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LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY
Maintaining Nonpartisan Local Control
Lon Garrison, Executive Director, AASB
| October is an important time for most of Alaska’s local governments and school boards because it is when our local elections are held. Back in early 2021, I wrote the following article about the importance of protecting local control through nonpartisan elections. I think it is an appropriate reminder of what is at stake as we go to the polls soon. | Alaska’s model of school governance is most likely one of the purest forms of representative democracy that exists. Any qualified citizen of a municipality, borough, or regional education attendance, no matter their political leanings or affiliations, profession, ethnicity, religion, gender, or level of education, may run for the office of school board member. The elections are nonpartisan, meaning each school board member’s seat is not aligned with a political affiliation. There are no recognized political majorities or minorities on school boards. Thus, any qualified resident of the community has the opportunity to be a representative voice for governing the local educational system. This was the specific intent of the founding legislature and the Alaska Constitution. | |
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New AASB Resources explain Alaska's Foundation Formula
The Foundation Formula is a crucial component of Alaska’s education funding system, and understanding it is essential for educators, policymakers, and communities.
The formula was developed by the Alaska Legislature in an effort to address the challenges of public education funding disparities, and attempts to account for differing size schools in diverse locations, district cost factors, and the needs of enrolled members.
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AASB has produced the following resources to provide a better understanding of the Foundation Formula and its functioning:
- 10 minute video breaks down the funding formula into easily understandable terms and highlights key elements.
- 1-page Foundation Formula summary sheet provides a quick reference guide for those seeking a concise overview.
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BOARD DEVELOPMENT
Ten Tips for New Board Members
Timi Tullis, Associate Executive Director
This summer I started a great project, reading through every Commentary since AASB began publishing the newsletter in 1972. What I have learned is fascinating! An ah-ha for me is that some things never change. Some of the same issues that have come up each year are the exact same issues we face today, including adequate funding.
The following is from an article on what every new member should know. As elections are right around the corner, now is a great time to remember these tips and share them with newly elected members, as well as remind our veteran members about these tips.. Feel free to read them out loud at the meeting when you swear in new members or go over them at a retreat or work session.
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CONDITIONS FOR LEARNING
2024 AASB School Climate & Connectedness Survey
Kami Moore, School Climate and Connectedness Coordinator
Building and maintaining a positive school climate is essential for creating a school setting that cultivates learning, academic achievement, and student growth. The School Climate and Connectedness Survey (SCCS) provides a unique opportunity to measure student, staff and family perceptions on school climate.
Topics measured by SCCS include but are not limited to:
- How students, staff and families view school climate
- How connected students feel to adults and peers
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Family/school Partnerships
A positive school climate is linked to student and family engagement, academic achievement, and staff retention. Data from SCCS can be used as a first step to improving and strengthening school environments, relationships, and connections between students, staff, and families. By identifying areas of strength and opportunities to improve, schools can implement more targeted strategies to build connections and positive climates. Participating in SCCS also opens up additional opportunities for grant programs through AASB to support initiatives to improve school climate.
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AASB Maintenance Employees Conference
October 4-5
AASB and Alaska Public Entity Insurance (APEI) is teaming up to bring you the 10th annual Maintenance Employees Conference, October 4-5, 2023, at the Clarion Suites Anchorage.
The 2-day conference will provide content centered on school district maintenance issues and safety. Attendees will learn from experts and peers, and network with other maintenance employees from across the state.
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ALASBO Good Alaska School Maintenance
Professional Training
October 6
This one-day training, also located at the Clarion Suites Downtown Anchorage, is for facility operations staff, including management, maintenance and custodial.
This training, occurring immediately after the AASB Maintenance Employee Conference, will include maintenance best practices, operational staff roles in design, custodial management principles and compliance, CMMS and other key aspects of facility operations in Alaska. The event will include some hands-on training, so come properly attired to visit operational facility spaces such as mechanical rooms and roofs.
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AASB's 70th Annual Conference
Join us November 9-12, 2023 at the Hilton Anchorage for AASB's 70th Annual Conference!
This year's in-person Annual Conference will include two general sessions, over 15 breakout sessions, roundtables, snapshot sessions, networking opportunities, June Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser, Delegate Assembly, and more! We look forward to seeing you there!
