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LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY
A Bittersweet Victory for Education – Maybe?
Lon Garrison, Executive Director, AASB
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I express my heartfelt thanks to the House of Representatives for their recent vote in support of education. While we celebrate this accomplishment, it is bittersweet considering that we found ourselves in a similar position just nine months ago, and once again fell short of securing the essential support Alaska's public education truly requires.
On Thursday evening, February 22nd, 2024, after nearly two weeks of intense negotiations and disappointing floor votes, the Alaska House of Representatives agreed to a $680 increase in the Base Student Allocation. Although we acknowledge the efforts of the House members, it's crucial to remember that this identical increase was approved in the spring of 2023. Our initial goal for this session was a $1,413 BSA increase, representing a 52 percent enhancement over the approved amount.
While a wealth of reasons and data support our cause, it is unnecessary to delve into them here as they are widely known. Instead, let’s focus on the bigger picture.
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AASB '24 Legislative Priorities
On behalf of our member school districts statewide, the AASB Board of Directors has adopted three legislative priorities for 2024:
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Sufficient and Sustainable Public Education Funding - an increase to the BSA for FY2025 of not less than $1,413 to account for inflation (Alaska-Urban CPI)
- Retention and Recruitment of Teachers, Administrators & Staff
- Student Wellness and School Safety
In addition to the three top priorities, AASB will continue to advocate for any issue which may be addressed by the resolutions of the membership approved on November 12, 2023. Those resolutions can be found at the following links:
Where We Stand 2024 – Online version
Where We Stand 2024 – PDF version
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Click the button to access a one-page document that briefly describes AASB priority issues for which we will be aggressively advocating this session. | |
AASB Welcomes Two New Board Members | |
Julia Phelan, Delta/Greely School District | |
Darlene Trigg, Nome Public Schools | |
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The Association of Alaska School Boards is pleased to welcome Julia Phelan from the Delta/Greely School District and Darlene Trigg from Nome Public Schools to our Board of Directors. Their appointments were officially confirmed during a special meeting of the Board on February 15th.
Both Julia and Darlene are seasoned school board members with a wealth of experience in educational leadership and a commitment to advocating for public education. Their expertise in tackling the unique challenges of Alaska's rural schools will bring valuable insights and perspectives to the board that are vital for addressing the diverse needs of our state's school districts.
All of us at AASB extend a warm welcome to Julia and Darlene!
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BOARD DEVELOPMENT
Thanking School Board Members for Their Service!
Jenni Lefing, Membership Services Manager
Thank you to the over 300 school board members in Alaska who put in countless hours governing and advocating for their school district. As citizen advocates, board members face a complex, and often demanding job, yet few people fully understand the scope and far-reaching implications of board members’ responsibilities.
AASB has declared February School Board Appreciation Month, as a way to build understanding in your communities on the role of elected school boards, who play a critical role in our representative democracy. Member districts have been provided with materials to help local stakeholders recognize school boards and say thank you.
While districts are encouraged to celebrate school boards this month, expressing appreciation to school boards can and should happen year-round. Implementing year-round school board member recognition programs not only acknowledges their tireless efforts but also strengthens their commitment to educational excellence and fosters positive relationships within the community.
Following are some ways to show appreciation year-round:
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Ambler School in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District hosted a Love Around Reading family night in February which included this display made by an 8th grade student. | |
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CONDITIONS FOR LEARNING
Putting a Spotlight on Alaskan Family Engagement Practices
Conditions for Learning Team
The research is clear: partnering with families improves educational outcomes. But how can we make that happen with all the other things that schools - and families - have on their plates?
The Association of Alaska School Boards has launched the Alaska Family Engagement Center and a weekly Family Friday Spotlight to showcase how schools across Alaska are finding easy and innovative ways to link families to learning.
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SUPPORT SOLUTIONS
LEO and E-Rate
Pete Vraspir, Lynx Education
The E-Rate season is upon us! For those that don’t know, E-Rate is a federal program that provides schools and libraries with money for internet connections. I know most of you have been thinking and working on RFPs for months already, but I think this year brings an interesting disruptor and option to the mix. LEO (low earth orbit) satellite companies have really begun to change the landscape of rural areas around the globe and certainly here in Alaska. Of course the big player is Starlink.
This year school districts are taking a hard look at Starlink in particular. The math is easy because Starlink is so affordable, especially compared to what has been available. For the first time we find some of our students in the rural villages actually have internet at home! This is a first for many of the families in rural Alaska as well as other very remote areas around the world. So why wouldn’t schools consider going this direction? Its a great question with lots to consider. Here are some thoughts on the current state of this service.
