The Administrator Newsletter - July 2023

VOLUME 49 • ISSUE 1 J U LY 2 0 2 3

THE

ADMINISTRATOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES

A FRESH START

Dr. Hernandez examines the new opportunities lying ahead as a new year begins.

New AAEA President Dr. Karla Neathery makes her introduction and looks ahead to the coming school year.

Executive Viewpoint

President’s Perspective

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Page 4

Executive Viewpoint • P. 3 President’s Perspective • P. 4 CoSN Update • P. 4 Asked & Answered • P. 5 AAEA: On a Role! • P. 5 Over the Top • P. 6 Compliance Connection • P. 6

ADMINISTRATOR SPOTLIGHT: CAROL SKIBA In the Spotlight this month is Carol Skiba, Principal at Stagecoach Elementary in the Cabot School District.

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Administrator Spotlight • P. 7 Awards • P. 9 Benefits Corner • P. 9 Upcoming Events • P. 10 Publication Sneak Peek • P. 11 Job Openings • P. 13

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

2023 Calendar of Events

July CASBO Certification Classes, July 6-7, 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

Benton Event Center

CFD Certification Classes, July 20, 2023 Powers of Arkansas, North Little Rock

AAEA Summer Conference, July 24-26, 2023

Marriott Hotel and Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock

September AAFC Fall Conference, September 20-22, 2023 Hot Springs Convention Center

ArkASPA HR Bootcamp, September 26, 2023 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock

Sarah Shamburger Business Manager s.shamburger@theaaea.org

October ASPMA Conference, October 2-4, 2023

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

Hot Springs Convention Center

AAGEA Conference, October 4-5, 2023 Benton Event Center

AAEA Fall Conference, October 10, 2023 Melanie Thrasher Business Analyst m.thrasher@theaaea.org

Lana Webb Administrative Specialist l.webb@theaaea.org

Benton Event Center

CASBO Certification Classes, October 24-25, 2023 Four Points by Sheraton, Little Rock

November AACTEA Conference, November 9, 2023 Delta Marriott, Little Rock

Rachel Blocker Administrative Assistant r.blocker@theaaea.org

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

2023-2024 AAEA Board of Directors Dr. Karla Neathery AAEA President Superintendent, Sheridan

Stacy DeFoor AAEA President-Elect Assistant Superintendent, Benton

Charles Warren AAEA Board Secretary Chief Financial Officer, Fort Smith

Brian Kirkendoll AAEA Past President Principal, Alma

Dr. Andrea Martin AASA President Superintendent, Greenland

Kelvin Gragg AASA President-Elect Assistant Superintendent, Pine Bluff

Dr. Debbie Bruick-Jones AASA Secretary Superintendent, Bentonville

Shawn Rose AAESP President Principal, Hillcrest

Steven Helmick AAESP President-Elect Principal, Little Rock

Carol Skiba AAESP Past President Principal, Cabot

Amy Marek AASSP President Principal, Hazen

Jason Reeves AASSP President-Elect Assistant Principal, Alma

Matt Ziegler AASSP Past President Principal, Riverside

Rebecca Rosburg ArkASPA President Assistant Superintendent for HR/Federal Programs, Hot Springs

Lisa Hotsenpiller AACTEA President Director of Career & Technical Education, Fayetteville

Dr. Dana Brown AAFC President Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Mountain Home

Kelsey Bailey AASBO President Chief Financial Officer, Little Rock

Melody Crane AASBO Past President Business Manager/District Treasurer, Hector

Valerie King AAGEA President Director of Gifted Programs, Siloam Springs

Natalie Gosdin Ellen Phipps AASEA President AACIA President Director of Special Education, Curriculum Director, Ouachita Searcy

Craig Dupuy Greg Collins Jason Brunner ASPMA President (until Oct) ASPMA President (begin Oct) AAMLA President Superintendent, Cleveland Maintenance/Facilities Assistant Principal, Bentonville County Supervisor, Dover Jarod Morrison Tel-AR President Director of Maintenance/ Technology, Farmington

Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director

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. School Responder Solution Tree, Inc.

