March 2021 Vol. 46, No. 8
The
Administrator Newsletter
The monthly publication of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators Executive Viewpoint: Page 1
Legacy of Leadership
For Good Measure
President’s Perspective: Page 2
Page 5
In
David Tate Director of Physical Plant Services Fayetteville School Districts
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Issue
Executive Viewpoint - Dr. Mike Hernandez
1
President’s Perspective - Debbie Atkinson
2
Compliance Connection
4
Administrator Spotlight - David Tate
5
Benefits Corner
8
Asked and Answered
9
CoSN Update
9
Administrator Job Openings
12
219 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201 501.372.1691 www.theaaea.org
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
Sherry Stewart, AASEA President Director of Special Services, Rogers
Aaron Randolph, AAGEA President Director of Gifted Programs/ Federal Programs, Cabot
Charles Warren, AASBO Past President Chief Financial Officer, Fort Smith School District
Bill Tietz, ASPMA President Aliza Jones, ASPMA (until October) President (begin October) Assistant Superintendent, Facilities Consortium Watson Chapel Coordinator, Lavaca
Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director
AAEA Staff 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
Madison Greene, Administrative Specialist m.greene@theaaea.org
Please contact us if we may provide assistance to you in any way. 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.
Strategos Winsor Learning - Sonday Systems
Curriculum Associates, LLC. Educational Benefits, Inc. Lifetouch, Inc. NIET Pearson Online & Blended Learning Pro Benefits Group, Inc. Renaissance Learning, Inc. Scholastic Education Solution Tree
Platinum
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Imagine Learning
AAMSCO C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC Legacy Construction Management Lexia Learning Nabholz Northwest Evaluation Association - NWEA Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Schneider Electric Silverback Learning TRANE US, Inc.
Diamond
Gold
Distinguished
Apple Apptegy ClassWallet Edgenuity Energy Systems Group ESS First Security Beardsley Forecast5 Analytics Middleton, Inc. PowerSchool Stephens, Inc.
Compliance Connection: Page 4
How Much Should you Contribute to your HSA?
Crow Construction Kinco Constructors, LLC TIPS
Silver Architecture Plus, Inc. Correll, Inc. French Architects, PA Got Zoom Hight-Jackson Associates, PA SEAS
You Dread the Open Enrollment Process … But Why?
Benefits Corner: Page 8 ii
Executive Like most administrators, I went into educational leadership poised to change the world. F u l l o f e n e r g y, passion, and confidence due to inexperience, I looked forward to my first day in front Dr. Mike Hernandez of my staff as the AAEA Executive Director next step in the journey of a lifelong impact on young people. I hoped my team would find the same enthusiasm for teaching and learning that I felt. By the end of the first month of being a school leader, I reconsidered my path and approach as an administrator. It turns out not all educators, students, parents, and community members were open to embracing an enthusiasm for teaching and learning. Some had various and creative ways of expressing it. Deciding I should keep moving forward with my vision and being without any other options, I showed up to work and kept pushing. I had a bruised ego but not broken. As time went on, I started to see little pockets of excellence beginning to pop up here and there. During a professional development session, I asked why everyone was beginning to come around; one teacher offered, "Change is hard, but we have seen you stay consistent in your expectations." Somewhat surprised, but in deep appreciation for this clarity, I replied that I always hope to be a steady hand no matter the circumstance and that they should be the same for their students. The session was a significant turning point in my young career of being a school administrator. So, why do I tell you this story? I know this has been a very trying year in your career as an administrator. We have had Covid-19, Snowmageddon 21, and 93rd General Assembly on top of our routine work of serving students. Whenever I get overwhelmed with work, I go back to the source and reflect on my "why." Why did I get into education?
Viewpoint
Why did I become an administrator? The answer for me is straightforward. It is leaving a legacy. I want to leave a legacy of helping our students have the best education environment. I want to help our teachers and staff be the most knowledgeable and respected in the country as they contribute to student learning. I want to help build a network of top-notch administrators that think about equity and achievement as they serve ALL students. It is also crucial to seek out support from friends as you work through local issues. All of you have a critical friend in your network – that friend who helped you define how you want to conduct yourself professionally but also lets you vent. Friends help you consciously understand that a critical quality of character will help you get through a troubling time and lead with grace. I offer these words as we start the month of March because we all know this is one of the challenging seasons of the school year for you, your staff, and your students, even outside of a global pandemic. After a long school year, it is difficult for many to find the energy and motivation needed to operate at peak levels. Many may be contemplating a job change, career change, or retirement, but this is when you most need to tap into your "why" and your friends to remind you to keep driving with a calm and consistent hand. So many of the people you serve are depending on you to do just that. Our state's administrative leadership during this time has made us the envy of most industries. Arkansas leaders are paving the way for communities to continue to educate and go to work every day. You did that! As you read this, I encourage you to think of all those in your school community that need excellent leadership right at this very moment. Show them you care with a little help from your friends.
