The Administrator - August 2019

The

Administrator

August 2019 Volume 45, No. 2

THE SIMPLE

TRUTH: All Means ALL

VIEWPOINT, PAGE 1

33

PERSPECTIVE

5

7

8

SPOTLIGHT

ASKED

A-MUSINGS

The

Voice

for School Administrators

The AAEA Administrator is a monthly publication of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) for members of the AAEA.

EDITORIAL Managing Editor: Amy Manning-McNabb Editor In Chief: Michelle Briggs Address: 219 South Victory Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: 501.372.1691 Web Site: www.theaaea.org Follow us on: Facebook: Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

APPLAUSE & PRAISE & CELEBRATE, PAGE 10

Twitter: @The_AAEA Instagram: @aaea_littlerock

In this Issue

Please contact us if we may provide assistance to you in any way.

STAFF

Executive Viewpoint - Dr. Richard Abernathy

1

President’s Perspective- Scott Spainhour

3

Mike Mertens, Assistant Executive Director m.mertens@theaaea.org

Administrator Spotlight - Lesa Bell

5

Dr. Larry Smith, Program Director l.smith@theaaea.org

Benefits Corner

7

Michelle Briggs, Director of Events & Operations m.briggs@theaaea.org

Asked and Answered

7

“A-Musings”

8

Professional Development Opportunities

11

Administrator Job Openings

14

Dr. Richard Abernathy, Executive Director r.abernathy@theaaea.org

Robyn Keene, School Finance Consultant r.keene@theaaea.org Marty Smith, Member Relations Manager m.smith@theaaea.org Karen Dean, Business Manager k.dean@theaaea.org Amy Manning-McNabb, Communications Manager a.mcnabb@theaaea.org Christy Dodds, Business Development Manager c.dodds@theaaea.org Madison Greene, Administrative Specialist m.greene@theaaea.org

Your Association Staff i Administrator August 2019

Cover: Dr. Jim Rollins, Superintendent, Springdale School District, spends a moment with a student.

2019-2020 AAEA CORPORATE SPONSORS PRESTIGIOUS American Fidelity Assurance Co. Educational Benefits, Inc. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. Pro Benefits Group, Inc. Renaissance Learning, Inc. Scholastic Education

DISTINGUISHED Imagine Learning

DIAMOND AETN Apple Apptegy ClassWallet Classworks Edgenuity Energy Systems Group Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC ESS Excel Energy Group, Inc. First Security Beardsley Forecast5 Analytics McGraw Hill Education PowerSchool Smart Data Dashboard Stephens, Inc.

PLATINUM AAMSCO Baldwin & Shell Construction Caddell Construction Co. (DE), LLC C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC Legacy Construction Management Nabholz Northwest Evaluation Association - NWEA TRANE US, Inc. University of Arkansas: Department of Curriculum & Instruction

GOLD ClassLink Crow Construction Generation Ready, Inc. Harrison French & Associates Kinco Constructors, LLC Middleton, Inc. Red Comet

SILVER ACE Sports Architecture Plus, Inc. French Architects, PA Hight-Jackson Associates, PA SEAS Virco, Inc. Please consider doing business with AAEA Corporate Sponsors when appropriate for your school/district. Their support of the AAEA is vital for us to serve you in your work.

2019-2020 AAEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott Spainhour AAEA President

