July 14, 2026

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The latest report examines trending state policy and funding issues heading into the November 2026 election cycle. As legislatures wrap up their sessions and states prepare for a consequential election season, education leaders are navigating changes in school funding, federal flexibility, governance, workforce, and accountability. ESAs can help districts understand these emerging trends, anticipate policy shifts, and respond strategically.

If you haven't yet reached out to your Congressional delegation about protecting the E-Rate program, there's still time. The FCC is considering proposals that could significantly change this critical program, making it more important than ever for education leaders to share how E-Rate supports schools and students in their communities.

Please send a letter to your members of Congress by the end of July. 

If you weren't able to join us this week in Riverside for the 2026 Summer Leadership Conference, there are still excellent opportunities to connect with fellow ESA leaders, learn from peers, and bring fresh ideas back to your agency.

Join us September 23-25 in Washington, D.C., for the Advocacy in Action Conference, where you'll gain timely federal policy updates, strengthen your advocacy skills, and meet with congressional offices to champion the work of educational service agencies. Federal education policy is shifting rapidly, making this one of the most important years for ESA leaders to be engaged in advocacy.

Then, make plans for the Annual Conference & Expo, December 2-4 in Orlando, Florida. AESA's largest event of the year features more than 130 learning sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, an expansive expo hall, and valuable networking with ESA professionals from across the country. Extend your learning by staying for the Business Strategy Framework 1.0 Workshop on December 4-5, a hands-on post-conference experience that equips ESA leaders with practical tools to evaluate services, identify new opportunities, and strengthen long-term organizational strategy.

We hope you'll join us at one or both of these events as we continue learning, collaborating, and advancing the work of educational service agencies together.

Hosted by AESA Executive Director Dr. Joan Wade and Janelle Bailey, the Reading Leaders Book Club brings together members who enjoy great books and even better conversations. The group typically meets on the third Thursday of each month to discuss a carefully selected novel, memoir, or work of nonfiction that sparks reflection and meaningful dialogue. Participation is complimentary, and new readers are always welcome.

Looking ahead: August's selection is Buckeye by Patrick Ryan, followed by Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America by Beth Macy in September. You can view the complete 2026 reading list and register to join the club on the AESA Reading Leaders Book Club webpage.

The Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators (MAISA) recently participated in Michigan State University's Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) Forum following the release of a 2026 report highlighting the measurable, positive impact of literacy coaching in classrooms across the state.

The forum brought together education leaders to examine the findings and discuss how continued collaboration can strengthen literacy outcomes for students. MAISA's participation reflects the important role intermediate agencies play in supporting literacy initiatives and helping educators implement effective instructional practices across Michigan.

AESA Business Partner Pathway2Careers is deepening its collaboration with Pennsylvania's Intermediate Unit system through an expanded partnership with Intermediate Unit 1 and Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18. The partnership will help districts strengthen career-connected learning by providing educator support, career exploration tools, and strategies that connect classroom learning to future workforce opportunities. The initiative also highlights the important role educational service agencies play in scaling innovative, research-based solutions that meet regional needs while creating models that can be replicated nationwide.

Health benefit costs continue to climb, creating new challenges for employers as they balance affordability, employee well-being, and long-term sustainability. In its newly released 2026 Midwest Employee Health & Benefits Benchmarking Report, AESA Business Partner Marsh McLennan Agency shares insights from more than 600 employers on emerging trends, cost-management strategies, and approaches organizations are using to maximize the value of their benefits programs. Download the report to explore the data and practical strategies shaping employee benefits in 2026 and beyond.

There's still time to register for AASA's upcoming webinar on the new federal scholarship tax credit program. The session will provide an overview of the program, explore potential financial impacts, and discuss key considerations for school districts. Future webinars will include dedicated breakout sessions for Educational Service Agencies.

Webinar: Leveraging the New Federal Scholarship Tax Credit: Possibilities & Challenges for Districts
Date: July 22, 2026

AESA members are invited to attend the Institute for Inclusive Learning at no cost. This three-day professional learning experience explores practical strategies for building inclusive, student-centered schools through workshops, collaboration, and reflection.

This year's theme, Reclaiming the Why: Anchored in Purpose and Progress, features keynote speaker Cornelius Minor and an optional Day 3 visit to New York City's Tenement Museum.

AESA along with ASBO International and AASA have submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) expressing serious concerns about proposed changes to the Uniform Grants Guidance, the federal rules that govern how grant funds are managed and used by districts and education service agencies. We believe several of the proposed revisions would create significant new administrative burdens, reduce local flexibility, and make it more difficult for districts and education service agencies to effectively manage federal resources.

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a new national K-12 enforcement initiative focused on preventing and responding to sexual misconduct involving school employees and protecting students from sexual abuse. The initiative outlines the Department's enforcement priorities under Title IX and includes updated guidance and resources for schools and districts. Learn more about the announcement and what it could mean for education agencies.