The Administrator Newsletter - June 2024

2024 Calendar of Events AAEA Staff

Dr. Mike Hernandez

Executive Director m.hernandez@theaaea.org

Mike Mertens

Assistant Executive Director m.mertens@theaaea.org

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

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

Sarah Shamburger Business Manager s.shamburger@theaaea.org

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

June

School Law and Finance Conference, June 4, 2024

Clarksville High School

AASEA Conference, June 10-11, 2024

Benton Event Center

July

CASBO Classes, July 11-12, 2024

Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, North Little Rock

Certified Facilities Director (CFD) Classes, July 18, 2024

Crowley’s Ridge Education Service Center, Harrisburg

AAEA Summer Conference, July 29-31, 2024

Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock

September

AAFC Fall Conference, September 18-20, 2024

Hot Springs Convention Center

ArkASPA Fall Conference, September 24, 2024

Benton Event Center

October

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

November

AACTEA Conference, November 7, 2024

Benton Event Center

For more information, visit theaaea.org/events.

2023-2024 AAEA Board of Directors

Dr. Karla Neathery

AAEA President Superintendent, Sheridan

Dr. Andrea Martin AASA President Superintendent, Greenland

Steven Helmick AAESP President-Elect Principal, Little Rock

Matt Ziegler AASSP Past President Principal, Riverside

Kelsey Bailey AASBO President Chief Financial Officer, Little Rock

Valerie King AAGEA President Director of Gifted Programs, Siloam Springs

Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director

Stacy DeFoor AAEA President-Elect Assistant Superintendent, Benton

Kelvin Gragg AASA President-Elect AssistantPineSuperintendent, Bluff

Carol Skiba AAESP Past President Principal, Cabot

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

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

Jason Brunner AAMLA President Assistant Principal, Bentonville

Charles Warren AAEA Board Secretary Chief Financial Officer, Fort Smith

Dr. Debbie Bruick-Jones AASA Secretary Superintendent, Bentonville

Amy Marek AASSP President Principal, Hazen

Lisa AACTEAHotsenpiller President Director of Career & Technical Education, Fayetteville

Natalie Gosdin AASEA President Director of Special Education, Searcy

Greg Collins ASPMA President (begin Oct) Maintenance/Facilities Supervisor, Dover

Brian Kirkendoll

AAEA Past President Principal, Alma

Shawn Rose AAESP President Principal, Hillcrest

Dr. Jason Reeves AASSP President-Elect Assistant Principal, Alma

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

Ellen Phipps AACIA President Curriculum Director, Ouachita

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

2024 AAEA Corporate Sponsors

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

Diamond (Continued)

ClassWallet

ClearGov

Edmentum

Education Elements

Energy Systems Group

ESS

First Security Beardsley

Goalbook

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

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

Varsity Tutors for Schools

Executive Viewpoint

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

PRE-SUMMER THOUGHTS

We recently lost one of our own from the administrator ranks. Dr. Terrence Brown was the proud superintendent of the West Memphis School District. He was formally at the Forrest City School District and the Memphis-Shelby Schools in Memphis, TN. I have known Dr. Brown for several years and first met him as he tried to provide support to young administrators in our state. Dr. Brown was excited to take the reins at the West Memphis School District and serve the area’s families. He is gone from us way too soon and we pray for his family and the West Memphis community.

There has also been a rash of bad weather ripping across our state that has led to several deaths and damage to homes, businesses, and education facilities. Please remember these communities in your prayers as well. Many things are stressful in the role of administration. Summer used to be our time of rest and possible vacations, but it seems like summer is just about as busy as any other time of year. As leaders, you must remember to consider your health and wellness throughout the year. If you have seen me recently, you may have noticed that I have been trying to prioritize my health a bit more. Part of the reason is that my father has been dealing with health issues and had to get some heart bypasses and a kidney transplant. My mother also passed away at a very young age with heart disease. So, clearly, I am already behind the eight ball. So I thought I would take a few lines and remind us all about prioritizing health and wellness in our work.

We are now dealing with an ever-demanding landscape in education. School leaders’ primary focus is steering their schools or districts toward academic success. However, they must balance an intricate web of responsibilities, from implementing new laws and rules to school safety. To get everything accomplished, the high pace of work can come at a significant cost: their health and wellness. Prioritizing the health and wellness of school administrators is not only essential for their benefit but also crucial for the overall function and their school’s climate and culture.

