January2014 hotline by WASA

wasa Hotline January 2014

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

From the President

How are Your Schools Impacted?..................... 2

any of us had the privilege of attending the WSSDA Annual Conference a few weeks ago. I found that the days were very long, but full of wonderful speakers and sessions. On Sunday morning, a question was asked that made me pause and reflect about our leadership role in public education:

Upcoming Professional Development Events.... 3 Nominations Requested for 2014–15 WASA President-Elect.................................................. 3 Recruitment for WASA Board of Directors Positions....................................... 3 Upcoming Region Events.................................. 4 Entering the Blogosphere.................................. 4 Are You Connected With WASA........................ 4

Mike Nelson

WASA Board President

Have you ever thought of who will take care of you or a family member at a time of crisis?

Congress Approves Federal Budget Deal.......... 5 What is Happening With Initiative 1240?.......... 5 2014 Legislative Session Begins January 13.... 6 ERNN Annual Conference.................................. 7 WASA/WSSDA/WASBO Legislative Conference...................................... 7 Remembering John M. Magers......................... 7 Want to Share a Slice?...................................... 7 AASA National Conference on Education.......... 8 Northwest Reception......................................... 8 Superintendent Workshop................................ 8 WASA Small Schools Conference..................... 9 AWSP/WASA 2014 Summer Conference.......... 9

The speaker who asked that question was National Teacher of the Year, Jeff Charboneau. As I am sure you know, he teaches science (among other duties) in Zillah, Washington. This year, he is speaking at functions around the United States. Jeff shared a time when he suffered a seizure. He woke up to see Justin Ricco, a former student, helping him. Justin helped. His neighbors helped. The community helped. During this personal crisis, he began to understand what matters. I am sure we have all been asked, "What do you do for a living?" In response to this question, Jeff told us that it is not about the classes we teach or even about the "kids." He says, "It's about PEOPLE…our neighbors." We are teaching people–our neighbors–who will be the ones to help support us and make our communities thrive. Jeff shared we must keep our focus of why we became educators by seizing opportunities to connect with students. This is how Jeff conveyed "what matters" to board members and superintendents across our state. Obviously, Jeff shares his story much better than I have conveyed; but I hope you can feel a bit of his passion as I relayed his message. As we move into January and the beginning of the legislative session on the 13th, let’s all share our stories of the amazing work we do with our students to our elected officials. It is when we tell stories using specific names and events that we personalize our great work. As WASA President, I often sit in meetings and hear generalizations made such as: “We never hear from districts/superintendents” or “Do ‘they’ know what it is like in the districts?”

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EXECUTIVE OFFICE 360.489.3641 / 360.352.2043 (fax) • Bill Keim bkeim@wasa-oly.org Executive Director • Marilee Jensen mjensen@wasa-oly.org Executive Assistant

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & MEMBERSHIP SERVICES 360.489.3640 / 360.352.6873 (fax) • Mack Armstrong marmstrong@wasa-oly.org Assistant Executive Director • Jamie Chylinski jchylinski@wasa-oly.org Professional Development Coordinator • Anne Morris amorris@wasa-oly.org Professional Development/Membership Assistant

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 360.489.3642 • Dan Steele dsteele@wasa-oly.org Assistant Executive Director • Sheila Chard schard@wasa-oly.org Administrative Assistant

CAREER & CONTRACT SERVICES 360.489.3653 • John Dekker jdekker@wasa-oly.org Assistant Executive Director

ACCOUNTING 360.489.3643 / 360.352.2043 (fax)

(continued from page 1)

Let’s work hard and challenge each other to move beyond using generalized language such as “they” or “districts and superintendents” and share real stories with real names during this 60-day session. Our stories can be shared with legislators at any time, but our WASA staff will continue to provide us with key and timely opportunities during the session in which to share our stories. As Jeff said, “it is our people…our neighbors...that will make our communities thrive.” In seizing opportunities with students and sharing these stories with our legislators, authentic transformation will begin to occur. May 2014 be a wonderful year for you and the students within your communities.

