
The Arkansas Department of Education in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health is closing all public schools in Pulaski, Jefferson, Grant and Saline Counties starting Friday, March 13th until Monday, March 30th. #COVID-19

Free Online Screening for COVID-19 By answering a series of questions about your symptoms, age, overall health and travel, this screening will provide you with ways to access more information if needed. https://uamshealth.com/

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention has guidance for schools on preparing for the possibility of community outbreaks of COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-for-schools.html

Any suspected case (with symptoms) of COVID-19 should be reported to the Arkansas Department of Health immediately at 501-537-8969 (M-F 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM) or 1-800-554-5738 (after hours and weekends).

The Arkansas Department of Health has been designated as the lead agency in coordinating information in response to COVID-19. Get information and updates here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/novel-coronavirus

Additional guidance for Arkansas schools regarding COVID-19 has been released in Commissioner's Memo LS-20-089. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4328

Governor Hutchinson declares a public health emergency in response to COVID-19. See Executive Order 20-03 here.
https://governor.arkansas.gov/news-media/press-releases/governor-hutchinson-confirms-states-first-presumptive-positive-covid-19-cas

Governor Hutchinson has announced that Arkansas has identified its first “presumptive” COVID-19 case. https://talkbusiness.net/2020/03/gov-hutchinson-first-presumptive-coronavirus-case-confirmed-in-arkansas/

The ADE-DESE Office of Computer Science announces the continuation of the Advanced High School Computer Science Professional Development Bonus (previously stipend) Program. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4346

The ADE Office of Computer Science announces the continuation and a $200,000 expansion of the K-8 Computer Science Lead Teacher Bonus (previously Stipend) and Training Program for the 2020-2021 school year. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4344

The ADE-DESE Office of Computer Science releases informational updates to the Arkansas High School Computer Science Teacher Endorsement and Instruction Bonus Program. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4345

Commissioner's Memo FIN-20-032. The Federal and State Funding Units at the DESE have merged to form the School Funding Unit. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4342

Commissioner's Memo COM-20-097. Changes are coming to the Computer Science Educator Stipend Programs. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4340

The APPEL online application is NOW available from March 1 through May 29, 2020, for the June cohort and through July 3, 2020 for the July cohort. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4338

The ADE will begin accepting nominations for the 2021 AR Teacher of the Year (ATOY) beginning March 13, 2020. Each public-school district in AR may select one teacher of the year and nominate that teacher for the ATOY. http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4337

The 2020 AASBO Conference is still underway!
Congratulations to our AASBO members who completed CASBO Certification in the last year. Certification requires 30 hours of coursework and dedication!


AAEA Executive Director Dr. Richard Abernathy presenting on issues such as funding, retirement, and education adequacy at the AASBO Conference. @The_AAEA


Workers Compensation breakout session at the AASBO Conference in Hot Springs.


At the AASBO Conference today, Jake Haak, CFO, Rogers School District, was recognized as the 2020 Truett Goatcher AASBO Administrator of the Year. He invited his staff to join him on stage. Congratulations, Jake!


STEM Summer Internship for Teachers. Deadline to apply is March 8! http://adecm.arkansas.gov/ViewApprovedMemo.aspx?id=4329