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President’s
Perspective
Debbie Atkinson AAEA Board President Elementary Principal
For Good Measure This year has provided educators with an enormous challenge in how to operate our schools efficiently, safely, and effectively. Although we have done well, there has been a dramatic increase in the amount of stress and anxiety for all stakeholders. With the decision to proceed with student assessment this spring, I want to encourage us to not allow this to add a deeper level of stress and anxiety for our teachers and students. High-stakes assessments can generate stress and sleepless nights for all involved. As administrators, it is our job to actively de-escalate the tension surrounding testing this spring. Some thoughts:
●A s s e s s m e n t s o f a n d f o r learning help both teachers and parents plan for improving student learning. ●A s s e s s m e n t s d u r i n g t h i s unprecedented time will help us better understand and correct the gaps in learning that may be more prevalent due to COVID-19. ●Assessments, especially this year, will provide needed data to consider educational recovery
efforts where needed. ●Assessments, and especially positive results, do not guarantee long-term success for every student. ●HB1151 has been signed by the Governor (Act 89) and suspends the public school rating system for the 2020-2021 school year. ●Assessments do not measure some of the most important life skills that we work so diligently to instill in our students. Some of those qualities include kindness, determination, creativity, humor, resilience, and compassion. These qualities have proven to be more important than ever this year! As the country begins discourse on how to open schools, I think they should take some lessons from Arkansas. As a state, I believe we have done an outstanding job of moving forward during this pandemic. Let’s finish this year strong! I challenge each of you to actively be involved in easing the stress associated with state testing for teachers and students this spring.
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2020-2021
Calendar
Professional Development Events
2021 March AASBO Digital Conference — March 4, 2021 AASBO/AAFC Virtual Collaborative — March 18, 201
April CASBO Classes — April 8-9, 2021
To see a schedule of more AAEA events, go to theaaea.org and click on “Events.”
ASPMA Zoom Certification Classes — April 13, 2021 AACTE Region IV Virtual Leadership Conference — April 14-15, 2021
May ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference — May 4, 2021
Click here to take a tour of the AAEA App!
AAFC Virtual Spring Conference — May 6, 2021
June AASEA Special Education Conference — June 7-8, 2021, Embassy Suites NW Arkansas, Rogers
July AAEA Summer Conference — July 26-27, 2021, Marriott Hotel and Statehouse Convention Center
To see conference details for upcoming events go to page 10.
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Compliance
Connection
How much should you contribute to your HSA?
Are you contributing enough to your Health Savings Account (HSA) each year? While figuring this out may seem complicated, there are several strategies to consider when deciding how much to contribute to your account. Keep reading to learn more about benefits of each option. Every year the International Revenue Support (IRS) sets limits on HSA contributions, which are adjusted for inflation each year. The 2021 limits for employee-only coverage is a $3,600 annual contribution, and for family coverage the annual HSA contribution limit is $7,200. For those age 55 or older, an extra $1,000 “catch-up” contribution amount is permitted. Here are some options to consider when choosing how much to contribute to your HSA:
How much to contribute
Details
Benefits
Annual contribution limit
For 2021, the maximum individuals can contribute is $3,600 and $7,200 for families.
Your medical insurance deductible
This amount is how much you pay toward your health care bills before health insurance begins to cover it. Your HSA can help cover these costs. This is the most you can spend on health care expenses from your own pocket before your health plan covers everything. This includes your deductible and copay or coinsurance.
Contributing the maximum amount will help lower your taxable income and gives you the most tax-free interest on your account. Covering your deductible will help create an adequate budget to cover your initial out of pocket health care costs. This will help you be prepared for the “worst-case-scenario.” If you don’t use all the money in your HSA, the money will roll over to the next year.
Out-of-pocket maximum up to the annual contribution limit
Save the Date!
Column Provided by: Tom Sledge, Arkansas State Manager, American Fidelity Assurance Co.
4
Spotlight
David Tate, Director of Physical Plant and School Services for the Fayetteville School District, says, “I hope to be remembered as a man of integrity with a strong work ethic, but also someone who loves to have fun.” David Tate currently serves as the Director of Physical Plant and School Services for the Fayetteville Public School District. He joined the FPS maintenance crew as a low temp refrigeration specialist in August of 1982. Shortly after that he assumed the role of lead HVAC technician and a year later added kitchen equipment technician and assisted as electrical, plumbing, and communications technician. He was promoted to Assistant Maintenance Director in 1996 and Physical Plan Director in 2008. From 2012-2015, Mr. Tate oversaw the building of a new 545,000 square foot high school, the third largest building project in the state at that time. Throughout his career he has assisted numerous remodels, thirteen additions to existing school buildings, and seven new schools totaling 1.1 million square feet.
