Executive Viewpoint

NEW YEAR, FAST STARTS

Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director

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!”