

Dr. Mike Hernandez Executive Director m.hernandez@theaaea.org
Dr. Karla Neathery
Assistant Executive Director k.neathery@theaaea.org
Lenett Thrasher
Assistant Executive Director l.thrasher@theaaea.org
Sharon Chuculate Fiscal Services Coordinator s.chuculate@theaaea.org
Sarah Shamburger Business Manager s.shamburger@theaaea.org
Alyse Mattox Communications & Technology Specialist a.mattox@theaaea.org
Melanie Thrasher Business Analyst m.thrasher@theaaea.org
Lana Webb Administrative Specialist l.webb@theaaea.org
Rachel Blocker Administrative Assistant r.blocker@theaaea.org
Mike Mertens Consultant m.mertens@theaaea.org
AAFC Fall Conference, September 18-20, 2024
Hot Springs Convention Center
ArkASPA Fall Conference, September 24, 2024
Benton Event Center
ASPMA Conference, September 30-October 2, 2024
Hot Springs Convention Center
AAGEA Conference, October 3, 2024
Benton Event Center
AAEA Fall Conference, October 22, 2024
Benton Event Center
AACTEA Conference, November 7, 2024
Benton Event Center
Superintendent Symposium, January 8-9, 2025
Doubletree Little Rock
TEL-AR Conference, January 29-30, 2025
Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, North Little Rock
AASBO Conference, February 12-14, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
ArkASPA Spring Conference, February 25, 2025
Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, North Little Rock
AACIA Conference, March 13, 2025
Benton Event Center
April
CASBO Classes, April 23-24, 2025 Location TBD
CFD Classes, Date TBD Location TBD
May
AAFC Spring Conference, May 7-9, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference, Date TBD
Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, North Little Rock
June
AASEA Conference, June 8-10, 2025
Benton Event Center
AAEA School Law and Finance Conference, Date TBD Location TBD
July
AAEA Summer Conference, July 28-30, 2025
Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock
For more information, visit theaaea.org/events.
Stacy DeFoor AAEA President Assistant Superintendent, Benton
Kelvin Gragg AASA President AssistantPineSuperintendent, Bluff
Dr. Jeff Wasem AAESP President-Elect Principal, Bentonville
Brandie Williams ArkASPA President Superintendent, Trumann
Kelsey Bailey AASBO Past President Chief Financial Officer, Little Rock
Bryce Bennett AAMLA President Director of Academic Assessment Services, Conway
Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director
Charles Warren AAEA President-Elect Business Manager/District Treasurer, Fort Smith
Dr. Debbie Bruick-Jones AASA President-Elect Superintendent, Bentonville
Shawn Rose AAESP Past President Principal, Hillcrest
Kelli AACTEACypertPresident Career & Technical Administrator, ARESC
Haley Hatch AASEA President Director of Special Services, Lake Hamilton
Greg Collins ASPMA President (until Oct) Maintenance/Facilities Supervisor, Dover
Dr. Jason Reeves AAEA Secretary and AASSP President Assistant Principal, Alma
Dr. Jeremy Owoh AASA Secretary Superintendent, Jacksonville/ North Pulaski
Jason Selig AASSP President-Elect Principal, Lake Hamilton
Christine Harrell AAFC President Federal Programs Coordinator, Searcy
Dr. Marcia Smith AACIA President Deputy Superintendent, Springdale
Randall Bolinger ASPMA President (begin Oct) Maintenance/Facilities Supervisor, Siloam Springs
Brian Kirkendoll AAEA Past President Principal, Alma
Steven Helmick AAESP President Principal, Little Rock
Amy Marek AASSP Past President Principal, Hazen
Justin Robertson AASBO President Chief Financial Officer, Russellville
Valerie King AAGEA President Director of Gifted Programs, Siloam Springs
B.J. TEL-ARBurgessPresident Director of GreenbrierTechnology,
Presidential
American Fidelity Assurance Co.
Coryell Roofing and Construction, Inc.
