The Administrator - July 2020

Keeping in Touch››

Passing the Baton Viewpoint: Page 1

New School Year.

New Era. New Leadership.

Roy Wilson GT/AP Coordinator Sheridan School District

What’s Ahead for All of Us? Perspective: Page 2

Let’s Go VIRTUAL: 2020 AAEA Summer Conference 3 Page 9

Spotlight: Page 5

The

Voice

for School Administrators

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators  

Address: 219 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201

Benefits Corner, pg. 5

Phone: 501.372.1691 Web Site: www.theaaea.org Follow us on: Facebook: Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

In

Twitter: @The_AAEA

This

Issue

Instagram: @aaea_littlerock

Executive Viewpoint - Dr. Richard Abernathy

1

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

President’s Perspective - Debbie Atkinson

2

Administrator Spotlight - Roy Wilson

3

Benefits Corner

5

Asked and Answered

6

Professional Development Opportunities

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Administrator Job Openings

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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

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

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. Educational Benefits, Inc. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. Pro Benefits Group, Inc. Renaissance Learning, Inc. Scholastic Education

DISTINGUISHED Imagine Learning

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

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

GOLD Classworks Cognia Crow Construction Generation Ready, Inc. Kinco Constructors, LLC Middleton, Inc. Red Comet TIPS

SILVER ACE Sports 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 Development, Mean

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

July 1 officially

session. I think it is called baptism

starts a new school year in

by fire! Of course, he has been around the legislative side of the

Arkansas. There have been a lot of changes in our

Capitol for many years, so it will be a great match. Mrs. Thrasher is a firecracker in case you didn’t

schools since March, and there

know it. She does the work of three people and has the

will be a lot of changes starting We do not know exactly

experience to help school administrators from all levels. The combination of these two people

what the future brings in August, but we know we are going to do the best job we can to educate our kids.

will move the Association to the next level, and I truly believe that!

Dr. Richard Abernathy AAEA Executive Director

the school year in August.

Dr. Mike Hernandez

Change and flexibility will be the key words this year.

AAEA has changed a lot the last few months as well.

We have a new AAEA Board President! Mrs. Debbie Atkinson,

We have become Zoom professionals!

Zoom can certainly be frustrating, especially as educators are

B e rg m a n E l e m e n t a r y S c h o o l Principal, begins her role as President on July 1. Due

typically social people and like to meet face-to-face.

But we are all working through the new norm. The Annual AAEA Summer Conference will also look

to a resignation on the Board, she is starting this position one year earlier than she was elected to do.

So, Debbie will also be baptized by fire, but her role as

different than usual. The AAEA Board voted to move it to an ALL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE on August 3-5. We

an administrator has prepared her for this position.

Debbie has been in school business for 33 years and

still will have great keynote speakers and quality breakout sessions, just presented in a different format through Zoom. We still plan for this event to be a

served as a principal at Bergman for 19 years. She will do a great job of leading the Association this year.

great kick-off of the new school year, and we hope you will join us online. You should have received an email

School administrators and staff at AAEA have worked harder the last few months with fewer answers than

with additional details on the conference.

We also have some changes taking place in AAEA

ever before. And you have done a great job! I know this has been stressful for everyone from administrators to parents and kids. But, as I mentioned last month,

leadership. I am very excited that we have Dr. Mike Hernandez and Mrs. Lennett Thrasher joining our team

you are the leader and the community expects you to lead. So, keep up the good work, see you at the

on July 1. You will have an opportunity to learn from them over the next several years as the Association continues to grow. Dr. Hernandez will take over the

summer conference, and let’s get those kids in school!

Lenett Thrasher

reins of AAEA January 1…right before the legislative

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President’s

Perspective

Debbie Atkinson AAEA Board President Elementary Principal Bergman School District

The end of the 2019-2020 school year was

students. This will require a

unlike any experienced by administrators,

major change in our

teachers, parents, and students in history.

educational system.

The mold to the typical educational program was

Our state government will provide many guidelines

altered. Discussions were held and decisions were

that we must follow and each school may decide to

made to implement a plan to serve our students.

do even more so that teachers feel secure to perform

Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) became the

their tasks and students feel safe to learn.

b a c k b o n e t o e v e r y o n e ’s

AAEA has continued to stay abreast of the

curriculum, while technology

current issues during this pandemic. They

needs escalated to provide the communication between schools and families.

Criteria was established related to graduation, promotion, and instruction. This had to be addressed quickly in order to maintain focus on the needs and goals of students.

Traditions long held dear to the hearts of communities were put on hold or cancelled completely.

So, what’s ahead for all of us?

