The Administrator - June 2021

June 2021 Vol. 46, No. 11

The

Administrator Newsletter

The monthly publication of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

Ending Well Running on Empty President’s Perspective: Page 2

Executive Viewpoint: Page 1

Spotlight

In

This

Issue

Executive Viewpoint - Dr. Mike Hernande President’s Perspective - Debbie Atkinso Compliance Connectio Administrator Spotlight - Dr. Sherrie Bayle Asked and Answere CoSN Updat Bene ts Corne

Dr. Sherrie Bayles Special Education Supervisor Springdale School District

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Award Winner

1 219 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201 501.372.1691 www.theaaea.org

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Administrator Job Opening

2020-2021 AAEA Board of Directors Debbie Atkinson, AAEA President Principal, Bergman

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

Brian Kirkendoll, AAEA Secretary/Treasurer Principal, Alma

Scott Spainhour, AAEA Past President Superintendent, Greenbrier

Robert Poole, AASA President Superintendent, Prescott

Jon Collins, AASA President-Elect Superintendent, West Memphis

Stacy DeFoor, AAESP President Principal, Conway

Mark Lewis, AAESP President-Elect Principal, Conway

David Maxwell, AASSP President Principal, Mena

Scott Smith, AASSP President-Elect Principal, Western Yell County

Chad Jordan, AASSP Past President Principal, Greene County Tech

Fred Lilly, ArkASPA President Superintendent, Camden Fairview

Dr. Lee Smith, AACTEA President Assistant Superintendent of Development, Mena

Shantele Raper, AAFC Cristy Dunnahoe, AASBO President President Director of Federal Programs, Business Manager, Star City Osceola

Charles Warren, AASBO Past President Chief Financial Officer, Fort Smith School District

Sherry Stewart, AASEA President Director of Special Services, Rogers

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

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

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

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

AAEA Sta Dr. Mike Hernandez, Executive Director m.hernandez@theaaea.org

Kelli Golden, Chief Financial Officer k.golden@theaaea.org

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

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

Lenett Thrasher, Director of Learning Services & Operations l.thrasher@theaaea.org

Karen Dean, Certification Program Manager k.dean@theaaea.org

Robyn Keene, Director of Financial Services r.keene@theaaea.org

Alyse Mattox, Communications & Technology Specialist a.mattox@theaaea.org

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

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

2020-2021 AAEA Corporate Sponsors Prestigious

Diamond Cont.

American Fidelity Assurance Co.

Winsor Learning - Sonday Systems

Coryell Roofing and Construction, Inc. Curriculum Associates Educational Benefits, Inc. Imagine Learning Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. NIET - National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Pearson Online and Blended Learning Pro Benefits Group, Inc. Renaissance Learning, Inc. Scholastic Education Solution Tree, Inc.

Platinum

Distinguished Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Diamond Apptegy ClassWallet Edgenuity Energy Systems Group ESS First Security Beardsley Forecast5 Analytics Middleton, Inc. PowerSchool Stephens, Inc. Strategos International, LLC Tanium

2022 HSA Limits Announced

AAMSCO C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC Legacy Construction Management Lexia Learning Nabholz Construction Corp.

Northwest Evaluation Association - NWEA Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Schneider Electric Silverback Learning TRANE US, Inc.

Gold Crow Construction Cynergy Rehab Group Kinco Constructors, LLC Red Comet TIPS - The Interlocal Purchasing System

Silver Architecture Plus, Inc. Correll, Inc. French Architects, PA Got Zoom Hight-Jackson Associates, PA SEAS

Leadership:

The Free Employee Benefit

Compliance Connection: Page 4

Bene ts Corner: Page 8

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Executive

Viewpoint

Congratulations! You have made it to the end of the school year. What a wild and crazy one it has been. I am sure that future education students will be studying “Pandemic Schooling” in classes for some time. Every summer, most administrators spend a tremendous amount of time planning for getting the rst days of school just right. The tone set during that rst week does more for campus culture and climate than any other week. It's suitable for us as administrators to be deliberate and particular about how we begin the year, but rarely do we hear much about ending the year well for all the kerfuf e about how we start. This year more than ever, we need to celebrate and end the year well. For most, this summer means hanging on to students and staff a little longer Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director to support learning loss and spending time strategically planning for next year. But, we need to mark the ending with some fanfare. Our students and staff are worth more than just the typical survival mode farewell that may happen after a challenging year. We need to signi cantly impact our students and staff in the last few days before turning our attention to summer and next fall School administrators face many decisions about the Summer of 2021. Should we do summer school?

