The Administrator - August 2020

Keeping in Touch››

2020 AAEA Virtual Summer Conference Wrap Up. Viewpoint: Page 1

Shantele Raper

Director of Curriculum & Special Projects Osceola School District

Dare to be Kind Perspective: Page 2

Perspective: Page 2

Let’s Go VIRTUAL: 2020 AAEA Summer Conference 3

Asked: Page 6

August 2020 Spotlight: Page 5

The

Voice

Vol. 46, No. 2

for School Administrators

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators  

Part 2 Address: 219 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201

Benefits Corner, pg. 5

Phone: 501.372.1691 Web Site: www.theaaea.org

In

Follow us on: Facebook: Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

This

Issue

Twitter: @The_AAEA

Executive Viewpoint - Dr. Richard Abernathy

1

Instagram: @aaea_littlerock

President’s Perspective - Debbie Atkinson

2

Administrator Spotlight - Shantele Raper

3

Benefits Corner

5

Asked and Answered

6

Remembering Marshal Hughes

7

CoSN Update

7

Professional Development Opportunities

8

Administrator Job Openings

11

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

STAFF Dr. Richard Abernathy, Executive Director r.abernathy@theaaea.org Dr. Mike Hernandez, Executive Director - Elect m.hernandez@theaaea.org Mike Mertens, Assistant Executive Director m.mertens@theaaea.org Michelle Briggs, Director of Events & Operations m.briggs@theaaea.org Lenett Thrasher, Director of Learning Services and Operations l.thrasher@theaaea.org Robyn Keene, Director of Finance Services 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

The AAEA Administrator is a monthly publication of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) for members of the AAEA. Editor-in-Chief Michelle Briggs Managing Editor Amy Manning-McNabb

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2020-2021 AAEA CORPORATE SPONSORS PRESTIGIOUS American Fidelity Assurance Co. Curriculum Associates, LLC. Educational Benefits, Inc. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. Pro Benefits Group, Inc. Renaissance Learning, Inc. Scholastic Education

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DIAMOND Apple Apptegy Arkansas PBS ClassWallet Edgenuity Energy Systems Group ESS Excel Energy Group, Inc. First Security Beardsley Forecast5 Analytics PowerSchool Stephens, Inc. Strategos Winsor Learning

PLATINUM AAMSCO Baldwin & Shell Construction Caddell Construction Co. (DE), LLC C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC Curriculum Associates, LLC Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC Legacy Construction Management Nabholz Northwest Evaluation Association - NWEA Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Silverback Learning TRANE US, Inc. University of Arkansas: Department of Curriculum & Instruction

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SILVER Architecture Plus, Inc. French Architects, PA Got Zoom Hight-Jackson Associates, PA SEAS Virco, Inc.

2020-2021 AAEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Debbie Atkinson, AAEA President Principal, Bergman

Brian Kirkendoll, AAEA Secretary/Treasurer Principal, Alma

Dr. Stephanie Nehus, President-Elect Superintendent, Hot Springs

Scott Spainhour, AAEA Past President Superintendent, Greenbrier

Stacey DeFoor, AAESP Robert Poole, AASA President President Superintendent, Prescott Principal, Conway Jon Collins, AASA PresidentElect Superintendent, West Memphis

Mark Lewis, AAESP Past President Principal, Conway

Pharis Smith, AAESP Past Skipper Ward, AASA Secretary President Superintendent, Magnolia Principal, Jackson County David Maxwell, AASSP President Principal, Mena

Scott Smith, AASSP PresidentElect Principal, Western Yell County

Chad Jordan, AASSP Past President Principal, Greene County Tech

Fred Lilly, ArkASPA President Superintendent, Camden Fairview

Lee Smith, AACTEA President Assistant Superintendent of Development, Mena

Shantele Raper, AAFC President Director of Federal Programs, Osceola

Cristy Dunnahoe, AASBO President Business Manager, Star City

Sherry Stewart, AASEA President Director of Special Services, Rogers

Aaron Randolph, AAGEA President Director of Gifted Programs/ Federal Programs, Cabot

Tracy Streeter, AACIA President Superintendent, Hamburg

J.D. Keeling, AAMLA President Principal, Dardanelle

Bill Tietz, ASPMA President (until October) Assistant Superintendent, Watson Chapel

Dr. Richard Abernathy, AAEA Executive Director

Aliza Jones, ASPMA President (begin October) Facilities Consortium Coordinator, Lavaca

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Executive

Viewpoint

We Did It! Now, Let’s Go Out and Get it DONE!