Debbie Atkinson AAEA Secretary/Treasurer

Superintendent, Greenbrier

Principal, Bergman

Roger Ried AAEA President-Elect

Shawn Higginbotham AAEA Past President

Principal, Southside

Superintendent, Lake Hamilton

Benny Weston AASA President Superintendent, Mena

Pharis Smith AAESP President Jackson County

Robert Poole AASA President-Elect

Stacey DeFoor AAESP President-Elect Principal, Conway

Superintendent, Prescott Jon Collins AASA Secretary

Lori Griffin AAESP Past President

Superintendent, West Memphis

Principal, Fort Smith

Chad Jordan AASSP President

David Maxwell AASSP President-Elect

Assistant Principal, Green County Tech

Principal, Mena

Brad Ray, AASSP Past President

Barbara Garner ArkASPA President

Assistant Principal, Fort Smith

Assistant Superintendent, Crossett

Dr. Joe Rollins AACTEA President

Paul Jenkins AAFC President

Principal, Springdale

District Test Coordinator & ASCIP Coordinator, Blytheville

Charles Warren AASBO President

Dr. Sherrie Bayles AASEA President

Chief Financial Officer, Fort Smith

Special Education Supervisor, Springdale

Aaron Randolph AAGEA President

Dr. Stephanie Nehus AACIA President

Director of Gifted Programs/ Federal Programs, Cabot

Superintendent, Hot Springs

Jeff Wasem AAMLA President

Robert Edwards ASPMA President (Until Oct.)

Principal, Bentonville

Superintendent, Lafayette County

Bill Tietz ASPMA President (Begin Oct.)

Dr. Richard Abernathy

Assistant Superintendent Watson Chapel

Executive Director, AAEA

ii Administrator August 2019

EXECUTIVE

Viewpoint

Dr. Richard Abernathy

AAEA Executive Director

Simple Truths/ Complicated Answers

“Educational opportunities for our children were headed in the right direction, and this was a source of pride.”

Education in Arkansas hasdedicated reached teachers a funding system that met both the “I see the and administrators and have no and equity concerns. a pivotal moment, and it is adequacy doubt that our kids will get the incumbent on all to work together best they have toThe offer.” laws that resulted from Lake to ensure the future is bright for View better met the needs of our students.

I n o rd e r t o students by providing adequate understand this perspective, we funding, adding programs to meet need to review the history of the needs of those hardest to education over the past thirty serve, and by spelling out years. accountability standards.

In 1992, the Lake View School Innovative intervention programs District filed a lawsuit against the were developed for students who state alleging that the school struggle in a traditional school funding system was unconstitutional. Over the course of nine years the case worked its way through the court system ending with the Supreme Court determining that Arkansas’ system of school finance was inadequate and inequitable.

Immediately following this decision, legislators

setting.

In addition, significant funding was put into place to ensure equitable facilities in which our children could learn. Lake View brought about improved student achievement in reading and math.

Arkansas’ scores on the National Assessment of Student Progress (NAEP) reached their highest levels

and school administrators began meeting to determine a path forward that would solve both the adequacy and equity issues and improve education in our state.

There were tense discussions between the groups, but both had a voice in the discussion and worked through the process. In

in state history. School facilities improved across the state. New career and technical programs were developed to give our children employment opportunities. Curriculum offerings increased in Advanced Placement and Concurrent Credit courses.

Teacher salaries rose from the

2007, the state was released from court supervision after putting forth

lowest in our region to the regional average. Educational opportunities Continued on next page

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Administrator August 2019

Executive Viewpoint, continued

for our children were headed in the right direction, and this was a source of pride.

Lake View and the laws that followed have not solved all educational issues.

Some students struggle to read.

Solving these issues is not going to be easy, and there are no simple answers. My dad had a saying that is appropriate here. “For the simple, … everything is simple.” Teaching children is not simple. They bring a variety of backgrounds with them to school.

Many students have parents who provide a wealth of learning opportunities, meal security, and a safe and nurturing environment at home.

Many other students come to school so burdened that we cannot imagine how they can worry about their education. They are in survival mode at all times. The only safe and nurturing environment they know is school.

The only balanced meals they receive are at the school lunchroom. I hope that you get the picture.

policies. A new study of what is needed for an adequate education has been discussed for several years. This would allow an opportunity to find and correct issues that may have been missed or added over time.

They are in survival

mode at all times.

The only safe and nurturing environment they know is school.

Teachers and administrators have a responsibility to teach ALL children. Here is a simple truth: we know that certain things work when it comes to teaching children. We know and research supports that Professional Learning Communities provide a strategy that works for improving student learning.

We must also have a safe and collaborative culture, effective teaching in every classroom, a guaranteed and viable curriculum backed by standards-based reporting of student progress, and competency-based education that is researched as needed in order to have a quality educational program for every child.

