CLAS School Leader - Spring 2021

The Official Publication of CLAS Spring Issue 2021 Volume 49, No. 2

Join us this June for the 50th Annual CLAS Convention in Birmingham!

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2021 CLAS CONVENTION

CONVENTION

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2020-2021 CLAS Board of Directors CLAS Officers President......................................................Dr. Susan Patterson Cullman City Schools

Alabama Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (AASCD)

Past President.................................................. Dr. Autumm Jeter Bessemer City Schools

Dr. Lisa Beckham.......................... Mountain Brook City Schools Ashley Catrett.................................... Crenshaw County Schools Dr. Patrick Chappell.......................................................... Retired Dr. Jan Tribble...................................Limestone County Schools Donald Turner, Jr.................................. Calhoun County Schools

Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)

Alabama Association for Prevention, Attendance and Support Services (AAPASS)

Van Phillips, Sr. ................................... Center Point High School Wes Rogers..................................... Elmore County High School David Sikes................................................... Fort Dale Academy Dr. Roderick Sheppard.............................. Florence High School Bennie Shellhouse.................................. Andalusia High School Dr. Travis Schrimsher............................ Monrovia Middle School Bobby Tittle...............................................Ohatchee High School Joe Toomey...................................................................... Retired

Dr. Frederick Abernathy, Jr..........................Decatur High School Scott Faulk.................................................. Dothan City Schools Bobby Jackson................................................................. Retired

President-Elect................................................ Donald Turner, Jr. Calhoun County Schools

Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA)

Alabama Association of Career/ Technical Administrators (ACTA) Chris McCullar................... Walker County Center of Technology Dr. Rhinnie Scott......................... Greene County Career Center

School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA)

Tricia Culpepper.............................Cullman City Primary School Frances Finney................................................................. Retired Waller Martin......................... Enterprise Early Education Center Christopher Mitten......................... Windham Elementary School Rodney Richardson.......................... Horizon Elementary School Stan Stokley................................... Saraland Elementary School Dr. Dilhani Uswatte................... Rocky Ridge Elementary School

Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP)

Becky Birdsong.....................................Geneva County Schools Dr. Charles Ledbetter, Jr. ....................... Pike Road City Schools Dr. Aaron Milner........................................ Saraland City Schools Dr. Susan Patterson.................................. Cullman City Schools Ted Watson..............................................Andalusia City Schools

Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) Dr. David Asbury....................................... Gadsden City Schools Dr. Michelle Washington.............................. Lee County Schools

Cassandra Anderson............................. Straughn Middle School Andy Carpenter........................................... Pizitz Middle School Oliver Sinclair...................................Spanish Fort Middle School Keith York.................................................Opelika Middle School

Alabama Council of Administrators of Special Education (ALA-CASE) Dr. Charla DeLeo........................................ Clay County Schools Dr. Annie Spike.....................................Marshall County Schools Lana Tew............................................... Morgan County Schools

Alabama Child Nutrition Directors (ACND) Melinda Bonner........................................... Hoover City Schools

Alabama Leaders Advocating for English Learners (ALA-EL)

Affiliate Presidents Dr. Carlos Nelson............................................ AASCD President Dr. Charles Gardner.........................................AAESA President Ken Sealy........................................................... ACTA President Dr. Frederick Abernathy, Jr. .......................... AAPASS President Joe Toomey......................................................AASSP President Dr. Allison Mays................................................ AASPA President Jim Cunningham.................................................. SSA President Anthony Sanders............................................. AAMSP President Dr. Richard Templeton................................ALA-CASE President Heather McDermott........................................... ACND President Dr. Michael Douglas........................................ ALA-EL President

Stefanie Underwood................................... Decatur City Schools Spring Issue 2021

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Spring Issue 2021

Mission Statement The mission of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools is to coordinate and facilitate the resources of all members for the advancement of public education.

Acknowledgments Publisher: CLAS - Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools Editor: Alyssa L. Godfrey, CLAS Director of Communications and Technology Contributors: Mark Boardman; Dr. Amy L. Dagley; Dr. David Dagley; Alyssa Godfrey; Dr. Eric Mackey; Dr. Demica Sanders; Dr. Matthew L. Smith; Julie Weatherly, Esq.; Dr. Vic Wilson

About CLAS P.O. Box 428 | Montgomery, AL 36101 926 Pelham St. | Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 265-3610 | (800) 239-3616 www.clasleaders.org CLAS School Leader (USPS#494-450) is the official publication of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, 926 Pelham Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. CLAS School Leader is published in September (Back to School), February/March (Legislative), April (Convention), and July (Year End). The articles published in each issue represent the ideas or beliefs of the writers and are not necessarily the views of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. Of the CLAS membership dues, $15.00 goes toward subscription to the CLAS School Leader. Periodical postage paid at Montgomery, AL. CLAS is a non-profit organization exempt from income tax under code section (c)(6). Contributions or gifts are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Management has determined that 7% of membership dues paid are attributable to lobbying activities and are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CLAS School Leader, P.O. Box 428, Montgomery, AL 36101-0428

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CLAS School Leader

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Director’s View: “Leading in the Best & Worst of Times” 8

Special Education Update: “COVID or No COVID: Top 3 Common IEP Mistakes to Avoid” 11

SDE Spotlight: “JOB ONE - Academic Growth and Achievement” 12

Collegiate Composition: “Teaching During COVID-19”

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CLAS Secretary of the Year Award

16 17

CLAS Legislative Platform

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Upcoming Events

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CLAS Affiliate Presidents

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Legislative Update: “2021 Legislative Update”

Legal Forum: “A New Rule on Controlling Student Speech” Professional Learning Update: “Law, Language, and Power”

Ethically Speaking: “The Use of Confidential Information”

Legislative Directory

Featured Contribution: “Education Is in Session: Why Policy Decisions Matter More Than Ever”

CLAS Partnership Directory Spring Issue 2021

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Director’s View

Anotheryearinthebooks!

At the writing of this column, the 2021 Alabama Legislative Session is complete. The budgets have been signed by the governor. The ETF budget is a very good one and includes many aspects designed to help with literacy, math, mental health, school safety, technology, and more. It also includes a 2% pay raise for all employees. The last two major issues to be considered will be the gambling legislation and medical marijuana. Stay tuned on that front.

Additionally, we have seen bills pass and fail like any other year. So far, we have been fortunate as most bills passed have been non education related, and those that are education related have been either friendly or amended to make them less unfriendly.

Alas, that is the course of legislative ongoings in our great state. Dare I say it may also be the way things go in other states. I have too little spare time to engage myself in the trappings of legislative affairs of states other than my own.

One point that is clear to everyone is the impact that CLAS members have on local legislators and the overall body. Your commitment to engaging your legislators is critical to our success as we strive to enhance our legislative agenda. I applaud your efforts in this endeavor. Legislators across our great state consider CLAS members like EF Hutton; when you call, they listen.

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Aside from the legislative session the rest of the year has been as normal as ever, correct? Not hardly!

Every retired leader with whom I have spoken has indicated how thankful they are to not be working during times like these, and each one has asked me to share how much they respect all of you for the job you are doing. I concur with them. You all are doing a fabulous job in the face of extraordinary circumstances, and everyone under your care should be thankful for your work! I, for one, am proud to say I work with and for educational administrators and leaders in Alabama.

