fall 2014 asba journal
DESCRIPTION
In this issue: Feature articles focused on personalized professional learning services ASBA can provide to governing boards, a new digital policy program and connecting leaders with leaders using ASBA’s search services. Also, a progress report on ASBA’s 2015 Political Agenda, a close look at a multi-district special education program meeting student needs and photos of the greatest summer/fall events in 2014.TRANSCRIPT
FALL 2014 VOL. 44, NO. 3
A R I Z O N A S C H O O L B O A R D S A S S O C I A T I O N
Investingin Your Success
PLUS... ASBA Unzips the Greatest Summer/Fall Events of 2014
Personalized Professional Learning Services
A New Policy Experience on Demand
ASBA’s 2015 Political Agenda
Connecting Leaders with Leaders Using Executive Search Services
• 35,000+ Covered Members
• 162 Participating Schools
• Over $150 million in annual contributions
• Over 90% of every contribution dollar available to pay claims
• Annual Renewal rate increases have averaged less than 5% over the last 7 years
• Excellent Benefits - Flexible Benefit Plans to choose from
www.asbait.org
ASBAIT MISSION:The mission of the Arizona School
Boards Association Insurance Trust is to set the standard for service, benefits, and affordability for the
health care of Arizona’s school employees and their dependents.
Medical
Prescription Drug
Wellness Program
24 Hour Nurse Line
Flu Shots
Biometric Screening
Employee Assistance Program
Mobile On-Site Mammography
Insurance TrustTrust the People who Care for You!
Why Join
ASBAIT?
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 1
l DEPARTMENTS3 President’s Message Every Vote Counts: Our Duty as Board Members By J. Elaine Hall, ASBA President
5 Viewpoints 65 and Still Going Strong - ASBA Continues to Build a Stronger Foundation for the Future By Dr. Timothy Ogle, ASBA Executive Director
7 ASBA News By Heidi Vega, ASBA Director of Communications
13 ASBA Calendar of Events
18 Profile in Leadership Barry Sharp and Robert Ethridge
22 Leadership Matters ASBA’s Search Services Go BIG
By Karen Loftus, ASBA Director
of Leadership Development
26 Capitol View ASBA Sets Its 2015 Political Agenda and We Need You to Help Advocate! By Janice Palmer, ASBA Director of
Governmental Relations & Public Affairs
32 Education and the Law Stump the Lawyer - Back by Popular Demand By Chris Thomas, ASBA General Counsel and
Director of Legal and Policy Services
l FEATURES16 ASBA Unzips The Greatest Summer/Fall Events of 2014
20 Think Different Multi-district special ed program meeting
student needs, saving districts money By Don Harris
23 Personalized Professional Learning Services By Don Harris
30 Do you have cyber liability coverage?
35 ASBA Affiliate Members
Fall 2014 Vol. 44, No. 3
A R I Z O N A S C H O O L B O A R D S A S S O C I A T I O N
Santa Cruz Valley USD hosted one of ASBA's County Meetings in October, and featured an impressive performance by the Rio Rico High School Jazz Band.
2 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
OUR MISSIONPromoting elected local governance of public
education and continuous improvement of student success by providing leadership and assistance
to public school governing boards.
OUR GOALSProvide model training and leadership emphasizing
best practices in public school governance.
Represent and advocate for the diverse interests of public school governing boards.
Advocate the core beliefs and political agenda
as adopted by the membership.
OUR CORE BELIEFSASBA believes…
The basic life needs of children must be met
for them to succeed.
Meeting the unique educational needs of all students must be the foundation of our school systems.
The governance of public schools must lie with locally elected
and accountable school district governing boards.
The accountability for student success is a shared responsibility of the students, parents, governing board,
district staff and the community.
Public education funding must be broad-based, stable and at a level that assures all students receive an
education that enables them to be successful.
State and federal mandates must be funded.
Knowledgeable and professionally trained governing board members are fundamental for ensuring student success.
Learn more at www.azsba.org
A R I Z O N A S C H O O LBOARDS ASSOCIATION
Quality leadership and advocacy for children in public schools
ARIZONA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
l OfficersPresident J. Elaine HallPresident Elect Jesus RubalcavaTreasurer Kathy KnechtSecretary Julie BaconImmediate Past President Randy Schiller
l County Directors, Caucus Leadership and NSBA RepresentativesApache Arnold Goodluck Cochise Jeffery CrandallCoconino Jerry WilliamsGila Barbara Underwood Graham James BryceGreenlee Luis Montoya La Paz Barbara “Harlow” Harper Maricopa Bill Adams Maricopa Bonnie SneedMohave Tom DuranceauNavajo Linda Yazzie Pima Jim LovePima Sara Mae WilliamsPinal Torri AndersonSanta Cruz Maria NeumanYavapai Ken DobsonYuma Marvin MarlattHispanic/Native American Indian Caucus Eva Carillo DongBlack Caucus Maxine Hill
l StaffExecutive Director Dr. Timothy OgleAssociate Executive Director Tracey BensonDirector of Administrative Services Ellen WhiteDirector of Communications Heidi VegaDirector of Governmental Relations/Public Affairs Janice PalmerDirector of Leadership Development Karen LoftusDirector of Legal and Policy Services/ General Counsel Chris ThomasAssistant Director of Policy Services Dr. Terry L. RowlesExecutive Search and Senior Policy Consultant Steve HighlenPolicy Consultant David DeCabooterTechnology and Information Specialist Michael BarciaGovernmental Relations Analyst Geoff EspositoEducation Reporter Lisa IrishPolicy Technician Renae WatsonMember Services Coordinator Shirley SimpsonSecretary to the Executive Director Kristi JohnsonAdministrative Secretary Jolene HaleAdministrative Secretary Sara NilssonAdministrative Secretary Elizabeth Sanchez
Publication Policy: Articles printed herein may be divergent in point of view and controversial in nature. The materials published in each issue represent the ideas or beliefs of those who write them, and not necessarily the views or policies of the Arizona School Boards Association. © 2013 by the Arizona School Boards Association.
Address all correspondence to:ASBA Journal Editor2100 N. Central Ave., Suite 200Phoenix, AZ 85004Phone: 602-254-1100; [email protected]; Website: www.azsba.orgAnnual subscription rate $24Production and Design by S&L Printing & Mailing, Inc.1428 W. San Pedro • Gilbert, AZ 85233 • 480-497-8081
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 3
E lection 2014 – this may well be one of the most important elections in several decades, especially as it relates to education.
On that note, in the recent primary election only 23 percent of registered voters in the state of Arizona exercised their right (nay, their obligation) to vote. In my opinion, that is a sad commentary. Voting has never been easier than it is today with mail-in voting. I have read with interest the opinions of those who decry the fact that people no longer have to get into their cars and drive (or walk if it is close enough) to the polls on election day to physically cast their ballot. My perspective is different. With mail-in ballots, we are able to sit in the comfort of our homes and read all the initiatives and referendums – conduct research if necessary - and cast our ballot according to our wishes. Arizona is one of the few states that allows its citizens to place items on the ballot for consideration for all registered voters, thus by-passing the Legislature if they are not addressing the issues Arizona's citizens feel they should be addressing. We who are elected school board members should especially appreciate the importance of voting. We are charged with setting policy and advocating that our teachers and administrators have the necessary tools to provide the highest quality education to our public school students. Therefore, it is imperative that we exercise our obligation to educate ourselves on the issues and the candidates and vote – in every election. It is not acceptable to excuse ourselves by saying, "I'm only one person, my vote doesn't count that much.” I have seen overrides fail for the lack of one (that's right, I said one) vote. For those who are not aware of this fact, if a bond issue or override results in a tie vote, it is considered defeated. I have seen runoff elections because the candidates are tied – one vote would have made a difference there as well. The traditional public schools in Arizona – those schools and students whom we were elected to represent – are in dire straits currently, as more and more money is being siphoned off to charter schools and private schools, which are not held accountable to the same standards as traditional public schools. The way we vote can help turn that tide.
I am issuing a challenge to each and every school board member to take up the charge in this critical election year, and vote according to your conscience. Don't just stop with your own vote. Talk to your families and friends. Talk to your co-workers and neighbors. Encourage anyone and everyone to honor their obligation to the future of our state and our country by doing the research and asking questions of the candidates. Go to the candidates’ websites, research the initiatives on the ballot (I know that book is “ginormous,” but it must be done). Go to any debates which may be scheduled in your area – and if you haven’t yet watched the gubernatorial debate on education co-sponsored by ASBA, I encourage you to do so! Do whatever it takes to become educated concerning the issues and what each candidate stands for and is willing to do. Then and only then can you make an informed decision and cast your vote. Your one vote just may make an enormous difference.
By J. Elaine Hall, ASBA President
l PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Every Vote Counts: Our Duty as Board Members
We who are elected school board members should especially appreciate the importance of voting. We are charged with setting policy and advocating that our teachers and administrators have the necessary tools to provide the highest quality education to our public school students.
4 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
Gust Rosenfeld counsels school districts, charter schools, community colleges, universities and risk retention trusts with a full range of legal services.
Results. Relationships. Reputation.
Proudly Partnering with Arizona’s School Districts
Best Lawyers in america® | martindaLe-HuBBeLL® aV® Preeminent™ | suPer Lawyers®
• Agreements, IGAs, and contract matters
• Bonds, budget and finance matters• Civil litigation• Teacher and staff dismissal
and discipline
• Real Estate• Constitutional issues• Discrimination, harassment
and civil rights issues• Procurement• Special Education
• Student discipline• Election matters• Employment matters• Open meeting law and public records• Construction and energy issues• Disability law
One E. Washington, Suite 1600, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-2553 • 602.257.7422One S. Church Ave. Suite 1900, Tucson, Arizona 85701-1627 • 520.628.7070579 W. Wickenburg Way, Suite 4, Wickenburg, Arizona 85390-4300 • 928.684.7833www.gustlaw.com
Phoenix, AZ • 602.257.7422 | Tucson, AZ • 520.628.7070 | Wickenburg, AZ • 928.684.7833 | www.gustlaw.com
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 5
O n March 12, 1949, the very first meeting of the Arizona School Boards Association occurred. With significant work and dedicated leadership
from some courageous individuals, we embarked upon the ASBA journey that continues some 65 years later. We truly can say at ASBA, we are proud of the past and excited about the future! With the challenges we face as today as school leaders politically, financially and socially, there has been little time to celebrate some exciting developments in our association, which continue to place us in a unique position of leadership in our state. ASBA continues to excel in building an improved and superior organization. In the last few months, we set attendance records at both our Summer Leadership Institute and our Law Conference. We have created a dynamic original news source – AZEdNews (the Arizona Education News Service) – which has experienced exploding popularity and reach. Our member participation in the development of our political agenda is at an all-time high, and our advocacy initiative is reaching audiences we have never been able to reach before. ASBA’s board training services are supporting more member boards than ever in our history, and our staff, team of trainers and consultants are consulting with member districts virtually every day of the week. The ASBA policy team is in the final phase of a two-year project to develop and implement ASBA PolicyBridge, an innovative delivery system that represents a significant upgrade in our service to ASBA Policy Services clients.
