September 2014 wasaHotline - Washington Association of ... Resources/6.1.8 Hotline... · September 2014 STAY CURRENT: ... Dr. Michael Schmoker writes about the power of simplicity,

HotlinewasaSeptember 2014

STAY CURRENT:

Dear Colleagues:

Welcome to the 2014–15 school year! I hope you had a productive summer that allowed for some family, friends, and the makings of lifelong memories.

As we anxiously wait for the promise in the McCleary decision for the Legislature to meet its constitutional obligation to fully fund public education, I’m reminded that the destination

of full funding is what matters and that we still have potential road blocks, turnpikes, and detours on the route. It’s imperative that we have one voice to actively advocate for the Legislature to get us to our destination.

Seattle Seahawks: Super Bowl XLVIII Champions never gave up on getting to their destination. They too traveled a road, a destination never before reached in franchise history, with road blocks and detours. Multiple untimely injuries, inability to use key players such as Percy Harvin and Sydney Rice, and an offensive line unable to reliably protect Russell Wilson, had many fans doubting the possibility of reaching the final destination.

The Legislature’s lack of progress on responding to McCleary (Road Blocks—definitions on what is basic education such as “Does that include compensation?” Turnpikes—“How about facilities?” Detours—the noble yet singular focused Initiative 1351), cannot be allowed to stop us from reaching our destination.

Like the Seahawks, we are on the road to a miracle for our children in the state of Washington. We cannot lose faith or our stamina to overcome the adversity. I heard Randy Dorn say, “This is our Super Bowl.” The ball is off the line of scrimmage. How can we come together as a team to make sure the ball gets into the end zone for a touchdown? Are you the player sitting on the bench or will you be in the starting lineup?

Dr. Michael Schmoker writes about the power of simplicity, clarity, and priority. WASA will provide the coaching for us to be clear and

focused so that we can achieve our destination with measurable first downs and a miraculous finish with a high-quality K–12 education system for all students.

Please take time this pre-season to meet with your legislators. Let’s have one voice about what it is going to take to fully implement McCleary.

Have a wonderful start to your new school year. Hope to see you at our Washington Educators’ Conference on October 27–28 at the Doubletree Hotel at SeaTac.

Michelle

President’s Inauguration Reception

On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, Michelle Price was honored at her inaugural reception, held at Jamison’s Event Center in Moses Lake. A crowd of 100 colleagues, friends, family, and WASA members were in attendance to celebrate Michelle’s new role as WASA President. In her comments to the attendees, President Price stated:

“I’m incredibly blessed to have family, friends, and colleagues who encourage and support me in both my personal and professional life. It’s quite an honor to work with the WASA team.”

Michelle Price

2014–15 President

Inside this Issue

From the President

Educator Certification Renewal Changes

State Supreme Court Rules on Pension LawsuitsFocus on Education

WASA Board Remains Neutral on I-1351

Page 2wasa Hotline • September 2014

On October 27–28, at the DoubleTree Hotel Seattle Airport, you will have the opportunity to join with other superintendents, central office and building administrators, teachers, and teacher-leaders at the second annual Washington Educators’ Conference; a collaborative event sponsored by WASA, AWSP, OSPI, and WSASCD.

The conference will feature keynotes by Dr. Edwin Javius, Susan Richards, and Governor Jay Inslee, Dr. Edwin Javius, Founder/President/CEO of EdEquity, will present “Creating the Conditions to Lead Equity in Common Core Standards.” Advocating for students and school equity are two of the many talents of Edwin Lou Javius. Dr. Javius has established a reputation of inspiring educators to incorporate Educational Equity and Culturally Conscious teaching approaches to increase instructional rigor. With our continued focus on how to eliminate the opportunity/achievement gap, his message to us will be especially important.