Many of you have now turned your attention to the end of the year occurrences. One year ago, we faced the realization that we would not be able to hold our normal end of the year events, and this included graduation. However, this year, you are faced with an even more problematic issue of holding these events and doing so with as much normalcy as possible while maintaining safety guidelines from the national, state, and local authorities. I offer you my help in these endeavors; however, I also must confess that I have no idea how to help. My best advice is to gather the best minds in your area, discuss the plans, communicate the plans, and then do you best to carry out said plans. I have complete confidence that you will do a wonderful job, and I have equal confidence that

CLAS School Leader

someone will be upset with you despite your best efforts. To that I say, give the amount of deference to those complaints that is necessary and not one ounce more. Remember, all complaints are not valid, but you do have to work to know which is which.

It is my hope that everyone will take some time to decompress and relax after the school year ends. Some of you may even take more than an hour to do this. However, I hope that you all will take time to reflect, relax, and re-charge so that you can have a wonderful summer as you plan for a 2021-2022 school year with much more normalcy.

Thank you for all you do for those under your care. You are all rock stars in my book!

Warmest regards,

Vic

Vic Wilson, Ed.D. Vic Wilson is the Executive Director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools. He joined the CLAS staff in July of 2017.

Vic has 28 years in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, superintendent, and now as the executive director of CLAS. Vic is married to Felecia Dailey Wilson, and they are the parents of Dailey (25), Emma (21), and Paul (18).

Aside from spending time with his family, Vic loves reading, sports, and the arts.

@Othell Spring Issue 2021

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SDE Spotlight

Fifth Quarter: Take Advantage of Summer Learning I assume most Alabamians are familiar with the standard four quarters of a football game… the allotted time in which each team must earn their points to determine a winner.

Well… were this past year in education a football game, I would encourage everyone to participate in the 5th Quarter – summertime learning opportunities.

As we begin wrapping up what can only be described as an overwhelming school year, we do so with the greatest level of appreciation imaginable to all of the teachers, administrators, support staff, parents, and students who made this school year possible. Although we as Americans are optimistic for brighter days ahead, we do not discount that fact that the past year has wreaked havoc on many Americans institutions – including public education. Despite the valiant efforts made by educators who transitioned on a dime to provide the best virtual education possible under the most difficult of circumstances, we know that there are pockets of students who fell behind.

So, as we end the traditional school year, I am encouraging educators to make sure parents are aware, and take full advantage of, the many summer programs being made available across the state during the 5th Quarter. As educators, we are familiar with the term “summer slide” where students regress a little academically over the summer months when there is not inperson instruction. Given the lack of inperson instruction over the past year, and

the barriers created due to lack of access to broadband connectivity, devices, hardware, and more, we can reasonably expect that in some cases the impact of this disruption in educational services will be felt for years to come.

Dr. Eric Mackey Dr. Eric G. Mackey currently serves as the Alabama State Superintendent of Education. Prior positions include executive director of the School Superintendents of Alabama, superintendent of Jacksonville City Schools, principal, and assistant principal.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mackey has been an advocate for increased rigor and advanced high school courses as well as challenging elementary and middle school classes.

The best way to directly He and his wife, Robin, have three address learning loss is by boys, John (22), Brandon (19), and continuing to learn. Every Christopher (14). summer, the Alabama State Department of Education @egmackey (ALSDE) promotes the Summer Learning Challenge, which provides parents, counselors, and parents with links and materials for students to engage in learning over the summer months. This year, more than ever before, we are strongly encouraging parents to be intentional about summer learning opportunities. Because of the financial assistance many school systems have received from the federal government to help recover from the impact of COVID-19, there are additional supplemental educational services across the state.

Let us all go into the summer months remembering the words of Socrates, “Those who are hardest to love, need it the most.” I believe the same very often applies to education, “Those who are the hardest to teach, need it the most.” Let us not opine about the horrors of this last school year. Instead, let us face the challenges of today and tomorrow head on! The service of public education is hard work. Never before has that been more evident than now.

That said, it is summertime. I do hope educators across the state have an opportunity to reboot over the summer – enjoy some serenity and charge their batteries. Before you know it – they’ll return to class… and when they do, we will be ready.

Spring Issue 2021

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Collegiate Composition

Powerful Partnerships for Alabama’s Aspiring Administrators

The collaborative partnership between The University of Alabama and Auburn University’s Educational Leadership Programs continues its third year facilitating the Aspiring Administrating Conferences sponsored by CLAS. This year the conference was held virtually, with Auburn University (AU) hosting in January and The University of Alabama (UA) hosting in February. This continued partnership between both universities and CLAS provides an opportunity for powerful professional development to aspiring leaders from those in the field and the professors who offer a wealth of research and best practices to share with participants. When these partnerships are implemented, universities have the opportunity to provide preservice teacher education and training, training for school administrators, in-service teacher training, curriculum development, educational research, and student development (Domina and Ruzek, 2012). We can reach across the entire state to share this information and strengthen the work being done in schools through our work.

Both sessions followed the same format beginning with Dr. Dilhani Uswatte as the Keynote Speaker sharing her presentation titled Getting Ready to Move Up: What’s in Your Leadership Box. This was followed by the principal panel, “Getting Hired and Doing the Job: The Daily Life of the Principal” which was facilitated by Drs. Amy Serafini (AU) and Brenda Mendiola (UA). After a question-and-answer session, 10

participants selected concurrent breakout sessions to attend for the morning and afternoon sessions.

These included What Savvy Administrators Know about Managing Students, Skills to Succeed: Job Interview Tips, Leading with Distinction: Working with Difficult Staff and Situations, Leading in a Virtual World, Stay Strong! Lead Well!, Politics and Pressure: Understanding the Community, and Developing an Effective Cover Letter.

Although the pandemic caused sessions to be held virtually, AU also saw many participants for a Saturday professional development session with participants from as far south as Mobile and far north as Huntsville. A highlight of the conference is the panel discussion with administrators sharing their experiences and answering questions by the participants. The panel included Dr. Duriel Barlow, East Samford School, Mr. Rahman Bell, Wetumpka High School, Mr. Jason Deason, Alexandria High School, and Mrs. Bonnie Short, ARI Literacy Specialist. A new addition to the AU session was the breakout session for mock interviews, where participants not only received feedback from AU faculty and current school leaders. This addition provided participants firsthand feedback from those that are currently hiring and provide perspective on what they look for in a candidate. Mrs. Mary Kelly, Randolph County Schools, Dr. Shannon McCurdy, Mathis Elementary School, Dr. Charlesetta Robinson, Barbour County

CLAS School Leader

Intermediate School, Dr. Farrell Seymore, Opelika High School, Dr. Keafer Tripplet, Smoky Road Middle School (GA), and Mrs. Tessie Williams, Tallassee City Schools participated in the breakout sessions that were led by AU faculty members Drs. Bryant, Hahn, Kensler, Parham, Pendola, and Serafini.

The February conference saw significant participation with over 100 virtual participants and support from Tuscaloosa City Schools, in particular, who sent their Future Instructional Leaders Academy (FILA) participants, and for allowing their principals to serve on several sessions. At this year’s conference, several topics included a principal Q&A panel with practicing school administrators Brian Rose, Woodland Forest School, Dr. Amy Elam, Arcadia Elementary, Dr. Lucille Prewitt, Oakdale Elementary School, and Nakeyla Mullins, University Place Elementary School. Participants also were engaged in mock interviews lead by Richjetta Branch, Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy, Amy Tilford, The Alberta School of Performing Arts, Dr. Amy Elam, Arcadia Elementary, Dr. Lucille Prewitt, Oakdale Elementary, Nakeyla Mullins, University Place Elementary, and UA faculty members Drs. Akin, Bergeron, , Mendiola, and Bynum.

