The Administrator - July 2019

The

Administrator

July 2019 Volume 45, No.1

FORECAST: Bright Future Ahead for Arkansas Schools

VIEWPOINT, PAGE 1 3

5

0 202 19-

7

1 r e i T

8

20

PERSPECTIVE

SPOTLIGHT

The

Voice

ASKED

A-MUSINGS

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:

MISSION, PAGE 10

Facebook: Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators Twitter: @The_AAEA Instagram: @aaea_littlerock

In this Issue

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

Executive Viewpoint - Dr. Richard Abernathy

1

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

President’s Perspective- Scott Spainhour

3

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

Administrator Spotlight - Karleen Sheets

5

NEW! Benefits Corner

7

NEW! Asked and Answered

7

“A-Musings”

8

Robyn Keene, School Finance Consultant r.keene@theaaea.org

Professional Development Opportunities

9

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

Administrator Job Openings

13

STAFF

Dr. Larry Smith, Program Director l.smith@theaaea.org Michelle Briggs, Director of Events & Operations m.briggs@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

JOBSITE, PAGE 13 Your Association Staff i Administrator July 2019

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: College of Education & Health Professions

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

Superintendent, Prescott

Principal, Conway

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. Sherry 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 July 2019

EXECUTIVE

Viewpoint “The

Future of Arkansas Education is Bright.”

“I see the dedicated teachers and administrators and have no doubt that our kids will get the best they have to offer.”

Dr. Richard Abernathy

AAEA Executive Director

This summer is flying by….again!

Camelot Hotel.

Every year, it seems like the

superintendent at Mena, and the

summer goes by a little faster.

AAEA Summer Conference was

When you are busy, it’s easy to

our “vacation.”

not really notice the time and

kids would spend the conference

then you look up and realize that

time at the swimming pool while

it is gone.

Dad was in meetings.

Hopefully, you have

Dad was the

Of course, us

Then we

had some time this summer to

would get to go out to eat. That

spend with your family away from

was a big deal!

the job. It is always important to recharge your batteries before a

The Annual Summer Conference

new year starts.

meant the swimming pool growing up.

Later when I

There are two things that come to

became an administrator, the

my mind this time of year.

summer conference had a much

The

Annual AAEA Summer

different meaning.

The

Conference and what the future

Conference meant quality

of Arkansas education will look

professional development,

like.

connecting and reconnecting with friends, and networking with

When I mention starting a new

other administrators. I was like a

year, it means the Annual AAEA

big sponge soaking up all the

Summer Conference. I attended

information I could gather.

some of the very first summer

network I built at the summer

conferences in the late 70’s when

conference would last all year and

The

the meeting was held at the Continued on next page

1

Administrator July 2019

Executive Viewpoint, continued

even decades as some of those first connections I

think the funding model can be turned into an

made are still close.

expenditure model. They are frustrated when they think they place money in the matrix for salaries and it

We will have over 100 new administrators who will be

doesn’t go there. I strongly feel that a new study is

attending the Annual Summer Conference for the first

warranted in order to find out the reasons why this

time.

happens. I feel confident that it would show that

What they take away from this conference

(positive or negative) will last for the rest of their career.

schools need additional funding.

I was fortunate when I first got started as I

knew several administrators from my coaching

Today’s schools face additional issues that what we did

experience as well as my dad’s friends. So, I felt very

not face 15 years ago. School safety, mental health,

comfortable.

I can’t say that about all the new

dyslexia, etc., are all issues schools are dealing with

The size of this conference alone

today but were not addressed in the matrix. Currently

might be a little intimidating, especially if they know

school districts are using dollars meant for teacher

very few people.

Please reach out to these new

salaries to fund areas such as those and other areas

administrators and let them know they have a support

that are not addressed. However, without an authentic

network available to them.

study we will continue to have the same lack of

administrators.

Now for the second topic… t h e f u t u re o f A r k a n s a s education. I always think the future of Arkansas education looks bright.

Make

the

CONNECTION.

I see the

dedicated teachers and administrators and have no doubt that our kids will get the best they have to offer.

Politically, I have high hopes.

