November 2021 Vol. 47, No. 5
The
Administrator Newsletter
The monthly publication of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators
Grateful Thankful Blessed
Thankful Reflections Executive Viewpoint: Page 1
Spotlight
President’s Perspective: Page 2
In
This
Issue
Executive Viewpoint - Dr. Mike Hernande President’s Perspective - Dr. Stephanie Nehu Administrator Spotlight - Eddie Crai Compliance Connectio Asked and Answere
Administrator Job Opening
11
0
1
3
5
7
8
8
s
z
Page 5
n
s
Director Northeast Arkansas Career & Technical Center
n
1
d
Bene ts Corne
r
Eddie Crain
e
fi
CoSN Updat
2021-2022 AAEA Board of Directors Dr. Stephanie Nehus, AAEA Brian Kirkendoll, AAEA Presiden President-Elec Superintendent, Hot Springs Principal, Alma
Dr. Karla Neathery, AAEA Board Secretary/Treasure Superintendent, Arkadelphia
Debbie Atkinson, AAEA Past Presiden Principal, Bergman
Jon Collins, AASA Presiden Superintendent, West Memphis
Skipper Ward, AASA President-Elec Superintendent, Magnolia
Dr. Andrea Martin, AASA Secretar Superintendent, Greenland
Mark Lewis, AAESP Presiden Principal, Conway
Carol Skiba, AAESP President-Elec Principal, Cabo
Stacy DeFoor, AAESP Past Presiden Principal, Conway
Scott Smith, AASSP Presiden Principal, Western Yell County
Matt Ziegler, AASSP President-Elec Principal, Riverside
David Maxwell, AASSP Past Brandie Williams, ArkASPA Dr. Lee Smith, AACTEA Presiden Presiden President Principal, Mena Superintendent, Trumann Superintendent, Mena
Susan Gilley, AAFC Presiden Executive Dir Fed Prog & Instructional Tech, Harrison
Kevin Luck, AASBO Presiden Business Manager, Vilonia
Carla Curtis, AASEA Presiden Director of Special Services, Fayetteville
Kim Fowler, AACIA Presiden Assistant Director/ Teacher Center Coordinator, Ozark Unlimited Resource ESC
Aliza Jones, ASPMA President Facilities Consortium Coordinator, Lavaca
Dr. Mike Hernandez, AAEA Executive Director
Cristy Dunnahoe, AASBO Past Presiden Business Manager, Star City
Monica Spring eld, AAGEA Eric Hipp, AAMLA Presiden Presiden Ozark Unlimited Resource Principal, Bentonville ESC
AAEA Sta Dr. Mike Hernandez Executive Director m.hernandez@theaaea.org
Mike Mertens Assistant Executive Director m.mertens@theaaea.org
Lenett Thrasher Director of Learning Services & Operations l.thrasher@theaaea.org
Robyn Keene Director of Financial Services r.keene@theaaea.org
Kelli Golden Chief Financial Officer k.golden@theaaea.org
Marty Smith Member Relations Manager m.smith@theaaea.org
Karen Dean Certification Program Manager k.dean@theaaea.org
Alyse Mattox Communications & Technology Specialist a.mattox@theaaea.org
Melanie Thrasher Business Analyst m.thrasher@theaaea.org
Please contact us if we may provide assistance to you in any way!
t
r
f
t
t
t
t
t
fi
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
t
y
The AAEA Administrator is a monthly publication of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) for members of the AAEA.
2021-2022 AAEA Corporate Sponsors Prestigious
American Fidelity Assurance Co. Coryell Roofing and Construction, Inc. Curriculum Associates Educational Benefits, Inc. Imagine Learning Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. NIET - National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Pearson Online and Blended Learning Pro Benefits Group, Inc. Renaissance Learning, Inc. Scholastic Education Solution Tree, Inc.
Distinguished Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Diamond Apptegy ClassWallet Edgenuity Edmentum Energy Systems Group ESS First Security Beardsley Forecast5 Analytics Middleton, Inc. PowerSchool Rave Mobile Safety Smart Data Dashboard
A Look at the Latest: Paid Family and Medical Leave
Compliance Connection: Page 4
Diamond (Continued) Stephens, Inc. Strategos International, LLC Tanium Winsor Learning - Sonday Systems
Platinum AAMSCO C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC Legacy Construction Management Lexia Learning Nabholz Construction Corp. Northwest Evaluation Association - NWEA Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Schneider Electric TRANE US, Inc.