I know I always looked up to my school administrators as a pillar of strength with an expectation to lead us through any difficult situation. If not them, then who? The duties of administrators extend beyond typical office hours, often requiring their presence at extra-curricular events, board meetings, and community functions. In Arkansas, just about every event comes with food. It tastes really good, but probably is not the best for you. Concession stands at ballgames are always full of goodies. Camden Fairview has fresh Otis Spunkmeyer cookies that are hard to say NO to. Poor diet and a high-stress environment can lead to an array of health-related issues, including anxiety, burnout, and even physical health problems such as hypertension and heart disease.

The statistics are telling. According to a study by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), nearly half of school leaders report high levels of stress, with significant percentages indicating they would leave their profession if given the opportunity. Such figures highlight a critical issue: the wellbeing of those at the helm of our educational institutions is at risk, potentially compromising the quality of education they strive to deliver. AASA developed the Live Well, Lead Well campaign to provide tools, tips, and resources, including stories of hope and appreciation. It is important to review data and resources regularly to ensure that leaders do not downplay their health and get support.

There are many ways to address the wellness of school administrators by focusing on both systemic changes and individual support. Districts thinking about how to go about supporting themselves or other leaders need to start with professional development or training that can help with stress management, healthy eating, and work-life balance. Support networks such as AASA’s Live Well, Lead Well can develop a sense of community such as a workout group that meets every morning to exercise. Districts must also look at the workload distribution and make adjustments as necessary. I was a guy who never said no, so I filled my plate quickly not realizing the toll it took. Lastly, access to mental health resources is important for leaders. Check with your insurance provider or local community resources to see what is available for mental health. The Arkansas Statewide Community Resources Portal is a great place to start for resources in your local community.

We must take care of ourselves and those around us. First, we need to recognize the challenges leaders face and implement strategies to support our health and well-being. In doing this, we can ensure that we remain effective, motivated, and capable of leading our schools towards academic success. Find one thing you can do this summer to enhance your health and well-being. Take walks, lift weights, do yoga, or whatever gets you moving and de-stressing. I hope you have a great summer and get ready for 2024-2025. We are here to support you!

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.

President’s Perspective

Dr. Karla Neathery, AAEA Board President

BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT WITH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:

RETREAT IDEAS FOR EDUCATORS

Summer break is a time for educators to recharge and prepare for the upcoming year. But for school leaders, it's also a prime opportunity to invest in professional development and team building. An effective educational leadership retreat can be the spark that ignites a successful year.

This article explores key elements to craft a summer retreat that fosters reflection, collaboration, and vision-building for your educational leadership team.

Rekindle the Fire: Reflection and Renewal

A successful retreat starts with introspection. Here are some ideas to help leaders reconnect with their purpose and well-being:

• Personal Reflection Prompts: Distribute prompts for journaling, encouraging leaders to reflect on the past year's triumphs and challenges.

• Finding the "Why": Facilitate group discussions where leaders share what motivates them as educators and leaders. This fosters a sense of shared purpose.

• Mindfulness Matters: Incorporate workshops or exercises on stress management and promoting well-being.

United We Lead: Collaboration and Team Building

Strong leadership teams are built on trust and communication. Here's how to strengthen those bonds:

• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Incorporate team-building games and challenges that encourage problem-solving and communication.

• Cross-Pollination: Design collaborative tasks that require leaders from different departments to work together towards a shared goal.

• Building Bridges, Not Walls: Schedule dedicated time for informal socializing and relationship building activities.

Charting the Course: Vision and Planning

With renewed energy and a strong team spirit, it's time to look ahead. Here are some ways to collaboratively create a roadmap for success:

• Vision Quest: Organize brainstorming sessions where the team defines the school's or district's vision for the upcoming year.

• Best Practices in Action: Host workshops on current educational leadership trends and innovative practices.

• Action! Action! Action!: Facilitate collaborative development of action plans to achieve the team's shared goals.

Beyond the Basics: Making it Memorable

• Themed Retreat: Choose a theme that reflects your goals, like "Leading with Inspiration" or "Building a Culture of Innovation." This can add a fun and focused element.

• Tech Time: Consider incorporating online collaboration tools or educational simulations to enhance the learning experience.

• Celebrate Success: End the retreat with a celebratory activity that recognizes and appreciates the accomplishments of your leadership team.

Bonus Tip: Plan ahead! Gather input from participants on what they hope to gain from the retreat. This ensures the agenda addresses their needs and fosters engagement. By implementing these ideas, you can design a summer retreat that provides a refreshing mix of professional development, team building, and relaxation. This investment in your leadership team will pay dividends throughout the school year, fostering a more cohesive and effective leadership unit.