Sounds simple, but remember dad’s comment.

Let’s go back to Lake View for just a moment. Progress was made but has plateaued. Why? Did we take our eye off the ball? Are there other issues that we missed that our now pulling down scores? Again, the answer is not simple.

Here are some examples of things that were not considered during the adequacy study: school safety, mental health services, and dyslexia are issues that our educators face daily but were not part of the original study. Teacher salary disparities persist. Closing the achievement gap, while challenging our top achievers continues to be an issue. Matrix funding versus matrix expenditures continues to be problematic.

Stagnant career and technical education funding has resulted in business and industries having difficulty finding qualified employees. These issues are not simple or easily solved.

It is time to conduct a thorough study that will provide a better understanding of the issues and to find solutions.

The future of Arkansas’ children is indeed bright, but it takes education to turn on the light bulb.

Funding model problems persist. There are disconnects between policy makers and those implementing the

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Administrator August 2019

PRESIDENT’S

Perspective

NEEDED: “TAKE Action” Heroes

“We’re Going to Do THIS!” Believe it or not, July is over,

What if that means being expected to

vacations are wrapping up, school

improve our schools’ letter grades and

buildings are being polished, back to

ESSA scores?

school events are being scheduled,

We’re going to do this!

AAEA Summer Conference is over, and it’s go time! You may be having

What if that means ensuring all our

doubts and feeling the pressure as

educators continue the work towards

the school year is quickly

knowledge and practices of scientific

approaching. Master schedules,

reading instruction?

building projects, community

We’re going to do this!

outreach, final hiring, meeting the

Scott Spainhour

AAEA Board President

Superintendent

Greenbrier School District

new mandates, preparing for that

What if that means learning and

first day, and more, are swarming our

implementing a new leadership

minds.

evaluation, Leads 2.0?

We’re going to do this!

Doubts and stress may arise, and you may be thinking the same question

What if that means dedicating

that Luther Stickell asked his

resources for even more

counterpart, Ethan Hunt, in the movie

improvements to school safety?

Mission Impossible, “You really think

We’re going to do this!

we can do this?”

What if it means building and My confident answer to this question

sustaining student-focused learning

matches Ethan Hunt’s response,

environments and quality facilities?

“WE’RE GOING TO DO THIS!”

We’re going to do this!

Undoubtedly the “what ifs” will creep

What if it means that while providing

into our minds.

targeted interventions we also challenge our high achievers?

We’re going to do this!

Continued on next page

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Administrator August 2019

President’s Perspective continued

What if it means guaranteeing students will read on level when leaving 3rd grade?

We’re going to do this!

You really think we can DO this?

What if it means staying the course of yet a 3rd cohort of PLC Pilot Schools?

We’re going to do this!

What if it means growing more leaders to

I can’t see ANOTHER WAY.

accomplish the massive amount of work at hand?

We’re going to do this!

What if it means actually getting kids to school on a more regular basis?

We’re going to do this!

What if it means recruiting the underserved into programs such as STEM and Computer Science?

engaged and active at school. We’re going to do this by implementing procedures to keep our school communities

We’re going to do this!

safe. We’re going to tap into every resource available that

What if it means leveling the playing field for our students

on what students need. Our guaranteed and viable

living in poverty?

will help students, and we will make every decision based curriculum along with rigorous courses will help us do this.

We’re going to do this!

We’re going to do this by reaching our full potential as

What if it means leading education in this great state that

together. As Ethan Hunt surmised, “I can’t see another

is leading the nation in education?

We’re going to do this!

What if it means, while balancing all of the above and more, we expand our own professional and personal learning networks?

We’re going to do this!

leaders of Arkansas’ education. We’re going to do this way.”

So as we, the AAEA, The Voice for School Administrators, prepare for the 2019-2020 school year, I look forward to us working together on improving the quality of education and educational leadership in Arkansas. Let’s join together to get started on this successful, incredible mission! It’s go time!

You may ask, exactly HOW are we going to do all of this?