Gold Crow Group, Inc. Cynergy Rehab Group FIS Kinco Constructors, LLC Red Comet TIPS - The Interlocal Purchasing System
Silver Architecture Plus, Inc. Correll, Inc. French Architects, PA Hight-Jackson Associates, PA SEAS
Helping Millennials Understand and Use Their Benefits
Benefits Corner: Page 8 ii
Executive
Viewpoint
It is hard to believe that we are in November. People often say that time flies when you are having fun. I bet some of you say that time flies when you are working in a chaotic time too! Regardless, I am thankful for all of you and grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization that supports administrators across our state. Thanksgiving, which is right around the corner, is a time to reflect on things for which we are thankful. Some of the items in no particular order that come to mind are below. •
Dr. Mike Hernandez AAEA Executive Director
The reason we are all in this business is for the students. These boys and girls have taken on the issues that have faced them and their school community. “Resilient” is a term that describes students as they have been able to change course midstream in dealing with masks, quarantines, and virtual learning. We all know that students are dealing with difficult situations at school and home that were exacerbated during the pandemic. Even so, students have kept a positive attitude and enjoy being in the educational environment. We must remain vigilant to protect our students from the factors we can control and keep that spark for learning alive.
•
The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on teachers, instructional and classified staff. We should all be thankful for their can-do attitudes and patience as we navigate the new educational landscape. Arkansas teachers have proven to be fully committed to keeping student education as a top priority for our state. This commitment has been shown by setting up makeshift hybrid classrooms, working with parents, and learning new ways to serve kids. I have appreciated my kids' teachers as they have found creative ways to keep them focused on the right things, whether through plexiglass, a computer screen, or keeping me updated on the Remind App. Teachers may be sacrificing their time to cover classrooms, monitor lunch lines, or get behind the wheels of school buses. Teachers have shown classroom leadership with a positive attitude while overcoming their own fears and health concerns to support our students. Technology, finance, custodial, cafeteria, and transportation staff have all gone to great lengths to creatively rethink how they do business. Everything required to make schools run effectively has continued even with the added duties and stress of our team members. Remember to check on your staff regularly and continue to find ways to support them as they do their work.
•
We should all be thankful to the parents that have entrusted us to serve their children. They have been fantastic in their support and, in some cases, on the frontline of remote learning implementation. There has been a tidal wave of changes that are constantly coming at parents. I know I have had a hard time keeping up with all the health guidelines, learning tools, and changes that have been part of the response to Covid-19. I am thankful for those parents that have maintained a sense of teamwork, humor, and commitment to ensuring that their kids stay on track in school. Parental support is critical to the success of our mission in helping students learn and be successful in life.
•
Education-related vendors have stepped up to help schools in significant ways. AAEA is very fortunate to have great partnerships with many companies that work with schools in Arkansas. We could not do what we do without them. Many of these companies have answered the call to provide Continued…
1
Executive
Viewpoint
timely resources in every sector of school business. I have seen companies move to remote delivery of services, offer services for free, and provide items that help schools remain safe or provide education to students. They have provided countless computers, cleaning supplies, learning platforms, facility upgrades, remote consultations, etc. •
Education support organizations such as ESCs (education service cooperatives), ERZs, DESE and the rest of the “Alphabet Soup Group” as I like to call them, have listened to educators and developed ways to support schools. If there is a need, these organizations have found a way to meet it. I am grateful for all these groups working alongside AAEA to help you. The Arkansas Department of Education has been wonderful in their work with districts during the pandemic. I know there are things we believe could have been done differently, but I know how hard they have worked to problem solve and support schools in educating students.
•
Elected officials have been on a rollercoaster ride over the last year and a half or so. There have been many passionate debates for school board members, legislators, constitutional officers, and even the judicial branch. All of us have probably disagreed with a position one of our elected officials has chosen. In politics, there are no permanent allies or enemies. We must remember that these folks are elected by the people in your community or state to serve Arkansans. We must continue to interact with these individuals and share our needs as educators to help them make informed decisions. I am thankful that they have chosen to serve our state.