Should we offer virtual next year? Are my students and staff too tired to be productive this summer?

How will I address mental health? How can we utilize federal aid dollars to have the greatest impact?

How do I get community buy-in?... I could go on and on, but you get the picture. Before that train gets moving, stop and mark the end of the school year with something out of the ordinary that shows the students and staff that you appreciate them. Celebrate them and yourself. Maybe nd a community partner to host an end-of-year cookout or football eld movie. Or something as simple as a "thank you" video to students, staff, and parents. I think anything that celebrates the end of the year is time well spent.

If no one has done it yet, then I will be the rst to give you a very hearty pat on the back and say, "Thank You!" “Outstanding” is the word that comes to my mind when I think about the work that you have done to make this year a success. Sure, there have been numerous challenges along the way, but you have risen to the occasion. I appreciate having the opportunity to lead your organization and be a voice on your behalf. I want to say that maybe the work will get easier and we have made it, but we must press on. Robert Frost said it best in one of his poems: The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Celebrate and rest for a bit, but then, put your boots back on and together let's continue doing great things for kids!

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President’s

Perspective

Running On Empty

I am going to say something up front. This article is for me. The following Debbie Atkinson words I need to hear, and you may, too. The past year has been hard both AAEA Board President professionally and personally. As I reflect, I am amazed at the innate divine ability each person has which enables us to persevere and continue with our mission. No matter how hard things seem, we emerge day after day and start afresh to care for students and teachers. How fascinating is it to consider we are created with rechargeable batteries? Scripture reminds us God’s mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) This article isn’t about recharging your body with proper diet, exercise, and sleep, although all are certainly needed to refresh our bodies. The message: find intentional ways to recharge your batteries. I know we do not get the summer “off,” but we have more time to focus on ourselves. How will you recharge your batteries?

My goal is to take time and recharge myself both personally and professionally. During the school year, I usually don’t spend much time reading. A summer goal is to carve time into my day and read for professional, personal, and spiritual growth. Are there books you want to dive into but haven’t made the time? If so, make reading a priority for yourself.

Summer will allow for face-to-face professional development. The knowledge gained will be helpful, but I look forward to renewing my professional relationships. I look forward to seeing you at the AAEA Summer Conference on July 26th and 27th. The schedule will look different than in years past, but it will be a beneficial time of growth and recharge!

A necessity to recharging batteries requires time away from the school building. Whether you travel far and wide or to the tranquility of a local creek, take time away for yourself. My summer plans include camping trips, road trips searching for junk stores, and side-by-side rides. Plan an adventure, or two, for yourself and recharge your battery.

More importantly, I plan to spend intentional time with family and friends. Personal interaction, which was once taken for granted, helps inspire and renew our minds. Make it a priority to recharge with those you hold close.

As the school year comes to a close, I am thankful. I am thankful for the resilience of Arkansas educators, my time as your AAEA President, my health, and this being my last article to write. I am extra thankful for summer break and rechargeable batteries. Have a great summer!

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2020-2021

Calendar

2021 Professional Development Events

Click here to take a tour of the AAEA App!

June School Law Conference – June 2, Southwest High School, Little Rock AASEA Special Education Conference – June 7-8, Embassy Suites NW Arkansas, Rogers

July AASA New Superintendent Training – July 8-9, DoubleTree Hotel, Little Rock CASBO Certification Classes – July 15-16 ASPMA CFD Classes – July 22, Lennox Commercial Factory, Stuttgart AAEA Summer Conference – July 26-27, Marriott Hotel/Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock

September ArkASPA New Personnel Administrator Workshop (HR Boot Camp) – September 14, Wyndham Riverfront, North Little Rock AAFC Fall Conference – September 22-24, Hot Springs Convention Center

October ASPMA Conference & Certification Classes – October 4-6, Hot Springs Convention Center AAGEA New Coordinator Workshop – October 7, Benton Event Center AAGEA Conference – October 8, Benton Event Center

To see conference details for upcoming events go to page 10.

