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HotlinewasaJune 2015

STAY CURRENT:

From the Executive Director

Bill Keim WASA Executive

Director

Dear Colleagues:

As I write this article, we are rapidly approaching the end of our first Special Session. It appears that most of a second Special Session will be needed to reach agreement on the biennial operating budget and the plan required by the Supreme Court to address the

McCleary decision. Regarding the plan, multiple proposals were introduced at the end of the Regular Session, but without much public debate, none of those bills appear to be moving forward as drafted.

It shouldn’t be surprising that these bills have encountered significant opposition. While much of the concern relates to implementation issues, there has also been significant opposition to aspects of the bills that seem called for by the McCleary decision. In that category, I would include the following concepts:

• Limitations on the use of local levies to support basic education costs.

• Reductions in both levy authorization and levy equalization levels.

• Prohibition on local enhancements to salaries for basic education functions.

• Statewide collective bargaining for educator basic education compensation.

• Statewide pooling for medical insurance.

(A more thorough analysis of these issues can be found in the current post on Bill’s Blog, billsblog-wasa.weebly.com).

WASA has urged caution among our members in their approach to these bills since most educators supported the McCleary case and were pleased by the Supreme Court’s ruling. Criticizing solutions that attempt to address the ruling creates an inconsistency which undermines our credibility. This can hurt our ability to effectively address concerns about implementation issues that the legislators may not have considered.

While these first proposals appear to be dead, there will undoubtedly be others that incorporate many of the concepts written into the first bills. As our members wrestle with these proposals, we would encourage you to analyze them at two levels. The first is to view the bill through a statewide lens, asking if what the legislation seeks to accomplish is consistent with the constitution as interpreted in McCleary. The second lens is to examine the impact of the bill on your district and districts like yours.

If the first level of review suggests that the legislation reflects a valid constitutional effort, yet the second level raises doubts about the overall fairness of the approach, our best path forward is to propose alternatives that address the principle in ways that are more equitable. We will be working hard during the next few weeks to do that kind of analysis, but your input will be invaluable to help inform our understanding in the process.

As I’ve stated many times this year, we are living in truly historic times. If the past is any indication, educators, students, and parents for decades to come will live with the decisions made in the coming months. Given that importance, I would ask all of our members to think beyond what’s best for your district and consider what’s best for all of Washington’s students.

• WASA PRESIDENT-ELECT CAMPAIGN

• 2016 SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR (SOY) NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS

• 2015 LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONTINUES

• WASHINGTON’S REPRESENTATION ON THE AASA GOVERNING BOARD

• NEED FURNITURE?

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• CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS

• WASA/OSPI SPECIAL EDUCATION WORKSHOP

• SAVE THE DATE!—FOCUS ON EDUCATION

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• IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ATTEND!—WASA/AWSP SUMMER CONFERENCE

• SAVE THE DATE!—WASHINGTON EDUCATORS’ CONFERENCE

• BILL’S BLOG

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• WASA HONORARY AWARDS

• SPOTLIGHT ON BLRB ARCHITECTS: ONE OF WASA’S DIAMOND-LEVEL SPONSORS

• WANT TO SHARE A SLICE?

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• SLICE OF WASHINGTON: BUILDERS CLUB TEACHES LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO PORT SUSAN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

• REPORTING CHANGES IN STUDENT STATUS TO SOCIAL SECURITY

• REGION EVENTS—JUNE

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WASA President-elect Campaign

The WASA President-elect campaign is underway. Lois Davies, super-intendent, Pateros School District, and Jake Dingman, superintendent, Oakesdale School District, are this year’s candidates. Look for electron-ic candidate brochures to be sent mid-June and hear from the candi-dates at the Honorary Awards Luncheon being held in conjunction with the WASA/AWSP Summer Conference on June 29. Electronic ballots will be sent July 30 and voting is open until August 11.

2016 Superintendent of the Year (SOY) Nominations and Applications AASA is Now Accepting SOY Nominations

Please consider nominating a worthy candidate for 2016 Superintendent of the Year. To submit a nomination, go to http://soy.aasa.org and fill out the online nominating form. The deadline is August 1, 2015.