•
I am thankful for being able to work with such an incredible team at AAEA. I knew long ago as a member of this association that it was truly about serving others. Dr. Abernathy and those that came before him built a strong culture of building up and supporting administrators to help in the education process. The staff at AAEA works hard to make sure that professional development opportunities are plentiful and of high quality. Each team member brings a unique skill set and perspective to the table that I appreciate. This association would not be successful without them.
•
Dallas Cowboys...If you know me, then you know.
•
Finally, I am thankful for all the great leaders in our state that have worked tirelessly to explore uncharted territory and develop plans on the fly to serve students safely and effectively. Some leaders have had to deal with personal health matters or the loss of loved ones on top of these other issues. I am in awe of our leaders' work ethic and attitude, no matter the circumstance. Leaders have leaned on each other and built more robust networks than ever before. I know there are feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and even anger knocking at our doors, but our leaders have chosen to put out the "Do Not Disturb" sign because they are leading learning! I am also thankful for my family and your family for letting us do this great work. We need our support system in the good times and the bad.
Hopefully, these tough times are starting to end, and the anxiety is dissipating. The only ones that should be filled with fear and hopelessness are those Thanksgiving turkeys and I am ready to eat a juicy one! With the modern gun season approaching, I'm sure the deer are getting worried too. I hope you all have a great November and reflect and give thanks for the beautiful things in your life. Let me know how I can help you.
2
President’s
Perspective
Grateful, Thankful, Blessed
November is all about thanksgiving. It is a time of reflection on our blessings and a time to be grateful. I am so thankful for this Dr. Stephanie Nehus organization and all of the amazing colleagues AAEA Board President I get to work alongside and learn from as we all work to provide the best opportunities for our students across the state. I am beyond grateful for my family and friends who support me and love me when I have given my all to the day and they get the rest of me (I know you all understand what I mean). For this month’s article, I am going to share two items that I hope will be reminders for us all as we count our blessings. First, self-care is a necessity! Do not ever feel guilty for taking some time for yourself. In the book 180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators by Tina H. Boogren, she focuses week nine on “Mindfulness” (p. 38, Solution Tree - 2020). The techniques shared in the book are mindful walking, guided meditation, deep breathing, silence, and yoga. Amazingly enough, in my latest Apple Watch update I now have a mindfulness option. Each morning, I take a minute to reflect on a given prompt and then I take a minute to breathe. Not surprising, just this week I have noticed a difference in how my mindset has shifted as I begin my day. Please focus on your self-care! The second reminder is shown in the graphic below. I would dare say that the title could state “Phases of Educators Attitudes Throughout the School Year.” October is the disillusionment phase. We, as leaders, must remember this time of year is challenging for our teachers. I have always tried to encourage our employees by highlighting the lights ahead - Thanksgiving Break and Christmas Break. Rejuvenation, Reflection, and Anticipation are coming. Affirmations, celebrations, and authentic conversations should be our focus right now. In closing, I wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving! I am truly grateful, thankful, and blessed to serve this organization and my school district. I do not take those blessings lightly. I will be relaxing and resting the week of Thanksgiving as we prepare to finish out the first semester. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun and love what you do!
3
2021-2022 Calendar
Professional Development Events
November CASBO Classes – November 11-12, 2021, Benton Event Center
January Aspiring Superintendents – January 11, 2022, Arch Ford ESC, Plumerville Superintendent Symposium – January 12-13, 2022, DoubleTree Little Rock AACIA Conference – January 25, 2022, Benton Event Center Arkansas Privacy & Security Forum – January 27-28, 2022, Four Points by Sheraton, Little Rock
February ArkASPA Spring Drive-In Conference – February 24, 2022, Wyndham Riverfront, Little Rock
March CASBO Classes – March 2-3, 2022, Benton Event Center AACTEA Spring Drive-In Conference – March 31, 2022, Arkansas River ESC, Pine Bluff
April AASBO/SASBO Joint Conference – April 5-7, 2022, Hot Springs Convention Center ASPMA CFD Classes – April, 2022
May ASBA/AAEA Joint Leadership Conference – May 3, 2022, Wyndham Riverfront, Little Rock AAFC Spring Conference – May 4-6, 2022, Hot Springs Convention Center
June AASEA Special Ed Conference – June 6-7, 2022, DoubleTree Little Rock
July AAEA Summer Conference– July 25-26, 2022, Statehouse Convention Center and Marriott Hotel
For more information, visit theaaea.org/events
4
Spotlight
Eddie Crain, Director of the Northeast Arkansas Career & Technical Center, says taking the plunge into education might be the most daring thing he’s done!