We’re going to do this through proven, evidence-based practices. We’re going to do this by collaboratively creating and carrying out plans of action. These action plans will help teachers become proficient in teaching students to read. We will increase our instructional capacity for STEM and computer science. Plans will lead us in working with families to make sure their students are

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Administrator August 2019

SP

T

Light

O

“Doing My BEST Every Day”

Lesa Bell, District Treasurer, Nashville School District, says constant changes in her field keeps her on her toes.

nce upon a time, there was a district treasurer who hated fixed assets. Her wish was to find a colleague who would happily take the task over.

Enter Lesa Bell.

“I was hired with Nashville in 1996 as the bookkeeper,” Lesa remembers. “Dana Newberg, district treasurer at the time, told me I was hired, because she hated fixed assets! I was working in banking when Nashville advertised the position. I was excited about the change in jobs.”

During her 20-plus years in school finance, Lesa says that major changes, such as technology in the classroom and the business office, have been daunting. “It sure keeps you on your toes!”

Lesa is a member of the AASBO board, a connection that she finds invaluable. “The networking AAEA provides is outstanding,” she says. “Even though schools do things differently, it’s amazing what we can learn from each other.”

What would have happened all those years ago if Lesa hadn’t come to the rescue of that district manager who hated fixed assets? “I would either be a Wal-Mart greeter or VP at a local bank!”

Luckily for her school district, co-workers, and AAEA, Lesa joining the school finance world was a happy ending for us all.

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Administrator August 2019

What is the favorite thing about your job?

“The people I work with!”

Continued on next page

Q A &

With

Lesa Bell

“My grandchildren are totally amazing and smart (like their Nana Bird)!”

How would your coworkers describe you?

“Dedicated, precise, logical, fair, and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done right.”

What would you tell someone who was thinking about a similar career?

“I would definitely encourage them. Working in a school district is a great job.”

What is the most challenging part of your job?

“Things are always changing. It sure keeps you on your toes!”

What are you most proud of?

“Conquering the Time Clock Interface!”

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Don’t be afraid to try something new.”

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

“Married Kirk!”

When people look back on your life, how do you want to be remembered?

“Friendly, helpful” Where do you want to be in five years?

“Retired!”

What is one of the things on your bucket list?

“To spend a month at the beach with all the books I want!”

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

“Spending time with my family. I have several hobbies, including sewing, machine embroidery, and refinishing furniture.”

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Administrator August 2019

CORNER

B E N E F I T S

Asked Guaranteed Issue Insurance and How it Works

In addition, depending on the insurance carrier offering a product like life insurance, the

Despite periodically being under political threat, the Affordable Care Act prevails. Within the ACA, the rule is, all health insurance policies must be sold as “Guaranteed Issue.” Any pre-existing diagnosis will not be a condition for your coverage.

This, however, is not always the case with voluntary supplemental employee benefits. Depending on the selected carrier, you may or may not be able to offer a plan that provides guaranteed issue, also referred to as (GI). For example, some carriers require you to answer medical questions for a cancer policy when enrolling. If you have a pre-existing condition, you will be denied coverage. For that reason, employers who work with a broker, will ask them to find a carrier who will allow all employees to participate.

Thus, a guaranteed

amounts that are guaranteed may v a r y f o r e a c h e n ro l l e e t y p e (employee, spouse, child), e.g., employee has $100k, spouse has $40k, child has $10k.

Typically, a product that includes guaranteed issue is only offered the first time an employee has an opportunity to enroll in the product (new product offered in your group or employee is a new hire). Large employee benefit brokers, however, can work with carriers to customize their plans to offer guaranteed issue options during all open enrollments moving forward.

Ask your employer about your Guaranteed Issue options!

Column Provided by:

Shane Pennington,

Regional Sales Executive,

Educational Benefits, Inc.

issue offering is a must.

UPDATE: Membership We appreciate your support of the AAEA through your membership in our association!

