August 20, 2024
 
 

AESA News

Now Announcing the 2024 National Awardees for Excellence in Educational Service!

The Executive Council of the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 National Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to the field of Educational Service Agencies (ESAs). Each year, AESA invites its members to nominate their peers and colleagues who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and innovation in education. The 2024 awardees represent the highest standards of excellence in their respective fields. 

 

The 2024 AESA National Awards and Recipients are the following: 

 

Outstanding Achievement in ESA Writing & Research Award 

Honoring The Willamette Education Service District Communications Team 

Recognized for their outstanding research, which advances the understanding of educational service agencies at the regional, state, and national levels. 

 

Excellence in Executive Leadership Award 

Honoring Dr. Gladys I. Cruz of Questar III Board of Cooperative Educational Services 

Awarded for her exceptional leadership in advancing educational service agency programs at the regional, state, and national levels. 

 

Exemplary Service & Innovation for Technological Advancement Award 

Honoring Tim McIlvain of Learning Technology Center 

In recognition of his distinguished contributions to technological innovation and support to local school districts and service agencies. 

 

Women of Inspiration in Leadership Award 

Honoring Naomi Norman of Washtenaw Intermediate School District 

Celebrated for serving as a role model and inspiring women in leadership. 

 

The Outstanding Individual Achievement Award and Congressional Service Award will be announced at a later date. 

 

Our sincerest congratulations to this year's awardees!
 

Sept. 16 Deadline: AESA Executive Council Nominations
AESA is governed by an executive council with three representatives from each of the four regions, elected each fall. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead and influence AESA!
 
For 2024-25, nominations are needed from the southern, central, and eastern regions; the western region has a bye. Submit nominations via email to AESA Chief of Staff Ann Fiene at afiene@aesa.us by September 16, 2024.
 

Seeking Donations for AESA Foundation Auctions

The AESA Foundation is hosting a Silent & Live Auction on December 4 and 5 at the AESA Annual Conference in Orlando! We need your help! Consider donating gift cards, travel packages, tech items, themed baskets, crafted goods, and more! For more info or to donate an item, contact Tina Viletto, AESA Foundation Coordinator at tviletto@aesa.us.
 

AESA Events

At-A-Glance Schedule

Conferences & Workshops 

Advocacy in Action Conference  

September 25-27, 2024  |  Washington, DC 

Register >> 

*Pre-Conference to cover state-level advocacy. (Add the $100 Pre-Conference under " Additional Items" on the registration page).  

Experiment, Price, and Innovate with Confidence (EPIC) Workshop

October 2-3, 2024  |  Green Bay, Wisconsin 

Register>> 

 

Business Strategy Framework 1.0 

October 28-29, 2024  |  Johnston, Iowa 

  

Business Strategy Framework 2.0: Managing Strategic Resources 

(Pre-Conference to AESA Annual Conference) 

December 2-3, 2024  |  Orlando, Florida 

  

Annual Conference 2024

December 4-6, 2024 | Orlando, Florida 
 
 

Federal Advocacy Updates

Headlines
 

Kamala Harris Chooses Tim Walz As Running Mate  

Vice President Kamala Harris officially announced Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota and a former teacher, as her running mate for the presidential election. Governor Waltz was the proud recipient of the 2023 AESA Meritorious Service Award for his support of public education and the Minnesota Service Cooperatives! More information about Governor Walz’s education policies is available here.   
 

FCC Releases Resources Detailing Impact of Universal Service Fund Programs  

The FCC released an overview document and state-specific information detailing how each of the universal service fund programs, including E-rate are impacted in each state following a recent court ruling. A compilation of the state data and other additional information can be found on the AESA website.
 

States Working on Navigating the AI Revolution  

This All4Ed blog post presents the results of their review of state legislative sessions regarding their movement (or lack thereof) toward enacting state laws or policy guidance on AI. The piece groups state action into four categories: study; guidance to local districts; protect individuals; and leave AI to local districts.  

Research on School Vouchers Suggests Concerns Ahead for Education Savings Accounts  

This report from the Brookings Institute analyzes the recent spread of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) policies, explaining what they are and their impacts on student achievement, and highlighting concerns regarding their oversight.   
 

Member News

Welcome, New Member!

We’re excited to welcome our newest AESA member, DeKalb County Regional Office of Education, headquartered in DeKalb, Illinois!

 

Joining our vibrant community means access to a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and a platform to share your expertise. We can't wait to see the amazing contributions you’ll bring! 
 

National Headlines

Have we missed one of your ESA’s stories? Send submissions to csowder@aesa.us to be included in future editions of Online News. 

 
 
 
 
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