Issuu

Keeping in Touch››

Taking Care of Students and Yourself in the Time of

COVID-19 Viewpoint: Page 1

Kathleen Crain Division Manager, APSCN Financial Applications, DESE

Even Administrators Need a Village Perspective: Page 2

It’s All About the Bids

September 2020 Spotlight: Page 5

The

Voice

Asked & Answered: Page 7

Vol. 46, No. 3

for School Administrators

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

Address: 219 South Victory, Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: 501.372.1691

Stressed Employees: What Can You Oﬀer?

Web Site: www.theaaea.org Facebook: Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators Twitter: @The_AAEA

This

Benefits Corner: Page 5

Instagram: @aaea_littlerock

Issue

Executive Viewpoint - Dr. Richard Abernathy

President’s Perspective - Debbie Atkinson

Administrator Spotlight - Kathleen Crain

Benefits Corner

Asked and Answered

Dr. Richard Abernathy, Executive Director r.abernathy@theaaea.org

CoSN Update

Dr. Mike Hernandez, Executive Director - Elect m.hernandez@theaaea.org

Professional Development Opportunities

Administrator Job Openings

Please contact us if we may provide assistance to you in any way.

STAFF

Mike Mertens, Assistant Executive Director m.mertens@theaaea.org Michelle Briggs, Director of Events & Operations m.briggs@theaaea.org Lenett Thrasher, Director of Learning Services and Operations l.thrasher@theaaea.org Robyn Keene, Director of Finance Services r.keene@theaaea.org Marty Smith, Member Relations Manager m.smith@theaaea.org Karen Dean, Business Manager k.dean@theaaea.org Amy Manning-McNabb, Communications Manager a.mcnabb@theaaea.org Christy Dodds, Business Development Manager c.dodds@theaaea.org Madison Greene, Administrative Specialist m.greene@theaaea.org

Monday, September 7, 2020 The AAEA Administrator is a monthly publication of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators (AAEA) for members of the AAEA. Editor-in-Chief Michelle Briggs Managing Editor Amy Manning-McNabb

2020-2021 AAEA CORPORATE SPONSORS PRESTIGIOUS American Fidelity Assurance Co. Curriculum Associates, LLC. Educational Benefits, Inc. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc. Pro Benefits Group, Inc. Renaissance Learning, Inc. Scholastic Education Solution Tree

DISTINGUISHED Imagine Learning

DIAMOND Apple Apptegy Arkansas PBS ClassWallet Edgenuity Energy Systems Group ESS Excel Energy Group, Inc. First Security Beardsley Forecast5 Analytics PowerSchool Stephens, Inc. Strategos Winsor Learning

PLATINUM AAMSCO Baldwin & Shell Construction Caddell Construction Co. (DE), LLC C.R. Crawford Construction, LLC Curriculum Associates, LLC Entegrity Energy Partners, LLC Legacy Construction Management Nabholz Northwest Evaluation Association - NWEA Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects Schneider Electric Silverback Learning TRANE US, Inc. University of Arkansas: Department of Curriculum & Instruction

GOLD Classworks Cognia Crow Construction Generation Ready, Inc. Kinco Constructors, LLC Middleton, Inc. Red Comet TIPS

SILVER Architecture Plus, Inc. French Architects, PA Got Zoom Hight-Jackson Associates, PA SEAS Virco, Inc.

2020-2021 AAEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Debbie Atkinson, AAEA President Principal, Bergman

Brian Kirkendoll, AAEA Secretary/Treasurer Principal, Alma

Dr. Stephanie Nehus, President-Elect Superintendent, Hot Springs

Scott Spainhour, AAEA Past President Superintendent, Greenbrier

Stacey DeFoor, AAESP Robert Poole, AASA President President Superintendent, Prescott Principal, Conway Jon Collins, AASA PresidentElect Superintendent, West Memphis

Mark Lewis, AAESP Past President Principal, Conway

Pharis Smith, AAESP Past Skipper Ward, AASA Secretary President Superintendent, Magnolia Principal, Jackson County David Maxwell, AASSP President Principal, Mena

Scott Smith, AASSP PresidentElect Principal, Western Yell County

Chad Jordan, AASSP Past President Principal, Greene County Tech

Fred Lilly, ArkASPA President Superintendent, Camden Fairview

Lee Smith, AACTEA President Assistant Superintendent of Development, Mena

Shantele Raper, AAFC President Director of Federal Programs, Osceola

Cristy Dunnahoe, AASBO President Business Manager, Star City

Sherry Stewart, AASEA President Director of Special Services, Rogers

Aaron Randolph, AAGEA President Director of Gifted Programs/ Federal Programs, Cabot