Distinguished

Apptegy Capturing Kids’ Hearts Lexia Learning Pearson Virtual Schools

Diamond

Allovue Arkansas Public Safety Solutions Baldwin & Shell ClassWallet

Diamond (Continued)

Defined Learning Edmentum Education Elements Energy Systems Group ESS First Security Beardsley Imagine Learning Middleton, Inc. OnToCollege SmartData Dashboard Stephens, Inc. Tanium White River Services and Solutions Winsor Learning

Platinum

AAMSCO Architecture Plus, Inc. C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC Cromwell Architects Engineers DotCom Therapy, Inc. Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC Legacy Construction Management Nabholz Construction Corp.

Platinum (Continued)

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

Gold

CDI Contractors Cynergy Rehab Group Goalbook Houghton Mifflin Harcourt IXL Learning Kinco Constructors, LLC Phoenix Contractors, LLC Red Comet TIPS - The Interlocal Purchasing System Zaner-Bloser

Silver Adleta American Bus Sales, Inc. Correll, Inc. French Architects, PA Hight-Jackson Associates, PA SEAS 2

Executive Viewpoint Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES June is typically my favorite month of the summer break because my mind gets a brief reprieve from the constant churning about all things concerning schools. I love the education field. There is always an opportunity to be learning and growing. If you find yourself stagnant, you need to refocus and look for growth opportunities. I recently attended the PLC Institute breakfast and heard from several districts about their progress over the past few years in growing their knowledge and honing their skills as educators and leaders. It is plain to see that we have significant work going on in our state and people that care deeply about their students. Let’s not forget that we are all in this together.

On the other hand, July is the time to turn the page on the past year and focus on the upcoming year.

Typically, educators are getting in their latest data and finishing up any last-minute hires. Identification of successes and shortcomings are the topics that dominate the month as plans are made for staffing placement and student rosters. The angst of summer slipping away is replaced with the excitement of future challenges. There are certainly exciting times ahead in the world of education and new ways to operate. We must strive to make good on the promises of delivering an excellent education to our students and families.

Understanding all the issues outside of the school building and classroom is essential but less important than what happens in the classroom. There will be many things that can distract you from your ultimate mission of serving our students. Don’t let that happen. Naysayers will be there, but there are also countless Arkansans that believe in your mission and will be there to support you along the way.

Education is on the rise in Arkansas. I think we are heading for some excellent outcomes for our communities. I recently watched the movie Unbroken. One of the quotes that stuck out to me was, “A lifetime of glory is worth a moment of pain.” Anything that causes anxiety or trepidation is temporary and shows you care about your actions. It will get better, and we will be better educators for working through whatever challenges come our way.

One of my most significant moments of anxiety is when I review the list of retirees each summer. I must admit that I get very sad about losing our best and brightest educators in retirement. How do we replace them? Where is that new talent and knowledge base going to come from? These are questions I often ask myself. We have been fortunate to recharge and reload our talent pool and will be successful in the future, but the outgoing educators will be missed. One, in particular, is Dr. Ivy Pfeffer. I have had the privilege of working with her directly or indirectly for almost ten years. When I started working at the Arkansas Department of Education, I remembered her as that person who always dressed well. It did not take me long to learn her name and see her tremendous work ethic. She quickly became a top leader in our state and always had a mindset of serving students and setting high expectations for others. When you thought she could not be more impressive, we had a pandemic. She was the first to take up the challenge of helping our schools and working ridiculous hours to learn new things. She was one of several that shined as a leader during a tragedy and gained the respect of everyone. Dr. Pfeffer would run into any burning building to save someone, and we are all the better for having her involved in Arkansas education. Please be sure to congratulate her on her recent retirement.

Well, it is time to get focused on the upcoming year. It will be one to remember, and I am glad you all are leading the way. See you at the Summer Conference!

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President’s Perspective Dr. Karla Neathery, AAEA Board President

A FRESH START Hello AAEA, I would like to introduce myself and tell you how honored and excited I am to serve Arkansas administrators and the AAEA. I am beginning my second year as the superintendent of the Sheridan School District. I served as superintendent of the Arkadelphia School District three years prior. I have also served as a principal, assistant principal, curriculum director and assistant superintendent in the Benton and Bryant School Districts. I taught at Salem Elementary and Collegeville Elementary in Bryant prior to entering administration 24 years ago. My husband, Scott, and I have been married for 30 years and have two children, Morgan Neathery Ward and Ty Neathery.

Make it a great year, the choice is yours Welcome to the 2023-2034 academic year, where possibilities abound, and fresh opportunities await.

