Registration Open: 2026 Virtual Federal Advocacy Committee Meeting
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Registration is now open for the 2026 Virtual Federal Advocacy Committee Meeting! This important annual gathering brings together education leaders and advocates from across the country to discuss federal policy priorities, share strategies, and strengthen our collective voice in Washington. Join us virtually to engage in timely discussions, hear from key policymakers, and help shape the future of education advocacy.
Join us on January 21 and 22, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 pm (ET) each day.
This event is FREE and exclusively available to AESA members!
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Excitement Builds for AESA’s 2026 Educator Field Studies!
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Excitement is already building for AESA Global’s 2026 Educator Field Studies! These immersive international learning experiences are designed exclusively for ESA staff and board members and limited to about 30 participants per trip, ensuring a personalized and impactful journey.
Join one of two immersive Educator Field Studies, happening June 15–23, 2026: Austria–Hungary or Vietnam–Japan! These all-inclusive experiences cover airfare, hotels, meals (with one on your own per country), and attraction fees—plus exclusive access to educational organizations and systems that will inspire, connect, and expand your global perspective.
Total Program Cost: USD $5,200 per participant
Registration Deadline: Extended to December 1, 2025!
Please contact Jason Hiruo, Chief Global Officer, or Meimei Zou, Director of Projects, with any questions or to begin the reservation process.
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Join Us at the Broadmoor!
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AESA’s Annual Conference & Expo takes place December 3–5, 2025, at the iconic Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, CO. This premier gathering of ESA leaders, innovators, and partners is your opportunity to connect, learn, and shape the future of education services. And right after the conference, don’t miss our BSF 1.0 Workshop, December 5–6 — a hands-on session designed to help your ESA craft a bold, actionable business strategy for the future.
Reminder: Items Needed for 2025 Silent Auction!
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The AESA Foundation is hosting a Silent Auction at this year’s Annual Conference & Expo. Donate gift cards, travel packages, tech, themed baskets, or unique items—your generosity funds scholarships and innovative initiatives. Contact Tina Viletto at tviletto@aesa.us or 267-455-2820 to donate.
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Spotlight on ESA Leadership: Dr. Cindy Yelick Recognized as Iowa’s Superintendent of the Year
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Heartland AEA Chief Administrator Dr. Cindy Yelick has been named the 2026 Iowa Superintendent of the Year by the School Administrators of Iowa (SAI)—a recognition that includes AEA Chiefs Administrators among its honorees. A respected leader in Iowa’s AEA system, Dr. Yelick is celebrated for her steadfast commitment to student success, collaborative leadership, and advocacy for strong educational services statewide. Her leadership through the recent AEA system transition has exemplified positivity, transparency, and an unwavering student focus. Dr. Yelick will represent Iowa in the National AEA Chief Administrator of the Year Program® sponsored by AASA. AESA congratulates Dr. Yelick on this well-deserved honor and her outstanding representation of the ESA community. Read more about her achievement.
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Spotlight on Ohio: New Video Showcases the Impact of ESCs
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The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) has created a powerful new video that highlights what Educational Service Centers (ESCs) are and the vital role they play in supporting Ohio’s schools, educators, and students. The video serves as a clear, engaging resource to help communicate the value of ESCs to a wide range of audiences, including local districts, community partners, legislators, and the public.
By sharing real examples of collaboration and impact, OESCA’s video helps strengthen understanding of how ESCs enhance educational outcomes across the state. It’s a valuable tool for advocacy and awareness, showcasing the collective power of ESAs in action.
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Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Department of Education Layoffs
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The situation surrounding the USDE's recent staff reductions continues to evolve rapidly. Just days after the Administration initiated widespread layoffs that significantly impacted key offices overseeing billions in federal education funding, a federal judge stepped in to temporarily halt the action. The court’s decision pauses the Reduction in Force (RIF) process while a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled in the coming weeks. Read the latest information.
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Collaborating Partner News
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This month's update highlights the newly released CoSN 2025 Blaschke Report, “Screens in Balance: Education, Technology, and Community Conversations,” and its accompanying Toolkit. It also previews the upcoming CoSN/AASA edLeader Panel broadcast, “Student Screen Time Pros and Cons,” airing November 10, 2025. Panelists include AASA President and Minnetonka (MN) Superintendent David Law, Dr. Doug Brubaker of Texarkana ISD (TX), Dr. Marie Robinson of Bangor School Department (ME), and Cooper Sved, CoSN’s 2025 Blaschke Fellow and lead author of the report.
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Students Speak Up About AI in Their Learning Lives
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Project Tomorrow will release findings from the 2025 Speak Up National Report, representing the perspectives of more than 60,000 K–12 students, educators, administrators, and families nationwide. This special briefing offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from students about how AI is shaping their educational experiences—the opportunities they see and the concerns they hold.
Register Here: Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EDT
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Correspondence Address:
PO Box 404, Cheshire, CT 06410
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Remittance Address:
Department 3990, PO Box 986500, Boston, MA 02298-6500
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