School Safety Assessments: It Is Never Too Early To Start Planning Safety & Wellness Segment

Submitted by Barbara Grimm, Founder and President of School Responder, and C.J. Huff, Ed.D.

School leaders must ensure they have appropriate safety policies, procedures, and mitigation strategies in place to provide a safe learning environment for students. Having a designated group of trained personnel conduct building safety assessments and frequently review these safety measures is an essential first step in creating a climate and culture of safety in your schools.

During site assessments, staff examine both buildings and school grounds. It is vital to assess the level of accessibility for all students, staff, and visitors. Access to emergency vehicles should also be taken into account. Following state laws and regulations helps to standardize these assessments and ensure schools are similarly equipped to be prepared during an emergency.

Furthermore, familiarity with a school's climate, culture, needs, and characteristics helps safety personnel to address specific risks or hazards associated with their school. Knowing these factors – which can range from extreme weather to violence – allows them to tailor an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to their school's particular circumstances. Additionally, exercises and drills carried out by students and staff provide valuable insight into the feasibility and viability of current safety procedures. Employing reporting systems also offers useful information schools can utilize to learn about common risks or concerning behaviors within the school community. Encouraging students to engage in these systems gives school staff a firsthand look into what gaps safety policies may have and how to account for these shortcomings in new safety measures.

With the school year coming to a close, the summer months provide the perfect opportunity to make school safety a priority. Learn more about tools and strategies to support you in your efforts here.

Administrator Spotlight: Bailey Cotton

Director of Technology & Safety, Huntsville School District

Bailey Cotton, Director of Technology & Safety for the Huntsville School District, started out as an intern for the Huntsville School District’s Technology Department the day after he graduated high school in May of 2009. He says, "To be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I graduated high school. After graduation, I started interning in the technology department because I have always been handy with electronics and technology." He initially worked for a third-party tech company that HSD contracted with before being hired by the district full-time as Lead Computer Tech on July 1, 2011. Following this, he then became Systems Administrator in October of 2016 and later the Director of Technology in 2017. "At some point over the years, I also picked up the hat of Director of Safety due to the natural fit of many of the safety solutions involving the use of technology."

Bailey says his favorite part of the job is seeing how technology can enhance student learning and create a more engaging school experience. "It's amazing to watch how excited the students become about interactive tools and personalized learning experiences. I also love working with teachers and staff to find tech solutions that make their jobs less challenging, more efficient, and their classrooms more dynamic." He says staying updated on the latest technology trends allows for things to continue to be fresh and exciting, and knowing that his efforts help ensure all students have access to technology and the skills they need for the future is incredibly rewarding. "I have always loved being able to work in the same community and institution that shaped and molded me into the person I am today, and now have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation."

He finds he is amazed at how quickly technology has evolved since he first started in the field. "Back then," he says, "we only had computers for staff and one lab per campus with those big, bulky CRT monitors and dot-matrix printers. WiFi wasn’t even a thought, and showing a presentation meant rolling out the single projector cart shared by the whole building." Now, 15 years later, he says every staff member and student has a device, wireless networks are fast and everywhere, and every classroom has an interactive instructional device. "Technology touches every part of our lives now, from teaching and safety to even controlling our thermostats."

One of the best pieces of advice Bailey says he received from a previous mentor is to "accept that you'll mess up and make mistakes, but what's important is how you respond to them. Learn from your errors and strive to do better next time. When you know better, do better. This mindset helps you grow and improve continuously." Bailey believes those considering the career will find it is very rewarding. " Through the strategic use of technology, you have opportunities to make a positive impact on student learning and school communities. What you do makes a difference, even if you don’t always believe it."

with Bailey Cotton ? ! Q&A

How would your co-workers describe you?

I let one of my co-workers answer this one, they are probably too generous: “Bailey goes above and beyond. He is trustworthy, responsible, hardworking, dependable, and loyal—traits that make him an exceptional colleague and team player.”

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

After COVID, I got my CDL to try to help out with the bus driver shortage we experienced. My initial thought was that I would fill in here and there, but I have found myself driving more days than I don’t. I will, hands down, say that it is probably the single best decision I have ever made to create positive relationships with the students, and it has cultivated a lot of great interactions with them throughout my days.

What do you feel is your greatest professional accomplishment?

