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2026 AAEA Summer Conference
Type: Finance/HR/Operations clear filter
Tuesday, July 28
 

10:15am CDT

Accelerate School Procurement: How TIPS Delivers Faster, Compliant, Cost‑Effective Contracts
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Salon B (M)
Limited Capacity seats available
School leaders face growing demands to do more with less while ensuring procurement stays fully compliant and transparent. This 45 to 60-minute session will show superintendents and district procurement teams how The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) simplifies purchasing through competitively solicited, pre-qualified contracts—reducing timelines, lowering costs, and minimizing procurement risk. Using real K–12 examples, participants will walk through contract categories most relevant to districts (construction, facilities, technology, transportation, and classroom supplies), contract usage best practices, and steps to onboard vendors and staff.
Speakers
avatar for Stacey McPherson

Stacey McPherson

Program Manager, TIPS


Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Salon B (M)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 1

10:15am CDT

Ethics Disclosures
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Miller (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
This session reviews the ethics disclosure rules for transactions involving employees, administrators, and school board members.
Speakers
avatar for Charles Warren

Charles Warren

CFO, Fort Smith School District
Charles Warren is the Chief Financial Officer for the Fort Smith Public School District. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He earned a Masters of Business... Read More →
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Miller (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 1

10:15am CDT

Federal Updates
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Izard (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
Direct from the halls of Congress to the heart of Arkansas, this session provides a high-level briefing on the legislative shifts and federal policy changes currently unfolding in Washington, D.C.. Join Kimberly Glass, Lea Metcalf-McDonald, and Amanda Bittle as they break down the latest news on federal funding, evolving regulations, and the K-12 policies most likely to impact your district in the coming school year.
Speakers
avatar for Kimberly Glass

Kimberly Glass

Director of Federal Programs, Springdale Schools
Kimberly Glass directs and oversees federal programs for Springdale Public Schools. Kimberly is serving as the Past President of the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators. (NAFEPA) She is an award-winning Federal Coordinator earning both the Arkansas Association... Read More →
LM
avatar for Amanda Bittle

Amanda Bittle

Federal Programs/Curriculum Coordinator, McGehee School District
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Izard (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 1

10:15am CDT

High Leverage Human Capital Strategies
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Conway (MCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
This session will provide practical strategies to improve the functions of human capital management.
Speakers
MT

Melissa Tucker

El Dorado School District
GM

Greg Mones

Director of Human Resources, Fayetteville Public School District
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Conway (MCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 1

10:15am CDT

Mastering the Maze: Navigating FOIA and Legal Requests, Technical Strategy Meets Legal Compliance
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Drew (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
In an era of increasing digital complexity and heightened public scrutiny, responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and legal discovery requests is no longer just "finding a paper file." It requires a seamless partnership between administrative leadership, legal counsel, and IT departments.
Speakers
PM

Paul Miller

Support Staff, Springdale Schools
avatar for Kendra Clay

Kendra Clay

General Counsel, Springdale Public Schools
Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Drew (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 1

11:30am CDT

Beyond Compliance: Measuring the Impact of Federal Dollars
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Izard (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
Federal funds should be strategic investments, not routine expenditures. This session explores how to measure return on investment, use data to determine what is closing achievement gaps, and make informed funding decisions. Learn practical strategies to evaluate impact, adjust ineffective programs, and ensure every federal dollar drives measurable student success.
Speakers
avatar for Christine Harrell

Christine Harrell

Director of Federal Programs, Searcy Public School District
As Director of Federal Programs for the Searcy Public School System, Christine Harrell has spent the past 15 years leading initiatives focused on educational equity, program effectiveness, and student success. Known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to meeting the evolving... Read More →
AR

Amy Robson

Federal Programs Coordinator, Flippin School District

Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Izard (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 2

