DR. TOM KIMBRELL - Page 9 -
Dr. Mike Hernandez advises staying purpose-focused as you navigate the highs and lows in education.
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To celebrate the AAEA’s 50th anniversary, we’ve interviewed some of the greatest leaders in Arkansas education over the years. Our first Legacy Leader is Dr. Tom Kimbrell. REMEMBER YOUR PURPOSE!
In the Spotlight this month is Leila Seigrist, General Counsel for the Cabot Public School District. SPRING INTO
Stacy DeFoor shares some tips to maintain positive momentum as we head into spring.
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Dr. Mike Hernandez
Executive Director m.hernandez@theaaea.org
Dr. Karla Neathery
Assistant Executive Director k.neathery@theaaea.org
Lenett Thrasher
Assistant Executive Director l.thrasher@theaaea.org
Sharon Chuculate Fiscal Services Coordinator s.chuculate@theaaea.org
Sarah Shamburger Business Manager s.shamburger@theaaea.org
Alyse Mattox Communications & Technology Specialist a.mattox@theaaea.org
Melanie Thrasher Business Analyst m.thrasher@theaaea.org
Lana Webb Administrative Specialist l.webb@theaaea.org
Rachel Blocker Administrative Assistant r.blocker@theaaea.org
Mike Mertens Consultant m.mertens@theaaea.org
AACIA Conference, March 13, 2025
Benton Event Center
CFD Classes, April 17, 2025
Virco Manufacturing Plant, Conway
CASBO Classes, April 23-24, 2025
DoubleTree Hotel, Hot Springs
ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference, May 6, 2025
Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, North Little Rock
AAFC Spring Conference, May 7-9, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
AAEA School Law and Finance Conference, June 3, 2025
Cabot Community Center/Cabot School District
AASEA Conference, June 9-10, 2025 Benton Event Center
AAEA Summer Conference, July 28-30, 2025
Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock
AAFC Fall Conference, September 17-19, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
ASPMA Conference, September 29-October 1, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
AAEA Fall Conference, November 13, 2025 Benton Event Center
For more information, visit theaaea.org/events.
Stacy DeFoor
AAEA President Assistant Superintendent, Benton
Kelvin Gragg AASA President AssistantPineSuperintendent, Bluff
Dr. Jeff Wasem AAESP President-Elect Principal, Bentonville
Brandie Williams ArkASPA President Superintendent, Trumann
Kelsey Bailey AASBO Past President Chief Financial Officer, Little Rock
Bryce Bennett AAMLA President Director of Academic Assessment Services, Conway
Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director
Charles Warren AAEA President-Elect
Business Manager/District Treasurer, Fort Smith
Dr. Debbie Bruick-Jones AASA President-Elect Superintendent, Bentonville
Shawn Rose AAESP Past President Principal, Hillcrest
Kelli AACTEACypertPresident Career & Technical Administrator, ARESC
Haley Hatch AASEA President Director of Special Services, Lake Hamilton
Greg Collins ASPMA President (until Oct) Maintenance/Facilities Supervisor, Dover
Dr. Jason Reeves AAEA Secretary and AASSP President Assistant Principal, Alma
Dr. Jeremy Owoh AASA Secretary Superintendent, Jacksonville/ North Pulaski
Jason Selig AASSP President-Elect Principal, Lake Hamilton
Christine Harrell AAFC President Federal Programs Coordinator, Searcy
Dr. Marcia Smith AACIA President Deputy Superintendent, Springdale
Randall Bolinger ASPMA President (begin Oct) Maintenance/Facilities Supervisor, Siloam Springs
Brian Kirkendoll AAEA Past President Principal, Alma
Steven Helmick AAESP President Principal, Little Rock
Amy Marek AASSP Past President Principal, Hazen
Justin Robertson AASBO President Chief Financial Officer, Russellville
Valerie King AAGEA President Director of Gifted Programs, Siloam Springs
B.J. TEL-ARBurgessPresident Director of GreenbrierTechnology,
Presidential
American Fidelity Assurance Co.