Susan Richards, Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Washington State, will present the keynote on the second day of the conference. Her mission is to ensure that each student walks into the classroom ready to benefit from quality instruction provided by talented teachers. During her session “Changing the Picture: Focusing on Student Success Together,” she will share her insights about developing and implementing strong school-community partnerships, provide some best practice strategies, and talk about a few of the lessons she learned along the way as she challenges us to continue to strive toward a collective focus to ensure academic success for all students.

Governor Jay Inslee, the closing luncheon speaker, will share his call for graduation attainment, a vision he holds for each young person in Washington.

Visit the conference site at www.wasa-oly.org/WEC2014 for the schedule, housing, and registration information. Register early as space is limited for this important conference.

Be sure to reserve your housing before the room block discount expires on October 1!

WASA Members Elect Frank Hewins

In August, WASA members elected Frank Hewins, Superintendent of Franklin Pierce Schools, as WASA President-elect. Frank will assume the presidency in July 2015 following the term of WASA President Michelle Price.

As president, Hewins’ goals are to:

• Enhance the image of superintendents and administrators as the most trusted experts and spokespersons for public education in the state of Washington.

• Work closely with the Legislature to finalize the full funding of basic education as their paramount constitutional duty under the McCleary decision.

• Collaborate with other education entities to further align early learning, K–12, and higher education into a seamless system for the children of Washington State.

To read more about President-elect Hewins, visit the press release webpage at www.wasa-oly.org/PressReleases.

Honorary Awards Richard Johnson, Okanogan

Legislation & Finance Ken Hoover, Monroe

Membership Lois Davies, Pateros

Professional Development Carolyn Treleven, Franklin Pierce

Professional Standards & Ethics Sarah Thornton, Pasco

School Construction Robert Van Slyke, Bethel

Small Schools Doug Dearden, Trout Lake

2014–15 STANDING

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Note: The WASA President-elect appoints the chairperson for each standing committee.

Professional Development Events For more information, visit www.wasa-oly.org/Events

October 27–28, 2014 Washington Educators’ Conference DoubleTree Hotel, SeaTac

February 26–28, 2015 AASA National Conference on Education San Diego Convention Center, San Diego March 1–2, 2015 WSSDA/WASA/WASBO Legislative Conference Red Lion Hotel, Olympia

Page 3wasa Hotline • September 2014

Mark your calendars! Next year’s AASA National

Conference on Education will be held at the San

Diego Convention Center, February 26–28, 2015. To

register, visit http://nce.aasa.org. Early registration

ends October 31.

AASA NATIONAL

CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION

Washington’s 2015 Superintendent of the Year Superintendent of the Year (SOY) candidate applications are currently being accepted by AASA. To submit an application, go to the AASA Superintendent of the Year website at: http://soy.aasa.org/. Candidates will need to register and then complete the online application.

To meet Washington State’s selection process timeline, applications must be submitted to AASA by October 1, 2014. Washington’s candidate will be announced at the WASA Superintendent Component meeting at the WSSDA Annual Conference in Spokane on November 21. For more information, please contact Marilee Jensen at [email protected] or 360.489.3641.

“Striving to Improve Our Impact,” the 2014 theme of the annual OSPI/WASA Special Education Workshop, was a huge success. Approximately 250 special education directors from around the state attended the conference held at the Tacoma Convention Center, August 7–8. Highlights of the conference included two keynote addresses. Dr. Adam Sáenz’s presentation, “The Power of a Teacher” provided a compelling message about the impact education and, specifically, educators make in a young person’s life. Patrick Mulick’s motivational presentation, “Light It Up!” shared a message about the integral role we all play in supporting student success. Breakout sessions by districts and OSPI staff rounded out the information-packed, yet energizing conference.

On August 6, about 85 new directors received additional professional development from the OSPI special education staff and were provided important information that will contribute to their success on the job.

Jennifer Traufler, chair of the WASA Special Education Component group and this year’s conference chair, pointed out to the participants that one of the greatest benefits in attending the conference is the networking and opportunity to learn from one another in an informal setting.