Eddie Crain, Director of the Northeast Arkansas Career & Technical Center (NEACTC) in Jonesboro, says his favorite thing about his job is feeling like he has some impact on the lives of our future leaders. “[It] inspires me. And it helps to keep one young-spirited being around youngsters much of the time.” Eddie came to the field of education after spending many years working in radio, and later manufacturing. He states, “I can honestly say that if you asked me when I was in high school, ‘Eddie, what are the LAST things you see yourself becoming?’ My two answers would have been a wrestler and an educator.” Growing up on a small cotton farm his dad owned and operated in Trumann, he aspired to become a broadcaster in radio or a photographer - “much to the chagrin of my father. Dear old dad, a survivor of the Great Depression and World War II veteran, encouraged me to become a dentist or an optometrist.” Eddie graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro with a degree in Communications/Radio-Television. While attending Arkansas State, he landed his first radio job as a student-staff announcer at KASU. “Next it was off to radio stations KFIN, KPCA and KDEZ. I served as Operations Manager and later as a General Manager of KXRQ radio in two separate stints and did a few voice-over commercials for KZOT and briefly for a Jonesboro low power TV station K45AY.” After his radio days ended, Eddie spent 18 years working in manufacturing, 6 years as a sales engineer and the remaining 12 years as marketing manager. Eddie says it wasn’t until “that mid-life bell began to toll” that his gaze shifted toward a career in education. “I was led into education by a highly successful wife, who was a model educator. She loved the profession dearly. She cared for her students.” Both of his sisters were educators as well, and the message he kept receiving was “We sure could use more male role models in education.” Eddie enrolled in the Arkansas Non-Traditional Licensure program in 2004. “I had a special mentor in the late Jim Parrish, CRESC Director, who always made time for a cup of coffee and a pastry when we visited at the co-op in Harrisburg.” Eddie began his educational career teaching at Trumann in the Fall of 2004. He says, “The first year was a dandy as I had no classroom.” Hired as a floating teacher, he taught one 7th grade section each in science and social studies and one 8th grade section of science and social studies, along with a section of ISS duty and senior parking lot duty. “I had to be really ‘popular’ with the teachers as I taught those sections in their classrooms while they were on their prep period. What a way to break in a newcomer!” He taught at Trumann for eight years, and for two of those years served as the director of the 21CCLC program while also teaching six periods a day. In the fall of 2011, he and his family relocated to Jonesboro, and he is now celebrating his tenth year employed at Jonesboro Public Schools. He says, “I have taught mid-level literacy at SUCCESS (the Craighead County ALE) and taught CBA at Annie Camp Junior High. I spent one year as an elementary assistant principal at International Studies before landing on my present perch as NEACTC Director in the Fall of 2014.” Eddie says he’s become passionate about promoting career and technical skills attainment to students across NEA. One major change he’s seen over the course of his career, is that manufacturers are more actively involved in education. “Manufacturers realize they must recruit to fill positions and support efforts by career centers to train students with the skills they need for high-demand positions that are
5
What’s something that amazes you? “Nature’s beauty, the changing of the seasons and God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.”