As summer break comes to an end, it's time to embark on a journey of learning, growth and success. This is your chance for a fresh start, a chance to set goals, and a chance to make this year your best one yet.

Whether you are an administrator, teacher, or parent, this is a time filled with anticipation and excitement. It's a time to embrace new challenges, build meaningful relationships, and discover the vast potential that lies within you. Get ready to ignite the spark of enthusiasm and pave the way for a successful year ahead. Let's dive in together and explore the motivational back to school messages that will set the tone for an extraordinary adventure. Make it a great year, the choice is yours!

On behalf of the AAEA board, I invite you all to the 2023 AAEA Summer Conference, July 24-26. This three day conference is a perfect opportunity to network and grow professionally. Thank you for all you do for students, staff, and educators across our state. Hope this is your best year yet!

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 • AI and Generative AI • EmpowerED Superintendents Critical Focus Issue One-Pager on “Artificial Intelligence & Generative AI” • Artificial intelligence in K-12 Primer • CoSN AI Web Page • EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panel Series • Introducing edWeb Voice, edWeb.net's Online Magazine • CoSN Membership 4

Asked & Answered Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director The question was, "I am looking at purchasing a new vehicle for my district. Where can I get the state bid list? If a company can be at or under the state bid list can I purchase the vehicle without taking bids?"

Here's a link to the 2023 State Vehicle Contract.

The answer to the second part of the question is "yes." Under Arkansas law, A.C.A. § 6-21-307, school districts may purchase a new motor vehicle from a motor vehicle dealer if the purchase price does not exceed the fleet price awarded by the Office of State Procurement.

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

AAEA

On a Role!

Mike Mertens

Learn more about AAEA Staff and the roles they serve!

This month’s featured staff member likely needs no introduction - Mike Mertens has worked for AAEA for 15 years as the Assistant Executive Director. Prior to joining AAEA, he spent 37 years in Arkansas education working in the Des Arc, Bryant, and Greenbrier school districts.

Mike works directly with our AACTEA, ASPMA, and TEL-AR constituent groups. He sends out the Daily News email blast, assists with the Our Two Cents publication, and gathers news articles for the AACTEA newsletter, The Cutting Edge. He also develops the annual administrator salary survey report, coordinates the required training and mentoring activities in the New Superintendent Mentoring Program, and assists the Executive Director in lobbying efforts and in providing leadership, coordination, and development of association activities. Mike additionally assists the AAEA staff in the operation of statewide conferences, workshops and certification classes. He says, “I am always available to answer any questions our members have in areas such as ethics, bidding laws, and school law.”

When not in the office, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Margie, and their kids and grandkids. He says, “Margie and I love to go to the movies and we have league bowled for 25 years. We also love spending time with our kids, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandsons, with another one on the way!”

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Over the Top Cool Technology for “Hot as a Firecracker” Days Submitted by Deveny Coryell, Editor, Coryell Roofing & Construction Well, it’s July and hot as a firecracker in Arkansas, with air conditioning units working overtime to keep inside temperatures comfortable. If soaring utility bills are making you sweat, you may want to consider a cool roof—one that has both solar reflectance and thermal emittance.

A Cool Roof Has Solar Reflectance - This means that the roof’s surface material or coating is designed to highly reflect solar rays. The greatest degree of solar reflectance is achieved with white or light-colored surface materials.

On a 90-degree day, a dark roof surface, especially a dark metal surface, can heat to 190 degrees and take hours to cool after the sun has set. The built-up heat then penetrates the roof’s surface and radiates into the building.

On the other hand, a white or light-colored roof surface can reflect 60% to 90% of the solar rays and heat to only 9 degrees above the air temperature. For example, a DuroLast white membrane reflects up to 90% of the sun’s rays, keeping the roof’s surface 50 to 80 degrees cooler than darker roof surfaces.

A Cool Roof Has Thermal Remittance - Solar heat that is not reflected is absorbed by the roof. Cool roofs are designed to readily release this absorbed heat, keeping the roof surface and building temperatures cooler. This is referred to as thermal remittance. While many roofing materials have a high degree of thermal remittance, the degree of remittance must be measured and a high degree of remittance achieved for a roof to qualify as a cool roof.

A roofing specialist can educate you about materials that qualify.

Cool roof options for almost every roof type are available: single-ply membranes, modified bitumen, metal retrofits, etc. The Coryell Roofing team is knowledgeable in cool roof options and trained to run energy efficiency reports that calculate the rough energy savings you could realize by installing a “cool roof system.” Until next month, all the folks at Coryell Roofing send wishes for a relaxing and refreshing summer for Arkansas administrators. Stay cool!

