Inside...Executive Director’s Message ...2

NSA ..........................................4

From the President’s Pen .........5

WC: Living with Leadership ......6

A Most Important Message .......7

Still Time to Register for EPLC’s Fellowship Program .....7

Game of Thrones ......................8

Recap: 2017 PA EducationalLeadership Summit...................9

Aspiring to Leadership ............10

Thank You to Sponsors .......... 11

Vol. 59, No. 11August 2017

At the CapitolPage 3

Page 13MEMBERNEWS

Page 14

If you have not already done so, NOW IS THE TIME to renew your PASA/AASA membership for 2017-18!

PASA is working in Harrisburg and throughout the Commonwealth – and AASA is working for you in Washington D.C. – to influence policy, build support for public education, and provide school administrators with both the information and professional development they need.

Membership in both PASA, your profes-sional state organization, and in AASA, the only national organization representing the interests of district superintendents, is vital for you personally, for the profession and for public education.

And, when you join both organiza-tions, AASA provides $1 million in profes-sional liability insurance and monetary support of legal fees!

Renew your memberships today!

Want to renew your membership se-curely online and pay via credit card?

Go to the PASA website at www.pasa-net.org. Don’t know your log-in? If this is the first time you have logged-in as a member, click on “Forgot Your Credentials?” Follow the instructions for getting/resetting your username and password, and look for the Membership Renewal button.

Have You Renewed Your PASA Membership? NOTE: The PASA membership year

runs from October 1 through September 30. Be certain to send in your renewal by October 1 to ensure your name is included in the PASA Membership Directory!

Reminder: If you want to continue as or become a mem-ber of the PASA Women’s Caucus, remember to check the box on the reg-istration form. No fee to join!

Focus On: Tricia Rosas, 2017 Wanda McDaniel Award Recipient

bY RinA VASSAllO, AWARDS CHAiRPeRSOn, PASA WOMen’S CAuCuSAt the Women’s Caucus Conference in

May, Tricia Rosas was named as the recipi-ent of the 2017 Wanda Mc Daniel Honorary Membership Award. This award is named for Wanda McDaniel, founding member of the Women’s Caucus who was an incredible role model and inspiring mentor to numerous female leaders across the state.

Tricia served in the military as a Per-sonnel Specialist from 1997 through 2001. During her tour of duty, she amassed several commendations, including the Army Com-mendation Medal, four Achievement Med-als, the Good Conduct Award and the Army Service Ribbon.

After receiving her B.S. from St. Francis University in 2005, Tricia has served at Hol-lidaysburg Area School District in a variety of roles: teacher, instructional coach, Special Education Chairperson, ELA Department Chairperson, and most recently as interim assistant principal.

Tricia has been praised by the admin-istration for her unparalleled dedication to

students, her unique ability to create engag-ing lessons, her skillful mentoring of teach-ers, her expert collaboration skills, and her willingness to step into any professional role requested and achieve success.

She was nominated by Dr. Francine Endler, former PASA Women’s Caucus Presi-dent and Assistant Superintendent at Holliday-sburg Area School District who introduced her at the awards ceremony.

Dr. Endler’s remarks included the fol-lowing:

“…..it is my pleasure to tell you about our McDaniel Award winner, Tricia Rosas. It is through three lenses (administrative/teaching colleagues/student) that I introduce her to you. I remember hearing about Tricia before I met her! As a teacher in our Junior High School, she was involved in everything: an outstand-ing educator and advisor for many clubs and activities and in pursuit of every possible opportunity to develop herself professionally and impact learning for her students. When I

See McDaniel Award, page 4

PASA Flyer August 20172

The PASA Flyer is published monthly by the

Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.

PresidentDr. Patrick O’Toole, Superintendent

Upper St. Clair Township School District

TreasurerDr. Richard Fry, Superintendent

Big Spring School District

Past PresidentJohn W. Friend, Superintendent

Carlisle Area School District

executive DirectorDr. Mark DiRocco

Assistant to the executive DirectorBarbara W. Jewett

Design editorSuzanne K. Yorty

Correspondence regarding the PASA Flyer can be mailed to:

PASA2608 Market Place

Harrisburg, PA 17110(717) 540-4448

(717) 540-4405 faxemail to pasa@pasa-net.org

Visit our web site atwww.pasa-net.org

PASA Members: Please report your appoint-ments, renewals, awards or special achievements, or that of others in your region to Barbara Jewett at PASA either by phone (717) 540-4448, by fax (717) 540-4405, or via email at pasa@pasa-net.org. Copy deadline is the 8th of each month.

From the executive Director...Dr. Mark DiRoccoFuture Ready leadership

It’s mid-August and school districts are becoming active again. Band camps and athletic practices will soon be underway as the 2017-2018 school year is about to unfold across the state. School leaders are gearing up to welcome back their staff and begin the year in a positive fashion. Parents are as excited about counting down the days until school starts just as the educators were excited about counting down the days until the previous school year ended. It’s a great time of the year, filled with ex-citement and anticipation as school begins anew for children.

As the students head back to school, they are counting on the adults they interact with to provide them with the skills and

attributes they need to be successful in their future world. That is always our greatest priority as school leaders – the students. Our challenge is to understand what students need to be suc-cessful in the future and meet that challenge with the right programs and learning opportunities in our schools.

I had the good fortune to attend the Educational Leadership Summit in July and hear Thomas Murray speak about future ready schools. Murray, with co-author Eric Sheninger in Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow’s Schools, Today, challenges school leaders to not only provide learning opportunities and experiences that are in tune with today’s technological world, but to transform the learning into a more personalized and meaningful experience for our children through Future Ready Leadership.

The second chapter of the book focuses on creating a culture of innovation in our schools. Leadership and school culture are the foundation of creating innovation. As Steve Jobs said, “Management is about persuading people to do things they do not want to do, while leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought they could.”