This past January, I was humbled and honored to receive the inaugural Arkansas Technology Director of the Year award from TEL-AR (Technology Educational Leaders of Arkansas).

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

When I am able to get away from the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, serving in my church, and being outside. My place of relaxation is out in the yard on the lawn mower or on a tractor in the hayfield somewhere, just the rumble of the machine to drown out my thoughts and breathe in the fresh air.

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

I am not super adventurous but I would say going on a cruise, flying an airplane, and touring the United Kingdom would be a few things I hope to do some day.

What are the goals you are still working toward?

I am always striving to grow professionally and to continue to build on my skill-set. I believe that you never want to be complacent, you need to have goals and visions to work towards to help be the best you can be for yourself and others. One goal that I do have for myself personally, is to finish obtaining my bachelor's degree and see where I go from there.

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

The biggest benefit of AAEA membership is the strong support network it provides for administrators across the state. This network allows us to share best practices, collaborate on common challenges, and advocate for educational issues together. The sense of community and shared purpose helps us implement effective strategies and policies. Plus, AAEA offers great professional development, networking opportunities, and access to important resources, all of which empower us to be better leaders.

JOIN US FOR THE 49TH ANNUAL AAEA SUMMER CONFERENCE!

The 2024 AAEA Summer Conference, The Future of Education: Adapting to a Changing Landscape, will be held on July 29-31, 2024 at the Statehouse Convention Center and Marriott Hotel in Little Rock, AR. The event 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 network and learn new and innovative ways to support our students!

GUEST SPEAKERS

Alex Kotran oversees strategy, partnerships, fundraising, and external relations for The AI Education Project (aiEDU). Prior to founding The AI Education Project, Alex built the AI Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility function for H5, Inc., a pioneering AI company in the legal services sector. At H5, Alex led strategic partnerships with organizations including the United Nations, NYU School of Law, the OECD, and IEEE to develop judicial education programs and high profile convenings.

Prior to his time in the social impact and non-profit space, Alex managed brand and policy communications for companies including Oracle, Airbnb, Nissan, HP, Adobe, and SAP. He was a lead Field Organizer in Columbus, Ohio, for the 2012 Obama Campaign and served as a Presidential Appointee under HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell, where he managed communications and community outreach for ACA Open Enrollment, two SCOTUS rulings, and the 2015 Ebola outbreak.

Dave Burgess is the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE, co-author of P is for PIRATE, and the president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. which delivers powerful, inspirational, and innovative books, keynotes, and professional development. He specializes in teaching hard-toreach, hard-to-motivate students with techniques that incorporate showmanship and creativity.

His presentations are a unique blend of outrageously energetic performance art and magic, mixed with an inspirational message of how and why to become more passionate in the classroom. All techniques and methods are modeled and fully explained so as to leave no doubt about how to apply the methods in the real-world. Participants will leave with a tool-box full of dynamic presentational ideas that they can immediately use to improve their lessons.

As president of Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc., Dave has disrupted the publishing industry by releasing over 175 ground-breaking titles from innovative educators from across the globe. He is the co-author of P is for PIRATE and the New York Times Best-Selling author of Teach Like a PIRATE, which has sparked an educational revolution all over the world.

Asked & Answered

Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director

The question was, "I have a new principal who has never been a principal or assistant principal before. How do I sign them up for the BAI program?" A typical question for this time of the year as new building and central office administrators are being hired for the coming school year.

A first-year administrator with no prior experience as an administrator is required to receive mentoring/ induction support for his or her first three years of employment. The Beginning Administrator Induction (BAI) and first year of mentoring support are provided in partnership with the DESE and the AAEA. Upon hiring new administrators, school districts must register the following:

• First-year administrators (excluding superintendents):

• Principal

• Assistant Principal

• Curriculum Administrator

• Special Education Administrator

• Administrators from out-of-state with previous experience; and

• Administrators returning to the profession

Regarding the second and third years of the program, beginning administrators in years 2-3 do not need to register for the induction program. These individuals will continue to be supported through DESE, AAEA, the education service cooperatives, and their school districts, but their training requirements have been met.

For more details on the program and to register see Commissioner's Memo LIC-24-009

Also, here are the requirements of the BAI program.

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

Construction Manager At-Risk Vs. Design-Build Building Block

Submitted by William Black, Business Development Manager, Performance Services

Arkansas schools have design and construction procurement options. These delivery methods range from low bid (Design-Bid-Build or Plan/Spec) to best value (Design-Build) or fall somewhere in between (Construction Manager At-Risk).