Focus on EducationGiven the NCLB Failure Letters that were sent to most public school parents in August, there may never be a more important time to share a positive message about your schools. Focus on Education provides a great opportunity to do that, joining with other school districts across the state during the month of November to highlight the successes of our public schools. Please consider joining your WASA colleagues in a district event this fall.

In the “Resources” page of the WASA website, you’ll find helpful information to support your efforts.

Examples are provided from several school districts as well as a PowerPoint presentation and Talking Points. Those last two resources will be updated later in September. If you haven’t already done so, the first step for your district’s participation in Focus on Education is to set time on your district calendar for an event. We would also appreciate receiving materials from your activity, so we can include them with our other resources.

Page 4wasa Hotline • September 2014

WASA Board of Directors 2014–15 OfficersPresident Michelle Price, Moses LakePresident-elect Frank Hewins, Franklin PiercePast President Mike Nelson, EnumclawSecretary Howard King, ElmaTreasurer Mark Mansell, La Center

RegionsRegion 101 Tom Rockefeller, MeadRegion 105 Rose Search, RoyalRegion 108 Greg Baker, BellinghamRegion 109 Ken Hoover, MonroeRegion 110 Merri Rieger, RentonRegion 111 Ann Varkados, BethelRegion 112 Mark Mansell, La CenterRegion 113 Howard King, ElmaRegion 114 Michelle Reid, South Kitsap Region 123 Gregg Taylor, North Franklin Region 171 TBD

ComponentsBPAC Marla Miller, Shoreline (Chair) IPAC Glenda Cloud, Pasco (Chair) Marci Shepard, Orting (Chair-elect) Principals Wendy Eidbo, Mukilteo, (ChairSpecial Education Jennifer Traufler, Tacoma (Chair)Superintendents Jake Dingman, Oakesdale (Chair) Larry Francois, Northshore (Chair-elect) Laurel Browning, Burlington-Edison (Past Chair) LiaisonsAASA Michelle Price, Moses Lake Frank Hewins, Franklin PierceESDs Rich McBride, ESD 171 Higher Education Marge Chow, City UniversityOSPI TBDPension/Health Fred Yancey, The Nexus GroupBenefits SBE Kris Mayer WIAA Mike Nerland, Camas

PESB Requests Input on Timing of Content Knowledge Test for Teacher CandidatesThe Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is requesting input from superintendents on an issue coming forward at their November meeting. The issue is whether or not to require pre-service teacher candidates to pass the content knowledge test (WEST-E / NES) in the endorsement area being earned prior to student teaching. Currently, the content test is required, but there is no deadline for passing the assessment. The rationale for this proposed change is:

• P–12 teachers and administrators expect student teachers to have the content knowledge required in a subject area before they are student teaching with P–12 students.

• School districts are unable to offer teaching contracts, or have to rescind contract offers, when teacher candidates are unable to pass the content test prior to the beginning of the school year.

• P–12 superintendents have been reported to the Office of Professional Practices for hiring student teachers who have not passed all program requirements in order to receive a residency teaching certificate, putting the superintendent’s certification at risk.

On the other hand, not requiring the content test to be passed prior to student teaching allows teacher candidates an extended opportunity to pass the test. Candidates may be better prepared to pass the content test during or after student teaching.

Feedback may be sent directly to [email protected] or via the public comment options posted at http://www.pesb.wa.gov/contactboard. Questions may be referred to Coleen at 360.725.6321.

Read Bill’s Latest Blog PostBill’s Blog features association news, updates, and education success stories from our great state. To date, there have been over 2,000 unique visitors to the blog. Check out what the buzz is about! http://billsblog-wasa.weebly.com.

In the event your district has not yet claimed for

2013–14 TPEP Teacher Training Grant funds, final

manual claims must be submitted no later than

September 21.

