ARKANSAS LEARNS
Dr. Hernandez shares his recent testimony to the House Education Committee concerning the LEARNS Act.
Executive Viewpoint Page 3
BEING INVOLVED IS A CHOICE
Brian Kirkendoll urges administrators to be involved in the legislative process.
President’s Perspective Page 5
ADMINISTRATOR SPOTLIGHT: JAROD MORRISON
In the Spotlight this month is Jarod Morrison, Director of Technology and Maintenance at Farmington Public Schools.
9
T H E
A D M I N I S T R A T O R
Executive Viewpoint • P. 3 President’s Perspective • P. 5 CoSN Update • P. 5 Over the Top • P. 6 Benefits Corner • P. 6 Awards • P. 7 Compliance Connection • P. 7 Asked and Answered • P. 8 AAEA: On a Role! • P. 8 Administrator Spotlight • P. 9 Upcoming Events • P. 11 Publication Sneak Peek • P. 14 Job Openings • P. 15
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
VOLUME 48 • ISSUE 8 MARCH 2023
AAEA Staff
Dr. Mike Hernandez Executive Director m.hernandez@theaaea.org
2023 Calendar of Events
March
Aspiring Principals Workshop, March 2, 2023 Northwest Arkansas Education Service Coop, Farmington
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
Aspiring Principals Workshop, March 30, 2023 Conway Public Schools Administrative Annex
April
AACTEA Conference, April 10-11, 2023 DoubleTree Hotel, Hot Springs
CASBO Certification Classes, April 11-12, 2023 Benton Event Center, Benton
ASPMA Certification Classes, April 12, 2023 Benton Event Center, Benton
May
ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference, May 2, 2023 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock
Marty Smith Member Relations Manager m.smith@theaaea.org
Karen Dean Certification Program Manager k.dean@theaaea.org
Alyse Mattox Communications & Technology Specialist a.mattox@theaaea.org
Melanie Thrasher Business Analyst m.thrasher@theaaea.org
AAFC Spring Conference, May 3-5, 2023 Hot Springs Convention Center
June
AAEA School Law Conference, June 6, 2023 Jacksonville School District
AASEA Summer Conference, June 12-13, 2023 Benton Event Center
July
AAEA Summer Conference, July 24-26, 2023
Marriott Hotel and Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock
For more information, visit theaaea.org/events or see Page 9.
1
2022-2023 AAEA Board of Directors
Brian Kirkendoll
AAEA President Principal, Alma
Skipper Ward AASA President Superintendent, Magnolia
Shawn Rose
AAESP President-Elect Principal, Hillcrest
Scott Smith
AASSP Past President Principal, Western Yell County
Melody Crane AASBO President Business Manager/District Treasurer, Hector
MonicaAAGEASpringfield President Gifted and Talented Specialist, Ozark Unlimited Resource ESC
Dr. Karla Neathery AAEA President-Elect Superintendent, Sheridan
Dr. Andrea Martin AASA President-Elect Superintendent, Greenland
Mark Lewis AAESP Past President Principal, Conway
Dr. Karen Lasker ArkASPA President Director of Personnel, Conway
Kevin Luck AASBO Past President Business Manager, Vilonia
J.D. AAMLAKeelingPresident Principal, Dardanelle
Jarod Morrison Tel-AR President Director of Maintenance/ Technology, Farmington
Stacy DeFoor AAEA Board Secretary Assistant Superintendent, Benton
Kelvin Gragg AASA Secretary AssistantPineSuperintendent, Bluff
Matt Ziegler
AASSP President Principal, Riverside
Lisa AACTEAHotsenpiller President Career & Technical Administrator/Supervisor, Fayetteville
Carla Curtis AASEA President Director of Special Services, Fayetteville
Aliza Jones ASPMA President (until Oct) Facilities Consortium Coordinator, Lavaca
Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director
Dr. Stephanie Nehus AAEA Past President Superintendent, Hot Springs
Carol Skiba AAESP President Principal, Cabot
Dr. Karla Tarkington
AASSP President-Elect Principal, Beebe
Julie Adams AAFC President Federal Programs Coordinator, DeWitt
Dr. Steven Weber AACIA President Assistant Superintendent, Fayetteville
Craig Dupuy ASPMA President (begin Oct) Superintendent, Cleveland County
2022-2023 AAEA Corporate Sponsors
Prestigious
American Fidelity Assurance Co.