11:30am CDT

Transparency vs. Confidentiality: Navigating Executive Sessions and Personnel Records in Arkansas Schools
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Conway (MCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
This session focuses on the Freedom of Information Act in Arkansas with special emphasis on executive sessions and how to respond to request for personnel information.
Speakers
avatar for Shasta Wagner

Shasta Wagner

General Counsel, Conway Public Schools


Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Conway (MCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 2

11:30am CDT

What’s Keeping Your School Staff Up at Night?
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Salon C (M)
Limited Capacity seats available
Today's school staff are navigating a complex mix of financial pressures and family responsibilities that extend well beyond the classroom. This session examines the most common concerns affecting the education workforce and explores how districts can respond with meaningful, practical support. Participants will gain insight into the challenges their staff face outside of work and leave with strategies for building a workplace culture that acknowledges and addresses those needs, ultimately improving retention, morale, and overall staff well-being.
Speakers
avatar for Educational Benefits, Inc.

Educational Benefits, Inc.

Educational Benefits, Inc.

JS
Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Salon C (M)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 2

12:20pm CDT

Hiring Is Only the Beginning: Retaining Educators in Arkansas Public Schools
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 12:20pm - 1:05pm CDT
Conway (MCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
Recruiting educators is only the first step in building a strong school workforce. Across Arkansas, districts are discovering that retaining talented educators requires intentional support, strong leadership, and positive school cultures.
This session will explore how Arkansas districts can strengthen their educator workforce by focusing on effective retention strategies while maintaining strong recruitment practices. Participants will review Arkansas workforce data, examine key factors influencing teacher retention, and learn practical strategies to support educators throughout their careers.
The session will highlight approaches such as effective onboarding, mentorship, leadership practices, professional growth opportunities, and workplace culture improvements that help educators stay and thrive in Arkansas schools.
Participants will leave with practical strategies and action steps to improve educator retention in their own districts.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Amy Manley

Dr. Amy Manley

Director of Recruitment and Retention, Fort Smith Public Schools
Tuesday July 28, 2026 12:20pm - 1:05pm CDT
Conway (MCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 3

1:20pm CDT

Critical Conversations
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Conway (MCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
This session equips administrators with practical strategies for initiating and navigating critical conversations with staff, while also establishing consistent documentation practices that protect both the employee and the district. Participants will explore best practices for delivering clear, honest feedback, maintaining professionalism under pressure, and creating documentation that is accurate, timely, and defensible.
Speakers
avatar for Tanya Sharp

Tanya Sharp

Bentonville Schools
Tuesday July 28, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Conway (MCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 4

1:20pm CDT

Newcomers: A Year in the Life of a Federal Coordinator and Getting the Best ROI of Your Funding Dollars
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Izard (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
Federal program coordinators quickly learn that managing federal funds is not just about compliance, it is about strategy, planning, and making decisions that have the greatest impact on students while staying within complex regulations and timelines. This session will walk participants through a "Year in the Life of a Federal Coordinator," highlighting key deadlines, required tasks, and planning points from July through June. Presenters will share practical systems for managing the constant requests for funding, staying on budget, and ensuring funds are used effectively to support student outcomes. Participants will learn how to shift their mindset from "funding the plan" to "planning the fund," a concept shared at a recent national ESEA conference, and how this approach leads to better return on investment and fewer budget surprises. This session is designed especially for new federal coordinators and administrators who oversee federal programs, and will include timelines, planning tools, and real-world strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Participants will leave with:
- A month-by-month overview of federal program responsibilities
- Strategies for budgeting and avoiding common funding pitfalls
- Tools for prioritizing requests and improving return on investment
- Practical ideas for planning ahead to reduce stress and last-minute spending
Speakers
avatar for Susan Gilley

Susan Gilley

Executive Director, Harrison School District
avatar for Christine Harrell

Christine Harrell

Director of Federal Programs, Searcy Public School District
As Director of Federal Programs for the Searcy Public School System, Christine Harrell has spent the past 15 years leading initiatives focused on educational equity, program effectiveness, and student success. Known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to meeting the evolving... Read More →
MD