President: Michael Nelson, Enumclaw President-elect: Michelle Price, Moses Lake Past president: Paul Sturm, Pullman Secretary: Howard King, Elma Treasurer: David Peterson, North Mason

WASA recently conducted a survey among superintendents to gather information regarding the impact of the new instructional-hour requirements that are set to take effect in the 2014–15 school year. The change is from an average of 1000 hours across all grades to 1000 hours in each grade 1–6 and 1080 hours in each grade 7–12. In addition, state-funded, full-day kindergartens are required to meet the 1000-hour requirement. There were 89 responses to the survey, representing about 329,000 students. The infographic below summarizes the results for each grade. Based on that information, it is clear that the biggest adjustment will be needed in grades 7–12 where the new hours were added. Over 70 percent of districts will need to add time in those grades as compared to only about 10 percent of districts in grades 1–6. Of those districts needing to add time, the average is just over 50 hours (continued on page 3)

+ 28.1 Extra Hours

GRADE 1

Instructional Hours Survey

10. 1% Below Requirement

+ 51.1 Extra Hours

GRADE 9

+ 31.1 GRADE 2

70.4% Below Requirement

Extra Hours

+ 17

9% Below Requirement

Extra Hours

+ 51.1

GRADE 6

Extra Hours

6.8% Below Requirement

GRADE 10

GRADE 3

70.4% Below Requirement

Extra Hours

+ 44.3

7.9% Below Requirement GRADE 7

Extra Hours

+ 51.2 Extra Hours

73.3% Below Requirement

GRADE 11

+ 23.8

70.4% Below Requirement

Extra Hours

GRADE 4

+ 44.2

7.9% Below Requirement

GRADE 8 75.6% Below Requirement

+ 23.8

Extra Hours

+ 52.7 Extra Hours

GRADE 12 70.4% Below Requirement

GRADE 5 7.9% Below Requirement *Survey results are averages and represent approx. 329,000 students.

Hotline • January 2014

February 13–15, 2014.............AASA National Conference.................................. Nashville, TN March 10–11, 2014.................WASA Small Schools Conference....................... Yakima Convention Center

August 7–8, 2014....................WASA/OSPI Special Education Workshop.......... Tacoma *New Director Preconference August 6 Convention Center

Implementing 1080/1000 Instructional Hours

Extra Hours

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January 26–27, 2014...............WASA/WSSDA/WASBO Legislative Conference.... Olympia Red Lion

July 28–29, 2014.....................WASA New Superintendent Workshop............... WASA Office

How Are Your Schools Impacted?

+ 23.8

2013–14 WASA OFFICERS

January 24–25, 2014...............ERNN Annual Conference.................................... Olympia Red Lion

June 29–July 1, 2014...............AWSP/WASA Summer Conference..................... Spokane Convention Center

• Claire Beagle cbeagle@wasa-oly.org Communications Specialist

GENERAL INFORMATION 360.943.5717 / 800.859.9272

For more information, visit www.wasa-oly.org/Events

May 4–6, 2014.........................WASA Superintendent Workshop....................... Campbell’s Resort, Chelan

Mike

• Eve Johnson ejohnson@wasa-oly.org Accountant

COMMUNICATIONS & WEBSITE 360.489.3645

Upcoming Professional Development Events

October 2014...........................Washington Educators’ Conference.................... Location TBD

NOMINATIONS FOR 2014–15 WASA PRESIDENT-ELECT REQUESTED The deadline to submit nominations for 2014–15 WASA President-elect is Wednesday, January 22, 2014. Nominees must presently serve as an administrator on the west side of Washington. Nominations can be made by regions, components, individuals, or self-nominations. Please direct questions and forward nominations to Past President Paul Sturm, Pullman School District Superintendent, at 509.332.3581 or psturm@psd267.org.

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in grades 9–12 and 44 hours in grades 7–8. As a means of comparison, an additional 15 minutes per day would total 45 hours. WASA staff identified several implementation issues regarding this change in a document called "Implementation Issues with the New 1080/1000 Hour BEA Requirement." It can be found on the WASA homepage under Highlights. Clarification was then sought on behalf of members about those issues. The State Board of Education (SBE) has rule-making authority in this area, but their position has been that no new rules are required because nothing has changed regarding the definition of instructional hours. The SBE has offered guidance through a FAQs document, which can be accessed here. In recent weeks there has been considerable discussion among superintendents about the new law and whether it could be delayed or overturned. Based on discussions with legislators, it appears highly unlikely that a reversal would gain legislative support. There may be proposed legislation to postpone the requirement for a year and to address the graduating senior-week issue. If so, WASA will support it, but our advice is for district leaders not to wait for that legislative relief. If they haven’t already done this, we encourage districts to start exploring options for adding the needed hours and begin discussions with local union leaders as soon as possible to resolve any necessary changes to the local bargaining agreements. In addition to adding the requirements, the Legislature also provided additional revenue to help support the added cost of providing the hours. OSPI has created a pivot table that can be accessed on the School Apportionment and Financial Services page. The document link is titled "Additional Hours of Instruction Model for School Year 2014–2015". That link will open a spreadsheet. In cell B1 of the Additional Hours tab, the dropdown list allows any district to be selected to determine its increased funding.