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

-Margaret Mead

First, we have to keep close watch on COVID-19 and how it a ff e c t s o u r s t a t e a n d o u r children. Safety for all is priority number one.

Secondly, administrators must plan with their staff how to meet the educational needs of students at school or at home or possibly both. What worked and what didn’t must be evaluated to construct a program that allows teachers to connect with their

have shared information with us as quickly as they have received it. If you have any suggestions or ideas that promote safety, learning, or better communication, please share with the representatives from your constituent group.

Arkansas education and educators have received deserved recognition for the success of our schools. Let’s continue to do what’s necessary to maintain and improve our performance.

One thing we can be sure of for this coming school year is that the delivery method of instruction will look completely different.

However, the safety of our students will be the constant that never changes.

As we proceed throughout the 2020-2021 school year, I implore you to do what is best for our students no matter the circumstances. Our delivery methods will look different, but love before learning will be as important as ever!

students so that maximum learning occurs for all

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Spotlight

Roy Wilson, GT/AP Coordinator, Sheridan School District, says, “The river of education was flowing long before I jumped in.” After 46 years in education, he leaves behind a stunning legacy.

In 1974, at age 20, when a “practice teacher” filled with

History Teacher of the Year for Arkansas.” That summer, he

enthusiasm and idealism from Henderson State University

attended a week-long workshop sponsored by the

arrived at Sheridan Junior High, he had little clue that his

Economics Arkansas group and won the junior high

future was about to be determined. Then Sheridan

competition with an economics lesson plan entitled: An

Superintendent Clyde Koon, asked him to join the faculty, saying: “We

Econography of Trade 1492-1765.

Hoping for the monetary prize, Roy

project an opening in social studies

taught and documented the

next fall due to growth. We believe

necessary elements and entered it in

that one day you will be a good

the Bessie B. Moore Economics

teacher.” That shy kid who arrived only four months past a teenager,

Contest sponsored by Economics Arkansas, where he received second

eventually would receive at least 20

prize. During that school year he was

individual teaching awards over a

honored with the Grant County

46-year career at Sheridan. Credit

Secondary Educator of the Year

for this adventurous career must go to Brinda and Linda Franklin of

award from the Chamber of Commerce.

Roseboro, 1970 graduates of

After dusting off a UALR gifted

Glenwood High School in Pike

education class lesson with an

County, who introduced Roy to the

additional fifteen activities for 8th

required paperwork known as a degree plan. Enrolling as an

grade history students, the result was a 250-page entry, From Clabber Girl

accounting major, Roy was finding

Days to Walmart Ways.

the history topics of the professors

won first place in both the state and

to be immensely more interesting.

national economics competition. Roy

To save money, the idea of Sheridan was attractive since Roy

did make that speech on Capitol Hill courtesy of the National Council for

could stay with relatives during the internship. He would go on to work for six superintendents: Clyde Koon, Donald Turney, David Robinson, Scott Spainhour, Dr. Brenda Haynes, and Jerrod Williams.

In the 1980s, after editing a 500-page county history, Roy would be honored to receive seven yearly nominations for a state award by a determined local DAR chapter. In 1991, he received the State Chapters, DAR “Outstanding American

The lesson

Economic Education. A second book, Sheridan and Grant County, would follow in 2012, as part of Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series.

In 2002, after being nominated by a student, Roy received the Walmart Arkansas Teacher of the Year and was awarded $5000 for his school.

Roy received a Gifted Educator’s Award at the annual convention of the Arkansas for Gifted in 2005 and, after

Continued on next page

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Roy is most proud of starting whole-grade screenings with a

system of fair and impartial selection for gifted students, supporting the growth in AP qualifying scores, and for the many opportunities to spend quality classroom time with the young people of the Sheridan School District.

“Look what was possible in offering something new for the students of Arkansas, Roy recalls. “Being an AAEA Left to Right: Jerrod Williams, Superintendent, sharing a light-hearted moment with Roy Wilson, GT/AP Coordinator, Debbie Jones, Director of Special Services, and Heather Szeflinski, CFO of the Sheridan Schools.

leaving his classroom in 2007, to become the GT/AP Coordinator for the Sheridan Schools, Roy took on the challenge of applying twice to become part of the Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science efforts to increase the success rate on AP Exams. In 2010, AR AIMS selected Sheridan for its third cohort which provided matching grants for equipment, lots of teacher training, plus generous incentives for students and teachers. This partnership was instrumental in raising the AP qualifying scores at Sheridan from 98 exams in 2008 to a record 276 in 2018. Because of the efforts of AR AIMS, Arkansas students have led the nation in growth of AP scores in various categories.

