Arkansas School Boards Association

Happy Thanksgiving from ASBA! 🦃🍂 This season, we're especially thankful for the incredible dedication and leadership of Arkansas school board members. Your commitment to student-focused leadership makes a lasting difference in the lives of students across our state. *ASBA offices will be closed from November 25-29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Wishing you a joyful and relaxing holiday with family and friends! #StudentFocusedLeadership

🎉 𝐀𝐒𝐁𝐀’𝐬 𝟕𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞! Join us December 11-13, 2024, in Little Rock for an exceptional conference experience! This year’s theme, "Resilient and Ready - Leading Tomorrow's Schools Today," is packed with engaging sessions and inspiring speakers, including: ✨ 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 & 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬: - Beau McCastlain, 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year (Dec. 11) - Willow Sweeney, Co-Founder of Top 20 Training (Dec. 12) - Chris Chism, Superintendent of Pearl, MS, and AI Specialist (Dec. 12) - Jacob Oliva, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Education (Dec. 13) 📚 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬: - Superintendent & Board Relationships - School District Finance - Equity & Achievement - Behavior & Mental Health Systems ...and more! 🏆 Celebrate school board achievements, student speaking contest winners, and contributions to education across the state! Can’t make it in person? We’re offering 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 at a discounted rate. 📅 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐰 before rates increase after November 22! Learn more about available conference packages at https://www.arsba.org/article/1808676. Full conference details and the complete schedule will be released soon. 📍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨: - 🗓 Dates: Dec. 11-13, 2024 - 📍 Location: Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock - 🏆 Training Credit: Up to 15 Hours - 📄Schedule at a Glance: bit.ly/3CFDbxL 👉 Register today via the “Registrations/Publications” tab in AR Board Connect (bit.ly/arboardconnect)! #StudentFocusedLeadership #ResilientandReady

📢 From the Boardroom of Mount Ida Schools - At their September 26, 2024, Board of Education meeting, the Mount Ida school board voted to purchase a former automotive oil changing station that Mount Ida High School will utilize to teach students beginning automotive service technician skills. “This is an exciting program for our boys and hopefully girls who will choose this career pathway, as well as foster growth within our community,” shared Mount Ida High School Principal Randi Hickman. Superintendent Ann Gardner told the board that the plan was to secure a start-up grant in late spring and then begin retrofitting the building to offer classes in the fall of 2025. She explained that the purchase would allow the district to increase its educational “H2” pathways, which the Arkansas Department of Education considers “high demand and high wage” based on a 10-year forecast of employment opportunities for high school students. Job well done to the Mount Ida Board of Education and administration for creating this opportunity for students to expand their career-ready skills! 🌟 #FromtheBoardroom #StudentFocusedLeadership

📣 Remember to submit your "From the Boardroom" stories! We want to showcase the recognitions and successes from your school board meetings! Whether it's student/staff achievements, innovative programs, or facilities updates, we’d love to feature them on our website and social media. Submit your stories at bit.ly/fromtheboardroom. Alternatively, you can always submit positive stories and celebrations, "from the boardroom" or otherwise, to jprothro@arsba.org. Help us tell the story of education in Arkansas! 📚#StudentFocusedLeadership #FromTheBoardroom

🌟 Board Spotlight 🌟 Today, we celebrate Highland School District Board members as they took part in a special visit to Cherokee Elementary, kicking off a new rotation of campus tours designed to highlight the incredible work happening in their schools. Superintendent Jeremy Lewis guided the group as they explored classrooms, interacted with students, and connected with the dedicated educators and staff who bring learning to life every day. From hands-on activities to creative projects and interactive lessons, Cherokee Elementary showcased a dynamic environment where students thrive. Superintendent Lewis emphasized the value of these visits, saying, "Having our board members in the schools allows them to see firsthand the exceptional work our educators are doing and the joy our students find in learning. It's inspiring for everyone involved and strengthens our commitment to supporting these incredible efforts." Thank you, Highland School District and Cherokee Elementary, for providing such a vibrant example of student-focused leadership! A special shoutout to Highland School Board members for their dedication: - Mr. Justin Dunn - Mr. Jason Rhodes - Mrs. Sandy Murphy - Mrs. Renee Clay-Circle - Dr. Austin Gilbreath - Mr. Johnny Carter - Mr. David Gibson Your leadership is essential in shaping the future of education in Arkansas! #StudentFocusedLeadership

This Veterans Day, we pause to honor and recognize all veterans who have selflessly sacrificed to protect our freedoms. We extend our deepest gratitude to those who have served. 🇺🇸 *ASBA offices are closed today in observance of Veterans Day.

What a week of training on the road with our ASBA team! 🚗 On Monday, we kicked things off in Plumerville, delivering leadership insights to board members at the Arch Ford Cooperative. ✨ Thursday was a busy day, with Robyn Keene and Lucas Harder diving into ethics, executive session, and financial training at the South Central Cooperative in Camden, while Shannon Moore and Tammie Reitenger hosted “So You Want to Be a Board Member” for future leaders in Russellville. A big thank you to everyone who joined us and to our exceptional hosts – we love supporting our members across Arkansas! 🌟

📣 Arkansas school groups, don't forget to submit your application to perform at the 2025 COSSBA National Conference! Deadline to apply is Friday, November 15. Do you have a student band, choir, dance group, or theatre ensemble? We want YOU to take the stage at the COSSBA 2025 National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia! 🎤🎶🎭 Perform live in front of national leaders and showcase your school's incredible talent. Apply today for this amazing opportunity! ✨ 📅 When: March 20-23, 2025 📍 Where: Hilton Atlanta, Georgia 🔗 Apply now: https://www.cossba.org/student-entertainment-application Let’s highlight our Arkansas talent on a national level!