Other presentations included Managing Students presented by Dr. Allison Mays of Tuscaloosa County Schools and Mentoring by UA Graduate Students Venus Williams and Casey Lee Dykes.

Dr. Yvette Bynum

The conference continues to thrive because of local school district Superintendents’ support, from practicing administrators giving of their time and expertise, and the partnership between UA and AU. It has been noted through research that partnerships between the university and K-12 districts help to establish and support positive learning organizations, which not only help support administrators but strengthen teachers and lead to increased student achievement (Darling-Hammond, 2007). If you are an aspiring leader interested in expanding your knowledge and skills, plan to attend next year’s conference.

Dr. Yvette P. Bynum is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies Department where she serves as the program coordinator for the Masters and Education Specialist certification programs in Instructional Leadership. Her experiences in education span more than 21 years with 9 years in higher education and 12 years in PK-12 education in Montgomery County Public Schools (AL) including 6 years in administration. Dr. Bynum’s current research interest includes mentoring and leadership development as well as serving on several national and state committees within the field of educational leadership and program improvement. She currently serves as the Editor of the Alabama Association of Professors of Educational Leadership (AAPEL) journal and serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Southern Regional Council on Educational Administration (SRCEA).

ypbynum@ua.edu Spring Issue 2021

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2021 CLAS CONVENTION

THOMAS C. MURRAY

DAMON WEST

SANEE BELL

Join us for the golden 50th celebration of the CLAS Summer Convention. This extraordinary three-day event features content to inspire and guide leaders in their quest to improve school and district performance. Expand your professional growth with strategies to take your career, school, and students to the next level. You will not want to miss Alabama’s largest professional learning gathering for school and district administrators.

Members Non-Members

PRE-REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION

ON-SITE

BY MAY 8

BY JUNE 12

JUNE 13-16

$ 290

$ 325

$ 355

$ 470

$ 505

$ 535

CONVENTION.CLASLEADERS.ORG

Opening General Session

Sunday, June 13 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Registration

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

CLAS Board of Directors Meeting

3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Affiliate Board Meetings

Monday, June 15

Thomas Murray

S TAY I N G P E R S O N A L & A U T H E N T I C IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY 2020 has brought uncertainty at every turn.

Opening this school year in the midst of a global pandemic created significant anxiety and a loss of sleep for all educators, regardless of position. As we lead through uncertainty, how can we create a culture where both students and staff can thrive?

How can we work to overcome fear and fail forward when things don’t go as planned? How can we best leverage the things we still control?

Regardless of what happens outside our school walls, together we can work to create meaningful opportunities for those we serve when we hyperfocus on the things that matter most. The work is hard, but our kids are worth it.

7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Registration

7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Exhibit Hall Open

7:00 am - 8:00 am

Pastries and Coffee with Exhibitors

8:00 am - 9:30 am

Clinic Sessions

Critical Wellness to Support All Students Tyrone Howard Organizational Management Ideas for Leaders: Effective Instructional Practices - Stephanie Hulon The School Leader: Surviving and Thriving Andrew Marotta Legal Issues for Students with Disabilities: The Big Three - Perry Zirkel Consequence Mindset vs. Punishment Mindset Rethinking our Practices - Heidy LaFleur 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Refreshment Break/Visit Partners

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Clinic Sessions (Repeated)

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Lunch on Your Own/Visit Partners

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Opening General Session

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Refreshment Break/Visit Partners

3:45 pm - 4:30 pm

Affiliate Meetings

register online now!

Get the latest information and register online.

CONVENTION.CLASLEADERS.ORG

Tuesday, June 16 7:00 am - 7:45 am

Continental Breakfast

7:00 am - 11:00 am

Registration

7:00 am - 11:30 am

Exhibits Open

7:45 am - 8:45 am

Morning Breakout Sessions

Second General Session

On Fire and Engaged: Reviving Passion and Purpose in the Classroom - Candy Garner Managing Stress and Healing Trauma: Using Research-Based Somatic Restorative Approaches Kathryn Kennedy Lessons Learned from 2020: Navigating Employee Laws in 2021 and Beyond - Anne Yuengert and Anne Knox Averitt Made in America: What Do Educators Really Know about Hispanic Students? - Jose Reyes, Jr. ALSDE Office of Student Learning Updates Elisabeth Davis A.R.M.E.D.: How to Attract, Recruit and Retain, Mentor and Manage, Evolve and Develop Current and Future Leaders - Mary Kelly 9:00 am - 10:30 am

Second General Session

10:30 am - 11:15 am

Refreshment Break/Visit Partners

11:15 am - 12:15 pm

Morning Breakout Sessions (Repeated)

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Awards Luncheon

2:15 pm - 3:15 pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Are You a Beacon of Inspiration? Shining the Light on Your Community - Dilhani Uswatte Equity in Assessments: Next-Level Practices that Challenge Present Behaviors - Datie Priest Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times - Eric Sheninger (2:15 ONLY) Micro-Credentials: Authentically Acknowledging Leadership Growth and Excellence - Eric Sheninger (3:30 ONLY) Eyes on Culture: Multiply Excellence - Emily Paschall Taking the Mystery Out of Retirement Planning Connie Grier Communicate to Connect - Tasha Scott 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions (Repeated)

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

President’s Reception

Damon West

THE POWER IS INSIDE YOU, LIKE THE COFFEE BEAN 2020 has proven to be a difficult year for all. It has been harsh and stressful, making many feel like they are in a pot of boiling hot water. The environments we find ourselves in can weaken us, harden us, and test who we truly are. In demanding times, are you like the carrot that weakens in the pot, the egg that hardens, or the coffee bean that holds the power inside to transform its environment?

This powerful session will summon you to overcome challenges and create positive change in your schools.

Earn PLU OR clock Hour credit Attend 2 sessions for each PLU to receive credit for one Phase I activity.

Standard I: Planning for Continuous Improvement PLUACLD916 Standard II: Teaching and Learning PLUACLD952, PLUACLD762 Standard VII: Management of the Learning Organization PLUACLD954, PLUACLD955 (ACTA), PLUACLD884 (AASPA), PLUACLD904 (AAPASS), PLUACLD868 (AASCD)

Wednesday, June 17 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Closing General Session

Closing General Session and Breakfast

Service Project 2021 Donations be collectedDRIVE for theTO Montgomery THISwill FUND/FOOD BENEFIT Area Food Bank.

THE MONTGOMERY AREA FOOD BANK

Sanee Bell

Types of Donations Monetary Donations

For every $1 donated, MAFB can provide 6.5 pounds of food products.

Boxed Goods

Dry milk, instant potatoes, rice, stove-top stuffing, pie crusts, puddings, etc.

Canned Goods

Green beans, sweet potatoes, yams, broccoli, pumpkin, cranberry, mixed vegetables, corn, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, applesauce, pineapple chunks, etc.

Cleaning/Hygiene

Any cleaning products or hygiene products. Food stamps do not allow purchases of these types of items.

Pet Food

Our special friends have to eat too!

All non-perishable goods are appreciated.

