January 15, 2026

Reminder: AESA Virtual Federal Advocacy Meeting

This meeting may not be labeled as “professional learning,” but our annual Virtual Federal Advocacy Meeting consistently offers valuable insight for ESA leaders and staff alike.

As AESA updates its federal legislative priorities, members will hear directly from national advocates and policy experts, gain clarity on emerging federal education issues, and better understand how congressional and agency actions may impact ESAs and the districts they serve. Even seasoned leaders often walk away with new perspectives, timely context, or a deeper understanding of the federal landscape.

Join us for this important work session and be part of shaping AESA’s federal advocacy efforts for the year ahead.
 

2026–27 ESA Innovators’ Circle: Advancing Strategy Into Action

Many AESA members have participated in the Business Strategy Framework courses and have begun applying those strategies within their agencies. The 2026–27 ESA Innovators’ Circle builds on that foundation, offering continued learning and just-in-time coaching as teams move from planning to implementation.

 

Designed specifically for educational service agencies, this subscription-based program supports agency teams as they strengthen strategic capacity, explore innovative service models, and connect with peers from across the country.

 

Year Two Program Overview

Andy Pechacek and Doreen Marvin will continue as facilitators and coaches. The 2026–27 program includes the same core elements as the inaugural year:

  • Three 90-minute virtual networking sessions
    Scheduled for March 20, 2026; August 6, 2026; and February 4, 2027

  • Four 90-minute customized consulting sessions

  • Access to a virtual community of shared resources

  • A 10% discount on additional customized consulting services

Participation is limited to 12 ESAs to ensure a highly personalized experience. Membership is organization-based rather than individual. One person should register on behalf of the ESA; the primary contact will later submit a list of participating staff for the 2026–27 cohort.

 

The investment for the 2026–27 ESA Innovators’ Circle is $6,500 per ESA.

 

Membership spots are limited, so please register soon. If you have questions, contact Sheila King, Chief Strategy Officer.
 

Lead the Way in K‑12 AI: ESA Staff Invited to Become Regional Trainers

Building Capacity for Generative AI in K-12 Education is a national initiative designed to help school systems take a thoughtful, strategic approach to generative AI. Using the CoSN/CGCS K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool, district and regional teams assess AI readiness across key operational and instructional domains and develop practical, actionable next steps.

 

Upcoming Workshops
The Building Capacity workshops were originally designed for district leadership teams to engage in hands-on planning using the Gen AI Maturity Tool. However, AESA is seeing strong interest from ESA teams as well. ESA staff who are exploring AI service models, regional supports, or system-level strategy are encouraged to participate — and to consider applying to become Regional Trainers.

 

Upcoming in-person workshops include:

  • Hamilton County ESC (Cincinnati, OH)
    January 20 and March 3, 2026

  • Broome Tioga BOCES (Binghamton, NY)
    February 10-11, 2026

  • CESA 1 (Pewaukee, WI)
    February 20 and February 27, 2026

Become a Regional Trainer
ESA staff have a unique opportunity to lead generative AI readiness in their regions. The next Train-the-Trainer session is February 18-20, 2026 at the Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC) in Indianapolis, IN. By participating, you’ll gain the skills and resources to guide district teams, shape AI strategy, and expand your ESA’s impact nationwide. Don’t miss this chance to be at the forefront of K‑12 AI innovation. 
 

Customized Consulting: Personalized Professional Learning for ESAs

Every ESA faces a distinct set of priorities, pressures, and opportunities. AESA Customized Consulting offers focused, practical support to help agencies strengthen leadership, sharpen strategy, and position themselves for long-term success.

 

A Partnership Approach

AESA’s consultants work closely with your team to understand your agency’s context and goals. From refining services to navigating leadership transitions or launching new initiatives, our approach is collaborative and action-oriented, designed to deliver guidance you can use immediately.

 

Flexible Services to Meet Your Needs

AESA Customized Consulting includes support across key areas of agency work:

  • Board Training and Support
    Customized training that equips board members to govern effectively in an evolving education landscape.

  • Business Coaching and Content Review
    Ongoing coaching to help ESA teams extend learning from Business Strategy Framework workshops and turn strategy into action.

  • Executive Searches
    A flexible, customized CEO search process focused on strong alignment, rigorous vetting, and support from start to finish.

  • Operations Consultation
    Expert guidance to help administrators navigate legal, policy, and operational challenges with confidence.

  • System and Service Design
    Collaborative support to assess current offerings, identify new opportunities, and design services that respond to local and regional needs.

To learn more about how AESA Customized Consulting can support your agency’s priorities, visit the AESA website or contact Sheila King, AESA Chief Strategy Officer.
 
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