September 30, 2025

Time is running out to join three powerful AESA programs designed to equip leaders with the tools, strategies, and global perspectives to thrive. Secure your place today:

Kickoff is next week in Chicago, October 7-8!
Be part of this transformative, year-long journey designed to empower and elevate women who hold ESA roles such as CEO, executive director, superintendent and similar. We still have room for five more participants, so it’s the perfect time to join before we begin. 

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Starts in just over two weeks on October 16!
This first-of-its-kind training will prepare your ESA to lead international initiatives and global partnerships. Enrollment is limited to best support the personalization and success of each participant, so don’t miss your chance to join the inaugural cohort shaping the future of global education. 

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Hotel cutoff EXTENDED to October 4!
Take your strategic leadership to the next level with this highly rated program happening October 20-21 in Riverview, FL.

While participants will benefit from having previously completed Business Strategy Framework 1.0, this year we’re relaxing the prerequisite. Due to programming timing, we welcome new participants into 2.0 even if they haven’t yet attended 1.0.

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And if you’d like the chance to complete the foundational workshop, Business Strategy Framework 1.0 will be offered right after our Annual Conference & Expo in Colorado this December 5-6, 2025. It’s a perfect way to get both experiences within a short window of time!

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Early Bird ends Oct. 17! 

Register now for AESA’s 2025 Annual Conference & Expo, December 3–5 at The Broadmoor—save on rates and join ESA leaders nationwide for top sessions on storytelling, well-being, governance, and more.

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Support ESAs nationwide!
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.

AESA congratulates North Point ESC (NPESC) on being named the backbone organization for the Northeast Ohio STEM Hub. This recognition highlights NPESC’s commitment to advancing STEM education, fostering innovation, and supporting school districts across the region. We are proud to see an AESA member leading the way in expanding opportunities for students and educators alike. Read more here.

Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 begins tomorrow, October 1, 2025. To avoid a government shutdown, Congress must pass a funding extension by tonight, September 30. With no clear path forward, the risk of a shutdown is growing. Find out what ESA leaders need to know about how a potential shutdown will—and will not—affect them.

Last week, the Trump Administration announced changes to the H-1B visa program, which allows employers to temporarily hire foreign workers for specialty occupation positions. Many school districts use this program to fill critical vacancies, especially in rural areas where staff shortages are more acute. Read more about what this means for districts.

In a new report, the Learning Policy Institute analyzes the impacts of California’s $4 billion investment into a community schools partnership program, revealing consistent positive impacts for high-need schools with reductions in chronic absenteeism and suspensions rates and improved test scores.

A recent Gallup poll found that only 35% of Americans are satisfied with the K-12 education system, a record low in 26 years of this poll, however, 74% of parents with children in the K-12 system say they are at least satisfied with their eldest child’s education.

The74 reports on research highlighting mismatches between the credentials students earn and employer needs, urging greater alignment and transparency among states, districts, schools, and employers to help students pursue the most valuable credentials for their fields.

The Hechinger Report highlights how Ashe County, NC is grappling with cuts to federal funding that had supported numerous programs and salaries as an example of the challenges many districts are facing early in the school year.