Bailey Education Group
Curriculum Associates
Educational Benefits
Lifetouch National School Studios
NIET - National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Solution Tree
Prestigious Cognia
Renaissance Learning
Stephens
Distinguished Apptegy
Capturing Kids’ Hearts
Coryell Roofing and Construction
Lexia Learning
The Kirkland Group
Diamond
Amazon Business
Baldwin & Shell
First Security Beardsley
Imagine Learning
OnToCollege
Phoenix Contractors
Platinum
AAMSCO
Architecture Plus
Arkansas Public Safety Solutions
C.R. Crawford Construction
Energy Systems Group
ESS
Hight Jackson Associates PA
HMH | NWEA
Just Right Reader
Legacy Construction Management
Nabholz | Entegrity Energy Partners
Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects
Powers of Arkansas
Progressive Technologies
Pro Service Builders
TRANE
Gold
CDI Contractors
Cromwell Architects Engineers
Cynergy Rehab Group Goalbook
IXL Learning
Kinco Constructors
Middleton Heat and Air
Paragon Architecture
Red Comet
TIPS The Interlocal Purchasing System
White River Services and Solutions
Silver
American Bus Sales
Correll
French Architects, PA
My Benefits Channel
SEAS
SmartData All-In-One
Strategos Group
Stride Tutoring
Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director
Being an administrator in Arkansas education can have its ups and downs. If you focus on the downs it can get you low in a hurry. We all know that administration is more than managing schools, overseeing budgets, leading people, or implementing policies. Our work is about shaping the future of education, supporting students, and fostering an environment where teachers can do their jobs in a way that grows students. You must first grab onto the fact that you are not all-powerful. There are things that you can influence and things that are out of your control. You must also remember that you have a purpose on this earth. The fact that you are in the roles that you are in means that your purpose is supporting the education of all students and not just having a job you kinda, sorta like. I love watching Law and Order SVU. One person who seems to know their purpose and goes all in every day is Captain Olivia Benson. No matter what situation she is in, the core of what she was put on this earth to do is to support the victim and bring the perp to justice. That is it, and that is all.
Sure there are jerks she has to work with and higher-ups that make policies and decisions that affect her ability to do her job. No matter the obstacle, she keeps her focus and finds a way to live her purpose. Captain Benson has been doing it for 26 seasons. I guess she only needs two more before she is eligible for full retirement or she can T-drop…Ha! Finding your purpose in education can be a transformative experience that drives your passion, commitment, and leadership. If you are finding yourself overwhelmed and spinning your rudder, it may be that you have lost sight of what matters in our work. Hint, it's the kids!
A helpful exercise is to sit quietly and reflect or write down on paper why you chose this path. Was it a desire to improve educational systems? A commitment to student success? A passion for leadership in academic settings? I first got into education because I loved helping people learn what they were struggling to understand. Now, every call, text or email I get from a fellow educator asking a question brings me great joy to help them find an answer. I enjoy getting to provide professional development and grow our future leaders. Understanding your core motivations will help you sift through what brings you happiness in your work and what activities you need to minimize.
It is also important to identify what your strengths are and where you would like to grow. Education administration can be so diverse and encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. You may enjoy curriculum development or community engagement. I always like to look back at things like the LEADS 2.0 rubric or some other leadership rubric and mark things that I feel I do well versus where I need to learn. There are all kinds of things to learn and be a part of as an administrator. Do you know how to build an efficient master schedule? Can you develop a budget that meets the needs of all students with input from stakeholders? Can you develop a facility master plan? Can you lead a PD session on developing a curriculum for differentiated learning? I could go on and on. You see, lots to learn and room to grow.
Often you could find yourself disconnected from the sole purpose we exist as educators. Hint #2, it's the kids! One of the most effective ways to find purpose in your work is to stay connected with students, teachers, and staff. Listening to their needs, challenges, and aspirations can do two things. Reinforce
why your role matters and identify what you need to change in your local system. Open and consistent communication ensures that your leadership has a tangible, positive impact. This will help you align your purpose with your district's mission and vision.
The education landscape is always changing. Changes can distract you from your purpose and get you down in the dumps. One way to combat that is to commit to continuous learning. Attending professional development workshops, networking with peers, and staying updated on educational trends can deepen your understanding and inspire new approaches to leadership. When you think about your network it is important to consider mentorship. Having a mentor can provide guidance, wisdom, and support as you navigate challenges. Likewise, mentoring aspiring leaders or young educators can reinforce your purpose and contribute to the growth of the field. Maintaining the status of a learner while paying it forward by teaching those coming behind you helps to achieve great balance.
Finding your purpose is a continuous journey that can quickly be derailed by some school crisis, angry board member, nasty social media post, or unstable home life. Staying connected to your motivations, strengths, and the needs of your educational community can help you lead with passion and support student learning positively. Be like Captain Benson for your students. She lives her purpose no matter what! I know you can too.
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.
Stacy DeFoor, AAEA Board President
How will you “Spring into Success?” The spring semester offers us a vast opportunity to ensure student learning and engagement continues as we prepare for end of the year assessments, grade level transitions, and students who may be more excited about graduation than studying to perform their best! As school leaders it is important for us to model what we expect from our teachers during a time when some teachers may feel overwhelmed or experiencing burn out. As you lead your building or district, determine how you can make a positive impact each day.