As a teenager, David helped out at his sister and brother-in-law’s dairy farm. This experience made him realize that he was not cut out to be a “suit and tie” man. He knew he wanted to be in some type of hands-on mechanical role. His uncle was a general maintenance technician at the University of Arkansas and encouraged David to consider that profession. After receiving his HVACR certification, he spent some time in residential HVACR, installation and service of dairy barn equipment, and building refrigerated truck bodies before securing his job at Fayetteville Public Schools. If he wasn’t in his current position he would be working with a commercial/industrial mechanical contractor. The favorite aspect of his current job is that it is like an extended family. He states that over the years he has developed many lifelong friendships due to his working relationships. He said, “It is rewarding to be a part of an organization that has always held the learning environment for the students as a top priority.” David loves his job but also enjoys spending time with family hiking, biking, fishing and hunting. He enjoys doing most anything outdoors. He also serves as a member of the Elkins Volunteer Fire Department. He said the most daring thing he has ever done is going into a fully engulfed burning house. When asked how his coworkers would describe him, Mr. Tate said they would say he was a team player, but driven, and is someone who has high expectations. The greatest change he has seen in his 40 years at the school district is the evolution of technology and safety of students. In fact, he said that modern technology is still something that amazes him. Rewards that Mr. Tate has received include the Above and Beyond Award, the Impact Award, and the Superintendent’s Honor Roll. 5
What do you hope to be doing in five years? “I hope to be continuing in my volunteer roles, part-time jobs, and spending quality time with my family and friends in the great outdoors.”
David Tate He greatly appreciates these recognitions but he is most proud of his 40 years of marriage, his two successful adult sons and beautiful daughter-in-law, and the completion of 39 years of work in his school district. Mr. Tate plans to retire at the end of this school year completing his 39th year in the same district. Maybe he will get the chance to check off some things on his bucket list like hiking the Highlands Trail in its entirety and visiting all the national parks as well as the state parks in Arkansas. Although he will be missed, all of his Fayetteville School co-workers, ASPMA family, and AAEA friends wish him the best in his retirement!
What is the most challenging part of your job? “Maintaining a budget to keep all district facilities, 2 million square feet) up to code and provide a safe, warm, and dry environment.”
What would others be surprised to know about you? “I grew up in a funeral home and now oversee a community cemetery. For the past 26 years I have served as a fireman and first responder for the Elkins Volunteer Fire Department and as a deacon at Richland Baptist Church.”
What would you tell someone who was thinking about a similar career? “It is a very rewarding job, but to be successful you have to be dedicated and married to your job.”
What are the benefits of AAEA membership? “AAEA provides an avenue for networking with your peers, sharing ideas and concerns, and keeping you apprised of state regulations and requirements. Through AAEA I have developed meaningful professional relationships.” 6
Asked
& Answered
As typical for this time of the year, districts are considering options for next year's school year calendar. Two questions that typically come up are, "what's the earliest that school can start in August," and "when is spring break scheduled?" Both of these answers can be found in ACA 6-10-106. The "first day of school" language says, "On or after the Monday of the week in which August 19th falls, not earlier than August 14 and not later than August 26."
Mike Mertens AAEA Assistant Executive Director If you have questions for Mike, email them to m.mertens@theaaea.org
Regarding spring break, "a public school that provides a week-long holiday for spring break shall schedule the spring break holiday for five (5) consecutive days beginning on the Monday of the 38th week of the school year." For 2021-2022, Monday, August 16 would be the earliest schools can start. Spring break in 2021-2022 will be March 20-26.
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 topics: Blended Learning; Leading Digital Learning: CoSN Resources; and the 2021 Annual CoSN Conference - March 2-4.
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Corner You Dread the Open Enrollment Process…But Why? Every year, sometimes twice a year, you go through an Employee Benefits Open Enrollment Process. It’s no secret, this isn’t a process you look forward to each year. You don’t jump up and down with excitement when your employer sends out the communication that provides a heads-up your enrollment is just around the corner, right? Marketing research company “Engine” did a survey of 1004 employees and found that one third of respondents said they’d rather talk about their weight than employee benefits. What? They also found that 45% dreaded open enrollment as much as asking for a raise. But why? What is it about this process that employer’s value, but employees dread? You see, it’s quite simply and easily understood. They are afraid to engage in conversation because of their lack of knowledge. So, what needs to change? How can employees overcome this fear…this dreaded process? Responsibility falls on three different parties. First and foremost, it’s the employee’s responsibility to ask questions about the benefits offered. They shouldn’t cheat themselves by moving forward without a good understanding. Next, employers should seek to better communicate these various benefit options or, most importantly, they should partner with the third responsible party, the employee benefit broker. This would allow them to put together a robust communication and education plan. Some take the workload off of the employer by creating open enrollment videos, creating very detailed open enrollment print communications and even summarizing benefits to help employees navigate all of the marketing efforts used by carriers in a traditional product brochure. If you are one of those who hides during open enrollment or walks in clicking two pens because you just want to get it over and sign off on making no changes…STOP! You may be missing out on an awesome opportunity to protect yourself and your family.