Compliance Connection The SECURE Act 2.0: What’s Changing?

Submitted by Ginger Huff, Arkansas State Manager, American Fidelity Assurance Co. On December 29, 2022, SECURE 2.0 offered a follow-up set of provisions to the previously passed SECURE Act. These updates provide several changes over the next few years, mostly involving 403(b) and 457(b) plans. They are designed to make retirement savings more accessible, dependable and help create a more robust retirement system. Here are a few provisions already in effect or that will change soon.

not be subject to the 10% withdrawal penalty.

• An emergency declared by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is automatically a qualified event.

• A retirement plan may allow participants to self-certify they meet eligibility for specified hardship withdrawal reason from a 403(b) plan or specified unforeseeable withdrawal reason in a governmental 457(b) plan.

2023: • Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age increased from 72 to 73.

• The penalty for failing to take an RMD decreased from 50% to 25%.

• The three-year eligibility rule for long-term, part-time employees is reduced to two years and is extended to 403(b) plans.

• Under 401(k), 403(b) or governmental 457(b) plans, employers may allow employees to designate their vested matching and nonelective contributions as posttax Roth contributions.

• If participants repay birth and adoption distributions, those must be paid within three years of the distribution date.

• Distributions for participants with a terminal illness will

2024: • Under 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b) plans, employers can treat student loan payments as elective deferrals.

• Participants above a certain income level making catch-up contributions will be required to designate them as post-tax Roth contributions.

• Victims of domestic abuse may withdraw $10,000 or 50% of their account balance, whichever is less, penalty-free.

• Participants with unused 529 accounts that have been in existence for 15 years or longer, can transfer them to a Roth IRA in the name of the 529 beneficiaries.

This is a partial list of all the provisions in SECURE 2.0. For more information on changes, visit our SECURE 2.0 FAQ page.

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Administrator Spotlight:

Carol Skiba

Principal, Stagecoach Elementary, Cabot School District Carol Skiba, Principal at Stagecoach Elementary in the Cabot School District, has been a teacher since childhood. "Even as a little girl, I lined up my stuffed animals and taught school," she says. "When I was eleven years old, my mother sent me to a daycare one summer. The daycare director noticed that I was always reading to the younger children and teaching them how to tie their shoes, so she asked my mother if I could actually work for her instead of being one of the kids in her care! I began working with children at the age of 11 and have been a teacher ever since!" Carol’s professional teaching career started in the North Little Rock School District in 1998 at Pike View Elementary. She says, "I began my career teaching third grade and then moved to first grade the next year. I received my ESL endorsement in 2005 and became National Board Certified in 2008. I moved to the Cabot School District in 2010 and began teaching first grade at Mountain Springs Elementary. During that time, I felt called to work on my masters in Educational Leadership. I became the assistant principal of Eastside Elementary in 2014 and became the proud principal of Stagecoach Elementary in 2019."

Carol says that she looks forward every day to opening car doors and greeting her students by name. However, she says her absolute favorite thing about her job is the relationships that occur within the school community with teachers, students, families, and stakeholders. She says, "I love how we all partner together to make learning an unforgettable experience for our students!"

Carol states that the most challenging part is working with students who have behavior struggles, but says "it is also where I have the opportunity to create a strong bond with a child who needs a caring adult in their life. It requires thinking outside the box to find solutions that work with each student who is struggling. So even though it is quite challenging, it often results in building relationships with students and their families that last a lifetime! There is nothing better in the world than to have a student who was struggling with behavior, come back as an adult who is a successful, contributing member of society!” She says those considering the career should know that "it is the hardest, best job in the world! I truly believe that education is a calling and if you are called, God will equip you to do it. To be able to be a part of a child’s education is definitely one of the most rewarding things you can do with your life!"

Over her career, she says she is most proud of her work with National Board.

"Achieving this certification helped me to look at everything through the lens of student achievement," she says. "I believe in this work because I saw how it changed me into the educator I am today." Her school is working toward being an Arkansas STEM Model School this upcoming year, and she herself is working toward becoming a designated master principal. In five years, she says she'll still be Stagecoach Elementary, stating "I love serving the families and children in the Cabot School District. I have great dreams and plans for this school and can’t wait to see them come to fruition."

