December 14, 2021
Executive Council Elections:
Every Member Agency has a Voice
A message from Joan Wade

Leadership Matters: Please Vote!

From "too-close-to-call" votes to low voter turnout to split votes, if ever there was a time that proves that voting is important, there is plenty of evidence that the time is now.

I feel the same way about our executive council election. Just like in your agency or organization, leadership and governance matter. It makes a huge difference in the effectiveness of the organization.

Yesterday, every CEO of every agency that is a member of AESA received an electronic ballot to vote for executive council candidates. If you didn't receive the email (via Constant Contact) or have trouble accessing the ballot, contact AESA Executive Assistant Ann Fiene.

First, I want to express my deepest appreciation to all the individuals who step forward to place their names on our ballots. That act alone demonstrates commitment and courage, and we are very grateful to have candidates from whom to choose!

Secondly, as an organization, AESA is only as strong as its leadership. I have had the great pleasure to work with some of our nation's finest leaders. With their leadership and collaboration, we are able to move AESA forward to meet the needs of you - the members.

The AESA Executive Council is made up of individuals like you who work for ESAs across the nation. They represent your interests. Now, who will you elect? If you have already voted, thank you! If you haven't voted yet, I urge you to do so. How about voting today? It will only take a few minutes and you make an important difference.

The voting period is open from Monday, December 13, 2021, to Monday, January 10, 2022.

Your vote assures that the executive council continues to be a group of leaders who have the courage and who provide inspiration to lead AESA into the years ahead. Thank you for voting!

Sincerely,

Joan Wade
AESA Executive Director
Legislative Update:
HHS Releases Interim Final Rule on Vaccine Mandate for Head Start Programs
On November 30, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released an interim final rule for vaccine and masking requirements for all Head Start programs.

Face Mask 2
Effective immediately, all individuals ages 2 and older must wear a mask at all times. Exceptions to masking include when children are napping and individuals with disabilities who cannot safely wear a mask. Programs must make masks available to children.
By January 31, 2022, all Head Start staff, contractors whose activities involve contact with or providing direct services to children and families, and volunteers working in classrooms or directly with children must be vaccinated for COVID–19.
Staff is defined as “paid adults who have responsibilities related to children and their families who are enrolled in programs.’’ The rule goes further to clarify that staff refers to all staff who work with enrolled Head Start children and families in any capacity regardless of funding source.
Pricing with Confidence
Four Virtual Workshops Start January 5!
What to Expect:
Join in these fast-paced and thought-provoking sessions designed to help you find the answers you are looking for!

  • Is your ESA charging the right price for the goods and services you deliver?
  • How do you know?
  • Is it possible to know if you are charging the “right” price? 

This workshop delivers four virtual, 90-minute sessions with Doreen Marvin and Andy Pechacek designed especially for ESAs!

Dates:
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Friday, January 7, 2022
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Friday, January 14, 2022

Time:
Virtual - 1 pm Eastern (12 noon Central; 11 am Mountain; 10 am Pacific; 9 am Alaska)
In a recent informal video conversation with Andy Pechacek and Doreen Marvin, the presenters of Pricing with Confidence, they discussed the value of this workshop series to AESA leaders.

We thought you might want to listen in on their conversation!
Member Spotlight:
This edition of the Education Talk Podcast features Smokey Hills ESC and its services to the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex
Chris Moddelmog, Executive Director of Smokey Hills ESC in Salena, Kansas, and AESA Executive Director Joan Wade were guests on Education Talk Radio Podcast last week.

In this podcast, you can learn about the services that the Smokey Hills ESC provides to students at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex and how their services focus on benefiting underserved students and educators in rural parts of Kansas.
Guest Article:
Investing and Leveraging ARP Funds
Special thanks to AASA for sharing this resource with the members of AESA.
Today’s guest article comes from AASA Executive Director Dan Domenech and is part of a series related to supporting schools in their effort to invest and leverage American Rescue Plan dollars.
Reminders
All-Member "Community" Webinar
Let's Connect!
Free Webinar:
December 16, 2021
3:30 p.m. ET

Explore the AESA Community Platform
Our goal at AESA is to make the AESA Community a meaningful experience for all. Please consider attending this webinar to learn more about the community platform and share your ideas!

Let's connect on this webinar and discuss how to make this community the best it can be.
Virtual Federal Advocacy Committee Meeting
January 18 and 19, 1-4 p.m. ET
Each year, members of the AESA Federal Advocacy Committee work together to formalize AESA's federal legislative agenda.

Membership of AESA's Federal Advocacy Committee is comprised of one representative from each state that has an ESA as a member of AESA. The representative to the committee is selected by the ESAs of that state.

The AESA priority agenda represents the federal advocacy work that focuses on ESAs specifically. This is the meeting to set the legislative agenda for 2022!. It is important that your state is represented.

Contact Dr. Joan Wade, AESA Executive Director, if you have questions about this event or want to get involved.
December Reading Leaders Book Club
Next Meeting:
December 16, 2021
7 pm Eastern (6 pm Central; 5 pm Mountain; 4 pm Pacific; 3 pm Alaska) 

December's Selected Book: