The Administrator Newsletter - December 2022/January 2023

VOLUME 48 • ISSUE 6 DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023

THE

ADMINISTRATOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS MERRY LEGISLATIVE SESSION!

EDUCATING AND LEADING WITH JOY

Dr. Hernandez shares season’s greetings and plans for the session ahead.

Executive Viewpoint

Page 3

Brian Kirkendoll examines a parallel between Thessalonians and daily life in education.

Executive Viewpoint • P. 3 President’s Perspective • P. 4 CoSN Update • P. 4 Asked and Answered • P. 5 Benefits Corner • P. 5

President’s Perspective

Page 4

AAEA: On a Role! • P. 6 Administrator Spotlight • P. 7 Upcoming Events • P. 9

ADMINISTRATOR SPOTLIGHT: DR. JAKE LONG In the Spotlight this month is Dr. Jake Long, Superintendent of Mountain Home School District.

Page 7

Compliance Connection • P. 11 Over the Top • P. 12 A Breath of Fresh Air • P. 12 Salary Survey • P. 13 Awards • P. 16 Publication Sneak Peek • P. 17 Job Openings • P. 18

AAEA Staff

2022-2023 Calendar of Events

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

January

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

AASA Superintendent Symposium, January 10-11, 2023 DoubleTree Hotel, Little Rock AACIA Conference, January 24, 2023 Benton Event Center, Benton

February Tel-AR Conference, February 10, 2023 University of Central Arkansas, Conway

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

AASBO Conference, February 9-10, 2023 Hot Springs Convention Center

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

April

Sarah Shamburger Business Manager s.shamburger@theaaea.org

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

ArkASPA Conference, February 23, 2023 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock

AACTEA Conference, April 10-11, 2023 DoubleTree Hotel, Hot Springs CASBO Certification Classes, April 11-12, 2023 Benton Event Center, Benton ASPMA Certification Classes, TBD

May ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference, May 2, 2023 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock AAFC Spring Conference, May 3-5, 2023 Hot Springs Convention Center

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

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

June AASEA Summer Conference, June 12-13, 2023 Benton Event Center AAEA School Law Conference, TBD

July AAEA Summer Conference, July 24-26, 2023 Marriott Hotel and Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock

Melanie Thrasher Business Analyst m.thrasher@theaaea.org

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

2022-2023 AAEA Board of Directors Brian Kirkendoll AAEA President Principal, Alma

Dr. Karla Neathery AAEA President-Elect Superintendent, Sheridan

Stacy DeFoor AAEA Board Secretary Assistant Superintendent, Benton

Dr. Stephanie Nehus AAEA Past President Superintendent, Hot Springs

Skipper Ward AASA President Superintendent, Magnolia

Dr. Andrea Martin AASA President-Elect Superintendent, Greenland

Kelvin Gragg AASA Secretary Assistant Superintendent, Pine Bluff

Carol Skiba AAESP President Principal, Cabot

Shawn Rose AAESP President-Elect Principal, Hillcrest

Mark Lewis AAESP Past President Principal, Conway

Matt Ziegler AASSP President Principal, Riverside

Dr. Karla Tarkington AASSP President-Elect Principal, Beebe

Lisa Hotsenpiller AACTEA President Career & Technical Administrator/Supervisor, Fayetteville

Julie Adams AAFC President Federal Programs Coordinator, DeWitt

Carla Curtis AASEA President Director of Special Services, Fayetteville

Dr. Steven Weber AACIA President Assistant Superintendent, Fayetteville

Scott Smith Dr. Karen Lasker AASSP Past President ArkASPA President Principal, Western Yell County Director of Personnel, Conway Melody Crane AASBO President Business Manager/District Treasurer, Hector

Kevin Luck AASBO Past President Business Manager, Vilonia

Monica Springfield AAGEA President Gifted and Talented Specialist, Ozark Unlimited Resource ESC

J.D. Keeling AAMLA President Principal, Dardanelle

Aliza Jones Craig Dupuy ASPMA President (until Oct) ASPMA President (begin Oct) Facilities Consortium Superintendent, Cleveland Coordinator, Lavaca County

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

Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director

2022-2023 AAEA Corporate Sponsors Prestigious

Diamond (Continued)

Platinum (Continued)

American Fidelity Assurance Co. Coryell Roofing and Construction, Inc. Curriculum Associates Educational Benefits, Inc. Imagine Learning Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. NIET - National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Pearson Virtual Schools Pro Benefits Group, Inc. Protect Ed Renaissance Learning, Inc. Solution Tree, Inc.