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with What is the best advice you have ever received?

I tend to take on a lot of projects and then get overwhelmed with all that I must do. The best piece of advice was given to me by Dr. Carroll at Harding University when I was going through the National Board Certification Process. She said, “You have to eat the elephant one bite at a time.” This helped me to not look at the big picture and think I will never complete this, but to break down tasks and complete them one bite at a time. This advice has served me well, as I have eaten a lot of elephants since then!

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

I am a 200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher! I started practicing yoga as a young adult and in 2020 I pursued certification as a teacher.

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

My uncle was a motorcycle stuntman in the Victor McLaglen Motor Corps. At one of his performances I rode on the shoulders of a stuntman while he drove a motorcycle hands free! It was terrifying and exhilarating and I would NEVER do it again!

What have you done that you are most proud of?

I would have to say my work with National Board Certification is something I am very proud of. Achieving this certification helped me to look at everything through the lens of student achievement. I really put a lot of work into this certification and when I accomplished it, I felt as if I could climb Mt. Everest! I believe in this work because I saw how it changed me into the educator I am today. Because of that belief, I continue to work with teachers who are starting the process of National Board Certification.

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

One of the things on my bucket list is to go on a mission trip. I love to learn about the culture of other countries and would love to be able to go and serve and work with children in a developing nation.

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

I would probably have my own yoga studio and would be serving people in that capacity. Helping people find peace and healing through practicing yoga sounds like a very stress-free way to live!

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

The greatest benefit I have enjoyed through AAEA membership is the networking among educators. I have learned so much from my colleagues in this field. AAEA has given me the opportunity to meet and work with some of the best human beings in the state of Arkansas. Through this membership I have learned to step out of my comfort zone and I have grown in ways I never would have expected.

It has helped me develop into the school leader that I am today!

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Awards Dr. Cathy Riggins AACTEA Administrator of the Year Dr. Cathy Riggins, Assistant Superintendent at the Vilonia School District, has been named the 2023 Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (AACTEA) Administrator of the Year. Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director, presented Dr. Riggins with the award during a school board meeting on June 12. This award is given each year to an Arkansas career and technical education administrator who has succeeded in promoting and enhancing career and technical education in their organization and has been recognized as exhibiting exceptional leadership skills in their community. Congratulations Dr. Riggins!

Benefits Corner Mental Health Part 2 Submitted by Emily Cole, Marketing Coordinator, Educational Benefits Now that summer is here, it’s time to focus on your wellbeing, and that includes making sure your environment promotes serenity and productivity, not anxiety. Here are 2 steps you can take to cultivate your personal space:

creating a specific feeling, like joy, creativity, or peace.

Set Yourself Up for Success •

If you’re struggling with your mental health, just getting through the day can be hard, but there are things you can do to your space to help yourself be more productive and reach your goals.

•

Remove barriers to healthy habits. Try putting your cleaning supplies or chore schedule in sight if you want to be better about keeping things neat, or place fresh fruit on your counter if you want to eat healthier.

Create Comfort •

•

•

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A big part of a mentally healthy living situation is feeling like your space gives you comfort, support, and calming energy. This could look like keeping comfort items around. Your home can also impact your mental health based on colors, natural light, and set-up.

Notice how you feel in different parts of your home. Consider how you can include those elements in other areas of your home that don’t have the same energy.

Personalize your space. Put up photos of you and your loved ones, display your favorite belongings, and decorate with the intention of

Our mental wellness is important, and many factors come into play when it comes to our mental health.

Take some time to look around and make note of your surroundings and look within to see how they might be affecting you.

School Business Officials!

Plant Managers!

The Arkansas School Plant Management Association (ASPMA) has scheduled three Certified Facilities Director classes for July 20, 2023, at the Powers of Arkansas, located at 5440 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118. Classes will only be held in person (livestreaming not available).

All Administrators!

The 2023 AAEA Summer Conference: Building Arkansas's Future Workforce, will feature keynote speakers, over one hundred breakout sessions from inspiring educational leaders, an exhibit hall, and hospitality events. Join administrators from across the state to learn, network, and celebrate what we do to prepare students for the future!

UPCOMING EVENTS | JUL

The Arkansas Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) has scheduled six sessions of certification classes for July 6-7, 2023, at the Benton Event Center in Benton. Attend to learn valuable information and receive updates in public school finance as well as meeting and networking with other school business officials throughout the state.