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

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Upon hiring new administrators, school districts must register the following.

• First year administrators (excluding superintendents) • Principal • Assistant Principal • Curriculum Administrator • Special Education Administrator • Administrators from out-of-state with previous experience; and • Administrators returning to the profession Click here to access the Beginning Administrator Registry. Registration links for TESS Credentialing and the AAEA Summer Conference on July 26-27 are included in the document.

Compliance Connection 2022 HSA Limits Announced Annual in a on adjustments for Health Savings Accounts have been released.

The 2022 limits are: •

Contribu on Max. (Self): $3,650 (up $50)

•

Contribu on Max. (Family): $7,300 (up $100)

•

HDHP Min. Deduc ble (Self): $1,400 (no change)

•

HDHP Min. Deduc ble (Family): $2,800 (no change)

•

HDHP Max. Out-of-pocket (Self): $7,050 (up $50)

HDHP Max. Out-of-pocket (Family): $14,100 (up to $100) Column Provided by: Tom Sledge, Arkansas State Manager, American Fidelity Assurance Co.

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BAI registration for the 2021-2022 school year opened on May 3, 2021.

A full description of the program is provided in Commissioner’s Memo LIC-21-019 but a brief outline is below.

Beginning Administrator Induction (BAI)

Spotlight

Dr. Sherrie Bayles, Special Education Supervisor at Springdale Public Schools, pursued a career in education to escape life behind… a typewriter!

Dr. Sherrie Bayles appreciates that every day is different at Springdale Public Schools. “You may make a plan for each day, but life happens, and educators are experts at ‘pivoting’ to make the most of each day.” It is fortunate she landed in the education eld, as her days may have been much more predictable had she continued on her initial career path. “I enrolled in the University of Arkansas’ Business College after high school graduation, but decided after a semester that I didn’t want to sit behind a typewriter forever (yes…a typewriter!!).” Instead, she ended up in the College of Education and began a career in the education eld, nding she loves being a public school teacher and administrator.

Now, Sherrie is nishing her 40th year in education, all in the Springdale School District. Springdale is her hometown, and she grew up attending and graduating from Springdale Schools. “During my senior year at the University of Arkansas, I was assigned to student teach in Springdale. One of my placements was at Elmdale Elementary where I had gone to school!”

In 1981, she was hired as an elementary teacher and taught for six years at three elementary schools - Central, John Tyson, and Thurman G. Smith. She became an elementary school assistant principal at Thurman G. Smith Elementary in 1987, during which time the school achieved National Blue Ribbon School recognition. She served in that position for 10 years, then served one year at Lee Elementary. In 1998, she became principal at Lee Elementary and served there for two years before being chosen to open Bernice Young Elementary School in 2000. In 2008, she was recognized as Arkansas National Distinguished Elementary Principal before leaving as a building administrator to join the Special Education Department as a district special education administrator and supervisor. During her career, she also served on the AAEA Board for three years as the AAESP President-Elect, President, and Past President, served two terms as AASEA President, and earned a Doctorate in P-20 Educational Leadership from Harding University in 2014 Sherrie hopes to be seen as someone who is dedicated, caring, loyal, open to others’ ideas, and going above and beyond to meet the needs of our students and teachers. She strives to give her all to others and works continuously to provide support and resources to students, parents, and teachers to make life better. “Teaching is tremendously rewarding but it’s not easy! Educators never know what an impact you make, but you do make an impact not only in a child’s life but with their family and your colleagues. You really never know how far your impact goes!”

Throughout her career she has seen many changes, with new programs providing an ever-expanding array of teaching tools that teachers can add to their ‘toolkit’ when working with students.

The most challenging aspect of her job is in trying to meet the needs of everyone she encounters every day collaborating and communicating with all the stakeholders (students, parents, and teachers) to determine a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) and how to deliver that instruction to meet the student’s needs. She admires her students for how much they can accomplish

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“I’ve always said that I could become a detective since as a building administrator, you are always watching and observing others while trying to piece together bits of information and solve an issue.”

Dr. Sherrie Bayles when given the appropriate services and supports. “The versatility of children has always amazed me,” she says. “They have new ‘bosses’ and rules every year, and they adapt, usually without any dif culties. Students are so exible and eager to please and learn each year.”