Roy was elected to the board of the Arkansas Association of Gifted Education Administrators in 2014 and represented region five until 2020. In 2017, he was recognized as the AAGEA Gifted Administrator of the Year Award.

Roy suggested that AAGEA sponsor a

gifted student leadership conference that became a reality for four years at UCA, UALR, Harding, and the Clinton Presidential Center. He personally created the Clinton event with a social studies and science emphasis.

The morning highlight was a live case before the Arkansas Supreme Court and the afternoon tour of the

member offers opportunities for professional growth that leads its members to a commitment of service for fellow Arkansas educators who may not realize who was responsible in prompting legislative actions of great benefit to both the profession and to their lives. Getting to collaborate with outstanding leaders from across the state and at AAEA meetings with Dr. Abernathy, professional growth is bound to happen.”

One day, Roy received a message from Mrs. Leytine Henry of El Dorado, whose grandchildren, Lee and Caity Curry, had been enrolled in his classroom.

“I have

wanted to write and thank you for helping both Lee and Caity find 'their voice,’ for helping them to know that their opinion matters, their vote counts, and just one person can make a difference,” wrote Mrs. Levtine. “Lee and Caity are truly interested and concerned about what is happening in our world today. They want to be involved!

I give so much of the credit for their desire to know and to be involved to you. The educational system needs more teachers like you!”

Roy now leaves education after 46 years of dedication to serving students and their families of the Sheridan School District, he wishes his colleagues much success and promises to seek worthy goals to move forward. “The river of education was flowing long before I jumped in,” he said, “and it will continue to flow long after I swim to that far shore. I did my best.”

National Center for Toxicological Research. The luncheon keynote was internationally-known climate scientist and journalist Dan Grossman of Massachusetts, sponsored by the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting. Musicians from the Arkansas Symphony demonstrated musical creativity and participants encountered science experiments from the Museum of Discovery.

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How to Prepare for Your Employee Benefits Open Enrollment In preparing for an employee benefit open enrollment, there are several things that can be done

CORNER

by both the school district and its employees to set the framework for a successful experience. This month we’ll focus on the employer and how the school district can increase open enrollment communication to help its employees make educated decisions.

1. Email Announcement: Your employee benefits broker should assist the school district in creating a pre-enrollment announcement to include open enrollment dates, enrollment logistics, any benefit modifications/changes, and general education about new coverage being offered.

2. Employee Benefits Guide: Your employee benefits broker should provide a summary of all benefits that will be offered during open enrollment.

This should be distributed to all eligible employees prior to the date the open enrollment is scheduled to begin.

This will provide your employees an

opportunity to visit with spouse/significant other, parent or other trusted advisor before they need to make coverage decisions.

3. Customer Service Information: Make sure that your employees have a direct line to customer service. This will allow them an opportunity to get more detailed information about their policies if they are considering making changes during open enrollment. Customer Service contact information can be included in the Email Announcement.

4. Other Considerations: a. Hold a Pre-Enrollment Meeting b. Have your employee benefits broker prepare an Open Enrollment Video to supplement the email announcement.

Just a few added levels of communication can go a long way towards preparing your employees for open enrollment.

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!

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Summer is always a time of professional development for educators across the state, including training on school finance.

The question typically goes like this, "I was recently hired as the new business manager (or superintendent) for the (fill-in-the-blank) school district. What training in school finance am I required to have?

A.C.A 6-20-2204 requires that new superintendents and business managers attend an initial Tier 1 training including, but not limited Asked to: (a) School laws of Arkansas; (b) Laws and rules governing the expenditure of public education funds, fiscal accountability, and school finance; (c) Ethics; and (d) Financial accounting and reporting.

This training includes the annual two-hour Tier 1 Financial Update that Mike Mertens all superintendents and business managers are required to have. The AAEA Assistant Executive Director remaining required training components are identified as certain classes of the Certified Arkansas School Business Official (CASBO) program. These 10 hours of classes include School Finance-Revenue, School Finance-Expenditures, Ethics & Audit Compliance, Introduction to Purchasing & Supply Management, Understanding Your State Aid Printout & Adequacy Matrix. New superintendents receive this training as part of the New Superintendent Mentoring Program.

&

Answered

If your district has a new business manager as of July 1, please contact Amy McNabb at a.mcnabb@theaaea.org or Robyn Keene r.keene@theaaea.org so they can make sure your new business manager enrolls in the appropriate classes.

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

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Click here to read this month’s topic: Smart Education by Design and to see details about the EmpowerED Superintendent Webinar, July 13.

