Alaska Council of
School Administrators

Education Bulletin
Volume 23 Number 2, February  2017
Mission:
 Leadership, Unity and Advocacy for Public Education
Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA)
Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN)
Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)
Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals (AAESP)
Alaska Association of School Business Officials (ALASBO)
Alaska Council of School Administrators
Halfway Mark...
Dr. Lisa Skiles Parady, ACSA/ASA/AASSP Executive Director

Hard to believe that this week we will reach the halfway mark of our legislative session!  The session has been marked by collegiality and the settling in of new players in new roles, but of course the pressures that mark the end of session remain to come. 

Remember, these are my perspectives and are offered on a money back basis – that is, all bets are off when it comes to predicting legislative outcomes!  Also, remember that anyone who chooses to serve deserves appreciation.  

From a strategic or 30,000’ (50,000’ ?!) view, we are in the vortex of three ideas:

Leadership Truths
Mary McMahon, ACSA & AASSP President

As current events in our country unfold, I find myself reflecting on some of the most influential leaders throughout history who have lived and left us all with a lasting legacy. What is it that makes them stand out? I see a common thread among the most influential and respected leaders. They tend to live and speak their complete and unwavering truth. They know their purpose and lead from the heart. 

Guest Article: Department of Education and Early Development
Alaska Education Challenge
Dr. Michael Johnson, Commissioner DEED
 
It was a rise in price, not a drop in price, that initially compelled superintendents to collaborate, innovate, and embrace change. Before the sudden drop in the price of oil ever became big news, the quiet but steady rise in the cost of health insurance benefits had become a fiscal challenge for school districts. This ongoing challenge has given our superintendents an opportunity to exemplify the kind of leadership Alaska needs now more than ever. 
Alaska Superintendents Association
Sean Dusek, ASA President

In the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, we are dedicated to creating a collaborative culture to prepare our students for their future. With the 30th Alaska State Legislature in full session, I am hopeful legislators and state administrators will consider creating this type of culture, as well. For too long, fingers have been pointed and a widening philosophical gap has emerged. 

  Alaska Superintendent
Finalist for National Award
Stewart McDonald is a top four finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year Award

Students Made Ready 

What does make a student ready for college?  Think about it.  If you have a degree what was the difference in you staying the course to completion or succumbing to the temptation to drop out?  Was it whether or not you scored high on college placement tests or was it something else?  The truth of the matter is that students must become a self-actualized learner to maintain the drive and perseverance to overcome the obstacles of time, money, and academic grit to engage and complete college.   

Preparing high school students for college might be as simple as offering transferable college level courses in Algebra and English with support their senior year of high school.  Would it be nice if that is what college was?  

Read More
Businesses are Champions for Children!
Alaska Staff Development Network (ASDN)
The Alaska Staff Development Network is a professional education resource designed for Alaska's teachers and school administrators.  Check  asdn.org for a complete list of all of our courses and events.

ASDN Spring Webinar Series with Dr. Anita Archer
Join us for  All About Words, Words, Words: Effective Vocabulary InstructionMarch 1, 29 and  April 123:45-5:45 AKST.  Vocabulary is at the heart of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, and all other instructional domains.  However, vocabulary knowledge is one of our students’ greatest challenges. This is a great opportunity to spend three afternoons with one of the nation's leading presenters and literacy experts.   More information and registration

2017 Spring Leadership Working Conference
ESSA: Building the Plan for Alaska

April 21, 2017, Anchorage
The Every Student Succeeds Act offers Alaska an opportunity to develop state policy that is responsive to Alaska’s unique educational environment. Join us  in Anchorage on  Friday, April 21st  for presentations, discussions and planning as we consider how to move forward with teaching and learning in our state.   Click here for more information

Alaska School Leadership Institute 2017 
Leadership to Support Instructional Excellence: Making a Positive Impact on the Culture of a School and Maximizing Student Learning

May 22-24, 2017, Anchorage

Join us for a school leadership conference tailored to Alaska's small and rural schools and districts.  Topics for the Alaska School Leadership Institute the year include: cultivating the leadership dispositions that grow a positive school culture, providing effective feedback, building and supporting a highly effective system with Mathematics, and the impacts and opportunities of the new ESSA for rural school systems.  More information and registration

Alaska History and Multicultural Required Courses


Alaska Alive with Father Micheal Oleksa -  March 30, 31 and  April 1, 2017  – Anchorage, BP Energy Center with online follow-up work.  This course meets the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development requirement for Alaska History for certification and recertification.  Click here for more information

Communicating Across Cultures with Father Micheal Oleksa -  May 30, 31 and  June 1, 2017 – Anchorage, BP Energy Center with online follow-up work.  This course meets the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Multicultural requirement for certification and recertification.  Click here for more information