We just came through a legislative session, and it was probably one of the better sessions we have had in a long time. We have gained friends of public education to serve in our political system, and it showed during the session.

With that being said, I wouldn’t be truthful if I didn’t say that I am disappointed that the legislature won’t be conducting a new adequacy study. We have been using the same funding model since Lakeview and we see some flaws in the system. We have some who still

Reach out to new administrators - let them know

they have a support network available to them.

understanding that we have had for several years now.

I still think the future is bright for education in Arkansas – but, my goodness how bright it could be if we could solve the funding issues schools are facing. I hope to see you at the summer conference, and if you happen to see a new administrator, please make them feel welcome! Let them catch our enthusiasm for what lies ahead in Arkansas education!

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Administrator July 2019

You have ONE word.

PRESIDENT’S

What would that WORD be?

Perspective

“My one word is STEADY. It takes steady leadership to consistently move students FORWARD.”

There is a limitless list of quotes about the power of words.

Posing these questions in my district was the path I took for our annual District Leadership Vision meeting in July 2018. This time of collaboration

•

•

Scott Spainhour

AAEA Board President

Superintendent

Greenbrier School District

•

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”

Benjamin Franklin

and focusing on our vision of doing

“By words we learn thoughts, and by thoughts we learn life.”

Jean Baptiste Girard

each building and district leader with

"Good words are worth much, and cost little.”

George Herbert

“whatever it takes” for students has evolved into a summer tradition, along the “tone” to be set for the upcoming school year.

Presenting

a copy of One Word written by Jon Gordon, Jimmy Page, and Dan Britton, we began the book study together for self reflection, for a time to think through who each of us wanted to become as educational

But what is the power of just ONE

leaders.

Our leaders took a few

WORD?

months for significant reflection and goal setting before sharing their self-

What if just ONE WORD was your

selected words and the meaning or

professional focus for an entire year?

stories behind their words with each

ONE WORD that you want to

other. To hear them share words such

“become?” ONE WORD that you want to immediately come to mind when your peers hear your name?

What would that ONE WORD be?

as JOY, EMPOWER, BALANCE, K N O W , F A M I LY, I N S P I R E , RESOURCE, and INTENTIONAL was inspiring and hopeful, and an unintended way to strengthen the relationships among us all.

Continued on next page

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Administrator July 2019

President’s Perspective continued

Spontaneously throughout the school year, these leaders

simply having a clear line of sight to where you want to go,

were given reminders of their words, a framed definition or

and refusing to be knocked off course by circumstances.

visual, a quick text or card, or even an opportunity to share

It takes steady leadership to consistently move students

with their peers how they were moving closer to

forward.

“becoming” their word.

I want to be STEADY when it Many of our principals took this

comes to doing what we know

process back to their schools,

works for students.

leading a unique method of self reflection and growth for their staff

A tradition we have established

members well beyond that of any

in Greenbrier is to kick off each

rubric or evaluation protocol. High

school year with the entire district

school teachers were sharing

staff with a motivational and

words such as DEVOTED, BUILD,

exciting speaker who helps set

SHINE, CHARGE, and POSITIVITY

the tone and a clear line of sight

as descriptions of what they

towards our vision of doing

wanted to “grow into.” Middle

whatever it takes.

To continue

level teachers shared words to

our One Word work, we are

strive for such as FLEXIBLE,

very excited to welcome

INVESTED,

P R E S E N T,

author of One Word, Jimmy

CONFIDENT, and PERTINACIOUS.

Page, as our 2019-2020 guest

Furthermore, elementary teachers

speaker! Mr. Page will lead

shared “mirror words” that pushed

Greenbrier educators in

them to reflect such as DELIBERATE, SERVE, EMBRACE, SELFLESS, and GRACE.

continually choosing one word individually, as teams, and as schools in 2019-2020.

