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LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY
Partnering for Student Success
Lon Garrison, Executive Director, AASB
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“Partnering for Student Success,” is a call to action that goes beyond our immediate roles and responsibilities. It is a theme that urges us to join forces and advocate for the adequate funding of public education, for the benefit of our students, our educators, and the future of our great state.
The impact of inflation on the operational costs of our schools, combined with the lack of strategic and long-term investment in public education, cannot be overstated. As prices have risen, our budgets have been strained, and the quality of education we can provide is put at greater and greater risk every day. Adequate funding is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is what allows us to keep our classrooms equipped with the required resources for effective learning, modern technology, qualified educators, and an environment conducive to learning. We must collaborate to ensure that our students have access to the tools they need in this rapidly changing world.
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BOARD DEVELOPMENT
Making the Most of Policy Review
Katie Oliver, Policy and Superintendent Search Manager
The Ready Set Govern sessions at the AASB Annual Conference were the place to be for meeting new people and digging into board responsibilities, policy development, and exploring what exactly makes a meeting (and what is a work session, anyway?).
I was genuinely impressed with the engagement and critical questions from the cohort of newly elected board members during our work together. With this column, I’d like to address a few policy questions that I heard at Ready Set Govern, and have heard again in follow-up inquiries in the ensuing weeks.
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CONDITIONS FOR LEARNING
Empowering Youth Leadership and Learning in Alaska
Conditions for Learning Team
This year, the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) hosted by the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) brought together bright minds to delve into vital educational topics. The main focus was the Statewide School Climate & Connectedness Survey (SCCS), a pivotal tool for assessing the “Conditions for Learning” in schools across Alaska.
What exactly are the Conditions for Learning? Drawing parallels with Alaska’s abundant berry harvest, which thrives under optimal soil, sun, and rain conditions, students’ success similarly hinges on certain educational environments. These environments, as identified through educational research and student narratives, are where students feel safe, supported, and engaged. When these conditions are met, just like the berries, students can flourish.
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Registration for AASB's 2023
December Conferences is Now Open!
Events will take place at the Clarion Suites Downtown, Anchorage.
An exciting lineup of engaging and informative training sessions designed for School Board members and Executive Administrative Assistants is coming your way in December!
| Questions? Contact Jenni Lefing or call us at (907) 463-1660. |
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Executive Administrative
Assistants Training
December 7-8, 2023
AASB’s annual Executive Administrative Assistants Training is an opportunity for Executive Admins from around the state to connect, learn and engage with each other.
Topics will include:
- Role of the Board Secretary
- Effective board meetings
- Meeting minutes
- Keeping Track of Board Policy
- and more!
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Winter Boardsmanship Academy
Friday, December 8, 2023 – School Law & Policy Day
AASB is partnering with ISER for this year’s School Law & Policy Day, which is focused on Public Education Funding In Alaska and the Concept of Adequacy.
Topics covered on Friday will include:
- Laws of Education Funding in Alaska
- How Schools are Funded
- Adequacy in Education Funding
- The Role of Data.
All attendees are also invited to attend the Helen & Edward Gorsuch Public Policy Forum on Thursday, December 7, for a reception and panel discussion on Public Education Funding in Alaska.
Saturday, December 9, 2023 – Equity Day
Equity Day will focus on Equity within your role as a school board and an opportunity to connect, plan together, and discuss the best ways to work together.
Topics on Saturday will include:
- Teacher Recruitment and Retention (TRR) Playbook for School Boards
- 2023 Policy Updates
- Your Role and Responsibility in Equity
- and much more!
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Optional & Free Event
for Winter Academy Attendees!
Public Education Funding in Alaska:
What We Know, What We Don’t Know, and How Others Do It
Thursday, December 7, 2023
5:30 pm Reception & 7:00 pm Panel
Join ISER for a seminar exploring how we finance education in Alaska, including the history of the school funding system, how our investments compare with those in other states, the impact of funding decisions on our schools and students, and how other states determine funding adequacy and mechanisms. Click here to learn more Event Flyer
University of Alaska Anchorage — Campus ARTS Building Room 105
Light snacks and refreshments provided.