The application for TPEP Teacher Training funds

for 2014–15 is available now and due by October

30, 2014. Please refer to OSPI’s Memorandum

No. 030-14M and iGrants Form Package 664 for

additional information.

TPEP TEACHER TRAINING

FUNDS

Page 5wasa Hotline • September 2014

Educator Certification Renewal ChangesWe have been asked by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to provide information to WASA members regarding changes to the Professional Growth Plans (PGP) and Certification renewal requirements. The PESB oversees the policy and rule-making of certification renewal, but the Certification section at OSPI actually processes the applications and what educators need to submit.

You can review the renewal requirements, PGP templates to use, links to frequently asked questions, and sample PGPs by role at the following site: http://program.pesb.wa.gov/professional-growth-plan-pgp-t. If you need clarification, please contact Brendan O’Connor, Program Specialist, PESB at [email protected]

State Supreme Court Rules on Pension Lawsuits The Washington State Supreme Court issued rulings on the Plan 1 Uniform Cost of Living Adjustment (UCOLA) and Gain Sharing lawsuits. Justices heard the cases on October 24, 2013, and all nine justices ruled on August 14, 2014, against retirees in both cases.

For more information on the Court’s ruling and frequently asked questions on retirement and health benefits, go to the “Highlights” section on the homepage of the WASA website at www.wasa-oly.org.

Region Events—September & OctoberMany WASA regions conduct monthly gatherings and/or provide activity reports in conjunction with ESD meetings

(not listed below).

REGION 101 PRESIDENT—RICK LINEHAN Sept. 18, 9:00 a.m.–12 p.m. General Member Meeting, ESD 101 Regal Center, Spokane Oct. 16, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. General Member Meeting, Location TBD, Spokane

REGION 105 PRESIDENT—DUANE LYONSSept. 18, 8–11:30 a.m. General Member Meeting, Topics: TPEP and Central Office Leadership Framework Presentation, ESD 105, YakimaOct. 16, 8–11:30 a.m. General Member Meeting, Topic: Technology in the 21st Century, ESD 105, Yakima

REGION 108 PRESIDENT—RICK THOMPSONSept. 12, 12–2 p.m. General Member Meeting, Topic: Teaching and Learning Update, ESD 189, Anacortes

REGION 109 PRESIDENT—RAY HOUSERSept. 24, 4:30–6 p.m. New Member/Region Kick-off Meeting, The Majestic Café, Everett

REGION 111 PRESIDENT—JOHN PAGESept. 18, 4–6 p.m. New Administrator Reception, Tacoma Country Club, Lakewood Oct. 17, 7:30 a.m. General Member Meeting, Fife District Office, Fife

REGION 112 PRESIDENT—SANDRA YAGERSept. 19, 10 a.m. General Member Meeting, ESD 112 Conference Center, Vancouver

REGION 114 PRESIDENT—RICH STEWARTSept. 26, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. General Member Meeting, ESD 114, Room 202, BremertonOct. 31, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. General Member Meeting, TBD, Port Townsend

REGION 123 PRESIDENT—LANCE HAHNSept. 24, 12:30 p.m. General Member Meeting, Pasco Round Table, Pasco

REGION 171 PRESIDENT—LOIS DAVIESSept. 11, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. General Member Meeting, North Central ESD, WenatcheeOct. 16, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. General Member Meeting, North Central ESD, Wenatchee

Initiative 1351, mandating a reduction

in class sizes, has been certified for

the November ballot. The initiative

was a topic of conversation at WASA’s

June Board meeting. Following an

in-depth discussion, the Board adopted

a motion to take a “neutral” position

(that is, neither endorse nor oppose)

on the initiative. While Board members

supported a reduction in class sizes,

several serious concerns about the

initiative compelled them to remain

neutral. A statement on the Board’s

position is available on the WASA

website under the “Highlights” section

of the homepage.

WASA BOARD

REMAINS NEUTRAL ON I-1351

Page 6wasa Hotline • September 2014

AASA’s Children’s Programs Department has alternative

school breakfast funding available for school districts.