In addition, this last spring the ASBA Board of Directors embarked upon a bold new initiative to enhance the role of our association in promoting equity of opportunity for all of Arizona’s children. We anticipate this initiative becoming an integral portion of our work in the years ahead. While we have been hard at work with these exciting program developments, we have balanced our budget, grown our programs, and have never raised member dues. You, as a loyal member, have much to be proud of and we appreciate your role as an ambassador for ASBA. Together, we have so much to celebrate. Twenty-five years ago – in 1989 – ASBA published a book that captured its history over the first 40 years. It’s been 25 years since that publication and we have had many other milestones, challenges and accomplishments, in addition to those recent ones I have mentioned here. In early 2015, we will deliver a second historical book for the association. The book will capture the quarter-century from 1990-2014 and we look forward to its publication, documenting the successes and challenges experienced in the last part of the 20th century and the first part of the 21st. Thank you for your continued support of ASBA. Our association is a wonderful network of passionate and driven people doing the most important work.
65 and Still Going Strong: ASBA Continues to Build a StrongerFoundation for the Future
l VIEWPOINTSBy Dr. Timothy Ogle, ASBA Executive Director
You, as a loyal member, have
much to be proud of and we
appreciate your role as an
ambassador for ASBA.
ASBA continues to excel in building an
improved and superior organization.
6 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
MESA | PHOENIX | YUMA
Proudly supporting the Arizona School Boards
Association and its dedication to
excellence in education.
EDUCATION LAW SECTION
480.461.5300 | WWW.UDALLSHUMWAY.COM
Denise Lowell-Britt
Kimberly R. Davis
Candyce B. Pardee
Curtis M. Chipman Cathleen M. Dooley Heather R. Pierson
Anthony W. Contente-Cuomo
Erin H. Walz Matthew L White
3003 N. Central Avenue, Suite 600 Phoenix, Arizona 85012
O: 602-200-0104 • F: 602-200-0106 www.cb-attorneys.com
Proudly AnnouncesClyde Dangerfield has joined our firm
Clyde R. DangerfieldJ.D. University of Arizona, 1981
Assistant Superintendent Gilbert Public Schools, 1996-2014
Adjunct Professor Northern Arizona University, 1998-2014
Excellence in Action
School/Education Law | Employment Law | Construction Industry Law | Commercial LitigationElection/Campaign Finance Law | Procurement/Government Contracts | Personal Injury
David J. Cantelme, D. Aaron Brown, Sam Saks, Clyde R. Dangerfield
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 7
NEWSNew officers, bylaw changes up for vote at ASBA Annual Business Meeting Each ASBA member board may send one representative to vote on its behalf at the annual ASBA Business Meeting, to be held Dec. 11 from 8 – 9:15 a.m. The meeting will be held in Phoenix at the Biltmore Conference Center in conjunction with the ASBA•ASA 57th Annual Conference. Board members not serving as delegates may attend the meeting as well. Delegates will vote on two bylaw changes, the details of which will be sent to members in November, and select three ASBA officers for 2015. The officers will serve for a single-year term on the ASBA Board of Directors. The ASBA nominating committee, chaired by ASBA Immediate Past President Randy Schiller, will meet in November to put forth recommendations for individuals that have been nominated to serve as ASBA officers for 2015. Nominations are being accepted through Nov. 3. Members of the nominating committee were appointed by ASBA President Elaine Hall in keeping with ASBA bylaws. All member boards that intend to have a delegate present to vote on these items at the business meeting should complete the online delegate form no later than Dec. 1 if the board’s delegate will be someone other than the delegate who represented the board at the ASBA Delegate Assembly in September. The form is available at www.azsba.org/delegate-form.
ASBA completes annual Arizona road trip, election of county directors This fall, ASBA leadership hosted 14 County Meetings throughout the state. These meetings provided an opportunity for ASBA and its elected County Directors to share issues and solutions to local challenges with members of other boards in their areas. This year, ASBA also provided a complimentary early bird session on the A,B,C’s of Board Service. This session addressed common questions and expectations candidates need to be aware of if elected or appointed to their governing board. Elections for ASBA County Directors were also held. County Directors serve two-year terms on the ASBA Board of Directors. This year elections were held for eight County Director positions. The board is responsible for oversight of the association, including financial management, and meets at least four times a year. Counties with elections were Santa Cruz, Pima, Gila, Coconino, Mohave, La Paz, Maricopa and Yavapai. New County Directors will be officially introduced at the ASBA-ASA Annual Conference in December.
Thank you to all school districts throughout Arizona that hosted a County Meeting this year.
8 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
PolicyBridge: A new policy service experience Over the past several months, members of the ASBA Policy Services staff have traveled throughout the state conducting regional PolicyBridge training with groups of staff from many school districts. Participation at these training sessions has provided attendees the opportunity to not only hear how the program works, but also receive a hands-on experience using training tools to become familiar with the program and full potential it provides.
PolicyBridge is a program that will strengthen the policy service experience by offering district staff an opportunity to directly work on policy documents and concurrently bridge communication avenues between local governing boards, district staff and ASBA Policy Service staff. ASBA looks forward to providing board members and district staff with additional information regarding
PolicyBridge this fall.
And the ASBA school law award goes to…..
Denise Bainton Attorney Denise Bainton was presented with the John R. McDonald Award from ASBA at the 38th Annual ASBA Law Conference on Sept. 4. Bainton of the DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy Law Office, located in Tucson, was honored with the John R. McDonald award for outstanding contributions to Arizona public education. This award was developed to honor prominent Tucson Attorney John R. McDonald who passed away in 2012. McDonald was once president of the Arizona School Boards Association and left a legacy of dedication to improving education. Those honored with this award have ref lected the spirit of John R. McDonald.“The advantage of the PolicyBridge
program is faster access to the policies and a friendly user interface.”Kaylene Bain,superintendent secretary, Sanders Unified School District
Who is Heidi Vega?Meet ASBA’s New Director of CommunicationsName and Title:Heidi Vega, Director of Communications
Birthplace:Glendale, Ariz.
Role at ASBA: As the director of communications, I lead all communication efforts that help support ASBA’s vision, mission and strategic goals. Efforts include communications planning, content strategy and development, marketing, media relations and member services group trainings on communication tactics.
Professional Experience:I was the director of the communicationsand community engagement department in the Deer Valley Unified School District for the last three years, serving as a member of the superintendent's executive cabinet team. I managed the district’s internal and external communications,
marketing, business partner relations, special events, elections, crisis communications and parent/community involvement programs. I previously served as the communications specialist for four years. I recently was recognized as the Southwest Region 2014-15 National School Public Relations Association(NASPRA)Front-Runner, received the first annual NSPRA “35 Under 35” award recognition in 2013-14 for leaders under the age of 35 and was nominated for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2013 Woman of the Year Award.
Education: I graduated from Apollo High School in Glendale. After graduation, I enlisted in the United States Air Force and several years after, I graduated from the University of Phoenix with a bachelor’s in business and marketing.
Favorite Books:Deal with It by Paula White and Contagious – Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger
Favorite Quotes:“She believed she could, so she did.” - R.S. Grey
Little Known Fact About Me:I am obsessed with Uno, the card game.
Why I Think Public Education is Important:Growing up in a low income area did not provide me with opportunities that I now can provide for my child. We never had new books or computers in classrooms, but we did have teachers that cared and inspired students like myself to want more in life and pursue my dreams.
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 9
ASBA hosts annual Board Appreciation Night The Arizona School Boards Association, in partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks, once again hosted School Board Appreciation Night at Chase Field on Sept. 13. Recipients of ASBA’s 2013 Arizona All School Boards Award and Lou Ella Kleinz Award of Excellence were honored on the field before the game.
Arizona board members honored with ASBA Cactus Pin for taking service to the next level Fifteen Arizona school board members received recognition for service to ASBA and the National School Boards Association, and their participation in activities and events beyond their regular board service that promote the vision and mission of ASBA and the local governing board. Receiving Gold Cactus Pins Awards were Steven Chapman (Tolleson UHSD), Dr. Jeffery Crandall (Tombstone USD), Patricia Foy (Seligman USD), Maxine Hill (Agua Fria UHSD), Richard Hopkins (Buckeye ESD), Lillian Hritz (Tombstone USD), Ann Ordway (Deer Valley USD), Jesus Rubalcava (Gila Bend USD), Elizabeth Sanchez (Alhambra ESD) Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil (Dysart USD) and Evelyn Shapiro (Isaac ESD). Silver Cactus Pin Awards were awarded to Anne Greenberg (Paradise Valley USD), Maxine Hill (Agua Fria UHSD) and Kathy Knecht (Peoria USD). Winners were recognized at the ASBA Summer Leadership Institute in July. Pin awards ref lect activities between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014. Learn more about the Cactus Pin Award at www.azsba.org/about-asba/member-awards.
From left, ASBA Executive Director Dr. Tim Ogle, ASBA Secretary Julie Bacon (Paradise Valley USD), Mari Alvarado (Alhambra ESD), Sylvia Hendricks, (Baboquivari USD), ASBA President-Elect Jesus Rubalcava (Gila Bend USD), Ella Mae Greasewood (Baboquivari USD), Sara Mae Williams (Baboquivari USD) and Barry Sharp (Ash Fork Joint USD).
Present at ASBA’s Summer Leadership Institute to accept her Cactus Pin Award was Traci Sawyer-Sinkbeil (Dysart
USD) pictured with ASBA President Elaine Hall.
10 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014
8:00 a.m. Hispanic-Native American Indian Caucus Golf Tournament
8:30 – 4:00 p.m. PRE-CONFERENCE: New Board Member Orientation
3:30 p.m. Hispanic-Native American Indian Caucus meeting
4:30 – 7:30 p.m. Annual Conference Kick-Off Reception & Exhibitor Preview Show Featuring new Learning Lab Sessions
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014
7:00 a.m. Breakfast & Exhibit Viewing Featuring new Learning Lab Sessions
8:00 a.m. ASBA Annual Business Meeting Election of officers, voting on bylaw changes and association updates.
9:00 a.m. Entertainment in the General Session Hall
9:30 a.m. First General Session: Opening Ceremonies including presentation of student awards and scholarships
Keynote Speaker: Diane Ravitch Prolific writer, renowned researcher
and one of the nation’s leading public education advocates
11:45 a.m. Golden Bell Luncheon
1:30 – 2:20 p.m. Breakout Sessions (choose from nine)
2:30 – 3:20 p.m. Breakout Sessions (choose from nine)
3:30 – 4:20 p.m. Breakout Sessions (choose from nine)
4:20 p.m. Refreshments & Networking in the Exhibit Hall
4:30 p.m. Black Caucus meeting
6:00 p.m. Reception
6:30 p.m. ASBA Annual Awards Banquet
Friday, Dec. 12, 2014
7:00 a.m. Breakfast & Exhibit Viewing
8:30 a.m. Second General Session: State of the Association Address An update from ASBA Executive Director Dr. Tim Ogle
Keynote Speaker: Vince Yanez Leader of education, scholarship and public policy initiatives for the Arizona Community Foundation
10:00 – Breakout Sessions 10:50 a.m. (choose from nine)
11:00 – Breakout Sessions 11:50 a.m. (choose from nine)
Keynote SpeakerDiane RavitchReign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public SchoolsThursday, Dec. 11, 10:00 a.m.
