The Administrator Newsletter - May 2023

VOLUME 48 • ISSUE 10 M AY 2 0 2 3

THE

ADMINISTRATOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS WIN, PLACE, AND SHOW

CHARACTER OVER COMPETENCE

Dr. Hernandez says that school leaders and schools must be ready to “Win, Place, and Show.”

Brian Kirkendoll shares why it’s important for administrators to prioritize character over competence.

Executive Viewpoint

President’s Perspective

Page 3

Page 4

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

ADMINISTRATOR SPOTLIGHT: DR. DEBBIE JONES

Administrator Spotlight • P. 7

In the Spotlight this month is Dr. Debbie Jones, Superintendent at Bentonville School District.

Benefits Corner • P. 11

Page 7

Upcoming Events • P. 9 Asked & Answered • P. 11

Publication Sneak Peek • P. 12 Job Openings • P. 13

AAEA Staff

2023 Calendar of Events

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

May ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference, May 2, 2023 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock

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

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

Sarah Shamburger Business Manager s.shamburger@theaaea.org

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

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

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

October ASPMA Conference, October 2-4, 2023 Hot Springs Convention Center

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

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

AAEA Fall Conference, October 10, 2023 Benton Event Center

Melanie Thrasher Business Analyst m.thrasher@theaaea.org

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

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

Dr. Karla Neathery AAEA President-Elect Superintendent, Sheridan

Stacy DeFoor AAEA Board Secretary Assistant Superintendent, Benton

Dr. Stephanie Nehus AAEA Past President Superintendent, Hot Springs

Skipper Ward AASA President Superintendent, Magnolia

Dr. Andrea Martin AASA President-Elect Superintendent, Greenland

Kelvin Gragg AASA Secretary Assistant Superintendent, Pine Bluff

Carol Skiba AAESP President Principal, Cabot

Shawn Rose AAESP President-Elect Principal, Hillcrest

Mark Lewis AAESP Past President Principal, Conway

Matt Ziegler AASSP President Principal, Riverside

Dr. Karla Tarkington AASSP President-Elect Principal, Beebe

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

Julie Adams AAFC President Federal Programs Coordinator, DeWitt

Carla Curtis AASEA President Director of Special Services, Fayetteville

Dr. Steven Weber AACIA President Assistant Superintendent, Fayetteville

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

Kevin Luck AASBO Past President Business Manager, Vilonia

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

J.D. Keeling AAMLA President Principal, Dardanelle

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

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

Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director

2022-2023 AAEA Corporate Sponsors Prestigious

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. Solution Tree, Inc.

Distinguished

Apptegy Capturing Kids’ Hearts Lexia Learning Pearson Virtual Schools

Diamond

Baldwin & Shell ClassLink

Diamond (Continued) ClassWallet Edmentum Education Elements Energy Systems Group ESS First Security Beardsley Imagine Learning 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

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 Zaner-Bloser

Silver

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

Executive Viewpoint Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

WIN, PLACE, AND SHOW It is the final week of live racing in Hot Springs, and you may be reading this thinking that I am about to offer you some insider tips on what to bet this week. I regret to inform you that this year's winning percentage has been very close to zero. However, I enjoy watching the ponies run despite lacking in my gambling acumen. Hot Springs is a great place to live and raise a family because of the great school systems in the area. Each school is unique and offers something the parents seek for their children. There are many examples of great communities and excellent school systems in Arkansas.

A few weekends ago, I had the opportunity to visit Western Yell County School District and celebrate with a former co-worker who was retiring. Coach Carla Catlett told me she had served 39 years in education.

It was evident by the number of people that showed up, including former players, that she made a difference in their lives. I only worked with her briefly, but she influenced this first-time administrator in many ways. One was her general positive attitude to whoever she encountered. The second and most important was her work ethic. It did not matter whether it was her job; she always went above and beyond to get things done. It was not for credit or more money. It was just her pride in her school district and for doing things the right way. I have carried the influences of Coach Catlett with me as I have continued my educator journey. As I was leaving town, the memories of all the great times I had working at WYC and Danville came pouring over me. Community schools mean so much to those that live there and work there. Every person involved in the system is a beneficiary of the outcomes. We must also remember to promote and celebrate our successes continually.