Cognia
Coryell Roofing and Construction, Inc.
Curriculum Associates
Educational Benefits, Inc.
GoSchoolBox
Imagine Learning
Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc.
NIET - National Institute for Excellence in Teaching
Performance Services
Pro Benefits Group, Inc.
Renaissance Learning, Inc.
Solution Tree, Inc.
Distinguished Apptegy
Pearson Virtual Schools
Diamond Baldwin & Shell ClassLink
Diamond (Continued)
ClassWallet
Edmentum
Education Elements
Energy Systems Group
ESS
First Security Beardsley
Middleton, Inc.
OnToCollege
Rave Mobile Safety
SmartData Dashboard
Stephens, Inc.
Tanium
Winsor Learning
Platinum AAMSCO
Architecture Plus, Inc.
C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC
DotCom Therapy, Inc.
Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC
Legacy Construction Management
Lexia Learning
Platinum (Continued)
Nabholz Construction Corp.
Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA)
Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects
Progressive Technologies
TRANE US, Inc.
Gold
CDI Contractors
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
2
Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director
ARKANSAS LEARNS
We are certainly in some challenging times in public education. There are many moving parts and one of the biggest transformations will be through the implementation of the Arkansas LEARNS plan. I hope you will engage in the implementation process. I wanted to share my testimony from the recent House Education Committee meeting. I expect that some version of this will pass in the coming weeks, and we will all need to work together to make sure that this is implemented well for the sakes of our students and staff. Thank you for taking time to read this.
Mr. Chair and members of the House Education Committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak today on SB 294. School administrators want to create a strong working relationship with the Governor, House, and Senate to improve public school education in Arkansas. We want to be your partners throughout this process, not your adversaries. Fundamentally, the academic values of educators align with the concepts proposed in the LEARNS Act, and most importantly, we will do what's best for ALL students. School administrators understand and accept the challenge of implementing the outcome of this legislation. We will be changing many of our instructional practices, curriculum, and intervention programs to ensure students have the necessary skills to perform at or above grade level with the full support of the legislature and the Department of Education. Rather than settling for adequate, we want to strive for excellence, just as you do.
We appreciate the administration being receptive to feedback from AAEA and for allowing some leaders to provide input on the concepts that went into making the Arkansas LEARNS plan. Still, I must acknowledge that only some administrators had the same opportunity to provide feedback before the bill was filed. As with any piece of legislation, it is critical to get the details right. It's been repeatedly stated that this is a "transformational change" in many ways. We agree. We also believe that transformational change should place a very high value on input from those that are working in our schools each and every day.
Administrators have been meeting with one another and with local legislators to discuss items in the bill that warrant modification or clarification. We would rather be proactive than reactive to challenges with successful implementation. We understand many of these items will be addressed in the rule-making process. Others may need amendments or cleanups through additional bills throughout the rest of the session. Our respectful request is that practitioners be included as we move forward. Primary among our concerns are:
• There are changes to the Right to Read Act as part of this bill. We request that rules and implementation guidelines from the state come in a timely fashion so we can support a successful implementation. Additional resources and training may be needed for implementation, and we request that the state be ready to support districts in this effort.
• We appreciate the state's emphasis on increasing teacher salaries. We know public school teachers need to be compensated fairly and deserve every dollar they earn. We would like more information about how these payments will be issued, where the money will come from, and how it will impact teachers already above that amount. Due to our complex way of financial coding
3 Executive Viewpoint
and the nuances of school finance, the 80% requirement should be clarified. The state should avoid requiring a salary increase if a district does not qualify for subsequent funding due to technical errors or current-year budget priorities. We need clarity and propose a waiver process in the first year that ensures districts are not unnecessarily impacted negatively.
• Providing an opportunity for Course Choice is a noteworthy item that helps students create more options in their daily schedules. We would like to learn how this will work and confirm that this program only includes a portion of the foundation funding designated for teaching and learning, not district operational costs such as transportation, maintenance, and other unanticipated operational costs.
• Due process for staff was an initial concern due to clarity of how staff would be afforded protections outlined in federal regulations. The recent amendment provides that clarification, and we are thankful for this inclusion.