We have had a first in

through the particular issue. By networking with each

the history of AAEA. We just completed

other out in the lobby or after the conference ends for the day, we find out how others are conducting

our first Virtual AAEA Summer Conference, and I thought it went

business and learn about new programs to help our students. All of this was missing this summer.

very well. We had over around 1000 registered and 48 virtual exhibitors. This is definitely different than

Our AAEA staff always look forward to the Summer Conference. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun,

the traditional onsite Summer Conferences that we have held from the time the association began in 1976. With anything, there are good points and bad

and we enjoy seeing everyone from across the state.

We really missed that this year. But we have all had to adjust to a “new normal” due to the pandemic we are

points in change.

faced with. We are grateful that we could still have a Summer Conference

Dr. Richard Abernathy AAEA Executive Director

On the positive side, we were able to able to add several breakout sessions around

virtually and still offer the great presentations we had scheduled.

COVID and other hot topics.

We would not have been able

Our conference theme was “Best Year Ever!”

to do this with an on-site conference due to availability of space. We attracted several

With the challenges you are currently faced with, it will be different

administrators who would not have been able to attend if it had been on-site. We

still be a great year.

than usual, but it can

were able to record several breakout sessions so administrators can have access to those discussions at a later date. There are many other positive things that

Good luck to each of you as you start out the new school year. I feel confident that you will adjust, as

have occurred by having a virtual conference.

school administrators are accustomed to doing, and provide excellent learning opportunities for our

The main downside of the virtual conference is the lack of networking. Administrators build their support system by networking with other administrators. Then

students across the state.

The AAEA is here to support you in your work. Please reach out to us if we may be of assistance. I hope you have the Best Year

when we have a problem or issue we are facing, we can contact our support system to help us work

Ever!

1 August 2020

President’s

Perspective

again of teacher for their own children while trying to work?

Although this is a trite quote often used, I feel

Should they be trying to secure

that School Year 20-21 will be the year where

babysitting just in case? Are their children going to have irreparable

kindness is critical to our success, more than any other year. Kindness is a behavior marked by ethical characteristics, a pleasant

gaps in their education? For many parents, there has been an

disposition, and concern and consideration for others.

In an article in Psychology Today, by Dr. Karyn

Hall, she explains that “Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.

Affection,

gentleness, warmth, concern, and care are words that are associated with kindness.

While kindness has a

connotation of meaning someone is naïve or weak, that is not the case.

Being kind often requires courage and

strength. Kindness is an interpersonal skill.”

Kindness includes being kind to yourself, as administrators.

It is critical to find ways to manage our

own stress, so that we can make the best decisions possible for our schools, teachers and students.

Sometimes, we have to get pretty creative when it comes

enjoy nature, cook a meal, work in the garden, take

stakeholders are on edge

a "fun" class, take the weekend off, exercise, or

and feel an unprecedented

plan special outside activities. Of course, some of

Teachers

these would raise stress levels for a few of us, but

are concerned with how best

the key is find what works for you and plan time for

to keep their students and

yourself. As we are called upon to make quick decisions, don’t forget to hear the voices of all your

themselves safe, while providing a strong classroom educational experience that

stakeholders and move forward with kindness.

could be aborted at any

Whatever our school year looks like, we need to be

time and moved, in a blink of an eye, to online learning. Teachers are concerned with including enough review from possible lost learning and staying true to their own grade level standards. Teachers are pondering the best ways to safely incorporate Many teachers

have been spending their summer trying to prepare for the unknown. Teachers need our flexibility and kindness.

Parents are concerned on many levels. Will their children

August 2020

an extra measure of kindness.

friends, make time to laugh, listen to music, read,

so much unrest, many of our

be safe at school?

due to our current situation. Parents, for sure, will need

suggestions: spend fun time with family and

with so many unknowns and

experiences outside of the classroom.

additional burden of financial strain

to finding ways to battle the stress. Here are a few

As we begin our school year

amount of stress.

Debbie Atkinson AAEA Board President Elementary Principal Bergman School District

calm leaders for our students, staff, and parents.

We need to be there for each other as we communicate concerns and successes. We need to face our issues with as much kindness as possible.

There will be many

obstacles, but we can overcome them if we always remember to put our students’ needs first and infuse our decisions with kindness. No matter what position we hold, I believe that we are right where God has placed us to positively impact the lives of our students.

Will they have to take on the role

2

Spotlight

Shantele Raper, Director of Curriculum and Special Projects, at the Osceola School District admits, “The most challenging part of my job is the same as the most interesting: there is always something new to learn. I don’t think we ever master any one area before something new comes around.”