Edmentum Energy Systems Group ESS First Security Beardsley Middleton, Inc. OnToCollege Rave Mobile Safety SmartData Dashboard Stephens, Inc. Tanium Winsor Learning

Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Progressive Technologies TRANE US, Inc.

Distinguished Apptegy

Diamond ClassLink ClassWallet Cognia

Platinum AAMSCO Architecture Plus, Inc. C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC DotCom Therapy, Inc. Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC Legacy Construction Management Lexia Learning Nabholz Construction Corp.

Gold 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

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Executive Viewpoint Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

Merry Legislative Session!

December has arrived! School calendars are filled with concerts, ballgames, and class parties. Your staff and parents have become super busy with shopping and family gatherings. Pretty soon, it will be Christmas, which comes with excitement and gifts! I know you have done tremendous work trying to keep high expectations of learning at school when everyone is wide-eyed and amped up about all things Christmas. Christmas music has taken over one of my favorite radio stations, B98.5. I will tune back in around January because I'm not too fond of Christmas music, but I like Christmas movies. I watch Die Hard and It's a Wonderful Life every year. We have just completed a semester of learning, and I am grateful we have done this without significant interruptions like we have dealt with in years past. It will be time to rest and enjoy your family and the holidays. Hopefully, Cousin Eddie will not be there to visit as you celebrate the season.

As you know, we will have plenty of work waiting for us when we return in January. The 94th General Assembly will convene on January 9th to take care of the business of Arkansas. We know from various news sources and social media posts that education will be a hot topic during this session. In some ways, it is good that more and more people are interested in improving student outcomes. On the other hand, problematic legislation happens when educators are not part of the conversation. Assumptions, philosophies and theory are easy to articulate and identify as solutions to problems but often fall short in the practical setting. We have several policymakers that want educators at the table when decisions are made. Our school leaders must ensure that relationships are being built now to enable communication and opportunities for feedback as a policy is crafted. We will have some that do not seek feedback and file bills that may have several issues for us as educators. We will have to work together to deal with these types of bills as they arise. Everyone comes from a place of trying to improve education, and that should be our common ground. We might not agree on every idea put out there, but communication and respect are how we work to a resolution.

We will begin our AAEA Legislative Committee meetings at AAA on January 18th. Three committees will review each bill and recommend a position to the AAEA Board for ratification. Dr. Jared Cleveland and Mrs. Jamie Stacks will chair the Finance/Facilities committee. Dr. Stephanie Nehus and Mr. Luke Lovins will chair the Curriculum/ Assessment committee. Dr. Bryan Duffie and Mr. Deric Owens will chair the Governance/Retirement committee.

We are very grateful to all the committee members that have agreed to serve.

All members are welcome to attend the general meetings that will be held after committee times. The committees are scheduled to start at 1:30 pm, and the general meetings will be held at 3 pm. These times are subject to change based on when House and Senate committees set their agendas. We will have some options to zoom as we did during the last session in 2021. We have had a few pre-filed bills, and they should begin showing up on our bill tracker. Several other items of information are on our website. You can find out who your local legislative contacts are by clicking on the Menu tab and finding the heading labeled "Advocacy." Weekly reports from each committee can be found by clicking here. Most of the links require your membership login to access. If you need help logging in, contact Marty Smith at m.smith@theaaea.org or call 501-372-1691.

We have much to celebrate this season and much to look forward to in the new year. I am hopeful that the new administration of Governor-Elect Sarah Huckabee Sanders and a lot of new faces in the legislature will put students and education first as they propose policy. If education is a high priority, we all must be willing to listen and engage in the new policy ideas presented. None of us are satisfied with where we are in education and we all want to do whatever it takes to improve. My good friend Jon Laffoon recently shared this on social media. "Stay humble and learn. Don't think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow. Leaders must remain students of their work as learning and improvement go hand-in-hand." As we go into the new year and beyond, we all need this mindset.

Thank you all for a wonderful first semester and for what you do for the kids. Merry Christmas to all, and please bring back my normal B98.5!

