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ARSA REPORTS Official Publication of the Arizona Rural Schools Association in this issue... UPDATES ON ARIZONA LEGISLATION: 2013 By Bill Blong It is striking how Arizona’s financial picture has improved since 2009 where the state faced a 2 1/2 billion dollar deficit. Schools saw drastic cuts of up to 25% of their budget disappearing over those years with per-student spending decrease by 21%. Arizona cuts to education were considered harsher than other states at that time and now Arizona is on an upswing with a surplus of $651 million reported by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Funding public education is a major problem in Arizona and an outdated funding formula doesn’t seem to help. You often hear that education is our economic future, but it appears Arizona is not willing to invest the cost to prove it. Arizona policies decisions over the years have sparked a number of law suits. This January the Court of Appeals made a legal decision concerning Proposition 301, a voter approved ballot in 2000 that required inflation adjustments to the school funding formula. The suit came about because the Republican Legislature in 2010 decided to balance their budget by paying only minor elements of the 301 Plan and ignoring the wishes of the voters. According to the court, schools were denied between $189 and $240 million in funding since 2010. Schools were cut down to the bones with closures Page 1 • Updates on AZ Legislation • Response to SB 1325 Page 3 •Asbestos Inspections • Updates on AZ Legislation (con’t.) Page 4 • ARSA Executive Board Page 5 • Reminder... TOY Nominations Page 6 • Our Resume System Page 7 • ARSA Membership Registration Page 11 • ARSA Conference Exhibitor Registration Page 12 • General Membership Meeting Reminder Spring 2013 h h Response to SB 1325 (Guns in Schools) This Bill, if passed, would allow school boards to approve employees to carry a concealed gun if the school has no SR officer, has fewer than 600 students, and is more than 30 minutes and 20 miles away from a law enforcement facility. Asst. Supt. Lance Heister, (Winslow) had some thoughts on the gun issue. ”I have mixed feelings about having more firearms on school grounds, especially in rural areas. I really am not a gun control advocate, but not every rural area is going to be able to find a stable, trained and effective person to issue a gun to…” Lance also brought up a good point about this person, would s/he be a “well-known target is a small community,” and would it, “affect his/her professional performance?” There are some concerns about securing and accessing the gun on campus as well. I asked myself if this legislation is signed into law, who would I issue a gun to? We all recognize the importance of school safety and there are a number of ways we can provide security at our schools. A state funded grant program provided School Resource Officers (SRO) in selected schools to provide a safer environment. I am not sure what the answer is, but why not fund already existing programs? Continued on page 3 Arizona cuts to education were considered harsher than other states at that time...
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ARSA REPORTSOfficial Publication of the Arizona Rural Schools Association
in this issue...
UPDATES ON ARIZONA LEGISLATION: 2013By Bill Blong
It is striking how Arizona’s financial picture has improved since 2009 where the state faced a 2 1/2 billion dollar deficit. Schools saw drastic cuts of up to 25% of their budget disappearing over those years with per-student spending decrease by 21%. Arizona cuts to education were considered harsher than other states at that time and now Arizona is on an upswing with a surplus of $651 million reported by the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. Funding public education is a major problem in Arizona and an outdated funding formula doesn’t seem to help. You often hear that education is our economic future, but it appears Arizona is not willing to invest the cost to prove it. Arizona policies decisions over the years have sparked a number of law suits. This January the Court of Appeals made a
legal decision concerning Proposition 301, a voter approved ballot in 2000 that required inflation adjustments to
the school funding formula. The suit came about because the Republican Legislature in 2010 decided to balance their budget
by paying only minor elements of the 301 Plan and ignoring the wishes of the voters. According to the court, schools were denied between $189 and $240 million in funding since 2010. Schools were cut down to the bones with closures
Page 1 • Updates on AZ
Legislation
• Response to SB 1325
Page 3 •Asbestos Inspections
• Updates on AZ
Legislation (con’t.)
Page 4 • ARSA Executive
Board
Page 5 • Reminder... TOY
Nominations
Page 6 • Our Resume System
Page 7 • ARSA Membership
Registration
Page 11 • ARSA Conference
Exhibitor
Registration
Page 12 • General
Membership
Meeting Reminder
Spring 2013
h
h
Response to SB 1325 (Guns in Schools)This Bill, if passed, would allow school boards to approve employees to carry a concealed gun if the school has no SR officer, has fewer than 600 students, and is more than 30 minutes and 20 miles away from a law enforcement facility. Asst. Supt. Lance Heister, (Winslow) had some thoughts on the gun issue. ”I have mixed feelings about having more firearms on school grounds, especially in rural areas. I really am not a gun control advocate, but not every rural area is going to be able to find a stable, trained and effective person to issue a gun to…” Lance also brought up a good point about this person, would s/he be a “well-known target is a small community,” and would it, “affect his/her professional performance?” There are some concerns about securing and accessing the gun on campus as well. I asked myself if this legislation is signed into law, who would I issue a gun to?We all recognize the importance of school safety and there are a number of ways we can provide security at our schools. A state funded grant program provided School Resource Officers (SRO) in selected schools to provide a safer environment. I am not sure what the answer is, but why not fund already existing programs?