Heading into the new school year, leaders must be poised to articulate a powerful vision of what their schools can become in an effort to inspire their staff to do great things for children in the year ahead. Murray and Sheninger use the following acronym to outline the evolving role of leadership in today’s most effective education systems: leADeRS learn, empower, Adapt, Delegate, engage, Reflect, and Serve.

What do successful leaders do, according to the authors?w Successful leaders promote professional development and growth, as they know it has a positive effect or student learning. w They empower others to take risks by removing the fear of failure and provide support for innovation. w Great leaders adapt to new systems and strategies by embracing change and pushing it forward before outside sources thrust it upon their organization. w They delegate responsibility to harness the leadership in others through distributive and collaborative methods. w Confident leaders engage their school stakeholders on a constant basis through a variety of communications to provide a positive brand presence and establish a feedback process. w They take the time to reflect on their own efforts and effectiveness constantly looking to improve their own skill set and performance. w Excellent leaders do not seek to create followers; they empower more leaders.w Finally, the best leaders understand that leadership is about serving the children, staff, and community, not the power and authority that comes with the position.

As we head into a new school year, I wish you the best in your efforts to create future ready schools through future ready leadership. We have never been in greater need for quality leadership in our public school systems than now, and I admire all those who have answered the call to lead our districts and schools in these complex time. I encourage you to lead your heart, love your employees, focus on the kids, do what you believe in, and create a vision of a preferred future for your schools that is compelling and inspiring.

People will follow.Do you know someone in your district who should consider moving forward in their leadership journey? Or are you considering moving to the next step in school district administration? See p. 10 to find out more about PASA’s “Aspiring to Leadership” workshops for information on this valuable program, scheduled for November at I.U. 7 and late January at the PASA office, and aimed at those aspiring to central office administration or aspiring to the superintendency.

PASA FlyerAugust 2017 3

At the Capitol...neWS ReCAP

Don’t forget to check the PASA website for the weekly Educa-tion Update that provides a summary of up-to-date legislative, state and national education news. For more information on the following news briefs, see the PASA Web site at www.pasa-net.org. (Click on “News and Advocacy” to access the current and archived updates.) And follow us on Twitter for the latest updates @PASASupts.

State Budget News2017-18 State budget Spending: Although the House and Senate passed a budget spending bill in early July (a bill which the Governor allowed to go into law without his signature), budget negotiators have yet to frame a revenue-generating plan that 1) will pay for it and 2) will be agreed to by all four caucuses and the governor. In late July the Senate did pass a revenue plan and corresponding code bills and sent them all to the House, but that chamber has not returned to ses-sion to consider any of the legislation or the revenue plan. For now, there is no agreement. borrowing to Pay the bills: Without a revenue plan in place, PA Treasurer Joe Torsella authorized a short-term, two-week $750 mil-lion line of credit from Treasury’s Short Term Investment Pool to the Commonwealth’s General Fund from August 14 to August 28 – but warned that there will be more problems to come with budget spend-ing and Pennsylvania’s credit rating if there isn’t a revenue plan soon.Revenue update: Pennsylvania collected $2.1 billion in General Fund revenue in July, the first month of the new fiscal year. Those revenues are $112.8 million, or 5.7 percent, better than July revenues in FY 2016-17.Gaming Revenue: Table games revenue in 2016-17 totaled $866 million, up 3.25 percent compared to the prior fiscal year. The in-crease helped to offset the 2.2 percent decrease in slot revenue for the fiscal year. State NewseSSA implementation: The PDE this month unveiled its proposed state ESSA implementation plan and is accepting public comment through August 31. In announcing the plan, Secretary Pedro Rivera also pointed to development of the Future Ready PA Index as a comprehensive approach to ensuring student and school success. Information is available on the PDE website.iDeA Compliance: The U.S. Department of Education recently rec-ognized Pennsylvania for the tenth consecutive year for compliance and performance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B. As one of seven of the biggest states in the country, Pennsylvania alone has been the only participator in compliance with USDE’s standards for IDEA, Part B. In addition, this federal distinction was given to the commonwealth for programs that serve both school-aged children from ages three to 21, and children under the age of two.

National NewsOpioid Crisis: In late July the White House Committee on Combat-ing Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis urged President Trump to declare a national state of emergency over the opioid epidemic. Although a final report and recommendations won’t be issued until the fall, an interim report noted that “our citizens are dying. We must act boldly to stop it.”Medicaid Funding: With failure of the Senate to approve legislation that would repeal/replace the Affordable Care Act, proposed cuts to

Medicaid are currently on hold – but that could still happen. AASA and PASA, along with other state associations across the country, continue to advocate against proposed federal cuts to Medicaid or changes that would place decreased Medicaid funding into state grants rather than as dedicated funding for schools. The commonwealth currently receives $253.3 million in funding for Medicaid services for students and has one of the most expensive special educa-tion budgets in the country. (Read more in “The Advocate” on p. 13.)

COMinG uP We still have just a spending plan for 2017-18 – without a plan to pay for it. When there actually will be some compromise on a rev-enue plan remains to be seen, as politics often gets in the way of good policy. As always, stay tuned for the latest information by following us on Twitter @PASASupts.

2017 PASA/PSBA Annual Leadership Conference

October 18 – 20, 2017Hershey Lodge &

Convention Center

KeynOte SPeAKerS:nadia Lopez and Paul Brandus

Register the whole Team of 10 online for this profes-sional development opportunity designed specifically

for school administrators and board members.

Don’t forget: Register for the special PASA Recognition Luncheon on October 18!

For program information, see the Conference website at

https://www.paschoolleaders.org.

PASA Flyer August 20174

finally met her, I thought, ‘She is the real deal,’ and the students, staff and community in the Hollidaysburg Area School District are blessed to have her in our district. Two of her colleagues have agreed to help me introduce her as well…and here is what they have to say.”