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AASB's Youth Leadership Institute
Held in conjunction with the Annual Conference, YLI students will spend 4 days with peers and guest speakers from across Alaska. This year's theme, "Partnering for Student Success," will empower youth to use their voices to be change-makers in their schools and communities. Engaging breakout sessions with speakers and school board members enables conversations at a level unique to Youth Leadership Institute.
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FEATURED CONFERENCE PRESENTERS | |
Frederick Lane
Speaker, Experienced Board Member Academy
Author, attorney, educational consultant, and nationally-recognized expert in the areas of cybersafety, personal privacy, and digital misconduct. His presentation will focus on generative technologies and their ethical implications.
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Troy Hutchings
Keynote Speaker
Friday General Session
Senior Policy Advisor, National Association for the State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). He will speak on the areas of professional ethics, educator misconduct and frameworks for ethical teaching practices.
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Kristi Swett
Keynote Speaker
Saturday General Session
2023-24 NSBA President and member of the Salt Lake City School Board since 2003. A tireless advocate for public education, she believes in the importance of preparing all students for success in college, career, and life.
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Click button to learn more about keynote speakers, hotels, agendas, and more: | |
YOUTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE | |
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AASB Invites Student Leaders to Youth Leadership Institute 2023
Each year, the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) is honored to support youth leaders from over 25 Alaskan school districts at the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI). YLI 2023 takes place November 9-12, in conjunction with AASB’s Annual Conference. This year our focus is to strengthen youth leadership, advocacy and self care skills. Click on last year's video to find out more about what students had to say about YLI 2022.
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(Above) Youth presenting out their plans and ideas for school climate improvements at YLI 2022
(Below) Youth planning in district teams.
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YLI 2023 Workshops
In addition to presentations from AASB staff on the topic of self-care, YLI also highlights Alaskan speakers who inspire students to care for themselves to care for others. YLI 2023 speakers include Elder Liz Sunnyboy, Kyle Worl and Nick Hansen. Students will practice public speaking, build up their tools for advocacy to include storytelling with Lakrisha Chookan Brady, and have opportunities to discuss issues faced by Alaskan students with their school boards.
Planning for a Positive School Climate
Additionally, students will reflect on their experience in school and plan a project meant to improve their school climate, build skills with their peers, and bring their schools and communities closer together.
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YLI T-Shirt Contest & Scholarship
The Association of Alaska School Boards’ Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) is looking for a logo design for this year’s YLI conference - created by the students, for the students!
The new logo will be printed on the YLI t-shirts that students will receive at the conference, and may be used on the AASB website, social media sites, posters, etc. The first-place winner will receive an iPad and a scholarship to attend YLI (registration fees and cost of travel). All youth in Alaska are encouraged to submit a logo design!
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Highlight good youth work at YLI
It is our honor to be part of the students’ leadership journey and to learn from the young leaders at YLI. Please reach out with strategies or ideas you use for youth leadership development. The YLI team is happy to highlight and incorporate those best practices into our work at YLI and to support students when they go home.
Contact AASB
To find out more about YLI 2023, or to register youth, contact cplesa@aasb.org or call 907-463-1660.
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Elder Liz Sunnyboy sitting with students at YLI 202 | |
GET INVOLVED IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE! | |
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Submit Resolutions
AASB is seeking resolutions, amendments to resolutions, and comments from local school boards for review at the 2023 Annual Conference.
Resolutions Submission Deadline:
October 10
Learn More
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Submit Award Nominations
The nominating period is open for three member school district opportunities:
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AASB BOD Nominations are due October 19, 2023.
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Carl Rose Governance and the Outstanding School Board Nominations are due October 13, 2023.
Learn More
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Donate Items to the June Nelson Scholarship Fundraiser
This scholarship is made possible and funded by individual contributions of school board members and administrators from across the state!
To donate an item contact
aasb@aasb.org or 907-463-1660
Learn More
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
FOR HELPING TO MAKE THE CONFERENCE POSSIBLE
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The Alaska Family Engagement Center (AFEC) is recruiting for a Family Advisory Board!
Are you, or someone you know, interested in joining a statewide network of families who can provide insights and guide family partnership work?
Considering submitting a nomination or self-nomination to join the FAB! All nominations can be made using this nomination form.