Column Provided by: Shane Pennington, Regional Sales Executive, Educational Benefits, Inc.
The
AAEA We are here to assist you! 8
REGISTER NOW! 2021 AASBO DIGITAL CONFERENCE
“Communicating for Results” March 4, 2021 Click here to register. March 4, 2021
• 8:00 - 10:00 Welcome and CASBO Elective Class SM204 - Communication Lessons Wrapped in Laughter - Todd Hunt • 10:00 - 10:30 AASBO Business Session, Recognition of AASBO Administrator of the Year, Certification Recognitions • 10:30 - 10:40 Break • 10:40 - 11:10 Breakout Session 1: Google Data Studio - Jim Robb, Director of Business Management, West Memphis School District • 11:15 - 11:45 Breakout Session 2: Financial Controls - Donna Adkins, DESE Finance Programs Coordinator • 11:45 - 12:45 Lunch Break • 12:45 - 1:15 Breakout Session 3: Coding - Kathleen Crain, Division Manager, DESE APSCN Financial Applications • 1:15 - 1:50 Breakout Session 4: Unemployment • 1:50 - 2:15 Closing Remarks • 2:15 - 4:15 Optional Post-Conference CASBO Elective Class SF211-Cognos Applications - Jason Goza, APSCN FMS Support Analyst
Registration Fees
Optional Post Conference CASBO Class Fee
$105 for AAEA Members $130 for Non-Members Registration ends February 26, 2021
$30 for AAEA Members $45 for Non-Members
Click here for more details and to register now.
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Tuesday, April 13, 2021
L A IT
G I D ASPMA Certification Classes Tuesday, April 13, 2021 Zoom
8:00 – 10:00 Class: Instructor: Content:
Introduction to Plant Operations and Facilities Management – MO101 Dusty Duncan, Assistant Superintendent for Auxiliary Services, Marion School District Introductory class covering maintenance policies & standards, custodial standards & staffing, school facility maintenance repair, and record keeping.
10:10 – 12:10 Class: State & Federal Safety Codes/Laws and Hazard Recognition – SI101 Instructor: Mike Watson, Program Manager, Arkansas Department of Labor & Licensing Content: An overview of current regulations regarding Chemical Right-to-Know, Safety Data Sheets labeling program, general occupational safety issues, and virus eradication. 12:10 – 1:00 1:00 – 3:00 Class: Instructor: Content: Instructor: Content:
Lunch Break
Basics of Building Systems - BBS206 Michael Reynolds, Senior VP, Reynolds Construction and Commercial Roofing An overview of the design, replacement, and maintenance of building roofs. Also includes an overview of roofing warranties. Tim Cain, Director of the Arkansas Division of Academic Facilities & Transportation Using ESSER Funds for Improving Air Quality, Increasing Ventilation, and Advanced Filtration
Click here to register!
Class Fees: $30 AAEA Members $45 AAEA Non-Members
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON HOW TO CONNECT: Once you complete registration for the webinar through this site, please read your confirmation email for the Zoom link to connect to the webinar. 10
National Association of Elementary School Principals Serving all elementary and middle-level principals
Click here for more details and to register now.
Scholarships Available A variety of scholarships are now available for high school students and educators who are pursuing advanced degrees. Check out the AAEA Scholarship Page for more information.
AAGEA * AASBO ANITA MURPHREE * AASBO MEMORIAL * AAFC * AAMLA AASEA MEMORIAL * AASEA LEGACY * AACTEA * ASPMA * C.B. GARRISON * NSPMA DR. KELLAR NOGGLE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP * GARY L. KEES MEMORIAL
Click here for more information 11
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 2020 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 Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Jonesboro School District Jonesboro School District South Pike County School District Drew Central School District Pulaski County Special School District Pulaski County Special School District Drew Central School District Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Beebe School District Barton-Lexa School District Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Jacksonville north Pulaski School District Future School of Fort Smith Bryant School District Bryant School District Pea Ridge School District Rogers School District Concord School District Mount Vernon-Enola School District Mena School District Mena School District Elkins School District Watson Chapel School District Parkers Chapel School District Searcy School District Conway School District
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219 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201 501.372.1691 www.theaaea.org