“Tricia Rosas is the most genuine person and teacher that I know. We often laugh about how insanely energetic she really is. She will be introduced to a new teaching strategy one minute and be ready to implement it 30 seconds later. She juggles a difficult teaching schedule with being department chair and a myriad of other responsibilities…and the girl just does it. No complaining. No self-doubt. She just hits the ground running. I’m a 20 year teaching veteran, and I find myself in TOTAL awe of her. Oh…and she only has a million other educational degrees, a military background, and is a very hands-on mother to her two girls. Look up ‘leader’ in the dictionary, and you will see her face. I am beyond proud to be her colleague, her partner-in-crime, and, most importantly, her friend.”

“Tricia Rosas is one of the most amazing people I have met, and without a doubt the best teacher I have had the privilege of working with. I am constantly amazed at the creativity and insight she uses in her classroom. Her unique lessons and dedication to her students’ learning shines each day in all activities that she plans. Tricia not only inspires her students on a daily basis, but has a significant impact on the educators who work around her. She is hardworking and always willing to go the extra mile to help anyone in need- whether that be a student or colleague. I am a better teacher and person because of her and it has been an honor to call her a colleague and a friend.”

Tricia attended the ceremony along with her husband, mother and children. The Caucus is thrilled to honor this exceptional educator and look forward to avidly following her career.

Tricia Rosas (second from left) with her family and the McDan-iel recognition plaque presented to her at the 2017 Women’s Caucus Annual Conference.

McDaniel AwardContinued from page 1

**PleASe SHARe WiTH neW SuPeRinTenDenTS in YOuR i.u.**

new Superintendents’ Academy Session:

SYSTeMS leADeRSHiPSeptember 27-28

PASA office, Harrisburg

**Approved for 25 Pil credits**

Practical information about the exciting and complex role of the superintendent – and strategies

needed for success!

TOPiCS:Leading with Vision

Building the Systems to Implement the Vision

Assuring High-Quality Instructional Systems

Creating and Maintaining High Performance Management Systems

Performance Evaluation Systems: Principals and Professional Staff

Governance, Policy Development and Personnel Systems

Lessons Learned During Year One: Panel of New Superintendents

Deadline for making overnight hotel room reservations at a special rate: August 27

See the PASA website for details at http://www.pasa-net.org/workshopnsa.

PASA FlyerAugust 2017 5

What You Need to Know!If you are a PASA member as a Commissioned Of-ficer or District/Cabinet/Central Office Adminis-trator, find what you need to know in the weekly “Education Update.” Watch your email on Mondays for the E-Update and link to this weekly report, a source for the latest in education and budget news from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the nation. AnD...

Check the PASA website at www.pasa-net.orgfor reports, testimony, the program and meet-ing schedule, archived Updates, the PASA Career Center (job postings)…and more!

FROM THe PReSiDenT’S PenOpening Day

bY DR. PATRiCk O’TOOle, 2016-17 PASA PReSiDenT

The 2017-18 school year is quickly approaching. If your home is anything like mine, the days and weeks leading up to each new school year are filled with nervous energy and excitement. The anticipation of transitioning to a new school, having a different teacher and/or meeting new friends is both exhilarating and anxiety producing (for students as well as grown-ups).

Have you noticed that the routine and focus of an entire com-munity changes on this one big day – the first day of school? There’s just something special about the start of each new school year. It’s a blank notebook waiting to be filled with new experiences, challenges and triumphs.

As a high school principal many years ago, my perspective and expectations on the first day of school were dramatically transformed. Walking through the hallways that day and listening to the welcoming remarks from each teacher to his/her students was instructive. From nearly every classroom, all I could hear was a review of the classroom rules and procedures. I thought to myself, at the end of the day, our students will have had about seven versions of classroom rules and regulations! Furthermore, I thought, the first day of school is the day these students are most likely to be asked, “How was school today?” What would your answer be?

While classroom management instructions are important, I began to suggest strongly that our faculty open the school year by sharing with the students their passion for teaching and their anticipation for the year ahead. Classroom management instructions and expectations could be addressed as the days and weeks progressed.

Another annual event where I’ve noticed this same dynamic and a missed opportunity is open house. As a parent, I’ve sat through class after class of classroom rules, procedures and warnings of consequences. I want to jump up and applaud the teachers who use this annual opportunity to share their enthusiasm for their subjects and their work with children.

As leaders, we can influence these subtle dynamics by working with our principals and teachers to remind them what it’s like to be a student on the first day or a parent attending open house. Moreover, we must consider our own opening day messages to faculty and staff – both written and spoken – to make certain we model enthusiasm and passion for our important work.

Each first day of school offers a fresh slate, a new beginning and the opportunity to make the all-important first impression. Author Malcolm Gladwell wrote, “We don’t know where our first impres-sions come from or precisely what they mean, so we don’t always appreciate their fragility.”

My hope for each of you is that you embrace the opportunity of the first day of school to impart a passionate and compelling first im-pression on your teachers, staff, students and families that is indicative of your commitment to teaching and learning. Have an outstanding opening day and school year!

PASA Flyer August 20176

Communication Tip of the Month

SAVe tHe DAteS! Southeast region Women’s

Caucus Annual DinnerOct. 30, 2017 in King of Prussia

2018 Women’s Caucus ConferenceMay 6-8, 2018 at Hotel Hershey

From the Women’s Caucusliving with leadership

bY DR. MiCHelle SAYlOR, CAuCuS PReSiDenT

Even after twenty plus years in education, I still try to convince myself that summer will be a time to catch-up on my reading, to delve into all those books and journals stacked by my bed, on my desk, and on our living room coffee table. Some of the books within those stacks are re-reads, some are new, and some are old titles that I still haven’t

cracked open. But here it is, August, and I’ve barely made a dent in my stacks

- again! In a valiant effort to reduce those stacks by at least one or two

books this week, I randomly pulled out a thinner book. It turned out to be a re-read: John Maxwell’s The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader.