• Maintain high levels of student engagement
◦ Incorporate project-based learning that supports your HQIM curriculum
◦ Use technology creatively, not as a time filler
◦ Implement peer-to-peer learning where students can learn from each other and strengthen their sense of ownership
◦ Make real world connections based upon student interest, background, or career aspirations
• Promote positive school culture
◦ Celebrate accomplishments regularly with both faculty and students
◦ Provide shout-outs or recognize your faculty or students on social media to increase the desire to perform at high levels
◦ Create safe spaces for students and staff to support mental health and well-being
• Decrease teacher burnout
◦ Continue to provide job-embedded professional development or support, especially if you’ve recently adopted a new curriculum or initiative
◦ Encourage work-life balance and check in with staff to offer support or uplifting words if needed
◦ Empower teacher leadership in decision making and supporting the success of your school
◦ Minimize administrative tasks or streamline systems and unnecessary paperwork so that teachers can focus on teaching and learning
◦ Foster a collaborative environment so that teachers can share “wins” with their colleagues
• Engage in reflective practices
◦ The spring semester is a great time to engage in reflective practices with fellow administrators and teachers. Take time to assess the progress of the current year and obtain feedback from stakeholders.
◦ What are some immediate practices that could be enhanced to finish strong and determine some potential goals for the following year?
I hope some of the topics provided can help you address current opportunities to keep the momentum going in a positive direction during the spring semester. With the legislative session underway, I would encourage you to keep up with current bills that are being proposed and look for updates that AAEA provides throughout the week.
Dr. Karla Neathery, AAEA Assistant Executive Director
What is the minimum monthly contribution rate a public school district must pay for health insurance for an employee?
Pursuant to A.C.A. § 6-17-1117, every school district shall pay the monthly health insurance per-participant contribution rate established by the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education through the biennial adequacy review process. The minimum monthly contribution rate for July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 has been set at $234.50 per participant.
Click here for additional information on public school employees' health insurance contribution rates.
General Counsel, Cabot Public School District
Leila Seigrist, General Counsel for Cabot Public Schools graduated from the Bowen School of Law and became a licensed attorney in 2010. She went on to work in private practice, as the Deputy Reporter of Decisions for the Arkansas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, and as a deputy prosecuting attorney, before becoming the Director of Human Resources and Legal Affairs for Cabot Public Schools in 2020. She says, "I love public service, and I want to use my skills for that purpose. However, education was definitely something new for me. My oldest daughter was already a student in Cabot Public Schools when [the opening] was posted. Public education has always been a passion, and, though there were a lot of unknowns for me, I knew it was a move that I wanted to make." In her initial role, she oversaw the hiring process for every school staff member and also provided legal advice and direction to the district. Over time, her responsibilities shifted and she became the district's General Counsel.
Leila says her job is both one of the most challenging and most rewarding positions she's ever held. Her favorite thing is "both being able to see the immediate impact and being able to imagine the future impact that our decisions and choices create for students. Public schools are the real boots-on-the-ground organizations behind both present and generational change." However, she says the greatest challenge is that here is not always a fix for every problem. "Every public school employee knows the reality of getting into bed at night worrying about and praying for the students whose lives are the things of nightmares," she explains. "I have staff members contact me frequently asking for advice on avenues within the law to help in these situations. The most challenging part of my job is telling them that the law doesn’t have an answer and cannot fix whatever horror these students are going through. It can feel very helpless at times when I want to be able to find the remedy."
She advises to those interested in a similar job: "Do it! It’s difficult, but you won’t regret it! In a typical legal career, you are not personally invested in your clients and are just doing your job. As part of a school district, you’re personally and emotionally invested and really are part of a team that you want to succeed---not just for a win, but because you don’t want to let down the team that’s depending on you."
What is the best advice you have ever received?
In hard situations where you don’t know what to do and are overwhelmed, pray about it and then do the next right thing. And then do the next right thing again.
What major changes have you seen in education during your career?
Wow. I started with Cabot Public Schools on July 1, 2020, as schools were reopening from COVID. I hear stories all of the time about what a different world that schools were preCOVID, but I don’t have the first-hand experience. So, the biggest change that I’ve seen in my legal career would have to be LEARNS. The rules changed and we were all on a level playing field as we navigated through this overhaul. While the rules may have changed, I’m happy that the people haven’t. Educators are still resilient and passionate.
What’s something that amazes you?
I’m amazed at how creative educators are. My legal brain has a tendency to be very black and white, but educators are the most creative group of people that can meet a student on any level and push them to success.