Many unknowns are facing public schools, but some things are certain. We have people in our communities that love our schools, students will show up daily to learn, and educators will do whatever it takes to make students feel welcome and successful. To use racing terminology, school leaders and schools have to be ready to “Win, Place, and Show.” Local educators must WIN the hearts and minds of their local parents and community members. Winning can be done by providing students with a safe environment and quality education. Whatever it takes. School districts must PLACE students first in any decisions. School leaders are frequently presented with new challenges that may change the usual way of doing business, but the north star should always be the student. We hope students associate security, support, achievement, and friendship with their school experience instead of solitude, fear, failure, and neglect. Educators will be called upon to double down on their efforts to positively impact the community's students. Finally, school leaders must help their teams SHOW their school systems' importance to their community and educational ecosystem. Showing will take great effort to get outside the school walls and into the community business and civic environment. One person cannot do this alone. Every employee, student, and parent is a potential ambassador of the school system. These ambassadors must be well-informed and understand their role in supporting the district in the age of heavy competition and highly charged media.

We are in the final weeks of the 2022-2023 school year. Most of you are neck-deep in salary schedules and contracts for the upcoming year. I am confident answers to questions from the legislative session will continue to become clearer. It will undoubtedly be a busy summer, and I appreciate your leadership and focus during this time. Our students have many needs, and I cannot think of a better group of educators to provide what students need when they need it. My money is always on our state's school administrators to Win, Place, and Show!

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President’s Perspective Brian Kirkendoll, AAEA Board President

CHARACTER OVER COMPETENCE Once again, I recently heard another excellent sermon on a Sunday morning that directly applied to who I am as a principal. Character over competence was the main message. Character is ultimately more important than competence. While it is certainly necessary for school administrators to have the skills and knowledge to effectively run a school, it is their character that will truly make a difference in the lives of their students and staff. School administrators with strong character are honest, ethical, and empathetic leaders who prioritize the well-being of their school community above all else. They lead by example, modeling the values they hope to instill in their students, and fostering a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

On the other hand, school administrators who prioritize competence over character may be highly skilled at their job, but they may lack the empathy, integrity, and ethical standards necessary to truly make a positive impact on their school community. These administrators may prioritize test scores and academic achievement over the well-being of their students, or they may foster a toxic and competitive work environment that undermines the morale and productivity of their staff. In the end, it is character that will determine whether a school administrator is truly effective in their role and whether they leave a positive legacy that will endure long after they have moved on.

Character still matters! The importance of character over competence for school administrators cannot be overstated. Administrators with strong character can create a positive school culture, inspire students to develop strong character, and make ethical decisions in challenging situations. While competence is undoubtedly important, it is character that truly sets great educators apart. Schools that prioritize character in their leadership are more likely to create a supportive and nurturing environment for their students, staff, and parents. Keep leading with character at all levels of education!

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 •

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EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panel Broadcast Series: - Succeeding with Digital Equity: CoSN’s 2023 Award Winning District’s Leadership Strategies CoSN Resources - Defining Digital Equity 2022 - CoSN Student Home Internet Connectivity Study CoSN Membership 4

Awards Leslie Lyons

AAMLA Principal of the Year Congratulations to Leslie Lyons, Principal at Old High Middle School in the Bentonville School District, who was recently named the 2023 Arkansas Association of Middle Level Administrators (AAMLA) Principal of the Year!

AAEA

On a Role!

Marty Smith

Membership Coordinator

Learn more about AAEA Staff and the roles they serve!

Our Membership Coordinator Marty Smith should be a familiar face to anyone who’s attended AAEA events.

She’s been with AAEA since 2011. In addition to running registration for events, she is responsible for assigning PD credit, works closely with the AAEA, AASA and ASPMA boards, manages the Who's Who Directory, helps with New Superintendent Mentoring and Aspiring Superintendent Programs, and answers salary survey requests. She says, “If any of our wonderful members have questions, I try my best to help them find answers.” Before coming to the AAEA, she worked at Bryant School District with the Director of Instructional Support.