Right from the start, I knew I was in trouble. Despite the fact that the book is only 155 pages long, it is not a short read, at least not if you take the time to reflect on and practice the qualities he mentions. Sure, I had read it close to 15 years ago, earlier in my professional career, and you might think that this should only be a “refresh.” But it’s not that simple. I am not the same person I was 15 years ago; I am definitely not the same leader I was then. I like to think I’ve grown under some wonderful mentorship tempered by time and experience.

As I scan the chapters and thumb through the list of qualities, I realize it has been too long since I’ve done some serious reflection on where I am and where I need to go. I wonder how often that happens to those of us who live our leadership roles. We continually seek to grow, to become better people, better leaders, and we truly take time to reflect. But do we make enough time to really soul search, to go deep into ourselves, and challenge ourselves to honestly define where we are and where we need to go? Do we always take the time to work on ourselves, ask the hard questions, understand who we are on the “inside,” and do what it takes to become more effective as leaders?

I think we try, I really do. Yet I also believe time has a way of getting away from us. Pressing timelines, mandates and the minutiae

of politics, to name a few elements of our daily lives, all seem to get in the way of time for honest, critical reflection and the ensuing action.

If we believe John Maxwell and buy into the Law of Process, if we agree that “leadership develops daily, not in a day,” then we also need to commit to the time for our development. This “quick read” is going to take me some time as I take another look inside (both the book and myself) and craft the direction for my growth as a leader from where I am now, not from where I was. As Maxwell suggests, I need to live with his book for a while. Most likely, we all do.

In the remaining days of summer, reach out to the women around you, those you mentor, those you meet, and those with whom you work. Support them in their innovation, and urge them to take the risks necessary to create the changes we need to see within our system. Encourage them, if they haven’t already, to join our organization and engage a network that is eager to help them grow.

And – save the date for our 2018 Women’s Caucus Annual Confer-ence, scheduled for May 6-8 in Hershey. This is a great opportunity to make connections with other female leaders across the state.

In order to ensure your membership in the Women’s Caucus, re-member to check “Women’s Caucus” on the membership form. There is no additional fee to be a part of the Women’s Caucus. Membership information can be found at: http://www.pasa-net.org/wcabout.

“Supporting kindness and service in our school commu-nities is critical for a positive school climate and a healthier organization. The young people and educators under our care have creative minds and caring hearts that can and will change our schools positively. As school leaders, we need to get behind them and do our part to pay it forward and #bekind every day.” – Mark Adler, from “Channeling Grief into Kindness,” as pub-lished in the August 2017 issue of School Administrator. Adler, a Nebraska superintendent, shares his family’s grief following the suicide of their son and how they have worked publicly in the district and beyond to detail “the journey we now walk” and talk about the importance of spreading hope and kindness. The August issue examines the opioid crisis and how it has hit home for school districts in Utah and Pennsylvania.

Recognizing Pennsylvania’s Public Schools…

Coeburn Elementary School in the Penn-Delco SD and the School District of Philadelphia were among 63 schools and districts across the country recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as “Green Ribbon” recipients.

The awards are given to schools and districts for reducing their environmental impact, creating healthy learning environments and providing real-world sustainability education.

Congratulations!

Has a student group, staff member, your district or a school in your district been recognized for outstanding achievement? Send us the information at pasa@-pasa-net.org so that we can share that accomplishment and the great things happening in public schools through The PASA Flyer.

PASA FlyerAugust 2017 7

A Most important MessagebY COnnie R. kinDleR, DiReCTOR OF PROFeSSiOnAl DeVelOPMenT

Applications still are being accepted for the Pennsylvania Education Policy Fellowship Program.

The Fellowship Program is a professional development program for individuals whose work record reflects strong lead-ership abilities and a concern for issues important to children and education. The program is supported by a national and state network of resource people and peers who have a track record of accomplishment in research, policy development, and effective practice in education, child development and human services, and is hosted by the Education Policy and Leadership Center* in Pennsylvania.

With more than 500 graduates in its first 18 years, including numerous superintendents and other school administrators from across the Commonwealth (14 in 2017 alone), the Fellowship Program is a premier professional development opportunity for educators, state and local policymakers, advocates and com-munity leaders.

This year’s Program begins with a two-day retreat on Sep-tember 14-15 and continues to graduation in June 2018. This year’s cohort is filling fast – so register today! See the EPLC website for details, www.eplc.org.

*The Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC) is a Pennsylvania-based, not-for-profit corporation established in 1998 and governed by a board of directors that includes members who have significant experience with education policy, government and not-for-profit organizations. The Center conducts its policy and leadership programs in cooperation with numerous local, statewide and national organizations. PASA is a founder and supporter of EPLC.

Still Time to Apply: 2017-18ePlC Fellowship Program

“Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about tak-ing care of those in your charge.” (Simon Sinek)

Our schools will soon be open. How will you welcome your staff? How will you generate excitement? What important messages will you communicate?

Amidst the frenzy of planning for the multitude of important information that must be shared, re-member the most important message…I care about you. This message will be the one that will have the greatest impact.

In Leaders Eat Last, Sinek describes the “Circle of Safety.” He states that leaders cannot change people, but they can change envi-ronments. When leaders show empathy, those that they lead are more likely to thrive. The leader’s demonstration of appreciation and respect encourages a culture in which new ideas are exchanged and risks are taken. In safe environments, workers are also more likely to help each other and to work as a team for the common good. Great leaders assure that those that they lead have the nourishment that they need.

We recently observed reactions to messages of care during Thomas C. Murray’s keynote during last month’s PA Leadership Summit sponsored by PASA, the PA Principals Association, PAMLE

and PASCD. Through his many expressions of heartfelt appreciation for the work that educators do, he engaged the audience’s emotions, which also attracted their interest. He furthered this response when he asked all to select a photo on their phones and to share it with someone that they did not know. The energy in the room exploded as all shared a cherished photo. The attendees’ emotional connection with him and with others set the tone for the invigorating conference that followed.