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President’s Perspective Brian Kirkendoll, AAEA Board President

Educating and Leading with Joy Fall decorations, cooking for Thanksgiving, Christmas decorations, and overspending on Christmas presents are some of the obligatory things we do during the holidays. Some people love decorating and preparing, while others may feel the need to do so, but do not really enjoy the events. Sitting in church recently I made a connection with our daily life in education to what Paul wrote in Thessalonians. The citizens of Thessalonica often grew weary of hard work and went about living as a daily routine causing them to live anxiously.

A connection can be made in our lives as educators as well. The recent release of school report cards has undoubtedly created anxiety and in some cases anger with school leaders. Educators are working hard all across the state of Arkansas and want to be successful academically. However, we can get so blinded by all the requirements and obligatory events that we forget the difference we can make with people. Educators are still a positive force in society and get up every day to faithfully lead our children.

Just as Paul led and taught the people of Thessalonica, we can teach our students and teachers. We can still encourage the timid, test everything that is taught, avoid evil, be patient, help the weak, and support one another with joy. I hope you still have joy for what you do and find joy in the holiday season.

Thank you for loving our state and its educators.

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 •

EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panel Series: - Planning and Sustaining Technology Innovations: Aligning Priorities, Costs, and Outcomes

•

CoSN Data Privacy Resources - CoSN Data Privacy Self-Assessment - Infographic: School System Jobs and Their Impact on Student Data

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Privacy Building a Trusted Learning Environment: Understanding the Leadership Practice

- Trusted Learning from the Ground Up: Fundamental Data Governance Policies and Procedures

•

CoSN Membership 4

Asked & Answered Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director

While "TIPS'' has been in Arkansas since 2005 as an option for public schools to use in the purchasing process, questions have increased dramatically during the "ESSER" era. Essentially, TIPS allows schools to save time and, in some cases, money without the delay and expense of developing bid documents and going through that process which can be quite lengthy.

The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) is a national purchasing cooperative that offers access to competitively procured purchasing contracts. TIPS, established in 2003, is housed at and managed by the Region 8 Education Service Center located in Pittsburg, Texas. However, TIPS has legislative authority to establish contracts for government, non-profit, and education agencies nationwide. Arkansas law allows for public schools to use a purchasing agreement established by another governmental entity (i.e. TIPS).

Currently TIPS does business in all 50 states.

To become a member of TIPS, there is an application (called an Interlocal Agreement) found on the TIPS website. Membership applications are typically processed within 24 hours.

Another frequently asked question regarding TIPS is regarding purchasing goods and services using federal funds. Here's a document with information and guidance on this issue.

In closing, just a caution that it's easy for a vendor to say they are a TIPS vendor. Verify this by going to the TIPS website where they have a list of current contracts and TIPS vendors, by state. Trust but verify, right?

If you have questions for Mike, email him at m.mertens@theaaea.org.

Benefits Corner Lung Cancer Submitted by Anna Roussel, Creative Writer, Educational Benefits In 2019, the CDC reported that 53 new lung and bronchus cancer cases were reported for every 100,000 people in the United States. In Arkansas, 72.9 cases were reported for every 100,000 people. As the third most common cancer in the United States, it is important to take necessary steps in preventing your chances of lung cancer.

The American Cancer Society lists several possible risk factors of lung cancer, including but not limited to: tobacco smoke, secondhand smoke, and exposure to radon or asbestos. These are factors within our control, and the elimination of them in our daily lives can mean the difference between a diagnosis or healthy lungs. Other causes, such as air pollution or a family history of lung cancer, are out of our control.

When experiencing symptoms such as extreme chest pain, hoarseness, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath, the American Cancer Society encourages practicing caution and speaking with your doctor. While these symptoms can be caused by something else, it’s important to get treated for whatever is causing them right away. Get ahead of the cancer before it gets ahead of you, and start considering adding cancer insurance to your benefits package to ensure peace of mind in every circumstance.

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AAEA

On a Role!

Melanie Thrasher Business Analyst

Learn more about AAEA Staff and the roles they serve!

Melanie Thrasher started at AAEA during June of 2021. She contributes to the AAEA team through projects like the Beginning Administrator Induction Program and AAEA Corporate Sponsorship, as well as sending out upcoming grant opportunities, helping organize conferences, and various other duties.