Aim for low sodium/salt/syrups/sugars and high in protein/fiber.

E L E VAT I N G O U R W H Y B Y E VA L U AT I N G O U R P U R P O S E : LOOKING BACK, LOOKING IN, MOVING FORWARD Leading in times of great uncertainty has become the new normal for educational leaders. While the landscape of how we lead is constantly changing, our why and purpose for leading must remain constant. Walk away from this session with leadership strategies and principles that will motivate, inspire, and encourage leaders to emerge with renewed passion, commitment, and the courage to lead.

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Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities Information and registration is located at www.clasleaders.org/PL/events CLAS Lunch & Learn Webinar: Achieving Equity and Dismantling Disproportionality

by Addressing Systemic Beliefs

CLAS Convention 2021: Birmingham, AL SSA Summer Conference 2021: Point Clear, AL CLAS Lunch & Learn Webinar: All Hands on Deck! Sailing into Smooth Seas with Textbook Adoption and Purchases CLAS Leadership Institute: Multi-Tiered System of Support for Adults: Supporting Healing After Trauma Mobile, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Multi-Tiered System of Support for Adults: Supporting Healing After Trauma Hoover, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Multi-Tiered System of Support for Adults: Supporting Healing After Trauma Huntsville, AL CLAS New Principals Institute: Prattville, AL

CLAS Leadership Institute: Optimize Teaching & Learning with PowerSchool + Schoology + Edgenuity Montgomery, AL CLAS Leadership Institute: Optimize Teaching & Learning with PowerSchool + Schoology + Edgenuity Mobile, AL SSA Fall Conference: Using Data to Inform Decisions LEArn and LEAd Session: Birmingham, AL LEArn and LEAd Session: Madison, AL

SREB PLU: Virtual

ACGAL Grading Conference: Birmingham, AL

AASPA Fall Drive-In Conference: Birmingham, AL

SREB PLU: Virtual

LEArn and LEAd Session: Mobile, AL

CLAS Leadership Institute: The Heart of the School Community: Engaging and Empowering Families Florence, AL

LEArn and LEAd Session: Pike Road, AL

CLAS Leadership Institute: The Heart of the School Community: Engaging and Empowering Families Hoover, AL

ALA-CASE Fall Conference: Point Clear, AL 18

CLAS Leadership Institute: Optimize Teaching & Learning with PowerSchool + Schoology + Edgenuity Hoover, AL

CLAS School Leader

CLAS Leadership Institute: The Heart of the School Community: Engaging and Empowering Families Daphne, AL AASCD Fall Curriculum & Instruction Bootcamp: Virtual

LEArn and LEAd Session: Pike Road, AL

CLAS Secretaries Conference: Montgomery, AL

504 Conference: Birmingham, AL

AASSP/AAMSP Fall Conference: Point Clear, AL

AAESA Fall Conference: Orange Beach, AL

LEArn and LEAd Session: Mobile, AL

Spring Issue 2021

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Legal Forum

Distribution of Federal Funds to Schools under the CARES Act At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the federal Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to prop up the economy and, in Sections §§ 18001-18006 of the Act, to send billions of dollars in funding for elementary and secondary schools throughout the country. Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (2020). In the summer of 2020, the federal Department of Education adopted an interim rule to guide the way some of the funds in the act were to be distributed within the states. The interim rule had the effect of changing the balance of funds going to public versus private schools, and a lawsuit soon arose, with public school advocates and public interest groups suing the then-Secretary of Education and the Department of Education. The court case was NAACP v. DeVos, 485 F.Supp.3d 136 (D.D.C. 2020), and it is the subject of this commentary.

Dr. David Dagley Dr. Dave Dagley serves as professor

When a legislative body passes legislation, the executive branch actor charged with fulfilling the wishes of the legislative body looks at the legislation and decides what is to be done, and how it is to be done. It is common for the legislative act to sometimes speak only to broad goals, and leave the details to the executive branch, where it might be presumed that there are experts who know more about implementation. Disputes about the procedures followed or the regulations adopted may end up being reviewed by the judicial branch, which can redirect the executive branch actions.

emeritus of educational leadership

At the state level, in Alabama for example, the Legislature will enact a bill relating to education. The executive branch in Alabama is represented by three state-level actors, the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent, and the State Department of Education. The State Superintendent and his staff in the Department of Education will examine the bill as

He has also been a long-time contributor

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CLAS School Leader

with the University of Alabama.

Dagley holds the PhD degree from the University of Utah and the JD degree from Cumberland Law School. He has served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent, and school board attorney. Dagley is a frequent presenter at CLAS events on various legal topics.

to this publication.

it was passed, and decide if further guidance is necessary by regulation.

The Superintendent may then make a recommendation on regulation to the State Board. The State Board of Education will then work with the Superintendent to enact a regulation following the Administrative Procedures Act, which generally requires three steps to pass a regulation: notice with a proposed draft of the regulation; public opportunity to review the draft; and finally, adoption of the regulation in a public meeting of the State Board of Education. Parallel events occur at the federal level. Congress passes a bill; the Secretary of Education proposes draft regulations, and after a comment period, adopts interim or final regulations.

The CARES Act appropriated billions of dollars to support education through three funds, the Governors’ Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER), the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), and the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEER).

CARES Act §§ 18001-18006. The GEER fund gives governors discretion to distribute funds to the local education agencies that need the funding most. The ESSER fund provides no discretion in distributing relief; it dictates that the funds “shall be allocated by the Secretary to each State in the same proportion as each State received under Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education (ESEA) of 1965 in the most recent fiscal year.” CARES Act § 18003. The CARES Act then also dictates how private schools may receive GEER and ESSER relief, by language directing that “any local educational agency receiving funds . . . shall provide equitable services in the same manner as provided under § 1117 of the ESEA of 1965 to students and teachers in non-public schools, as determined in consultation with representatives of non-public schools.”

CARES Act § 18005.

Dr. Amy L. Dagley Amy Dagley, PhD, is an assistant professor in educational leadership at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

She previously worked for the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and as a public educator in Alaska. She has earned bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Alaska Southeast, and a PhD from the University of Alabama.

Amy Dagley is the daughter of long-time columnist for this magazine, Dr. Dave Dagley.

In April 2020, the federal Department of Education issued an advisory letter stating that GEER and ESSER funds should be used to serve all non-public school students and teachers without regard to family income, residency, or eligibility based on low achievement. The Department issued an interim final rule in July 2020, reflecting the same standard for distribution of funds that was in the advisory letter in April, which would come down to a different formula than what was specified under § 1117 of ESEA. The plaintiffs, which included advocacy groups such as the NAACP, public school districts, and parents of public school children, sued the Department of Education on July 22, 2020, and moved for a preliminary injunction, or in the alternative, moved for summary judgment.

The court consolidated the preliminary injunction motion into an expedited motion for summary judgment. The reader should note that the court awards summary judgment to the moving party, the party presenting the motion, when there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.

Continued on page 26 Spring Issue 2021

21

Professional Learning Update

Reshaping Education: Shifting Our Mindset This past weekend, NASCAR was held at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Alabama! This was an exciting time as NASCAR began to welcome its fans back for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. Last year, the RV infield experience was not allowed due to the pandemic and there were very limited numbers of spectators allowed in the stands.

No crowd noise could be heard round the superspeedway which was a strange reality to the drivers who participated in the race.

