NEW YEAR, FAST STARTS
2025 Calendar of Events AAEA Staff
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
February
AASBO Conference, February 12-14, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
ArkASPA Spring Conference, February 25, 2025 Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, North Little Rock
March
AACIA Conference, March 13, 2025 Benton Event Center
April
CASBO Classes, April 23-24, 2025 Location TBD
CFD Classes, Date TBD Location TBD
May
ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference, May 6, 2025 Wyndham Riverfront Hotel, North Little Rock
AAFC Spring Conference, May 7-9, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
June
AAEA School Law and Finance Conference, June 3, 2025 Cabot Community Center/Cabot School District
AASEA Conference, June 9-10, 2025 Benton Event Center
July
AAEA Summer Conference, July 28-30, 2025
Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock
September
AAFC Fall Conference, September 17-19, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
ASPMA Conference, September 29-October 1, 2025
Hot Springs Convention Center
November
AAEA Fall Conference, November 13, 2025 Benton Event Center
For
Stacy DeFoor
2024-2025 AAEA Board of Directors
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,
2025 AAEA Corporate Sponsors
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
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
Gold
CDI Contractors
Cromwell Architects Engineers Goalbook
IXL Learning
Kinco Constructors
Middleton Heat and Air
Paragon Architecture
Red Comet
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
Executive Viewpoint
Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director
NEW YEAR, FAST STARTS
Get your motor runnin'
Head out on the highway
Lookin' for adventure
And whatever comes our way…
The old lyrics of Steppenwolf come quickly to mind when I think about how this year has started. New/ old President of the U.S. with a flurry of mandates and endless news cycle. Some on social media touting the world’s collapse, and others with their peacock chest proudly cheering on the changes. I don’t know where you come down on all this and frankly, it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, we should care about educating kids. We have one job and that is all and that is it. Everything else is just a distraction from our mission. It is good to self-reflect on all the activities you do each day measuring them against the standard of whether it is helping the teaching and learning of your students. If the answer is no, then it is time to reassess what actions you are taking. We cannot afford to wait any longer. I know you get tired of the endless barrage of attacks from all sides trying to tear down what we do and love most. That is not ok, but we have to learn to move forward regardless of the obstacles. It will get better in the long run. So hang in there and let’s make this a semester to remember!
We are also off to a hot start with the legislative session. There is a flurry of bills that have been filed in all areas including education. The new proposed school funding bill has been filed and mirrors the adequacy recommendations at this point. Several other bills have been filed regarding school start date, contract release, cell phone ban, school board public comment, etc. You can always track our bills here The session is always a time for thoughtful and sometimes heated discussion about various education policies. It is important to stay engaged with your legislators and let them know the concerns you may have on any given policy. Sometimes they have an idea from one subpopulation and may not know the ramifications to another without being told. Legislators typically seem willing to work around the edges to make a better bill and we have to be open to these compromises and not shut them down completely. In this political environment, they will move forward without you on the train if necessary. AAEA and the Legislative Committees are here to serve you during the session and welcome any input and feedback as we move along.
Sickness is certainly going around these days, I recently tested positive for Covid for the first time and it was a doozy. I am sure that is why you are reading these ramblings and wondering what the heck I am talking about, but hey someone gave me the space to write! There have been numerous reports about schools having to close and consider alternatives due to illnesses. Let’s not forget what we learned during the pandemic. There were several great reminders about handwashing and other best practices that can mitigate against closing schools. Please take care of yourselves, the staff, and the students. We need them healthy and ready to learn the rest of the way.
Spring break, hiring season, testing, and all the second-semester things are coming at you quickly. I am proud of the work we are doing in Arkansas and I know we are heading for brighter days in terms of student outcomes. Keep up the great work, “whatever comes our way!”
President’s Perspective
Stacy DeFoor, AAEA Board President
STARTING 2025 OFF RIGHT
I hope that 2025 has gotten off to a smooth start for you and your staff as we roll into the second semester of the school year. If you haven’t already taken a moment to share with a colleague or friend one of your favorite memories from this holiday season or from the recent snow day, I would encourage you to do so. These short conversations often take a little anxiety off of all of the big decisions that we face each week!
As we get back into the 2nd semester do you have a goal or initiative to revisit, alter, shift, or simply communicate with your faculty, staff, and stakeholders? Below are a few things on my to-do list along with a few other thoughts that might help you finish this school year strong and feel accomplished for the work that’s been done.
• Focus on people:
◦ Be sure to celebrate your teachers, staff, and students who have met goals or achieved success and growth over this past year. These can be professional, academic, or personal.
◦ Ensure you set aside some fun activities for your staff this spring to protect the culture and climate within your buildings.
• Review student and school data:
◦ Have you noticed any positive trends or areas of opportunity?
◦ Are you making positive strides toward your overall school goals?
◦ What steps still need to be taken toward accomplishing your school goals?
◦ Ensure you are celebrating successes no matter how big or small!
• Final allocations and budgets:
◦ Review expenditure reports as compared to your initial budget to determine if any changes or modifications need to be made.
◦ AR APP: Do you need to make any changes or modifications to your plan?
