2024-2025 Calendar of Events AAEA Staff
Dr. Mike Hernandez
Executive Director m.hernandez@theaaea.org
Dr. Karla Neathery
Assistant Executive Director k.neathery@theaaea.org
Lenett Thrasher
Assistant Executive Director 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
Mike Mertens Consultant m.mertens@theaaea.org
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
CASBO Classes, October 23-24, 2024
UCA Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center, Conway
November
AACTEA Conference, November 7, 2024
Benton Event Center
January
Superintendent Symposium, January 8-9, 2025
Doubletree Little Rock
TEL-AR Conference, January 29-30, 2025
Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, North Little Rock
February
AASBO Conference, February 12-14, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
ArkASPA Spring Conference, February 25, 2025
Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, North Little Rock
March
AACIA Conference, March 13, 2025
Benton Event Center
April
CASBO Classes, April 23-24, 2025 Location TBD
CFD Classes, Date TBD Location TBD
May
AAFC Spring Conference, May 7-9, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference, Date TBD
Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, North Little Rock
June
AASEA Conference, June 8-10, 2025
Benton Event Center
AAEA School Law and Finance Conference, Date TBD Location TBD
July
AAEA Summer Conference, July 28-30, 2025
Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock
For more information, visit theaaea.org/events.
2024-2025 AAEA Board of Directors
Stacy DeFoor AAEA President Assistant Superintendent, Benton
Kelvin Gragg AASA President AssistantPineSuperintendent, Bluff
Dr. Jeff Wasem AAESP President-Elect Principal, Bentonville
Brandie Williams ArkASPA President Superintendent, Trumann
Kelsey Bailey AASBO Past President Chief Financial Officer, Little Rock
Bryce Bennett AAMLA President Director of Academic Assessment Services, Conway
Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director
Charles Warren AAEA President-Elect Business Manager/District Treasurer, Fort Smith
Dr. Debbie Bruick-Jones AASA President-Elect Superintendent, Bentonville
Shawn Rose AAESP Past President Principal, Hillcrest
Kelli AACTEACypertPresident Career & Technical Administrator, ARESC
Haley Hatch AASEA President Director of Special Services, Lake Hamilton
Greg Collins ASPMA President (until Oct) Maintenance/Facilities Supervisor, Dover
Dr. Jason Reeves AAEA Secretary and AASSP President Assistant Principal, Alma
Dr. Jeremy Owoh AASA Secretary Superintendent, Jacksonville/ North Pulaski
Jason Selig AASSP President-Elect Principal, Lake Hamilton
Christine Harrell AAFC President Federal Programs Coordinator, Searcy
Dr. Marcia Smith AACIA President Deputy Superintendent, Springdale
Randall Bolinger ASPMA President (begin Oct) Maintenance/Facilities Supervisor, Siloam Springs
Brian Kirkendoll AAEA Past President Principal, Alma
Steven Helmick AAESP President Principal, Little Rock
Amy Marek AASSP Past President Principal, Hazen
Justin Robertson AASBO President Chief Financial Officer, Russellville
Valerie King AAGEA President Director of Gifted Programs, Siloam Springs
B.J. TEL-ARBurgessPresident Director of GreenbrierTechnology,
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
ClassWallet
Diamond (Continued)
ClearGov
Edmentum
Education Elements
Energy Systems Group
ESS
First Security Beardsley Goalbook
Imagine Learning
Imagine Learning Sonday System
Middleton, Inc.
OnToCollege
SmartData Dashboard
Stephens, Inc.
Stride Tutoring
Tanium
White River Services and Solutions
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.
Phoenix Contractors
Platinum (Continued)
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
My Benefits Channel
SEAS
Strategos Group
Varsity Tutors for Schools
Executive Viewpoint
Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director
BUDGETS ARE OUR FRIEND!
It is that time of year. You have closed out the 2023-2024 budget and are preparing to submit the 2024-2025 budget at the end of this month. Our business managers across the state feel the pressure and may not be warm and fuzzy when you come in with any last-minute requests or changes. Hopefully, you are still reading and are starting to think, If I am not a superintendent or business manager then submitting the budget is not a focal point of my daily administrative duties. On this point, I would beg to differ. Everyone in the school community is important in the budget process. A school budget is our signal to all stakeholders of what we prioritize and how we aim to raise student achievement. One way that a school district can widen awareness, involvement, transparency, and buy-in is through a budget committee.