FAB members will provide insight and guidance on the work being done in districts across the state to help assure that AFEC is meeting the needs of families. The FAB will meet virtually monthly to share ideas and discuss family partnership and engagement between schools and families across the state, with occasional in-person meetings. Your district does not need to be an AFEC district partner in order to be a part of the Family Advisory Board. This opportunity is open to anyone.
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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.
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Reflections on Litigating in Alaska Courts and the thorny issue of who pays for litigation
Part 2 of the series “The Last Frontier facing the New Frontier.”
John Ptacin, Sedor, Wendlandt, Evans & Filippi, LLC
Hopefully, your School District will not get sued, but if it faces litigation, plaintiffs usually seek monetary damages. A common lawsuit school districts face involves claims for monetary damages for physical injuries that occurred on school grounds.
In the “new frontier,” School Districts increasingly face the possibility of a different type of lawsuit—where the plaintiff does not seek any money damages. Instead of money, these plaintiffs only seek a court order restraining the School District from taking certain actions or, alternatively, compelling the School District to act in a certain way. This type of award is called an injunction or injunctive relief.
School Board Members and Administrators need to understand that even if a plaintiff does not seek monetary damages, a School District must still prepare for the hidden costs of defending against a lawsuit for injunctive relief. The costs include drafting an answer to the complaint, obtaining discovery from the plaintiffs, briefing complex issues for the Court, and trying the case.
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Reconsider, Rescind, or Amend a previous decision
Ann Macfarlane, Professional Parliamentarian
Some years ago, I had a dramatic exposure to the motion “to Reconsider.” At a 2-day meeting of our professional society board, one member (I’ll call him “Alex”) proposed that our society spend $4000 on radio spots in Washington, DC. He felt that we needed to develop a public relations strategy, and that this would be a great entry into the market. The motion passed.
At the board dinner that evening, people who knew something about PR complained that this would be a waste of money, since it was not “targeted marketing.” Alex, however, argued that not only was it a great move, in fact, we should increase the amount.
The next morning, Alex asked how we could add more money to the PR effort. I suggested that he move to “Reconsider” the motion.
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Does a student representative on the board have the opportunity to vote?
If so, how does the voting process work? Is their vote purely advisory, or does it hold any formal weight?
Answer: The student representative on the board typically gets an advisory vote. Best practice is to allow them to vote first, hence offering their 'advice' to the board through their vote. It's important to note that student representatives are not permitted to vote on budget or personnel issues.
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DEED Publishes the Teacher Retention and Recruitment Playbook
The Playbook identifies practical, professional, and policy recommendations to address Alaska's persistent issues with retention and recruitment. It also provides implementation strategies for all stakeholder groups.
Get the TRR Playbook here.
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Orange Shirt Day is September 30 - Educational Toolkit Offered
Orange Shirt Day is a National Day of Remembrance of Indigenous Boarding Schools. The Alaska Children’s Trust in partnership with the Alaska Native Heritage Center, are offering an Educational Toolkit and other resources for parents, teachers, afterschool providers, and every Alaskan.
Get the Orange Shirt Day Educational Toolkit here.
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DEED SURVEY: Assessment for Alaska Native Students
DEED has partnered with Denali Daniels to seek input from parents, educators and community members to understand assessment needs for Alaska Native students. Share your perspectives by taking the survey.
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Coding in Minecraft Available Free to Alaska Teachers & Students
Coding in Minecraft uses Minecraft: Education Edition to teach block-based coding at levels suitable for students in upper elementary, middle, and high school. The program is designed so that teachers with little or no experience coding can incorporate it in their classrooms.
Teachers who want to use the program in their classroom can sign up for workshops
For more info email Faye Tanner
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57th Annual
Alaska Principals' Conference
The event will be held October 13-14 at the Downtown Sheraton in Anchorage. Attendees will network with colleagues, attend educational sessions, and hear from inspiring keynote speakers. With a focus on leadership, innovation, and best practices in education, this conference is a must-attend for principals, assistant principals, and other educational leaders.
Register Here
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Updated Guidance for District-Wide Early Education Programs
DEED has updated guidance for districts interested in having an approved district-wide early education program (DWEEP).
This approved program leads to 0.5 ADM formula funding for four and five-year-old students enrolled in an approved DWEEP.