Before her time at AAEA, Melanie worked as the office administrator for the North Arkansas District Church of the Nazarene. She graduated with a degree in Business Analytics from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in the spring of 2022.

Melanie says her favorite thing about working at AAEA are the opportunities to serve school administrators across our state. “It feels encouraging to be able to support the work and lives of administrators that greatly impact the education outcomes across the state,” she says. “I really enjoy the opportunities available through AAEA to participate in conferences and classes that trailblaze hot topics and technology in education. As a product of Arkansas public education, I find encouragement in being a small portion of the effort to advance the education and opportunities of Arkansas students.”

In her time off, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, Hunter, and their dog, Winston. She also enjoys serving her church and community, baking delicious desserts, and crocheting.

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Administrator Spotlight:

Dr. Jake Long

Superintendent, Mountain Home School District Dr. Jake Long says he was led to a profession in education due to his own awesome educational experience. Once he started his career, he says his opportunities for leadership happened at an accelerated pace. "I taught industrial arts and coached for three years, served as a building administrator for two years, served as an assistant superintendent for two years, and I am in my eighth year as superintendent at Mountain Home Public Schools."

Dr. Long describes his favorite part about his job as "seeing the fruits of our labor in students, staff, and the community." The most challenging aspect, he says, is "the increasing academic challenges, period...COVID-19 changed everything. I don’t feel like we have any precedence for any of the battles we have faced on so many different levels: academics, student and staff wellness, teacher recruitment and retention, workforce needs, finance, and politics." Those considering a similar career should know that it's tough work, but he also believes there's never been a more critical time for leaders to step into these roles. "It amazes me what the right people in the right positions can accomplish!”

As far as his future plans, Dr. Long isn’t going anywhere, saying in five years he sees himself as the superintendent of Mountain Home Public Schools. One of his goals is to continue to extend CTE opportunities and "weave them into everything [the district does]," and perhaps one day expanding the 8-12 charter school to a K-12 charter with a workforce development focus. He says, “Our district has been on the state and national radar for decades because of our work with career academies, but I still see a lot of opportunity to really deepen our CTE focus across all grade levels. We’ve gone to a districtwide Pathways model, so we’re headed in the right direction."

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with

If I wasn't in education, I would be working in healthcare.

How would your co-workers describe you?

I asked some co-workers to answer this, because I really wasn’t sure. They said they would describe me as focused, motivated, and transparent. One co-worker said that I stand up for what I believe in but I’m not closed off to the idea that other perspectives exist.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Develop and solidify your courage, integrity, and diplomacy skills.

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

I became a superintendent at 31 years old. I am also a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed as a teenager.

What have you done that you are most proud of?

My wife and I have two sons, and we were not supposed to be able to have children. There’s nothing I’m more proud of than my family.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

Spending time with my family on our family farm.

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

I want people to say, “he was a good Christian man.”

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

Membership in this organization has been a fantastic avenue for forming relationships.

Everything we do in this business is about relationships.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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JAN

Superintendents!

Register Now! Curriculum & Instruction!

Register Now! 9

Register Now! Technology Leaders!

UPCOMING EVENTS

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FEB

School Business Officials!

Register Now! 10

FEB EVENTS

|

Personnel Administrators!

Register Now!

Compliance Connection Newly Released: IRS Changed Affordability Rules for Families Submitted by Ginger Huff, Arkansas State Manager, American Fidelity Assurance Co. Employee Impacts Marketplace affordability calculation to change When family members apply for financial help to purchase Marketplace coverage, the affordability determination will now be based on the total cost the employee pays to cover both the employee and their family. Previously, it was based only on the cost for an employee’s own coverage. This change is effective for 2023 tax years and beyond.

Increased access to affordable family coverage options This, together with the increased subsidies through 2025 under the Inflation Reduction Act, will increase access to affordable family health insurance on the Marketplace.

More choice brings more complexity Employees who choose to drop employer-based family coverage in favor of Marketplace options will need to track costs under each policy separately. For example, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums apply on a per-policy basis and will not coordinate. This leads to new deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums at the 11

time of coverage change. Provider networks may be different, too.