A school budget committee is a vital part of the educational community and is responsible for overseeing and managing the financial resources of a school or school district. The committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to meet the needs of students, staff, and the educational environment. A school budget committee is a group of individuals tasked with developing, reviewing, and recommending the annual budget to a local school board. The budget outlines how the school's financial resources will be allocated for various needs, such as salaries, educational programs, facilities maintenance, and extracurricular activities. The committee's primary goal is to ensure that the school's financial resources are used efficiently to support its educational mission and vision. With the overall north star being increased achievement.
The composition of a school budget committee can vary, but it typically includes a mix of school administrators, teachers, parents, community members, and sometimes students. School Administrators often include the principal, vice-principal, and district financial officers. They bring a deep understanding of the school’s operational needs and strategic goals. Teachers provide insights into the educational needs and priorities of the school. They can advocate for funding that directly impacts classroom instruction and student learning. Parents and Community Members represent the broader community's interests and priorities. They provide a valuable external perspective on how the school’s resources are being utilized and can advocate for broader community concerns. A school board member should serve on or liaise with the budget committee. They ensure that the budget aligns with districtwide goals and policies. Students can provide a perspective on how budget decisions impact the student body. There are many more individuals that need to be included in the thought process such as special education, gifted education, and behavioral health staff to name a few.
The responsibilities of a school budget committee are extensive and include the following: Developing the budget by estimating revenues, forecasting expenses, and allocating funds to various departments and programs. The committee should regularly review financial reports to monitor the school’s spending and ensure that expenditures align with the approved budget. One of the hardest aspects is prioritizing spending. With limited resources, the committee must make difficult decisions about prioritizing spending. This could involve deciding between investing in new technology, hiring additional staff, or maintaining existing programs. The committee must actively engage with various stakeholders, including
parents, teachers, and the community, to gather input and communicate budgetary decisions. This helps build transparency and trust in the budgeting process. Throughout the year, the committee may need to adjust the budget in response to unforeseen circumstances, such as changes in funding levels, unexpected expenses, or shifts in school priorities. Finally, the committee ensures that the school’s financial practices comply with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as any specific guidelines set by the school district.
Most, if not all, districts face challenges throughout the year. A strong active budget committee can help alleviate some of the frustration and stress seen in school communities. Many schools operate with constrained budgets, making it difficult to meet all the needs and priorities of the school community. Various stakeholders often advocate for different needs, the committee must carefully balance competing priorities to ensure fair and effective resource allocation. Unexpected costs, such as emergency repairs or changes in staffing, can disrupt even the most well-planned budgets. The committee must be prepared to adjust and reallocate resources as needed. Compliance with various financial and educational regulations can be complex and time-consuming, requiring the committee to stay informed and vigilant. In Arkansas, we are constantly seeing changes in rules from the state and federal levels.
So I know that some of you may say “phooey” to all my fine ideas about budget committees, but I believe it is worth consideration. As we face more and more challenges and criticism as administrators, we have to share the burden with the greater school community. This is one way to do that and be able to weather difficult decisions in the future. I hope you are having a great start to your year and making a significant positive impact on your school’s success and the community it serves. September 30 is coming!
Building Block
Construction Manager At-Risk VS Design-Build
Submitted by Will 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.
President’s Perspective
Stacy DeFoor, AAEA Board President
BALANCING YOUR DAY
I hope that the beginning of your school year is off to a great start. Those beginning of the year routines that you’ve established and communicated help to shape what the remainder of your year will look like. Once the dust settles and you get into a daily routine, have you thought about planning out your day? How will you be a visible leader? What percentage of time will you devote to classroom observations, emails, greeting students and parents, but still take care of those pesky managerial tasks that must get done? I’m hopeful that some of the items below will provide some tips for balancing your day so that you feel accomplished as you walk out of your building or office at the end of the day.
Prioritize and Plan:
• Set Clear Priorities: Identify what tasks are most critical each day. Allocate time for each priority accordingly.