On July 1, all current memberships were automatically renewed, and you should have received an email along with an invoice for your membership dues. Please note this is the only invoice that you will receive. If your district pays your membership dues or if you pay through payroll deduction,

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Administrator August 2019

&

Answered

Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director

The call generally starts like this, "I'm buying (fill in the blank). Do I have to take bids?” Or, "I'm building (fill in the blank). Do I have to take bids?” As in many cases dealing with Arkansas bid laws, the answer is not always simple.

If you are buying a commodity (supplies, goods, materials, equipment, facilities, personal property, and services other than professional services), the bid threshold per state law is currently $20,910. Even if the estimated cost is under this amount it is always good business to shop around for the best price.

And, the most important thing to remember is follow your school board policies. Some districts have policies that require bids to be taken on purchases that cost less than state bid law requirements.

If you are building something, the bid laws are even more difficult to follow. Capital improvement projects under $35,000 do not require competitive bidding.

Again, it is always good business to shop around for the best price. Once the estimated price reaches $35,000, a number of requirements kick in and increase as the project cost increases to $150,000.

Projects over $35,000 require advertising for bids at least once, bid bonds, performance bonds, contractors license, and on projects that involve engineering. Over $50,000, there is an additional requirement of advertising for bids at least twice.

Over $75,000, there is an additional requirement about encouraging small, minority, and female-owned business enterprises to bid. Over $150,000, there has to be an architect designing the project. And don't forget to ALWAYS follow your school board policies!

If you have questions for Mike, email them to a.mcnabb@theaaea.org.

Renewal

Notices

please print the invoice and distribute to the appropriate department for payment. We will not send the district an invoice. If you pay your own dues, please submit payment by check, or log on to your profile to pay by credit card.

If you have any questions, please contact Marty Smith by email, m.smith@theaaea.org or by phone, (501) 372-1691. She will be happy to help in any way.

A-MUSINGS:

The One With the Clever Card Trick

Contributor: Lori Griffin Principal Ballman Elementary Fort Smith School District

If you have an amusing, insightful, or unusual story about your experience as an educator or administrator that you’d like to share for our “A-Musings” column, email Amy Manning-McNabb, Communications Manager, at a.mcnabb@theaaea.org.

It

is quickly coming upon the tenth anniversary of my father's passing, and oh, how I miss him and his passion for life! I miss being able to share the happenings and successes of our school. He was my biggest supporter and loved listening to me ramble about my days.

When I was a principal at Elgin B. Milton Elementary in Ozark, we implemented the Watch Dog Dads P r o g r a m . O n e d a y, m y d a d mentioned he would like to come and be a dad for a day to help tutor our students. I was so excited! I outfitted him in our famous Watch Dog Dads shirt and hat, which made him feel "super official" in his role. He was assigned to work with a third grade classroom on multiplication fluency and sat outside the classroom door using flash cards with individual students.

I remember walking by him as he expressed to me just how brilliant our students were at their multiplication. It gave me that

“proud parent” feeling! Later that morning, a student was working with him and was doing extremely well, nailing every fact. My dad bragged on him and told him what a terrific job he was doing. The student slowly looked into his eyes and responded, "Sir, the sun is shining through that window, and we can see everything through those cards.

We can see the answers!" My dad laughed so hard and told that story 100 times to his many friends he encountered after that visit to school.

Instead of getting upset, he shared a positive life lesson with that young man, that it is “A-OK” to make mistakes and just laugh at yourself. Life can be too stressful to take things too seriously!

I will always remember what my dad shared with me during some of the hard times in life: “Cherish those precious memories and keep them close to your heart!” Sharing this story again did just that!

Building For the Future: ASPMA 48th Annual Conference, October 7-9 The 48th annual conference of the Arkansas School Plant Management Association (ASPMA) is scheduled for October 7-9 at the Hot Springs Convention Center and Embassy Suites. This year’s conference theme is “Building for the Future.”

This year’s agenda is packed with keynote speakers, special guests, breakout sessions, updates from the Arkansas Division of Academic Facilities & Transportation, and a large trade show.

This is an excellent opportunity for professional development, business contacts, and up-to-date information on a variety of topics and products relevant to school plant managers and other school administrators.

