July 7, 2026

🔊 Audio file of this edition. We tried a little longer audio version this time; what do you think? Give us your feedback!

Federal education policy is shifting rapidly, making this one of the most important years for ESA leaders to be engaged in advocacy. Join colleagues from across the country in Washington, D.C., September 23-25, 2026, for AESA's Advocacy in Action Conference and gain the insights, connections, and strategies you need to effectively represent your ESA and the communities you serve.

Designed to respond to today's evolving policy landscape, the conference focuses on the federal issues having the greatest impact on educational service agencies and school districts. AESA's advocacy team, policy experts, and congressional leaders provide timely updates, practical guidance, and meaningful discussion to help participants understand what's happening in Washington and how to advocate with confidence.

Advocacy opportunities don't always happen on the schedule. When KEDC (KY) members crossed paths with Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) in the Capitol hallway during last year's event, they took the opportunity to advocate for public education and the important work of ESAs.

Meet with Your Members of Congress
Advocacy is most powerful when policymakers hear directly from the people doing the work. Dedicated time is built into the conference schedule for Capitol Hill visits, giving participants the opportunity to meet with members of Congress and their staff to share the impact of ESAs, discuss regional priorities, and strengthen relationships that extend beyond the conference.

Optional Pre-Conference | September 23
Start your Advocacy in Action experience with an afternoon session focused on state-level advocacy. Participants will explore practical strategies for engaging state policymakers, building lasting relationships, and advancing education priorities at the state level. The session is valuable for both new and experienced advocates.

The pre-conference is $100 and can be added during registration under Additional Items.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing the future of the E-Rate program through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that includes significant changes that could fundamentally reshape, or even dismantle, this critical source of connectivity for schools and libraries.

Among the proposals are limiting eligibility, excluding PreK and Head Start, shifting funding away from many districts, and expanding federal involvement into areas traditionally governed by state and local education leaders.

AESA is working alongside AASA, ASBO, NREA, and other national partners to protect E-Rate. Thanks to advocacy efforts, the FCC extended the public comment timeline, creating an important opportunity for education leaders to speak up.

Here's how you can help:

• Contact Congress by the end of July. Submit a letter to your Congressional delegation explaining why E-Rate is essential for your area schools and communities.
• Prepare to comment with the FCC. AESA will launch a national advocacy campaign in August with step-by-step guidance for submitting comments directly to the FCC.

AESA will continue to provide updates and advocacy resources as this process moves forward.

Following AESA's recent call to action to protect the federal E-Rate program, one of our Pennsylvania members at Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU3) took immediate action by creating a statewide advocacy website designed to educate stakeholders and encourage engagement.

The site explains what E-Rate means for Pennsylvania schools, outlines the potential impact of proposed federal changes, and provides a simple way for educators, leaders, and community members to make their voices heard.

The resource is already being shared through Pennsylvania's Intermediate Units, the Keystone Internet Coalition, and other statewide networks to help build awareness and support for preserving this critical program.

While the site was created with Pennsylvania in mind, we believe it serves as an excellent example of how ESAs and state associations can mobilize local advocacy efforts. If you're looking for ideas to engage leaders in your own region or state, we encourage you to explore this resource and consider how a similar approach could support your advocacy efforts.

AASA, in partnership with Education Resource Strategies (ERS), is launching a webinar series to help education leaders understand the new federal scholarship tax credit program and its potential implications for public education.

The first webinar, Leveraging the New Federal Scholarship Tax Credit: Possibilities & Challenges for Districts, will provide an overview of the program, explore potential financial impacts, and discuss considerations for school districts. Future sessions will offer more in-depth technical assistance, including dedicated breakout discussions for Educational Service Agencies.

As states and districts work to understand this new federal policy, the series is designed to help leaders make informed decisions based on sound financial analysis and strategic planning.

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 brings educators and leaders together to explore practical strategies for building inclusive, student-centered schools.

This year's theme, Reclaiming the Why: Anchored in Purpose and Progress, focuses on actionable approaches that promote equity, inclusion, and meaningful change in classrooms, schools, and districts.

Participants will engage in workshops, collaborative learning sessions, and discussions designed to support inclusive practices and improve outcomes for all learners.

Highlights include:

• Practical strategies for creating inclusive learning environments
• Collaborative workshops and networking opportunities
• Time for reflection, planning, and team learning
• Opening keynote by nationally recognized educator and author Cornelius Minor
• Optional Day 3 field trip to New York City's Tenement Museum

Whether attending individually or as part of a team, this Institute offers valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and strengthen your impact.

As schools prepare for the 2026-2027 academic year, district leaders face a rapidly evolving compliance environment. Recent developments involving the U.S. Department of Education, changes in federal enforcement priorities, and ongoing questions about the future of civil rights oversight have created uncertainty. ICS's annual Back-to-School Webinar has helped K-12 leaders and compliance professionals move beyond the headlines and focus on what matters most: the practical steps districts can take to strengthen compliance efforts before students return to campus. Join ICS on August 4 at 11:00 am ET. 

As an update to this post, on June 24, a court temporarily blocked the U.S. Department of Education from applying the Reimagining and Improving Student Education—Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations, ruling that the process violated the Administrative Procedures Act. It is unclear what this means current implementation as litigation continues, but AESA will continue to update this blog as more information is available.

A new article from Chalkbeat explores why a new federal school choice program may require a massive marketing budget.

As schools grapple with a challenging landscape, Bellwether and WestEd suggest state leaders adjust policies and consider tools needed for success.