Southern Region Leadership Conference “Opportunities in a Climate of Change” Dr. Tony Prothro Executive Director ASBA August 2, 2016

Old Fights Expected in 2017 Charter Expansion Without Accountability Tax Credits Vouchers Board Member and Tax Election Dates

Opportunities? What positives can come out of the 2017 Session?

Current Legislature Wants to eliminate bureaucracy Wants to have common sense solutions Does not want to spend any more money (must use current finances) Wants to promote accountability Wants choice in all aspects of education

Superintendent Evaluation Legislation Proposed in 2013 and 2015 A. Main component would have been a survey B. Legislation was eventually dropped

Superintendent Evaluation (Continued) 14 pilot schools in 2015– Arkansas Dept of Ed In January nd round of 24 pilot schools- ASBA Feedback resulted in simplified system with sequential step process Evaluation will cover ISLLC standards and 2 to 4 goals from professional growth plan

Superintendent Evaluation (Continued) Advantages for Statewide Superintendent Eval A. Don’t want legislation dictating superintendent evaluation B. Consistency with requirement for teachers and principals C. Will be standard format and make easier in superintendent transitions D. Will provide accountability and protections for both superintendent and school board

Arkansas Annotated Code Educational organizations working together to eliminate unnecessary laws Tedious process – mostly attorneys involved Should result in simplified code

ASBA Legislative Packet Time is ripe for proactive reform Packet being formulated with conversations with stakeholders

ASBA Legislative Packet (Items of Consideration) Lifetime teaching license upon drawing retirement - current age 62 Extending (2 nd Time Approved) Charter School waivers to all districts though an approval process Expand Act 143 (delay and early release for weather issues) to also allow for emergencies (gas main burst, water supply, etc…)

ASBA Legislative Packet (Continued) Exclude board self-evaluations from FOI Objective, streamlined approach to hiring relative of board member w/o board member resigning Board member receiving penalty instead of school district when not acquiring PD hours

Arkansas Education Solutions (Think Tank) ALA Impact Initiative Solving Pipeline Issues for Teachers and Administrators Mentorship, Support Systems, Eliminate Regulations to Allow Flexibility to Hire and Retain Educators

Other Topics of Discussion by Leadership Groups District coming out of takeover would have staggered board elections instead of whole board replacement in one election. Ineligibility of board members to run for election if sitting board member at time of takeover

Other Topics of Discussion (Continued) PLSB-like entity for school board accountability Board option to adopt teacher fair dismissal or multi-year contract for principals. Program to provide assistance for aides and subs to obtain teaching degree

2017 Legislative Session We must fight the hard battles We must formulate common sense solutions We must be proactive in advocating the good things taking place in our public schools

Quote “Those who choose to not take part in the political process are subsequently governed by those who do”

Worthwhile Quote “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” Theodore Roosevelt

Thank you! Dr. Tony Prothro