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Thanks to our PLUS sponsors for making these events possible! | | |
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SUPPORT SOLUTIONS
Linked to Success: A Coordinated Approach to Empowering Districts
Jesse Carnahan, CEO, Lynx Education
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AASB & Lynx unite to offer personalized district support services
This 70th anniversary of the Association of Alaska School Boards' Annual Conference served as a vital platform for members to engage around pressing concerns in education. As new technologies and tools emerge, we heard from districts their continued commitment to providing more opportunities to their students, advocating for greater and faster internet access, and preserving invaluable in-person experiences in local communities, including experiences in language and culture.
With all of this in mind, AASB and Lynx have developed a strategic collaboration to enhance educational experiences, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of school district administration, and raise student achievement through strategic initiatives with districts and communities.
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EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
New Year, New Goals
Lael Oldmixon, Executive Director, Alaska 529, Education Trust of Alaska
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We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” – Edith Lovejoy Pierce
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Closing the final chapter of another year is a time to look forward to the light and opportunities of a new year with optimism and fresh eyes. It is a time of new beginnings and a renewed focus on goals. As a goal-oriented person, I’d like to suggest a few tips for achieving your 2024 goals.
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2024 First-term Board Member Webinar Series
Webinars start January 9, 2024!
Registration is now open!
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! Click here to register for ALL webinars listed on the schedule below.
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Welcome to the School Board and AASB Board Standards
January 9, 12-1 pm | Register
School Law Basics
January 16, 12-1 pm | Register
Conducting Effective Meetings & Roberts Rules of Order Basics
January 23, 12-1 pm | Register
The Superintendent – Building a Relationship
January 30, 12-1 pm | Register
School Finance with an Expert!
February 6, 12-1 pm | Register
The Board and the Budget
February 20, 12-1 pm | Register
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The Funding Formula with DEED
February 27, 12-1 pm | Register
Board Policy – Development and Governance
March 5, 12-1 pm | Register
Working with Your Board
March 12, 12-1 pm | Register
Working with your Community
March 19, 12-1 pm | Register
Holding Your Meeting Remotely
April 26, 12-1 pm | Register
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2024 School Climate & Connectedness Survey (SCCS)
There's still time to register!
2024 Statewide SCCS Window:
January 22 – March 15
Districts select 1 four-week window
for students & staff
We invite your district to participate in the 2024 School Climate & Connectedness Survey (SCCS). Each year, the majority of Alaska school districts collect and use school climate data to improve and strengthen school environments, relationships, and connections between students, staff and families.
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70th Annual Conference Recap
Our sincere thanks to all who attended AASB's 70th Annual Conference! Your contributions made this landmark event unforgettable.
The sessions covered vital topics that included emerging educational technologies, advocacy, equity, inclusion, and adaptive policy-making. Keynote speakers, leading minds in their fields, offered inspiring, practical insights into the evolving educational landscape.
The four-day conference showcased a diverse lineup of presenters and workshops designed to enrich understanding of leadership, governance, and student success. We hope attendees were informed, inspired, and ready to foster positive change in their communities! Your participation was greatly appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you next year at the 71st Annual Conference!
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AASB members who attended the Annual Conference can access slideshows and other resources by logging into your AASB Connect account.
Click the button below to go to the AASB Connect login page.
If you need help logging in, contact Heather Shaw or call (907) 463-1673.
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LKSD's Ayaprun Elitnaurvik Dancers performed at Saturday's General Session.
Photo © Lynx Education
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AASB President Kasaŋnaaluk Marie Greene introduces DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop.