Looking back over the last year, one that’s changed how most professions operate, Shantele Raper, Director of Curriculum and Special Projects in the Osceloa School District, thinks 2020 isn’t something administrators can’t handle.

“The year of 2020 has definitely made us rethink our practices,” she states. “As I think about our instructional practices as we move into a new year, there are opportunities for us to make positive changes for our students. Technology advances are evident and coming faster than normal, but I have no doubt that teachers can embrace these changes to support student learning.”

Early on, one of her first career choices was in the transportation industry, in which she worked while she attended college part time. Had Shantele followed her next career choice, she would have been handling the pandemic in the area of business technology. However, she began to realize that education may be a better place to find work/life balance.

“After completing a bachelors degree in business administration, I realized a change of career towards education was better suited for my family life and my desire to help others,” she recalls. “I continued to pursue a masters in business education and began teaching at Osceola School District where I remain today.”

Eventually, she transitioned in to teaching by becoming a Career and Technical Educator. “I am very thankful for all of my previous work experience, as it has served as a great foundation for all of my jobs in education,” she said.

Throughout her time in education, Shantele has served as the president of the Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Administrators (AACTEA) and the Arkansas Career Guidance Association. Currently, she is both the president of Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators (AAFC) and the NE Region Director of AACTEA. After such an accomplished career, Shantele hopes her colleagues remember how important she thought it was to tell people how they’d influenced your life.

“The people I admire the most are those who are genuinely concerned about others and their well being,” she explains. “My mother passed away over 20 years ago, and people still have stories how she would do anything to help them. For me, that is enough.”

Continued on next page August 2020

3

In addition to her position with the Osceola School District, Shantele co-owns the company Knowledge Works, which offers certification for Career Service Providers.

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

There are so many possibilities with a career in education. A lifetime in the classroom can also open many supplemental opportunities. There are many other venues in education you could explore, all of which ultimately support our teachers and students. It doesn’t always have to be face-to-face.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Never go to your administrator with a problem without offering your help for a solution.

How would your co-workers describe you?

This was a great opportunity to ask my colleagues how they would describe me.

They pretty much all said that I am dedicated to supporting the district by helping the administrators, teachers, and students. I liked that they felt like I was a good resource for all of them. They know if they ask me to help them, I will do my best.

What have you done that you are the most proud of?

In my professional life, I am most proud of my National Board of Professional Teaching certification. I completed this certification starting my third year of teaching. I learned so much during the process. I am most proud of a perfect score in Student Accomplishments for National Boards.

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

I have a few European tours on my Bucket List. Barcelona and the French Riviera look like the perfect trip. I would love to visit London and Paris, too. We have a new grandbaby, so Disney World may have to replace my dream trip!”

What are goals you’re working toward?

Being a good Nana to my little baby Lucas is on the forefront right now. I still have a dream of publishing a novel. I have a little story to tell and several chapters ready. I keep the idea of finishing a doctoral degree in the back of my mind, but I find my goal of creating a good work and home balance is where I am in my life right now.

August 2020

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How to Prepare for Your Employee Benefits Open Enrollment (Part 2): The Employee Last month, we shared best practices that can be used by the school district to help prepare for an employee benefits open enrollment. We’ll use Part 2 as our guidance to you as an employee. Believe it or not, there are things that can do to make your open enrollment a great experience and prepare you for the conversations you may have when determining benefit coverage changes.

•

Your school district (in partnership with your employee benefits broker) is responsible for communicating important information regarding an upcoming open enrollment. That communication will likely include enrollment dates, the logistics of your open enrollment, any/all coverage modifications, and general education about new coverage being offered.

•

From year to year, you may not remember what coverage you have in place.

Without that

information you may not know what benefits you need to learn more about. As an employee, you should be able to contact your benefit broker’s customer service to request this information. If your school district doesn’t work with a broker, you may have to contact your school’s business office to get this information.

•

Once you know what benefits you have, you can now determine if you need to make changes. Visit the Employee Benefits Guide provided by your school district and broker to learn more about those additional offerings.

If you don’t understand the benefits you are offered, don’t wait until your time with the benefit consultant to ask your questions. Talk to family, co-workers, etc. to get a general understanding.

Column Provided by:

Shane Pennington,

Regional Sales Executive,

Educational Benefits, Inc.

NEW WEBSITE. NEW APP. STILL THE

Voice

FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS. Click here to take a tour of the AAEA App! August 2020

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"One of our board members chose not to run for re-election but no one filed for the vacant seat by the deadline, what are our options?"