Washington SOY Candidate Applications

For Washington candidates to apply, the online application can be found on the AASA website at http://soy.aasa.org. Candidates do not have to be nominated to apply. The deadline to submit an application is October 1, 2015. A panel of WASA judges will then determine Washington’s SOY for 2016. His or her name will be submitted to AASA to be considered for the 2016 AASA National Superintendent of the Year, which will be announced at the 2016 AASA National Conference on Education February 11–13 in Phoenix, AZ.

For more information on the Superintendent of the Year program and process, go to http://soy.aasa.org.

Washington’s Representation on the AASA Governing BoardAn election was held in May to fill both the eastside and westside Washington positions on the AASA Governing Board. The eastside position, with a remaining 2-year unexpired term, has been filled by Rob Manahan, superintendent, Lake Chelan School District. Frank Hewins, superintendent, Franklin Pierce School District, was re-elected to second 3-year term, as the westside Washington representative. We thank them for their willingness to support Washington at the national level.

LOIS DAVIES, ED.D. JAKE DINGMAN, ED.D.

2015 Legislative Session ContinuesFollowing the completion of the Legislature’s 105-day Regular Session and a full 30 days of a Special Session, legislators still have not completed their business. A second, 30-day Special Session began on May 29. Budget-writers in the House and Senate continue to grapple with how to come to consensus on a new two-year budget for the next biennium, beginning July 1, 2015. On the surface, budgets proposed by the House and Senate are very similar (spending $38.8 billion and $37.8 billion, respectively); however, the philosophical structure of each budget is drastically different. Numerous line items in the two budgets are different, but the main dispute is how the two houses achieve their proposed spending levels. House budget-writers believe the Legislature cannot meet the McCleary education funding obliga-tions along with a series of other state priorities without additional rev-enue; Senate budget-writers believe no additional revenues are needed.

Although legislators continue to talk optimistically about crafting and adopting a compromise budget, adopting a lengthy list of budget-implementing bills and adjourning the 2015 Session in short order, the chasm between the two houses is daunting. Optimistic talk in the media has not translated into positive movement in negotia-tions as the state moves closer to a crisis. If a budget is not adopted by midnight June 30, when the current budget expires, a partial state government shutdown will go into effect. No one wants that to happen; however, state agencies have already developed contingency plans and have sent required temporary lay-off notices to employees.

For additional details on legislative matters as they pertain to educa-tion, continue to follow This Week in Olympia (TWIO), WASA’s leg-islative newsletter, available at www.wasa-oly.org/TWIO. Although the newsletter’s weekly publication has ended, WASA will continue to provide special updates as the need arises.

WASA is replacing the tables and chairs in our meeting room. We will be getting rid of 7 large folding tables and 38 stackable chairs. We also have two older metal desks available. If you could use this furniture and can pick it up in early to mid-July, contact Eve Johnson at 360.943.5717.

NEED FURNITURE?

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Conferences & Workshops

WASA/AWSP SUMMER CONFERENCEwww.wasa-oly.org/Summer15

June 28–30 | Spokane Convention Center, Spokane

Register and see exciting conference details at www.wasa-oly.org/Summer15.

WASA NEW SUPERINTENDENT WORKSHOP

July 27–28 | WASA Office, Olympia

New superintendents, watch your email for workshop details and an invitation to attend this valuable workshop.

OSPI/WASA SPECIAL EDUCATION WORKSHOPwww.wasa-oly.org/SPED15

August 6–7 | Tacoma Convention Center, Tacoma

The New Director Preconference will be held August 5 at Hotel Murano, Tacoma. Registration is now open.

WASHINGTON EDUCATORS’ CONFERENCE

October 25–26 | Marriott Hotel, Bellevue

Save the date! Registration opens August 1, 2015. Details are coming soon.

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WASA/OSPI Special Education Workshop

Are you responsible for supporting or administering special education programs? If so, mark your calendar now and plan to attend the 2015 OSPI/WASA Special Education Workshop.

Keynote speakers are Dr. Dean Fixsen, senior scientist, National Implementation Research Network, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who will present “From Tinkering to Utopia to Purposeful Change in Education,” and Brad Cohen, school administrator and author of “Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had.” Additionally, there will be over 30-breakout sessions to choose from!

