Dear State Commissioners and Ex-officio Members,
The heat wave that has engulfed much of the United States recently certainly hasn’t slowed down military transfers. With our men and women in uniform moving across the country and overseas and back, their children continue to need our services. We’re grateful for your continued commitment to helping them navigate transitions that can be challenging even in the best of times.
As you know, many states are preparing to resume in-person classes for the 2021-22 academic year. While the Compact doesn’t cover the actual conduct of the educational process, the difficulties of resuming face-to-face instruction under pandemic conditions can increase the stress level on military families and educators alike. While our services are defined and limited by the Compact, we can certainly provide confidence and reassurance to the families we serve. It’s even more important now that we work closely with DoD’s network of excellent school liaisons and our dedicated ex officio organizations to support our service members and children.
The Annual Business Meeting (ABM) is only three months away! We’ve planned for an in-person event this year and have provided a virtual option for members who are unable to travel. The online registration was released and we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.
A Commissioner Townhall has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 18 from 2:00-3:00pm ET to review the travel policy and requirements (including reimbursements, deadlines) and answer questions regarding the upcoming ABM. While it is targeted for new Commissioners, the information is helpful for all members. Register here.
Several members have expressed concerns regarding COVID and the rising number of cases across the nation, and in Arkansas. I want to assure you the Executive Committee is tracking the data and could move to a full virtual meeting if necessary. I sincerely hope to host the Commission in Little Rock - pandemic conditions permitting.
Collectively, our standing committees are completing their tasks for the second year of the strategic plan. We’re making good progress and we appreciate the hard work in achieving the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan.
Due by August 31 – submit your reports to mic3info@csg.org:
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Submit your State's Position on the best way forward to serve reserve component families by the August 31 deadline. (ref. Commissioner Guidance) Your report will help prepare for our broader discussion and decision-making at the ABM
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The Compliance Committee extended the deadline for End-of-Year Reports to August 31. Though there is no formal template, you may view sample submittals here. Tracked by the Compliance Committee, an annual report is required by member states under the State Coordination Policy (#1-2017). View the report of submittals received to date.
Thank you again for all that you do. Take care, stay safe and healthy, and I hope to see you all on November 4 here in Little Rock!
Respectfully,
John I. "Don" Kaminar
Chair