A prolific writer, renowned researcher and one of the nation’s leading public education advocates, Ravitch is the author of “Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools,” a New York Times best-seller. Prepare for a passionate discussion of better education for all and Ravitch’s message that every parent, teacher and community member needs to support public schools, or else our society will fail its children. Ms. Ravitch’s book will be available for purchase and signing at the conference. The book signing will take place on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 1-2 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall.
Co-sponsored by ASU Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College and The Friends of ASBA.
Conference Agenda
ASBA•ASA57th Annual Conference
and New Board Member Orientation
Dec. 10-12, 2014
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 11
Keynote Speaker
Vince YanezThe Income Gap: Education and Income InequalityFriday, Dec. 12, 8:45 a.m.
Vince Yanez served as executive director for the Arizona State Board of Education from 2005 to 2013 and now leads education, scholarship and public policy initiatives for issues impacting K-12 public education as executive director of the Arizona Community Foundation’s Arizona Venture Fund for Quality Education. Yanez will tackle the achievement gap through the lens of family income and share powerful data and insights about the widening gaps in economic and social resources between rich and poor in Arizona, the impact on student opportunity and achievement, and promising practices and policies that could help students overcome their disadvantages.
Online Registration Now Open!REGISTER ONLINE Online registration for the ASBA-ASA Annual Conference and New Board Member Orientation are now open at www.azsba.org/events/annual-conference-2014. Should you require assistance with the registration process, please call the ASBA office at 602.254.1100
ANNUAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEE Registration is $315/person. The fee includes all meals as noted on the agenda and free conference room wi-fi.
NEW BOARD MEMBER REGISTRATION FEE Registration is $155/person. The fee includes a full-day overview of the basics of board service for newly elected school board members plus four essential publications.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE Registration and payment must be received no later than Wednesday, Dec. 3. An additional $150 charge will be added to registrations received after that date.
CANCELLATION POLICY The deadline for conference cancellations is Wednesday, Dec. 3. Cancellations must be in writing and faxed to 602.254.1177 by that date. “No shows” will not be refunded. Those registered are entitled to send substitutes in their place.
MEALS FOR GUESTS Registered attendees are welcome to bring guests to meal functions, however, guest meal tickets must be purchased online by Wednesday, Dec. 3. Due to advance guarantees required by the hotel, we cannot guarantee the availability of additional meal tickets at the conference. To purchase additional meal tickets, click on the link at www.azsba.org/events/annual-conference-2014.
Hotel InformationHOTEL RESERVATIONS To reserve a room at the conference rate of $159/night (single/double), please call the Arizona Biltmore at 800.950.0086. Be sure to mention you are with the Arizona School Boards Association. Hotel reservation deadline is Monday, Nov. 17, 2014.
DEPOSIT A deposit equal to one night’s stay is required to hold each individual’s reservation. Deposits are fully refundable if a room is cancelled seven days prior to the arrival date.
CANCELLATION POLICY We expect our room block to sell out. To be fair to all concerned, we request that our members only reserve those hotel rooms that will indeed be used. We appreciate your cooperation. This will provide as many attendees as possible a chance to enjoy the convenience of staying at the conference hotel.
12 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 13
November 2014
11 Veterans’ Day ASBA Office Closed14 ASBA/AASBO/ASA Legislative Workshop Phoenix27-28 Thanksgiving ASBA Office Closed
December 2014
10 New Board Member Orientation Phoenix11-12 ASBA Annual Conference Phoenix25-26 Christmas ASBA Office Closed
January 2015
1 New Year’s Day ASBA office closed 9-11 ASBA Board Retreat Phoenix19 MLK Day ASBA Office Closed22 ASBA BOLTS Workshop Tucson23 ASBA BOLTS Workshop Phoenix30 ASBA BOLTS Workshop Flagstaff
February 20151-3 NSBA Advocacy Institute Washington, D.C.16 Presidents’ Day ASBA Office Closed
ASBA Calendar of Events
SUNLAND-SPORTS.COM
1.800.540.4413
PREMIUM SPORTS CONSTRUCTION FROM START TO FINISH
TRACK SURFACES TENNIS COURTS ATHLETIC FIELDS ASPHALT SURFACES
Is this ball concerned about the quality of the field its playing on? Probably not...
but you should be!
Locally serving our Arizona
schools since1994!
asba field ad 4-14_Layout 1 4/22/14 3:47 PM Page 1
14 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
Board members recognized for commitment to governance and leadership training
Awards are based on the hours of training received, and were presented at the ASBA County Meetings. This recognition is part of ASBA’s Academy of Board Development program, which is designed to equip board members with the knowledge and techniques necessary to develop policies and practices to support the
organization’s instructional leadership role. This training program is based on attendance at workshops, conferences and other training opportunities. Its objectives are to recognize board members for personal efforts toward improvement; to be an incentive for voluntary board member training; and to promote the idea of better boardsmanship. Participants in the Academy of Board Development program receive a certificate, plaque or pin upon completion of each level within the program. Awards are determined annually based upon credits earned prior to July 1 each year. Learn more about the core curriculum, earning continuing education units, and recognition for training at www.azsba.org/learning-center/academy-of-board-development/
Certificate of OrientationMinnie John, Red Mesa USDDaisy Slim, Sanders USDMichael Myers, Bowie USDGary Clement, Willcox USDCheryl Rife, Chevelon Butte ESDAdrien Snell, Page USDDevin Wala, Payson USDCecilia Jernigan, Duncan USDJoe Moreno, Duncan USDGina Ragsdale, Buckeye ESDBlossom Tande Quihuis, Dysart USDTeresa Quihuis-Gerardo, Isaac ESDValarie Serrano, Nadaburg USDCatherine Henley, Hackberry ESDMichelle Zephier, Peach Springs USDRhonda Francisco, N.A.V.I.T. Greg Berger, Rising Schools IncTricia Juan, Ira H Hayes HSAnn Marie Knorr, Maricopa USDAlan Neal, Sonoita ESD
Certificate of BoardsmanshipLucy Ayze, Chinle USDPatricia Staffnik, Concho ESDMinnie John, Red Mesa USDDaisy Slim, Sanders USDKathy Hoogerwerf, Vernon ESDDeanna Hunt, Vernon ESDMarty Bowman, Window Rock USDAnita Choate, Benson USDBarbara Wills, Tombstone USDDeynice Bondurant, Chevelon Butte ESDRebecca Johnson, Chevelon Butte ESDDolores Biggerstaff, Flagstaff USDJudi Beckerleg, Grand Canyon USDRobert Candelaria, Page USDAnna Harmon-James, Globe USDJudy Moorhead, Globe USDShirley Dye, Payson USDCohn McEuen, Fort Thomas USDMyron Moses, Fort Thomas USDRose Rope, Fort Thomas USDShirley Turner Chaplin, Safford USD
Kelly Baker, Morenci USDGail Knight, Balsz ESDDerrence White, Balsz ESDJane Hunt, Buckeye ESDAnnette Sexton Ruiz, Creighton ESDDon Debusk, Glendale UHSDJulie Davis, Joseph City USDEldon Larsen, Joseph City USDFern Benally, Kayenta USDMarion Todecheene, Kayenta USDMichael Bahe, Pinon USDVirgil Denny, Pinon USDElla Mae Greasewood, Baboquivari USDJaneane Candelaria, Florence USDJeffrey McClure, Oracle ESDLinda Thomas, Oracle ESDBetty Fish, Toltec ESDVirginia Lopez, Toltec ESDJerri Rose, Toltec ESDMaria Neuman, Santa Cruz Valley USDScott Hicks, Prescott USDTina Seeley, Prescott USD
Associate of BoardsmanshipLucy Ayze, Chinle USDTeresa Selles-Gorman, Ganado USDMinnie John, Red Mesa USDKathy Hoogerwerf, Vernon ESDDeanna Hunt, Vernon ESDMarty Bowman, Window Rock USDMarilyn Cox, Fredonia-Moccasin USDJudy Moorhead, Globe USDMccoy Hawkins, Fort Thomas USDMyron Moses, Fort Thomas USDKimberly Lunt, Duncan USDRichard Hopkins, Buckeye ESDMelanie Anderelli, Fountain Hills USDDon DeBusk, Glendale UHSDNancy Iannone, Lake Havasu USDFern Benally, Kayenta USDMarion Todecheene, Kayenta USDChris Isabel, Altar Valley ESDSusan Zibrat, Amphitheater USDGary Kemp, J O Combs USD
Linda Thomas, Oracle ESDKen Dobson, Seligman USD
Master of BoardsmanshipLucy Ayze, Chinle USDTeresa Selles-Gorman, Ganado USDLeona Smith, Mcnary ESDEdward Gomez, Douglas USDAnna Harmon-James, Globe USDRory Huff, Payson USDBeth Hinton, Fort Thomas USDBarbara Harper, Bicentennial UHSDJoy Young, Salome ESDC.T. Wright, Fountain Hills USDIgnacio Fernandez, Fowler ESDJulie Bacon, Paradise Valley USDMartin Quezada, Pendergast ESDRandy Schiller, Phoenix UHSDBessie Allen, Pinon USDRoberta Hadnot, Winslow USDPatti Coutre, Maricopa USDLaurie Lozano, Clarkdale-Jerome ESDKen Dobson, Seligman USDSteve Dockray, Vacte
First ClusterPaul Guy, Jr., Chinle USDWanda Begay, Ganado USDPaula James, Red Mesa USDMartha Natonabah, Page USDDalene Griffin, Thatcher USDAmelia Flores, Parker USDMonica Timberlake, Quartzsite ESDMaxine Hill, Agua Fria UHSDMari Alvarado, Alhambra ESDAnn Elizabeth Ordway, Deer Valley USDSara Smith, Glendale ESDBeth Brizel, Kyrene ESDSue Corbin, Osborn ESDClorinda Graziano, Washington ESDLita Dixon, Kayenta USDSharon Niehaus, Continental ESDMaureen Erickson, Prescott USDJoe Melchionne, Yuma ESD
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 15
GKO
ComprehensiveInstructionalImprovement and InstructionalEffectiveness System
contact ATI to schedule a Galileo Overview1.877.442.5453 ati-online.com [email protected] facebook.com/AssessmentTechnologyIncorporated townhallblog.ati-online.com
CLEAR
Galileo® K-12Online
The
choiceGalileo® K-12 Online is comprehensive, standards-based, and research supported. The system provides an array of assessment, instruction, educator effectiveness, and reporting tools aligned to Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards and facilitates advancements in assessments, teaching strategies, and implementation of educator effectiveness initiatives.