Demica Sanders, Ed.D. Prior to her appointment as CLAS Director of Professional Learning, Demica Sanders was the superintendent in Midfield City Schools. In addition, her educational career encompassed a variety of roles including special education coordinator, adjunct instructor, staff development trainer and classroom teacher.

The return of infield visitors, spectators in the stands, and limited entertainment activities was a big moment for those in attendance this weekend! Although safety precautions Demica is married to Tim Sanders and to limit the spread of COVID-19, were they are the parents of Jaylon (18) and Kameron (14). She enjoys spending time put in place, fun was still had by all. with her family, traveling, and shopping.

When the grand marshals, Tag Team, began the race by saying, “drivers start @demica_sanders your engines,” the return to Talladega nights of old could be felt by young and old!

During the past year, CLAS pivoted to a virtual or blended method to provide professional learning. The Leadership Institutes, Culture Training and Aspiring Administrators Conference were exclusively virtual events, while the New Principals Institute, Secretaries Conference, AP Conference, and Law Conference were blended events. We have missed seeing old friends and making new ones as we walk the halls of the facility where the events were held. We missed the networking,

Advertiser Index Advertising in the CLAS School Leader Magazine is available to CLAS Corporate Partners as a partnership benefit. For information regarding advertising opportunities in this publication, please contact Alyssa Godfrey at (800) 239-3616 or via email at alyssa@clasleaders.org.

American Fidelity....................................................................................................................... 2 Fuel Education........................................................................................................................ 31 PowerUpEDU.......................................................................................................................... 14 Samford University.................................................................................................................. 39 SchoolCast.............................................................................................................................. 34 22

CLAS School Leader

laughter, and conversations that could be overheard as we were setting up, and instead had to get used to seeing you through a monitor screen while attending various Zoom meetings.

Like NASCAR, we have decided to come back together for the 50th annual summer Convention, and we are so excited to see all of you! We have spent the year preparing to make this event a spectacular one and cannot wait to see you in Birmingham, AL. For those of you who decide to attend virtually, we will certainly miss you too, but we understand!

Like NASCAR, we will ensure the safety of those in attendance by monitoring the numbers and following all guidelines that have been put in place

by Jefferson County Public Health officials.

As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are excited about our theme: Emerge 2021: Reshaping Education. This theme, although simple, has a new

meaning for many of us in education. As we move forward, we realize that we may not return to school of old because the pandemic tested almost every aspect of school as we know it. It tested basic ideas about curriculum and instruction, role of technology and those human connections that hold it all together. The time for reimagining what schools will look like is upon us and we hope to offer you some great ideas this summer.

If you have not registered for the 50th annual Summer Convention, what are you waiting for?

Visit https://convention.clasleaders.org/ for updated information and to register today! If you have registered, we will see you soon! Traditions will continue this summer, and others will emerge.

Educators, start your engines!

Earn your Doctorate of Education in educational leadership at Orlean Beeson School of Education. Fully reach your potential by obtaining a quality doctoral degree in our practitioner-oriented program.

Why choose Samford?

• Faith-based environment • Blended format • Personal touch • Award-winning faculty

1

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university in Alabama in national rankings -The Wall Street Journal (2021)

16

alumni currently serving as school superintendents

Go to samford.edu/education to apply today or to learn more about our other graduate programs!

Spring Issue 2021

23

Ethically Speaking

Use of Government Resources You have left your school to make the bank deposit, but you are about out of gas. On the way to the bank you stop to fill up, but you notice you left your wallet on your desk. Can you use the school credit card or some of the money you are going to deposit in the bank to pay for your gas, if you immediately pay it back upon returning to campus?

No.

The reason is because doing so violates the Alabama Ethics Act. Immediately reimbursing for the use of the credit card or immediately reimbursing from the school deposit may seem like a technical, victimless violation. Nevertheless, it is a violation of the Alabama Ethics Act and probably Alabama criminal law because a person who does this “converts” (the legal term) government property, even for a brief period of time, for personal use.

24

Perhaps it is easiest to understand with regard to taking cash out of the cash deposit, even though you immediately reimburse it - - everybody understands that is the board of education’s cash, and using it, even for a little bit, means you have taken cash belonging to the board of education. With the credit card, the bill will not be paid until days later. Nevertheless, the use of the credit card is legally no different from a county commissioner who uses the county’s bulldozer to grade his or her driveway.

The Alabama Code says: (a) No public official or public employee shall use or cause to be used his or her official position or office to obtain personal gain for himself or herself, or family member of the public employee or family member of the public official, or any business with which the person is associated unless the use and gain are otherwise specifically authorized by law. Personal gain is achieved when the public official, public employee, or a family member thereof receives, obtains, exerts control over, or otherwise converts to personal use the object constituting such personal gain.

CLAS School Leader

***

(c) No public official or public employee shall use or cause to be used equipment, facilities, time, materials, human labor, or other public property under his or her discretion or control for the private benefit or business benefit of the public official, [or] public employee. ...

Alabama Code Section 36-25-5. An employee using government property for personal gain violates the law, just as a government employee who extracts a special advantage (because of government employment) may also violate the law. For example, when cell phones first became widespread, and air time was, very expensive, telephone companies sometimes gave governments a better deal. The Alabama Ethics Commission, in an Ethics Opinion to a police chief in Oakman, Alabama, said that obtaining special privileges, by virtue of being a government employee, violates Alabama law.

There, a mobile telephone provider offered the Town of Oakman a reduced cell phone rate. The police chief asked the Ethics Commission if the Ethics Act would allow him to use that rate for his personal cell phone, because he could pay back the city and he could save money. The Ethics Commission said this process would allow the police chief a benefit different from what others are offered, only because he was a city employee. Thus, the Ethics Commission ruled 3-0 that this was improper. Ethics Commission Opinion 97-36.

Mark Boardman Mark Boardman is an attorney who represents governments and employees of state and local governments, including 123 boards of education. In addition, he also defends individuals before the Alabama Ethics Commission.

Boardman has served as a past president of the Alabama Council of School Board Attorneys. He also served two years as president of the Alabama Association of Municipal Attorneys.

Boardman is a frequent presenter for CLAS as well as other education entities.

The amount of time a government employee uses a government asset makes no difference. The employee who uses the government asset violates the law. For example, if a government employee, in offering a house for rent, puts up posters telling potential tenants to call the employee at the employee’s government phone number, the employee violates the Alabama Ethics Act. Likewise, if the employee uses the government photocopier, to make a few free copies of a rental poster, that employee also violates the Ethics Act. Similarly, an employee who conducts private business, using the government’s internet, computer, and Zoom or other account, also violates the Ethics Act. Thus, someone paid to teach a course remotely, who teaches the course while sitting at their government desk, using their government computer, and government internet access, is converting government assets for personal gain.

Unfortunately, I have personally seen examples of each of the above, with employees either resigning or being prosecuted by the Alabama Ethics Commission.

The “public policy” rationale for preventing government employees from using government resources is obvious. Government employees should not have ad hoc benefits that non-government employees do not enjoy.

Even before the Ethics Act, Alabama law contained sections preventing such. One example is the law that prevents a state government employee from using state property, including stationary, envelopes, office supplies, office equipment, or postage for any political campaign. (Alabama Code Sections 17-17-5(a) and 36-12-61.) The Alabama Ethics Act has brought this concept into sharp focus for educators. Be careful!