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Publication Sneak Peek: School Law Review 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 2023 issue.

RECENT COURT DECISIONS: FIRST & FOURTH AMENDMENTS

Mama Bears v. Forsyth Cnty. Schs., U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia (Feb. 21, 2023)

district from enforcing the policy, the district agreed to pay the group over $100,000 in legal fees.

A conservative parent group sued the district alleging that its members’ rights under the 1st Amendment had been violated when a member of the group was banned from attending the district’s board meetings after she insisted on reading sexually explicit material contained in books from the district’s school libraries aloud at a prior meeting.

After the meeting, the board implemented a policy that required speakers to conduct themselves in a “respectful manner” and prohibited speakers from addressing board members individually or acting in a loud or boisterous manner.

Chen v. Albany Unified Sch. Dist., U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Dec. 27, 2022)

After the court entered a consent judgment and injunction against the district preventing the

Two high school students who were suspended for off-campus conduct filed suit claiming the district’s actions violated their rights under First Amendment. The students had made racist posts on an Instagram account. The district moved to dismiss the case because the speech was not protected under the First Amendment because it amounted to bullying other students in violation of district policy and state law.

The district court dismissed the case and the circuit court affirmed, reasoning that it was clear that the speech bore a sufficient nexus to the continued

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district to warrant disciplinary action by the school and that it was reasonably foreseeable that the speech would reach and impact the school. The court also noted that the district had a significant interest in responding to the posts because it could be exposed to potential liability for failing to respond adequately to a racially hostile environment.

Hughes v. Lakota Local Schs., U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Oct. 17, 2022) A resident of the district sued claiming that a board policy prohibiting public comment violated the First Amendment and should be reinstated because the policy denied her and others the access to and participation in the public forum created and established for public comments The court agreed with the resident and ordered the district to rescind the board policy and permit public comment at its meetings.

McElhaney v. Williams, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee (Sept. 8, 2022) A parent who was barred from attending girls’ softball games sued the district on allegations that the ban constituted First Amendment retaliation. The district banned the parent based on his violation of a participation policy which restricted the manner and tone of speech used toward coaches and players and prohibited parent coaching and questioning of athlete playing time and coaching decisions. The parent had sent text messages to the coach of the team his daughter played on which violated the policy

and was suspended from attending games for one week.

The court dismissed the claim, reasoning that the parent’s speech was not protected because it undermined the authority of the coach and his ability to lead the team and his affirmative duty to prevent the harmful effects of disruptions. The court also noted that the parent failed to show any established right to attend games or that any clearly established constitutional right was violated.

Bartnicki v. Scranton Sch. Dist., U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (Sept. 15, 2022) A teacher claimed First Amendment retaliation when he was not assigned to honors classes or hired as the soccer coach. The teacher claimed that the district’s superintendent prevented the assignment and hiring because the teacher had previously publicly criticized the superintendent.

The district moved to dismiss the case by arguing that the superintendent had no direct involvement in the adverse decisions, which were made solely by the school principal.

The lower court dismissed the claim and the circuit court affirmed, stating that the only proof the teacher had of the superintendent’s involvement in the decisions – that when asked by the teacher why he was not assigned to the honors class the principal did not say anything but merely put his hands up and shrugged, implying the teacher was passed over for the position – was not enough to establish the superintendent’s involvement.

Interested in more from School Law Review? 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 ever-increasing 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.

Job Openings

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District

Position

Pulaski County Special School District

Coordinator of Special Education 2023/2024

Decatur School District

Federal Programs Director

Little Rock School District

Construction Manager

North Little Rock School District

Secondary Assistant Principal-NLRMS 7/8th Grade

Huntsville School District

Principal

Siloam Springs School District

Principal

Fort Smith Public Schools

Special Education Coordinator

Huntsville School District

Nutrition Manager

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

Middle School Dean of Students

North Little Rock School District

Elementary Child Nutrition Manager

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

Middle School Assistant Principal

Beebe School District

Beebe School-based Health Center Coordinator

Helena-West Helena School District

Lead Teacher-Student Services

Siloam Springs School District

Assistant Principal

Osceola School District

Middle School Assistant Principal

Graduate Arkansas, Inc.

Special Education Coordinator/Teacher

Fort Smith Public Schools

Elementary Assistant Principal

The AAEA Team

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