16 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
ASBA Unzips the Greatest Summer/Fall Events of 2014
Summer Leadership Institute – July 2014
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 17
Law Conference – Sept. 2014
Delegate Assembly – Sept. 2014
18 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
l PROFILE IN LEADERSHIPASBA is pleased to feature recipients of the All-Arizona School Board Award in the Profile in Leadership column, which appears in every issue of the ASBA Journal.
What governing board do you serve on? Ash Fork Joint Unified School District #31, located in the northwest corner of Coconino County and the northeast corner of Yavapai County.
What is your hometown? I was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and at a very young age moved to Phoenix. I did my early years at Longview Public and received my eighth-grade diploma from Osborn Public. I spent two years at West Phoenix High School, and left for the United States Marine Corp in 1957 through 1966. I returned in 1966 and went to work for Amtrak in Phoenix, Tucson, El Paso, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and for 12 years I worked in Flagstaff. I retired from Flagstaff in 2000, and have called Ash Fork my home ever since.
How long have you been a board member? I was first elected in 2000, and will be retiring this December 31, 2014. I will have served a total of 12 years as a board member. I resigned in 2004, and was re-elected in a recall election in 2006.
What books do you have at your bedside?I do not have a book. I believe that when it is time for me to go to bed, I have done a good days work and am ready to get a good rest.
What/who inspires you? All the superintendents that said I should do it their way, no questions asked. Thanks to them I went to trainings and found out what my responsibilities were to the administration, teachers, staff members, and most of all the students. I found out which ones had their own agenda, and which ones always put the children on the agenda first. Believe me, superintendents like Dr. Fleming, Elaine Hall, Eva Dong, Chris Thomas, Dr. Chuck Essigs, Mike Hughes, Jesus Rubalcava, David Evans, and, last but most powerful to me, Barbara Robey (bless her) always put children first. That is what a school board member should be thinking of.
What is your motto as a board member?Be accountable for your actions, and don’t put others down.
What is your pie-in-the-sky vision for education? That someday all legislators will wake up and realize that all children want, and should be given, is the tools they need to succeed, without having to beg for them.
What is your advice to new board members? Jump into your meetings. You are only one vote, but you represent your constituents. They count on how you use that vote, so know your agenda items well.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a board member?In my last two years I was able to work with a group of board members who wanted the same things as me. Mainly our goal was to do everything in our power to turn our failing school into the number one school in the state. This year we succeeded! What is your primary pet peeve as a board member? That board members come to a meeting that night and pick up their packet. They have no idea as to what the issues of the night are, and we lose much valuable time.
What is the reason you like being an ASBA member? That ASBA is trying to teach all members from a very diverse group of people, from large districts to small, that we all need to work as one for the betterment of our education system. For all of Arizona’s children, to get us out of the bottom.
What would you like your epitaph to say?He always tried to do what was right.
Barry SharpA S H F O R K J O I N T U N I F I E D S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 19
l PROFILE IN LEADERSHIPASBA is pleased to feature recipients of the All-Arizona School Board Award in the Profile in Leadership column, which appears in every issue of the ASBA Journal.
What governing board do you serve on? Altar Valley School District #51, located 20 miles west of Tucson in the Pima County.
What is your hometown? I was born and raised in Tucson.
How long have you been a board member? I have been on the Altar Valley School Governing Board for 10 years.
What books do you have at your bedside?I am currently reading the Eragon series written by Christopher Paolini.
What/who inspires you? My main motivation is to give back to the community that gave to me through education.
What is your motto as a board member?Make sure every child gets noticed, recognized and receives all the advantages of others.
What is your pie-in-the-sky vision for education? Pie in the sky version for education is one day our Legislature will understand how much our kids rely on them, then help them financially.
What is your advice to new board members? Advice to board members is to listen, and listen well, use all the resources that ASBA has because there's a wealth of knowledge there and always keep children first.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as a board member?My greatest accomplishment in the 10 years is staying fiscally sound and keeping every dollar possible in the classroom.
What is your primary pet peeve as a board member? My greatest pet peeve as a board member is to see another board member with personal agendas and ones that don't have the best interest of children.
What is the reason you like being an ASBA member? ASBA has helped me grow by providing me with the knowledge and information needed to do the best job I possibly can.
What would you like your epitaph to say?Never forget our children. They deserve the best we can offer.
Robert EthridgeA LTA R VA L L E Y E L E M E N TA R Y S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
20 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
BY DON HARRIS, CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Multi-district special ed program meeting student needs, saving districts moneyBy: Don Harris
Five school districts in Maricopa County’s West Valley area are finding that a five-year-old collaborative special education program for students with emotional
disabilities is paying off in two key ways. More students are getting the specialized services they need and the districts are saving more than $1 million annually. In addition, more students – three out of four - are being reintegrated back into their home schools, a primary goal of the program. Special education services are being provided by The Menta Group, an Illinois-based nonprofit that holds firmly to the belief that every child has a right to be in school. What makes the West Valley consortium unusual is that it is, in effect, a public/private partnership. A once-vacant Union Elementary School District building now houses Menta’s Southwest Academy, eliminating the need to rent space in a private facility. Having Menta classes close to home districts makes it convenient for students who only spend part of a day there and reduces transportation costs. Dr. Beth Conran, Menta’s chief academic officer, explains: “With a ‘no refusal, no suspension, no expulsion’ policy, students are provided the services they need, when they need them, regardless of their behavior. The goal is to ensure that each of our students become college-ready, career-ready and citizenship-ready.”
“We emphasize personalization, preparation for life and support for success,” Conran says.
Menta’s educational model is linked to Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards, thus providing educators with valuable information about curricular strengths and weaknesses to support continued improvement and ease reintegration. The West Valley consortium, formed with the approval
of individual governing boards and superintendents, consists of Pendergast Elementary School District, Tolleson Union High School District, Union Elementary School District, Fowler Elementary School District and Littleton Elementary School District. Brian Mee, assistant superintendent of business services at Pendergast, came up with the idea for a consortium in order to save money through the economy of scale. An RFP was prepared and Menta won the bid. Classes for students with emotional disabilities are held at Menta’s Southwest Academy in Tolleson. At Tolleson Union High School District, Wendy Barrie, director of special services, says the goal was to create a more seamless experience in K-12 for students in need of special services at a level beyond what their home school campuses could provide. The curriculum at Southwest Academy is identical to that offered at Tolleson, which avoids what could be a difficult transition when students are reintegrated into their home school. “So, when they come back to me they have access to the same curriculum,” Barrie says. “We’re very pleased with the results.” Barrie says the percentage of her students who reintegrate to Tolleson is exceptional. Menta provides support staff to assist with a smooth and successful transition. “Their employee comes in and communicates and collaborates with my teachers,” Barrie says. “They are on our campus to make sure the students get the support they need.” But not all students sent to Southwest Academy return to Tolleson. Some of the more-troubled students pose a safety risk and graduate from Southwest. Conran says some students are extremely violent. “Some don’t have the capacity to stop themselves,” she says “It’s neurological. An individual without an emotional disability responds as we would expect.” Conran emphasizes that school districts want to bring their students back to their home community as soon as possible. “It’s really important,” she says. “The district is the best place for the children.” But often kids remain in their home district when they
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 21
should be receiving special attention because no one realizes that what may present as a behavioral problem is actually an emotional disability. “It’s an unseen disability,” Conran says Tolleson has approximately 1,100 special education students, but only 40 are in the Menta program. “It’s a very small percentage,” Barrie says. “Depending on their disability, they are the students who need a smaller educational setting and a smaller student-teacher ratio. Southwest provides behavioral counseling, management and clinical support. A lot of them need a quiet environment. They can’t function in classes with 36-to-38 students in them. Classes there have 12 or fewer students.” The length of time a student remains at Southwest varies, depending on the student’s needs. “Some could be short-term, some for a semester or maybe 18 months,” Barrie says. “Maybe, if their anxieties are so significant, they might finish their high school career there. Southwest has a solid plan. They hook students up with adult services and some are placed in job-training programs. They’re not just sitting at home. There is a transition plan in place. It’s all very individualized for the student. And that’s the critical thing with special ed. It’s got to be individualized.” Indeed, some students only attend classes at Southwest for part of each day. Dr. Melissa McCusker, director of special education at Pendergast, says the program has improved academically over the past two years. What’s more, the rate of students who return to Southwest is very low. Proof that the program is working is indicated by the fewer number of Pendergast students attending classes at Southwest. In the 2011-12 school year, Pendergast had 29 students in the program. That number dropped to 18 in 2012-13, and to 11 in 2013-14. Pendergast currently has one student at Southwest Academy.
“The program is very communicative with the school district and provides monthly updates,” McCusker says.
“The benefit is that it is geared for students to return to their home school district/campus when they are ready.” McCusker gives Menta high marks. “The program is working well for the students. It is wonderful to see our students benefit from individualized instruction and then return to our district.” Conran says the financial saving stems from districts in the consortium being able to send special education students to a nearby school. In the past, they were being transported to special facilities as far away as Tempe and Chandler. “It was very expensive,” Conran says. It was costing districts $50,000 to $70,000 per special education student, including related services, counseling and
therapy. “The costs were astronomical,” Conran says. Under the consortium arrangement with Menta, that cost has been reduced substantially. Tolleson saved more than $500,000 in six months. In addition to helping students get through an emotional crisis, Menta staff members work with teachers in the home district for the reintegration process. “We provide support for teachers, telling them here’s what we did and suggest that they try it,” Conran says. Approximately 75 percent to 80 percent of students placed in the Menta program return to their home schools each year. Some are playing on a football team instead of being in an alternative program somewhere else in the Valley, Conran says. Because the curriculum at home schools is identical to Menta classes, reintegration is much easier. “Our reintegration staff goes back to the students’ schools and walks with them from class to class,” Conran says. “We make sure they can take care of their locker. Imagine the embarrassment of a junior high school student who doesn’t know how to use his locker combination. We help them get acclimated to the environment they’re returning to. It also has drawn parents into walking their children from class to class and through the process of reintegration.” Menta also provides training for school bus drivers, enabling them to set up a behavior system to better cope with disruptive students. “I’ve been working with students for 33 years, and I have not seen successes like we have here,” Conran says.
Don Harris is a Phoenix-based freelance writer and editor. He covers state education, school finance, legislative and policy issues for the ASBA Journal and other statewide publications.
A once-vacant Union Elementary School District building now houses Menta's Southwest Academy.
22 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
Over the last year, ASBA team members have been working behind the scenes to roll out another BIG improvement, this time in the online submittal
process for our retained executive search services. We've found that some governing boards and districts, when faced with a new position to fill, or a replacement hire, aren’t sure where to begin or simply don’t have the bandwidth to fill the position themselves. ASBA can become an extension of your hiring team by facilitating, through your direction, any portion of the process – from start to finish. Whether it’s a superintendent or other administrative opening, we at ASBA know that every search is unique to the district, staff, community and stakeholders. While hiring the best candidate is the end-goal, one aspect that remains critical in any search is receiving a variety of qualified applicants.