RECRUITMENT FOR WASA BOARD OF DIRECTORS POSITIONS WASA is recruiting for the following Board of Directors positions. 1. Superintendents Component Chair-elect (3-year commitment) 2. Instructional Program Administrators Component Chair-elect (2-year commitment) 3. Business and Personnel Administrators Chair (2-year commitment) Elections will take place in February and terms begin July 1, 2014. If you are interested in one of these positions or nominating someone, please contact Bill Keim at bkeim@ wasa-oly.org for more information.

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Hotline • January 2014

ENTERING THE BLOGOSPHERE Exciting times are upon the WASA office. Executive Director, Dr. Bill Keim, has started a new adventure in the online world. Bill's Blog launched this week and features association news, updates, and education success stories from our great state. Check it out! http://billsblog-wasa.weebly.com

ARE YOU CONNECTED WITH WASA? Are you a Facebook or Twitter user? WASA’s social media efforts are ramping up in activity, and we don’t want you to miss out!

@wasa_oly

Upcoming Region Events—January and February Many WASA regions conduct monthly gatherings and/or provide activity reports in conjunction with ESD meetings (not listed below). REGION 101 January 16, 9:30 a.m. February 20, 9:30 a.m.

PRESIDENT—MARCUS MORGAN General Member Meeting, ESD 101 Regal Center General Member Meeting, ESD 101 Regal Center

REGION 105 January 16, 8–11:30 a.m. February 20, 8–11:30 a.m.

PRESIDENT—MARK FLATAU General Member Meeting, Topic: Technology in the Classroom, ESD 105, Yakima General Member Meeting, Topic: Principal Evaluation, ESD 105, Yakima

REGION 109 January 30, 11:30 a.m. –2 p.m.

PRESIDENT—KEN HOOVER General Member Meeting, Topic: Student Assessments to Drive Change, Community Resource Center (CRC), Gardner Room B, 3900 Broadway, Everett

REGION 111 January 10, 7:30 a.m. February 6, 3–5 p.m.

PRESIDENT—CHRYS SWEETING General Member Meeting, Fife District Office #417, Fife Winter Workshop, Puyallup S.D., 716 S. Park Drive, Suite B, Puyallup

REGION 112 January 17, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. January 17, 12–1 p.m.

PRESIDENT—JERRY LEWIS General Member Meeting, ESD 112 Vancouver WASA Community of Practice Meeting, ESD 112, Vancouver

REGION 113 January 22, 12–1:30 p.m.

PRESIDENT—TOM OPSTAD General Member Meeting, ESD 113, Room Pac/GH/T, Tumwater

REGION 114 January 31, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. February 28, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

PRESIDENT—KANDY RITTER General Member Meeting, ESD 114, Room 202, Bremerton General Member Meeting, ESD 114, Room 202, Bremerton

REGION 123 January 9, 12:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

PRESIDENT—GLENDA CLOUD General Member Meeting, Topic: Legislative Discussion with Dan Steele, Kennewick School District Office, Kennewick

REGION 171 January 16, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. February 20, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

PRESIDENT—ROB MANAHAN General Member Meeting, North Central ESD, Wenatchee General Member Meeting, North Central ESD, Wenatchee

Congress Approves Federal Budget Deal After a year of bitter, divisive, and partisan fighting in Washington, D.C., which included the first federal government shutdown in almost 20 years, Congress was finally able to adopt a broad framework for spending levels in Fiscal Year 2014 (the 2014–15 school year). Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) brokered a deal that angered conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats, but successfully garnered sufficient votes in both houses and from both parties to be adopted. The House approved the plan on December 12, 2013, with a strong 332 to 94 vote and the Senate followed suit on December 18, 2013 with a vote of 64 to 36. The budget plan restores $63 billion of the Fiscal Year 2013 automatic sequester cuts over the next two fiscal years (FY14 and FY15). In both years, the restored funds will be split evenly between defense and non-defense discretionary (NDD) spending. Education funding is within the NDD portion of the budget. In the immediate budget year, NDD funding will see $22.5 billion in restored funding. This is 87 percent of the $25.8 billion in cuts NDD took due to sequester cuts. While putting a halt to sequester cuts is positive for schools, the agreement does not completely eliminate sequestration. The deal implements a temporary stay, with cuts slated to be in place for the next ten years, unless Congress can reach a longer-term agreement on taxes and spending. It is also important to note that the adopted budget framework establishes spending levels, not actual appropriations. Twelve separate programmatic budgets will likely be rolled into an omnibus appropriations bill that will allocate the new spending levels. Individual spending plans and the omnibus budget still must be drafted, negotiated, and adopted by the House and Senate. Congressional leaders are hopeful that adoption of the bipartisan plan for spending levels will allow the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to quickly move forward on the spending bills. Work must be completed by January 15, before the most recent stopgap funding bill–known as a Continuing Resolution (CR)–expires. If the budget is not adopted by January 15, it is expected that another CR would be adopted to avoid a government shutdown. There is a concern that if the deadline is missed, lawmakers may be tempted to adopt a year-long CR, carrying the budget through the end of the fiscal year (September 30), rather than adopting a short-term CR and advancing a final FY14 budget. If a year-long CR is adopted, it would likely extend the current CR funding levels, which still include the automatic sequester cuts. Stay tuned.

WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH INITIATIVE 1240? Several months ago WASA joined a coalition, headed by WEA, to challenge the constitutionality of Initiative 1240, authorizing charter schools. Oral arguments regarding the plaintiff’s and defendant’s motions for summary judgment were presented on November 22 in King County Superior Court. On December 12, the judge ruled that charter schools could not be declared “common schools” under the constitution; however, the majority of the remainder of the law was upheld and will continue to be implemented. Questions remain about if or how charter schools can access public funds due to the court decision. The ruling is expected to be appealed; and it is likely that the plaintiffs will request the Supreme Court take the case on direct review, bypassing the Appeals Court. We will continue to update you as information becomes available.

Washington Association of School Administrators

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Hotline • January 2014

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Hotline • January 2014

2014 Legislative Session Begins January 13

Happy New Year!

On Monday, January 13, 2014 the Legislature convenes its second year of the 63rd Biennial Session. During the “short” session, limited to 60 days, policymakers traditionally focus on policy issues while a two-year budget is fine-tuned. Control of the Legislature remains divided—with Democrats running the House and a Republican-dominated Majority Coalition Caucus in charge of the Senate—which will likely limit the activity on policy issues. With limited additional revenues available, changes to the budget will also likely be minor. For the first time in six years, the Session will begin without a major projected budget shortfall. Since June 2013, revenue collections have been up slightly above projections, so there is some additional cushion in the state’s bottom line. Even so, budget-writers in both houses do not appear eager to adopt significant budgetary changes. In fact, there is an increasing conversation about the possibility that NO Supplemental Budget will be adopted in 2014. Even if changes in the budget are necessary, legislators will have an opportunity in the 2015 Session to make adjustments in the two-year budget that runs through June 30, 2015. In early November 2013, State Superintendent Randy Dorn presented his 2014 Supplemental Budget request, which included $544 million in K–12 spending beyond what the Legislature appropriated in the underlying 2013–15 budget. $461 million of that total would be for basic education and ensure the two-year budget reached the Joint Task Force on Education Funding’s level of a recommended initial investment toward meeting the Supreme Court’s McCleary mandate. As required by law, Governor Inslee released his 2014 Supplemental Budget request in mid-December. Unlike Dorn, Inslee presented a modest budget that would only fund mandatory maintenance level increases along with a few minor policy enhancements. His total budget would provide for a $252 million increase over the current budget, with about $6.7 million of that amount for additional investments in K–12 education.

wishes you a great 2014!

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Hotline • January 2014

In 2014, many legislators will focus on non-education issues—especially regarding funding—believing they fully met their initial McCleary obligation to begin basic education enhancements. Other legislators will focus their attention on K–12 policy issues, but that focus will likely be on additional “reforms” in the system, rather than on education’s needs. School administrators need to remain alert and active in the legislative process. Engage with your legislators and members of your local community. Remind them of your schools’ needs. Remind them that K–12 education is not simply another budget expenditure, but a wise and sound investment in the state’s future.

REMEMBERING JOHN W. MAGERS

ERNN Annual Conference

January 24–25, 2014 | Red Lion Hotel, Olympia Unlike many previous years, school districts are finding their collective bargaining plates very full with new or returning issues that need bargaining attention. Districts are being challenged to refine their labor relations agreements with topics such as teacher and principal evaluation, new state monies, common core implementation, student assessments, school calendar, and school-day restraints. This is your year to participate in the ERNN Conference.

John W. Magers of Republic, Washington passed away after a short battle with cancer on December 15, 2013, at the age of 71. We remember John's hard work in education in Coulee Dam, Nespelem, Odessa, Northport, Almira and Curlew. He was known and respected by many as a teacher, counselor, administrator, friend, father, husband, brother, and grandpa.