• Community Service Learning will be an enormous undertaking for districts and students. We support any flexibility in implementing this new requirement and identifying how to ensure that students who have full daily schedules or are unable to do things after school may be excluded from meeting this requirement in its entirety. Also, there are areas of our state that quite honestly do not have the opportunity to provide this option. We request that this be addressed to ensure equity for all students in our state.
• Maternity leave is an area that could become very expensive to districts. We certainly support young mothers having the maximum time available with their children. Still, we want to ensure that the language is very clear on how districts will receive funding from the state and clear recommendations from the state on how districts should mitigate learning implications the extended leave might have on students during the school year.
• The bill language encompassing disqualifying offenses has requirements on districts that may prove challenging to implement with the recommended timelines for reporting. There also needs to be a statewide solution to ensure that districts have access to information promptly, or this may cause unintended consequences for the lack of information being provided to districts.
We sincerely appreciate you considering our ideas, inputs, and concerns on this important legislation. The LEARNS Act is highly ambitious and will take us all working together. It can be seen as a legacy foundation that will positively impact the lives of educators, students, and our communities. A project of this magnitude and vision needs all stakeholders firmly committed to its success. We look forward to working with each of you in the final decision-making process and throughout implementation as we make the necessary changes to our school system in Arkansas. Arkansans must understand that implementing this will be a massive shift, and change is always challenging. Patience and understanding must be on full display as district leaders make the items in the bill a reality. If implemented correctly, many of the provisions of this bill will provide us with the resources to make this transformation happen. However, we will only reach our potential once we all work together for a common cause. We can help you make this vision a reality. Please consider our recommendations and allow us to be part of the decision-making process as we move forward.
4
President’s Perspective
Brian Kirkendoll, AAEA Board President
BEING INVOLVED IS A CHOICE
When it comes to current Arkansas legislation, leaders can get involved as much as they choose to. We do not have to wait to be invited or asked our opinions. In most matters, we can be involved in discussions and provide insight. We all have open opportunities to be assertive and involved. It takes effort. There are still many opportunities to contact your legislators, members of the AAEA board, and your teachers to either provide feedback or gather ideas. It appears that there are still a few weeks left before the Arkansas LEARNS plan is possibly passed. Currently, AAEA is partnering with several legislators to amend some of the aspects of this bill. Please do not wait until you’re asked to be part of a committee or survey. Give your opinion and feedback now. Luckily, I have been part of several opportunities to give my opinion and also to ask others their thoughts concerning the LEARNS bill. However, I have also sought out opportunities to be involved. I hope you take advantage of this crucial time in Arkansas education to be involved and not just a bystander. Please take an active role by contacting your legislators today.
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 Broadcast Series: Addressing Technology’s Diversity and Equity Through District Policies, Practices, and Personnel CoSN Driving K-12 Innovation Report CoSN 2023 Conference CoSN Membership
Over the Top
Stop Chopping Down the Fence
Submitted by Deveny Coryell, Editor, Coryell Roofing & Construction
"We are like tenant farmers chopping down the fence around our house for fuel when we should be using Nature’s inexhaustible sources of energy--sun, wind, and tide. . .. I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power!” - Thomas Edison
If you want to tap into this sustainable source of energy for your building(s), Justin Coryell, Coryell Energy Solutions’ site inspector and solar design specialist, tells you (1) how to get started and (2) how the process will unfold.
First, he states, contact a reputable energy solutions company and schedule a site visit. Second, provide the previous twelve months' utility bills for the buildings being considered for solar.
Initially, a site inspector will visit your facility and gather information by
• checking electrical meters and the electrical configurations tied to those meters
• checking the voltage rating of each transformer associated with a meter
Benefits Corner
• checking the main distribution panel and the amps it is rated for
• taking pictures of the roof and surrounding area
Next, a solar design specialist will use the data collected and solar design software to plan a solar array for your facility. Coryell stresses the use of high-quality solar design software. The software Coryell Energy Solutions uses predicts energy savings and production offset within 1% to 2% of their actual realization.
Lastly, a solar design specialist will meet with you to go over the proposed solar panel design and explain financing options. Coryell states that even if uncertain about investing in solar now, a site visit and proposal give administrators an accurate idea about the kind of energy offset within their reach--something they can reference in the future.
There is no better time than now to consider using “Nature’s inexhaustible source of energy.” Coryell Roofing and Coryell Energy Solutions stand ready to address all your roofing and energy savings needs.
Pre-tax vs. Post-tax Deductions: What is the Difference?