Sherrie’s proudest accomplishment is the family she has built. “My husband and I will celebrate 39 years of marriage this summer and we’ve been great partners doing life together.” Both of their children graduated with their Master’s degrees from Duke University on the same day in 2015, one with a Master’s in Divinity and the other with a Master’s in Engineering Management. Pre-Covid, Sherrie and her husband loved to go to concerts, and they have several rescheduled concerts to look forward to this summer and fall. She enjoys traveling to see her children or just staying in northwest Arkansas visiting the lake to sh and enjoy the scenery. While she’s traveled most of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Sherrie says she would love to travel throughout Europe someday What is the best advice you have ever received?

My parents always stressed that education was important and necessary to succeed in life. The following quote has guided me throughout the years: “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” -Forest E. Witcraft What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

My children do daring things…bungy jumping off a cliff in New Zealand, scuba diving with sharks…not me!! But, I do enjoy riding around on the back of a Harley with my husband.

Where do you see yourself in ve years?

Hopefully traveling and enjoying our children and their families while giving back to my community and church.

What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?

In college, I worked at the Farmer’s Cooperative where I was able to diagnose illnesses and sold medicine to the farmers to give to their animals What do you see as the biggest bene t of AAEA membership?

The networking and friendships with other educators across the state. It’s always enlightening to learn that you are not on an island alone and others have insight and experiences that you can relate to and adapt to your situation

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Asked

& Answered

The question is, "If we are building a facility without Partnership assistance, is approval from the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation required?" The answer, in most cases, is "yes."

Pursuant to ACA 6-20-1407 and ACA 6-21-109, school districts, charter schools, and education service cooperatives that propose to construct and/or fund facility projects are required to submit written documentation to the Division on a School Construction Approval Form. This applies to all construction projects costing over $35,000 regardless of the source of funds. Information to be reported includes a description of and justification for the proposed project, an assurance statement indicating that the proposed project will not establish, continue or ignore segregative activities or policies within the district or contiguous districts, and a written assurance statement that the approval of the project does not violate any federal court order of federal/state law. In addition, districts must have an Annual Equity Compliance Report on file with the ADE before approval can be granted.

Mike Mertens AAEA Assistant Executive Director If you have questions for Mike, email them to m.mertens@theaaea.org

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.

Click here to read this month’s topic: Digital Transformation and Innovation in Rural School Districts; CoSN Resources: Challenges and Opportunities of Rural Districts in Taking the Digital Leap, and Digital Equity Concerns for Rural Schools; CoSN Membership.

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Corner Leadership: The Free Employee Bene t What is the first thing you think about when you hear the following: Cancer coverage, Accident Insurance, Life Insurance? Yes… you think about benefits offered to you as an employee. What about “Leadership”? You may quickly think about your current leader and how effective/ineffective he or she is. You may consider your own personal abilities as a leader. You probably don’t think of it as an employee benefit. Here are several ways the leadership within your school system provides a free employee benefit every day.

Employee Retention and Loyalty: Have you ever heard the saying “If you are in a leadership position and look behind you only to find no one is following, you are merely taking a walk”? People follow leaders who show care and concern for them as an employee.

Strong Teams: When a leader can put together a group of individuals who have similar goals, the team can be a stronger machine if they work within a culture of collaboration.

Creativity: One thing that we don’t always get from our employees, or give as an individual contributor, are fresh ideas which can take our organization to another level. A strong leader identifies ways to give the employee a voice.

Recognition: A strong leader gives credit where credit is due. Regardless of how small the idea or act may be, the effective leader actively looks for opportunities to recognize his or her employees.

Vision: Effective leaders identify opportunities to improve upon the status quo. They don’t pay much attention to the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” They prefer to live by the idea that there’s always room for improvement. Employees notice this and admire the leader’s quest for excellence upon excellence.

Leaders Breed New Leaders: I heard someone once say, “the only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is you not training them and having them stay.” Strong Leaders can serve as wonderful mentors and trainers. They like to see their employees grow in their careers and don’t keep knowledge from others.

Attention Leaders! Don’t lose sight of what it means to be a leader! You have people who depend on you as much as they depend on their accident, cancer, life insurance, etc. You can provide a free employee benefit! Lead on!

Column Provided by: Shane Pennington, Regional Sales Executive, Educational Benefits, Inc.