Slice WANT TO f SHARE A SLICE? Washington Focus on Innovation

WASA/WSSDA/WASBO Legislative Conference January 26–27, 2014 | Red Lion Hotel and Day on the Hill, Olympia

The 2014 Legislative Session is short–60 days–and historically the primary focus is on minor financial adjustments and necessary policy issues. Given the recent years of upheaval and unrest among human services, public safety, and education, who knows how the Session will unfold. Legislators are still struggling with McCleary, the obligation to fully fund basic education, demands on transportation, infrastructure, and available revenues to address important issues. Your attendance at this year’s Legislative Conference is vital to staying informed and to continue carrying the education message to your legislators. Register now at www.wasa-oly.org/Leg14 and get up-to-date information on Sunday, January 26 and help us walk the hill on Monday, January 27.

We know your hard work happens 365 days out of the year. We encourge school districts to continue hosting school tours, reaching out to the community, and highlighting the tremendous work in your schools.

Be featured in Slice of Washington and on our website. Send us past pictures, materials, experiences, and information about future events. Contact Claire Beagle at cbeagle@ wasa-oly.org or 360.489.3645 for more details.

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Hotline • January 2014

May

June–July

2014

SUPERINTENDENT WORKSHOP May 4–6 | Campbell’s Resort, Chelan Superintendents, mark your calendar now for this annual event. Speakers and issues to be addressed are in the early stages of being identified. We will be sharing more specific information in the next month or so, but given the challenges of the times, we will not lack for important topics to address and discussions to organize. Plan on attending and help us make this another workshop of value for your colleagues. Registration opens March 6 at www.wasa-oly.org/Supt14.

National Conference on Education February 13–15,2014 | Music City Center, Nashville

Mark your calendars! The 2014 AASA National Conference on Education will be held in Nashville at the Music City Center, Nashville’s brand new convention center, February 13–15, 2014. Featured content includes: • • • • •

FEBRUARY 13–15, 2014 NASHVILLE, TN

Common Core Standards Superintendent Partnerships Innovations in District Management Governance and Executive Leadership Student Achievement and Accountability

Presented by AASA

When making your housing arrangements, please be aware that the conference runs a full day on Thursday, February 13, a full day on Friday, February 14, and a ½ day on Saturday, February 15. Please plan your hotel arrangements accordingly. To register, visit http://nce.aasa.org.

AWSP/WASA 2014 SUMMER CONFERENCE June 29–July 1 | Spokane Convention Center

WASA Small Schools Conference March 10–11, 2014 | Yakima

Education reforms have driven districts to change how they accomplish improved student learning, many times without the supports to make things happen efficiently. With that in mind, this year’s conference planning committee has designed the conference to be a bit different. The critical issues and process to engage participants in these issues will be more along the lines of general session presentation with reflection and table discussions around those topics.

Northwest Reception

Major topics for discussion will include how to address poverty and its impact on our students and families, building leadership strategies that effectively implement education reforms, and an opportunity to hear from and interact with our small district colleagues who have experienced early successes with reform implementation.

The annual Northwest Reception will take place in conjunction with the AASA National Conference on Education from 5–7 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2014, at the Omni Nashville Hotel in the Cumberland Room 5/6.

Our general session presenters include: Kathy Budge, an administrator and author, well known for her work addressing poverty; Trevor Greene, Principal of the Year, successful in implementing STEM and other reform programs; and a panel of school school district representatives and Helene Paroff will discuss successful TPEP, Common Core, and other reform works.

February 14, 2014 | Omni Nashville Hotel, Nashville

As in the past, this well attended reception is hosted by the Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska school administrator associations.

Register now for this annual event at www.wasa-oly.org/smallschools14 and be a part of enhancing your district’s approach to improved student learning.

The planning committee had their first meeting earlier in December to begin the process for identifying the conference theme, critical topics, general session speakers, possible presenters, and other conference logistics. The committee members were excited about the early ideas, building on the past two years of very successful summer conferences (both years had record attendance). We believe this 2014 conference will be even better in content and participation. We will keep you posted as to program speakers and topics for concurrent sessions being identified. Please note—this year’s event will be conducted at the same time as the Spokane 3-on-3 Hoopfest basketball tournament. Those of you who have experienced this know that getting your hotel room early is a must. Housing is going fast so if you haven’t done so yet, book you room now. Housing and other conference information is available at www. wasa-oly.org/Summer14. • Call for Presenters opens in January. • Conference registration opens in March.

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Hotline • January 2014

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Hotline • January 2014