In absence of anyone filing for the vacant seat, the incumbent board member may serve only one full term as a holdover. If no one runs in the next election, then the board must appoint someone else until the next regular election. If the incumbent chooses not to serve as a holdover and resigns, a vacancy is declared on the board and a new board member is appointed by the school board until the next election.

Asked

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

Answered

Mike Mertens AAEA Assistant Executive Director

Siloam Springs Principal, Ross White, Receives 2020 AACTEA Administrator of the Year Award Ross White, vice principal of Siloam Springs High School, was named as the 2020 Arkansas Career and Technical Administrator of the Year in a surprise ceremony in Siloam Springs last month. Recommendation letters for White described him as a "guiding force in the development of some of our most innovative programs," "someone who is willing to do work that is often overlooked," and stated that White is active in state, regional and national organizations. White has served as the district's vocational program coordinator for the past three years. He received the additional title of assistant principal in 2018 and was promoted to vice principal this year.

Before coming to Siloam Springs, White served as a marketing and business teacher for ten years in the Alma School District. The Siloam Springs High School's Career and Technical Program has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with an average of 70 to 80 percent of the graduating class completing a CTE program. Congratulations, Ross, on Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director (left) presents Ross White with the 2020 AACTEA Administrator of the Year Award.

August 2020

being recognized for your efforts in career and technical education!

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REMEMBERING

Marshall Hughes VICE PRESIDENT Marshall was a great leader, colleague and friend admired by all of us at First Security Beardsley since he joined our team nearly 20 years ago.

His absence will be felt by all who knew him, and we’re sending our thoughts to his loved ones.

Division of Crews & Associates, Inc. • Member FINRA & SIPC

Click here to read this month’s topics: updates on the CoSN/ AASA/edWeb.net EmpowerED Superintendent webinar series, CoSN Driving K-12 Innovation Report, and Diversity in IT.

August 2020

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2020-2021 CALENDAR

2020 August

Everything You Need to Know About Title IX VIRTUAL Conference — August 14, 2020

September ArkASPA VIRTUAL HR Bootcamp — September 8, 2020 AAFC VIRTUAL Fall Conference — September 23-25, 2020

October ASPMA VIRTUAL Certification Classes — October 5-7, 2020 AAGEA VIRTUAL New Coordinator Workshop — October 22, 2020 AAGEA VIRTUAL Conference — October 22-23, 2020, AAEA Fall Conference — October 29, 2020,

November CASBO Classes — November 16-18, 2020

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

2021 January AASA Superintendent Symposium — January 13-14, 2021, DoubleTree Hotel, Little Rock AACIA Conference — January 31, 2021, Benton Event Center

February

ArkASPA Drive-In Conference — TBD

March AASBO Conference — March 2-4, 2021, Hot Springs Convention Center

April AACTEA Conference — TBD CASBO Classes — April 6-9, 2021, Benton Event Center ASPMA Certification Classes — TBD

May AAFC Spring Conference — May 5-7, 2021, Hot Springs Convention Center To see a schedule of more AAEA events, go to theaaea.org and click on “Calendar.”

ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference — TBD

June AASEA Special Education Conference — June 7-8, 2021, Embassy Suites, Rogers

August 2020

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New Title IX requirements will become effective Friday, August 14, 2020. The U.S. Department of Education’s recently released rule defines sexual harassment (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking) as unlawful sex discrimination, and requires supportive measures for every alleged victim. The U.S. Department of Education previously addressed sexual harassment through non-legally binding guidance documents, but that is no longer the case.

Now, the regulations impose important legal obligations on school districts and charter schools.

The AAEA will host a webinar on Friday, August 14th at 8:30 a.m. to discuss the changes that school administrators need to know regarding Title IX. IMPORTANT!!! Once you have registered for the conference though the AAEA website, please read your confirmation email for the Zoom link to connect to the webinar.

Click here to register.

9 August 2020

SAVE THE DATE! 


REGISTRATION OPEN SOON!

SAVE THE DATE!

10 August 2020

Tools to Help You Hire the Best!

Job Site

Subscription Service

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

Rogers School District

Assistant High School Principal (One Year Only)

More Information

Conway School District

Superintendent

More Information

North Little Rock School District

Assistant Principal

More Information

Pulaski County Special School District

Director of School Maintenance Service

More Information

Pulaski County Special School District

Operations Manager

More Information

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

Literacy Coordinator K-12)

More Information

VISIT OUR JOB SITE FOR MORE

August 2020

https://arkansas.schoolspring.com/

11

Be a Part of Something…

Bigger

Than an Individual …

The Training

Voice Networking

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

for School Administrators Mentoring

Legal Services

Advocacy

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