Spring Issue 2021

25

Legal Forum (Continued)

When the direction from Congress in a legislative act is unambiguous, the Department of Education is obligated to follow Congress’s directions when making rules. However, if there is any ambiguity in the directions given by Congress, the Department may substitute its own expert judgment in making rules. This is because the Department has been given general authority to make rules in the absence of specific congressional direction. 85 Fed. Reg. 39,481. To provide guidance when the interpretation of a federal statute by an executive branch actor like the Department of Education is at issue, the U.S. Supreme Court adopted the two-step Chevron test in 1984. Chevron v. Nat. Res. Def. Council, 456 U.S. 837 (1984). Under the Chevron test, the Court determines whether the statute is ambiguous. If the statute is not ambiguous, then the inquiry stops. But, if the statute is ambiguous, then the test moves to the question of whether the Department’s interpretation is reasonable. If the Department’s interpretation is reasonable, then the Department’s interpretation is entitled to deference.

The heart of the argument before the district court, then, was whether the Department’s interpretation was entitled to deference. If the interpretation is entitled to deference, then the Court should not substitute its judgment for the judgment of experts in the Department. The Department argued that the direction given by Congress over the distribution of monies from the ESSER fund was ambiguous and it rightly adopted a reasonable rule. The plaintiffs (NAACP, public interest groups, public school districts, and parents of public school students) argued that Congress gave unambiguous direction.

The court found that the direction given by Congress in the method of distributing the relief funds in ques26

tion was clear and not ambiguous. The CARES Act says “any local educational agency receiving funds. ..shall provide equitable services in the same manner as provided under § 1117 of the ESEA of 1965 to students and teachers in non-public schools, as determined in consultation with representatives of non-public schools.” Section § 1117 of the ESEA distributes funds based upon the number of students from low-income families. In contrast, the Department of Education’s interim rule said that funds should be used to serve all non-public school students and teachers without regard to family income, residency, or eligibility based on low achievement. The Department of Education’s interpretation of the manner of distributing relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic was not entitled to deference under Chevron. The court held that the interim final rule violated the unambiguous direction given in the Act, granted the plaintiffs summary judgment, and declared the interim rule to be void.

When the authors of this commentary look for a court case to discuss in the CLAS School Leader, we often look for cases about student discipline, faculty issues, or constitutional issues like speech or religion.

Those cases usually have great story lines and are, therefore, interesting and sometimes flamboyantly entertaining. They make good scenarios for teaching school law courses. School finance issues, especially those involving federal money, aren’t usually very interesting. They can be important, however, because funding is basic and essential for the education enterprise. Further, we have recently noticed a lot of email traffic between school board attorneys, discussing questions about different aspects of the CARES Act. Consequently, one of the first cases to reach the federal courts involving COVID-19 relief funds for schools is important enough to review. Further, a funding case that discusses authority relationships between the three branches of government at the federal level (congressional; executive; and judicial) and rule-making for funds going to state governments is an important reminder for school leaders about the powers given to actors who impact the way school leaders do their jobs.

CLAS School Leader

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This year, CLAS awarded $2,275 to 67 CLAS members for their efforts in the 2020-2021 membership recruitment drive. For every new Individual/Institutional member who joined before December 31, 2020, $25 was awarded to the CLAS member credited with referring them to CLAS. We extend our most sincere gratitude for the hard work, dedication, and diligence put forth by these members! Additionally, for each new member recruited, CLAS enters the recruiter’s name in a $1,000 cash prize drawing.

Paige Abner......................... 1 Allison Alexander................. 1 David Asbury....................... 1 Suzanne Bahr...................... 1 Lisa Beckham...................... 1 Mike Bishop......................... 3 Heath Blackwell................... 1 Shannon Bogert.................. 2 Kristin Booker...................... 1 Carrie Busby........................ 1 Ashley Catrett...................... 1 Jeanna Chandler................. 2 Dennis Coe.......................... 1 Chris Cook........................... 1 Holly Costello...................... 1 Kimberly Davis.................... 1 Christopher Duke................ 1 Kim Gillespie....................... 2 Tanya Grier.......................... 1 Fran Groover....................... 1 Erica Hall............................. 1 Reta Hayes........................ 12 Larry Haynes....................... 1 Phillip Hazelrig..................... 1 Debbie Hope....................... 1 Adam Hopper...................... 1 Lisa Hornsby....................... 1 Cherie Humphries............... 1 Kelley Joiner........................ 2 Sheryl Jones........................ 1 John Knot............................ 1 Jason Laffitte....................... 1 Stephanie Ledbetter............ 4

Wayne Lyles........................ 1 Sabrena Malone.................. 1 Sharon Maness................... 1 Michael Maniscalco............. 1 Tanya Miles......................... 1 Terria Moore........................ 1 Demond Mullins................... 1 Rene Nichols....................... 1 Brock Nolin.......................... 1 Vicky Ozment...................... 2 Gaylon Parker..................... 1 Johnnie Parker.................... 1 Almesha Patrick.................. 1 Danielle Peterman............... 1 Rickey Porter....................... 1 Dana Price........................... 1 Sandra Reid........................ 3

Susan Riggs........................ 1 Sandy Ritchey..................... 1 Matt Scott............................ 1 Bruno Simmons................... 1 Chris Sims........................... 1 David Allen Sprinkle, Jr........ 2 Janis Stewart....................... 1 Kris Strickland..................... 1 Casey Tate........................... 1 Paige Terry.......................... 1 Timothy Tidmore.................. 1 Wendy Tinker....................... 1 Brent Ward.......................... 1 Jordan Weathers................. 1 Misty Wilkinson.................... 1 Pam Worsham..................... 1 Carrie Yancey...................... 1

Campus Benefits

33 Systems Inc.

School Security – Panic Alert Button – The NEXT STEP in school safety. Help is only a click away. Get HELP in classrooms.

Barry Peterson (813) 822-0045 info@33systems.net www.33helpme.com

ABM

ABM offers energy and infrastructure upgrades that is budget neutral such as lighting, HVAC and water conservation as well as janitorial and enhanced cleaning services.

Don McPherson 256-709-3051 don.mcpherson@abm.com www.abm.com

ACCESS Virtual Learning

The goal of the distance learning plan is to create equity through additional educational offerings for all Alabama public high school students.

Maria Kilgore (256) 774-4609 mdkilgore@madisoncity.k12.al.us www.accessdl.state.al.us

Adams Learning Resources

Adams Learning Resources has been working with teachers since 1997. Brining you ABE. ABE is webbased providing a program for student who need behavioral education.

Matt Adams (205) 936-0552 madams@adamslearningresources.com adamslearningresources.com

Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (ASAHPERD)

ASAHPERD is the ‘go-to’ organization for all of your health and physical education needs! Contact us for information about quality physical education and health programs.

Donna Hester (205) 388-0304 dhester@asahperd.org asahperd.org

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ALLNLearning

Daily student engagement and formative assessment and continuous progress monitoring made easy! Also, teachers can post grades to PowerSchool with one click!

Darren Ward 940-367-4119 darren@allinlearning.com allinlearning.com

American Fidelity Assurance

American Fidelity Assurance Company provides employer cost-savings solutions and supplemental insurance benefits specific to K12 education within the state of Alabama.

John Cole 205-987-0950 john.cole@americanfidelity.com www.americanfidelity.com

Background Investigation Bureau

We Help You Create Safer Environments with Background Checks, Drug Testing and Occupation Health Services.