What’s new (and BIG) in this regard is ASBA’s new Applicant Tracking System (ATS). We’ve made it easier for the applicant to view openings and then apply to them online, based on the profile they created in our system. Over the years, applicants told us they wanted a more streamlined process, where typing and re-typing information wasn’t necessary. Hiring managers told us it would be great to have cleaner, more user friendly applications to review. And staff, well, we wanted a system to intuitively move the job candidates through a search, while definitely moving away from home-grown spreadsheets.
If your district has a need for an interim superintendent, we are currently soliciting for people interested in those opportunities, too. These individuals are sometimes very different than those interested in full-time, permanent openings, so we can reach out to those people if you have that need.
To create your own executive search profile, individuals must register using a personal (versus district) email address by going to: http://login.azsba.org/register. Once a profile is created, the next step is to apply to any opening ASBA is retained to handle.
Karen Loftus, ASBA Director of Leadership Development
l LEADERSHIP MATTERS
ASBA’s Search Services Go BIG
ASBA is proud to be leading the
association and our members
through this next generation of
online efficiency and support.
Aspects of a Retained Superintendent Search
• Determine district’s Unique selling proposition and their desires for the replacement position.
• Create job posting requirements and perferred attributes.
• Create marketing collateral and publicize the opening.
• Receive applications. • Review candidates.• Conduct interviews. • Decide between finalists.
• Conduct background checks.• Enter into negotiations.
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 23
School officials are finding that, thanks to a program offered by the Arizona School Boards Association, open communication away from a regular board
meeting is helping them to do a better job of taking care of their No. 1 priority – the children.
Sessions under the ASBA Governance Team Training program run anywhere from a couple of hours to an all-day retreat. The need for governing board training takes on increased importance as many new members will be elected in the Nov. 4 election along with the possibility of staff changes.
Topics include Team Transition; Roles and Responsibilities; Strategic Planning; Board Self-Evaluation; Board Retreat; Superintendent Authority and Board Authority; Open Meeting Law; and Advocacy Training.
Karen Loftus, ASBA director of leadership development,says customized team trainings give governing board members the opportunity to discuss their roles and responsibilities and review district policies.
“We expect our teachers and educators to participate in professional development to get better as educators and teachers,” Loftus says. “We should expect the same thing from our governing boards. This program is important because it gives governing board members the opportunity to get better as an individual governing board member and as a governing board leadership team.”
During the past two years, school districts from throughout the state have taken advantage of the Governance Team Training program, which is offered as a fee-for-service and priced-based on the training provided. Their reactions have been solidly positive. They say the session help districts improve operations and communications at the board and administrative levels.
At Balsz Elementary School District, all governing board members and senior leadership team members were involved in some customized training or professional development through ASBA. Superintendent Jeff Smith says the session helped the board understand their roles and responsibilities relative to their position and helped them work together as a team.
“The result is to have a collaborative and cooperative and productive team effort among our administration and board,” Dr. Smith says. “We had one on strategic planning. It was like a retreat atmosphere where board members could ask questions and have an open dialogue with each other. It was so productive. We want to do it every year.”
Smith notes that board members don’t generally have that type of interaction. “Often, the only opportunity that board members talk to each other is when they’re in a board meeting. That’s a very limited conversation. It’s very public and very specific to a particular issue. This kind of environment allowed a more wide-ranging discussion that enabled people to develop relationships with each other and understand where people are coming from relative to different topics and issues.”
Smith says Balsz benefitted from the ASBA’s support by enabling leadership to “articulate our values, our mission and our vision for the district.” Then, through stakeholders’ groups, the district put together a ref lection of “what we’re doing and where we’re going,” Smith says, adding, “It has gone very well and has been very helpful.”
Because the training is provided by ASBA, facilitators such as Loftus understand schools and Arizona politics, rules and regulations. Districts are able to develop an ongoing relationship with a person of that caliber rather than bringing in someone from the business community who might not be familiar with school issues, Smith says.
PersonalizedProfessional
Learning Services
Arizona School Boards Association
By Don Harris
24 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
Page Unified School District Governing Board chose a session on the superintendent evaluation process. Assistant Superintendent Kelly Glass explains: “The governing board believed that additional guidance and training on how to provide the superintendent’s evaluation in a fair, positive manner was desired.”
In addition, Loftus provided excellent guidance on the use and strengthening of the Governing Board’s existing norms and protocols for operations. “The training provided us with a verification of the process and provided guidance on how to participate in the process of the superintendent’s evaluation in a professional and helpful manner,” Glass says. “In the past, the evaluation of the superintendent has been a cumbersome process with more negativity than needed along with the concern that the process wasn’t followed properly.”
As a result, Page USD has a renewed sense of positive purpose for the superintendent’s evaluation. “We believe that incorporating the norms and protocols along with the learning of the evaluation processes will result in a positive, fair and professionally delivered evaluation,” Glass says.
Goal setting was the ASBA facilitated topic at Paradise Valley Unified School District, which was celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2013. Dr. James Lee, PVUSD superintendent, recalls how it went: “We talked about how board members can evaluate their performance themselves as a team and as an individual, and how to assess their performance and my evaluation. We spent a good amount of time on the board’s goals – things they should be thinking about. It was a good opportunity for the board to ref lect on what they believe their role is.” Lee mentions an acronym – SWOT – which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that a board faces. “We discussed goals for the governing board, things they should be thinking about and we developed a plan to achieve those goals, Lee says.
The goals include restructuring the board agenda to incorporate fine arts performances; scheduling an opportunity to meet prospective employees and administrators before they meet to make a recommendation; having more opportunities to showcase high-performing schools and employees; using technology to increase
visibility and making sure there were ample activities marking the district’s 100th anniversary.
As part of the centennial celebration, each board member agreed to participate in a service project that consisted of volunteering 100 hours of personally helping students.
“It was great,” says Lee. “We put a centennial logo on everything. We created a web page to highlight board meetings and member activities. We’re investigating live streaming of board meetings.”
The session was led by Julia Smock, an ASBA trainer and a former Peoria School Board member who served as ASBA president in 1996. One of the first sessions she held after joining ASBA's training team was at Quartzsite Elementary School District. “It’s a small district and there were concerns
of fractionalized communities within the district,” Smock says. “We were able to come up with ideas to help the communities come together.”
Shying away from the outside-the-box cliché, Smock says the training program is working well. “It gets board members to think outside the lines of normally dealing with budgets, and think more about acting as a team, seeing the importance of working as a team from understanding the dynamics of interpersonal communications. The goal is to get them to understand that while I might view one way and you
view it differently, we’re all on the same page – just coming from different directions.”
Smock says a colleague refers to governing boards as an arranged marriage. “You get what you get in an election,” she says. “You may not know each other or you may not like each other from the beginning, but you can figure out ways to get along. The ASBA Team training really helps. It can be as specific or as general as a board wants. Sometimes it’s a refresher for a board member. When I was a Peoria board member, any kind of training was helpful to help me kind of refocus.
“The question was: ‘Why are you here?’ You’re here for the kids – that’s basically the deal. You have to look at the big picture, but understand that some people are good at minutia, and we need them as much as people who are good at long-range planning.”
"The question was: ‘Why are you
here?’ You’re here for the kids –that’s basically the deal."
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 25
Meet ASBA’s Governance & Leadership Training Team
Karen Loftus, ASBA Director of Leadership Development
Mrs. Loftus serves as the director ofleadership development. In her roleshe facilitates board development bycreating and providing developmentalopportunities for board members. She
also oversees the retained search process for superintendent and other administrative job openings here in Arizona.
Nic Clement, Ed.D., ASBA Consultant
Dr. Clement recently retired afterserving nine years as the superintendentof Flowing Wells Unif ied School District in Tucson. He has presented and been published nationally in the areas of brain-based leadership, after-school
programs, marketing, customer service and quality teaching. In his 37 year career, Dr. Clement has also served as a special education teacher, high school assistant principal, junior high principal, high school principal and assistant superintendent. His new book, “Legendary Teaching Stories…How to Catch a Swamp Frog,” encourages us all to contact that legendary teacher in our life and let them know the difference they made.
Julia Smock, ASBA Consultant
Julia Smock retired in 2010 after serving 30 years as an Arizona Assistant Attorney General. She served on the Attorney General's Open Meeting Law Enforcement Team from 1983 - 2010. She received the Attorney General's Career Service
Award in 2010. Ms. Smock served on the Peoria Unif ied School District Governing Board from 1989 - 2000. During that time, she served in various off ices of ASBA, including president in 1996. She was named to the All-Arizona School Board in 1995, and the PUSD board was awarded the Lou Ella Kleinz Award of Excellence in 1997.
Doug Watson, Ed.D., ASBA Consultant
Dr. Watson has had 33 successful years in education in the small rural and culturally diverse school setting of Winslow Unif ied School District in Arizona. His experiences as a teacher and administrator have given him a broad expertise in education with the
emphasis on doing what is best for children. His six years as high school principal and f ive years as district superintendent have ref ined his leadership and team building skills. He is familiar and successful at leading a governing board through the challenges of managing a school district responsive to local needs while complying with state and federal education mandates.
Team Transitions
Today’s leadership style and system may not always workwith tomorrow’s leadership team. Job requirements, jobdescriptions, expectations and communication processesmay change - sometimes unexpectedly - depending on theindividual personalities on the team. To ensure a successfultransition, ASBA offers a “Leadership Team TransitionWorkshop.” Help the new team discuss how they will worktogether, improve communications and work for continuousimprovement of the district and the team.
Roles And Responsibilities
Effective teams rely on understanding the role of eachteam member. This workshop helps the team focus on thedifferent roles that the superintendent and the board mustplay to ensure a well-run district.
Strategic Planning Facilitation
Allow the superintendent and the board president toparticipate in the planning process fully by having an ASBAfacilitator coordinate your strategic planning meeting withthe board. From helping develop vision, mission and beliefstatements to writing the high-level goals that the boardwill track.
Board Self-Evaluation Facilitation
Allow ASBA to help the board through an open meeting and positive process that celebrates the progress the board is making as a team while developing focused goals and action plans to keep the board team improving and supporting the goals of the district.
Board Retreat FacilitationYour team develops the agenda and ASBA helps you execute a productive board retreat, allowing the board president and superintendent to participate as a member of the team.
ASBAGovernanceTeam TrainingASBA provides individualized training and professional development opportunitiesthroughout the year that enhance the workof Arizona governing boards and encouragecontinued learning and improvement.Trainings are offered when and where you need them.
Take a look at just a fewof the choices available:
26 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
l CAPITOL VIEWBy Janice Palmer, Director of Governmental Relations & Public Affairs
and Geoff Esposito, Governmental Relations Analyst
This fall, we’ve seen the successful completion of the Delegate Assembly, with over 100 governing boards represented, voting to adopt the final 2015
Political Agenda to guide our advocacy efforts as seen on the adjacent page. Anne Greenberg, chair of the Legislative Committee and member of the Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board, led over 30 diverse board members from across the state in a day-long meeting to recommend long-term, short-term and session-specific recommendations to the full membership. Now it's time to begin the work of implementing your direction. Your Governmental Relations Team is ready for that challenge; however, we cannot do it alone. Your local, on-the-ground experience and relationships are key to assisting our lobbying efforts. We already know that our 2015 legislative advocacy efforts will focus on two key areas:
Offense – Ensuring the inf lationary lawsuit is funded and our children do not go another year without the proper funding voters approved.