Questions: earlylearning@alaska.gov
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U.S. Senate Youth Program
Open to juniors and seniors who hold elected positions in student government during the 2023-2024 academic year. Each delegate receives a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship and will participate in the USSYP Washington Week in Washington, D.C., March 2-9, 2024. Two Alaska students will join 102 other delegates for an intensive educational program about the workings of the Senate and the federal government overall.
Application Packet - Applications due by 5 p.m. 25 October 2023
More information: 907-465-6542 or bjorn.wolter@alaska.gov
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Dr. Roy Getchell named Superintendent of the Year
Dr. Roy Getchell, Superintendent of the Haines Borough School District, has been named 2024 Alaska Superintendent of the Year by the Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA).
Dr. Getchell has served as Superintendent of Haines Borough School District since 2018. He currently serves as the ASA Board President, and the Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA) President, was the past Board Chair of SERRC, and serves on their Executive Committee. He previously represented Alaska on the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Governing Board.
Since 2018, Dr. Getchell has provided the Haines Borough School District with steady, thoughtful, and measured leadership. He skillfully led through the 2020 landslide that tragically took the life of a Haines teacher and the COVID-19 Pandemic. In the wake of these events that significantly impacted the school district and community, "Dr. Getchell demonstrated considerable grace and thought in his response," said Dr. Michelle Sloper, Haines Borough School Board President.
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Anchorage - ASD, Assembly discuss projected 2025 budget deficit at joint meeting - Steve Kirch, Alaska's News Source
Fairbanks - School board votes unanimously in favor of new teacher contract - Carter DeJong, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Kenai - School district warns of looming $13 million deficit in first ‘Budget 101’ presentation. The first installment explored Alaska’s foundation formula - Ashlyn O'Hara, Peninsula Clarion
Kenai - Assembly asks legislature to consider school board term limits - Ashlyn O'Hara, Peninsula Clarion
Ketchikan - School Board OKs re-hire policy for retired teachers - Sam Stockbridge, Ketchikan Daily News
Klawock - Generations Southeast Expands to Include Prince of Wales Island Campus - Alaska Native News
Kodiak - After viral ad offering expense-free living, Alaska community will have school for the first time since 2018 - Brian Venua, KMXT
Lower Kuskokwim - State and local officials hurry to get Napakiak a temporary watering point - Sunni Bean, KYUK
Mat-Su - Mat-Su Borough School Board implements lottery system for public testimony - Georgina Fernandez and Lex Yelverton, Alaska's News Source
Nome - Western Alaska welcomes teachers from near and far - Anna Lionas, Nome Nugget
Northwest Arctic Borough - Kivalina school opens three weeks late - Alena Naiden, Arctic Sounder
Petersburg – Petersburg School District to cut back on sugar and salt; possibly add traditional foods to school meal – Shelby Herbert, KFSK
Sitka - Sitka schools superintendent on road to recovery after sustaining serious injuries in a fall - KCAW News
More Alaska School District News
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State Dept of Education releases playbook on teacher retention – Carter DeJong, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Alaska's K–3 readers undergo statewide testing. 'Alaska Reads Act' to decide targeted reading plans - Sunni Bean, KYUK
Children hit hardest by the pandemic are now the big kids at school. Many still need reading help - Heather Hollingsworth, Associated Press
Here are the 3 schools in Alaska named National Blue Ribbon Schools - Tegan Hanlon, Anchorage Daily News
Schools across Alaska receive emailed bomb threats - Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media
It’s Back to School for Cyber Gangs, Too - Mark Keierleber, The 74
State Board of Education bars trans girls from girls high school sports teams. Schools or school districts must create separate athletic categories for cisgender girls and other student athletes - Ashlyn O'Hara, Homer News
Alaska’s newest education commissioner discusses trans athletes, increasing child literacy and reducing turnover - Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media
Gov. Dunleavy appoints new regent to University of Alaska board - Claire Stremple, Alaska Beacon
Alaska Gov. Dunleavy switches budget directors - KINY, Juneau
U.S. Department of Education Awards Nearly $199 Million to Improve Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities Through Partnerships - U.S. Department of Education
Alaska Science Olympiad seeks teams for 2024 - Delta Discovery
Alaska leaders protest federal guidance on funding for weapons in schools, saying it affects hunting and archery programs - Riley Rogerson, ADN
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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