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AAEA Team We are here to assist you!

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Upc ing C f ences

July 15-16, 2021

The Arkansas Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) has scheduled CASBO certification classes for July 15-16. More details to be released soon!

July 22, 2021

The Arkansas School Plant Management Association (ASPMA) has scheduled three (3) elective Certified Facility Director (CFD) classes for Thursday, July 22, at the Lennox Commercial Factory in Stuttgart.

Click here to register.

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45th Annual AAEA

Summer Conference

July 26-27, 2021

Click here to Register !

Monday 8:00

Registration Opens - Statehouse Registration

8:00-9:30

Beginning Administrator Session

8:30-9:30

AAA Principal Meetings

10:00-12:00

Opening General Session – Governor (Invited) & Keynote Freddie Scott, Jr. - “Your Mission Matters”

12:15-1:15

Light Buffet Lunch / Exhibits

1:15-2:15

Breakout Session I

2:15-2:45

Visit Exhibits / Refreshments

2:45-3:45

Breakout Session II

3:45-4:30

Receptions / Networking / Exhibits

5:30

Hospitality Events

Freddie Scott, Jr. Founder of Unlock the Champion Starting wide receiver for the 1994 undefeated Penn State NFL - Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions Certified Transition Coach for the NFL Player Engagement Program Family Expert for NFL Players Association Author of The Dad I Wish I Had 2013 Kenny Washington Award Recipient

Tuesday 7:00-4:30

Registration

7:30-9:00

Breakfast Speaker - Dr. Dominique Smith Social Emotional Learning (AACIA/AASEA) Recognition of Administrator of the Year (AASEA, ArkASPA, AAGEA, AACIA, AACTEA)

Dr. Dominique Smith Chief of Educational Services and Teacher Support at Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego, CA

9:15-10:15

Breakout Session III

10:15-11:00

Visit Exhibits / Refreshments

11:00-12:00

Breakout Session IV

12:15-1:45

Lunch & Awards Recognition – Retirees & Past Presidents

2:00-3:00

Breakout Session V

3:15-4:00

Secretary Key

4:00-5:00

AAA Governing Body Meeting in Wally Allen Ballroom

Expert in Restorative Practices, Classroom Management, Growth Mindset, and Culture of Achievement Doctorate in Ed Leadership from San Diego University with a focus on Equity Master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California Winner of the National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council

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Don’t Miss Out !

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, 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 2021 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 Position Elementary School Principal Director of Special Education Elementary Assistant Principal – Meadow Park High School Assistant Principal Superintendent High School Assistant Principal School Improvement Specialist (4) Assistant Principal District Instructional Technology Facilitator and Digital Communications Coordinator Assistant High School Principal Dean of Students Principal Dean of Students Campus Director (2021-2022) Quest Academy of West Little Rock Director of Plant Planning Middle School Principal High School Principal Elementary Assistant Principal 6-12 Assistant Principal Middle School Assistant Principal District Instructional Technology and Digital Communications Director G.T. Coordinator Special Education Director Curriculum Director – District Dean of Student Services and School Improvement High School Principal Assistant Principal (7-12) Elementary Assistant Principal Elementary Principal Lee High School Principal (7-12) Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Professional Learning Director of Elementary Education Assistant Primary Principal/Instructional Facilitator Student Services Coordinator Assistant Principal Director of Learning Services for Elementary Schools

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District Name Blytheville School District Vilonia School District North Little Rock School District Searcy School District Ozark Mountain School District Pea Ridge School District Pine Bluff School District Russellville School District Arkadelphia School District Gravette School District Lonoke School District Camden Fairview School District Camden Fairview School District ResponsiveED Pulaski County Special School District Gentry School District Cutter Morning Star School District Bauxite School District Newport Special School District Trumann School District Centerpoint School District El Dorado School District Pocahontas School District Blytheville School District Siloam Springs School District Riverview School District Searcy County School District Jonesboro School District Centerpoint School District Lee County School District Fort Smith Public Schools Fort Smith Public Schools Pea Ridge School District Pea Ridge School District Pocahontas School District Van Buren School District

Job Site Continued…

Van Buren School District Heber Springs School District Pea Ridge School District Dumas School District Searcy School District Arkadelphia School District Marvell-Elaine School District Cleveland County School District Marked Tree School District Trumann School District