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2020-2021 CALENDAR

2020 August

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

AAEA Summer VIRTUAL Conference — August 3-5, 2020

September

ArkASPA HR Bootcamp — September 8, 2020, Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock AAFC Fall Conference — September 23-25, 2020, Hot Springs Convention Center

October ASPMA Conference & Certification Classes — October 5-7, 2020, Hot Springs Convention Center

2021 January AASA Superintendent Symposium — January 13-14, 2021, DoubleTree Hotel, Little Rock

AAGEA New Coordinator Workshop — October 22, 2020, Benton Event Center

AACIA Conference — January 31, 2021, Benton Event Center

AAGEA Conference — October 22-23, 2020, Benton Event Center

February

AAEA Fall Conference — October 29, 2020, DoubleTree Hotel, Little Rock.

November CASBO Classes — November 16-18, 2020, Crowne Plaza, Little Rock

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

AAFC Spring Conference — May 5-7, 2021, Hot Springs Convention Center ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference — TBD

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

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ASPMA Certification Classes July 15-16, 2020 Livestreaming Only

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Wednesday, July 15 8:00 – 10:00 Class: Instructor: Content: 10:15 – 12:15 Class: Instructor: Content: 12:15 – 12:45 12:45 – 2:45 Class: Instructors: Content:

Computerized Maintenance Management System – SchoolDude Maintenance Direct – CMMS101 Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation An overview/update of SchoolDude Maintenance Direct including set-up, installation of buildings, work orders, coding, tracking, and completion Computerized Maintenance Management System – SchoolDude Preventive Maintenance Direct – CMMS102 Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation An overview/update of SchoolDude Preventive Maintenance Direct including creating PM schedules, coding, tracking, completion, and state mandated inspections Lunch Break Basics of Custodial Activities – BCA101 Dwayne McAnally, Arkansas School Boards Association An introduction to custodial services including job descriptions, duties & frequencies, scheduling, equipment & materials storage, and safety training

Thursday, July 16 8:00 – 10:00 Class: Instructor: Content:

10:15 – 12:15 Class: Instructor: Content:

Basics of Energy Management – MO202 Entegrity, Inc. A review of energy management including HVAC & controls, lighting including energy saving retrofits, windows, thermal envelope, solar energy performance contracting, improving the learning environment through energy management and becoming energy efficient Basics of Building Systems – BBS205 Richard Johnson, Phoenix Contractors Sidewalk/Parking Lot Construction/Maintenance and ADA Accessibility Compliance

12:15 – 12:45 Lunch Break 12:45 – 2:45 Class: Instructors: Content:

Basics of Custodial Services – BCA202 “Current Trends and Updates on Cleaning and Disinfecting Facilities” Nabholz Environmental Services, Heral Enterprises A review of the most up-to-date and effective supplies and equipment used for cleaning and disinfecting schools during COVID-19

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2020 AAEA Summer Conference Goes All Virtual!

August 3-5 The AAEA Board voted to move the Annual AAEA Summer Conference to an all virtual conference on August 3-5.

The current social distancing

requirements and safety concerns make it impractical to host an onsite event. We are really disappointed to not be able to have an onsite conference, but feel it is in the best interest of our members. The safety of administrators and students is a top priority.

We will still have a great conference with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and honoring our retirees…all virtually! We have adjusted the schedule slightly. Click here to view the revised schedule. We will be using the “Sched” app for this year’s conference.

The complete schedule and links to

connect to all sessions will be included there.

Download the free app and look for “2020 AAEA Summer Conference.”

DR. ADOLPH BROWN KEYNOTE SPEAKER

HOUSTON NUTT KEYNOTE SPEAKER

DEANNA L. ARVETT KEYNOTE SPEAKER

SEC. JOHNNY KEY KEYNOTE SPEAKER

CLICK HERE TO SEE AN AGENDA & TO REGISTER! 9

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

Mineral Springs School District

High School Principal (7-12)

More Information

Siloam Springs School District

Virtual Academy Coordinator (K-12)

More Information

Stuttgart School District

Director of Student Services

More Information

Lee County School District

Instructional Support Specialist

Camden-Fairview School District

Assistant Middle School Principal

More Information More Information

Malvern School District

High School Assistant Principal

More Information

Stuttgart School District

ALE Coordinator (7-12)

More Information

Drew Central School District

Assistant Principal

More Information

VISIT OUR JOB SITE FOR MORE

https://arkansas.schoolspring.com/

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Be a Part of Something…

Bigger The Training

Voice Networking

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

Than an Individual …

for School Administrators Mentoring

Legal Services

Advocacy

www.theaaea.org