ASBA’s 71st Annual Conference is fast approaching! The Schedule at a Glance is now available—check it out at https://5il.co/30mgu. If you have not registered yet, now is the time! Visit https://bit.ly/arboardconnect to register. This year’s theme, "Resilient and Ready - Leading Tomorrow's Schools Today," promises an impactful conference experience. With keynote speakers Willow Sweeney, co-founder of Top 20 Training, and Chris Chism, Superintendent of Pearl, MS, plus a variety of engaging breakout sessions, it’s an event you won’t want to miss. Join the conversation shaping the future of education!

Happy Halloween from the ASBA team! 🎃 Today, our staff got into the spooky spirit, trick-or-treating around the office and showing off their creative costumes. Congrats to Krista Glover, our costume contest winner, for her clever “Identity Thief” outfit!

On Friday, October 25th, colleagues, friends, and family of Dr. Tony Prothro gathered to celebrate his retirement after 12 years of dedicated service as ASBA's Executive Director. Before that, Dr. Prothro spent his career in the field of education as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. With his unwavering commitment to 'student-focused leadership,' Dr. Prothro has left an indelible mark on our organization and the countless lives he’s touched. Congratulations on your retirement, Dr. Prothro! We wish you the best in your next chapter. We know the grandkids are excited to have "Doc" all to themselves! #StudentFocusedLeadership

Last week's regional meetings brought us to Prescott, Barton, Magnet Cove, and Poyen, where ASBA staff were warmly welcomed by each school community. Attendees enjoyed meaningful discussions, valuable insights, and connections with fellow board members. Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our host districts for making each stop memorable! #StudentFocusedLeadership

Spotlight on Success! 💡 Nathan Miller, high school history teacher at Founders Classical Academy of Rogers, was nominated by his student, Isaac Grandy, to HonorEd, a national non-profit organization that recognizes exceptional teachers. Nathan was chosen as the October 2024 Honoree! Check out the article here, along with some amazing photos: https://www.honored.org/honoree/nathan-miller/ #StudentFocusedLeadership #SpotlightonSuccess

ASBA Members can now save 40% on any new Simbli module subscription or upgrade through December 31, 2024. Simbli Board Management Software provides options to enhance your board's governance with tools for meetings, planning, policies, and more. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3YetQ8w.

Join us as an exhibitor at the upcoming ASBA Annual Conference! Discover opportunities to showcase your products and services to a diverse and engaged audience at the ASBA Annual Conference. Join us as an exhibitor and connect with school board members and administrators. Don't miss this chance to gain visibility and grow your business. Contact Angela Ellis at aellis@arsba.org or 501.492.4816 to secure your exhibition space today and be a part of this premier event. Deadline to register is November 15.

Thank you to those who hosted and attended last week's Regional Meetings in Jonesboro, Clinton, and Mayflower! This month's meetings have provided a great opportunity for ASBA staff to connect with our members and make plans for the future. #StudentFocusedLeadership

🔔 Final Reminder! 🔔 The deadline to submit an entry for this year's Student Essay and Speaking Contest is 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟎/𝟐𝟒, 𝐚𝐭 𝟒 𝐩𝐦. Please help us spread the word to Arkansas 11th and 12th graders about this great opportunity! 💰ℂ𝕒𝕤𝕙 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕫𝕖𝕤💰will be awarded as well as the honor of presenting at the ASBA Annual Conference! One entry per district is allowed. Learn more at bit.ly/24sscontest. #StudentFocusedLeadership #ResilientandReady

𝐀𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡! 🌱 The Arkadelphia Public Schools Board of Education met in a work session on Friday, October 11th. Henderson State University Chancellor Trey Berry began the work session with an inspirational challenge for the district leadership. Superintendent Nikki Thomas and the seven school board members reviewed the current strategic plan by identifying the progress and potential toward reaching each goal. The District is now looking to move forward with building a new Arkadelphia High School. Clayton Vaden of Lewis Architects Engineers, Dr. Charles Stein, Director of the Arkansas Division of Public School Academic Facilities, and Transportation, and Jason Holsclaw, Stephens, Inc., provided information and options for consideration as a new building project takes shape. Exciting things are happening! Job well done to district board members and administrators! #StudentFocusedLeadership

🔔 Reminder! ASBA is accepting presentation proposals for the 71st Annual Conference! We are seeking submissions from school staff, board members, and organizations with insights to help improve student outcomes. Presentations will be on Dec 11-12. Submit by Nov 8! Read full proposal details at bit.ly/asbarfp24. #StudentFocusedLeadership #ResilientandReady

Happy National Principals Month! Thank you to all of the principals who are committed to making a difference every day in Arkansas schools. Your impact is invaluable! #StudentFocusedLeadership #ThankAPrincipal #NationalPrincipalsMonth