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AASB Spring Boardsmanship Academy
April 20-21 - Anchorage
Registration Now Open!
We invite you to attend AASB’s Spring Boardsmanship Academy, April 20-21, 2024, at the Clarion Suites Downtown! This academy is all about developing your boardsmanship skills — holding effective meetings, board standards, legislative advocacy and more!
This academy has been developed from input from school board members around the state. We hope you will join us in Anchorage to:
- Continue conversations around AASB’s Legislative Priorities and how to continue to advocate!
- Build your boardsmanship skills (how to hold effective meetings, board standards, and board member tips).
- Hear Education updates from around the state (including Special Education Services and DEED).
- Connect with school board members from around the state!
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2024 First-term Board Member Webinar Series
Whether you’re just getting started on your board, or want to brush up on the basics, AASB’s First Term Board Member Webinar Series is for you!
Register today! Early registration adds the webinar dates to your calendar to ensure conflict-free attendance!
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Board Policy – Development and Governance
March 5, 12-1 pm | Register
Working with Your Board
March 12, 12-1 pm | Register
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Working with your Community
March 19, 12-1 pm | Register
Holding Your Meeting Remotely
April 26, 12-1 pm | Register
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AASB's 2023-24
Scholarship Application
is now open!
The Association of Alaska School Boards is proud to announce its 33rd Annual Scholarship Award Competition. The June Nelson Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of the late June Nelson, a longtime school board member from Kotzebue. June contributed much to the cause of education and will be remembered for her outstanding service on behalf of Alaska’s children. This scholarship is made possible and funded by individual contributions of school board members and administrators from across the state!
This 2023-2024 school year, AASB will award up to fifteen $1,500 scholarships to apply toward post-secondary education! Up to two of these may be awarded to returning college sophomores. Up to two scholarships may specifically be given to students planning to attend trade/vocational schools.
For application guidelines and more information, click here.
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Application Deadline:
April 1, 2024 by 5:00 pm AKST
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Essay Prompt:
Who or what in your educational experience has influenced your direction in life?
Required Information & Documents (PDFs only):
- Required Information & Documents (PDF's only)
- Student and school information
- Response to the essay question up to 750 words in length
- Student Activities
- Copy of your high school transcript with cumulative GPA
- Acceptance letter from a business, trade, or college institution.
- Two letters of recommendation, one from a community member and one from a teacher.
- SAT or ACT scores
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Returning 2022-2023 Winners
Winners from last year’s competition are eligible to apply for a second-year scholarship. Please note that this is a separate application with a different essay prompt. Returning winners, click the button below to apply!
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If you have any difficulties or questions about the application, please call (907) 463-1660 or email us at aasb@aasb.org. | |
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Join Our Growing Team!
At AASB, you can make an impact across Alaska. We are advocates for Alaska’s youth. Join our growing team! AASB is now accepting applications for the following position. Click on the title to see the full job description.
Transitions Coordinator
The ideal candidate will be experienced with early childhood development and postsecondary preparation. Preferred Qualifications: Background in early childhood education or early childhood development preferred. Other degrees in related content areas would be considered.
Fatherhood/Family Partnership Coordinator (Alaska STRONG Project Manager)
A full or part-time position to support school district and community staff working with fathers and co-parents to engage in culturally responsive learning and play with their child. A successful applicant would have experience and passion for family and school partnership, strengthening the roles of fathers, enjoy collaborating with state and federal partners, and appreciate local knowledge/contexts. The goal is to strengthen fatherhood skills, deepen family/school partnerships, and improve co-parenting relationships.
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Snow Time Like the Present to Review Your District’s Heating and Electrical Costs
John Ptacin, Sedor, Wendlandt, Evans & Filippi, LLC
Part 7 of the series “The Last Frontier facing the New Frontier.”
Alaska has had quite a wintry start to 2024. The Interior’s seen temperatures nearing 60 degrees below zero. Parts of Southeast have gotten record-breaking snowfall. And SouthCentral has had a taste of all of it all with cold and snow. Simply put, Alaska’s winter is defying predictions that an El Niño climate pattern would produce a warmer, less-snowy season.
Now that the cold snap has passed, let us all try to remember the fun of it all. For example, did you post a selfie next to a bank sign displaying negative temperatures? With all that “fun” comes consequences. We are about to pay higher than normal heating and electric bills as a result of the deep freeze. Superintendents and business managers are bracing for the economic impact of the cold snap.
So you may be asking:
- Is there someone making sure our District’s utility bills are fair?
- Can our District seek redress if we believe we’re paying too much in utility costs?
To answer these questions, its important to note two things about your local gas and electric utility.
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What justifies calling a Point of Order?