Employer Impacts ACA reporting stays the same for now The final regulations promise that employer reporting using Forms 1095-C and 1094-C will not change. In addition, the safe harbors used to report the affordability of the lowest premium single coverage offered to employees remain the same. Employers should continue to diligently plan and prepare for 2022 ACA reporting, due in early 2023. A separate rule also recently adopted clarifies minimum value coverage must include hospital and physician services.

Expect more Marketplace employer notices The White House estimates that nearly one million Americans may now see their coverage become more affordable. If Marketplace applications increase overall, employers should prepare for the possibility of an increase in the volume of eligibility determination notices and related administrative hassle.

Read the full article on the American Fidelity Blog

Over the Top Solar Energy: Could It Be Right For Your School?

Submitted by Deveny Cay Wells, Editor, Coryell Roofing & Construction Teacher compensation is critical to learning and is often a deciding factor in a school district's ability to attract and retain exceptional educators. Yet, energy costs, second only to salaries in a district's budget, often prohibit schools from increasing teachers' salaries.

Today, 1 in 10 schools in the U.S. have turned to solar energy for budget relief. This represents a threefold increase since 2015, made possible in large part because of a dramatic drop in the cost of solar energy and attractive financing options that help schools realize immediate savings.

In the last decade, the cost of solar panels has dropped 65%. Improvements in manufacturing techniques have led to lighter, more compact panels that not only require fewer materials to produce but also take less time to install. The internet has also helped reduce soft costs such as marketing and customer acquisition. Savings in manufacturing, installation, and marketing are passed on to customers.

In addition, more attractive financing options are available. Power Purchase Agreements, or PPAs, allow solar companies to finance, install, and maintain solar arrays for school districts and other tax-exempt organizations.

School districts can pay the solar company for stable, low-cost electricity for no upfront cost and immediate budget relief. The Arkansas legislature passed Act 494 in 2019, paving the way for Arkansas schools to finance solar energy through PPAs. The number of solar schools has doubled in Arkansas in the last few years. Next month, we will feature solar schools in Arkansas and across the nation that are reaping the budget benefits of improved solar technology and financing options. Until then, Coryell Roofing is more than ready to answer any additional questions you might have about solar energy for your facility. Give us a call!

A Breath of Fresh Air Readout of the White House Summit on Improving Indoor Air Quality Submitted by Ashley Creviston, Protect Ed In addition to new, updated COVID-19 vaccines and lifesaving treatments, improving indoor air quality within the buildings we use every day is an essential part of the Biden Administration’s plan to manage COVID-19 this fall and winter. As people spend more time indoors this fall and winter, contagious viruses like COVID-19 can spread more easily. The Administration has called on business and school leaders to take key steps to improve indoor air quality in their buildings as a key way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

On October 11, the White House hosted a Summit on Improving Indoor Air Quality, bringing together public health and ventilation experts, private sector and education leaders, and other stakeholders to highlight the benefits of improved indoor air quality in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, showcase schools and businesses that are leading the way in making improvements, and underscore the importance of all building operators doing their part.

Administration officials also highlighted some additional steps we are taking to advance indoor air quality in buildings across the nation:

Encouraging businesses and organizations around the country in taking the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge: Earlier this year, the Administration launched the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge with a clear set of recommendations all building owners and operations can follow to improve indoor air quality. This Summit featured a discussion with private sector leaders representing Salesforce, Silverstein Properties, and Capital One Arena/Monumental Sports on the actions outlined within the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge they have taken to improve indoor air quality across their buildings. Additionally, the Administration launched a new website – WhiteHouse.Gov/CleanIndoorAir – where businesses and other organizations can learn more about the Challenge and pledge their commitment to improving indoor air quality in their buildings. In recognition of their commitments, those who sign up will receive a digital “badge” that they can use to share their pledge publicly with their employees, customers, and communities on social media, in their storefronts, and beyond.

Read the full release here 12

$$$$$$$$$$$$$ SALARY SURVEY School Year

Superintendent

High School Principal

Elementary Principal

1996-97

60,438

48,402

46,654

1997-98

61,444

49,603

47,826

1998-99

63,523

51,136

49,353

1999-00

66,626

53,012

51,172

2000-01

69,827

55,248

53,567

2001-02

72,647

57,808

56,079

2002-03

75,067

59,525

57,817

2003-04

77,529

61,536

59,764

2004-05

87,180

67,869

65,407

2005-06

89,755

69,117

67,147

2006-07

94,514

70,622

65,095

2007-08

96,871

71,601

66,148

2008-09

98,794

74,178

72,187

2009-10

99,734

74,251

72,940

2010-11

102,783

75,120

73,904

2011-12

104,477

75,378

74,704

2012-13

106,502

76,205

75,940

2013-14

107,910

78,049

76,555

2014-15

109,499

78,087

76,370

2015-16

111,984

79,892

78,600

2016-17

113,712

81,303

80,122

2017-18

115,635

82,190

80,570

2018-19

116,668

83,463

81,146

2019-20

119,041

84,238

82542

2020-21

121,888

85,705

83,495

2021-22

124,603

86,924

84,494

2022-23

128,432

89,005

86,258

2022

A total of 219 school districts participated in the annual AAEA survey of salaries for school administrators and classroom teachers for the 2022-23 school year. The survey was conducted September through December.

Data from 2021-22 is used for those districts that did not respond to AAEA’s request for current year data.

The average salaries for various categories of state school administrators and classroom teachers, grouped by school district size, are shown in the tables on page 16. National salary data comes from two sources: AASA (the School Superintendents Association) and NEA (National Education Association). AASA’s data on superintendent salaries represent a small sample of school districts nationwide.

Continued on next page 13

$$$$$$$$$$$$$ SALARY SURVEY

2022

Enrollment

Superintendent

Deputy/Asst.

Superintendent

Business Manager

High School Principal

Asst. HS Principal

Above 4,000

216,086

132,766

122,147

114,451

89,895

3,000-3,999

183,031

119,298

86,662

104,604

85,459

2,000-2,999

147,184

101,201

70,641

92,570

75,580

1,000-1,999

123,553

95,495

56,946

84,942

71,403

500-999

108,632

84,070

50,205

82,124

69,100

Below 500

98,997

-

46,262

76,659

65,594

State Average

128,432

115,009

61,653

89,005

82,981

Enrollment

Jr. High/ Middle Principal

Elementary Principal

Asst. Elem.

Principal

Special Ed. Supervisor

Classroom Teacher

Above 4,000

99,209

94,649

80,779

99,436

58,836

3,000-3,999

92,457

87,939

75,559

93,197

53,284

2,000-2,999

87,005

86,236

70,682

83,166

50,806

1,000-1,999

81,521

80,404

68,734

75,866

48,300

500-999

80,868

77,064

67,969

70,425

47,318

Below 500

-

74,261

64,511

65,579

45,335

State Average

89,879

86,258

76,935

81,534

53,275

State Salaries compiled by AAEA Research - December 2022 Continued on next page 14

$$$$$$$$$$$$$ SALARY SURVEY Superintendents Average salary increased from $124,603 in 2021-22 to $128,432 this year.

• National median for districts less than 1,000 ADM - $125,000 • Districts 1,000-3,000 ADM - $145,000 • Districts 3,000- 5,000 ADM $172,500 • Districts 5,000- 10,000 ADM $193,757

2022

Classroom Teachers Average salary increased from $52,452 in 2021-22 to $53,275 this year.

• National average for 2020-21 was $65,293 • Estimated national average for 2021-22 is $66,432 Source: NEA

Source: AASA Partial Survey of Districts Nationwide

Additional Information for 2022-2023 •

Average beginning hourly rate of pay for bus drivers: $20.28

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Average salary for technology coordinators: $60,351

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Average salary for federal coordinators: $81,735

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Average beginning daily rate of pay for substitute teachers: $86.47

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77% of districts responding to the survey reported they outsourced substitute teacher services.

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28% of districts responding to the survey reported they outsourced cafeteria services.

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60 districts responding to the survey reported they outsourced at least a portion of custodial services.

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52 districts responding to the survey reported offering financial incentives for recruitment/ retention of hard-to-fill positions, up from 33 last year.

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Regarding unfilled positions, districts reported the following (state totals): • Teachers - 229 • Custodians - 152 • Bus Drivers - 210 • Food Service - 161 • Paraprofessionals - 231

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Awards John Sullivan Certified Educational Technology Leader TEL-AR attended a Searcy school board meeting in November and presented John Sullivan a certificate for completing the CETL certification program. The Certified Educational Technology Leader credential is the only accredited practice-based certification program available to education technology leaders that bridges technical knowledge and support resources needed to integrate technology across the curriculum. Congratulations to John and the Searcy Schools on this accomplishment!