Defense – Opposing any effort to further expand vouchers.
However, we also see over 200 bills that affect public education and it’s critical that your voice is heard on those items as well. To facilitate this, we have a number of advocacy opportunities for you to be a part of that is being led by Geoff Esposito, ASBA governmental relations analyst.
Get Involved!
We don’t need to tell you all how important elections are, but when the ballots are counted and the dust settles, people want to know how to best inf luence our state officials on key public education legislation and hold them accountable. At ASBA, we’ve been hard at work to simplify access and understanding of advocacy. Here, you’ll find easy ways to contact legislators and make your voice heard in the process.
1. The first step is to go online and explore our “Take Action” page at www.azsba.org/Take-Action. You can also find it by selecting “Take Action” from the Advocacy drop down menu on our homepage. a. Here you can sign up for our email updates, which includes the daily in-session updates as well as regulatory hearing summaries and more. b. You can also find convenient tools to contact legislators, draft emails on key political agenda items and links to their voting records.
2. Next, make sure to sign up for the “Request to Speak” system so you can make your voice heard on critical bills. This system enters your support or opposition to a bill on the official record, and legislators rely on it to inform how they’ll vote. a. You can sign up by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or by filling out the form available on our Take Action webpage by clicking on the Advocacy tab. You can also print out copies of the form to sign up anyone you know who cares about our schools.
3. Lastly, you can check out some of our previous trainings on the legislative process and the tools listed above by going to http://prezi.com/user/geoffespo/.
These simple steps will go a long way towards the goal of getting our political priorities enacted. Together, we can make sure education is the top priority at the legislature!
If you’d like us to host an advocacy training in your area, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or give us a call at 602-254-1100.
ASBA Sets Its 2015 Political Agenda and We Need You to Help Advocate!
These overarching issues must be addressed for public schools to excel and provide an opportunity for every child to succeed. Providing high quality public education is the best investment to grow Arizona’s economy. The items below reflect those key issues on which we will concentrate over the next 5-10 years.
1. Structurally change the school finance formula to equitably and adequately fund public schools to: a. Assure a more stable and reliable source. b. Maximize local school district flexibility in managing these funds. c. Require the same accountability measures of all schools and individuals that receive public funds. d. Repeal any program that gives public monies to private schools. 2. Uphold preservation of local control to reinforce the connection between the community and its elected governing board members. 3. Meet the unique educational needs of every student so that every student has the opportunity to reach
his/her full potential. Building toward our long-term areas of success, the following items represent critical needs to put us on that path, and will engage our energies over the next 3-5 years.
1. Fund voluntary, full-day kindergarten and include kindergarten students in the override calculation.
2. Reinstate and fund capital funding formulas to comply with at least state school building minimum standards. 3. Provide greater equity in funding and access for special education students within the public school system. 4. Allow public school tax credits to be used as determined by local districts. 5. Establish appropriate financial and academic accountability for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. 6. Maximize trust land income for teachers’ salaries and student classroom opportunities. Building toward our long-term areas of success, the following items reflect issues that will not only move us forward, but we believe can be accomplished next year given the legislative atmosphere and current public trends.
1. Advocate to lessen unfunded mandates and administrative burdens. 2. Restore Building Renewal funding to ensure school facilities are adequately maintained. 3. Change “override/budget increase” language to “locally controlled funding” to better reflect what voters are being asked to support. 4. Allow school districts greater flexibility in the divestiture of property to address
population and course needs. 5. Allow districts the option to operate individual schools for 200-day school years and increase accompanying funding to 8% from 5% to improve student achievement. 6. Restore 9th grade funding for CTE/JTEDs, and fully fund JTEDs at 100%, so that students have the opportunity to be exposed to and pursue career fields and/or certification completion. 7. Reinstate the ability of districts to charter schools for innovation. 8. Fund the implementation costs of Arizona’s new standards, assessments, and technology and provide for adequate assessment transition time. 9. Lead efforts to align Arizona’s accountability system with the criteria desired for student, school, and district success. 10. Fund inflation fully in the manner prescribed by statute mandated by Arizona voters. 11. Establish appropriate financial and academic accountability for Arizona Online Instruction programs.
5-10 years
3-5 years
2015
2015 PoliticalAgenda
Long
Ter
m
Shor
t Ter
m
2015
Ses
sion
-Spe
cific
Janice Palmer
Geoff Esposito
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 27
These overarching issues must be addressed for public schools to excel and provide an opportunity for every child to succeed. Providing high quality public education is the best investment to grow Arizona’s economy. The items below reflect those key issues on which we will concentrate over the next 5-10 years.
1. Structurally change the school finance formula to equitably and adequately fund public schools to: a. Assure a more stable and reliable source. b. Maximize local school district flexibility in managing these funds. c. Require the same accountability measures of all schools and individuals that receive public funds. d. Repeal any program that gives public monies to private schools. 2. Uphold preservation of local control to reinforce the connection between the community and its elected governing board members. 3. Meet the unique educational needs of every student so that every student has the opportunity to reach
his/her full potential. Building toward our long-term areas of success, the following items represent critical needs to put us on that path, and will engage our energies over the next 3-5 years.
1. Fund voluntary, full-day kindergarten and include kindergarten students in the override calculation.
2. Reinstate and fund capital funding formulas to comply with at least state school building minimum standards. 3. Provide greater equity in funding and access for special education students within the public school system. 4. Allow public school tax credits to be used as determined by local districts. 5. Establish appropriate financial and academic accountability for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. 6. Maximize trust land income for teachers’ salaries and student classroom opportunities. Building toward our long-term areas of success, the following items reflect issues that will not only move us forward, but we believe can be accomplished next year given the legislative atmosphere and current public trends.
1. Advocate to lessen unfunded mandates and administrative burdens. 2. Restore Building Renewal funding to ensure school facilities are adequately maintained. 3. Change “override/budget increase” language to “locally controlled funding” to better reflect what voters are being asked to support. 4. Allow school districts greater flexibility in the divestiture of property to address
population and course needs. 5. Allow districts the option to operate individual schools for 200-day school years and increase accompanying funding to 8% from 5% to improve student achievement. 6. Restore 9th grade funding for CTE/JTEDs, and fully fund JTEDs at 100%, so that students have the opportunity to be exposed to and pursue career fields and/or certification completion. 7. Reinstate the ability of districts to charter schools for innovation. 8. Fund the implementation costs of Arizona’s new standards, assessments, and technology and provide for adequate assessment transition time. 9. Lead efforts to align Arizona’s accountability system with the criteria desired for student, school, and district success. 10. Fund inflation fully in the manner prescribed by statute mandated by Arizona voters. 11. Establish appropriate financial and academic accountability for Arizona Online Instruction programs.
5-10 years
3-5 years
2015
2015 PoliticalAgenda
Long
Ter
m
Shor
t Ter
m
2015
Ses
sion
-Spe
cific
28 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
Mary O’GradyFormer Solicitor General for State of Arizona, practice focuses on legal issues involving public entities, including campaign finance, election law, and redistricting
(602) 640-9352 [email protected]
Lynne AdamsPractice focuses on education law, Arizona’s Open Meeting and Public Records Laws, and complex commercial litigation
(602) 640-9348 [email protected]
Christina RubalcavaPractice focuses on education law, civil litigation, procurement, and other public entity matters
(602) 640-9347 [email protected]
2929 North Central Avenue, 21st Floor Phoenix, Arizona 85012
(602) 640-9000 • omlaw.com
Delivering Solutions For Our Clients
• Election Law
• Campaign Finance
• Redistricting
• Significant Legal/ Public Policy Issues
• Open Meetings Law
• Public Records
• Government Ethics
• Education Law
Meet Our Experienced
Education Law Team
Fast deliverysystem that
spans distance spans distancsppans distanc
Connectsplatforms
andcomponents oomponentsts
To delivera seamless,
cloud-based, policy serviceexperience
ASBA looks forward to providing board members and district staff with additional information regarding PolicyBridge this fall.
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 29
A bridge for school boards across Arizona to national trends and perspectives in K-12 education, provided in partnership by ASBA and NSBA.
National Connection National Connection
Learn more at www.nsba.org/getconnected
National Connection Districts Receive a
20%
DISCOUNTon NSBA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE Registrations!
30 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
Cyber crimes are making headlines in the national and local news with increasing frequency, and major retailers such as Home Depot and Target
have recently become victims. In response to this threat, the Arizona School Risk Retention Trust, Inc. (The Trust) began providing cyber liability coverage in 2013. The coverage provides school districts with financial protection for expenses and damages related to a data breach or other cyber liability event. In the event of a covered claim, these expenses could include notification costs, credit monitoring costs, and damages that the district is legally obligated to pay. It also pays for attorney’s fees, legal costs and other expenses resulting from the investigation, adjustment, defense, and appeal of a cyber claim, or circumstances that might lead to a cyber claim. A cyber liability event refers to theft, loss, or unauthorized disclosure of non-public personally identifiable information (PII) that is held by the district. Examples of cyber liability events include theft or loss of computer equipment or storage devices that contain PII; malicious breach, by unauthorized users, of IT networks containing PII; alteration, corruption, destruction or deletion of or damage to software or electronic data by unauthorized users; failure to prevent transmission of malicious code from district computer systems to third-party computer systems; and participation by district computer systems in a denial of service attack directed against a third-party computer system.
There is no cost to Trust members for the coverage. Preventing the penetration and exfiltration of data should be a priority of districts given the number of potential threats in cyberspace. Dealing with a breach takes a toll on the human capital of a school district and generates unwelcome publicity. Districts should understand which critical assets
and systems at each site need to be protected and identify the potential risks those assets may be confronted with. Once identified, districts should fine tune the security solutions in place to protect those critical assets, making the district better able to detect threats, respond in real time to prevent further compromise, and produce resiliency that works to protect the district’s interest.
If a Trust district suspects a data breach, the Trust provides guidance with every step of the investigation, notification and resolution. After the district contacts the breach hotline, the Trust’s claims counsel and designated cyber data breach incident professional will open a claim file and assist the district throughout the claim adjudication process. The Trust’s claims counsel will contact a cyber risk assessment company to determine if additional expert assistance and resources are necessary. Depending on the assessment, contracted data security professionals may be hired to collect and document relevant details about the incident, investigate initial reported facts to confirm and clarify the extent of risk, and generate an immediate findings report.
In some cases, a “breach coach” becomes involved. This will ensure that appropriate legal resources are retained when required, and will help avoid unnecessary legal fees when an outside attorney is not needed. As an attorney who specializes in privacy law, the breach coach will evaluate the incident to determine if an IT forensics investigation is needed, and whether the incident has triggered any legal requirements to notify potential victims that their personal information may have been disclosed.
