June 1, 2021
Honoring Retiring Women Leaders

AESA is honored to announce that last week, we inducted current and former members into the Order of Women Leaders (OWL). 

Retiring this year:
  • Pam McCartney, Lancaster-Lebanon UI13 (PA)
  • Jada Rupley, Clackamas ESD (OR)
  • Sheryl Weinberg, SERRC (AK)

Retired members inducted last week include:
  • Twyla Barnes, ESD 112 (WA)
  • Lynn Cromley, Central Susquehanna IU (PA)
  • JoAnn Henderson, ESD 123 (WA)
  • Eileen Howley, LEARN (CT)
  • Suzanne Riley, Southeast Service Cooperative (MN)
  • Paula Vincent, Heartland AEA (IA)
  • LeeAnn Zeroth, IU12 (PA)

Why OWLS? Owls are a symbol of wisdom, endurance, observation, and fierce intelligence. The women inducted to OWLS are authentic, extraordinary leaders. Susan Leddick, Senior Advisor for AESA had this to say, “Owls light in the trees and wait for their opportunities for action. I wish the same for you . . . rest and time for reflection from your new perch and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment when you’re ready to swoop in.” Susan Leddick along with Twyla Barnes developed the ESA Women in Leadership program. The program has mentored over 50 female leaders since its inception in 2014.
The Power of Nine in Washington State
There is power in numbers. And in Washington State, the number is nine. Specifically, the state’s nine educational service districts (ESDs) that work together as a network known as the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD).

AESD’s members, in conjunction with the state, were able to provide a range of resources to districts statewide that helped them weather the challenges of the pandemic and prepare them for the continuing challenges ahead. The network’s impact was so important that the Washington legislature approved an additional $9 million in funding per year for the ESDs and their network in its just-approved 2021-23 budget.
Legislative Update
Education ESSER GEER Use of Funds Guidance is Now Available

At last, the U.S. Department of Education has released its FAQ on ESSER funding in CARES, CCRSA, and most importantly in ARP.

Please take time to read the guidance. In particular, the procurement and school construction sections are quite nuanced and require a careful review.

A few highlights to be aware of:
  • A SEA or a state legislature may not limit an LEA’s use of ESSER formula funds.
  • A SEA/state may not require that CARES Act funds need to be obligated prior to obligating CRRSA Act and ARP Act funds.
  • ESSER funding can be used for new school construction, but ED cautions districts to be careful with this major investment and to make sure that it is somehow tied to preventing, preparing for, and responding to COVID-19.
  • Federal funds can be used to pay for student/staff vaccinations.
  • ESSER funds can be used for pre-K and early childhood education programs.
  • State and local education officials can't use federal pandemic relief money to shore up their "rainy day" accounts.
A message from the
Social Security Administration
We are asking school leaders to help us spread the word to parents, guardians, and caregivers about potential financial assistance for children with disabilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic required us to limit in-person services to protect our customers and employees.  Among the most vulnerable populations affected are children with disabilities and their families.  

Our Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides monthly cash payments to children and teenagers with mental and/or physical disabilities whose families have little or no income and resources. In most states, a child who receives SSI payments is automatically eligible for Medicaid. School systems in many states participate in Medicaid to help provide services included in children’s Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) like physical, occupational, and speech therapy. You can read more about children’s benefits in our publication, Benefits for Children with Disabilities.

How School Leaders Can Help Children With Disabilities

With the decline in SSI applications due to the pandemic, it is important that we help children and their families get the financial support they need. School leaders can assist by:

  • Referring parents or caregivers to our SSI for Children page—and the SSI Child Disability Starter Kit.

  • Discussing Social Security’s programs during IEP and 504 Plan meetings.


Families of children with disabilities often have higher out-of-pocket costs—leading to financial instability. Receiving monthly payments can help reduce the struggles families go through and provide the crucial financial support their children need.

We recognize the important role America’s educators play in supporting children and their families. In this environment, your support is more important than ever. Please share this information with the school leaders you know.  
Business Partner News
"When am I ever going to use this?"
We have the answer.
Students are unprepared to enter today’s workforce. But it doesn’t need to be that way. What if your students graduated high school with the exact skill set needed to thrive?
 
Pathway 2 Careers bridges the gap between traditional math outcomes and over 400 real, high-value careers in your state. We have the answer to the age-old question, “When am I ever going to use this?”
 
When students connect math problems to a potential earning amount, we change their trajectory in life. When they can see it. They can be it.

View the video message below from Dr. Joseph Goins, CEO and founder of Pathways 2 Careers.
Free Webinar from Corwin
From
AESA's Executive Search Services
Region 16 Educational Service Center, Amarillo, Texas is searching for its next executive director. The application deadline is June 7, 2021.
Visit AESA's Job Central for this and other career opportunities.
News About the Summer Leadership Conference
Be Our Guest!
We have some exciting news . . . Pogue Construction, a company that has worked with Region 10 in Richardson, Texas, has offered to sponsor the Wednesday evening dinner at the Summer Leadership Conference! Due to their generosity, conference attendees can now bring a guest for free! This a $75 value that you no longer need to cover. Thank you Region 10 and Pogue Construction!

Already registered? No Problem!
If you have already registered and the $75 fee deterred you from adding a guest to the Wednesday afternoon activities and dinner, and you’d like to add that guest now, please contact Ann Fiene afiene@aesa.us she will add them to your registration at no cost.
Join us at the Summer Leadership Conference

  • Learn how ESAs are discovering new pathways while navigating the pandemic.

  • Network with colleagues.

  • See learning in action at one of two Dallas museums.

  • More!
AESA National
Award Program Nominations
Due June 15, 2021
Reading Leaders Book Club
Looking for some good summer reading?

Join us on June 17 at 7 pm EST for the Reading Leaders Book Club!

June Book Choice:  The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Please consider a donation to the
AESA Foundation
Because of the pandemic, the 2020 AESA Annual Conference was transitioned to a virtual event. Therefore, the AESA Foundation's live and silent auctions, its two biggest fundraisers, were canceled.
 
But, there's good news . . . you can continue to support the foundation! We have made it easy for you to donate by clicking on the “Donate” button below.
Registration OPEN for
Upcoming AESA Events
Summer Leadership Conference
July 21-22, 2021
Region 10 ESC
Richardson, TX

Educators' Call to Action Conference
September 15-17, 2021
Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill
Washington, DC
AESA Annual Conference
December 1-4, 2021
Marriott Marquis
Houston, TX