She has been married for 31 years to her husband Larry, and they have 3 children, one son-in-law and a grandson who turned 1 last month. “He is my new hobby to date!” she says. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching sports (NCAA), and spending time with family and friends. She says, “I’m very involved with my church, Friends in Christ, when I'm not at work. This might get me into trouble, but I'm a diehard University of Texas fan. HOOK EM HORNS!” 5

Over the Top A Bit About Arkansas Submitted by Deveny Coryell, Editor, Coryell Roofing & Construction I recently spent a few sun-filled, fun-filled days sightseeing in Fort Smith, Arkansas, home of the Arkansas branch of Coryell Roofing and Construction.

The city has so much rich and colorful history that I came away wanting to know more about the state itself. Now, I realize that some of what I have discovered and what I am about to share is probably not news to most Arkansas folks, but who knows, if you keep reading, you just might find at least one interesting, unbeknownst-toyou tidbit of information!

Which facts are new to you?

• Arkansas is the 29th largest state with 53,180 square miles.

• Arkansas is the 33rd most populous state with an estimated 3.057 million residents.

• Arkansas shares its borders with 6 states: Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri.

• The Arkansas River is a large tributary of the Mississippi River.

• The state motto is “the people rule.”

• There is a law regulating the pronunciation of Arkansas. Yep! Title 1, Chapter 4, Section 104 of the Arkansas Code says a person must pronounce the state name a specific way—Arkansaw.

• The state name, Arkansas, comes from the native American Quapaw tribe and means “downstream place” or “land of the downriver people.”

• Cheese dip, while originating in Latin America, was introduced to the U.S. in 1935 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, at The Mexico Chiquito Restaurant.

Well, I hope you discovered at least one or two facts that you did not know or at least remembered some that you had long forgotten. The folks at Coryell Roofing and Construction, Inc. are proud to be part of the Arkansas business community and to work with Arkansas school administrators to provide quality, energy efficient roofing systems. Remember, we are here to serve you!

Before I close, let me express heartfelt condolences on behalf of Chris and Theresa Coryell and the entire Coryell Roofing team to the many who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses and personal belongings in the spring storms that have hit the state.

Compliance Connection Understanding Limited Purpose FSAs Submitted by Ginger Huff, Arkansas State Manager, American Fidelity Assurance Co. What is an LPFSA? Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Accounts (LPFSAs) can help save you money and cover eligible dental and vision expenses. Like all Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), the funds are set aside from your paycheck pretax to cover eligible purchases. You and your employer may contribute to the account.

What you need to know: • Full election amount is available the first day of the plan year • Election changes (or adjusting contribution amount) require a qualifying event (based on employer’s plan design) • “Use or lose” applies - account ends if you change jobs or retire, unless you are eligible for COBRA • Can be paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA) • May have a runoff period and a carryover or grace period What are some LPFSA eligible expenses?

• Prescription glasses • Contact lenses • Contact lens solution • Lasik Vision exams

• Dental cleanings and fillings • Braces or invisible braces • Toothache and teething pain relievers Pairing an LPFSA An LPFSA can be paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA), allowing you to increase your medical expense contributions throughout the year. An HSA can be used for purchases like over-the-counter medicines, menstrual care products, pain relievers and more. At the end of the plan year, leftover HSA funds can rollover.

You may choose to invest your HSA funds after you have reached a certain balance, increasing your investment diversity. Even if you change employers, an HSA will stay with you so that you can grow savings long-term. By pairing an LPFSA with an HSA, you’re able to save more of your dollars on a pretax basis and potentially spend less of your HSA funds, allowing you to build up that savings account for the future.

Learn more about LPFSAs Helpful HSA Articles: • Five HSA Facts You May Not Know • Using Your HSA as a Long-Term Savings Vehicle • HSAs: Who can participate and make contributions?

