopefully still here grinding away."

Principal at Riverside High School, Riverside Public Schools

with Matt Ziegler ? ! Q&A

How would your co-workers describe you?

My coworkers would describe me as compassionate and fair.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Don’t rush through life. Try to enjoy those Mondays and Tuesdays too.

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

I love to hear their good ideas… so that I can copy them!

What have you done that you are most proud of?

I’m very proud of my family. My wife is our school’s library/media specialist and our daughter goes to Riverside West Elementary. It is so awesome to have us all basically on the same campus. My wife is amazing at her job. She is one of the best librarians I have ever seen!

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

Visit all 50 states

If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing?

Something outside. I wouldn’t mind working at a greenhouse and nursery.

When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered?

I hope that people remember that I cared.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

For me, networking has been the biggest benefit. I have met fine people all over this great state due to being a member of AAEA.

School Business Officials! Facilities Managers!

The Arkansas Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) has scheduled six (6) CASBO certification classes for April 11-12 at the Benton Event Center and via Live Streaming. Plan on participating and learn valuable information and updates in public school finance.

The Arkansas School Plant Management Association (ASPMA) has scheduled two (2) required and one (1) elective Certified Facility Director (CFD) classes for April 12, 2023, at the Benton Event Center. Classes will also be held virtually.

All Administrators! Federal Coordinators!

Registration is now open for the 2023 AAEA/ ASBA Joint Leadership Conference on May 2 at the Wyndham Riverfront in North Little Rock.

All Administrators!

This year’s School Law and Finance Conference will take place on June 6 at Jacksonville High School. The conference will include a 2023 Legislative Session review, breakout sessions, and an ADE update on AR LEARNS.

May 3-5, 2023 at the Hot Springs Convention Center is where you will want to be! Mark your calendars now and watch for information to be released with all the details.

All Educators!

This conference is designed for district teams who want to learn more about quality instruction for ALL learners and behavior management strategies and tools that can be utilized on the first day of school. Come join us as we learn together!

Director of the Inclusive Schools Network that hosts the Annual Inclusive Schools Week with participation from 240 countries from around the world. Frances has been a teacher, state department of education chief consultant, director of a national research project for OCEP and OCR, author of the First Annual Report to Congress re: IDEA under contract with OSEP, Director of Special Education and Director of General Education and Accreditation for the largest regional education center in Texas. Under her leadership, Stetson & Associates, Inc. has served educators in schools and state departments of education in 36 states and five foreign countries.

Mark C. Perna is the founder and CEO of TFS Results, a fullservice strategic consulting firm at the forefront of the national paradigm shift in education and workforce development. Mark, a graduate of John Carroll University, has many years of experience addressing industry leaders on the topic of expanding their reach in an increasingly global

Dr. Frances Stetson

The AAEA Job Board can now be found at

arjobsined.schoolspring.com

The AAEA Job Board is a calendar-year subscription that assists districts with the ever-increasing challenge of recruiting quality staff. It is a significant resource for educators, both in-state and outof-state, seeking employment in Arkansas schools.

Over 165 school districts are participating in the program, which has been extremely helpful to schools and educators over the years. The site is used year-round and is accessed extensively during the second semester. It is not unusual to see over 400 jobs posted on the Job Board at one time. With an account, school districts may post unlimited job vacancies throughout the year.

To subscribe (by district) or to post job openings, contact Marty Smith, Member Relations Manager, at m.smith@theaaea.org or at 501-372-1691.