The New Director Preconference will be held August 5 at Hotel Murano, Tacoma. This preconference is intended to give the incoming special education director (new to position or new to Washington State) tools for a successful start to the school year. Special education personnel for OSPI, along with ESD and district special education directors and practitioners, will provide critical content and field questions.

The conference will be held August 6–7 at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center.

We look forward to seeing both new and veteran special education administrators there!

Registration and additional information can be found at www.wasa-oly.org/sped15.

F cus on EducationNovember 2015

SAVE THE DATE!

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It’s Not Too Late to Attend! WASA/AWSP Summer Conference

Please join us in Spokane at one of the most widely attended conferences in Washington State for district and building-level administrators!

This year’s theme of LEAD PROCEED SUCCEED is especially appropriate as we highlight the exceptional work that happens in our schools and districts on a daily basis. There are over 60-breakout sessions to choose from over the course of the conference. As always, you will also have time to network with your colleagues from around the state.

In addition, you will get a chance to hear from our keynote speakers on the following topics:

• Shane Lopez: Leading With Hope

• Russell Quaglia: Moving Forward With Our Greatest Resource: The Students

• Simon T. Bailey: Shift Your Brilliance—How to Lead, Engage, and Grow in the Next Decade

There’s still time to register, but don’t delay! Please visit www.wasa-oly.org/Summer15 for more detailed information on the general and breakout sessions, schedule, housing, etc. WASA and AWSP hope to see you in Spokane.

Save the Date! Washington Educators’ Conference

Co-sponsored by WASA, AWSP, WSASCD, and OSPI, this annual two-day event is for all educators in Washington State—superintendents, central office administrators, principals, assistant principals, other building-level administrators, teachers, and teacher-leaders.

Hot issues in education in Washington will be highlighted by national keynote speakers and in best practice concurrent sessions. Details are coming soon. Registration opens August 1, 2015.

On the left is Randy Russell, superintendent, Freeman SD, and incoming president of NEWASA. On the right is Rick Linehan,

superintendent, Chewelah SD, and outgoing president.

OSPI

WSASCD

WA

SAAW

SP

See Executive Director Bill Keim’s new post on the work yet to be done by the Legislature on the state budget, educator compensation, levy equalization, and more. The post can be found at http://billsblog-wasa.weebly.com. Bill updates his blog regularly, so check back often for association news, information on education issues, and education success stories.

BILL’SBLOG

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Does your district have an innovative school or program?

WASA is looking for information on the great learning and teaching taking place in our Washington

Schools. We would like to feature schools, innovative programs, and the great teaching taking place

in Hotline’s Slice of Washington and on our website. Please send information, pictures, materials,

etc., to Tricia McCosh at pmccosh@wasa-oly.org.

WANT TO

SHARE A SLICE?

WashingtonfSlice

Focus on Innovation

WASA Honorary AwardsWASA regions throughout Washington this spring honored and recognized outstanding administrators and community members who have made extraordinary contributions to public education. Below is a sampling of photos from a number of awards presentations.

The statewide awards (Golden Gavel, Barbara Mertens Legacy, Service to WASA, and WASA Leadership) will be presented at the WASA Honorary Awards luncheon on June 29 in conjunction with the WASA/AWSP Summer Conference. A press release will be sent to members after the luncheon.

Mike Brown, Oakesdale SD

Paul Turner, Tonasket SD

Steve McKenna, Pateros SD

Spotlight on BLRB Architects: One of WASA’s Diamond-Level Sponsors

Foundations for Success, Excellence by DesignMeadow Crest Early Learning Center is tailored to unique needs.

Early learning programs have been found to yield significant lifetime benefits. Children who complete these programs are less likely to re-peat grades, need special education support, or manifest behavioral problems later in their school career. High school graduation rates, home ownership, and even marriage statistics have all been linked to early learning access.

There is then, arguably, no age group for which a thoughtful, per-sonalized approach to facility planning and design can have a more significant, life-long impact than the pre-kindergarten years. And a personalized approach was exactly what BLRB Architects brought to their work with the Renton School District for the replacement of Meadow Crest Early Learning Center.