Virginia, current president of the National School Plant Management Association, is also on the conference agenda.

ASPMA is very excited to have as keynote speaker, Bill Keopple, Head Football Coach for the Southern Arkansas University Muleriders. Coach Keopple enters into his 10th season as the head football coach at SAU and is coming off very successful seasons of 7-4 and 9-3. The Association is also pleased to announce that Dr. Rick Walters of

Specifics regarding registration for both the conference and the CFD certification classes will be posted on the AAEA/ASPMA website in the near future. For room reservations, call the Embassy Suites at 501-624-9200. Be sure and ask for the ASPMA conference room rate of $142 Single/ $152 Double.

This year’s conference also includes a day of classes for the Certified Facilities Director (CFD) program.

The conference starts Monday, October 7, with BBS101: Basics of Building Systems/Active, BBS102: Basics of Building Systems/Passive, and SI204: Buildings and Grounds Hazard Recognition.

An additional part of this year’s conference program is a Vendor Appreciation Fish Fry on Monday night, October 7. All attendees and vendors are invited to attend.

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Administrator August 2019

Applause &

Praise &

Celebrate

A Path to Increased Public Support

By Jamie Vollmer

ESSA, Title IV, Part A, directs administrators to

project took shape, I began to see a path – a logical

“strengthen ties with the people of their communities.”

The Arkansas Administrative Code reinforces the need for districts to “engage stakeholders.” I’ll bet good money that every strategic plan in the state prominently features a public engagement objective. And yet, in my experience, attention to the so-called “community piece” is shoved aside by more pressing concerns as the drama of the school year unfolds.

Pursuit of this strategic goal falls to

progression that administrators could follow to motivate their staffs to become better ambassadors for their schools and, at the same time, dramatically increase community support. This path has six interrelated steps.

the superintendent and communications director, if you are lucky enough to have one.

t h e

Once upon a time, this was good enough: Educators were trusted, most folks had kids in school. Not anymore. Shifting demographics, rising expectations, and intense political scrutiny have changed the game. Spend a day in any Arkansas public school and it immediately becomes apparent that the traditional mandate, “Teach our students,” has mutated into, “Raise our kids!” And as administrators labor to meet this challenge, media pundits, ideologue policymakers, anti-tax crusaders, and self-serving entrepreneurs work 24/7 to erode public support. The time has come for everyone on staff – certified and classified – to stand up and promote their schools.

AAEA members have been listening to me talk about his for almost thirty years at convocations and conferences.

In 2017, with a push from a superintendent, I decided to hammer my thoughts into a video series. And as the

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Administrator August 2019

Step One – Promote Public Education and Praise Your Staff In this time of rampant criticism, it is vital that administrators and their staffs stand up and tell the story of public education’s success. Make it clear that public schools have unleashed the potential of tens of millions of Americans both privileged and disenfranchised. Explain that no expenditure of tax dollars yields as high a return as our investment in public schools.

Promote the fact that your teachers are the most important professionals in your community. Show the public how every road to individual and community success runs right through their classroom doors.

Highlight their record of achievements. Applaud their dedication. Stress the value of their individual and collective experience. Publicly celebrate their success.

Step Two – Defend Public Education and Promote Your Success Acknowledge the threats facing your schools. Analyze the motivations of those who seek to undermine your support. Provide your staff and allies with the information they need to refute baseless criticism and expose the dangers of empty, free-market rhetoric. Help your staff see that they have the power to increase support for themselves and their schools. Remind them that they are one of the largest employee groups in the county. Impress upon them that the stakes are too high to remain silent.

Continued on next page

At the same time, encourage the staff to eliminate self-

Address the symbiotic nature of the school/community

inflicted wounds. Make it clear that everyone’s reputation is damaged when staff members bad-mouth one another and their schools in public. Explain the professional and personal benefits that accrue when people shift their attention from the negative to the positive. Ask everyone to look for examples of things in and around their schools that might be considered encouraging, hopeful, or inspirational. Urge them to share their triumphs – big and small – within their social

relationship. Help everyone see that schools are a reflection of local values, traditions, and beliefs. Accept the hard truth that raising student achievement requires more than changing our schools. It requires changing the culture of the communities they serve.

networks.