In the book that Murray co-authored with Eric C. Sheninger, Learning Transformed: 8 Keys to Designing Tomorrow’s Schools, Today, he states that “meaningful change has and always will begin at the individual level.” Therefore, amidst the frenzy of starting a new school year, remember to prioritize the individuals that you lead. Con-sider their needs and nourish them through genuine understanding and support. Share your sincere gratitude for their work. Your messages of care will create the safety necessary for the individuals within your schools to grow and flourish.

Be A MentOrPeriodically, we receive requests for a mentor from new

superintendents – and we need your assistance with fulfilling these requests.

The requirements for serving as a mentor are minimal and manageable. At least one time per month at a mutually agreed upon time, conversations between you and the men-tee can occur in person, virtually, or by phone. If the mentee does not have anything specific that he/she wants to discuss during a particular month, a list of optional topics is available on our website.

Please consider the awesome opportunity to share your knowledge and provide guidance to a new superintendent. Experienced superintendents or those recently retired are encouraged to apply.

Additional information is available at http://www.pasa-net.org/mentor or by contacting Connie Kindler at ckindler@pasa-net.org.

PASA Flyer August 20178

Resolutions Corner: Game of Thrones

bY bARbARA W. JeWeTT, ASSiSTAnT TO THe exeCuTiVe DiReCTOR

Quick Glance: 2017-18 Programs/events

2017August 11 Leadership for Learning* Module 1 (PASA office)Sept. 27-28 New Superintendents’ Academy Part 2* (PASA office)October 2 Leadership for Learning* Module 2 (PASA office)October 18-20 PASA/PSBA School Leadership Conference (Hershey)November 1-2 Aspiring to Leadership Workshops (I.U. 7)December 5 Leadership for Learning* Module 3

2018January 11-12 New Superintendents’ Academy Part 2*Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 Aspiring to Leadership Workshop (PASA office)February 15-17 AASA National Conference on Education (Nashville)March 19-20 Education Congress with Jamie Vollmer (State College)May 6-8 Women’s Caucus Conference (Hershey)July 12-13 New Superintendents’ Academy Part 1* (PASA office)July 29-30 PA Educational Leadership Summit (State College)*PIL-approved

See the PASA website at www.pasa-net.org for more information on the PASA Professional Development Program.

I’ll admit it: I’m a fan of the HBO series “Game of Thrones.” (I blame my daughter for getting me hooked.)

There’s something about the cos-tumes and the battle scenes and the mys-tery and the scheming and the “game” of seeking power that is highly engrossing,

especially when it is enhanced with armor, horses, nearly omniscient ravens, giants, explosions, magical swords, zombie armies – and dragons. (I do love the dragons.) But above all, beyond the accoutre-ments of war, there is strategy and cunning and ruthlessness aimed at moving just the right chess pieces into position to gain the most advantage – and, ultimately, power.

The cynic would say that politics, particularly American politics, is increasingly a “game of thrones” aimed solely at achieving personal or party advantage and power, not developing good public policy. The object is to win, to move the chess pieces the right way to ensure victory both now and in the future, no matter what the cost. Changing allegiances, changing philosophies and changing positions are just part of the game. Be “for” something at this time to support your party’s position (or your own personal ambitions) but be “against” the same thing another time to ensure that the other party or your opponent is at

a disadvantage. Or hold firmly to your own philosophy to gain approval from the electorate, despite evidence that it simply isn’t workable.

OK. I’m one of the cynics. Maybe I’ve just been watching the game too long.

Why don’t we have a final state budget? Why hasn’t a realistic and fair charter school reform bill been passed? Why are we focusing on eliminating property taxes when every analysis of it makes clear that doing so would put schools and students at even greater risk? Competing priorities, competing philosophies and the intrigues con-nected with upcoming gubernatorial and General Assembly elections are ensuring that the focus is not so much on making the hard decisions and accepting the reality of issues as it is in moving the chess pieces in place to ensure the best political outcome.

The same could be said of the mess in Washington and the grow-ing list of “hot button” issues that are devoid of positive, workable public policy, including Medicaid funding, healthcare, broadband accessibility, infrastructure, tax priorities, military spending, science and research, vouchers – just to name a few.

The strategy of politics isn’t new. Politics is a game, always has been. One need only a cursory understanding of world history to see that. But what makes things different in Pennsylvania and the U.S. generally right now is not strong philosophies or party allegiances or personal ambitions. Not even strategy.

What complicates the possibility of good governance today is that the game never ends; it just ramps up through media on a daily basis with press releases and speeches and tweets. The battles continue even after the election is over. It’s all about strengthening the support from your base, not finding workable solutions. As a result, developing workable compromises that will generate the best possible outcomes on the state or federal level become nearly impossible challenges that even a dragon could not overcome. In other words, good policy loses.

So here we are. Early August without a budget revenue plan to ensure the bills get paid and the growing state deficit is addressed realistically. Early August without changes to a healthcare system to ensure continuing access and affordability. Early August without assurances that Medicaid funding for medically-challenged students will continue. Early August without addressing a host of issues that affect our schools, our communities and our children’s future.

“Game of Thrones” is fun to watch. But it is entertainment, not reality. In contrast to the machinations and plots and twists and turns of a TV show, in the real world we could use a lot more fact and reality and compromise in policymaking and a lot less playing to the crowd, more concern for data and evidence and less focus on gaining and maintaining power.

In Episode One of this year’s season of “Game of Thrones,” one character states, “If we don't put aside our enmities and band together, we will die. And then it doesn't matter whose skeleton sits on the Iron Throne.”

Good advice. Our policymakers should heed it.