◦ Subscriptions: Look over renewals this spring for price increases. Does the subscription support what is now needed moving into the following year.
• Professional development:
◦ What support is needed for administrators and teachers to help them finish this year strong?
◦ Scheduling: Are you planning to have vendors in your district this summer to support HQIM initiatives? If so, it is important to reach out to them to ensure you can have them in your district when they are needed.
◦ Keynote speakers: If you are looking to bring a keynote speaker to your district for next year's back to school kick-off, plan early to book your most desired speaker.
• Legislative Session:
◦ 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 will continue to provide.
I encourage you to review and communicate your expectations that will help your campus or district end with a feeling of accomplishment and pride. The work we do is not for everyone. I firmly believe that we are called to educational leadership. We have the opportunity every day to make a difference in the lives of our students and/or staff. What will you do today to connect with a colleague or student to let them know you care? Have a great February and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Administrator Spotlight: Haley Hatch
Director of Special Services, Lake Hamilton School District
Haley Hatch, Director of Special Services for the Lake Hamilton School District, grew up with parents who were public school administrators and swore that she would never work in education. However, when she did her first pediatric internship as a speech-language pathologist in the Rogers School District, she quickly found she was hooked. She says, "I loved getting to be a part of kids’ lives and found that my greatest joy came from helping coordinate multiple services to serve the whole child while providing support to their teachers and families." After 2 years, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, to join an early childhood diagnostic team in the Rockwood School District. After her first child was born, she moved back to Arkansas to be near family, working for the next several years in Bentonville and Rogers. "Life brought me home to Hot Springs," she says, "where I eventually began my administration career as the special education director at Mountain Pine in 2014, then Jessieville for 3 years, and now I’ve been the director of special services at Lake Hamilton since 2018."
Haley states there are two parts of her job that she loves equally: attending conferences to hear teachers and therapists share success stories with families, and getting to see the joy on parents’ faces when they are told their child is doing more than they expected. "It has also been incredibly rewarding to be a part of the state’s focus on inclusive practices," she says. "We have made such incredible gains in equitable education for all students and I’ve seen the benefits for students with and without IEPs." As to the job's greatest challenge, she says "this job is like playing a giant game of whack-a-mole where you just handle whatever pops up and know that something else is coming soon! Balancing all of the expectations and responsibilities is very challenging. I feel like special education directors are expected to know something about everything!"
To those considering joining the career, she advises, "You don’t have to know all the answers but you do have to know where to find them. Give yourself grace and find a good mentor! When other special education directors reach out to me with questions or to ask what I would do in a situation, I realize that my greatest professional accomplishment is that I have become one of the people I used to turn to when I needed guidance. It is an honor that my colleagues feel that I have the discernment to help them."
with Haley Hatch ? ! Q&A
What is the best advice you have ever received?
When my mom was a principal, she had two framed quotes near her desk that I now have in my office. One says, “never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” The other says, “Behave like a duck. Stay calm on the surface, but paddle like crazy underneath.” I also try to live by Micah 8:8, “...act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
What might other administrators be surprised to know about you?
I made it to the second round of auditions for Wheel of Fortune but didn’t score high enough on the written test to make it on the show.
What is the most daring thing you’ve done?
A story that I wrote was chosen for the NPR show, Tales from the South. I read it in front of a live audience and it was broadcast nationally. That was a vulnerability that I hadn’t experienced before!
What do you enjoy doing during your time off?
Most weekends, my significant other, Jason, and I can be found listening to live music, going to a ballgame, at the races, or spending time with family. I absolutely love to travel. My favorite places are New Orleans and anywhere with a white sandy beach. I also serve on the board of directors for the Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center and have been involved in homeless ministry.
What are the goals you are still working toward?
My goals are ever-evolving - which is best practice in the world of IEPs! I constantly strive to have a healthy work-life balance, especially as a single mom. I’m also still working on being that duck… staying calm on the surface is sometimes a challenge on the days that the big surprises show up.
What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?
The connection and support that comes from the advocacy efforts of AAEA and direct communication with leadership at DESE is invaluable. One of the best parts of being the president of AASEA is the opportunity to be a representative and voice for special education supervisors in statewide conversations. AASEA has become a lifeline for me over the past 10 years. My AASEA friends are the ones I turn to when I have complex questions or when I begin to second-guess my thoughts about how to handle situations. Being a part of the board has been an added support because I know the people around me are knowledgeable, conscientious, and experienced.
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.
Asked & Answered
Dr. Karla Neathery, AAEA Assistant Executive Director
Our district has planned a school board workshop on finance. Does this need to be recorded?
Yes. The District shall record all meetings of the District’s Board of Directors, including subcommittee meetings except as follows:
• Executive sessions of the Board of Directors; and
• Student disciplinary hearings that are closed to the public.
The District shall retain meeting recordings for one (1) year. The recordings may be in audio only or in video and audio both. For additional information see the legal reference on open local meetings.
If you have questions for Dr. Neathery, email her at k.neathery@theaaea.org .