Step Three - Accept the Need for Change Make it clear that defending public education does not mean defending the status quo. Help staff, parents, and the public understand why schools need to change.

Reference Thomas Jefferson’s seminal “Notes on the State of Virginia” to expose the sorting problem that sits at the heart of the system. Raise awareness that our schools were created to serve an America that no longer exists.

But make sure everyone understands that attempting major change can, and will, inflame passions. Even reasonable reforms backed by logic and research will anger those who hold on to rigid mental models of “the way school ought to be.” Ignore this reality at your peril.

Step Four – Overcome Resistance to Change Place today’s need for reform in context. Offer a history lesson to show that our schools have always been a work in progress. Review the choices our ancestors made to meet America’s evolving needs and explain the choices we face today.

Step Five - Increase Community Understanding Help the public understand the challenges you face.

Educate the great majority of people who haven’t stepped inside one of your schools in decades, and, therefore, have archaic and/or simplistic notions of what you are up against. Expose them to the mountain of academic, social, and medical responsibilities that society has heaped upon your schools.

Be sure to make the need for reform personal. Connect the dots between improving the quality of local schools and improving the quality of life of everyone in the community. Show the people that they have still skin in this game, whether or not they have children in school.

Step Six - Reap the Benefits of Engagement Watch as more members of your staff become proactive ambassadors for your schools. Enjoy greater public respect, trust, and resources as you work to prepare all children to thrive and prosper. Expedite fundraising.

Fulfill your community engagement objective. Set the stage for ever-increasing student success.

Jamie Vollmer is an award-winning defender of America’s public schools.

He is the creator of the video series, The Great Conversation™ and author of the book, Schools Cannot Do It Alone. He can be reached at j a m i e @ j a m i e v o l l m e r. c o m a n d www.schoolscannotdoitalone.com

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Administrator August 2019

Professional Development

2019/20 C A L E N D A R 09/2019 A r k A S PA H R B o o t C a m p — S e p t e m b e r 1 0 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock AAFC Fall Conference — September 18-20, 2019 Hot Springs Convention Center AAGEA Conference — September 19-20, 2019 Holiday Inn Airport, Little Rock

10/2019 ASPMA Conference & Certification Classes — October 7-9, 2019, Hot Springs Convention Center AAEA Fall Conference, October 31, 2019 Marriott Hotel, Little Rock

11/2019 CASBO Certification Classes — November 7-8, Hilton Garden Inn, Little Rock

1/2020 Superintendent Symposium — January 15-16 DoubleTree Hotel, Little Rock AACIA Conference — January, 29, 2020, Hot Springs Convention Center

02/2020 A r k A S PA C o n f e r e n c e — F e b r u a r y 1 8 , 2 0 2 0 Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock

03/2020 AASBO Conference — March 3-5, 2020 Hot Springs Convention Center

05/2020 A A F C S p r i n g C o n f e re n c e — M a y 6 - 8 , 2 0 2 0 Hot Springs Convention Center

To see a schedule of more AAEA events, go to theaaea.org and click on “Calendar.”

06/2020 AASEA Special Education Conference — June 8-9 2020, Holiday Inn Airport, Little Rock

11 Administrator August 2019

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: ONLINE REGISTRATION OPEN SOON! RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM NOW! AAFC Conference, September 18-20, 2019 Hot Springs Convention Center

AAGEA Conference, September 19-20, 2019 Holiday Inn Airport, Little Rock Reaching the Mountain Tops Together: Closing the Achievement Gap

Wednesday, September 18, 2019 9:00

Optional Pre-Conference Session - Tier I Annual Update

8:00-9:00

Registration

9:00-10:30

11:00

AAFC Board Meeting

Business Meeting Keynote Speaker - Dr. Jonathan Plucker -

1:00

New Coordinators Session (Everyone Welcome)