Photo © Lynx Education
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Sen. Murkowski addressed attendees during a General Session. Photo © Lynx Education | |
Representative Mary Peltola made remarks via video. Photo © Lynx Education | |
Barb Jewel received the Carl Rose Governance Award for her outstanding service. Since joining the Cordova School Board in 2013, she has completed nine terms as President, tirelessly advocating for Alaska's youth. | |
Delta Greely School Board was honored as School Board of the Year, reflecting their exceptional dedication and continued commitment to providing outstanding service to their students. | |
Author and education consultant Fredrick Lane presented on aspects of generative technology: student use, risks, policy and legal implications. Photo © Lynx Education | |
NASDTEC Senior Policy Advisor Troy Hutchings explored the critical role ethics plays in creating trust in the public education system. Photo © Lynx Education | |
The Lynx Education leadership team discussed the current state of Artificial Intelligence use in Alaska Schools during Thursday's Experienced Board Member Academy. | |
The conference exhibition hall bustled with attendees exploring a diverse array of sponsor booths offering the latest innovations and networking opportunities. | |
Auctioneers inspired bidders to take it higher! This year's June Nelson Memorial Scholarship Auction raised enough to fund fourteen student scholarships. Many thanks to all the donors and item purchasers! | |
YLI students assisted during the June Nelson auction by circulating through the ballroom to provide audience members a detailed view of each item up for bid. | |
Tiffany Jackson and her daughter Willow proudly display magnificent beaded headdresses in honor of Traditional Wear Day. | |
Saturday afternoon Roundtable discussions offered school board members and students an occasion to share and learn about issues and opportunities in their districts. | |
NSBA President Kristi Swett and Nick Hanson, known as the Eskimo Ninja, engaging with students at YLI in a discussion on leadership. | |
Youth Leadership Institute Highlights | |
Facing the Future Young people from across Alaska convened at the Youth Leadership Conference, an event dedicated to empowering these emerging leaders to use their voices as catalysts for change in their schools and communities. Photos © Lynx Education | |
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Senator Lisa Murkowski shares a laugh with Youth Leadership Institute attendees.
Photo © Lynx Education
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A group of students brainstorm strategies to
foster positive and supportive environments within their schools.
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Roundtable discussions provided an opportunity for board members and students to share their perspectives on a range of issues. | |
YLI students participate in a panel discussion. | |
Nick Hanson "The Eskimo Ninja" leads Youth Leadership Institute attendees in an interactive activity. | |
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YLI 2023 Reflections
Claudia Plesa, Conditions for Learning Manager
Over 85 students from across the state attended YLI 2023, alongside over 25 caring adults/chaperones. Students leaders came from Alaska Gateway, Aleutians East, Anchorage, Bering Strait School District, Chatham, Copper River, Cordova, Kenai, Fairbanks, Galena, Hoonah, Iditerod, Juneau, Kake, Kashinamiut, Kodiak, Kuspuk, Lower Kuskokwim, Lower, Yukon, North Slope, Northwest Arctic School District, Sitka, Southeast Island, Yukon Koyokuk, Yupiit school districts.
Students got to know each other, took part in planning workshops around issues impacting their peers, shared their experiences with board members and educational leaders from across the state.
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Many thanks to our sponsors for helping to make
AASB's 70th Annual Conference a big success!
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Practical Resources for
Today’s Education Challenges
As a followup to the the many excellent presentations at AASB’s Annual Conference, here's an array of useful resources from Education Northwest that offer strategic steps and policy considerations for school boards.
These resources can be an invaluable tool for educators, policy makers, and educational leaders seeking to enhance learning experiences and policy development in schools.
Resource highlights include:
- guides on the integration of Artificial Intelligence in education
- strategies to amplify youth voice in decision-making processes
- practical tools for whole child development
- academic standards review checklist
- tools for enhancing literacy, particularly for English learners and students with dyslexia.
This wealth of information can support efforts to improve educational outcomes and adapt to the evolving landscape of learning and teaching. Dive in to explore these resources and see how they might benefit your school district.