Openings

District Name Position

Perryville School District Superintendent

East End School District Elementary Principal

Helena-West Helena School District High School Principal

Helena-West Helena School District Elementary Principal

Pea Ridge School District Director of Facilities and Safety

Farmington School District Elementary School Principal

Camden Fairview School District Elementary Principal

Bryant Public Schools Middle School Principal

Prairie Grove School District Middle School Assistant Principal

Gravette Public Schools GSD Director of the Western Benton County Career Center

Stuttgart Public Schools Technology Coordinator

Stuttgart Public Schools GT Coordinator

Searcy Public Schools Junior High School Principal

Future School of Fort Smith Assistant Principal

Cross County School District K-12 Education Director

Earle School District Secondary Principal

District Name

Openings (continued)

Position

Springdale School District Elementary Principal

Springdale School District Assistant Principal

Springdale School District Chief Financial Officer

Beebe School District High School Dean of Students

Conway School District Carl Stuart Middle School Principal

Decatur School District Pre-K Director .50 and .50 Teacher

Gravette Public Schools Special Education Director

White County Central School District K-6 Instructional Facilitator

Hazen School District Principal

Hazen School District Superintendent

Mountain Pine School District Technology Director

Shirley School District High School Principal/Curriculum Coordinator

Cossatot River School District Transportation Director

Rogers Public Schools Asst. Supt. For Elementary Education

Fort Smith Public Schools Special Education Coordinator

Hope School District Principal (BHE) (5-6)

Rogers Public Schools CTE Director

Horatio School District High School Principal

Conway School District Conway High School Principal

Conway School District Preston and Florence Mattison Elementary Assistant Principal

Hope School District Campus Magnet Coordinator High School

Hope School District Campus Magnet Coordinator Elementary

Hope School District Campus Magnet Coordinator Middle School

Hope School District Director of Magnet Grant Program

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District *INTERNAL ONLY* Curriculum Coordinator

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District *INTERNAL ONLY* Special Education Coordinator

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Curriculum Coordinator Gifted and Talented/Advanced Placement

Northwest AR Ed Serv Coop Migrant Coordinator

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Elementary Dean of Students

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Principal of Alternative Education Grades 6-12

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Elementary Principal

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Elementary Assistant Principal

Camden Fairview School District District K-12 Math Coordinator

Trumann Public Schools Assistant Business Manager-District Food Service Manager

Berryville Public School District District Dyslexia Coordinator

Fort Smith Public Schools Elementary Principal

Gravette Public Schools Assistant Middle School Principal

Our Two Cents

This segment features content from other AAEA publications. Our Two Cents is a monthly publication available to subscribing districts. The following excerpt comes from the March 2023 issue.

Did You Know?

Department of Finance and Administration Revenue Report for February 2023

Gross general revenue in February totaled $572.4 million, up $44 million (8.3%) compared with February 2022, and up $58.3 million (11.3%) compared with the budget forecast.

February individual income tax revenue was $262.7 million, down 0.8% compared to February 2022 and 11.3% above forecast. February sales and use tax was $258.1 million, up 13.1% compared with February 2022, and 11.7% above forecast. Corporate income tax revenue in February was $21.1 million, up $14.1 million compared with February 2022 and $15.6 million above forecast.

Year-to-date (July 2022-February 2023) gross general revenue was $5.5 billion, up $318 million (6.1%) compared with the same period in the previous fiscal year and $263 million (5%) above forecast.

Revenue growth was above expectations again in February, showing continued economic growth in Arkansas. Also, tax refunds are on track with the forecast as the state enters the busiest months for filing. The revenue report shows that net available revenue – surplus – at the end of the first eight months was $250.2 million. The full report is available here.

Attorney General Opinion 2023-005

Attorney General Opinion 2023-005 addresses the following questions: Q1) May a justice of the peace be elected as a member of a school board of directors while maintaining the office of justice of the peace? Q2) If the answer is no, is there a penalty for holding both offices? The AG’s response: Q1) If the JP's term of office would overlap with the term of office on the school board, then the JP would be ineligible to serve on the school board. Q2) While there is no civil or criminal penalty for this kind of dual office holding, the person holding both offices is subject to removal. The full opinion can be viewed here.

2021-22 Annual Statistical Report

DESE recently released the 2021-22 Annual Statistical Report. This annual comprehensive report includes information for each school district on ADM, millage rates, debt, revenue, expenditures, etc.