Tracy Streeter, AACIA President Superintendent, Hamburg

J.D. Keeling, AAMLA President Principal, Dardanelle

Bill Tietz, ASPMA President (until October) Assistant Superintendent, Watson Chapel

Dr. Richard Abernathy, AAEA Executive Director

Aliza Jones, ASPMA President (begin October) Facilities Consortium Coordinator, Lavaca

Executive We a re o n t h e second week of the COVID school year, and we have already overcome many significant challenges. Administrators are dealing with many issues that were Dr. Richard Abernathy never taught in any AAEA Executive Director graduate course or preparation program, and yet we are still surviving. How can we be surviving when we have never faced these issues before? It is called leadership. When I was an administrator, I loved it when people would ask me about what my leadership theory was when I entered into a district. My answer was always the same….it depends. Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard developed the Situational Leadership Model in the late 60s and early 70s, and it still applies today. To put the model in simple terms, situational leadership implies that no one leadership model is the best, but a variety of models may be used depending on the situation. Effective leaders vary their practices depending on the group of people they are influencing as well as the task or job that needs to be accomplished. I am certainly a subscriber to the Situational Leadership Model. In the last few months, you have probably shifted your leadership practices at various times. I am sure this has created some anxiety within yourself, but it has been necessary to move your planning forward for your staff, students, and community. But it is also hard to lead when you don’t know the rules, or the rules continue to change and evolve. This is exactly the environment we are living in now, and it will continue to be that way for a while. Leading doesn’t mean you are controlling the events or even the outcome of a situation. But it does mean that you are steering your district in the best course of

Viewpoint action and making adjustments as new data is being thrown at you. You have contingency plans based on the data, and those plans are flexible enough to give your kids and staff a chance to be successful in these unknown times. That is the best people can ask for at this time. During the first two weeks of school, you’ve had to deal with quarantined students and staff. You had to change schedules, shift instruction for some or all of your students, cover classes, food service, maintenance, drive buses, etc., during this time so teachers could continue to be responsible for teaching kids and students could continue to participate. You had to monitor adults at extracurricular events who were not being socially responsible. You had to keep your boards and communities informed of the guidelines and the district’s response to COVID numbers. And, you had to answer media pressure on a daily basis. You are making all of these changes, adjustments, and decisions with no playbook to refer to. Yet, you are surviving, and kids and staff are doing better because of your leadership. You probably do not get many pats on the back with people telling you that you are doing a good job as you continue to remind adults to social distance. But what is not being said is very important….you are making a difference. I have said many times, but now it is more important than ever. Take care of yourself! Your body and your mind need you to take care of them so you can take care of others. No one will tell you that you shouldn’t worry about the buses over the weekend, having enough staff to cover classes on Monday, etc. But I will tell you, it is ok to spend some time taking care of yourself. Relax, regroup, exercise, go fishing, etc., but take care of yourself…. your family and your community are counting on you. As we continue heading in uncharted waters, remember that we are here to support you any way we can. We may not have all of the answers, but we are certainly here to help you find those answers. Keep working for the kids and everything else will work out.

1 September 2020

President’s

Perspective It takes a village to raise a child is an African proverb that means that an entire community of people must interact with children for those children to experience a n d g ro w i n a s a f e a n d h e a l t h y environment. In education, our village includes all of our stakeholders at the building, school, and district level. I am truly thankful for my amazing village at Bergman School District. But, there is another part of my village that is critical to my personal and professional success and that is my state-wide network through AAEA. The Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators is a united alliance of diverse school leaders and an effective force for the highest quality public education for all children. Our mission is to insure high standards of leadership by providing quality professional development, influencing education legislation and policy, stimulating and fostering support and building successful coalitions. The member benefits are listed as communication, professional development, legislative influence, coordination with other school-related organizations, placement assistance, professional staff recruitment assistance, and legal services. Educators are a gregarious lot and the most amazing benefit of membership in AAEA is the access to networking. You can deepen your existing professional relationships and forge new contacts regularly. You make lasting ties with other educators. I encourage you to get involved with AAEA. Education is always evolving. It takes a village to stay current and creatively problem-solve, especially during these times of exponential change and struggle. Many of the relationships I have developed through the association are with people I can reach

