February 26, 2026

Is Your Agency Facing a Strategic Crossroads?

Are you struggling to diversify revenue beyond traditional funding streams?

 

Are you wrestling with how to balance mission impact and financial sustainability?

 

Are you trying to scale promising services without overextending your team?

 

Are you finding it difficult to move from big ideas to clear, executable strategy?

 

If so, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to solve it alone!

 

The ESA Innovators’ Circle is designed for agencies ready to address real business challenges with structure and support. Participants receive four customized 90-minute strategy sessions with an AESA consultant — dedicated time and undivided attention focused entirely on your agency’s priorities. You’ll also engage with a trusted peer network of ESA leaders and apply a proven business strategy framework to clarify direction and define next steps.

 

Today’s ESAs must operate as both mission-driven organizations and high-performing businesses. The ESA Innovators’ Circle helps you strengthen strategy, build capacity, and position your agency for long-term sustainability.

If your agency is ready for its next strategic move, now is the time to step forward.

 

Membership spots are limited and the first virtual session is soon approaching (March 20), so please register soon. If you have questions, contact Sheila King, Chief Strategy Officer.

 

Two Weeks Left: Submit Your Breakout Proposal Soon!

There are just two weeks remaining to submit your proposal for the 2026 AESA Summer Leadership Conference, taking place July 14–16, 2026 in Riverside, CA.

 

If your ESA is leading work that’s strengthening systems, building partnerships, improving operations, or driving impact for students and schools, now is the time to share it. We’re looking for engaging, practical breakout sessions that highlight real-world strategies and lessons learned—sessions that spark meaningful discussion and leave leaders with ideas they can implement right away.

 

All proposals must align with one of the four conference strands:

  • Leading Coherent Systems

  • Designing High-Impact Learning & Support Systems

  • Sustainable Systems & Smart Stewardship

  • ESAs as Connectors & Community Catalysts

The proposal deadline is March 12, 2026—and it will be here before you know it.

 

Submit your session idea through the Breakout Session Proposal Form and help shape an impactful Summer Leadership Conference for ESA leaders nationwide.

 

Executives in Residence: Step Forward—or Encourage Someone Who Should

The Executives in Residence (EIR) Program is a year‑long leadership experience designed for aspiring and emerging ESA leaders who are ready to grow, learn, and lead at the next level.

 

Through mentorship with experienced ESA CEOs, cohort‑based learning, and participation in key AESA events, EIR participants gain the perspective, confidence, and national connections that prepare them for future executive roles.

 

If you’ve ever thought “maybe someday,” this could be that moment! And if you know a colleague with leadership potential, your encouragement may be the nudge they need to apply.

 

Application deadline: March 10, 2026
Learn more and apply: https://www.aesa.us/executives-in-residence/

 

The future of ESA leadership depends on those willing to step forward—and those willing to encourage them.

 

Upcoming AI Workshops

The Building Capacity workshops were originally designed for district leadership teams to engage in hands-on planning using the Gen AI Maturity Tool. However, AESA is seeing strong interest from ESA teams as well. ESA staff who are exploring AI service models, regional supports, or system-level strategy are encouraged to participate. Below is an upcoming workshop.

 

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools

  • Dates: March 4-5, 2026
  • Trainer: Dr. Sonal Patel, Program Manager for Digital Learning and Computer Science
  • Location: West End Educational Service Center, 8265 Aspen Avenue
    Rancho, Cucamonga, CA 91730
  • Register: SBCSS Registration Link

Central Indiana Education Service Center

  • Dates: April 30–May 1, 2026

  • Trainer: Tanika Kinartail, Professional Learning Specialist, and Ryan Murray, Professional Learning Specialist

  • Location: CIESC, 3500 DePauw Blvd. Pyramid Two, Suite 2020, Indianapolis, IN 46268

  • Register: Link coming soon!

 
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