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Administrator Spotlight:

Dr. Debbie Jones Superintendent, Bentonville School District

Dr. Debbie Jones, Superintendent of Bentonville School District, says she became an educator because of her father: "My dad said, 'You would make a good English teacher,' so I trusted his advice and became a teacher." She feels that being in the field of education has been a privilege for her, stating, "I had the opportunity to be present when my children ran the halls of kindergarten and crossed the Bryant High School campus to give me a hug when I was assistant superintendent." She has served in a variety of roles across her career: cheerleading and student government sponsor, high school oral comm and English teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and Assistant Commissioner of Learning Services at the Department of Education. After working for the department, she became Deputy Superintendent for Bentonville and shortly thereafter, Superintendent.

Dr. Jones says her favorite part of being superintendent is the challenge that comes from tackling a large variety of tasks.

She states, "One moment I’m trying to solve the problem of security planning, the next it’s a transportation issue. I love the variety, challenge, and the opportunity to be creative to solve problems." The most challenging aspect is that the job is never done. "There is always something to improve, create, address or fix," she says. "That undone feeling sometimes keeps me awake at night as my mind simply tries to solve the problem."

The biggest change Dr. Jones says she has seen over her career is that education "has moved from a teaching process to a learning process. Educators have advanced to make teaching a science. It isn’t something you dabble in to be successful but something you study and dive in to become an expert." For those considering the career, she recommends working your way up to get experience at every level in education. "My job in Bryant really served me well because I was responsible for so many different areas. When I went to the Department of Education, I knew GT, Curriculum, Assessment, ALE and many other areas. Don’t wait for your boss to ask if you will do something, offer to take on tasks that will grow you as a professional." As for the best advice she has received, it is to "slow down, build relationships first, then take off."

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with How would your co-workers describe you?

I did a survey of my cabinet and they told me I was professional, driven, visionary, competitive (said the girl who had to run with you to get to the restaurant first), inspiring

Tell me about any awards or recognitions you have received?

I was honored to be named the NWA Woman of the Year and received the Ed Buck Award for Business Leaders this year.

That one is important to me because it really recognizes our district for leading in business to keep the economy going during the last two tumultuous years. If we weren’t open, many people couldn’t go to work.

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

I’m just a simple girl from Charleston. We all have the same issues; some are just in a bigger district, but we all face problems.

What’s something that amazes you?

The beauty of my child raising my grandchild. There is nothing that compares to that beauty.

What do you enjoy doing during your free time?

Yoga, cooking, hiking outdoors, spending time with my husband and kids.

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

Greece, a trip down the pacific coast, living in places like the Netherlands for a month or two at a time but always coming home.

What are the goals you are still working toward?

I’m so excited to create some model schools, a big third high school that is a Career School, getting all my kids to move back to Bentonville.

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

The network of professionals to inform, influence and comfort you. In education today, we all need that.

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UPCOMING EVENTS | MAY - JUL 9

All Administrators!

Federal Coordinators!

Registration is now open for the 2023 AAEA/ASBA Joint Leadership Conference on May 2 at the Wyndham Riverfront in North Little Rock.

May 3-5, 2023 at the Hot Springs Convention Center is where you will want to be! Join us for the 2023 AAFC Spring Conference!

All Administrators!

All Educators!

This year’s School Law and Finance Conference will take place on June 6 at Jacksonville High School. The conference will include a 2023 Legislative Session review, breakout sessions, and an update on AR LEARNS.

This conference is designed for district teams who want to learn more about quality instruction for ALL learners and behavior management strategies and tools that can be utilized on the first day of school. Come join us as we learn together!

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!

Dr. Frances Stetson

D r . F r a n c e s S t e t s o n is President/CEO of Stetson & Associates, founding the firm in 1983. Frances leads the organization with major roles in direction setting, strategic planning, content and materials development, and client communications. Her past experience includes developing master trainers to lead statewide change efforts regarding inclusive practices, correcting disproportionate decisions, promoting culturally responsive learning environments, and increasing the capacity of leaders to effect change in our rapidly changing world. Dr. Stetson is also the Executive Director of the Inclusive Schools Network that hosts the Annual Inclusive Schools Week with participation from 240 countries from around the world.