Submitted by Emily Cole, Marketing Coordinator, Educational Benefits
With tax season upon us, most of us are thinking a little more about your income, taxes and health benefits (whether we want to or not). One of the most common questions that arise this time of year is about the difference in pre- and post-tax deductions and how they might impact your income tax.
So, here are the basics: Pre-tax deductions are withheld from your wages before they are taxed. By reducing the taxable amount of your wages, you net more of your paycheck.
Pretty simple, right?
Well, on the other hand, post-tax deductions are withheld after your wages are taxed. Post-tax deductions, therefore, have no positive effect on your taxable income.
Deductions that are set up as pre-tax:
Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Some Voluntary Benefits (Cancer, Accident).
Deductions that are set up as post-tax:
Disability Insurance, Voluntary Term Life Insurance, Critical Illness Coverage, Garnishments, Dues, Christmas and other employer-specific funds.
In general, benefits that provide a lump sum payment are post-tax so that the benefit itself is not taxed.
So, why is this and what are potential drawbacks to pre-tax deductions? In some cases, an employee who nets more of their paycheck because of pre-tax deductions could owe taxes on the withheld money in the future. As an example, if you were to pre-tax $50,000 of your life insurance, your beneficiary would have to pay taxes on the $50,000 death benefit. That’s why post-taxing the voluntary term life insurance deduction makes sense if you want your beneficiary to receive the full amount of death benefit.
If you have questions about your deduction options, please reach out to your payroll department or Benefit Consultant.
6
Awards
Kim Simco
Above and Beyond Award
Kim Simco, Principal of T. G. Smith Elementary in Springdale, is the 2023 recipient of the Above & Beyond Award. This award is presented each year by AAESP honoring Newtown, Connecticut Elementary School principal, Dawn Hochsprung, who gave her life in service to her school community. Congratulations, Ms. Simco!
Compliance Connection
Covid-19 Relief Ending: Last Minute HCFSA Buys
Submitted by Ginger Huff, Arkansas State Manager, American Fidelity Assurance Co.
In 2020 and 2021, the Internal Revenue Service guidance allowed for more carryover and grace period leeway due to the pandemic, for some Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts (HCFSA). This means that some participants could keep a higher balance in unspent funds to roll over to the next plan year or have a longer period to use those funds.
Unfortunately, the relief is coming to an end December 31, 2022. The maximum carryover amount for unspent funds in the 2022 plan year is $570, and the grace period is returning to the traditional two and a half months. But you don’t have to let your funds slip away. Here are few tips on how to spend any leftover monies.
“Every Day” Eligible Items
Your HCFSA can purchase items that you probably use regularly. This includes: menstrual products, contact solution, bandages, sunscreen, first-aid kits, bug sprays, thermometers, or heating pads. Also, there are many over-the-counter medications you can purchase like: pain relievers, antacids,
antibiotic ointment, allergy suppressants, digestive aids, and acne wash, cleanser and creams.
Prepare for Cold and Flu Season
With the colder temperatures approaching, germs are in full swing. Help alleviate symptoms with, warm steam vaporizers, saline nose wipes, decongestants, cough suppressants, nasal irrigation kits, chest rubs, Epsom salt, or eye masks.
A Few More Ideas
Here are a few more HCFSA-eligible ideas: muscle massagers and rollers, hot and cold therapy stuffed animal, kid themed gel bead ice packs, lip balm with SPF 30+, oral light therapy systems, pulse oximeters, prescription sunglasses, or eyeglasses.
But Wait, There’s More
With all the options above, hopefully you won’t have any unused funds when your plan year expires. If you need more ideas, here's an extensive list of eligible items.
7
Asked & Answered
Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director
There have been many questions during this legislative session about HB1122 that amends the law concerning the date for the beginning of the school year. The bill requires that the first day of school for public schools be on or after the Monday of the week in which August 19 falls, not earlier than August 14, or later than August 26. Sound familiar? This was the law for years regarding the start date of school prior to a legislative change in 2021. AAEA supported HB1122 and there is good news. The bill was one of the first to be signed into law this legislative session and is now Act 26 It is also good news that the Act includes an emergency clause which means the Act went into effect when the Governor signed it on January 30. So, for the 2023-2024 school year the earliest school can start for students is Monday, August 14. Districts across the state are now setting their 23-24 school calendars with Act 26 in mind. Act 26 did not change other available calendar options. School districts can still establish these calendar types rather than a traditional school calendar.