Patricia Athey AAESP Assistant Principal of the Year Patricia Athey, Assistant Principal at JB Hunt Elementary School in the Springdale School District, was recently named the 2022 Arkansas Association of Elementary School Principals (AAESP) Assistant Principal of the Year. Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director, and Dr. Jared Cleveland, Superintendent of Springdale School District, presented Mrs. Athey with the award at her school on December 5.

Congratulations, Mrs. Athey!

Jason Reeves AASSP Assistant Principal of the Year Jason Reeves, Assistant Principal of Alma High School in the Alma School District, was recently named the Arkansas Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Assistant Principal of the Year.

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director, and Dr. Bryan Duffie, Superintendent of Alma School District, presented Mr. Reeves with the award during a school assembly on December 6, 2022.

Congratulations, Mr. Reeves!

Scholarships Available!

AAEA and our Constituent Groups are proud every year to offer a number of scholarships to students in Arkansas. Applications are available online at theaaea.org/page/scholarships.

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Publication Sneak Peek: The Cutting Edge This segment features content from other AAEA publications. The Cutting Edge is a monthly publication available to AACTEA members. The following excerpt comes from the December 2022 issue.

UA-Little Rock Receives NSA Grant for Cybersecurity The University of Arkansas at Little Rock recently received a $800,000 grant from the National Security Agency (NSA) to expand a national cybersecurity education program for teachers, as well as develop a standardized curriculum to build pathways for cybersecurity education between high schools and colleges. Through the grant UA-Little Rock will help expand the National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy (NCTA), create a free cybersecurity education course for teachers, and update guidelines used to accredit college cybersecurity programs.

The Teaching Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate prepares high school teachers to offer advanced placement courses in cybersecurity. Teachers receive instruction in a nationally recognized cybersecurity curriculum and foundational cybersecurity principles. NCTA will also work to have the introductory High School Cybersecurity Curriculum Guidelines officially recognized by state educators, which will create a standardized curriculum and pathway between high school and college cybersecurity education courses.

The grant aims to fill the workforce gap of qualified cybersecurity professionals that are needed to fill hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country. The initial two-year grant comes with an option for a third year with an additional nearly $400,000 in funding, which would bring the total grant amount to nearly $1.2 million.

Fayetteville CTE Students Excel Congratulations to the Woodland Junior High School Robotics teams for their success at the recent Fayetteville Fall Open. Three teams took home 4 awards, including the VEX Robotics IQ Tournament Champion, Robot Skills Champion, Design Award, and Overall Excellence Award. All three teams have now qualified to compete at Arkansas Tech University in March for the State Championship.

Fayetteville FFA President and Fayetteville HS senior Lily K. was recently presented with her Certified Veterinary Assistant certificate. Lily earned her certification last month through the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. Successful applicants are required to complete the Certified Veterinarian Assistants program, which consists of 200 hours of hands-on laboratory instruction, demonstrations, and other interactive learning activities, as well as a 300-hour apprenticeship in a vet clinic. They are also required to score at least 70% on the certification examination. The Veterinary Science Apprenticeship program at FHS educates veterinary assistant students in the essential skills and knowledge needed to become effective contributors as veterinary assistants to the veterinary medical care team. FHS is one of the few high schools in the state to offer both this rigorous program and certification.

Survey of Business students at Fayetteville High School have been earning their Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in Microsoft Word industry certification. Microsoft Office certification is considered the #1 desired "hard skill" by employers in Northwest Arkansas. Students in these classes will have the opportunity to earn additional MOS certifications in Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Interested in more from The Cutting Edge? Contact our office at 501-372-1691.

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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 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 Marty Smith, Member Relations Manager, at m.smith@theaaea.org or at 501-372-1691.

Openings District Name Pocahontas School District

Position Superintendent

Lamar School District

Superintendent

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

Human Resources/Student Services Specialist

Atkins Public Schools

Transportation Director

Fort Smith School District

Director of Adult Education Center

Ozark School District

Superintendent

Marion School District

Assistant Superintendent of Operations

Blevins School District

Elementary Principal

Little Rock School District

Assistant Director – Child Nutrition

Bauxite School District

Elementary Assistant Principal

Palestine-Wheatley School District

Superintendent 18

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