The One Word study was a path for Greenbrier educators to strive towards their personal visions

What’s your one word? I

in 2018-2019, share their goals and desires with

encourage you to continue

their teammates, and therefore strengthening an

your own growth and model

already great learning environment.

reflective leadership. Perhaps you need a word to finish out

As superintendent, my one word for 2018-2019 was not a particularly exciting word, nor is it one we often think of in terms of leadership. My one word was STEADY.

your summer, a word that helps you find a better balance, a word for the entire 2019-2020 school year that would push you as a leader or grow you into an educator you never thought possible.

The word STEADY is defined as firmly placed, constant, and uninterrupted.

So, as your new AAEA board president, my hope for you, your school, and your district, is to maintain our clear line

However, as I used the word STEADY, I’m not referring to

of sight on where we want to go for students, to be

maintaining the “status quo” kind of steady, but rather

STEADY for Arkansas education. I look forward to leading

have a “North Star” kind of steady. What I mean by that is

with and for you this year, and to sharing my 2019-2020 one word with you soon.

4

Administrator July 2019

SP S

T

Light

ummer vacations are the best times to daydream about future plans and what life beyond childhood would look like. As a kid, Karleen Sheets was no exception.

“To Predict and Be Proactive” Karleen Sheets, Assistant Superintendent, Jonesboro School District, says staying ahead of the curve is her biggest challenge.

“Without knowing it, I think I was always drawn to teaching,” she remembers. “When we played school in the summer, I was the teacher. Like most of you, I was usually the group leader and organizer for projects.”

Adulthood arrived, and Karleen began her journey not as a traditional educator but as a receptionist.

“When I went to college, I planned to major in political science and then go to law school. When we moved to Stillwater, OK, for my husband to earn his Ph.D. in sociology, I was the receptionist in the College of Home Economics,” Karleen recalls. “It was at that time I decided to major in home economics (now called FACS). I was interested in a career in education because I believe that ‘education is the great equalizer.’”

After receiving her M.S. degree in counseling in Georgia, Karleen, her husband, Greg, and their daughter, Logan, moved to Arkansas to be closer to family. Eventually, she joined the staff at Cedar Park Elementary School in Trumann as a counselor for three years. She went on to become a district administrator for curriculum and federal programs for eleven years, during which she earned her Ed.S. in Educational Leadership at ASU. She has now been a district administrator for Jonesboro School District for nine years.

“I love my job because I have opportunities to support teachers so they can do their jobs to make a difference in the lives of their students,” she says.

“The most challenging part is to stay ahead of the curve–to predict and be proactive, to anticipate the intended and unintended effects of decisions.”

Karleen has served as AAFC President and was a recipient of both the AAFC Coordinator of the Year and the National Association of Federal Programs Leadership Award.

Her advice to new administrators? “To anyone interested in district administration,” she advises, “I would say, ‘If you like visioning and leading, building teams, building capacity, solving problems, working with people of all ages, and effecting change… You will love it!’”

5

Administrator July 2019

“I’m in awe at what people can do with their creativity and their passion. From creating musical compositions and works of art to inventing the wheel and designing skyscrapers, people are amazing.

When I go to a concert, play, athletic event, academic competition, or art exhibition, I am amazed at the talent of our students.”

“I like to tent camp and spelunking. I bake wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and cupcakes. I also enjoy yard work; I like riding the lawn mower and musing about solving all of the world’s problems.”

Continued on next page

Q A &

With

Karleen Sheets

“When my daughter was seven years old, she said, ‘I want to be a principal when I grow up. The

job

is easy. All you have to do is hire good teachers.’”

What major changes have you seen in education during your career?

One major change is the focus on individualized learning. A long, long time ago, we used to go into the classroom, teach, and hope students learned. Regardless of individual needs, we expected all teachers to teach the same way and all students to learn the same way. As all of us know, things are different now.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, camping, working in the yard, reading, cooking, watching TV, and having fun.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

My mother always told us, “Do not judge other people because you do not know their circumstances nor their lives.”

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

One thing on my “bucket list” is to visit all 50 states.

So far, I have been to all of the states except Minnesota, Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.

How would your co-workers describe you?

We actually did a team building activity where co-workers described one another. This is how my co-workers described me: thoughtful, smart, generous, friendly, understanding, caring, and hard-working.

What’s something that amazes you?