• Create a Weekly Schedule: Block out time for specific activities, including classroom observations, parent meetings, and administrative work. Stick to this schedule as closely as possible.
Efficient Classroom Observations:
• Schedule Observations in Advance: Use a scheduling tool to arrange observation times with teachers, ensuring that you respect their class time and avoid conflicts.
• Use Observation Templates: Develop a standard template or checklist for observations to make the process more streamlined and focused.
• Provide Feedback Promptly: Offer constructive feedback soon after the observation to maintain relevance and support teacher improvement.
Manage Emails Efficiently:
• Set Email Check Times: Designate specific times during the day for checking and responding to emails to prevent constant interruptions.
• Use Email Management Tools: Tools like filters and folders can help organize and prioritize your inbox, making it easier to manage high volumes of messages.
• Delegate When Appropriate: Share the email load with administrative staff or department heads if possible.
Optimize Office Time:
• Limit Interruptions: Use office time for tasks that require focus and minimize interruptions by setting boundaries with staff and scheduling specific times for meetings.
• Delegate Routine Tasks: Assign routine administrative tasks to staff members to free up your time for more strategic responsibilities.
• Review and Reflect: Regularly assess how you’re spending your office time and adjust your schedule as needed to ensure that you’re addressing your priorities effectively.
Handle Discipline Effectively:
• Implement Clear Policies: Ensure that discipline policies are well-communicated and consistently enforced. This helps in managing behavior proactively.
• Address Issues Promptly: When discipline issues arise, address them as soon as possible to prevent escalation and maintain a positive school environment.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of disciplinary actions and communications to track patterns and support decision-making.
One last thing is to practice self-care, flexibility, and giving yourself some grace. Even the best daily plans often get off track with unexpected events throughout the day. I hope to see you at our AAEA Fall Conference on October 22nd. Have a great September and cooler weather should be just around the corner.
Asked & Answered
Dr. Karla Neathery, AAEA Assistant Executive Director
The question was, “I have been told that I should have access to UBER reports from DESE. What are UBER reports?” The answer is below:
UBER reports are Unrestricted Budget Expenditures and Revenue reports provided by DESE for districts through LEA insights under the financial tab. UBER is an efficiency and management tool provided by DESE. UBER reports are only available at the district level. DESE provides a three year history of revenue and expenditures for all district/charter schools. The report includes current year budget and year to date (YTD) expenditures. These reports are updated nightly.
If you have questions for Dr. Neathery, email her at k.neathery@theaaea.org .
Character Connection
Behind Every Great School is a Leader Who Cares
Submitted by Capturing Kids’ Hearts
Whether walking the hallways with a smile or affirming a teacher at a staff meeting, campus leaders have an amazing opportunity daily to set the tone and be there for your team. We know that enhancing campus-wide motivation and performance starts with making sure your staff feels connected and equipped, which will have a domino effect on your students. Here are some fun ways to help you demonstrate genuine care and build a more empathetic culture.
Know Your Staff to Grow Your Staff
Understanding what motivates your staff is essential for creating a more positive and productive environment. Consider using a Google Form or Survey Monkey to gather insights about your team. You might ask:
• If I had something positive to say about you, who would you want me to tell?
• How do you like to be motivated?
• What de-motivates you?
• How do you prefer to receive feedback?
• What is one area of your teaching you want to improve?
To encourage participation and make the process more engaging, consider offering fun incentives to early respondents, such as a jeans pass, candy in their box, or a drink delivered to their classroom.
Recognition and Affirmation
How often do you intentionally recognize and affirm your team’s efforts? Publicly acknowledging achievements boosts your team’s morale and encourages improvement. Regular affirmations and personalized praise show that you notice and appreciate their hard work, reinforcing a supportive culture. Consider creating an affirmation station for your staff and setting aside the last few minutes of a staff meeting for team members to write affirmations to one another as their exit ticket.
Implementing these strategies can help cultivate a more empathetic and connected school community. When staff feel understood and valued, they are more motivated and engaged, which positively impacts the entire school. To learn more about how your team can use the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® Process to build connection and engagement, visit ckh.org.