• Alternate school calendar pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-10-106 as amended by Act 688 of 2021;
• 4 Day week school calendar pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-10-117; or
• 12 Month/Year Round school calendar pursuant to Ark Code Ann. § 6-10-108.
If you have questions for Mike, email him at m.mertens@theaaea.org .
On a Role!
Learn more about AAEA Staff and the roles they serve!
Alyse Mattox has been with AAEA as Communications and Technology Specialist since March 2021. She works on AAEA Newsletters, brochures, and other communications, handles live-streaming for conferences, and works with our conference exhibitors. Alyse’s favorite part of her job is working on graphic design.
Prior to joining the AAEA Staff, Alyse worked for several years at the Arkansas Department of Education in the Charter Schools Office, and before that worked for the Early Childhood Department at the University of Central Arkansas as an Administrative Assistant.
In her time off, Alyse enjoys many hobbies, including sewing, knitting, making jewelry, tending houseplants, and spending time with her partner and their two dogs.
8
AAEA
Alyse Mattox Communications & Technology Specialist
Administrator Spotlight: Jarod Morrison
Director of Technology and Maintenance, Farmington Public Schools
Jarod Morrison, Director of Technology and Maintenance at Farmington Public Schools, credits working on a cattle farm for inspiring him to pursue a career in education. He says, "All throughout my junior high and high school career I worked on a beef cattle farm for my agricultural teacher, Roy Hummel. Mr. Hummel had a long career in education, and through my time working for him I got to see the many lives he had impacted and the long-lasting relationships he had made with his students and those he worked with in education. His mentorship and advice had a huge impact on my life and caused me to desire to pursue a similar career path as him.” Jarod started his career at Farmington Public Schools as a high school math teacher and coach in 2004. A few years later he became the Technology Director at Farmington and has stayed in that role since, additionally taking on the role of Maintenance Director in 2020.
Jarod says his favorite part of his job is that he gets to be involved in so many aspects of schooling. He says, "Technology now touches almost every aspect of the school day. I feel this gives me the opportunity to have a major impact on students’ education and help our staff with their educational and administrative duties. The additional role of maintenance has only increased this involvement." The biggest challenge, he says, is dealing with the many moving parts involved with technology and maintenance. "Staying on top of everything that is going on and trying to stay abreast of new technology can be challenging. It’s my job to see down the road and know what obstacles and changes are coming. However, I lean heavily on my professional organizations such as AAEA, CoSN, and ISTE, and my professional learning community of peers in my field to stay informed on what new technologies are on the horizon and how to prepare to take full advantage of them.” When it comes to identifying the biggest change he's seen in education over his career, he says that one is easy: "Technology! When I first started as technology director, K-12 educational technology was just starting to make headway. I had the privilege of having a part in bringing our school district into the digital age. Now, almost every aspect of schooling involves technology."
Jarod says others considering in a career similar to his should know that the challenges and opportunities in the many different areas of education are very rewarding. “I would encourage them that education is a great place to make a difference in the lives of young people and to build lifelong relationships with peers.” He says that unlike the business world, where peers in a field are often in competition with each other, peers in educational technology are willing and eager to help each other. "This great professional learning community is one of the reasons we started TEL-AR. TEL-AR’s goal is to help strengthen this community and help mentor those leaders who are new to the career field."
9
with Jarod Morrison ? ! Q&A
What is the most daring thing you’ve done?
Starting TEL-AR was probably one of the biggest gambles I have taken. It was a lot of work, and there was no guarantee that it would ever gain momentum and grow into something that could make a difference in Arkansas K-12 education. Reaching out and becoming a constituent group of AAEA was a major part of that growth and it is good to see that our hard work is paying off.
What have you done that you are most proud of?
Raising two wonderful and accomplished children. I have a 17 year-old son who is a senior in high school and a 14 year-old daughter who is in the 8th grade. They are both honor students who do well in school and are well behaved. They are both involved in athletics and other extracurricular activities. My son has had a great senior year. He was voted Mr. FHS by the school staff, was the lead part in the fall play, made all-conference in football, and was voted onto the colors day court by his peers. My daughter is involved in school government, always makes straight A’s and plays a grade up in both basketball and volleyball. As you can tell, I love to brag about them!