I see the beauty of the world, and I am amazed at the magnificence of God. Isn’t it amazing that animals camouflage themselves, trick predators, and know how to care for their young?

The painted desert, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and Yellowstone are amazing.

Even the water cycle is amazing. God has given us such a wonderful world!

What’s the most daring think you’ve done?

I rafted Class 4 rapids on the Chattanooga River, the river made famous in the movie Deliverance; drove an ATV in fresh snow in Rocky Mountain National Forest near Estes Park, CO (which was more daring for my passengers than for me, I think); and moved away from home to go to college in Maryland when I was 17 years old.

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

Like most administrators, I’m very competitive! I played basketball in high school. When I was a senior, Trumann High School had its first girls’ team in many years. I ran cross country and played softball in college. I play an energetic game of Spoons, Monopoly, and Rook.

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

I’m no different than anyone else. I’d like to be remembered as a kind and caring person who made a difference in the lives of people and made the world a better place.

6

Administrator July 2019

CORNER

B E N E F I T S

Asked

What Are Voluntary Benefits?

How Can They Help Me?

&

Answered

Mike Mertens, AAEA Assistant Executive Director

“Should I Take

•Critical Illness – Receive a lump

We all know that having Health Insurance is important. It’s critical!

We also know that healthcare costs are on the rise. Even with health insurance, most Americans do not have enough in savings to cover the expenses of a major illness or injury.

Voluntary benefits are designed to supplement health insurance. That’s right! These benefits will pay directly to you regardless of what your medical plan covers. Another advantage is that you can add your family members to this coverage.

W h a t a re s o m e e x a m p l e s o f Voluntary Products?

•Cancer — Pays out a schedule of benefits in a set amount for expenses related to cancer treatment. Some plans include a lump sum initial diagnosis benefit.

sum for a critical illness diagnosis, which would include illnesses, such as heart attack, stroke, major organ failure, end stage renal disease, etc. Some plans will allow you to add cancer to this list of illnesses.

•Accident – Pays out a schedule

of benefits in a set amount for certain accidents. For example, fractures could receive a different benefit amount than a full break.

•Hospital Indemnity – These

plans typically pay an initial hospitalization and a daily confinement benefit. Many times, you have multiple coverage-level options.

Voluntary benefits can be extremely valuable for you and your family. They bridge the gap between health insurance coverage and your total out-of-pocket expenses.

Column Provided by:

Shane Pennington,

Regional Sales Executive,

Educational Benefits, Inc.

?

1 r Tie

”

Answered: If you are a business manager or superintendent, the answer is a simple "yes."

Although, it becomes a bit more complicated when I explain how new, first-year Arkansas business managers and superintendents are required to receive more financial training than just this annual update.

For other new administrators, the answer to this question is much more complicated.

The law (6-20-2204) regarding Tier 1 training also includes requirements for Tier 2 training. Tier 2 is for employees who are involved in the process of recording and/or reporting financial transactions but do not make decisions about selecting codes, or have a limited number of codes they can use. A number of districts conduct this training in-house and customize it for their particular needs. Districts determine which of their employees are required to receive this training. Districts may also choose to send these employees to the annual Tier 1 training since it will meet the Tier 2 mandate.

So, back to the question, "Am I required to take the annual Tier 1 Financial Update?” The answer to superintendents and business managers is "yes."

The answer to building-level administrators and other central office personnel is, "Yes, if your district has determined that Tier 1 will count for the required Tier 2 training and expect you to receive this yearly financial professional development.”

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

UPDATE: Membership

Renewal

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, please print the invoice and distribute to the 7

Administrator July 2019

Notices

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 Where the Principal Showed Up

Contributor: Jake Haak Chief Financial Officer Rogers 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.

Time for Change

In

our district, we hold monthly building-level administrator meetings where we cover multiple topics. In one of those meetings, I had a financial topic that was very important and proceeded to reach into my bag of pseudo-verbal skills to enlighten our building administrators in ways I believed they hadn’t seen before. At the end of my momentous mouthful, I had one principal dare ask, “Why is this important to me?”