Curriculum Associates
Educational Benefits, Inc.
Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc.
NIET - National Institute for Excellence in Teaching
Solution Tree, Inc.
Prestigious
Bailey Education Group
Cognia
Just Right Reader
Performance Services
Renaissance Learning, Inc.
School Responder
Distinguished
Capturing Kids’ Hearts
Energy Systems Group
Lexia Learning
Diamond Apptegy
Arkansas Public Safety Solutions
Baldwin & Shell
ClassWallet
Diamond (Continued)
ClearGov
Edmentum
Education Elements
Energy Systems Group
ESS
First Security Beardsley Goalbook
Imagine Learning
Imagine Learning Sonday System
Middleton, Inc.
OnToCollege
SmartData Dashboard
Stephens, Inc.
Stride Tutoring
Tanium
White River Services and Solutions
Platinum
AAMSCO
Architecture Plus, Inc.
C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC
Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC
Hight Jackson Associates
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt / NWEA
Legacy Construction Management
Nabholz Construction Corp.
Platinum (Continued)
Phoenix Contractors
Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects
Powers of Arkansas
Pro Benefits Group, Inc.
Progressive Technologies
TRANE US, Inc.
Gold
CDI Contractors
Cromwell Architects Engineers
Cynergy Rehab Group
IXL Learning
Kinco Constructors, LLC
Paragon Architecture
Pearson Virtual Schools
Red Comet
TIPS - The Interlocal Purchasing System
Silver Adleta
American Bus Sales, Inc.
Correll, Inc.
French Architects, PA
SEAS
Strategos Group
Varsity Tutors for Schools
Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director
I realize there are a lot of Dak Prescott and Dallas Cowboys haters out there, so let’s get this clear right off the bat. I love them! There is no better team in my mind whether they win the Super Bowl or go 5-13 on the season. But I digress from what I am supposed to be doing. Dak has famously been heard uttering the words “Here We Go” before each play. The reason he does this is to let his unit know that it is time to lock in, stop communicating, and get ready to execute the play. Usually, it is a good outcome, but regardless everyone is prepared to go when the words are spoken. We are at that point in the summer when it is time for the lights to come on and administrators and their teams to execute their plans. There are many things to be ready for as we enter the 2024-2025 school year.
We have finished a wonderful summer of professional development whether you attended the DESE Summit, AR Rural Ed, CASBO classes, CFD classes, AASEA, ASCD, etc. The AAEA Summer conference was just completed and it was amazing! I am always blown away by the number of administrators who attend to better themselves and connect with their peers. We have some tremendous presenters who take the time to share their gifts and expertise with others. I am also thankful to our sponsors and exhibitors who make the conference a staple in the vast sea of professional development opportunities. With all that said, you and your teams have utilized all this professional development to enhance what you are doing for students. There have been countless hours spent reviewing data and other needs assessments to make a plan of how to proceed in the upcoming year. Budgets are being closed out and reworked for the upcoming new cycle. Facilities are being finished or cleaned in preparation for all the smiling faces that are about to show up. Take deep breaths and pat yourself on the back for all the summer work that has been done to make this a great year.
Many new items are being implemented as rules continue to be promulgated and other opportunities become available. Some of you may be considering implementing a new policy like restricting cell phone use or will begin stakeholder engagement in trying to find the best path forward to keep students engaged in the learning process. Hopefully, you have spent some time collaborating with several stakeholders in your district to review your academic, fiscal, facility, and other needs. This is an important part of the summer and early school year as you make decisions about how to spend your dollars and other resources. You may have been working collaboratively on the new AR App system or you may have a diverse group of stakeholders involved in the budget committee. A cohesive plan on how resources will be used is important to describe program plans for the upcoming year as well as casting the vision for what the district values. Staying in constant communication throughout the year with each person on your committee such as federal programs, SPED, gifted, child nutrition, instructional staff, teacher leaders, etc. can ensure that your funds are being spent on the needs of the students at the time they need them.