PASA FlyerAugust 2017 9

Recap: 2017 PA educational leadership Summit Over 200 participants gathered at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona on

July 23-25 to learn, share and plan together at the 2017 Educational Leadership Summit, co-sponsored by PASA, the Pennsylvania Principals Association, the PA Association for Middle Level Education and PASCD.

The summit featured Thomas Murray, Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, and kristen Swanson, one of the founding members of the EdCamp movement. In addition, keynote speakers, high quality breakout sessions, vendor displays, table talks on hot topics and district team planning and job-alike sessions provided attendees with practical ideas to discuss and bring back to their districts.

images from the educational leadership Summit (Photos courtesy of lifetouch)

Featured Presenter Thomas Murray

Featured Presenter kristen Swanson

**SAVe tHe DAte**2018 PA education Leadership Summit

July 29 - 31State College

PASA Flyer August 201710

Do you have a school administrator in your district who is thinking about moving forward in their education journey into central office administration and/or the superintendency? Do you know of someone who should do that?

Or are YOU thinking about that?The “Aspiring to leadership” workshops are what you or

school administrators in your district need in that journey, designed specifically to provide practical information and tools to assist those considering a future career as a district cabinet-level leader and/or superintendent.

The scheduled workshops will be held in two convenient loca-tions:Westmoreland i.u. 7 – 102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601• Wednesday, nov. 1: Aspiring to the Superintendency• Thursday, nov. 2: Aspiring to Cabinet Level/Central Office Leadership

A ‘Don’t Miss’ Workshop…Growing Future leadersPASA Office – 2608 Market Place, Harrisburg, PA 17110• Wednesday, Jan. 31: Aspiring to Cabinet Level/ Central Office Leadership• Thursday, Feb. 1: Aspiring to the Superintendency

About Each Workshop…Aspiring to the Superintendency: This workshop will provide

an overview of the role, responsibilities and rewards of serving as a superintendent; the balancing of responsibilities in order to prioritize instructional leadership; knowing yourself as a leader and finding the right match; negotiating a sound contract; and entry planning and transition.

Aspiring to Cabinet Level/Central Office Leadership: This workshop will provide an overview of cabinet positions; team build-ing via varied attributes, skill sets and work styles; best practices, and related interview questions and interview simulations; and actions for transitioning to the new role.

Workshop Schedule…8:00 a.m. – Check-in/Continental breakfast8:30 a.m. – Program begins (includes lunch)4:15 p.m. – Program concludes

Registration…Cost for each one-day session is $159. Register for one – or both!Pennsylvania needs strong educational leaders to manage

and direct our public schools moving forward. See the PASA web-site for details at www.pasa-net.org/aspiring - and register today!

2018 eDuCATiOn COnGReSS“The Challenging Role of School leaders in Complex Times”

March 19 and 20, 2018nittany lion inn, State College, PA

Program begins at 9:30 am on March 19 and ends at 1:00 pm on March 20.

Mark your calendar!

About this Program… The challenges for school leaders are greater than ever. Competi-

tion is growing. Financial resources are limited. Political pressure is at an all-time high. In spite of these challenges, school leaders must implement the transformations necessary for personalized student success.

The 2018 PASA Education Congress will provide school leaders with opportunities to hear from and interact with experts, network with colleagues, and retool resources for the energizing of strong leader-ship during these complex times. Attendees will acquire strategies to support the shift to personalized learning and digital content, learn tactics for aligning resources, create plans for engaging community understanding and support – and much more.

Keynote Presentations…w Jamie Vollmer J.D, President of Vollmer, Inc., author of Schools Cannot Do It Alone, writer and producer of the video series The Great Conversationw Tom Ryan, Ph.D., Chief Information and Strategy Officer of the Santa Fe Public School District in New Mexico, co-founder

and Chief Executive Officer of the eLearn Institute, and Chairman of the Board for the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN)w noelle ellerson ng, Associate Executive Director, Policy & Advocacy, AASA: The School Superintendents Association

What past attendees have said about the Congress…w It was exceptional! The best state-level conference I've ever attended!w The keynotes and breakout sessions were excellent and tightly aligned to the intended focus.w Noelle Ellerson Ng should be an annual speaker! Awesome!w I appreciated the blend of large meetings and the ability to select small breakout sessions. w The session for urban schools was one of the best I've attended in a long time.w I enjoyed the time to network with others.w Looking forward to next year!

Watch for program and registration details … COMinG SOOn!

PASA FlyerAugust 2017 11

OUr PASA SPOnSOrSThank you for your continuing support!

Visit the PASA website at www.pasa-net.org/pasasponsors for more information on the products and services our sponsors can offer yOU!

DIAMOnD SPOnSOrS

PLAtInUM SPOnSOrS

GOLD SPOnSOrS

SILVer SPOnSOrS

BUSIneSS PArtnerSHIPS

King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul LLC

Point Park University Graduate School of

Education

PASA Flyer August 201712

News

JOIN AASA TODAY and become part of a supported community of school

leaders nationwide who advocate for public education!

AdvocacyInformation

Learning OpportunitiesLeadership Services

Networking on the National Level…And more!

See the AASA website for details at www.aasa.org OR contact the PASA

office. (Remember: When you join both PASA and AASA, AASA provides $1

million in professional liability insurance and monetary support of legal fees!)

Pennsylvanians in Print Combatting Opioid Abuse: In the August issue of School Ad-

ministrator, an issue devoted to confronting issues related to opioid addiction and teen suicide, Norwin SD (Westmoreland I.U. 7) was among the districts highlighted for adopting programs and policies aimed at curtailing student involvement with illicit substances. Under the direction of Dr. William Kerr, superintendent, the district has adopted a new science-based curriculum on opioid abuse for middle school science classes. As noted in the article, the district’s action was also personal for Dr. Kerr, whose family was directly impacted by the opioid crisis.