Marcy Dugger

Federal Programs Director, Bald Knob Schools
Tuesday July 28, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Izard (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 4

1:20pm CDT

The Invisible Decisions: How School Business Choices Quietly Shape Student Outcomes During Declining Enrollment
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Miller (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
This session looks at how school systems are actually held together through decisions about finance, facilities, staffing, technology, and risk. It uses a simple systems lens to show how these pieces connect and how they shape what a student’s day feels like in real, practical ways. The focus is not on compliance or reporting, but on how business and finance decisions create the conditions for stable, predictable learning environments. A central theme of the session is declining enrollment and why it changes the rules of the game. Fewer students do not automatically mean fewer costs. Buildings, transportation systems, contracts, and long-term assets do not shrink at the same pace as revenue.
Speakers
AB
avatar for Pam McCammon

Pam McCammon

CFO, Greenbrier Public Schools
AASBO Board President, School Finance Officer Certification, Master’s Degree in Accounting, Greenbrier School District -16 years
Tuesday July 28, 2026 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Miller (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 4

2:50pm CDT

HR Basics for Principals & Supervisors
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Conway (MCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
Principals and supervisors deal with people issues every day, and many of those situations carry important legal and professional responsibilities. This session focuses on the HR basics every leader needs to know to handle common employee matters with confidence and good judgment. We will discuss warning signs related to FMLA and ADA, mandated reporting requirements, ethics expectations, and practical approaches to employee time and attendance concerns. The goal is to give campus and department leaders straightforward guidance they can actually use, helping them support employees, protect students, avoid common missteps, and recognize when it’s time to bring HR into the conversation.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Davis

Chris Davis

Assistant Superintendent, Fort Smith Public Schools
Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Conway (MCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 5

2:50pm CDT

Mastering the Maze: Navigating FOIA and Legal Requests, Technical Strategy Meets Legal Compliance (Repeat)
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Drew (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
In an era of increasing digital complexity and heightened public scrutiny, responding to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and legal discovery requests is no longer just "finding a paper file." It requires a seamless partnership between administrative leadership, legal counsel, and IT departments.
Speakers
PM

Paul Miller

Support Staff, Springdale Schools
avatar for Kendra Clay

Kendra Clay

General Counsel, Springdale Public Schools
Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Drew (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 5

2:50pm CDT

Newcomers: A Year in the Life of a Federal Coordinator and Getting the Best ROI of Your Funding Dollars (Repeat)
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Izard (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
Federal program coordinators quickly learn that managing federal funds is not just about compliance, it is about strategy, planning, and making decisions that have the greatest impact on students while staying within complex regulations and timelines. This session will walk participants through a "Year in the Life of a Federal Coordinator," highlighting key deadlines, required tasks, and planning points from July through June. Presenters will share practical systems for managing the constant requests for funding, staying on budget, and ensuring funds are used effectively to support student outcomes. Participants will learn how to shift their mindset from "funding the plan" to "planning the fund," a concept shared at a recent national ESEA conference, and how this approach leads to better return on investment and fewer budget surprises. This session is designed especially for new federal coordinators and administrators who oversee federal programs, and will include timelines, planning tools, and real-world strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Participants will leave with:
- A month-by-month overview of federal program responsibilities
- Strategies for budgeting and avoiding common funding pitfalls
- Tools for prioritizing requests and improving return on investment
- Practical ideas for planning ahead to reduce stress and last-minute spending
Speakers
avatar for Susan Gilley

Susan Gilley

Executive Director, Harrison School District
avatar for Christine Harrell

Christine Harrell

Director of Federal Programs, Searcy Public School District
As Director of Federal Programs for the Searcy Public School System, Christine Harrell has spent the past 15 years leading initiatives focused on educational equity, program effectiveness, and student success. Known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to meeting the evolving... Read More →
MD

Marcy Dugger

Federal Programs Director, Bald Knob Schools
Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Izard (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 5