We also have to focus on the fact that another legislative session will be coming soon. In January, we will have new legislators and those returning to do their duties as legislators. It is important to always take note of everything that goes on and how it will impact schools. I ask that you keep up with your
local elections and reach out to candidates and eventual winners to better understand their goals and share your needs and successes. If they are not hearing directly from you regularly, then it is possible that when a future bill is debated, you may not be consulted on the impact at the local level. Relationships are more important now than ever. Sessions get fast and furious with limited time. My experience is that lawmakers typically make time for their local constituents and will often seek out those that have built a relationship with them during the “off-season.”
Well, I am ready for the new school year. You are ready and your team is ready for you to call out the cadence to get them focused and ready to execute the game plan. As always, we are proud to serve you and willing to help in any way. Have a great year!
Yeah, Here We Go!
Submitted by Barbara Grimm, Founder and President of School Responder, and C.J. Huff, Ed.D.
The start of a new school year is a time buzzing with excitement and preparation. Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all is paramount as faculty and staff gear up to embark on another year of learning and growth. Equipping them with the latest safety protocols and procedures reinforces their readiness to handle any situation that may arise. From emergency preparedness to routine safety drills, these measures not only safeguard students and staff but also instill confidence in the school community. Alongside safety, the emotional wellbeing of students remains a top priority. As we reconnect with our young learners after the summer break, taking time to listen to and understand their experiences is essential. Whether through informal chats or structured activities, creating opportunities for students to share their stories fosters a supportive atmosphere from day one. Recognizing that each student’s journey over the break may vary, offering empathy and resources ensures that everyone feels valued and supported as they transition back into school life.
Beyond physical and emotional safety, effective communication and collaboration are key pillars of a successful school year. By maintaining open channels with parents, guardians, and the wider community, schools can address concerns swiftly and transparently. As we anticipate the start of the new academic term, let us embrace these principles and set the stage for a year filled with learning, growth, and positivity.
Stacy DeFoor, AAEA Board President
It’s hard to believe that August is here! It is my hope that you’ve taken some time for yourself, your friends, or with your family doing something you love outside of the office. Although we know the importance of making a great first impression with our parents, we sometimes do not prioritize this discussion during our back to school meeting with our faculty and staff. Positive parent relationships are crucial for a successful school community. School administrators play a vital role in fostering these relationships through effective communication, collaboration, and mutual respect. Having proactive communication with our families often saves time and could potentially mitigate situations from escalating. Hopefully the tips below will help you get this year off to a great start with your families.
Firstly, open lines of communication are essential. Administrators should actively engage parents through regular updates, newsletters, and meetings to keep them informed about school policies, events, and their child's progress. By listening to parents' concerns and suggestions, administrators can build trust and demonstrate their commitment to student well-being.
Secondly, collaboration strengthens the partnership between parents and administrators. Involving parents in decision-making processes, advisory councils, and school events allows them to contribute meaningfully to their child's education. Administrators can also encourage participation in volunteer opportunities or workshops that promote parental involvement.
Lastly, demonstrating mutual respect is key. Administrators should recognize and appreciate parents as valuable stakeholders in the educational journey. By acknowledging their perspectives and addressing their concerns promptly and professionally, administrators cultivate a supportive environment where parents feel valued and empowered.
Positive parent relationships are foundational to a thriving school community. When administrators prioritize communication, collaboration, and mutual respect, they create a supportive partnership that benefits students, enhances school culture, and fosters a shared commitment to academic success and student well-being.
I hope each of you enjoyed the summer AAEA conference and attended some invaluable sessions that will help support positive change within your building or district. I wish each of you a successful first day of school!
Dr. Karla Neathery Assistant Executive Director
Our newest AAEA member will be a familiar face! Dr. Karla Neathery, who was last year’s AAEA Board President, joined the AAEA team on July 1 as our new Assistant Executive Director. Dr. Neathery will work with several constituent group executive boards and assist them in compliance, election of officers, annual board meetings, conferences, and member communication. She will also work with legislative committees and new superintendent mentoring.