Jennifer Drake (877) 439-3900 jdrake@bib.com www.bib.com

Bill Miller Photographers

We provide full-service photographic solutions for your school. Other services include cap and gown, composites, ID badges, yearbooks and so much more.

Bill Miller 800-523-5960 50ddockery@gmail.com www.billmillerphotographers.com

CLAS School Leader

Campus Benefits is a full-service employee benefits brokerage/consulting and compliance firm serving public school districts across the southeast. Our team is focused on exceeding the expectations of their clients by crafting the best employee benefits package possible to date and providing a measurable results-based service plan. Constructing a client-specific benefits package tailored for the unique needs and desires of each client is accomplished by partnering with leading insurance carriers and assimilating clarity for product design with various enrollment options. Together we’re US. Todd Boozer tboozer@campusbenefits.com 205-223-3108 Trent Boozer trentboozer@campusbenefits.com 205-901-2414 www.campusbenefits.com

Carnegie Learning

We’ve dedicated decades of research to understanding how students learn best, so you can propel them toward better outcomes. The future of learning starts here.

Amanda Creswell 888-851-7094 acreswell@carnegielearning.com carnegielearning.com

Champions Before- and After-School

As a leading provider of out-of-school-time learning and education programs, Champions offers school-age kids fun activities in a challenging environment.

Tammy Graham (803) 319-4031 tagraham@discoverchampions.com discoverchampions.com

Class Solver

Class Solver helps schools create their best class lists in a fraction of the time.

Shannon Forte (954) 296-6975 Shannon@ClassSolver.com ClassSolver.com

Classworks

Classworks® is a comprehensive, online intervention solution that includes assessment, instruction, reporting, and progress monitoring. Screen, intervene, and monitor using one intuitive program!

David Constantine 251-545-9903 dconstantine@classworks.com Kellan Huntley 864-421-2351 khuntley@classworks.com www.classworks.com

Curriculum Associates

Curriculum Associates designs research-based print & online instructional materials, assessments, & data management tools necessary for teaching diverse student populations, fostering learning for all students.Kelly-Ann Parson 205-949-7744 kparson@cainc.com www.curriculumassociates.com

Get More Math

Get More Math provides cumulative math practice driven by teachers and uniquely tailored to each student’s needs, supporting mastery of new skills and long-term retention.

Kenan McDonald (209) 288-5523 kmcdonald@getmoremath.com getmoremath.com

Imagine Learning

Imagine Learning partners with educators, providing supplemental digital literacy, math, and assessment programs for students in preK through grade 8.

Christy Sanders 205-470-9807 christy.sanders@imaginelearning.com www.imaginelearning.com

Great Southern Recreation

E3 Strategic Solutions, LLC

We provide strategic and developmental consulting services to educational, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. Our specialty areas include strategic planning, funding solutions, and leadership development.

Darrell Cooper 334-209-8050 dcooper@e3strategicsolutions.com www.e3strategicsolutions.com

Edgenuity

Edgenuity provides online and blended learning solutions for grades K-12 that propel student success, empower teachers, and enable schools to meet their academic goals.

Steve Santora 480-675-7284 steve.santora@edgenuity.com www.edgenuity.com

We design, sell and build commercial playgrounds, splashpads, site amenities, pavilions and sunshades.

Abby Vance (800) 390-8438 info@greatsouthernrec.com greatsouthernrec.com

Hammill Recreation

Playground, shade, surfacing, and site furnishing supplier. Made in Alabama.

Angela Collins 205-706-3993 playgrounds@hammill.net www.hammill.net

Hi.Ed

Hi.Ed (Hyper Individualized Education Design) is a web-based platform that measures current status for graduation requirements, academic scholarships, and NCAA Eligibility (Div I and II).

Duwan Walker (251) 327-6507 duwan@walkerenterprisesala.com walkerenterprisesala.com

Horace Mann Companies Edmentum

Edmentum empowers educators to move education forward with rigorous, research-based curriculum, assessments, and practice items aligned to the most up-to-date standards.

Jai Abrams (952) 832-1139 jai.abrams@edmentum.com edmentum.com

FluencyRev by Languametrics

Fluency is the gateway to Comprehension. Lack of oral reading practice with feedback constrains the flow.

FluencyRev™ opens the floodgates.

Randy Starner 813-279-1907 rstarner@languametrics.com www.fluencyrev.com

We are dedicated to helping educators make informed financial decisions so they can stay in the job they love.

Leslie Weitl, FSCP 800-999-1030 Leslie.Weitl@horacemann.com horacemann.com ®

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) is a learning company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes.

Tabitha Reever (855) 969-4642 tabitha.reever@hmhco.com www.hmhco.com

FOCUS Program

Empower students in Grades 9-12 to successfully lead the prevention of adolescent risk behaviors by offering FOCUS as an elective class or extra-curricular activity.

Sue Jones (256) 453-0655 sjones@thefocusprogram.com thefocusprogram.com

Spring Issue 2021

Interior Elements

School Furniture Supplier with on staff interior designers that can redesign any of your classroom, library, cafe, etc spaces to enhance the overall learning environment.

Dan Chappell 334-332-9708 dc@in-elements.com www.in-elements.com

Interior

Elements

Istation

Intervention and instruction for reading, math and Spanish literacy.

Duck Cunningham 205-613-6789 duckcunningham@istation.com www.istation.com

IXL Learning

IXL is personalized learning. With a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, a real-time diagnostic, individualized guidance, and real-time analytics, IXL meets the unique needs of each learner.

David Mickelsen (256) 566-5545 davidm@ixl.com www.IXL.com

Jumpstart Test Prep

Jumpstart Test Prep, crafted by ACT experts, provides students of all ability levels with a unique preparation method of online, on-demand streaming video modules.

Sha Walker (833) 835-8329 info@jumpstarttestprep.com jumpstarttestprep.com

Lathan Associates Architects

Lathan Architects is a full-service architectural firm known for long-term client relationships. The experience of a project with us is personal, collaborative, and unique.

Carol Coleman 205-988-9112 ccoleman@lathanassociates.com www.lathanassociatesarchitects.com

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LeanStream Resource Partners

LeanStream: a unified full-service fundraising and education commerce solution designed for school systems, individual schools, athletic boosters, PTAs/ PTOs, and other school support organizations.

Jason Taylor 256-289-9781 jtaylor@leanstreamrp.com leanstreamrp.com leanstreamrp.com

LEGO Education

LEGO® Education solutions are designed to build confidence in STEAM learning from pre-K through secondary education. Our tools make learning playful, engaging and relevant.

Dr. Felicia Bustle 843-290-3526 felicia.bustle@lego.com education.lego.com/en-us

Lifetouch Studios

School Portraits and Yearbooks Bryan McCarter 256-534-1001 bmccarter@lifetouch.com www.lifetouch.com

Lightspeed Technologies

Lightspeed offers instructional audio solutions for the whole classroom, distance learning applications, and small groups.

Steve Bishop (800) 732-8999 steve.bishop@lightspeed-tek.com www.lightspeed-tek.com

Locker Pro, LLC

22 years as a school lock & locker distributor & maintenance company. Locker Pro can handle all of your locker maintenance, sales & installation needs.

Tyler Wiechman (205) 663-3211 tyler@lockerpro.com www.lockerpro.com/

MasteryPrep

MasteryPrep is a mission driven organization focused on helping low-income and first-generation students achieve a college-ready score on the ACT, SAT, TSIA2, and more.

