Executive Viewpoint

HERE WE GO!

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!