2026 AAEA Summer Conference

This session provides public school leaders with a clear, practical overview of facilities requirements from early planning through construction bidding and contract award. With guidance grounded in standards established by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation, the class explains pre-construction approvals, design and professional service thresholds, Academic Facilities Partnership Program rules and ranking criteria, documentation expectations, and public bidding requirements under Arkansas Code § 22-9-203.

The Arkansas LEARNS Act has placed clear expectations on districts to establish Behavioral Threat Assessment teams and procedures. While many schools have taken the necessary steps toward compliance, questions remain about consistency, documentation, communication and, most importantly, liability. This session is designed for school administrators who want to ensure their district is not only compliant on paper, but also operating in a way that strengthens student and staff safety while reducing institutional risk. Participants will gain practical guidance on aligning policies and procedures with LEARNS Act requirements, building defensible documentation systems, and creating clear internal protocols. Participants will examine how gaps in process, inconsistent documentation, or unclear roles can increase vulnerability, and how to proactively close those gaps. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to move from minimal compliance to confident implementation, creating systems that protect students, support staff, and demonstrate due diligence.

School safety is not confined to the campus perimeter. It is strengthened when schools and communities operate as a cohesive system built on trust, transparency, and mutual responsibility. This session outlines practical frameworks for cultivating strong partnerships that move safety from reactive response to proactive prevention.

Protecting student data shouldn't be a mystery. Join me to learn the essential technique for masking student identities and 'Creating the Digital Ghost' to ensure your district stays ahead of digital privacy risks.

This session provides educators, administrators, and school staff with a comprehensive understanding of state classroom inspections and how they serve as a tool for growth and improvement rather than just oversight. Participants will learn about the inspection process, key focus areas, and best practices for preparing their classrooms while fostering a positive and collaborative relationship with inspectors.

Learn how the Certified Facilities Director certification program offered by ASPMA improves operations, cuts costs, and enhances learning environments. The CFD program equips district facilities teams to maximize building efficiency and lifespan, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, and strategically plan and optimize resources.