I was deflated and irritated while defending my topic, its importance, and the use of that group’s time in our meeting. After some hard selfreflection, I came to realize in that meeting I, as the trainer, got trained.

Bernard Shaw would say, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place.” As much as I still feel

New Fiscal Year

my topic was tremendously important, and fixed assets are very important, I failed to convey the topics’ importance to my audience in a simple and conscience way.

The folks we work with in our districts are inundated with information, changes, requests, and issues that can arise on a daily basis.

As a leader, I needed to effectively use their time by getting to the meat of why the topic was important to them. As we all go from one school year to the next, from old laws to new ones, from Senior Graduations to new incoming Kindergarten Coronations, I hope all our communications are smooth and clear for the new fiscal year. May the only illusions that persist in our minds pertain to the Razorback Football Team making a BCS Bowl some time sooner than later!

New Board President

Thank you to all of our board members for volunteering their time, skills, and expertise to make AAEA the Voice for School Administrators!

Congratulations to our 2019-2020 AAEA Board President, Scott Spainhour, superintendent for Greenbrier School District. We look forward to working with you in the next year to help make our vision for Arkansas schools possible.

We would also like to congratulate all of our new board presidents, new officers, and veteran officers who may be taking on new roles.

All new board positions take effect on July 1. You can see a listing of the new 2019-2020 AAEA Board Members in the opening pages of this issue.

Shawn Higginbotham, Lake Hamilton SD Superintendent and Outgoing AAEA Board President (right), passes the gavel to Scott Spainhour, Greenbrier SD Superintendent and Incoming AAEA Board President.

8

Administrator July 2019

Professional Development

2019/20 C A L E N D A R 07/2019 CASBO Certification Classes — July 9-10, 2019 AETN Studios, Conway AASA New Superintendent Training — July 11-12, AAEA ASPMA Certification Classes — July 18, 2019 Lennox Commercial Factory, Stuttgart AAEA Summer Conference — July 29-31, 2019 Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center Little Rock AAEA Summer Conference: Emeritus Reunion — July 31, 2019, Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock

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 Presidential, 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 9

Administrator July 2019

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

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

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

MISSION:

Pos sibl Mis

sion

Driv en L

ead

AAEA 44th Annual Summer Conference 7.29-31.2019

e

ersh

ip Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center Little Rock, AR

NOTABLE SUBJECTS: Mission Driven Leadership

TO P

TO P

NAME: KENNETH C. WILLIAMS

NAME: JAN E. TOMSKY

CODENAME: Keynote Speaker

CODENAME: Keynote Speaker Wednesday

BIO: Kenneth C. Williams is a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, coach, and consultant in leadership and education. He is an expert at helping schools build capacity in the collective commitments required of learning for all cultures. Coauthor of Starting a Movement: Building Culture from the Inside Out in Professional Learning Communities.

BIO: Jan E. Tomsky is in the firm of Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost LLP, serving clients from the Oakland office. Ms. Tomsky has represented school district clients in mediations and due process hearings, as well as in special education-related litigation in both state and federal courts and in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

SEC R

ET

MISSION: Skilled in joining the why of the work to how of the work, Ken is know for his powerful and engaging combinations of “heart, humor, and hammer.”

SEC R

ET

MISSION: Her expertise in special education matters has helped scores of districts to address issues and resolve disputes in this specialized field. Additionally, Ms. Tomsky has assisted districts in countless student expulsion hearings, particularly those that involve complex or sensitive issues, and has successfully defended districts’ decisions on appeal to county boards and in court.

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

OBJECTIVE Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to click here to register for the 2019 AAEA Summer Conference.

A detailed listing of all breakout sessions is now available! Click here to download a schedule to start planning your objectives at the 2019 Summer Conference.

10

Administrator July 2019

Save the Date Will Your District Have A New Business Manager for 2019/2020?