On a Light Note: In the “Leadership Lite” section of the August issue, Dr. James Scanlon, superintendent of the West Chester SD, contributed a humorous anecdote describing a version of “Carpool Karaoke” shared during the district’s “Welcome Back” ceremony for 1,300 staff members.

Get connected to AASA – share stories, share ideas and par-ticipate in the conversation!

Advocacy: ESSA and After-School ProgramsAASA was among those testifying during a July 18 hearing before

the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce Education focused on what states have done so far to develop their consolidated state accountability plans for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and whether the federal government and the Department of Education (ED) need to do more or less to assist in their development and review.

Among the recurring themes during the hearing was the ongo-ing budget debate in Congress and the potential of significant cuts to federal appropriations for a number of ESSA and education related programs. During the hearing Dr. Gail Pletnick, president of AASA, noted that afterschool programs that depend on federal funds are key investments in supporting student attendance and achievement and engaging students and parents in education.

Medicaid: Fighting Federal CutsBy a narrow vote (49-51), the U.S. Senate last month rejected a

bill that would have been a “skinny” repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Had the measure been approved in the Senate and subsequently in the House, public schools across the nation could have been stripped of billions of dollars in federal Medicaid funding.

In a statement following the vote, AASA expressed gratitude to the 51 U.S. Senators who voted to preserve school-based Medicaid programs and end a divisive health care debate that would have jeop-ardized the critical services and supports America’s most vulnerable children receive in school.

“I am so proud of the thousands of superintendents who made calls, sent emails, wrote op-eds and visited with Senators personally in opposition to a per-capita cap for Medicaid. Our membership’s advocacy on behalf of kids in poverty and kids with disabilities made a difference in this debate,” said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA.

“AASA was proud to co-chair the Save Medicaid in Schools Coalition and we are proud to have mobilized and educated so many organizations and individuals around the country about the importance of school-based Medicaid services. We stand ready to fight this again

if we need to do so,” said Sasha Pudelski, assistant director, policy and advocacy, AASA.

Pennsylvania senators split on the measure, with Sen. Robert Casey Jr. voting in opposition and Sen. Pat Toomey voting approval for the bill.

2018 National Conference on Education: Registration Now Open!Registration is now open for the 2018 conference, scheduled for

February 15-17 in Nashville. See the conference website at http://nce.aasa.org to access registration and program updates.

Reminder: Submitting Articles for The School Administrator AASA has adopted themes for future issues of The School Ad-

ministrator for the first half of 2018 and would welcome receiving story ideas and suggestions for contributors. Themes from January through June include:

January: Choices, Charters and InnovationsFebruary: Mastery and Learning StandardsMarch: Career TransitionsApril: CivilityMay: Schedules and Time Use in SchoolsJune: Systems of Professional Support Major article assignments related to the theme generally are final-

ized at least five months prior to publication date. Also, only a portion of each issue relates directly to the editorial theme. Submissions on topics unrelated to themes are welcome for consideration. See our author guidelines at http://www.aasa.org/AuthorGuidelineMagazine.aspx.

PASA FlyerAugust 2017 13

The AdvocATe

unresolved Medicaid Funding Threat Could Hit Schools Hard

bY SASHA PuDelSki, AASA ASSiSTAnT DiReCTOR, POliCY & ADVOCACY

The summer of 2017 has been one to remember. From shake-ups at the White House to intense health care debates, it’s never been more difficult to keep track of everything happening in Washington. While the health care votes during the week of July 25 were a sign that sometimes policy can trump politics, we are not out of the woods yet. There are still backroom deals purportedly underway to try and dismantle Medicaid.

Though much of the attention appears to be on Obamacare and fixing the problems related to the coverage in the exchanges, we can’t forget that a majority of House members and more than 40 Senators support the idea of block-granting Medicaid dollars to states. These high numbers mean that our work to educate Congress about school-based Medicaid is far from over.

We can and should relish in our highly-publicized and highly-regarded efforts to educate leaders on Capitol Hill, numerous state and national partners and millions of citizens across this country about school-based Medicaid. But, we need to keep educating and advocating.

Even if the House and Senate wash their hands of the Medicaid entitlement conversation for the rest of this Congressional session, there is a newfound appetite to “trim” Medicaid funding. Let’s be clear: any trim to the Medicaid program will hit schools, which are not front-line healthcare providers, first. We can never compete with hospitals, long-term care facilities, insurers, and other key health care players for limited Medicaid funding. That’s why these talking points on the importance of Medicaid in schools should be ones you remember for a long, long time.

In addition to fighting to preserve Medicaid, there is a smaller battle being waged to protect health care for kids who receive it through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Before the end of September, Congress must decide whether to extend funding for CHIP, which provides health insurance for nine million children.

CHIP provides health care coverage for kids not quite poor enough to be eligible for Medicaid. In 15 states, kids eligible for CHIP look the same as kids eligible for Medicaid, and school reimbursement for ser-vices for CHIP kids, as well as Medicaid kids is identical. In 29 states, a smaller portion of CHIP kids are treated as Medicaid beneficiaries, and districts can also reimburse for the services they provide them.

The stakes are high if Congress fails to reauthorize. Every state will exhaust its federal CHIP allotments at some point in fiscal year 2018, and a few states are expected to exhaust their federal CHIP allotments by December 2017. As a result, millions of kids will lose health care. Consequently, your district may lose critical Medicaid dollars and be forced to provide basic health care services for even more kids to keep them healthy enough to learn. Outreach is underway in both the House and Senate to urge them to support the extension of funding for this program.

On the positive side, if Congress continues to treat Medicaid as an entitlement program, for the near future there is a great opportunity for states and districts to pull down even more Medicaid funding, thanks to the reversal of the “free care” rule.