Instructional Insights
Exceptional Partnerships in Arkansas
NIET’s latest work in the state is just the
beginning
Submitted by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching
The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) works with districts to make success the standard - not just the goal. In our latest partnership with Arkansas schools, our partners’ results spoke for themselves: The Arkansas Rural Educator Network (AREN) resulted in 96% of AREN districts improving teacher instructional skills and 90% of districts outperforming comparison districts, paving the way for NIET to support other rural districts in strengthening instruction and student learning.
NIET and the Walton Family Foundation started AREN to improve teaching and learning in rural districts in 2020. AREN built educator capacity through customized professional learning and networking opportunities and served 27 rural districts, impacting more than 23,000 students.
The AREN partnership’s commitment to providing targeted, high-quality service that meets each district’s unique needs ensures that the extended support remains relevant, solidifying NIET partners’ resounding success. The growth through this initiative shows clear positive outcomes when educational leaders commit to raising achievement levels for all students by supporting teachers and the leadership that supports them.
NIET believes that when districts invest in instructional growth and leadership capacity at every level, it directly results in student success and is essential to eliminating equity gaps. That’s why we work with districts and schools every step of the way - from customized on-site support for district and school-level leadership teams, as an approved provider of Professional Learning Communities services and the Lead Professional Educator Designation, and building up new superintendents with our executive coaching program. Currently, NIET is supporting districts, educational service centers, and universities with customized support and has trained 750 Arkansas educators for Lead Designation certification. For Arkansas, our past, present, and future partnerships all drive achievement from every level of the school system.
Visit NIET.org to learn about our work in Arkansas.
Awards
Tory Moix
2025 AAMLA Assistant Principal of the Year
Tory Moix, Assistant Principal at Greenbrier Middle School in the Greenbrier School District, was recently named the Arkansas Association of Middle Level Administrators (AAMLA) Assistant Principal of the Year. This award is sponsored by Curriculum Associates. Lenett Thrasher, AAEA Assistant Executive Director; Mike Mertens, AAEA Consultant; Scott Spainhour, Superintendent of Greenbrier Public Schools; Harry Dickens, Curriculum Associates; and Alice Shirey, Curriculum Associates, presented Mrs. Moix with the award on January 14, 2025.
Scholarships Available!
AAEA and our Constituent Groups are proud every year to offer a number of scholarships to students in Arkansas. Applications are available online at
AACIA GRADUATING SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP
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
Publication Sneak Peek: Our Two Cents
This segment features content from other AAEA publications. Our Two Cents is a monthly publication available to subscribing districts. The following excerpt comes from the January 2025 issue.
Did You Know?
Attorney General Opinion 2024-035
In Attorney General Opinion 2024-035 the AG responded to a question regarding Act 633 of 2023 and returning a school district to local control. Question: Does Act 633 of 2023 apply to the return of a school district to local control? Did the State Board of Education have the authority to reinstate control of a school district to a school board consisting of some members who are popularly elected and some members who are appointed by the Education Commissioner? Did the State Board of Education have the authority to dictate the schedule by which elections would be held for the seats on a school board of a school district being returned to local control, or would that authority rest solely with the newly reinstated school board, regardless whether the school board members were appointed or elected? Once the State Board of Education has returned a school district to local control, when is the earliest that the State Board of Education would then be able to assume authority over that same district again under Arkansas Code Annotated § 6-15-2916? If some or all members of a school board were put in place by appointment of the Education Commissioner rather than by popular election, would the starting point for the timeline for the State Board of Education to again assume authority over that school district be tolled until after all members of the school board were popularly elected by the local community?
The Attorney General responded to the first question – No. Laws are presumed to apply prospectively, not retroactively, unless the text requires otherwise. The relevant actions that Act 633 requires of the State Board would have had to have happened almost three years before Act 633’s effective date. Thus, Act 633 does not apply because it is not retroactive. Regarding question two, as fully explained in the opinion, the Attorney General was unable to opine on this question because the relevant law is unclear and insufficient facts had been presented. As fully explained in the opinion, on question A three, the Attorney General was unable to opine on this question because the relevant law is unclear and insufficient facts had been presented. The analysis will not change on question four because Act 633’s trigger is the State Board’s assumption of authority over a public-school district and is not connected to Act 633’s effective date. Regarding question five, if a public-school district is classified as in need of Level 5 – Intensive support, there is no time restriction on the State Board’s ability to assume authority of the district.
The AAEA Job Board is a calendar-year subscription that assists districts with the everincreasing 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.
Job Openings
District Name
Russellville School District
Russellville School District
Clinton School District
Lamar School District
Van Buren School District
DeWitt School District
Ozark School District
Lafayette County School District
Pulaski County Special School District
Pulaski County Special School District
Prescott School District
Benton School District
Horatio School District
Clarksville School District
Pea Ridge School District
Ashdown School District
Genoa School District
Ozark Mountain School District
Position
Intermediate Principal
Junior High Principal
High School Principal
Elementary Principal
High School Principal
Superintendent
Elementary Principal
Superintendent
Chief Financial Officer
Superintendent
Junior High Principal
Superintendent
Superintendent
Elementary Principal
Junior High Principal
Superintendent
Superintendent
K-12 Principal
