LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY

Your Opportunity Can Ensure Student Opportunity

Lon Garrison, AASB Executive Director

This past August, I penned a Commentary article about “opportunity” as a measure of the health of our education system. This idea came about after a concern was expressed that all we discuss is the Base Student Allocation (BSA). There was an assertion that this is a stale topic and that we need to speak about more than the BSA because public education is more than just spending money. I was asked how I might reframe the conversation, and the concept of “opportunity” came to mind. I want to build on the importance of this theme for the coming legislative session.

Sufficient and sustained funding of public education permits the realization of opportunities for students to succeed. When students succeed, parents and the community succeed. Through this accomplishment, an excellent education for every student every day creates and supports the opportunity for communities to thrive. 

While this narrative seems reasonable, a mantra persists among public education critics asserting that until student achievement improves, they won’t “throw more money at it.” In reality, it is the inconsistent and arbitrary funding from the state Legislature and the governor that fosters a tendency to spend in response to a crisis rather than invest for long-term success.

So, what facts substantiate that consistently reduced education funding negatively impacts student achievement and opportunities? 

Over the past two decades, student success metrics such as reading proficiency and postsecondary enrollment have steadily declined, mirroring reductions in state funding for education. A recent study by Mike Bronson, published under the NAACP Anchorage Education Committee, highlights the critical connection between declining school funding and student outcomes. This troubling trend underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in Alaska’s schools to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

BOARD DEVELOPMENT

Finding the Perfect Fit: The 4-Step Guide to Choosing an Alaska Superintendent

JoAnn (Henderson) Bukovich, Superintendent Search Consultant

I have been a consultant to the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) in their Superintendent Searches for the past four (4) years and have been known to describe the search as akin to navigating a dating app. While the process may invite a humorous comparison, it is undeniably a much more complex and consequential process. Just as users swipe left or right based on cursory impressions on dating apps, school boards often sift through applications and résumés, seeking the ideal match. However, unlike casual dating, the stakes in appointing a superintendent are high, with long-term implications. 

One of the strengths of AASB’s process is the thoroughness of the application process itself. It isn’t just a swipe left or right. Much time and effort are required in developing the recruitment brochure and the Board’s identification of desired qualifications, attributes, and personal characteristics of the position. AASB facilitates this process through Board and community surveys to determine the desired characteristics. Then, incorporating the district strategic plan, the district weaves those characteristics into a brochure that describes the district, the communities served, and the expectations and goals for the new superintendent. 

TECHNOLOGY STRATEGIES

CleanUp Alaska

Jesse Carnahan, CEO, Lynx Education

A dynamic partnership to help rural communities tackle the problem of removing outdated technology and e-waste

The Problem

In rural Alaska, communities have long faced the challenge of managing outdated technology that has outlived its usefulness. Old computers, printers, network gear, and other equipment often pile up in closets, utility rooms, or forgotten corners, becoming obstacles and liabilities.

The growing adoption of technology in schools to enhance student learning and engagement has only compounded this issue. Disposing of e-waste responsibly is a pressing concern, but limited resources and logistical hurdles make it especially difficult in rural areas.

How We Are Helping

Through a partnership with AASB, Lynx is collaborating with environmental and logistics experts across Alaska to help rural villages remove e-waste at little to no cost to school districts. By working with programs like iGAP and community waste mitigation initiatives, we aim to make this process seamless and affordable.

Our efforts focus on overcoming the logistical challenges involved in e-waste removal. Our partners, who are experts in waste mitigation and logistics, help coordinate these initiatives to maximize cost savings and streamline the process. Together, we ensure that various stakeholders—environmental organizations, local governments, and schools—are aligned in their goals.

Registration is Now Open!

AASB’s Leadership Academy & Legislative Fly-In

and Youth Advocacy Institute (YAI) in Juneau!

Your Participation Counts! Given the urgent needs of our schools, we anticipate the participation of every district in this year’s Legislative Fly-In. Together, we can create positive change for students in Alaska’s public schools.

FERPA – The Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act of 1974

Clinton Campion, Sedor, Wendlandt, Evans & Filippi, LLC

Part 6 of the series Back to Basics

This is our sixth installment of our “Back to the Basics” commentaries. This commentary addresses a familiar but commonly misunderstood federal law, the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act of 1974, 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (“FERPA”).

Just a few weeks ago, one of the largest student information system vendors in the nation – PowerSchool – informed districts in Alaska and across the country that it (PowerSchool) was the target of a cyber-attack.The hackers likely obtained student records including, in some cases, student personal information such as social security numbers. PowerSchool believes the hacked information has been deleted, but this incident underscores that an understanding of FERPA continues to be essential.

Make better decisions using Exploratory

Round Robin

Ann Macfarlane, Professional Parliamentarian

Boards can make better decisions about complicated proposals by using the Exploratory Round Robin. This method combines the best of Robert’s Rules and the best of consensus methods.

The chair or a member says, “I move that we discuss this proposal using the Exploratory Round Robin.” If the body agrees, it means that members have waived their right to offer motions or amendments during the first round of discussion, in order to discover the entire range of concerns, questions, and ideas held by the members. Action comes later.

Does the chair have the same rights as other board members? Can they make, second and vote on motions?

Answer:

Yes, the board chair has the same rights and privileges as any other board member. AASB model bylaw BB 9121 states: The board president/chair shall have  the same right as any member of the School Board, including the right to move, second, discuss and vote on all questions before the School Board.

The board president is elected in the same manner as other board members and they do not give up any rights simply because they are entrusted with the role of president. In addition, Robert’s Rules of Order includes special provisions for small boards - defined as fewer than 12 members - including the ability of the chair to make, second, and vote on motions. It’s important to remember that in any instances of apparent discord between the board bylaws and Robert’s Rules, the bylaws prevail. 

Got a question? Email Jenni Lefing or Katie Oliver

Looking for a New Superintendent?

The Association of Alaska School Boards has been conducting successful and economical superintendent searches for over twenty years. Our Superintendent Search Service provides expert facilitation of the entire search process, including identifying the needs of the district, recruiting candidates, conducting background searches, facilitating interviews, and all the steps to help with the hiring process.

If you would like AASB to conduct a superintendent search for your district, or have questions, Learn More or Contact Us