A web portal created by the cyber risk assessment company is available to Trust members. It contains information to assist organizations prevent data breaches, network attacks, and other cyber events, and respond quickly and effectively should such an incident occur. As part of the web portal, the cyber risk assessment company has screened multiple vendors that provide four essential post-breach response services, and has negotiated preferred pricing with them. The four services, which are available to Trust districts, include legal counsel with experience in data breach and privacy issues, forensic computer consulting, public notification when third parties’ personal information is breached, and credit report monitoring of affected third parties.
The web portal contains three main informational sections: breach response, news and blogs, and tools and calculators. The breach response portion of the site offers
Do you have cyber liability coverage?
This article is sponsored by The Trust.
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 31
resources and self-assessment questionnaires designed to help districts evaluate its readiness to prevent a data breach and respond if there is an occurrence. The news and blogs section features news and blog posts related to cyber security issues. And lastly, the tools and calculators section of the site features eight separate categories of resources, such as:
Assessment: There are two scorecard-type tools available here, a quick assessment and an expanded self-assessment. These two tools (one shorter, one longer) are designed to help risk managers understand a variety of areas within the organization that can affect cyber risk (e.g., policies and procedures, data retention practices, physical security, etc.).
What-if modeling: Two calculators are available here: one to help estimate the financial cost of a data breach incident, the other to help estimate the cost of notification of parties affected by a data breach.
Vendor due diligence and management: There are two documents available in this section. The first provides recommended language for business associate agreements (for use in, say, a school district contract with an information technology security consultant). The second is a 13-page vendor security due diligence checklist, designed to help districts gain an understanding of outside vendors’ security/privacy practices.
Cloud risk management: This section contains a detailed discussion of issues related to Internet-based (or “cloud”-based) data storage.
HIPAA/HITECH: This section provides a sample template, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in January 2013, which may be used when entities that deal with protected health information (PHI) enter into business associate contracts.
Breach notifications: This portion of the site contains a summary, by state, of “breach laws,” including such information as the definition of “breach,” types of protected information, notification requirements, etc.
Mobile apps: This section provides a sample privacy policy template for mobile device software applications.
Sample policies: Two sample policies are available here: (1) social networking/ interactive website acceptable use; and (2) website privacy policy.
While mitigating all possible sources for preventing every attack is an unachievable goal, it is important to have a plan in place to reduce vulnerabilities to cyber attacks and data breaches. Additionally, having staff that is trained on responding to suspected breaches is an investment that often pays dividends.
l EDUCATION AND THE LAWBy Chris Thomas, ASBA General Counsel and Director of Legal and Policy Services
Stump the Lawyer – Back by Popular Demand
The 38th Annual ASBA Law Conference was a tremendous success. This year, it was held Sept. 3-5 at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale. Over
700 people gathered to hear four in-depth pre-conferences and over 50 legal topics, including keynote speakers David Berliner on Myths That Threaten Public Education and Linda Darling-Hammond on Educational Equity and why it is so important to our future as a state and nation. The Stump the Lawyer panel, led by moderator Ben Hufford, was once again well received. As usual, the panel did not have enough time to respond to all of the submitted questions. I will attempt to answer several of these questions as part of this edition’s Education and the Law. This column as well as the Stump the Lawyer panel are not intended to be considered as official forms of legal advice. Readers can determine whether I’ve been stumped.
Q. May a governing board or administrator require a parent to meet with school officials prior to a student’s return to school following a suspension?A. I know this is a requirement of many “contracts” that
happen when a student has been suspended. It probably is a great idea and, in most instances, helps define clear expectations for the student and parent. However, it is probably not legally enforceable. One key principle of school law is that you cannot punish students for the actions, or in this case, inaction of parents. So-called parental contracts, while created from the best motives, really aren’t enforceable as a matter of law. If the parents refuse, I believe the school ultimately has to let the student return without the “required” meeting having taken place.
Q. With the shortage of bus drivers in Arizona, may a school district train and certify other employees (teachers and coaches) to serve in that capacity?
A. Absolutely, this is not uncommon in small districts. There is no legal impediment to this as long as all of the driver’s qualifications are met, such as a commercial driver’s license.
Q. Can a governing board change a student’s grade?A. No. In general, governing board authority and school
district authority are defined and limited by state statute. A.R.S 15-342 gives the board the authority to review the decision of a teacher to pass or fail a student. That is limited authority that precludes changing a grade. There
is a principle in statutory interpretation -- expressio unius est exclusio alterius – that dictates that one must assume that authority that is limited was intended to be limited by the Legislature. In other words, the Legislature could have given governing boards full authority to change grades. Instead, it granted limited authority to review the decision to pass or fail. I should say this might not apply if the issue is failure to follow district grading policy by the teacher. For instance, if the district has a policy that final exams cannot count for more than 20 percent of a student’s grade and the teacher gives greater weight than that, the student’s grade could be recalculated following the policy. However, this should be done by the administration alone, without governing board action.
Q. Can a school district file a nominating petition challenge to a school board candidate’s nominating petition when it is clear that the majority of the signatures are from out of district and the nominee’s placement on the ballot would be fraudulent?
A. No. Petition challenges must come from individuals qualified to do so (usually a registered voter within a district). Moreover, persons working for a school district are prohibited from using school resources, including on-duty time to inf luence the outcome of an election. Certainly challenging the validity of nominating petitions is attempting to inf luence the outcome of an election. If a challenge is to occur, it needs to come from a community member and someone qualified to make such a challenge.
Q. Can teachers and other employees display political signs that support school board candidates on their cars while parked during the day on school grounds?
As usual, the panel did not have enough
time to respond to all of the submitted
questions. I will attempt to answer
several of these questions as part of this
edition’s Education and the Law.
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 33
A. Yes, in most instances. The Attorney General Guidelines that interpret A.R.S. 15-511 specifically allow bumper stickers that advocate for a position on an election matter on cars parked in the school during the school day. I do not believe the analysis would change for yard signs used as sunshades or windows marked with statements. This analysis might not apply, if the car were given a prominent place in the parking lot and parked there for a longer length of time. Individual expression should not be facilitated or supported by the school. Also, the question has come up as to whether a school district can affirmatively ban such messages even if the Attorney General Guidelines allow for these. My answer is no. I do not believe the district can ban these messages because the individual expressing the messages has a First Amendment right to do so.
Q. What did ASBA mean when it changed its model policy on board agenda setting? Did it really mean to put all of the authority for what goes on the agenda on the board president?A. ASBA recently changed two model policies, BEDBA
(Agenda Preparation and Dissemination) and BDB (Board Officers). The reason for the changes was to delineate the board president’s role in the agenda setting process, specifically, to spell out that the board president is there to represent the entire board in the consultative role in the agenda setting process. In other words, the purpose was not to give greater authority to the board president, but actually less. The intent was also not to change the role of the superintendent in the agenda setting process. The
superintendent’s role has been and remains a facilitative role as part of the governance-administrative team.
These changes were done with these principles in mind: 1. All board members should have access to the agenda and neither the board president, nor the superintendent, should serve as a “gatekeeper.” 2. The board meeting agenda should ref lect first and foremost the matters that the board wants to discuss. 3. The superintendent’s role in the agenda setting process is absolutely critical, as it is this individual that knows what business the board needs to approve in a timely way to keep the district running smoothly. Keep in mind that the law says nothing about how aboard agenda is to be set. Boards are free to adopt a policy that best works for them. BEDBA is based on what ASBA believes best practices to be, but boards are free to make changes or adopt their own policy. Unlike other model policies ASBA promotes, this polic is not a compliance-driven policy.
Q. If a parent does not disclose required information regarding special education requirements on a public school’s open enrollment form, can the school deny open enrollment immediately due to lack of capacity to provide needed services?
A. Yes, I believe that they can but this issue has very little legal precedent. Districts should consult their lawyer before taking this cause of action. Specific facts may lend themselves to a different conclusion.
34 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
Arizona | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Florida | Georgia | Illinois | Maryland | Missouri | Nevada | New Jersey | New York | North CarolinaOregon | Pennsylvania | South Carolina | South Dakota | Texas | Virginia | Washington | Washington, D.C. | gordonrees.com
111 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1600 Phoenix, AZ 85003 602 794 2460
PR UDPR UDPR UDto support the Arizona School Boards Association
Employment Law · School Law · Public Records LawConfl ict Management Compliance · Counseling & TrainingBusiness and Employment Litigation · Open Meeting Law
Deanna R. Rader | Monica M. Ryden• 35,000+ Covered Members
• 162 Participating Schools
• Over $150 million in annual contributions
• Over 90% of every contribution dollar available to pay claims
• Annual Renewal rate increases have averaged less than 5% over the last 7 years
• Excellent Benefits - Flexible Benefit Plans to choose from
www.asbait.org
ASBAIT MISSION:The mission of the Arizona School
Boards Association Insurance Trust is to set the standard for service, benefits, and affordability for the
health care of Arizona’s school employees and their dependents.
Medical
Prescription Drug
Wellness Program
24 Hour Nurse Line
Flu Shots
Biometric Screening
Employee Assistance Program
Mobile On-Site Mammography
Insurance TrustTrust the People who Care for You!
Why Join
ASBAIT?