Continued on page 3
Arizona cuts to education were
considered harsher than other states at
that time...
Page 2
Page 3
Is an Asbestos Inspection Knocking at your Door?Dr. Andrew L. Smith is the superintendent of the Antelope Union High School District in Yuma County
School districts have been warned of the specter of sudden EPA visits this school year. The big panic is EPA’s hunt for district’s long lost asbestos management plans or any updated plans at all. This could happen to any school district at any time. The following describes Antelope Union’s process regarding an asbestos management plan.
First, take the time to explore past maintenance and facility records to find any clue that a plan exists or ever did. Any documents found with mention of dates, times, and even vendors are valuable. Antelope Union had several documents that indicated asbestos was archived and accounted for. These documents were valuable in creating a new management plan. Therefore take the first step and explore.Second, discuss the management plan or any other documentation you might have with your insurance company. The Arizona Risk Retention Trust prepared a plan for Antelope Union to adhere and complying with federal asbestos regulations specified in AHERA, (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act). The plan included: • 3 year inspection • 6 month mini (touch and feel) inspections • AHERA inspector and paperwork (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act)The EPA requires public school districts to appoint an asbestos management coordinator, called the “AHERA Designated Person.” This person is responsible for a number of asbestos-related activities, including the implementation of the plan for managing asbestos-containing building materials (ACBM) in the school buildings and compliance with the federal asbestos regulations.Even though the AHERA requirements have been in place for some time, EPA has found widespread misunderstanding and confusion on how to implement the requirements. The EPA found the quality of school asbestos programs depends heavily on the work of the AHERA Designated Person (DP). Schools without a competent (DP) tend to have more AHERA violations and asbestos fiber releases. Using The Trust to help your district designate an AHERA person and build a plan is a good second step.Finally, find a vendor who will complete the big three year plan, and possibly assist in training your AHERA (DP) to complete the paperwork and follow the plan. This is key to staying out of trouble and maintaining your district timeline. Be careful as you search for a vendor. Review the paperwork you currently have alongside the company’s representatives. I received a varying range of quotes with regard to Antelope’s found paperwork. It was stated by one particular vendor that any past paperwork was invalid and by another vendor that the past paperwork was quite useful and that both situations designated the final price.
and force reductions. Schools thought it was going to be a windfall for education in the state, but soon realized that there was little hope for restoration of any past monies.
The 2014 proposed K-12 budget is around $100 million which includes the inflationary funding and renewal grants for schools. Included are new monies for school resource officers with consideration of the recent Sandy Hook shootings. The Senate passed SB1325 on to the House which arms teachers in rural school districts. The legislative session is winding down with not too many education bills left. A quick look at some of the Bills: The 2014 proposed K-12 budget is around $100 million which includes the inflationary funding and renewal grants for schools. Included are new monies for school resource officers with consideration of the recent Sandy Hook shootings. The legislative session is winding down with not too many education bills left. A quick look at some of the Bills:
SB 1293 Outcome-Based Pilot Program HB 2476 Schools Without Federal FundsSB 1325 Concealed Firearms in Schools HB 2196 8th Grade Promotion CertificatesHB 2476 Isolation Room Restrictions HB 2499 JTED Funding FormulaHB 2488 Funding for 200 Day Calendar HB 2476 Isolation Room RestrictionHB 2170 New Flashing Light Regulations HB 2617 STO’sHB 2441 Electronic Fingerprinting HB 2611 Supt. Contracts NegotiationHB 2402 Electronic Employment Forms HB 2054 Handicapped Charter Preschools
UPDATES ON ARIZONA LEGISLATION: 2013Continued from page 1
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Your ARSA Executive Board
President Kit Wood Mobile School District
President Elect Karl Uterhardt Tombstone Unified District
Treasurer Jim Nelson Retired Superintendent
Secretary Wes Brownfield Chino Valley Unified District
Past President Kathe Ketchem Retired
County Superintendent Rep Janice Shelton La Paz County School Superintendent Higher Education Patty Horn Northern Arizona University
Business Advisor Tim O’Malley The O’Malley Group
Regional RepresentativesNortheast Region Lance Heister Winslow Unified District
Northwest Region John Warren Topock School District
Southeast Region Justin DeMellow Pinal County Accommodation District
Southwest Region Linda Aragon Hyder School District
Maricopa County Robin Berry Palo Verde School District
Executive Director Bill Blong ARSA
Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Teacher of the Year Nominations Open
The Arizona Rural Schools Association recognizes hard working
outstanding teachers in every county. Take a moment to nominate
a teacher in your school who has demonstrated excellence. The
paperwork is minimal and the reward is great. Don’t let the urgent
outweigh the important. Forms are on the website. Closes June 1st. Please call if you have questions.