Alaska Alive with Father Micheal Oleksa -  June 1, 2 and 3, 2017  – Anchorage, BP Energy Center with online follow up work.  This course meets the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development requirement for Alaska History for certification and recertification.  Click here for more information

Alaska Alive - Online This course meets EED certification and recertification requirements in Alaska Studies. Asynchronous class, start anytime!  Participants have a minimum of one month and a maximum of one year to complete the class. Click here for more information

Creating Culturally Responsive Schools - Online   This course meets EED certification and recertification requirements in Multicultural Education.  Asynchronous class, start anytime!  Participants have a minimum of one month and a maximum of one year to complete the class. Click here for more information

Alaska Association of
Secondary School Principals
Dan Carstens, AASSP President-Elect

As we head into the great unknown of education for the next few years, I truly believe there is still one person who can continue to shape the learning landscape of each school: the principal leader. In these times of shrinking budgets and tighter regulations, the landscape has the potential to change drastically--which is where we come in. 

Alaska Association of
Elementary School Principals
Navigating Change
Deanna Beck, AAESP President

In order to arrive safely at its destination, a ship must often navigate through a constantly changing environment and contend with external forces such as current, wind, and waves as they act upon the vesselʼs hull. A shipʼs design affects the ways the ship will respond to these forces, and a shipʼs limitations must be factored into which route might be most suitable.

Alaska Association of
School Business Officials
ALASBO Members Step Up to the Challenge
Holly Holman, ALASBO President

The Alaska Association of School Business Officials (ALASBO) ended 2016 with a great conference in December! President Mark Vink’s theme was Stepping Up To The Challenge. The conference offered many training opportunities to help business officials across the state step up to the challenges facing all of our districts.

ALASBO Members Prepared to Engage in Legislative Session
Amy Lujan, ALASBO Executive Director    

During our December 2016 conference, the 2017 Alaska legislative session was very much on the minds of ALASBO members. We are grateful for the solidarity with our partner education associations in finalizing Joint Position Statements for the session.

Kim Johnson Named ALASBO School Business Official of the Year

Congratulations to Kim Johnson, Business Manager at Delta/Greely School District, who was named the Alaska School Business Official of the Year at ALASBO’s December 2016 annual conference in Anchorage. Candidates for this prestigious award are nominated by their colleagues within the Alaska school business profession. Annually, a panel of previous recipients selects a deserving individual from the nominees submitted, based on their recognized outstanding service, innovative plan design and implementation, and the use of exemplary business practices within school business management. 

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2016-2017 Educational Association Events
March
AASA National Conference on Education, March 1-4, 2017 New Orleans, LA
Congratulations to Stewart McDonald, finalist for National Superintendent of the Year!

April 
ACSA Legislative Fly In: April 8-11, 2017 Juneau
Student Art & Legislative Reception April 10, 2017 Juneau

July
National Principals Conference, July 9-11, 2017 Philadelphia 
ASA/DEED Summer Meeting, July 29-31, 2017 Juneau

September
ASA Fall Meeting, September 20-23, 2017 Kenai
      October
      Alaska Principals' Conference, October 21-24, 2017 Anchorage

      ACSA Legislative Fly In 
      April 8-11, 2017 in Juneau 
      2017 National Principals Conference
      ACSA Board of Directors and Staff
      Directors

      Mary McMahon, President – AASSP, ACSA
      Colony Middle School    

      Sean Dusek, President – ASA, ACSA Past President
      Kenai Peninsula Bor. School District

      Dr. Karen Gaborik, President-Elect - ASA
      Fairbanks School District

      Dan Carstens, President-Elect – AASSP
      Nikiski Middle High School

      Kerry Boyd, Secretary - ASA
      Yukon-Koyukuk School District

      Mario Gatto, Alaska State Coordinator- AASSP
      Lathrop High School

      Deanna Beck, President – AAESP, ACSA President-Elect
      Northwood ABC Elementary School

      Kim Bautista Vice President - AAESP
      Susitna Elementary

      Holly Holman, President – ALASBO
      Unalaska City School District

      Cassee Olin, President-Elect - ALASBO  Sitka School District
      Staff

      Dr. Lisa Skiles Parady
      Executive Director,
      ACSA/ASA/AASSP
       
      Liz Lange
      Office & Membership Services  Manager
      ACSA/ASA/AASSP
       
      Kathy Blanc
      Administrator, ASDN

      Kelly Tonsmeire
      Grant Director, ASDN
       
      Ceann Murphy
      Program Coordinator, ASDN

      John Sedor
      Special Projects Director

      Peggy Cowan
      New & Incoming Superintendent Program

      John Pile
      Executive Director, AAESP
       
      Amy Lujan

      Executive Director, ALASBO 
      Alaska Council of School Administrators
      www.alaskaacsa.org