AESA’s Online News is intended to connect members with information including federal updates, event information, and more. Here's what you need to know this week!

Executives in Residence Applications Due May 1

If your career aspiration is leading you toward executive leadership in an educational service agency, this experience is for you! Applications are now accepted for the 2024-25 cohort.

New Positions Posted

Check out the new positions posted for Texas and Nebraska in Job Central!
Job Central features employment opportunities offered by member ESAs. Job Central is a free member service.

Cybersecurity in Schools

The Department of Education, in coordination with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), launched the Government Coordinating Council (GCC) for the Education Facilities Subsector, a pivotal step forward in the national effort to enhance cybersecurity across K-12 education. This council signifies an unprecedented level of collaboration between federal, state, local, and tribal governments to protect schools from cybersecurity threats.

Notably, the launch follows the Back to School Safely: K-12 Cybersecurity Summit hosted by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the White House, underscoring the Administration’s whole-of-government approach to addressing cyber incident prevention, mitigation, and recovery.

Donate to the AESA Foundation! 

Donate in Two Ways... Pay tribute to someone special - or simply make a general donation!

Is someone retiring from your ESA? Acknowledge an ESA colleague in a special way!
Tributes make great gifts and express your appreciation in a unique and personal manner. Support the AESA Foundation and honor someone special by paying tribute to them with a foundation donation.  

For a minimum contribution of $25, a personalized tribute will be sent to anyone you wish to honor – at any time of the year.  Remember an ESA colleague - living or deceased - by sending a personalized tribute from the AESA Foundation. 

Why Donate?
Tribute donations to the AESA Foundation support projects of the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), assisting ESAs and exemplifying leadership opportunities across the nation. Tributes are a wonderful way to give a gift and support educational service agencies. Your generous donations enable the AESA Foundation to fund creative ideas and projects for AESA!
 

How to Donate?
Tributes can be purchased year-round and can even be made as an annual contribution. Donations can be made online using the "Dedicate my Donation..." button below. Provide the information requested for each tribute. 

For more information, contact AESA Foundation Coordinator Tina Viletto at tviletto@aesa.us. 

*Gifts to the AESA Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. 

What to Expect for FY25 Appropriations

Now that Congress has finalized Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 funding – it’s time to immediately pivot to FY25. Let’s look at the president’s FY25 budget vs. what paths Congress will likely take when they return to the Hill. 

Federal Legislative Updates

USED Releases Guidance on Federal Property Interest

Last week, USED issued guidance regarding the government-wide recording and reporting requirements for ESSER projects related to the acquisition or improvement of facilities with federal funds. Of importance, every LEA that utilized ESSER funding for renovation, major remodeling, construction or the purchasing of real property using federal funding must report a federal property interest regardless of the amount of the federal interest. This requirement to report a federal property interest does not apply to “moveable equipment” which may include HVAC equipment, mobile classrooms, building furniture, and other similar items. The deadline to do this is January 28, 2025. 

In the News

Why School Absences Have “Exploded” Almost Everywhere

This New York Times article explores the rise of chronic absenteeism rates since 2019, presenting trend data through charts and a district search tool and offering perspectives from district leaders and school staff on potential drivers of absenteeism.

America is Divided Over Major Efforts to Rewrite Child Labor Laws

This Washington Post article discusses the increase in illegal child labor in the United States

between 2013 and 2023 and highlights how different states have responded, with at least 16

states considering bills to relax child labor laws to provide more work opportunities for students, while 13 others are aiming to strengthen these laws to safeguard children from labor exploitation.

Member News

Bassett, ONC BOCES to offer nursing certification program
The Daily Star

ESC of Eastern Ohio to Host Education Job Fair
Business Journal Daily

"Take time to read this bill:" House Dem flagged AEA funding "oversight"
Bleeding Heartland