Chris Gilliland 855-922-8773 chris@masteryprep.com

masteryprep.com/

Military Child Education Coalition

The Military Child Education Coalition works to ensure inclusive, quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, transition, deployments and family separation.

Anna Startzell (254) 953-1923 anna.startzell@militarychild.org militarychild.org

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OnToCollege

Engaging ACT prep and college counseling for schools. We help students improve their test scores, scholarships, and college choices.

Becky Voss (636) 368-7497 becky@ontocollege.com www.ontocollege.com

OverDrive Education

OverDrive Education is the leading global digital reading platform for K-12, offering the industry’s largest catalog of ebooks, audiobooks and streaming video.

Scott Higinbotham (216) 573-6886 shiginbotham@overdrive.com www.overdrive.com

Pet and Playground

Outdoor amenities and activities for Early childhood through high school.

Jessica Hoagland 334-296-7503 jessica@petandplayground.com petandplayground.com

PowerSchool

PowerSchool is the leading provider of cloud-based software for K-12. Our mission is to power the education ecosystem with unified technology that helps support educators/students.

Jenny Scott 251-656-1397 jenny.scott@powerschool.com www.powerschool.com

PowerUpEDU

Georgia-based PowerUpEDU, is an award-winning education technology solutions provider for classrooms in the southeast. PowerUpEDU creates learning environments that engage students and empower teachers.

Jerry Gaillard (888) 517-3824 jerry@powerupedu.com powerupedu.com

Presentation Solutions, Inc.

We are the company who sells the full-color indoor/ outdoor ColorPro Poster Printers, the Recognizer ULTRA Award System & the CoolLam non-heat and non-electric laminator!

Steven Sanders (800) 280-7809 steven@presentationsolutions.com presentationsolutions.com

CLAS School Leader

Publishers’ Warehouse

Publishers’ Warehouse has long been Alabama’s official textbook depository. Now with EBSCOed, schools enjoy access to all their instructional resources with a single signer login.

Patrick Chappell (205) 516-5821 pchappell@ebsco.com publisherswarehouse.com

Reading Horizons

Reading Horizons empowers teachers with an explicit phonics curriculum that helps all K-3 students build a solid fouundation in reading and spelling.

Nate Smeding 801-971-3693 nate.smeding@readinghorizons.com www.readinghorizons.com

Renaissance

As a leader in assessment, reading, and math solutions for pre-K–12, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth.

Karen Winn 800-338-4204 karen.winn@renaissance.com www.renaissance.com

Samford University School of Education

Graduate Programs from Samford University School of Education Marcie Harchuck (205) 726-4337 mjparson@samford.edu samford.edu

Scantron

From digital and paper assessment to world-class analytics to school stakeholder surveys, Scantron solutions provide actionable results. See what Scantron can do for you today!

Tim Butterfield (815) 922-4365 tim.butterfield@scantron.com www.scantron.com

SchoolCast

SchoolCast is a flexible notification system that lets your key stakeholders decide how they want you to communicate with them in an emergency or nonemergency.

888-988-5884 support@highgroundsolutions.com www.highgroundsolutons.com

School Shares

A digital platform that brings schools, business & Communities together...with benefits for all three.

David Bannister (205) 936-4783 david@myschoolshares.com

SchoolStatus

The only student data analytics platform paired with communication tools to grow engagement between school and home.

Beth Curington (205) 821-0951 samantha@schoolstatus.com www.schoolstatus.com

Simbli by eBOARDsolutions

The first and only comprehensive board management software solution for effective board governance.

Charlie Rigby 770-822-3626 crigby@eboardsolutions.com Suzanne Freeman sfreeman@eboardsolutions.com www.eboardsolutions.com

Stride Learning Solutions

Terrell Enterprises, Inc.

We provide school furniture, equipment, lunchroom tables, and services for the PreK-12 market.

Al Brannon 334-382-7415 al@terrellenterprises.com www.terrellenterprises.com

The Torchbearer Group, LLC.

The Torchbearerer Group, LLC. is an educational consulting firm established to provide tailored solutions by experienced turnaround leaders focused on leadership, teacher, and student success.

Dr. Stacey Gill (205) 529-8393 staceypgill1914@gmail.com

ThriveWay

Peer Helpers is an evidence-based K-12th grade prevention and support program equipping students to support a wide range of emotional, societal and behavioral challenges.

Allison Moore (844) 705-1981 Ruby@thriveway.com thriveway.com

Stride (formerly K12) Learning Solutions offers flexible online and blended learning options that boost modern instruction and promote lifelong student success.

Benj Sampson 844-638-3533 bsampson@k12.com stridelearning.com/learning-solutions

UA Early College

Learning Solutions

The University of Alabama Bama by Distance

Southeastern Fundraising Fundraising Ralph Cahill (601) 319-3210 sosoralph@bayspringstel.net

Synergetics DCS

Synergetics is a leading IT services consulting firm that specializes in the delivery of technology throughout the United States.

Kirby Cox (662) 461-0131 kcox@syndcs.com syndcs.com

Teachers of Tomorrow

Teachers of Tomorrow’s state-approved teacher certification approach is trusted nationwide. Teachers complete training/coursework/requirements to receive their Conditional Certificate in a Teaching Field.

Dave Saba (334) 604-7114 dave@teachersoftomorrow.org www.teachersoftomorrow.org/alabama

The UA Early College program allows students to take college courses online or on-campus while still in high school, earning up to 30 credit hours.

Sergio Ceja (205) 348-7083 saceja@ua.edu uaearlycollege.ua.edu

The University of Alabama offers many of its premier degrees in flexible, online formats with affordable tuition, so it fits your life and your wallet.

Gary Vaden (800) 467-0227 garyv.bama@ua.edu bamabydistance.ua.edu

VCM Sales, Inc

Local representative for Bottle Filling Stations by Elkay and hands free sensor plumbing products from Zurn.

William Cone (205) 324-0669 billcone@vcmsales.com vcmsales.com

Virco

American owned manufacturer of classroom, library, cafeteria and admin that sells direct to Alabama public schools. Please call me to disucss your next need.

John Havicus 205-721-0514 johnhavicus@virco.com www.virco.com

Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary.com is a platform for systematic vocabulary improvement that adapts to the needs of individual students and aligns with any curriculum.

David Mickelsen 256-566-5545 dmickelsen@vocabulary.com www.vocabulary.com/educator-edition/

Zaner-Bloser

Zaner-Bloser is an educational-solutions company that specializes in delivering explicit instruction and a solid academic foundation for PreK–8 students in reading and language arts.

Teresa Cornett (614) 487-2637 danielle.lepage@zaner-bloser.com www.zaner-bloser.com

University of West Alabama

At the University of West Alabama Online, you’ll pursue your personal and career goals in a culturally, intellectually diverse, and flexible environment.

Jessica Hughes (205) 533-0131 jhughes@uwa.edu www.uwa.edu

UR Turn, SBC

Goal-setting and progress-tracking app (that plugs into PowerSchool) helps monitor student progress through high school (9-12) and offers college and career guidance.

Angie Eilers (651) 253-7142 angie@urturn.org www.urturn.org

Spring Issue 2021

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P.O. Box 428 Montgomery, AL 36101 (800) 239-3616 www.clasleaders.org