Frances has been a teacher, state department of education chief consultant, director of a national research project for OCEP and OCR, author of the First Annual Report to Congress re: IDEA under contract with OSEP, Director of Special Education and Director of General Education and Accreditation for the largest regional education center in Texas. Under her leadership, Stetson & Associates, Inc. has served educators in schools and state departments of education in 36 states and five foreign countries.

M a r k C . P e r n a is the founder and CEO of TFS Results, a fullservice strategic consulting firm at the forefront of the national paradigm shift in education and workforce development. Mark, a graduate of John Carroll University, has many years of experience addressing industry leaders on the topic of expanding their reach in an increasingly global marketplace. As an international expert on the millennial and Z generations, Mark has devoted his career to empowering educators and employers to unleash the tremendous potential of today’s young people.

After successfully parenting two millennials as a single father, Mark has become a passionate advocate for bridging the generational divides that are contributing to America’s skills gap. As the founder of the Education with Purpose & Employment with Passion movement, Mark’s mission is to connect the pipelines between education, employment, and economic development in communities everywhere.

Mark C. Perna

UPCOMING EVENTS | JUL

Guest Speakers

REGISTER HERE!

Join administrators from across the state to learn, network, and celebrate what we do to prepare students for the future!

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Asked & Answered Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director A question that often comes up when the Arkansas General Assembly is in session is, "When does an Act passed during this session go into effect?" The answer will depend on the specific wording in the language of the bill.

Many bills become law once 90 days have passed after the legislature has adjourned Sine Die, which is the official last day of the session. For example, the 2019 Arkansas Legislative Session adjourned Sine Die on Wednesday, April 24. Acts without an emergency clause or a specific date in the language became law on July 23, 2019. The 2023 Legislative Session is currently in recess. The plan is to come back into session and officially adjourn Sine Die on May 1. Acts without an emergency clause would then become law July 30, 2023.

The 2021 Legislative Session was unusual in that the Legislature took an extended recess all the way into September of that year in order to complete congressional redistricting. This unusual action was due to the 2020 census data being delayed due to Covid-19.

Some bills have an emergency clause and become law immediately when the Governor signs them.

An example of bills with emergency clauses would be appropriation bills since they need to be in effect when the new fiscal year starts July 1. Some bills specify within the bill when they take effect.

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

Benefits Corner The Benefit of “Re-finding” You Submitted by Emily Cole, Marketing Coordinator, Educational Benefits During the school year, it’s easy to overextend yourself or become stressed by the daily routine of maintaining a personal life and a career that, while rewarding, can be tiring. Summer break can be the ideal time to mentally “check out” for a bit from work, letting go of the fast pace to focus on putting yourself first. By taking some “you time” each year, you set yourself up to approach a new school year with renewed focus and a grateful mindset.

5 Ways to “Re-find” You this Summer: • Try something new or pick up an old hobby – Try yoga, take a painting or pottery class, catch up on your golf game, join a book club or simply spend more time enjoying your family and friends.

• Get some sleep – Sleeping at least seven hours per night helps regulate your emotions, boosts your creativity, and supports healthy hormone levels. All great reasons to get more shut eye this summer!

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• Get moving! – Staying active this summer not only benefits your mental health but will keep you in shape physically as you move into a more relaxed routine. Swimming, hiking, cycling, or even going for a walk outside are all great ways to break a sweat. Aim for getting active three to four times each week.

• Give back – If community service is important to you, summer break is the perfect time to get involved while you have some extra free time. You can support others in many ways, whether by volunteering with a local nonprofit or simply helping your neighbor with yard work.

• Finally, as summer begins to wind down and the new school year draws near, take the time to reflect on the past year and set an intention for the next school year. Remind yourself of all the successes and lessons learned over the past year and reflect on ways to put those experiences to use over the next year!

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 April 2023 issue.

Black River Technical College to Open Satellite Campus in Piggott Black River Technical College has been preparing all year to open its second satellite campus in Clay County. The school has dedicated the Armory at BRTC in Piggott to career and technical certification opportunities for students in Piggott, Corning, Rector, and surrounding communities. Staff has been working around the clock to make sure that when classes start everything is in place to ensure a successful program for all students involved. The school is still expecting to have everything up and running in Piggott by August. The following career pathways will be offered offered at the center: Allied Health – CNA, Phlebotomy, RN prereqs, Welding, Industrial Electricity/Electronics, and Machine Tool Technology.