September 2020

Debbie Atkinson AAEA Board President Elementary Principal Bergman School District

out to at any time and ask for advice or guidance on any of the many issues we face daily. On top of the professional relationships I have formed friendships that go beyond school and will last long after I leave this profession. If I had not stepped out of my comfort zone to serve on the AAESP and the AAEA boards I would be missing out on these relationships that I treasure and cannot imagine doing without. Just a reminder that AAEA is an umbrella association with twelve constituent educational administrator organizations. All school administrators who are members of AAEA are also members of at least one of the constituent organizations. If you value this component of your village as much as I do, then I also encourage you to invite your entire leadership team to become members of their respective umbrella organization. Some of your leaders do not have large departments or teams within your district as part of their village. They are especially needy of a larger village provided through their constituent group in AAEA. Professional organizations are not a new idea and are certainly not limited to education; but hands down, AAEA has proven to be one of the best assets to my professional career. Surround yourself with professional support this year, lean on your AAEA village, and may you have your best year ever.

Spotlight

Kathleen Crain, Division Manager, APSCN Financial Applications at the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, notes that Arkansas educators should be very proud of what DESE has done in setting up a statewide financial system. “When I attend federal meetings related to collecting data, Arkansas is miles ahead,” she says.

The secret to Kathleen Crain’s success is in her love for numbers. She holds a degree in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant. However, she found a passion for education when she was the Plant Accountant for Union Camp Corporation in the early 90s. “The plant had adopted a new inventory program,” she recalls. “At that time, I realized I had a gift in addition to my accounting experience and education. And that gift was teaching adults computer software.” In 1994, Kathleen came across an ad for a financial analyst for the Arkansas Public School Network (APSCN), and, along with her 10 years’ experience at a school district, she thought her love of accounting and teaching would make her a perfect fit for the position. Her goal? To become the most accomplished person within the APSCN FMS unit. APSCN was established in 1992 by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (then the Arkansas Department of Education) for the purpose of implementing a statewide computer system linking all Arkansas public school systems and the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) as required by Act 4 of 1992. Kathleen’s hard work paid off. She was promoted to supervisor over the finance unit and moved to Little Rock to a staff of ten and was tasked with overseeing the completion of 322 district conversions to the APSCN eFinance1995 version. Flash forward to the present, Kathleen now has 25 years with APSCN. “I now lead and supervise 20 staff members, and our workload continues to increase at the Department and school district finance offices, because of staff turnover and increasing changes in local, state, and federal reporting requirements.” As Division Manager for APSCN Financial Applications, she collaborates with software sales representatives, programmers, and support staff, and other state agencies, such as the Arkansas Legislative Audit Division, Employee Benefits Division, Arkansas Teacher Retirement, and the Arkansas Association of School Business Officials. If someone is considering going into a similar career, Kathleen is quick to point out to be ready for challenges and some stress. “Every day is non-stop, so there is no such thing as ‘catching up,’” she admits. “Every day brings support calls from districts in dire circumstances needing assistance with analyzing and correcting accounting issues.” Another secret to her success is to be generous with your knowledge. “Learn everything you can about the business and responsibilities and impart that wisdom gained to others.” Continued on next page September 2020

Her secret to happiness? “Helping others, because it leads to a happier, wealthier, more productive, more meaningful life,” she says.

What is the most challenging part of your job? State reporting cycle timelines/deadlines and implementing changes. How would your coworkers describe you? They would describe me as one with a strong work ethic and professional integrity. There is “always work to be done.” If you weren’t in your current position, what would you being doing? Teaching accounting at some college or university. What is the most daring thing you’ve done? Leave Southern Arkansas and move to Little Rock for my current position with APSCN. That may seem small, but I stepped out on faith and work ethics with no guarantees. I have no regrets dedicating the last 25 years of my life to the Arkansas Department of Education. It has been a rewarding experience. What have you done that you are most proud of? Mother four wonderful children whom I am very proud. I began my personal professional career as our home became an “empty nest.” I am very proud of the work I have done with APSCN FMS. I treasure the long hours spent with three other coworkers and district financial personnel in getting this statewide project converted to a statewide financial system for all school districts in 1995. What do you enjoy doing during your time off? Spending time with family, relaxing, and reading. What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?” Spend more quality, relaxing time with my siblings, children, and grandchildren. I would like to journal my life in case there are things I have forgotten to pass on to my children. I think writing would be very cathartic and an opportunity to share life experiences with them in a way that they might experience the same emotions through giving them this experience.