What do you enjoy doing during your time off?
I can be found with my husband of nearly fifteen years and our 12-year-old and 8-year-old daughters. You can find us playing board games, dreaming about our next vacation, or volunteering with our church. I also never underestimate the power of a good nap!
What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”
I want to skydive! Someone may have to push me, but I’ll be glad that they did!
What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?
AAEA membership is helpful for so many reasons, but my favorite benefit is networking. There are very few in-house counsel positions in school districts in Arkansas. When you’re working in a law firm, you walk next door to the next attorney’s office and talk through ideas or plans, and that’s not possible in a school district. But AAEA has given us the ability to have that network even though we may be spread around the state rather than sharing an office wall.
Leading up to the 50th anniversary of the AAEA Summer Conference which will take place on July 28-30, 2025, at the Statehouse Convention Center and Marriott Hotel, we are interviewing some of the greatest education leaders over the past several decades. Our first interview is with Dr. Tom Kimbrell, former AAEA Executive Director and Arkansas Commissioner of Education.
Dr. Tom Kimbrell grew up in Corning where his dad was superintendent. He began his career in education as a science teacher and coach in Pocahontas in 1984. After three years, he moved to Paragould and then back home to Corning for his first administrative job as assistant principal. After a few years, he moved back to Paragould where he served in administration at the high school and then on to the central office as Director of Finance. After one year in this position, Mr. Lee Vent, the superintendent, moved to another district and Dr. Kimbrell had his first opportunity to serve as a district superintendent. He served as the district leader of Paragould for nine years.
Dr. Kimbrell decided to move closer to central Arkansas to be more involved in the political process and fulfill his goal of leading education at the state level. He was hired as superintendent of the North Little Rock School District. At the end of his first year in this position, Dr. Kellar Noggle, the first Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) announced his retirement. The AAEA Board President approached Dr. Kimbrell about the position of Executive Director. Dr. Kimbrell called to share the news with his father, one of the original leaders who met decades before to organize the AAEA. When Dr. Kimbrell told his dad that Dr. Noggle was leaving his dad responded, “I’d sure hate to be the one who had to follow him.” Dr. Kimbrell then told his dad that he was planning to take the position. His dad quickly recovered by saying, “Well, you’ll do a good job!”
Dr. Kimbrell served as the Executive Director of the AAEA for five years which he describes as “the best job he has ever had in education.” Governor Beebe then approached him to serve as the Commissioner of Education for the state of Arkansas. He served as Commissioner for five years before moving back to the superintendency in the Bryant School District for the final three years of his career.
Dr. Kimbrell and his wife, Tina, have been married since 1989 and have two children, Kason and Gracie. Kason and his wife Haley have one child, Kash. After retiring, Dr. Kimbrell and Tina moved to Greenbrier and built a house on a small farm where they enjoy visiting with their neighbors. Of course, their favorite activity is seeing their kids and playing with their grandson. They also enjoy traveling, watching the Razorbacks play baseball, and going to the Arkansas Travelers games where they hold season tickets. Currently, Tom and Tina have visited 9 of the 31 major league parks in the past couple of years and they intend to visit the rest over the next few years.
Dr. Kimbrell’s advice to current leaders is, “Try to fixate on the things you can change. Try to ensure and demand that you educate every kid and provide every opportunity you can. Lean on one another. If you’re a leader today you are going to have to have friends, people that will help you.”
To support new leaders, Dr. Kimbrell suggested this: “Ask questions. Surround yourself with mentors you know are doing the right thing. Learn from their mistakes and successes. Learn from your own mistakes and successes.”
When asked about the greatest benefit of AAEA membership, Dr. Kimbrell said, “Without the AAEA I would have never met those wonderful individuals that helped me survive all of my work. Everybody works together and brings their own thoughts, processes, and opinions. When we all work together, that’s when the magic happens.”
Dr. Kimbrell understands the importance of education. He stated, “If you don’t have an educated population, you have a population that, in my opinion, can be led in the wrong direction.”
Click here to watch Dr. Kimbrell’s complete interview and learn more about this Legacy Leader.
Join Mike Mertens for a historic review of the AAEA from founding to today in this monthly Youtube series. Watch Part 1: Back to the Beginning!
Also, be sure to visit the AAEA Photo Archive to view photos of AAEA over the past 5 decades!
Come help us celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the AAEA Summer Conference! The 2025 AAEA Summer Conference will be held on July 28-30, 2025, at the Statehouse Convention Center and Marriott Hotel in Little Rock, AR. The event will feature keynote speakers, over one hundred breakout sessions from inspiring educational leaders, an exhibit hall, and hospitality events. Join administrators from across the state to learn, network, and celebrate with those who love public education!