“Girl Power to the Max” Young women from 13 Arkansas public school districts recently took part in the "Girl Power to the Max" STEM event at Ledwell Machinery in Texarkana. De Queen-Mena, South Central and Southwest Arkansas Education Cooperatives partnered with the manufacturing for the regional student competition to encourage female participation in technical construction. Twenty-one girls competed. The top three spots granted two first-place winners and a People's Choice Award winner. The winners received trophies provided by Boss Laser, cash awards and $500 tuition waivers from the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana.

The competition was open to any girl in grades 9-12 attending a public school within the trio of Arkansas Education Cooperatives invited to the contest. Participants could compete in CNC cutting and CNC lasering technology projects using advanced equipment in welding and power structural systems. The competition was designed to focus on exploring and perfecting skills in high-need, high-wage, high-demand nontraditional occupations, as well as fostering innovation. It served as an extension of what the cooperatives are doing in the classroom.

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

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The AAEA Job Board can now be found at arjobsined.schoolspring.com The AAEA Job Board is a calendar-year subscription that assists districts with the ever-increasing challenge of recruiting quality staff. It is a significant resource for educators, both in-state and outof-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 Heber Springs School District Siloam Springs School District Fort Smith Public Schools Batesville School District Conway School District Greenbrier Public Schools Perryville School District Mount Vernon-Enola School District Arch Ford Education Service Co-op Valley View School District Huntsville School District Mansfield School District Camden Fairview School District Cleveland County School District Fayetteville School District North Little Rock School District Batesville School District Little Rock School District Marion School District Decatur School District 13

Position Assistant Elementary School Principal Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) Principal Director of Belle Point Center Administrative Dean of Students Elementary Principal Elementary Principal Assistant High School Principal Elementary Principal K-12 Literacy Specialist Elementary Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Elementary Principal District K-12 Math Coordinator Rison Elementary Principal Deputy Superintendent Coordinator of Special Education Curriculum Business Manager/District Treasurer Assistant Elementary School Principal Assistant Elementary School Principal Middle School Principal

Openings (continued) District Name Greene County Tech School District Magnolia School District Perryville School District Marion School District Sheridan School District Sheridan School District Siloam Springs School District Siloam Springs School District Bryant School District Woodlawn School District Alma School District Paragould School District Camden Fairview School District Arkadelphia Public Schools Cossatot River School District Pocahontas School District Forrest City School District Alpena School District Conway School District Conway School District Hope School District Fort Smith Public Schools Beebe School District Smackover-Norphlet School District Pulaski County Special School District Graduate Arkansas, Inc. Benton School District Decatur School District Russellville School District Smackover-Norphlet School District Heber Springs School District Bismarck School District Cross County School District Pulaski County Special School District Hope School District Batesville School District Arkansas Arts Academy White County Central School District Arkadelphia School District Southside School District

Position District Administrator of Instructional Programs Middle School Principal Assistant Elementary School Principal Junior High School Principal Assistant Principal Athletic Directory High School Assistant Principal Principal – Intermedial School (Grades 5-6) Elementary School Principal Anticipated K-6 Elementary Principal Assistant Principal 9-12 Preschool Director and Primary Assistant Principal Middle School Principal Director of Federal Programs Primary School Principal Assistant Principal – Jr. High (Part-time) Building Principal Superintendent Director of Media Relations Chief Legal Officer Principal (HAPS) Secondary Assistant Principal High School Principal Middle School Assistant Principal School Test Coordinator Special Education Coordinator/Teacher High School Assistant Principal District Literacy Specialist Sequoyah Elementary School Principal Special Education LEA Supervisor PK-12 Special Education Director Maintenance Director District Technology Director Avid Secondary Site Coordinator/Elective Teacher Assistant Principal HHS Sulphur Rock - Elementary Principal K-6 Elementary/Middle School Principal K-6 Literacy Instructional Facilitator Elementary School Principal Technology Director 14

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