AASBO Required Financial Training for New Business Managers July 9-10 AETN Studios, Conway

The Arkansas Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) will offer six certification classes July 9-10 at the AETN Studios in Conway. One of the six classes will be the Annual 2-Hour Tier 1 Update. These classes will provide the twelve (12) hours of Tier I training as required by Act 730 for new business managers. If you are a new business manager or, if your district has a new business manager, then this is required training for this position.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

The Annual 2-Hour Tier I Update will be made available in a variety of ways as well. It will be offered at the education service cooperatives during the summer, as well as on the last day of the AAEA Summer Conference on July 31. Check with your local cooperative for Tier 1 training dates. This two (2) hour session will count for the annual update required for all school business managers and superintendents. It will also satisfy two (2) hours of the 12-hour initial training for new business managers and superintendents.

The classes on July 9-10 are classified as CASBO certification classes for individuals pursuing general business manager certification connected with Act 1591. The class schedule is listed below. For questions regarding this required training, contact Robyn Keene, AAEA School Finance Consultant, at r.keene@theaaea.org or at 501-372-1691.

CLASS

JULY 9, 2019

TIME

PRESENTER

SF101A

School Revenues

9:00-11:00

Greg Murry

SF101B

School Expenditures

11:50-1:50

Greg Murry

SM102

Ethics and Audit Compliance

2:00-4:00

Angie Drummond

CLASS

JULY 10, 2019

TIME

PRESENTER

PS101

Introduction to Purchasing and

Supply Management

9:00-11:00

Shawn Higginbotham

SF105

Understanding Your State Aid Printout

11:50-1:50

Kelly Hayes

SF401A

Tier I

2:00-4:00

Mike Mertens

11 Administrator July 2019

2019 ASPMA Certification Classes July 18, 2019 Lennox Commercial Factory Stuttgart The Arkansas School Plant Management Association (ASPMA) has scheduled three (3) elective Certified Facility Director (CFD) classes for Thursday, July 18, at the Lennox Commercial Factory in Stuttgart, located at 512 West Lennox Road.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

AGENDA 9:00 - 10:30

BBS401: Current Technology on HVAC Controls for Schools and an Overview of Refrigerant Recovery Instructor: David King, Lennox Field and Technical Consultant

10:45 – 12:15

BBS206: Energy Efficiency Through General HVAC Maintenance, Troubleshooting, & Equipment Operations Instructor: David King, Lennox Field and Technical Consultant

12:15 - 1:00

Lunch will be provided

1:00 - 3:00

BBS202: Component Manufacturing Instructor: Lennox Staff

Registration cost per class: ASPMA Member - $30 per class. Non-member-$45 per class.

For more information, contact Mike Mertens at m.mertens@theaaea.org or Marty Smith at m.smith@theaaea.org.

LODGING TRU by Hilton, 204 W. 22nd Street Stuttgart 800-238-0767 Days Inn and Suites, 700 W. Michigan Street Stuttgart 870-673-3616 12

Administrator July 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

Mayflower School District

Assistant Principal

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North Little Rock School District

Elementary Principal

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Little Rock School District

Student Services Coordinator

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Little Rock School District

Middle School Principal

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Beebe School District

Early Childhood Asst. Principal K-1

More Information

Fort Smith School District

Special Education Coordinator

More Information

Danville School District

Elementary Principal

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Lonoke School District

High School Assistant Principal

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Fort Smith School District

Director of Adult Education Center

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Arkadelphia School District

Director of Administrative Services

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Greenland School District

High School Principal

More Information

Mountain View School District

Middle School Principal

More Information

More openings, next page

13

Administrator July 2019

OPENINGS District Name

Position

Link

Little Rock School District

Executive Director of Elementary School Leadership (Grades P-5)

More Information

Little Rock School District

Executive Director of Secondary School Leadership (Grades 6-12)

More Information

Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District

Student Data Coordinator

More Information

Gravette School District

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) Program Coordinator

More Information

Van Buren School District

Elementary Assistant Principal / Instructional Facilitator

More Information

Mansfield School District

Superintendent

More Information

Hot Springs School District

High School Assistant Principal

More Information

Dawson Educational Service Cooperative

VISIT OUR JOB SITE FOR MORE

More Information

https://arkansas.schoolspring.com/

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.

This month’s topic (click to access): Smart Network Design for Transformation & Innovation

14

Administrator July 2019

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