Prior to working at AAEA, Dr. Neathery served as the Superintendent for the Sheridan School District. Over her career she served across several districts in roles that ran the gamut: teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Dr. Neathery says her favorite part of her job at AAEA so far is serving others and helping them succeed. "I hope to focus on the needs of administrators and how we can help them succeed," she says.
When she’s not at work, Dr. Neathery loves spending time with her family, stating, "I have been married to Scott Neathery for 31 years. We have one daughter, Morgan Ward who is a 5th grade English teacher. Morgan is married to Jackson Ward who works for E. Ward Construction. We have one son, Ty Neathery who just recently graduated from UCA and will begin his first
Superintendent, Van Buren School District
Dr. Harold Jeffcoat, Superintendent for the Van Buren School District, says that while he can’t remember the exact moment he decided to pursue a career in education, he does remember being confident it was the right move. "Initially, I thought my career would be in the construction industry, and at one point I had my Residential Contractor’s License," he says. "I still have an interest in that area and enjoy working through school-related construction projects." He thinks perhaps the shift started as a result of his involvement in youth ministry, stating, "Cindy (my wife) and I were always very involved in children/youth ministry at our church. We coordinated Vacation Bible Schools and also took kids to church camp each summer. I’m sure those experiences had some level of influence over my decision to pursue a degree in education."
Since then, Dr. Jeffcoat says he has been blessed to have many great job opportunities in his career. His first teaching job was teaching 5th grade at Mabelvale Elementary in the Little Rock School District. After that, he became a teacher, and later an assistant principal, in the Benton School District. He next transitioned to Sheridan as the principal of East End Intermediate School, then served at the Cabot School District for 7 years as a Curriculum Director and later the Deputy Superintendent. He is now going into his tenth year as the superintendent of the Van Buren School District.
Dr. Jeffcoat says his favorite part of the job is building relationships with teachers and staff and seeing students succeed. "I have served in many positions in the field of education and I’m not so far removed from the classroom that I don’t remember how difficult it is to be a teacher," he says. "I genuinely appreciate everything our teachers, administrators and staff do to provide our students with the very best every day." He says the most challenging aspect of being a superintendent is managing district finances. "If you looked at my desk at any given time, you would see several piles of papers. More than half of those papers have numbers on them. Revenue and expenditures require constant monitoring and adjusting. Schools have limited resources and it is essential that funds are being spent appropriately based on needs/priorities."
Dr. Jeffcoat's advice to someone thinking of a similar career is "Being a superintendent is an amazing job. However, it does require thick skin and a persistent work ethic. There are many keys to success but none are more important than having a strong and supportive school board. Much of the progress in the Van Buren School District is attributed to a common vision shared by myself and our school board."
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Talk less. Listen more.
What major changes have you seen in education during your career?
The most impressive changes I have personally witnessed over the course of my career are those related to the advancements in technology. Technology has transformed education. Teachers and students are embracing sophisticated hardware and software and it remains to be seen how far artificial intelligence will infiltrate the classroom.
What is the most daring thing you’ve done?
I have been skydiving twice. During my second jump, my parachute malfunctioned requiring me to cut away and deploy my backup parachute.
What do you feel is your greatest professional accomplishment?
We all find meaning in the different seasons of our careers. Being a superintendent in an outstanding school system is certainly an accomplishment that brings great pride. However, as a teacher, I know that for many of my students, I impacted their lives in a positive way. I probably can’t recognize all of them as adults today, but I can still remember their young faces from when they were in my classroom. My greatest professional accomplishment, at least in my mind, comes from knowing that I made a difference in their lives. I know it’s cliché but it’s true.
What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”
I have an adventurous spirit, so my bucket list is focused on travel. I would love to take my family on a trip to New Zealand or Switzerland to enjoy the sheer beauty and experience the culture.
When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered?