AASA received a second round of funding from the

Walmart Foundation to work with seven urban school

districts to increase school breakfast participation

using alternative breakfast strategies. The main goal of

the initiative is to increase the number of low-income

students who eat breakfast in these districts.

To learn more about the program and to download

the application, go to http://www.aasa.org/content.

aspx?id=20052. Questions may also be directed to Kelly

Beckwith at [email protected] or 703.875.0758.

AASA SCHOOL BREAKFAST

New Membership as of August 27, 2014 REGION 101Brian Aiken, East Valley School DistrictKevin Foster, Valley School DistrictTara Holmes, Orient School DistrictThaynan Knowlton, Kettle Falls School DistrictPete Lewis, Colville School DistrictChad Moss, Medical Lake School DistrictLaura Pieper, Spokane Public SchoolsJ Brent Seedall, Washtucna School DistrictDavid Smith, Newport School District

REGION 105Nikki Cannon, ESD 105Joseph Castilleja, Mount Adams School DistrictLucas Jaeger, West Valley School DistrictDana Jarnecke, Mount Adams School DistrictJeanette Ozuna, Toppenish School District

REGION 108Becky Bell, San Juan Island School DistrictMike Copland, Bellingham Public SchoolsMark Hall, Ferndale School DistrictSteve King, Oak Harbor School DistrictTim Metz, Lynden School DistrictLinda Sieg, Northwest ESD 189Peter Szalai, Oak Harbor School DistrictEric Webb, Orcas Island School DistrictAndrew Wheeler, La Conner School District

REGION 109Scott Beebe, Marysville School DistrictRebecca Brockman, Snohomish School DistrictScott Irwin, Marysville School DistrictBette Kokenes, Index School DistrictDevin McLane, Mukilteo School DistrictGinger Merkel, Marysville School DistrictPam Sanford, Marysville School DistrictJoAn Steiner, Mukilteo School DistrictJames Stevens, Marysville School District

REGION 110Chris Beals, Enumclaw School DistrictDouglas Brotzman, Kent School DistrictTroy Dammel, Auburn School District

Lisa Deen, Lake Washington School DistrictCorine DeRosa, Issaquah School DistrictRyan Foster, Auburn School DistrictMatthew Gillingham, Lake Washington School DistrictJoan Lawson, Tukwila School DistrictJoseph Libby, Kent School DistrictMatthew Livingston, Lake Washington School DistrictJeffrey McCormick, Bainbridge Island School DistrictHeather Miller, Northshore School DistrictRobert Morrow, Tahoma School DistrictMatthew Patterson, Kent School DistrictJ Steve Rabb, Enumclaw School DistrictAndreeves Ronser, Mercer Island School DistrictFred Rundle, Mercer Island School DistrictDan Schlotfeldt, Snoqualmie Valley School DistrictMartin Schmidt, Skykomish School DistrictTara Slinn, Issaquah School DistrictMike Van Orden, Lake Washington School DistrictDawn Wallace, Issaquah School DistrictNova Williams, Mercer Island School DistrictNina Williams, Kent School District

REGION 111Debra Barlow, Sumner School DistrictKelly Carrick, Puyallup School DistrictLisa Chatterton, Franklin Pierce School DistrictJohn Clough, Orting School DistrictAllison Drago, University Place School DistrictDana Harris, Puyallup School DistrictScott Harrison, White River School DistrictPaul Harvey, Steilacoom Historical School DistrictBrian Lowney, Puyallup School DistrictTim McKamey, Franklin Pierce School DistrictMark Vetter, Puyallup School District

REGION 112Brian Carter, Lyle School DistrictGlenn Gelbrich, Kelso School DistrictKen Hermanson, Longview Public SchoolsDonald Iverson, Kelso School DistrictGreg Kirsch, Longview Public SchoolsNathan McCann, Ridgefield School DistrictVickianne Prendergast, Mount Pleasant School DistrictMark Ross, Battle Ground School DistrictChris Rugg, Kelso School District