2:50pm CDT

The Invisible Decisions: How School Business Choices Quietly Shape Student Outcomes During Declining Enrollment (Repeat)
LIMITED
Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Miller (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
This session looks at how school systems are actually held together through decisions about finance, facilities, staffing, technology, and risk. It uses a simple systems lens to show how these pieces connect and how they shape what a student’s day feels like in real, practical ways. The focus is not on compliance or reporting, but on how business and finance decisions create the conditions for stable, predictable learning environments. A central theme of the session is declining enrollment and why it changes the rules of the game. Fewer students do not automatically mean fewer costs. Buildings, transportation systems, contracts, and long-term assets do not shrink at the same pace as revenue.
Speakers
AB
avatar for Pam McCammon

Pam McCammon

CFO, Greenbrier Public Schools
AASBO Board President, School Finance Officer Certification, Master’s Degree in Accounting, Greenbrier School District -16 years
Tuesday July 28, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Miller (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 5
 
Wednesday, July 29
 

8:15am CDT

From Compliance to Impact: Creative Federal Funding Strategies That Move Student Achievement
LIMITED
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Izard (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
Federal and categorical funds can do more than “cover costs”. They can become powerful tools for accelerating student success when used strategically, creatively, and compliantly. Join Ashten Black (CFO) and Kris Williams (Assistant Superintendent) for a session designed specifically for school and district leaders who want to maximize every dollar while avoiding costly mistakes.
Speakers
AB
avatar for Kris Williams

Kris Williams

Assistant Superintendent, Jonesboro School District
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Izard (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 6

8:15am CDT

Overtime and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
LIMITED
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Miller (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
This session provides school administrators and district leaders with a practical overview of how the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) interacts with the overtime requirements established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Participants will explore what these requirements mean for school districts, how to ensure compliance, and what changes may be needed in current compensation and scheduling practices.
Speakers
TR

Terri Raskiewicz

Chief Financial Officer, Siloam Springs School District
Wednesday July 29, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Miller (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 6

9:30am CDT

From Compliance to Impact: Creative Federal Funding Strategies That Move Student Achievement (Repeat)
LIMITED
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Izard (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
Federal and categorical funds can do more than “cover costs”. They can become powerful tools for accelerating student success when used strategically, creatively, and compliantly. Join Ashten Black (CFO) and Kris Williams (Assistant Superintendent) for a session designed specifically for school and district leaders who want to maximize every dollar while avoiding costly mistakes.
Speakers
AB
avatar for Kris Williams

Kris Williams

Assistant Superintendent, Jonesboro School District
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Izard (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 7

9:30am CDT

Overtime and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Repeat)
LIMITED
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Miller (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
This session provides school administrators and district leaders with a practical overview of how the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) interacts with the overtime requirements established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Participants will explore what these requirements mean for school districts, how to ensure compliance, and what changes may be needed in current compensation and scheduling practices.
Speakers
TR

Terri Raskiewicz

Chief Financial Officer, Siloam Springs School District
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Miller (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 7

9:30am CDT

Social Media: What do educators need to know to protect themselves online and keep their license?
LIMITED
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Drew (SCC)
Limited Capacity seats available
This session explores the benefits and risks of educators' use of social media. Participants will examine legal considerations related to personal social media accounts, including privacy concerns and potential liability when sharing classroom activities or student information. The session will highlight relevant legal cases and provide best practices for responsible social media use, protecting personal accounts, and maintaining alignment with district policies. The goal for attendees is to leave with the ability to navigate personal social media professionally while minimizing legal and reputational risk.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Robin Finley

Dr. Robin Finley

CEO, TeachingTIME/TasselTIME
Dr. Robin Finley is starting her 38th year as an educator in Arkansas.  She has been a teacher, coach, athletic director, counselor, building and district administrator, adjunct professor, and Digital Learning Coordinator at DESE. She has helped schools across the state learn to... Read More →
Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Drew (SCC)
  Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout Session 7
 

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