Ann Macfarlane, Professional Parliamentarian
The motion Point of Order is a request to the chair to enforce a parliamentary rule, which a member is claiming has just been broken, or is in the process of being broken.
Calling a Point of Order is a basic right of every member.
It is one way to help keep meetings civil, and the chair and
the members more aware of the rules.
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What happens where a School Board finds it has a vacancy?
Answer: School Boards have 30 days to fill a vacant seat. In this time, the board must:
- Advertise the vacancy.
- Solicit applications or nominations of any legally qualified citizen interested in serving on the school board.
- Provide candidates with appropriate information regarding school board responsibilities.
- Announce the names of candidates and accept public input either in writing or at a public meeting.
- Interview the candidates at a public meeting, and 6) select the provisional appointee by majority vote at a public meeting.
The person appointed will hold office until the next regularly scheduled election for district school board members, and shall have all the powers and duties of a school board member upon appointment.
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Senator Murkowski's
Summer High School Internship
Application Deadline: March 18, 11:59 pm AST
Senator Murkowski provides an opportunity each year for graduating high school seniors to be summer interns in her office. The interns have the opportunity to learn about the U.S. Senate, work in a professional office, shadow the Senator, attend meetings and committee hearings, perform special projects, have fun, and explore Washington,
Information | Application
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Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program
Application Deadline: March 18
The GPA program provides grants to institutions and private, nonprofit education entities that organize programs for K-12 teachers, college students, and faculty to engage in short- or long-term overseas projects focused on training, research, and curriculum development in modern foreign languages and area studies. IFLE expects to make 30 new awards totaling approximately $5.1 million.
Information | Application
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Alaska Teachers & Personnel Job Fair
Friday, March 1
Alaska Teachers & Personnel (ATP) will be hosting its annual Spring educator Expo job fair at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage on Friday, March 1, 2024. Concurrently, ATP has partnered with DEED to offer school districts support and professional development opportunities during the first annual Teacher Retention and Recruitment Convening (TRRC). The event will provide engaging discussions, networking, and practical takeaways.
Registration - ATP Job Fair | Registration - TRRC
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3rd Annual Alaska Science of Reading Symposium
April, 19 - 21, 2024
Our goal is to integrate reading science with classroom and leadership practices to boost student reading proficiency and celebrate statewide progress. National experts in the science of reading will discuss best practices and theories, providing stakeholders with evidence-based strategies for application in districts, schools, and classrooms.
Registration Now Open
Register Here | More Info Here
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Agenda
Day 1: Friday, April 19 - Know Better, Do Better
Day 2: Saturday, April 20 - Collaboration and Courage
Day 3: Sunday, April 21 - Walk the Talk
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LKSD board selects Andrew Anderson as new superintendent
Lower Kuskokwim School District (LKSD) school board members voted on Feb. 13 to appoint Andrew Anderson to take over the superintendent position after the current superintendent, Kimberly Hankins, retires.
Anderson has history in the Y-K Delta and throughout Alaska. He was superintendent for LKSD and held the positions of assistant superintendent and human resources director in that district as well. He’s also been principal or vice principal for a handful of schools in the Bering Strait School District, and he was the principal of Nome Beltz Jr./Sr. High School.
Read More
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Dunleavy threatens to veto public education funding bill unless legislators act on his priorities. Senate president sees approach as ‘It’s my way or the highway,’ while lawmakers have two weeks to meet the governor’s demands or face a veto – James Brooks & Claire Stremple, Alaska Beacon
Legislature approves education deal, setting up another showdown with Dunleavy – Matt Acuña Buxton, Alaska Current
With bipartisan action, Alaska House votes to increase public school funding formula. – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Alaska lawmakers grapple with test-score performance gap between charters and other public schools – Charter study does not point to how their testing success can be replicated in regular public schools – Claire Stemple, Alaska Beacon
Federal education officials say Alaska owes millions to Juneau, Kenai and North Slope school districts – Katie Anastas, KTOO
Alaska Senate passes new pension program for state employees, but final approval is in question – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
In State of State, Gov. Dunleavy pushes charter schools and teacher bonuses instead of student funding – Nolin Ainsworth & Steve Kirch, Alaska’s News Source
More State and Federal News
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Looking for a New Superintendent?
The Association of Alaska School Boards has been conducting successful and economical superintendent searches for over twenty years. Our Superintendent Search Service provides expert facilitation of the entire search process, including identifying the needs of the district, recruiting candidates, conducting background searches, facilitating interviews, and all the steps to help with the hiring process.
If you would like AASB to conduct a superintendent search for your district, or have questions, Learn More or Contact Us
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Association of Alaska School Boards | aasb.org | |
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