(Continued on page 7)

Page 7wasa Hotline • September 2014

EXECUTIVE OFFICE 360.489.3641 / 360.352.2043 (fax)

• Bill Keim, Executive Director [email protected]

• Marilee Jensen, Executive Assistant [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & MEMBERSHIP SERVICES 360.489.3640 / 360.352.6873 (fax)

• Helene Paroff, Assistant Executive Director [email protected]

• Jamie Chylinski, Professional Development Coordinator [email protected]

• Anne Morris, Professional Development/Membership Assistant [email protected]

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 360.489.3642

• Dan Steele, Assistant Executive [email protected]

• Sheila Chard, Administrative Assistant [email protected]

CAREER & CONTRACT SERVICES 360.489.3653

• John Dekker, Assistant Executive Director [email protected]

ACCOUNTING 360.489.3643 / 360.352.2043 (fax)

• Eve Johnson, Accountant [email protected]

GENERAL INFORMATION 360.943.5717 / 800.859.9272 2014–15 WASA OFFICERS President: Michelle Price, Moses LakePresident-elect: Frank Hewins, Franklin Pierce Past President: Mike Nelson, Enumclaw Secretary: Howard King, Elma Treasurer: Mark Mansell, Elma

REGION 113Aaron Davis, Olympia School DistrictMargaret Evans, Rochester School DistrictRebecca Japhet, Olympia School DistrictChris Johnson, Olympia School DistrictAndrew Kelly, OSPIVicky Lamoreaux, North Thurston Public SchoolsJoanne Mabbott, Tenino School DistrictEllen Perconti, Mary M. Knight School DistrictTara Richerson, Tumwater School DistrictMitchell Thompson, Tumwater School DistrictRoz Thompson, Tumwater School DistrictJon Tienhaara, South Bend School DistrictSteve Warren, Centralia School DistrictGreg Woods, Griffin School District

REGION 114Richard Arena, Central Kitsap School DistrictLynn Caddell, Bremerton School DistrictDavid Engle, Port Townsend School DistrictGerald Gabbard, Port Angeles School DistrictMarc Jackson, Port Angeles School DistrictKattie Nepper, Central Kitsap School DistrictJeni Zapatka, Central Kitsap School District

REGION 123Mark Bitzer, Kahlotus School DistrictNicole Blake, Richland School DistrictDeanna Flores, Prosser School DistrictWade Haun, Kiona-Benton City School DistrictDoug LaMunyan, Pomeroy School DistrictPatrick Nunan, North Franklin School DistrictJohn Seaton, Paterson School DistrictTim Winter, Clarkston School District

REGION 171James Evans, Coulee-Hartline School DistrictSarah Hanchey, Wenatchee School DistrictHeidi Johnson, Moses Lake School DistrictNicole Preston, Eastmont School DistrictDwight Remick, Cascade School DistrictCarrie Stokes, Okanogan School District

Are You Connected with WASA?

Are you a Facebook or Twitter user? WASA’s social media efforts are ramping up in activity, and we don’t want you to miss out!

WASA Staffing ChangeDuring the past ten months, WASA has benefited from the skills provided by Claire Beagle as our Communications Specialist. Claire left WASA in August to devote more time to her family. She made a positive impact in a very short time with WASA and she will be missed. This was Claire’s first job after starting a family; and she decided that her work role didn’t balance well with her role as a mother.

In the short term, WASA will be contracting with an outside firm, Superfancy Industries, to handle most of our communications work. That business is operated by Erika Lari who worked for WASA in an interim capacity prior to Claire joining our staff. Given her knowledge of WASA, she should be able to step in quickly to meet our needs. On a more long-term basis, we will be exploring the possibility of an ongoing contract for communications services.