In December 2014, the “free care” rule prevented districts from

being reimbursed by Medicaid for providing any service that is ordi-narily provided for free to the community at large, even if Medicaid would cover these services for its beneficiaries in other contexts. For example, if a school nurse examined a Medicaid-eligible student as part of a universal screening, federal funds could not be used to cover that exam because all students would be able to access the service without being charged. The rescinding of this rule means that the child’s examination would be covered and reimbursed by Medicaid.

States are already in the process of seeking approval from CMS to start billing, so it’s worth connecting with other health and education advocates in your state to pursue whether your state is amending its plan to allow districts to start billing for these services as well.

MEMBERNEws

Please report member news to PASA at pasa@pasa-net.org. Announcements of professional vacancies across Pennsylvania and in neighboring states are posted on the PASA Web site at www.pasa-net.org (Click on the “Leadership Development” button and look for “Career Center.”)

ReGiOn 12Dr. Patricia Sanker is

currently serving as acting su-perintendent of the West York Area SD. She replaces Dr. emilie lonardi, who is now superintendent of the Down-ingtown Area SD.

ReGiOn 15 Christina Spielbauer is currently serving as acting superin-

tendent of the Carlisle Area SD. She had been serving as assistant superintendent in the district. Spielbauer replaces John W. Friend, who has retired. Colleen Friend is currently serving as acting as-sistant superintendent in the district.

ReGiOn 18 Andrew kuhl has retired from his position as superintendent

of the Hanover Area SD.

ReGiOn 20 Dr. Frank DeFelice is now serving as assistant executive direc-

tor at Colonial I.U. 20. He previously served as superintendent of the Bangor Area SD.

David Piperato is now serving as superintendent in the Pleasant Valley SD. He previously served as high school principal in the East Penn SD (I.U. 21). Piperato replaces Carole Geary, who has retired.

ReGiOn 29 Dr. Shawn Fitzpatrick is now serving as superintendent of the

Schuylkill Haven Area SD. He previously served as middle school principal in the Hamburg Area SD (I.U. 14). Fitzpatrick replaces lorraine Felker, who has retired.

PASA Flyer August 201714

AuGuST11 Leadership for Learning Module 1 (PASA office)

SePTeMbeR4 PASA office closed14-15 Board of Governors’ meeting (PASA office)27-28 New Superintendents’ Academy Part 2 (PASA office)

OCTObeR1 2017-18 PASA membership year begins2 Leadership for Learning Module 2 (PASA office)4 Professional Development Committee meeting (virtual)18-20 PASA/PSBA School Leadership Conference (Hershey)30 Southeast Region Women’s Caucus Annual Dinner (King of Prussia)

nOVeMbeR1-2 Aspiring to Leadership Workshops (Westmoreland I.U. 7)16 Superintendent of the Year Luncheon (Harrisburg)16-17 Board of Governors’ meetings (PASA office)23-24 PASA office closed

DeCeMbeR5 Leadership for Learning Module 3 (PASA office)6 Professional Development Committee meeting (virtual)22 PASA Office closed25 PASA Office closed29 PASA Office closed

JAnuARY1 PASA office closed11-12 New Superintendents’ Academy Part 3 (PASA office)25 Joint Boards Dinner26 Board of Governors’ meeting (PASA office)Jan. 31 – Feb. 1 Aspiring to Leadership Workshops

PASA CAlenDAR OF eVenTS 2017-18For more information, see the PASA web site at www.pasa-net.org.

sUMMER HOURsSummer hours for the PASA office

(through September 1) are as follows:

Monday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fridays: 8 a.m. to noon

noteworthy Quotes…“We want parents and students to know that we expect our schools

to provide for them a holistic education that’s going to give them all of the skills necessary to be successful when they graduate. We be-lieve this ESSA plan is a big step in that direction.” – Matthew Stem, deputy secretary foe elementary and secondary education at the PDE, on the proposed state ESSA implementation plan unveiled this month

“We are proud to have mobilized and educated so many organi-zations and individuals around the country about the importance of school-based Medicaid services. We stand ready to fight this again if we need to do so.” – Sasha Pudelski, assistant director of policy and advocacy for AASA on U.S. Senate rejection of an Obamacare repeal that would have meant the loss of billions of dollars in Med-icaid funds for schools

“Today’s settlement announcement represents important prec-edent for school districts across the Commonwealth and nationally – and sends a clear message that discriminatory policies and practices will not stand. We urge school districts to see this as an opportunity to proactively review their policies and practices to ensure that they are inclusive, fair and welcoming of all students.” – Cheryl Klei-man, attorney with the Education Law Center, on a court settlement in the discrimination lawsuit concerning school district policy and transgender student rights (from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 8/1/17)

“This matter now provides an opportunity for all of us as a school community to develop a comprehensive initiative that will act as a catalyst for change that improves the health and well-being of people in the greater community and region, especially for our young people. Now more than ever, I want to help other individuals and families have a better understanding of substance abuse and ad-diction and what can be done about the epidemic facing the greater community.” – William Kerr, superintendent of the Norwin School District, on district adoption of a new curriculum aimed at dissuading students from using illicit substances as a way to combat the growing opioid crisis (from AASA’s monthly magazine School Administrator, August 2017)

On the 2017-18 State Budget…

“I think the [House] Speaker said last week he wanted to see what the Senate and the Governor would support. Well, here it is. If they have an alternative plan, we’re glad to hear it.” – Senate Majority leader Jake Corman (R-Centre) following PA Senate votes to ap-prove a budget revenue bill that subsequently was sent to the House for consideration a week after the House failed to vote on a revenue plan proposed by House Republican leaders

“Gov. Wolf commends the Senate for taking a responsible step toward balancing the budget and for their willingness to include a tax on Marcellus Shale. Gov. Wolf believes all parties must quickly come together to bring this process to a close.” – J.J. Abbott, spokes-man for Gov. Wolf, in a statement released following the Senate’s passage of a revenue bill