Eddie Crain
very fulfilling as careers. Sending every student to college is not and has not worked in America in a long, long time.” Eddie thinks his coworkers would describe him as “someone who expects their best, has their back, is passionate about what I do, truly cares about them, a guy that loves old red tractors and loves being a part of this center.” When asked what he’d tell someone considering a similar career he says “Eat your Cheerios and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere.” More seriously, he says “I would highly encourage this field IF you are willing to do whatever it takes to lead students, which is challenging but also rewarding. Don’t get in just to be off in the summer, that has little to no merit. Be passionate about everything you do and compassionate toward everyone (every stakeholder) that you come in contact with daily. That is my own formula that I recommend for everyone regardless of the field you choose.” In his time off, Eddie enjoys working on old red tractors. “Growing up on a small farm in the 1960’s and 70’s gave me a love for old red tractors. I love going to toy tractor shows and have collected a few hundred 1/16 and 1/64 scale toy tractors. I also have four ‘real’ red tractors. One is a 4WD that serves as my workhorse. The other three are 1940’s era Farmalls, one my dad bought in 1978 when he retired from farming.” He says others might be surprised to know he served four terms as an alderman and served ten years on a planning and zoning commission, many of those as its chairman. When asked what he is most proud of, he says “I was allowed the undeserved privilege of fathering and raising two of the best children, Morgan and Tucker. So, it goes without saying that Morgan, my daughter, and Tucker, my son, are what I am most proud of.” What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?” “I jokingly tell others that learning to play a guitar is the only thing left on my bucket list and that I am putting off learning to play because if I don’t have anything left on my bucket list, well…” What are the goals you are still working toward? “Ensuring that NEACTC continues to be the very best darned secondary technical center that it can be.” Where do you see yourself in five years? “Pondering why one of those old red Farmalls won’t start while sitting on the deck of a cruise ship--in the middle of August.” When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered? “Fair, hard worker, cared about everyone, loved his wife and children dearly.” What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership? “Legislative updates are priceless.”
6
Click here to take a tour of the AAEA App! Available on Google Play and the Apple App Store!
Compliance Connection
A Look at the Latest: Paid Family and Medical Leave
Paid family and medical leave (PFML) legislation is gaining momentum across states, and Congress is currently reviewing federal proposals. The state programs include wage and income replacement, such as temporary disability insurance or other leave benefit programs. Knowing the benefits landscape at the federal level and in your state is key to protecting your district and your employees and staying compliant with the law. The PFML Landscape Unlike the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which entitles eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons, PFML provides payments to workers to help ensure they have income during these types of events. As of August 2021, nine states plus the District of Columbia have adopted comprehensive paid family and medical leave programs. The states are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Because PFML has been enacted only on a state or local level so far, specifics vary. For example: • Medical leave ranges from two weeks to thirty weeks in a one-year period. • Family leave ranges from six weeks to twelve weeks in a one-year perio . • Wage replacement percentage varies from 40% to more than 100% of average weekly wages. Maximums range from $170 per week to $1,356 per week. To calculate a benefit amount, some states compare average weekly earnings to a multiplier based on the prevailing minimum wage. In addition, plan eligibility and the definition of eligible family members differ in the states and localities where legislation has been enacte . Complex Benefits Programs Looking at state level PFML programs might help predict what a national plan could mean. In some states, public sector employers, like school districts, municipalities and counties can opt-in or opt-out; in other jurisdictions, certain public sector employees are covered automatically. School employers may need to consider several options and their impact on existing programs. Public schools and other local government employers offer a complex web of interconnected benefits. Paid family and medical leave programs may impact benefits, including: • Disability pension/retirement benefits. • Employer-paid short- or long-term disability coverage. • Voluntary employee-paid short- or long-term disability coverage. • Sick leave banks that may include a donation mechanism. In states that have PFML or state temporary disability plans, it is important to know whether these programs mandate public school system participation. The majority of these states allow some form of optional employer-offered self-funded plans, employer-sponsored private insurance carrier plans, or private carrier voluntary choices at the employee level. National Paid Leave Proposals Congress is currently reviewing legislative proposals for a national PFML program. While there is no set date for a decision, we believe that there is a very good chance that federal legislation could pass this year, and employers should be reviewing the proposals now to understand potential impacts to current benefits and advocate for the best outcome for their organization and people. Many details in these plans have not been identified or reconciled. There will likely be much negotiation around benefits, funding, leave definitions, private or self-funding alternatives, and many other issues. It is important to follow these initiatives as they develop and change. For PFML guidance, visit americanfidelity.com/pfml. Column Provided by: Tom Sledge, Arkansas State Manager American Fidelity Assurance Co.
d
d
7
Asked
& Answered
The question asked was, "I am interested in discussing with (name of constituent group) to see if any school districts are using (a specific software program). If so, which program they are using and what feedback they might provide. I didn't know how to post a question to the group and thought you might help connect me." The easiest way to ask such a question is through the AAEA Community Boards. There is a Community Board for each of our constituent groups and, as a member of a certain constituent group, you are already part of that particular Community. Here are directions for posting on a Community Board. • Go to our website https://www.theaaea.org/ • Click on the "AAEA Community" red box at the top left. (If you aren't logged in as a member, it will ask for you to do that somewhere in this process) • On the black menu bar at the top, hover your cursor over "Communities" and then click on "My Communities." • Click on the group you want to ask a question or post a comment. • Right at the end of "Latest Discussion Posts" is an ADD button in a red box, click on that button. • Once there, put in the discussion subject, type in your question, and hit the "Post" button in black print at the bottom. You are done! It's not a difficult process once you try it out a few times. Let us know if you have any questions regarding the AAEA Communities!