Evaluate these three important considerations before selecting a method for your next building project:

• Budget Constraints

• Fixed Move-in Schedules

• Owner Risk Tolerance

Click here to learn more.

Jeremy Bell

2024 AAFC Howard Wallace Federal Coordinator of the Year

Jeremy Bell, Federal Programs Coordinator of Arkadelphia School District, was recently named the 2024 Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators (AAFC) Howard Wallace Federal Coordinator of the Year. The award was presented at the 2024 AAFC Spring Conference on May 2, 2024.

Read the press release here!

Anne Martfeld Awards

2024 AACTEA Administrator of the Year

Anne Martfeld, Assistant Superintendent at the Pea Ridge School District, has been named the 2024 Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (AACTEA) Administrator of the Year. This award is sponsored by Lifetouch. Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director; Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director; and Lisa Hotsenpiller, AACTEA Board President, presented Mrs. Martfeld with the award during a school board meeting on May 13, 2024.

Read the press release here!

Jason Lawrence

2024 ASPMA Plant Manager of the Year

Jason Lawrence, Director of Support Services for the Conway School District, has been named the 2024 Arkansas School Plant Managers Association (ASPMA) Plant Manager of the Year. This award is sponsored by American Fidelity. Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director; Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director; and Greg Collins, ASPMA President, presented Mr. Lawrence with the award during a school board meeting on May 14, 2024.

Read the press release here!

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-ofstate, 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

District Name

North Little Rock School District

Greenbrier School District

Greenbrier School District

South Conway County School District

Marion School District

Benton School District

Vilonia School District

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

North Little Rock School District

Fort Smith School District

Vilonia School District

Batesville School District

Monticello School District

Dardanelle School District

Van Buren School District

Buffalo Island School District

Western Yell County School District

Pea Ridge School District

Nemo Vista School District

Cossatot School District

Siloam Springs School District

Blytheville School District

Little Rock School District

Smackover-Norphlet School District

Waldron School District

Nashville School District

Pea Ridge School District

Dumas School District

Fort Smith School District

Position

Administrative Director of Facilities & Maint.

Elementary Principal

High School Principal

Building Principal

Elementary Assistant Principal

Caldwell Elementary Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal

Director of Finances

Secondary Assistant Principal

Elementary Principal

Principal

Eagle Mountain Principal

Middle School Principal

Assistant High School Principal

Elementary Principal

High School Assistant Principal

Elementary Principal

Director of Facilities

Assistant Principal

Superintendent

Middle School Principal

Director of Finance

Elementary Assistant Principal

High School Principal

Middle School Principal

Junior High Principal

Assistant Principal

High School Principal

Elementary Assistant Principal

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 May 2024 issue.

North Arkansas College To Implement "College Without Walls"

In an effort to meet students where they are, the college is partnering with a trio of school districts to bring college courses to their schools, starting this fall. The cities of Clinton, Jasper, and Marshall have the students and buildings, and the college will provide the teachers.

It is difficult for students in rural areas to travel to the closest colleges for multiple concurrent credits while fulfilling their credits needed for high school graduation. This initiative will keep students from riding buses for hours to access higher education.

North Arkansas College is located in Harrison and offers technical degree programs, one-year technical certificates, certificates of proficiency, customized business and industry training, adult basic education (GED) classes, non-credit community education courses, and online degrees. Typical fall enrollment for North Arkansas College in recent years has been roughly 1,900, including about 700 high students on concurrent enrollment. With this new initiative, it is anticipated that enrollment will increase substantially. Manufacturing is a main area of interest for North Arkansas College students, with the college currently constructing a new building for excellence in manufacturing. Health care, especially radiologic technology, is also an area of particular interest.

Arkansas is Focusing on Cyber Security

Armed with a $5 million federal grant and many interested students, Arkansas’s universities are building a cyberdefense hub and workforce conduit to help counter computer attacks that have impacted school districts. The effort’s main focus will be shielding power systems.

The USDOE Office of Cyber Security, Energy Security & Emergency Response allocated the money to further work at the Emerging Threat Information Sharing & Analysis Center located at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The grant came on top of a $1 million grant announced in 2023.

The focus in Arkansas is to protect businesses, government offices, small electric cooperatives, rural public schools, and other enterprises that lack resources for their own cybersecurity professionals. In addition, cybersecurity fits into the labor market in general. Students in advanced automation technology, manufacturing and construction and building automation can all benefit.

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