Planning for Leadership Transitions? AESA’s Executive Search Services Are Here to Help
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As many educational service agencies begin planning for upcoming leadership transitions, we want to remind you of the comprehensive Executive Search Services available through AESA.
At AESA, we know that selecting the right CEO is one of the most important decisions your board will make. Our Executive Search Services are designed specifically for ESAs, drawing on decades of experience in educational leadership and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within your organizations. We offer a customized, flexible, and data-informed process to help you find a leader who aligns with your agency’s mission and future direction.
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Now Seeking Applicants for CES Executive Director
We’re currently partnering with the Collaborative for Educational Services (CES) in Massachusetts to fill their Executive Director position. This collaboration reflects our commitment to personalized service and strategic guidance tailored to each ESA’s mission and future direction.
Find the Job Posting>>
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If your agency is anticipating a leadership transition, now is the perfect time to begin the conversation. Let AESA help you start strong.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact John Bass at jbass@aesa.us.
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October 2025 AESA State Examiner
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The October 2025 issue highlights the nationwide wave of property tax reform and its implications for school districts and ESAs. Rising home values and political pressure are reshaping local funding, and ESA leaders are in a pivotal position to advocate for sustainable solutions that protect educational services, support communities, and ensure equity.
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Be a PAL — Empower the Next Generation of Leaders!
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We’re proud to introduce Promoting Agency Leadership (PAL), the newest initiative of the AESA Foundation. This program is dedicated to fostering professional development, leadership growth, and new opportunities within our educational community.
Through scholarships, professional learning experiences, and other key initiatives, PAL invests in the people who lead educational service agencies—building the foundation for the future of education.
Your support helps grow the next generation of changemakers in education.
To learn more, sponsor an event, or make a donation, contact Tina Viletto at tviletto@aesa.us.
Every education leader needs a PAL!
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Sill Looking for Auction Items!
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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.
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ACOE Earns State Recognition for Teacher Workforce Innovation
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AESA member Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) in California has received a CSBA Golden Bell Award for its Professional Advancement and Training Hub (PATH), a program tackling educator shortages and promoting workforce diversity.
Since 2024, PATH has guided 1,500 residents toward education careers, supported nearly 100 new instructional aides, and helped over 130 diverse intern teachers earn credentials. Superintendent Alysse Castro praised the program for ensuring “students have a qualified teacher from their community in the classroom.”
AESA congratulates ACOE for this well-deserved recognition and for serving as a model of how ESAs can strengthen education through innovation and collaboration
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Vermont Moves Closer to Establishing Its First BOCES
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Exciting progress is underway in Springfield, Vermont, where the Vermont Learning Collaborative (VTLC) is advancing its efforts to become the state’s first Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Last month, AESA Senior Advisor John Bass visited the Collaborative to meet with Executive Director Jill Graham and the board, offering support as they continue shaping a BOCES model tailored to Vermont’s unique educational landscape.
“We are grateful to AESA for their support of VTLC's work to become Vermont's first BOCES,” quoted Graham on social media.
If all goes according to plan, VTLC could celebrate its official BOCES designation by the end of the year—marking a milestone that would usher in a new era of shared services and statewide educational partnership!
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CCIU's Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today: Peter’s Story
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Second grader Peter Bumbulsky is thriving at AESA member Chester County Intermediate Unit’s (CCIU) Child & Career Development Center (CCDC), where a nurturing and understanding environment has transformed his school experience. At CCDC, Peter engages with learning games, builds friendships, and develops confidence, particularly in problem-solving and social interactions. His mother, Andie, notes a remarkable change in his behavior and attitude toward school, crediting the staff’s patience and supportive approach.
Stories like Peter’s show how educational service agencies (ESAs) like CCIU support students across the country by creating environments where every child can grow, succeed, and become a leader.
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Empowering Futures: Youth Apprenticeships in Wisconsin
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Wisconsin schools, employers, and Cooperative Educational Service Agencies are joining forces to create powerful opportunities for students with IEPs. Through Youth Apprenticeships, these students are gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for life beyond the classroom.
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UPDATE: School Mental Health Grants Reopened
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Last month, the U.S. Department of Education released revised priorities for both the School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) Grant Program and the Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program. It is our understanding the new grant competition will continue despite an October 27th ruling that requires the Department of Education to reinstate, for now, the original SBMH and MHSP grants that were discontinued in April. Not all grantees are eligible to have their grants reinstated, only those that were party to a lawsuit from 16 states filed in June.
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Guest Post: Maintaining Strong Foundations for Head Start Programs During the Government Shutdown
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This guest post comes from the National Head Start Association to clear up some possible misconceptions and highlight how school systems and Head Start can work together through the shutdown to ensure children and families are prioritized and that both Head Start and school systems remain strong long after the shutdown ends.
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Wide Array of AI Legislation Introduced
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Despite the federal government remaining closed for more than a month now, multiple new bills related to AI and students have been introduced in the past several weeks. This blog post has the breakdown.
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Judge Extends Order Halting Layoffs of Federal Employees During the Shutdown
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Last week, a federal judge extended her original order that temporarily stopped the Administration from firing federal employees during the shutdown, which had included about 465 employees at ED. The Administration is now prohibited from making a reduction in force (RIF) during the government shutdown. Those employees given RIF notices in early October now likely have their jobs for the time being but most are furloughed and not being paid. See this CNBC article for details.
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How the Federal Government Shutdown is Affecting Schools: A Tracker
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Education Week is tracking the effects of this year’s government shutdown on K-12 schools. Here’s the latest.
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AASA Shares 2022-23 Federal K-12 Education Funding Analysis
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Our advocacy partner, AASA, recently released an updated analysis for the 2022–23 school year, revealing that federal funds accounted for just under 13 percent (12.75%) of a typical school district’s operating budget.
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Remittance Address:
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Boston, MA 02298-6500
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