Director of Learning Secondary Schools High School Principal Principal – Primary School (K-2) Elementary Assistant Principal Elementary School Principal Elementary School Principal Principal K-12 High School Assistant Principal High School Principal Migrant Paraprofessional/Coordinator

Visit Our Job Site For Mor

https://arkansas.schoolspring.com/

Award Winners Dr. Jay Dostal, AASSP Principal of the Year Dr. Jay Dostal, Principal of Fayetteville High School, was recently named the Arkansas Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) Principal of the Year! This award is given each year to an Arkansas secondary level principal who has succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students and has been recognized as exhibiting exceptional leadership skills in the school community. Dr. Steven Weber, Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at Fayetteville Public Schools, says “One thing that impressed me about Dr. Dostal was his ability to remember the needs of the different groups once he was selected as the next principal…

Dr. Dostal listens and develops plans to meet the short-term and longterm needs of students and staff. He has utilized social media, phone calls to families, student leadership teams, and multiple teacher teams to analyze the needs of the school. He provides opportunities for shared leadership and he seeks opportunities to provide teachers with a platform to lead and share their voice.”

Dr. Kim Anderson, AAFC Federal Coordinator of the Year Dr. Kim Anderson, Assistant Superintendent with Benton School District, was recently named the 2021 Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators (AAFC) Howard Wallace Federal Coordinator of the Year! This award is given each year in honor of Mr. Howard Wallace, long time school educator, Arkansas Department of Education staff member, and mentor to many.

This award recognizes an Arkansas educator for outstanding service to public schools and for “making a difference.”

Dr. Mike Skelton, Superintendent, stated, “Dr. Anderson has always demonstrated exemplary leadership in every aspect related to education. She maintains high expectations of students and staff, and has a strong rapport with stakeholders from all backgrounds. She truly does go above and beyond to meet the needs of all students.”

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Award Winners Cont.

Phillip Kelley, ASPMA Plant Manager of the Year Phillip Kelley, Maintenance and Transportation Supervisor for the Crossett School District, has been named the Arkansas School Plant Managers Association (ASPMA) Plant Manager of the Year! This is the first year for this award, which will be given each year to an Arkansas school plant manager who has shown strong leadership, dedication to service, and a commitment to quality school facility management. Gary Williams, Superintendent of Crossett School District, said “Mr. Kelley has approached his role in public education for over 35 years with a professional approach and pride in his work.

His proactive approach to preventative maintenance saves the district money and gets ahead of potential problems to keep our building operational… it is clear to me how concerned he is for our students’ success and well-being.”

Stephanie Anderson, AAMLA Principal of the Year Stephanie Anderson, Principal of Helen Tyson Middle School in the Springdale School District, was recently named the Arkansas Association of Middle Level Administrators (AAMLA) Principal of the Year! This award is given each year to an Arkansas middle level principal who has succeeded in contributing to a positive and motivating environment for others and has been recognized as exhibiting exceptional leadership skills in the school community. Jared Cleveland, Superintendent of Springdale School District, says of Stephanie, “Ms. Anderson is a strong instructional leader that is very student focused… Because of her population, Ms. Anderson has been able to lead her teachers and staff to personalize instruction, meet students where they are and grow them to high levels. Ms. Anderson has created a school community where student achievement is at the heart of teacher conversations… When I walk through her school, I observe students engaged in meaningful, rigorous learning activities.”

Lisa Hotsenpiller, AACTEA Administrator of the Year Lisa Hotsenpiller, Director of Career and Technical Education for the Fayetteville School District, has been named the Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (AACTEA) Administrator of the Year. This award is given each year to an Arkansas career and technical education administrator who has succeeded in promoting and enhancing career and technical education in their organization and has been recognized as exhibiting exceptional leadership skills in their community. Dr. Steven Weber, Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at Fayetteville Public Schools, states “Lisa Hotsenpiller is an advocate for all students and an ambassador for Career and Technical Education… While some directors and principals may celebrate CTE Month annually, Ms. Hotsenpiller has made intentional efforts to highlight CTE students, teachers, and regional partners through the CTE Friday Flash… She is focused on creating opportunities that prepare students for college and career opportunities.”

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219 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201 501.372.1691 www.theaaea.org