Stress and Benefits: What Can the Employer Offer? To say that we work and live in a stress-filled environment, might be a slight understatement. As if workloads and deadlines weren’t enough, we are now faced with a pandemic that is said to be doubling the rates of stress in the workplace. As a matter of fact, over 60% of employees say that they are experiencing greater stress than before the pandemic started, up from 30% prepandemic, according to research done by MetLife. It’s fair to say that employers must identify ways to increase their support and communicate the benefits they have to help employees through these times. How can an employer identify the needs of its employees? Try something simple. Have your benefits broker create a simple, anonymous survey to identify areas of need. Then have them research the market and identify products and services that may help. Two areas that continue to come up when discussing stress among the workforce are Financial Planning Benefits and Mental Health Resources. 73% of employees said their source of stress was finance related. Make sure that your employees are being educated about their access to financial services. This could be information regarding their teacher retirement but could also point to a greater need for advice on day to day personal finance issues that would never be discussed with a retirement representative. These services are available. MetLife research also showed that 78% of employees, with employers who offer mental health resources, said that they have good mental health. Several employee benefits include EAP services, but are you educating your employees about them? Have your broker review them with you so that you know all that is available. Like finance challenges, you may find that some of your employees could use more robust focus on mental health. These services are also available. Be mindful of the impact stress has on your workforce and make sure you are doing your best to support those dealing with it. Column Provided by: Shane Pennington, Regional Sales Executive, Educational Benefits, Inc.

NEW WEBSITE. NEW APP. STILL THE

Voice

FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS. Click here to take a tour of the AAEA App! September 2020

The question goes like this, "We are resurfacing several parking lots this summer and the cost will exceed $35,000, am I required to take bids?" The answer is "yes." A project of this size would be considered a capital improvement project which is defined as an improvement of buildings or grounds in which labor is involved (other than district labor). In addition to taking bids, there are other requirements for a project this size. For projects (major repairs/alterations, new buildings/structures) with an estimated cost of $35,000 or more, there are specific requirements including advertising, sealed bids, timelines for awarding bids, bid bond, performance bonds, contractor licenses, and engineer and architect licenses (A.C.A. § 22-9-203).

Asked

Answered Mike Mertens AAEA Assistant Executive Director

If you have questions for Mike, email them to m.mertens@theaaea.org

Click here to read this month’s topics: EmpowerED Superintendent Webinar Series and a recording of the Super Power of Techno-Color in IT session.

6 September 2020

2020-2021 CALENDAR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

2020 September ArkASPA DIGITAL HR Bootcamp — September 8, 2020 AAFC DIGITAL Fall Conference — September 24, 2020

2021

October ASPMA DIGITAL Certification Classes — 2020

October 6,

AAGEA DIGITAL Conference — October 23, 2020 AAEA DIGITAL Fall Conference — October 21, 2020

November CASBO DIGITAL Classes — November 16-18, 2020

January AASA Superintendent Symposium — January 13-14, 2021, DoubleTree Hotel, Little Rock AACIA Conference — January 31, 2021, Benton Event Center

February

ArkASPA Drive-In Conference — TBD

April AACTEA Conference — TBD CASBO Classes — April 6-9, 2021, Benton Event Center ASPMA Certification Classes — TBD

May AAFC Spring Conference — May 5-7, 2021, Hot Springs Convention Center To see a schedule of more AAEA events, go to theaaea.org and click on “Calendar.”

ASBA/AAEA Joint Conference — TBD

June AASEA Special Education Conference — June 7-8, 2021, Embassy Suites, Rogers

September 2020

Conference Fee $55 for Members & Non-members Online Registration Deadline: Friday, September 4, 2020

8:35 - 9:35

Navigating a Pandemic: A COVID-19 Roadmap for School Districts Presenter: Missy McJunkins Duke, Attorney - Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C.

9:35 - 10:30

Top Wage and Hourly Mistakes Presenter: Missy McJunkins Duke, Attorney - Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C.

