December 19, 2023

Member News Round Up

Iowa AEAs Under Fire: Governor Takes Aim

This article, found in the Gazette news service, serving eastern Iowa, describes recent developments at the state level affecting Iowa's AEAs.

Gov. Kim Reynolds said this week she plans a “comprehensive review” of the state’s nine Area Education Agencies.

“Iowa’s Area Education Agencies were created 50 years ago to address the needs of students with disabilities, but over the years, they’ve significantly expanded their scope of services beyond the core mission,” Reynolds said in an email to the N’West Iowa REVIEW on Monday.

Read the full article

Pennsylvania Legislators finish Budget

Millions of Pennsylvania tax dollars appear to be headed soon to community colleges, libraries, and private schools through a recently passed school code.

Read more

Students in Eaton Regional Education Service Agency's Aviation Program Receive Scholarships

Two Lansing, Michigan students each received a $5,000 scholarship to help advance their aviation careers. The students were a part of the Eaton RESA's aviation career institute.

Watch the news story here.

AESA proudly announces the re-appointment of Dr. Joan Wade, AESA Executive Director, to the Universal Service Administrative Company's (USAC) Board of Directors. Dr. Wade has been an integral part of the USAC Board since January 2018.

The USAC oversees critical initiatives such as E-Rate, a service that plays a vital role in connecting schools and educational institutions across the nation to the digital world. E-Rate, supported by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), allows eligible schools to obtain affordable telecommunications and internet services.

Dr. Wade's re-appointment underscores her dedication and ongoing commitment to ensuring that schools have access to the necessary resources for educational technology. Her continued presence on the board is a testament to her exemplary service and expertise in the field.

The re-appointment process involves a meticulous nomination procedure, including securing letters of recommendation from other national associations.

Dr. Wade expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue her service on the USAC Board of Directors, stating, "I am honored to continue my service on the USAC Board and contribute to the important work of facilitating E-Rate services for school districts. Ensuring that our educational institutions have access to affordable and reliable connectivity is essential for fostering a thriving learning environment."

The official public notice announcing Dr. Wade's re-appointment can be accessed on the FCC's website at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-23-1160A1.pdf.

We look forward to the continued collaboration fostered between AESA and USAC as she works alongside fellow board members to support the educational needs of school districts nationwide.

We are happy to share this invitation to explore "STEM-Centered Education Excellence:

Korea and Singapore" from AESA Business Partner ACES, International.

Happening this Week! 

Reading Leaders Book Club! 

As lifelong readers and leaders, we all know the importance of reading and literacy, well beyond the pre-k12 classroom where it is often assigned. Reading Leaders AESA Executive Director Dr. Joan Wade and Janelle Bailey invite you to join the AESA Reading Leaders Book Club.  The club meets every third Thursday of the month to discuss the latest book.

To join: Contact Ann Fiene 

Next meeting: Trust, by Hernan Diaz

December 21, 2023:  7 pm Eastern (6 pm Central; 5 pm Mountain; 4 pm Pacific; 3 pm Alaska)

We wish you a very happy holiday season from all of us at AESA to all of you. We hope you have some time to spend doing what you love - whether that's traveling, visiting with family, or staying put. As our staff will also be enjoying the holiday, the AESA Online News will not be published on December 26, 2023. Please expect the next Online News on January 2, 2024!

The Association of Educational Service Agencies offers the weekly AESA Online News just for members!