Administrator Spotlight: Monroe Pointer
Director of Facilities, Jonesboro School District
Monroe Pointer, Director of Facilities for Jonesboro Public Schools, started his career in education back in December of 2014. He states, "I was previously working for Nestle Prepared Foods as a Production Supervisor. I managed a team of over 60 team members, overseeing the process of producing raw goods into a ready-toeat finished product." He became interested in a career in education through his experience in managing people, and wanted to stay close to family in the surrounding area. He says, "Manufacturing and Education are totally different, but people are the same in whatever career you choose. People make things interesting, fun and exciting."
Monroe’s favorite thing about his job is "improving the facilities, processes and students' education." He states, "Being a part of a team that helps create an environment for student learning is always exciting and forever changing. Being a part of that change is something I enjoy." He says the most challenging aspect of his job is scheduling summer projects. "Summer projects usually have a ton of work to be completed in such a short amount of time, so scheduling the right contractors from the end of May to the first of August is always a challenge. But here in Northeast Arkansas we have great architects, great construction companies and skilled contractors that continue to work hard to ensure our on-time completion."
Monroe says the best advice he has ever received is to show gratitude to your team. As Director of Facilities, he knows it takes a great team to make a good leader. "That’s why I try to appreciate the people that have helped me in becoming a great leader," he states. "First, I will start with my wife Stephanie Pointer. She has encouraged me from day one when I took on the new role as Director. Then, my administrative assistant Dawn Burks. Dawn is always on time for work, always trying to be a step ahead of me so I don’t have to ask for certain things. Most of all she helps keep me on task with all the projects and day to day work tasks. I couldn’t ask for a better person. Then, I have the maintenance and custodial staff. This group of staff members step up to the plate every day. This group has never had a task that they could not handle. This group of staff members allows me to take off work and the work just continues as if I was still there. That’s why I feel I have the best maintenance and custodial staff in the state of Arkansas."
with Monroe Pointer ? ! Q&A
What would you tell someone who was thinking about a similar career?
I would tell them to be sure and pack your patience. There will be situations that won’t go your way, or go as planned, but you have to be willing to modify and adjust. By packing your patience this will help you remember why we do what we do.
Tell us about any awards or recognition you have received.
I was recognized as the “Eye of the Hurricane” in 2022 by our Jonesboro Administration Team. In 2023 I was recognized as the Plant Manager of the Year. This award was by far the most gratifying award I’ve ever received. This was because it was decided by my peers, the people that know what we do on a day to day basis. Having your peers to recognize you for what we all do was pretty special.
What is the most daring thing you’ve done?
I had a leading role in the school district’s 2018 back to school meeting performing “The Greatest Showman”.
What do you feel is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Leading our team in 3 major construction projects. This includes the Jonesboro High School 25 classroom addition, MacArthur Jr. High School New 50,000 square foot building and the Jonesboro High School 3-story activity gymnasium. All of which was being constructed at the same time.
What do you enjoy doing during your time off?
Now that my children are adults, I enjoy reading books with my wife about how to enjoy my adult children and taking the day off to go visit my parents.
I have also been serving on the City of Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for the past 2 years. The planning commission is responsible for ensuring the orderly physical development of the city through the adoption and periodic revision of the City of Jonesboro Comprehensive Plan.
What are the goals you are still working toward?
I would still like to own personal and commercial real estate properties. I’m still working on being a great piano player. I would also like to learn the game of golf.
What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?
It gives me access to multiple groups that can provide information to help support me in my role. Specifically, ASPMA which I have been a member of since 2015. Being a part of this group at the beginning of my educational career was the biggest support any new maintenance personnel could ask for. It gave me access to real people with the same concerns. Having this group available helps me to be the director I am today.
Opening Soon!
Safety & Wellness Segment
Ensuring Student Safety on the Way to School
Submitted by Barbara Grimm, Founder and President of School Responder, and C.J. Huff, Ed.D.
As the new school year begins, safeguarding students during their daily commutes becomes a top priority. Whether taking the bus, walking, biking, or getting a ride, each mode of transportation requires specific safety measures. In addition, all students should be taught about emergency contacts, stranger danger, and weather-appropriate attire to navigate their journeys safely.