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Reminder...
As you weigh the many possibilities of your day, measure your action with this question, “How would I most like to remember this?” Your chosen answer becomes your natural action and your unique opportunity for courage.
Mary Anne Radmacher
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Looking for Teachers?Utilize our RESUME SYSTEMThe Resume System is a service to our members looking to fill positions for the 2013-2014 School Year. The activation code changes each year, so current members are invited to set up an account to access the current applicants. You will be receiving an email shortly with the new activation code and other pertinent information.
We purge old resumes from the Resume System on our website each year in February so you have current applicants to choose from. Feel free to call if you have any further questions.
A great man shows his greatness by the way he treats little men.Thomas Carlyle
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ARIZONA RURAL SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION2013 - 2014 MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
MEMBERSHIP: July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014Please Indicate Type of Membership:Business Partner $315 School District 225 Ed Service Agency 225 Individual 150 Retired Member 75 Total $___________
Organization name: __________________________________Telephone: ___________________________________
Administrator: _______________________________________ e-mail: ______________________________________
Contact Person:_______________________________________ e-mail: _____________________________________
Website: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: ____________________
Please Make Checks Payable To and Mail To: Arizona Rural Schools Association
P.O. Box 3123Parker, AZ 85344
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ARIZONA RURAL SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION
Annual Conference September 19 – 21, 2013 Little America, Flagstaff
Name of Firm:____________________________________________________________________ Name of Contact Person: ____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ e-mail:____________________________________________________ Website: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: __________________________ Names of Representatives: _________________________________________________________________________
[ ] Exhibition Booth: The fee is $475, which includes table, set-up, skirt, electricity and two chairs. Exhibitor booth locations will remain on a first-come-first-serve basis on the day of set-up. Also included are meals and conference registration for two (2) representatives. Each additional representative may register for an additional $50. __________ I would like to be an exhibitor for $475 ($500 after August 15th )
Sponsorship Opportunities: [ ] $1000 Sponsor: Booth Choice, conference registration for two (including meals and events). Recognized as Conference Sponsor at Conference and listed in Brochure and Website.
[ ] $1,500 Sponsor: Booth Choice, conference registration for three (including meals and events). Recognized as Conference Sponsor at Conference and listed in Brochure and Website Recognized as Co-Sponsor of meal or event.
[ ] $1,500 Golf Tee Box and Conference Sponsor Golf and Conference registration for two (including meals and events), Booth Choice, Tee Box Sponsor, Recognized as Conference Sponsor at Conference and Listed in Brochure and Website.
[ ] $2,000 Business Partner Sponsor: Booth Choice, conference registration for four (including meals and events). Recognized at Conference as a Sole Sponsor of a conference event, Listed in Brochure and Website as a sponsor and Business Partner of the Arizona Rural Schools Association.
[ ] $3,000 Business Partner Sponsor: Booth Choice, conference registration four (including meals and events). Recognized at Conference as Major Sponsor (Awards’ Banquet Keynote or Other). Listed in Brochure and Website as a major sponsor and Business Partner of the Arizona Rural Schools Association.
__________ I would like to be Sponsor for $1,000, $1,500, $2,000, $3,000, Other__________
(Please circle one) Sponsors’ Booth Choices: 1st _____________ 2nd _____________ 3rd _____________
Sponsors will be given booth assignments based on level of sponsorship and a “first come,
first serve” basis. Every effort will be made to accommodate all requests. Our Annual Golf Tournament Offers Other Opportunities for Sponsorship
Signature_______________________________________________________________________________
No Refunds after August 15th, 2013. Please sign and return along with check in correct amount payable to:
Arizona Rural Schools Association P.O. Box 3123
Parker, AZ 85344
Arizona Rural Schools AssociationP.O. Box 3123Parker, AZ 85344
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE
PAIDPHOENIX,AZ
PERMIT NO.750
General Membership MeetingWelcome!
Monday, June 10th@ 7:00 am.
El Conquistador Tucson, Arizona
Check for the room locationupon registration
Members, Business Partners, Exhibitors and Friends…