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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.
Data and Evaluation Coordinator
The Data and Evaluation Coordinator supports AASB staff, school districts, and community partners to utilize a wide range of data and evaluation tools for program planning and decision-making. The ideal candidate is passionate about education and using data to improve student outcomes, particularly addressing issues of equity and access.
Communications and Event Coordinator
The Association of Alaska School Boards is looking for a communications and event coordinator for the Conditions for Learning (CFL) Team. This position creates strong communications and organizational systems for the CFL Team. This position will help with organizing and sharing the work of the CFL team that focuses on student well-being, youth leadership, family engagement, and school improvement.
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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Blocking trolls on Facebook. First Amendment issues when School District Officials use social media.
Part 4 of the series “The Last Frontier facing the New Frontier.”
Allen Clendaniel, Sedor, Wendlandt, Evans & Filippi, LLC
The Internet dramatically changed how we communicate. I’m not a historian, but I would wager that the internet changed human communication more than the printing press or radio and television. Then as we were just getting used to email, blogs, and message boards social media exploded onto society.
This generation of young people communicate completely differently than past generations.
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What does it look like if the chair is
being a bully?
Ann Macfarlane, Professional Parliamentarian
Do you suspect that your chair is being a bully? Essentially, this occurs when the chair is not doing their duty to protect the rights of members during meetings, and allows their own personal beliefs or preferences to override their commitment to their duties as chair.
Here are some examples. In my opinion these would be considered bullying only if they occur, not because of a single mistake or oversight, but frequently.
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Do we need to keep paper copies of all agendas and minutes?
Question: When cleaning out files, there are binders and binders of paper copies of agendas and minutes from board meetings. Our agendas and board meeting minutes are all stored digitally in the district archives. Do we need to keep paper copies of all agendas and minutes?
Answer: IF you have digital copies stored in a secure digital location you DO NOT need to keep paper copies of these items.
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Complimentary Event
December 13, 2023
Join the National School Boards Association for an online gathering dedicated to addressing unique challenges and opportunities in rural education. Participants will hear thought-provoking discussions and learn innovative strategies to foster a supportive network that empowers rural communities to enhance educational outcomes and promote equitable access to quality education.
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Visit nsba.org for event details and schedule.
Informational Flyer
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2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year Nominations Open
Recognize skilled and accomplished teachers in your school by nominating them for Alaska Teacher of the Year. Eligible nominees should have over five years of educational experience and be teaching during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. The winner represents Alaska as 2025 State Teacher of the Year.
Nomination Deadline: January 31, 2024
Nomination Form
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2024 iDidaContest
Digital Media Showcase for Students/Teachers
Now accepting submissions for digital media including photos, movies, documentaries, podcasts, music, books, and more.
New this year: Digital Art and AI categories, plus special Social Studies-themed categories in partnership with the Alaska Council for Social Studies.
Submission Deadline: January 31, 2024
Details on ASTE iDidaContest website.
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Alaska Native Education Program (ANEP) Applications Open
The U.S. Department of Education is accepting applications for ANEP, aimed at improving educational outcomes for Alaska Natives. Eligible: Alaska Native organizations/entities with relevant experience/partnerships. Funding: approx. $15.9 million, grants $300,000 to $1.5 million.
Application Deadline: February 13, 2024
More info at https://www.grants.gov.
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School Health Echo Virtual Learning Series:
Chronic Absenteeism
This network offers education professionals (administrators, nurses, etc.) the opportunity to engage with medical and education experts in Alaska, focusing on health in education settings and safe school environments. Upcoming Webinars:
Chronic Absenteeism Panel Discussion
Monday, December 4, 3:00-4:00 pm AKST
Pop-Up ECHO: Chronic Absenteeism with Attendance Works
Thursday, December 7, 3:30 - 4:30 pm AKST
Register for December webinars
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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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