For those riding the school bus, it is essential to wait at the designated stop, board only when the bus has fully halted, and remain seated during the ride. Students should avoid walking behind the bus and use handrails while boarding or exiting. Students who walk to school should follow well-lit, pedestrian-friendly routes and use crosswalks to safely navigate intersections. It is crucial to stay alert, avoiding distractions like phones or music, and to walk with a buddy when possible. Those who bike should always wear a helmet. Obeying traffic rules, using hand signals, and keeping your bike in good working condition helps to ensure a safe bike ride. Finally, those riding in cars should be dropped off in designated areas and be sure to exit on the curbside to avoid traffic hazards. Carpooling should include seatbelt use for all passengers. By incorporating these safety practices and fostering open communication about transportation safety, families and schools can work together to ensure students have a safe and successful school year. Whether through reinforcing proper bus conduct, pedestrian awareness, or biking habits, every precaution helps to make the journey to school as safe as possible.
Awards
AACIA Administrator of the Year
Misty Doyle, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning in the Jonesboro School District, was named the 2024 AACIA Administrator of the Year.
AAGEA Administrator of the Year
Stacey Plumlee, Gifted and Talented Director/Assistant Director of Learner Supports in the Springdale School District, was recognized as the 2024 AAGEA Administrator of the Year.
AASEA Winnie Wilson Administrator of the Year
Krista Fortenberry, Director of Special Services/Special Education for the McGehee School District, was named the 2024 AASEA Winnie Wilson Administrator of the Year.
ArkASPA Administrator of the Year
Roger Hill, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in the Rogers School District, received the 2024 ArkASPA Administrator of the Year Award.
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
Watson Chapel School District
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.
Publication Sneak Peek: Our Two Cents
This segment features content from other AAEA publications. Our Two Cents is a monthly publication available to subscribing districts. The following excerpt comes from the August 2024 issue.
Did You Know?
Department of Finance & Administration Revenue Report for July 2024
The July revenue report from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration shows that revenue is only slightly above forecast but below 2023 figures. The monthly DFA report for the first month of the Arkansas fiscal year shows net available general revenue for July was $527.7 million. This is 4.6% below last year’s July report but $2.8 million (0.5%) above what was forecast.
Individual income tax collections were $247.4 million in the report, down $28.7 million or 10.4% compared to 2023. This was slightly above forecast by $100,000 (0.1%). Individual income tax refunds were at $19.4 million for July, $3.6 million below last year and $1.6 million below what was forecast for the month.
The report showed corporate income tax collections were down to $23 million, a $8.3 million drop from last year and $3.3 million below forecast. Corporate tax refunds were $3.7 million, which was $900,000 above last year’s figures but $3.3 million below what was forecast. Sales and use tax collected $290.1 million, a $7.8 million, or 2.8%, increase from last year. According to the report, this was a 1% increase from what was forecast. In smaller revenue sources, the report showed tobacco revenue was $900,000 above forecast, while insurance and gaming revenue was $200,000 above forecast.
Arkansas has again ended its fiscal year with a significant surplus. The June report from the Department of Finance and Administration showed the state finished FY2024 with a $698.4 surplus after taking in $6.9 billion in revenue for the year.
Attorney General Opinion 2024-071
In Attorney General Opinion 2024-071 the AG responded to a question regarding whether or not the custodians’s decision to release “personnel or evaluation records” as redacted are consistent with the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The AG determined that it is the statutory duty of their office under A.C.A. § 25-19-105(c)(3)(B) to state whether the custodians’ decision to release “personnel or evaluation records” is consistent with the FOIA. As custodian of the records, it appeared that the School District determined that (1) the information requested was both personnel records and employee-evaluation or job-performance records and (2) that the employee-evaluation and jobperformance records should be withheld, while the personnel records should be released with certain redactions. The attorney general was not provided with copies of any records. Thus, the AG cannot determine whether the District’s decision to classify, redact, and release is consistent with the FOIA. The AG can only set forth the legal standards that the custodian must apply to determine whether to release the records in question.
Interested in more from Our Two Cents? Contact our office at 501-372-1691.