“Our goal, working closely with the administration, teachers, and staff, was to help the district develop a holistic educational facility that optimizes learning outcomes in all of the center’s programs, many of which serve children with physical, psychological, and developmental challenges,” says Doug DuCharme, AIA, BLRB’s project manager.

The design integrates multi-sensory “experience opportunities” through-out the 68,000 square feet learning center that stimulate student curiosity and offer opportunities for spontaneous learning and kinetic play. Organized into three classroom wings, accessible through a secure central reception lobby, the scale of the facility is broken down to instill feelings of security and belonging in Meadow Crest’s small students.

Classrooms are flexible and interchangeably accommodate the range of class sizes and physical needs of the educational program that includes Head Start, ECEAP, Inclusive Preschool, Extended Day, Child Find, and multiple family support services.

Today, Meadow Crest’s teachers and staff work as they always have to provide a strong foundation for students’ scholastic and life success—only now in a facility that was tailor-made to meet the full range of physical, developmental, and educational needs of the children they serve.

BLRB Architects has specialized in K–12 facility planning and design for 62 years and serves Washington clients from offices in Tacoma and Spokane. To see more of their work, visit www.blrb.org.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICE 360.489.3641 / 360.352.2043 (fax)

• Bill Keim, Executive Director bkeim@wasa-oly.org

• Marilee Jensen, Executive Assistant mjensen@wasa-oly.org

• Tricia McCosh, Communications pmccosh@wasa-oly.org

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 360.489.3642

• Dan Steele, Assistant Executive Directordsteele@wasa-oly.org

• Sheila Chard, Administrative Assistant schard@wasa-oly.org

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & MEMBERSHIP SERVICES 360.489.3640 / 360.352.6873 (fax)

• Helene Paroff, Assistant Executive Director hparoff@wasa-oly.org

• Jamie Chylinski, Professional Development Coordinator jchylinski@wasa-oly.org

• Anne Morris, Professional Development/Membership Assistant amorris@wasa-oly.org

CAREER & CONTRACT SERVICES 360.489.3653

• John Dekker, Assistant Executive Director jdekker@wasa-oly.org

ACCOUNTING 360.489.3643 / 360.352.2043 (fax)

• Eve Johnson, Accountant ejohnson@wasa-oly.org

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, La Center

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Region Events—JuneMany WASA regions conduct monthly gatherings and/or provide

activity reports in conjunction with ESD meetings (not listed below).

REGION 109 PRESIDENT—RAY HOUSERJune 18, 4:30–6 p.m. End-of-Year Event, Emory’s on

Silver Lake, Everett

REGION 123 PRESIDENT—LANCE HAHNJune 11, 5:30 p.m. Honorary Awards Banquet, Meadow

Springs Country Club, Richland

Reporting Changes in Student Status to Social SecurityAs you may know, Social Security provides benefit payments to certain full-time secondary school students between ages 18 and 19 who have not yet graduated.

It is important for local school system officials to report changes in student status to Social Security. Such changes include withdrawal, suspension, or expulsion; change from full-time to part-time status; failure to continue in full-time attendance at the beginning of a new school year; or graduation before the date the school official originally certified. School officials can use form SSA-1372 to report these changes.

Reporting student status changes allows the Social Security Administration to make timely benefit eligibility decisions and prevent those who are no longer students from collecting benefits they are no longer eligible to receive. Visit the Social Security website for school officials for more information.

Builders Club Teaches Leadership Skills to Port Susan Middle School StudentsMiddle school students at Port Susan Middle School are learning leadership skills, teamwork, and how to recognize the needs in their community through the newly established Builders Club. Builders Club is about learning leadership skills through volunteerism. The club is open to all students at the middle school. So far, the club has been active in the community by collecting shoes for homeless students, sorting food for the local food bank, and starting a food drive at the school. This new club will teach students a myriad of skills, including leadership, teamwork, empathy, civic responsibility, and the importance of belonging to and serving their community. For many of the middle school students, the club will spark a lifelong love of volunteerism.

Learn more about Builders Club here: Builders Club.Read more about the great work this district is doing on the Everett Herald website.

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Focus on Innovation