
How many metrics does it take to trigger distance learning model?
Last week, ASBA reported on changes to the Arizona Department of Health Services guidelines for safely returning to in-person instruction, and we published a statement, affirming that local governing boards and administrators retain the ultimate authority to protect student health and safety.
After further conversation, ADHS has revised the guidance to ensure that one metric in the red category is sufficient to trigger a distance learning model, depending on local conditions.
ASBA encourages schools district to adhere to their original plans regarding moving to virtual learning if they feel that would best protect students and staff. We also strongly recommend that any changes or adjustments to these recommendations be thoroughly vetted with stakeholders and clearly communicated to schools with accompanying rationale before changes are made or implemented.
School leaders should continue to follow the plans carefully crafted by your district that you believe are the safest for your students and staff.
ASBA’s Chris Thomas and Chris Kotterman receive AASBO Outstanding Service Award
ASBA is extremely proud of Chris Thomas, General Counsel and Associate Executive Director and Chris Kotterman, Director of Governmental Relations for being honored with the 2020 Outstanding Service Award by the Arizona Association of School Business Officials.
Named in honor of AASBO’s distinguished Director of Government Relations, Chuck Essigs, the award recognizes the outstanding service to education in Arizona that individuals have represented through a career dedicated to public education.
AZEdNews latest article: Election results show AZ voters’ support for school bond & override measures
Arizona voters support for school bond and override measures remains strong as more votes continue to be counted. View the latest results for school bond & override measures and school board elections. Read full article.

Don’t miss the keynote and BONUS workshop by D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas!

Do you need another reason to attend the ASBA/ASA Annual Conference? Special keynote and BONUS workshop on leadership!
Sit back and experience a keynote address PLUS bonus workshop by D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas, Author, Internationally Acclaimed, Motivational Storyteller and Leadership and Personal Development Expert on December 4, 2020.
- 11:05 a.m. – 12:25 p.m., Closing General Session: “Calling All Warriors”
- 12:30 – 1:45 p.m., BONUS WORKSHOP: “Keeping the Fires Lit”
D.J. is an enrolled member of the Ottawa Tribe and a former U.S. Air Force officer. He inspires organizations to strengthen their tribe and practically apply warrior spirit principles to serve at their best, stay resilient and lead with courage.
He is a powerhouse speaker for Fortune 500 companies, hundreds of tribal nations, and over 7000 audiences nationwide. He has also spoken at the White House.
PLUS, new breakout sessions have just been added!
The Information Two-Lane Highway: Advocating for Rural Connectivity: COVID-19 has exposed the extreme gap between rural and metro areas when it comes to high-speed internet. Join ASBA’s governmental relations team and the president of the ASBA Rural Alliance to gain strategies, tools and templates to effectively advocate for your district and community around this issue.
Education, Equity and Employment: Solving the Teacher Shortage Locally: What if the teachers in your classrooms had deep connections with the community and reflected the culture and background of the students they taught? What if you could begin nurturing and growing those teachers for your school district in middle school and high school – now? Educators Rising Arizona, a career and technical student organization with chapters in more than 60 public high schools across Arizona, is dedicated to doing all that. In this session, you’ll learn what Educators Rising is, who the students and districts are that are benefitting, how they are benefitting and how you can bring this win-win program to your district.
Turning a Moment to a Movement: Harnessing COVID-19’s Virtual Platforms to Sustain Engagement Year-Round: With the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, public school leaders have seen an increase in attention and outreach from their communities. Virtual tools have made access to board meetings easier in districts across the state and regular communication via Facebook, email and text has become an expectation. How can we turn this stressful situation into an opportunity to build and sustain engagement practices that will extend long after schools go back to business as usual?
TODAY IS THE DEADLINE! Become an officer on the ASBA Board of Directors
Members interested in running for president-elect, treasurer or secretary for 2021 must submit an online application by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020.
Five officers serve as the executive committee on the ASBA Board of Directors. They are the president, president-elect, treasurer, secretary and immediate past-president. Each position is held for a one-year term. The officers serve on the board alongside 17 county directors and ex officio voting members that include caucus and alliance presidents.
View position descriptions, application and other information here.
Questions regarding this application and the election process should be directed to Kristi Sisk, executive assistant to the executive director, at ksisk@azsba.org or 602-254-1100.
NEW COMMUNICATIONS TRACK: Introducing a new superintendent, storytelling and overcoming barriers of trust – all part of #WednesdayWebinars

We are excited to offer our members #WednesdayWebinars to dig deeper into areas of how to tell powerful stories, how to introduce a new superintendent or helping your district overcome barriers of trust plus more.
Register for the upcoming November 18 webinar, How to Introduce New District and School Leadership to the Community.
Webinars will be scheduled on Wednesdays with the goal of providing two webinars per month from 4-5 p.m. View the list of upcoming webinars on communications and engagement for 2020-21:
Wednesday Webinars: Focus on Communications: How to Use Storytelling as a Powerful Advocacy Tool
Plus more! You can find all Wednesday webinars on the ASBA events webpage.
Can’t view the webinar live? No problem. Go ahead and register and you will receive the recording automatically by email so you can view it later. There is no cost to register for this webinar. We encourage advance registration.
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