Arkansas: Promoting High Achievement

“Addressing Excellence Gaps in in the 21st Century” - Jonathan Plucker,

Thursday, September 19, 2019 8:30

Welcome

8:45

Parental Engagement - ADE

9:30

AAFC Business Session & NAFEPA Update

Keynote Speaker 10:30-11:20

Session 1 •

Secondary Gifted Students” - Monica

9:45 Break & Exhibitors/Networking

•

10:15 Conducting a Needs Assessment School Improvement Plans

•

11:30 Lunch & Exhibitors/Networking 12:45 Title III, Migrant-Out of School Youth & Summer Services

Office of GT/AP

“Understanding and Applying for Act 56 - Outstanding GT Program” - Dustin Seaton, GT Specialist, NWAESC

11:30-12:30 12:30-1:20

Lunch Session 2 • “New Resources and Processes for Advanced Placement” - Lana M. Sveda,

3:00 Monitoring Tool

Director, State and District Partnerships, The College Board

Friday, September 20, 2019 8:30 Growth Mindset and Q & A Session 10:30 Using Data for At-Risk Assessment and Gap Analysis-Office of Innovation- Sarah McKenzie, Office of Education U of A Closing & Door Prizes

Springfield, GT Specialist, OUR Coop News from the ADE - Krystal Nail, Director ADE

2:30 Break & Exhibitors/Networking

11:30

“Managing Perfectionistic Tendencies in

•

“Creativity Through the Magic of Constraints” - Dr. Jonathan Plucker

•

“Data Driven Decisions in the Identification Process” - Dr. Julie LambMilligan

1:30-2:20

Session 3 •

“Managing Perfectionistic Tendencies in Secondary Gifted Students” - Monica Springfield, GT Specialist, OUR Coop

•

Lodging: Embassy Suites Room Rate: $142 for Double/$152 for Single Call 501-321-4430 Deadline to receive conference room rate: August 18

“Clearing a Path for All: A Deep Dive into the New Pre-AP Program” - Lana M. Sveda, Director, State and District Partnerships, The College Board

•

Networking - finalizing a facilitator, Round table discussions

Room Rate: $94 Call 501-375-2100 Deadline to receive conference room rate: August 19

12

Administrator August 2019

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: ONLINE REGISTRATION OPEN SOON! RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM NOW!

ArkASPA HR Bootcamp September 10, 2019 8:30 am - 3:00 pm Conference and Lodging: Wyndham Riverfront North Little Rock Room Rate: $94 Call 1-866-238-4518 Deadline to receive conference room rate: August 19

AAEA 2019 Fall Conference October 31, 2019 Marriott Hotel Little Rock

Educators worldwide recognize Dr. Bill Daggett, the creator of the Rigor/Relevance Framework, for his proven ability to lead school reform and help Pre-K– 12 educators effectively prepare students for the future. A former teacher and administrator, as well as director with the New York State Education Department, Bill has a special commitment to individuals with disabilities and has written numerous books, reports, and articles about learning and education.

Connect with Bill on Twitter @RigorRelevance and on LinkedIn.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Bill Daggett

Room Rate: $169 Call 877-759-6290 Deadline to receive conference room rate: October 9

MORE DETAILS COMING SOON! www.theaaea.org 13

Administrator August 2019

Job Site Subscription Service Tools to Help You Hire the

Best

The AAEA Job Board is a calendar-year subscription that assists districts with the ever-increasing challenge of recruiting quality staff. It is a significant resource for educators, both in-state and out-of-state, seeking employment in Arkansas’ schools.

Over 165 school districts are participating in the program in 2019, 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. Subscription renewals will be sent to superintendents this fall regarding 2020 renewal.

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

Link

Emerson-Taylor-Bradley School District

Superintendent (20-21)

More Information

Fort Smith School District

Director of Adult Education Center

More information

VISIT OUR JOB SITE FOR MORE

https://arkansas.schoolspring.com/

14

Administrator August 2019

Be a Part of Something‌

Bigger Training

The

Networking

Voice

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

Mentoring

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Advocacy

for School Administrators theaaea.org