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 35
1GPAMike Chouteau1910 W. Washington St.Phoenix, AZ 85009602-327-3735
A Quality HVACServices, LLCBryan Cary1300 S Litchfield Rd Goodyear, AZ 85338623-853-1482
ABM Janitorial ServicesWade Moffet2632 W. Medtronic WayTempe, AZ 85281480-968-8300
Accelerated Construction TechnologiesLori Bennett22425 N 16th St.Phoenix, AZ 85024602-272-2000
Adolfson & Peterson ConstructionGeneral contractorJaime Vidales5002 S. Ash Ave.Tempe, AZ 85282480-345-8700www.a-p.com
Ameresco (formerly APS Energy Services)Energy conservation, renewable solutionsSarah (Helmer) Price60 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Ste. 1001Tempe, AZ 85281480-499-9200www.ameresco.com
American Fidelity AssuranceDonna Sciulara3505 E. Flamingo Rd., Ste. #6Las Vegas, NV 89121800-616-3576
Arizona Correctional IndustriesRick Kahn3701 W. Cambridge Ave.Phoenix, AZ 85009602-388-7260www.aci.az.govArizona Gym FloorsFloyd Shelton11058 E. Onyx Ct.Scottsdale, AZ 85259480-361-5494
Arizona School Plans(ASBAIT)Mike Hoffmanor Mark Thurston1 East Camelback, Suite 840Phoenix, AZ 85012602-249-2031www.asbait.org
Arizona Technology CouncilDeborah Zack2 N. Central Ave., Ste., 750Phoenix, AZ 85004602-422-9449www.aztechcouncil.org
AZ State Impact Aid AssociationLarry Wallen9155 Skeet DriveFlagstaff, AZ 86004480-382-6460
Assessment Technology Inc.Electronic learning assessment resourcesCraig Mayhew6700 E. Speedway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85710877-442-5453www.ati-online.com
Auto Safety HouseSchool bus sales and serviceDel Anderson2630 W. Buckeye Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85009602-269-9721www.autosafetyhouse.com
The Bagnall CompanyEmployee benefit consultingMark W. Bagnall1345 E. Chandler Blvd., Bldg. 1, Ste. 103Phoenix, AZ 85048480-893-6510www.thebagnallcompany.com
Blue Cross Blue Shield of ArizonaDave Moen8220 N. 23rd Ave., Building 2Phoenix, AZ 85021602-864-4044www.azblue.com
BoardBookScott BallewP.O. Box 400Austin, TX 78767888-587-2665www.boardbook.org
Climatec, LLCJoellen Stingley2851 W. Kathleen Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85053602-674-1292www.climatec.com
Core ConstructionJessica Steadman3036 E. Greenway Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85032602-494-0800www.coreconstruct.com
Corporate/Education Consulting, Inc.David Bolger2150 E. Highland Ave., Ste. 108Phoenix, AZ 85016602-957-7552
D2 Data Driven SoftwareEducation softwareMatt Winebright900 Jackson St., Ste. 380Dallas, TX 75202972-490-4044www.d2sc.com
Dairy Council of ArizonaPatricia Johnson510 S. 52nd St., Ste. 101Tempe, AZ 85281480-966-8074www.dcaz.org
DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & LacyJohn C. Richardson2525 E. Broadway, Ste. 200Tucson, AZ 85716520-322-5000www.deconcinimcdonald.com
DLR GroupKaren Heck6225 N. 24th St., Ste. 250Phoenix, AZ 85016602-381-8580www.dlrgroup.com
D.L. Withers ConstructionDan Withers3220 E. Harbour Dr.Phoenix, AZ 85034602-438-9500www.dlwithers.com
eBOARDsolutionsWeb-based board governance softwareMark Willis, Diane Sandifer5120 Sugarloaf ParkwayLawrenceville, GA 30043800-226-1856www.eboardsolutions.com
Edupoint Educational SystemsRichard Lessard1955 S. Val Vista Dr., #200Mesa, AZ 85204480-833-2900www.edupoint.com
EMC2 Group ArchitectsArchitects, plannersDave Gornick1635 N. Greenfield Rd., Ste. 144Mesa, AZ 85205480-830-3838www.emc2architects.com
ASBA Affiliate Members
36 ASBA Journal I Fall 2014
Arizona School Boards Association appreciates the support for public education shown by its organization affiliate members.
Facility Management GroupAllison Suriano5415 E. High St., Ste 410Phoenix, AZ 85054623-374-2478www.kennedyprtnrs.com
Family Voice AdvocateCarrollynn HenshawPO BOX 2597Quartzsite, AZ 85346509-209-4687
First Financial Group of AmericaBenefit Plan Administration, Independent Insurance and Investment ServicesMatt Lewis2201 San Pedro Dr. NE, Bldg. 1, Ste. 1201Albuquerque, NM 87110 800-365-3860www.ffga.com
First Things FirstJennifer Johnson4000 N Central AvePhoenix AZ 85012602.771.5006http://www.azftf.gov
FitzformWeb based school formsLouis Kolenda4 W 4th Ave. Ste. 501San Mateo, CA 94402415-606-3828www.fitzform.com
Futures HealthCoreSheila Breen136 William St.Springfield, MA 01105602-920-4622
GCA Education ServicesFacilities servicesNorm SendlerP. O. Box 21900Mesa, AZ 85277480-298-5053www.gcaservices.com/k-12
G.V. EnterprisesProject managers, procurement consultingGordon Vasfaret9102 W. Marshall Ave.Glendale, AZ 85305623-872-1852www.gventerprises.com
Grand Canyon UniversityBrian Schwertfeger3300 W. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85017602-639-7168
Gust RosenfeldRobert HawsOne East Washington St.,Ste. 1600Phoenix, AZ 85004602-257-7422
H2 Group LLCJeff Cook17470 N. Pacesetter WayScottsdale AZ 85255480-743-7520
HACI ServiceScott Wright2108 W. Shangri-La Rd.Phoenix, AZ 85029602-944-1555
HDA Architects LLCPete Barker459 N. Gilbert Rd.,Ste. C-200Gilbert, AZ 85234480-539-8800
Hufford, Horstman, Mongini, Parnell & TuckerC. Benson Hufford120 N. Beaver St.Flagstaff, AZ 86001928-226-0000www.h2m2law.com
Hunt & Caraway ArchitectsTamara Caraway1747 E. Morten Ave,. Ste. 306Phoenix AZ 85020 602-595-8200www.huntcaraway.com
Immedia EduDaniel Leis7661 E. Gray Rd.Scottsdale, AZ 85260480-483-3399www.immediaedu.com
Konica Minolta Business Solutions, USADavid Radcliffe4415 E. Cotton Center Blvd.Phoenix, AZ 85040602-798-7225www.hc-km.com
Lewis Roca Rothgerber, LLPMary Ellen Simonson40 N. Central Ave.Phoenix, AZ 85004602-262-5317www.lrlaw.com
McKinstryDaniel Musgrove7000 N. 16th St. Ste., 120Phoenix, AZ 85020602-466-3191http://www.mckinstry.com
Mangum Wall Stoops & WardenKellie PetersonP.O. Box 10Flagstaff, AZ 86002928-779-6951www.flagstaffattorneys.com
Midstate EnergyRon Stalica1850 E. Riverview Dr.Phoenix, AZ 85034602-452-8700www.midstate-energy.com
M.L. Riddle Painting Inc.Mike Riddle5922 N. Black Canyon Hwy.Phoenix, AZ 85017602-277-3461
Mohave Educational Services Co-opDeborah Sandoval625 E. Beale St.Kingman, AZ 86401928-753-6945www.mesc.org
National School Boards Association1680 Duke St.Alexandria, VA 22314619-781-8802www.nsba.org
NTD Stichler ArchitectureScott Beck2800 N. 44th St., Ste. 500Phoenix, AZ 85008602-956-8844www.ntd.com
The Orcutt/Winslow PartnershipPaul Winslow3003 N. Central Ave., 16th Fl.Phoenix, AZ 85012602-257-1764www.owp.com
Peters, Cannata & Moody PLCDonald Peters3030 N. 3rd Street Ste. 905Phoenix, AZ 85012602-248-2900
Piper Jaffray & Co.William C. Davis2525 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 925Phoenix, AZ 85016602-808-5423www.piperjaffray.com
PracticeMax Inc.Medicaid billing for special education servicesChuck Engelmann 9382 E. Bahia Dr., Ste. B202Scottsdale, AZ 85260480-421-9700www.practicemax.com
Professional Group Public Consulting, Inc.Caroline BrackleyP.O. Box 30850Mesa, AZ 85275480-699-4458www.pgpc.org
ASBA Journal I Fall 2014 37
Pueblo Mechanical & ControlsDesign, build HVAC specialistSteve Barry6771 E. Outlook Dr.Tucson, AZ 85756520-545-1044www.pueblo-mechanical.com
RBC Capital MarketsJohn Snider2398 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 700Phoenix, AZ 85016602-381-5361www.rbccm.com
Regional Pavement MaintenanceSteve Leone2435 S. 6th Ave.Phoenix, AZ 85003480-963-3416www.regionalaz.com
Ridenour, Hienton & Lewis PLLCLegal servicesErnest Calderon201 N. Central Ave., Ste. 3300Phoenix, AZ 85004602-744-5712
Rodel Charitable FoundationJackie Norton6720 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 380Scottsdale, AZ 85253480-367-2920www.rodelfoundationaz.org
Sehi Inc.Computers and Products Carol Taylor1265 Puerta Del SolSan Clemente, CA 92673
Smartschoolsplus, Inc.Phased retirement services Sandee McClellandP.O. Box 11618Tempe, AZ 85284480-839-8747www.smartschoolsplus.comSodexoSolomon Sile10255 E. Via Linda Rd.,Unit 2078Scottsdale, AZ 85258480-313-8804www.sodexo.com
SPS + Architects Herb Schneider8681 E.Via De NegocioScottsdale, AZ 85258-3330480-991-0800
Stifel Nicolaus Financial servicesBryan Lundberg2325 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 750Phoenix, AZ 85016602-794-4007www.stifel.com
Summit Food Service Dave Brewer2703 Broadbent Pkwy. NE, Ste. FAlbuquerque, NM 87107505-341-0507www.summitfoodservice.com
Sunland AsphaltAsphalt, concrete, sport courts, tracks, turf and bleachersJohn McCormack775 W. Elwood St.Phoenix, AZ 85041602-323-2800www.sunlandasphalt.com
TCPN – The Cooperative Purchasing NetworkVictoria Stringham2100 N. Central Ave. #220Phoenix, AZ 85004480-415-6300www.tcpn.org
Technology CoordinatorsUtilities and building renewal projectsEd Schaffer2116 W. Del Campo CircleMesa, AZ 85202888-474-5509www.tc-az.comThe Menta GroupBeth Conran195 PoplarNorth Aurora, IL 60542630-212-1927www.thementagroup.org
The TrustJane Schemers333 E. Osborn Rd., #300Phoenix, AZ 85012602-266-4911www.the-trust.org
Thunderbird Mountain Facilities PerformanceDavid Johnson5539 W. Melinda Ln.Glendale, AZ 85308623-825-1730
Traaen & Associates, LLCHuman resources management, training and organizational developmentTeri J. Traaen, Ed.D., DPA4831 E. Calle TuberiaPhoenix, AZ 85018602-510-3989www.traaenandassociates.com
Udall Shumway PLCDenise Lowell-Britt1138 N. Alma School Rd., #101Mesa, AZ 85201480-461-5333
VALIC (formerly AIG Retirement)Group retirement plans, individual financial servicesMichael Lager11201 N.Tatum Blvd., Ste. 100Phoenix, AZ 85028602-674-2603www.aigvalic.com
Valley SchoolsManagement GroupTom Boone3050 W. Agua Fria Freeway #250Phoenix AZ 85027623-594-4370www.vsit.org
Wholesale Floors LLCDan McShane8855 N. Black Canyon Hwy.Phoenix, AZ 85021602-741-4552www.wholesalefloors.com
ASBA/AASBO/ASA Legislative WorkshopFriday, November 14, 2014
Sheraton Crescent Hotel 2620 W. Dunlap Ave., Phoenix
Look ForState Budget and
Revenue Projections
Insights from the Education Committees
PlusUpdates onSchool Capital Funding
Statewide Assessment & Accountability Measures
State Leaders on What to Expect in 2015
Registration is now open atwww.azsba.org/events/legislative-workshop-2014 Arizona School Boards Association
Arizona School Boards Association2100 North Central AvenueSuite 200Phoenix, Arizona 85004
$6.0027542 © S&L Printing 2014
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGEPAIDPHOENIX AZPERMIT NO 4605
Q U A L I T Y L E A D E R S H I P A N D A D V O C A C Y F O R C H I L D R E N I N P U B L I C S C H O O L S