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
DR. TODD WHITAKER JACK BERCKEMEYER
AAEA and our Constituent Groups are proud every year to offer a number of scholarships to students in Arkansas. Applications are available online at theaaea.org/page/scholarships.
AACIA GRADUATE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
AAESP GRADUATING SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP
AAESP GRADUATE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
AASBO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
AASSP SCHOLARSHIP
AAMLA GRADUATE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
AASEA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
AASEA LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
AACTEA SCHOLARSHIP
ASPMA SCHOLARSHIP
TEL-AR SCHOLARSHIP
THE NATIONAL SCHOOL PLANT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (NSPMA) SCHOLARSHIP
Melody Crane, Business Manager of Hector School District, was recently selected as the 2025 Truett Goatcher Arkansas School Business Administrator of the Year by the Arkansas Association of School Business Officials (AASBO). This award is sponsored by American Fidelity. The award was presented during a surprise presentation at the AASBO Conference on February 13, 2025. Pictured with Melody is American Fidelity State Manager Kim Wilson.
Tressie Fowler, Principal of Danville High School in the Danville Public School District, was selected by the Arkansas Association of Elementary School Principals (AAESP) as the recipient of the 2025 Award for Service Above and Beyond. This award is sponsored by Lifetouch. Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director; Lenett Thrasher, AAEA Assistant Executive Director; Kim Foster, Danville School District Superintendent; and Tammy Carmical, Lifetouch, presented Mrs. Fowler with the award during a student assembly at Danville High School on February 21.
This segment features content from other AAEA publications. The Cutting Edge is a monthly publication available to AACTEA Members. The following excerpt comes from the February 2025 issue.
The Medical Professions program at Fayetteville High School was recently awarded a state start-up grant from DCTE to start the Medical Skills and Services pathway at FHS. The program received $28,995.41 to support the implementation of courses intended to prepare students for eventual careers as Patient Care Associates/Patient Care Technicians (PCA/PCT) in the workforce. The start-up grants from DCTE are awarded to support pathways that will equip students with the foundational skills needed to enter highdemand employment sectors in Arkansas and earn a family-sustaining wage. The FHS Medical Professions program has used the grant money to purchase industry-recognized equipment students will use in their careers as a PCA or PCT.
Congratulations to Beau McCastlain, the 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year and De Queen High School’s DQTV Television Production Advisor and Communications Director for being selected for the 10th annual Presidential Leadership Scholars (PLS) program. For the past decade, PLS has brought together established leaders to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Scholars were selected based on their leadership growth potential and their personal leadership projects aimed at addressing a problem or need in their community, the country, or the world.
The Registered Medical Assistant program at Siloam Springs HS is designed to put out health care workers ready to enter the workforce.
Students learn skills like taking vital signs, drawing blood, basic patient care and wound care, working with electronic health records, coding, and how to do a resume and conduct themselves in an interview. Students in the course receive three certifications: CPR, phlebotomy and a registered medical assisting certification. The final certificate allows students to be workforce-ready. Students are able to find work after graduation in hospitals, medical clinics and other medical-related companies. Other schools in Northwest Arkansas offer certificate programs similar to what is offered at Siloam Springs.
Interested in more from The Cutting Edge? Contact our office at 501-372-1691.
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.
To subscribe (by district) or to post job openings, contact Lana Webb, Administrative Specialist, at l.webb@theaaea.org or at 501-372-1691.
District Name
Lake Hamilton School District
Bauxite School District
Lamar School District
Pottsville School District
Hot Springs School District
Buffalo Island Central School District
Hot Springs School District
Berryville School District
Osceola School District
Position
Middle School Assistant Principal
Middle School Principal
Elementary Principal
High School Assistant Principal
Jr. High Principal
High School Assistant Principal
Chief Financial Officer
Elementary Principal
Superintendent
Hope School District Assistant Principal
Dardanelle School District
Blytheville School District
Blytheville School District
Green County Tech School District
White County Central School District
Fort Smith School District
Fort Smith School District
Elkins School District
Jonesboro School District
Batesville School District
Mineral Springs School District
Malvern School District
Wonderview School District
Russellville School District
Gentry School District
Assistant Principal
K-12 Assistant Principal
K-12 Principal
Assistant Superintendent
K-6 Assistant Principal
Secondary Assistant Principal
Elementary Assistant Principal
Middle School Principal
Elementary Assistant Principal
Elementary Principal
Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
High School Assistant Principal
High School Principal
Superintendent
Primary School Assistant Principal