Essentially, I hope my legacy as a school leader is positive in the minds of those living in the communities and/or working in the schools I have served over the years. I also hope the people I have had the privilege to work with, including all certified and classified team members, know that I always valued and appreciated their commitment to our district and especially our students.
What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?
School administration can be difficult and lonely at times and it is important to build relationships with colleagues in other school systems. My AAEA membership has afforded me the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the best leaders in the state. Without AAEA, I would not be the superintendent I am today.
As educational leaders, our minds are always buzzing with ideas and strategies to make the next academic year even better for our students and staff. One key to a successful start is the power of planning. After 30 years of supporting educators, we’ve found a few ways to help start the school year with momentum.
Begin by setting aside dedicated time to assess the previous year, celebrating successes and identifying areas for growth. Use this reflection as fuel for shaping your vision for the upcoming year, knowing that each year brings new opportunities to better meet students’ needs. Consider implementing morning greetings at the entrance on the first day of school to build connections that set a positive tone from the start. Explore monthly community-building activities that engage both staff and students to create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
Imagine your school as a garden. Cultivating a positive culture is like nurturing the soil to ensure healthy growth. Student success hinges on the strength of relationships among adults in the school community. With intentional efforts, you'll set the stage for a successful and rewarding school year ahead. Stay committed to your vision, celebrate small wins, and be open to feedback and adjustments along the way. With each step, you're building a stronger, more positive environment for your students and staff.
Here's to starting strong and making a positive impact from day one!
To learn more about fostering a positive school culture, visit ckh.org.
Submitted by Will Black, Business Development Manager, Performance Services
In the complex design and construction world, the project delivery method can profoundly shape project outcomes. Design-build has emerged as a popular yet misunderstood procurement method amid the array of options.
Design-build projects will account for at least 47% of non-residential construction spending by 2026.
Click here to read about the myths and facts of design-build.
Dr. Karla Neathery, AAEA Assistant Executive Director
The question was, “I have a board member that may resign during the September board meeting. What are the proper steps that our district should take?” The answer is below:
If a school board member resigns this creates a vacancy on the board of directors. When a vacancy occurs on the board of directors, a successor to a vacated position shall be appointed. The successor to a vacant position must be registered to vote in the District and, if applicable, reside in the zone of the vacant position. An individual appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve until the annual school election following the appointment.
The secretary of the school district board of directors shall notify the county clerk of an appointment to the school district board of directors within five (5) days of the appointment being made. The notice shall include the name of the appointed board member and the expiration date of his or her term. An individual appointed to fill a vacancy must submit proof of having received the oath of office to the county clerk before the individual may assume any duties.
Read A.C.A.6-13-611 for more details.
If you have questions for Dr. Neathery, email her at k.neathery@theaaea.org .
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.
The AAEA Job Board is a calendar-year subscription that assists districts with the everincreasing challenge of recruiting quality staff. It is a significant resource for educators, both in-state and out-of-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 Lana Webb, Administrative Specialist, at l.webb@theaaea.org or at 501-372-1691.
This segment features content from other AAEA publications. School Law Review is a quarterly publication available to subscribing districts. The following excerpt comes from the June 2024 issue.
Marfia v. Gettysburg Sch. Dist., U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania (Dec. 1, 2023)
A student sued a district and claimed that a teacher had groomed and sexually abused him in violation of Title IX. Beginning in second grade, since the student did not have a father figure in the home, the teacher arranged for the student to visit him at his home at night and on weekends, sometimes spending the night, gave him toys, sleeping in the same bed, and personally bathing him. Employees, parents, and others in the district knew about the teacher’s grooming behavior and complained to the administration, which took no meaningful action. The teacher became the student’s legal guardian after he turned ten years of age. The predatory grooming later escalated to sexual contact, including oral sex.
The district court denied the district’s request to dismiss the case, finding that the lawsuit established the district had actual notice of the teacher’s sexual harassment of the student and acted with deliberate indifference because of its unreasonable response to the complaints it received from other teachers and parents regarding the teacher’s inappropriate conduct with the student and other young boys.