10:30 - 10:40

Break

10:40 - 11:30

Licensure Update Presenter: Melissa Jacks, Program Coordinator, Office of Educator Licensure, and David Baca, Public School Program Advisor

11:30 - 12:15

Lunch

12:15 - 1:15

Human Resources 101 - Introduction to Human Resources Presenter: Jeremy Lasiter, JD, PHR Director of HR and Legal Affairs, Bryant School District

1:15 - 1:30

Break

1:30 - 2:30

Me Too, Adult Victims of Sexual Misconduct and Legal Liability to include Title IX Information Presenter: Emily Runyon - Munson, Rowlett, Moore, and Boone Law Firm

2:30 - 3:30

The Role of the DESE Taskforce in Reopening School, COVID-19 Issues Presenter: Dr. Bryan Duffie, Superintendent, Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON HOW TO CONNECT: Once you complete registration for the webinar though this site, please read your confirmation email for the Zoom link to connect to the webinar.

8 September 2020

September 24, 2020 8:45-9:00

Welcome

9:00-9:45

Guidelines 101

• Sample Meeting Agendas

REGISTRATION FEES: $100 Members $150 Non-Members DEADLINE TO REGISTER: September 21, 2020

10:35-10:45

Break

10:45-11:30

Equitable Services

• Virtual Meeting Ideas • Buying Guidelines • TIPS/TAPS • Sam. Gov

• Ensuring Equity in 20-21 • OnSite/OffSite • RTI Services • No Internet

• CARES Expenditures • WebSite Posting • Coding Overview • Variances - Report

• Device Usage • Expenditures • Services • Homeless Set Asides

Printing

• Determination of Amount • Expenditures

• 2020 Howard Wallace Arkansas Federal

11:30-11:45

AAFC Business Session

Coordinator of the Year

11:45-12:30

Lunch Break

Recognition

12:30-2:15

Updates

9:45-9:50

Break

9:50-10:35

Nuts and Bolts

• DESE • CARES • GEERS Update

• Explanation of each Fed CLICK HERE TO REGISTER IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON HOW TO CONNECT: Once you complete registration for the webinar though this site, please read your confirmation email for the Zoom link to connect to the webinar.

Fund

• Title I • Title II • 21st Century • Title III

• Communication & Information Navigating DESE Website, Useful Memberships,

• ELL/ESL • Title IV (including

Commissioner's Memo, etc.

flexibility expenditures)

• FGMS

• Title V

• Comparability • Transfers • Parental Involvement Set

• McKinney Vento • Parent and Family Engagement

• AQT

Aside

• Indistar

• Census • Perkins • Legislative Update 2:15-2:30

Questions, Regional Updates/ Meetings/Times/

9 September 2020

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

L A IT

G I D

The ASPMA Board of Directors recently unanimously voted to postpone the 2020 October Conference including new board elections and Blue Ribbon Award presentation. The Board will meet again in late fall for further deliberations. CFD certification classes will continue in October in a virtual setting.

Deadline to Register: AGENDA

8:00 am - 10:00 am

HR101: Introduction to Human Resources Instructor: Jake Haak, CFO, Rogers School District

10:15 am - 12:15 pm

PS101: Introduction to Purchasing and Supply Management Instructor: Jake Haak, CFO, Rogers School District

12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

Lunch

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

SI201A: Buildings & Grounds Safety and Security Instructor: Arkansas Public School Districts

Class Fees: $30 Members $45 Non-Members

September 2020

Attention AASBO Members!

Save the Date!

L A IT

DIG

Fall CASBO Classes November 16-18, 2020 ALL LIVE STREAMING REGISTRATION OPEN SOON!

September 2020

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 in 2019, 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

Western Yell County

Superintendent

More Information

Mayflower School District

Superintendent

More Information

Conway School District

Superintendent

More Information

VISIT OUR JOB SITE FOR MORE

https://arkansas.schoolspring.com/

12 September 2020

Be a Part of Something…

Bigger

Than an Individual …

AAEA Staff

Front (left to right): Mike Mertens, Assistant Executive Director; Dr. Richard Abernathy, Executive Director; and Dr. Mike Hernandez, Executive Director-Elect. Back (left to right): Marty Smith, Member Relations Manager; Lenett Thrasher, Director of Learning Services and Operations; Robyn Keene, Director of Financial Services; Karen Dean, Business Manager; Madison Greene, Administrative Specialist; and Michelle Briggs, Director of Events and Operations.

The Training

Voice Networking

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

for School Administrators Mentoring

Legal Services

Advocacy