Mike Mertens AAEA Assistant Executive Director If you have questions for Mike, email them to m.mertens@theaaea.org
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 about this month’s topics: • The EmpowerED Superintendent edWebinar Series: Social-Emotional Learning: Leveraging Technology to Care for All • The CoSN 2021 Driving K-12 Innovation Report • CyberSecurity: School Leadership Strategies for Preventing and Responding to Cyberattacks • CoSN Membership
8
2022 Superintendent Symposium January 12-13, 2022 Little Rock, AR & Virtual
Upcoming Events
The 2022 Superintendent Symposium will take place January 12-13, 2022 at the DoubleTree in Little Rock, and will feature guest speaker Dr. Chris Weber. Registration will open soon!
2022 AACIA Conference January 25, 2022 Benton, AR & Virtual The 2022 AACIA Conference will take place January 25, 2022 at the Benton Event Center in Benton. Register here!
2022 Arkansas Privacy & Security Forum January 27-28, 2022 Little Rock, AR & Virtual AAEA is excited to partner with the Arkansas Department of Education this year to offer our first Arkansas Privacy & Security Forum, January 27-28, 2022 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Little Rock. Register here!
2022 ArkASPA Spring Drive-In Conference February 24, 2022 Little Rock, AR & Virtual The ArkASPA Spring Drive-In Conference will take place February 24, 2022 at the Wyndham Riverfront in Little Rock. Registration will open soon! 9
Corner Helping Millennials Understand and Use Their Bene ts Millennials may have popularized slogans like “treat yourself” and “practice self-care,” but recent studies suggest many of them may not be taking their own advice — particularly when it comes to their health. Seventy percent of millennials have avoided going to the doctor or postponed a medical procedure due to high medical costs, according to the 2020-2021 Aflac WorkForces Report. Skyrocketing healthcare costs may cause Americans to question if they can afford the healthcare they need, as the average premium for family coverage has increased 22% over the last five years and 55% over the last decade. Brokers cannot change the rising costs of medical care, but they can strategize with clients about how to create an affordable and comprehensive benefits plan that helps financially protect employees, while educating them on what they need. For many employees, the pandemic has served as a wake-up call to invest more time researching and selecting their insurance. To increase awareness and help workers make informed benefits decisions, brokers can advise clients to consider digital educational tools, like enrollment websites, apps and videos, which millennials typically favor for information consumption. Another option to help boost enrollment rates and benefits satisfaction may be exploring the substance of clients’ plans. Fifty-four percent of U.S. employees experience anxiety about healthcare costs not covered by health insurance, so brokers can work with clients on how to enhance their offerings within their budget. One solution for helping with expenses health insurance doesn’t cover is supplemental insurance, which can be added to existing plans at little to no cost to employers. That can also include additional value-added services such as telemedicine or employee assistance programs, which are especially relevant because of the pandemic. Certainly, brokers cannot solve all the world’s problems on their own, but this may be one issue where they can exert influence. By working with clients to improve enrollment education and benefits plans, a growing number of people can head into the post-pandemic future with benefits suited to their needs. Virgil Miller, President, Aflac Column Provided by: Shane Pennington, Regional Sales Executive, Educational Benefits, Inc.
Th
AAEA Team We are here to assist you! fi
e
10
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 2021 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 District Name
Position
White Hall School District
Technology Supervisor
Stuttgart School District
Superintendent
Pulaski County Special School District
Director of Plant Planning
Gentry School District
Transportation Fleet Manager
Visit Our Job Site For Mor
e
11
https://arkansas.schoolspring.com/
Be a Part of Something…
Bigger Than an Individual …
Follow us on social media: 219 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201
Iiiiiiiiii Iiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiii
| 501.372.1691 | www.theaaea.org