Ogando v. Natal, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (Nov. 27, 2023)
The family of a Hispanic student claimed that he was subjected to unlawful discrimination by suspending him after a fight with other students. None of the other students in the altercation were suspended. After complaining to the superintendent, the parents reported that the superintendent told them that the school district is in an affluent white area with few Hispanic students.
A male student sued the district arguing that the district discriminated against him in violation of Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause when he was expelled from school for violating the school’s dress code by wearing earrings.
The district court dismissed the claims. On appeal, the circuit court reversed, concluding that the district court erred in dismissing the student’s equal protection claim because the district was not required to establish an exceedingly persuasive justification for its sexbased classification that allowed girls but not boys to wear earrings.
District/Coop
Arch Ford Co-op
Bald Knob
Batesville
Bismarck
Bradford
Calico Rock
Carlisle
Cedar Ridge
Cleveland County
Cossatot River
Dardanelle
Drew Central
Earle
England
Foreman
Fountain Lake
Gentry
Gravette
Green Forest
Gurdon
Hackett
Harrisburg
Hector
Helena-West Helena
Huntsville
Lamar
Mineral Springs
Mountain Pine
Mountain View
Mt. Ida
North Central Co-op
Northwest Co-op
Osceola
Paris
Parkers Chapel
Poyen
Sheridan
Siloam Springs
Smackover-Norphlet
Southeast Co-op
Texarkana
Viola
Watson Chapel
West Fork
West Memphis
Western Yell
Gregg Grant
Melissa Gipson/David Bangs - Interim
Dr. Mike Hester
Susan Kissire
Patti Stevens
Jerry Skidmore
William Rountree
Tracey Owens
Dr. Jarrod Williams
Dr. Tyler Broyles
Dr. Mark Gotcher/Phillip Young - Interim
Kim Barnes
Tish Knowles
Tyler Scott/Mark Price - Interim
Pat Tankersley
Dr. Michael Murphy
Dr. Terrie DePaola
Maribel Childress
Dr. Matt Summers
Ken Vaughn
Eddie Ray
Chris Farrell/Julie Isbell - Interim
Mark Taylor - going to Arch Ford Co-op
Dr. Keith McGee
Jonathan Warren
David Tollett/Shane Gordon - Interim
Billy Lee
Bobby Applegate
Brent Howard
Tristan Knoedl
Gerald Cooper
Bryan Law
Dr. Toriano Green/Charles Webster - Interim
Jim Loyd
John Gross
Ronnie Kissire
Dr. Karla Neathery
Jody Wiggins
Robby Frizzell
Karen Eoff/Norman Hill - Interim
Dr. Becky Kesler
John May
Tom Wilson
John Karnes/Interim John Unger
Terrence Brown/Interim Willie Harris
Dr. Lisa Kissire/Taunya Parsons - Interim
Mark Taylor
*Jed Davis
Dr. Ken James
Tristan Knoedl
*Sarah Wickliffe
Rick Green
*B.J. Greene
**Roger Ried
*Davy King
*Dr. Sam Slott
*Dr. Jamie Burris
*Nancy Chapman
*Ryan Burgess
*Mark Price
*Adam Matthews
*Darin Landry
Dr. Tyler Broyles
**Jeff Gravette
*David Gilmore
*Misty Woolf
*Michael Freeman
*Julie Isbell
*Shawn Hettinga
*Xavier Hodo
**Bryan Law
Clint Jones
**Jondavid Amerson
Tish Knowles
*Mark Rush
*Ann Gardner
*Mark Gipson
Jody Wiggins
*Charles Webster
*Brad Culver
*Jana Young
Susan Kissire
*Chad Pitts
*Shane Patrick
*Doug Smith
Dr. Nathan White
*Dr. Lloyd Jackson
*Kyle McCarn
Dr. Keith McGee
*John Unger
**Willie Harris
*Taunya Parsons
* First-Year Arkansas Supt
** Interim