What do you enjoy doing during your time off?
I like spending time outdoors. I love to kayak, fish local rivers and streams, and have started to get back into serious hunting now that I don’t coach any more. I also like backpacking and hiking.
What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”
My wife and I have a goal to visit all the places in the Beach Boys “Kokomo” song. So far we have marked off three out of the ten places listed in the song.
What are the goals you are still working toward?
In my career, I would love to be an assistant superintendent someday and maybe even a superintendent. However, it would be hard for me to leave Farmington to pursue these goals, because I consider it my home. Personally, I’m still working on losing that covid weight!
What do you see as the
biggest benefit of AAEA membership?
The community that you get to be a part of in AAEA is incredibly valuable. AAEA has so many different educational leaders from our state, all who have the same goal of improving the lives of our students. The amount of knowledge and insight that the AAEA membership has is immeasurable. Additionally, the community and organization do so much to stay on top of current trends and legislation and keep the members informed on these items. These benefits are extremely helpful and valuable for any educational leader.
10
11 School Business Officials! Facilities Managers! Register Now! Register Now! UPCOMING EVENTS | APR
12 Career & Technical! Register Now! Federal Coordinators! Registration Opens Soon! UPCOMING EVENTS | APR/MAY
13 All Administrators! Special Education! Registration Opens Soon! Register Now! UPCOMING EVENTS | JUN
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 March 2023 issue.
RECENT COURT DECISIONS AFFECTING STUDENTS
The parent sued a district alleging that it failed to protect the student under the “state-created danger” theory of the 14th Amendment. In middle school, the student witnessed severe hazing and sexual assault during his time on the wrestling team. During the investigation, he provided a witness statement naming the perpetrators and coaches who failed to intervene. The student subsequently became the target of bullying and harassment by the perpetrators, receiving death threats and assaults.
The court dismissed the claim, finding that while some of the district’s actions were problematic, they did not rise to the level of a state-created danger because the district’s deficient response did not cause the student’s harassment or make him more vulnerable to any harassment.
Two black high school students brought racial harassment claims under Title VI, alleging that they were disciplined although they were actually victims of harassment, and the district failed to discipline the harasser, who was a white student. The students claimed that the district’s investigation into the allegations was half-hearted, and if the district had responded appropriately to their complaints it would have discovered that the harassment was severe and offensive, given the repeated vile racial epithets directed at them.
The court denied the district’s request to dismiss the case, holding that the district could be found to have engaged in deliberate indifference toward the students’ allegations.
14
J.B. v. Greater Latrobe Sch. Dist., U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (8/29/22)
I.M. v. Granville County Sch., U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (8/16/22)
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 Position
Dumas School District Elementary Assistant Principal
McCrory School District Elementary Principal
Texarkana School District Transportation Coordinator
Green Forest School District Elementary Principal
Rogers Public School High School Principal
Rogers Public School Elementary Principal
Pottsville School District PMG Principal
15
Openings
District Name Position
Van Buren School District Director of Learning Services for Elementary Schools
Jonesboro Public Schools Elementary Principal
Van Buren School District Special Education Supervisor
Mountain Home Public Schools Assistant Superintendent
Dierks School District Elementary Principal
Mount Ida School District High School Principal 7-12
Huntsville School District Elementary Principal
Clarksville School District
Assistant Principal – 50% Middle School & 50% Junior High
Rogers Public Schools Elementary Principal
Rogers Public Schools Elementary Principal
Lakeside School District Hot Springs Assistant Superintendent
Beebe School District Junior High School Principal 7-8
Texarkana School District High School Principal
Beebe School District ALE Principal (Grades K-12)
Helena-West Helena School District Executive Director of Student Services
Helena-West Helena School District Executive Director of Learning Services
Helena-West Helena School District Executive Director of School Performance
Ashdown School District Special Education Director
Fort Smith Public Schools Director of Elementary Education
Searcy Public Schools Assistant Superintendent
Nashville School District Junior High Assistant Principal
16
17 Training Net orking Mentoring Legal Ser ices Ad ocacy for School Administrators The o i c e V Training Net orking Mentoring Legal Ser ices Ad ocacy for School Administrators The o i c e V Iiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiii Iiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiii 219 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201 | 501.372.1691 | www.theaaea.org Follow us on social media: The AAEA Team Be a part of something BIGGER than an individual. We are here to assist you!