Director of HR and Legal Affairs, Bryant School District
On March 25, 2015, Johnny Key was approved by the State Board of Education to be the chief school officer of the Arkansas Department of Education. Gov. Asa Hutchinson recommended Key for the position of commissioner. In May 2019, Gov. Hutchinson announced Key as the Secretary of the... Read More →
Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT Conway (MCC)
Join us for a timely session unpacking the shifting federal education landscape. From new guidance and priorities in federal programs to behind-the-scenes insights into how Arkansas allocates state and federal dollars to districts, this session will provide essential updates and actionable data. Designed for administrators, federal program directors, and instructional leaders, this session will connect the dots between compliance, funding equity, and forward-focused planning.
Schools face growing threats to both physical and cyber safety, making it essential to stay informed and proactive. In this session, we’ll explore the top risks impacting K-12 institutions and introduce free, practical resources and tools provided by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). From securing school networks to improving emergency preparedness, attendees will learn how to implement no-cost tools that strengthen safety and resilience. Walk away with actionable strategies to protect students, staff, and infrastructure without breaking the budget.
B.J. Burgess, is starting his 12th year as Director of Technology and Information Systems for the Greenbrier School District and his 24th year in educational technology. He is currently serving as president of TEL-AR (Technology Educational Leaders of Arkansas), which is a professional... Read More →
Participants in this course will be provided information on applicable state law governing ethical guidelines and prohibitions for educational administrators, employees, and board members, annual disclosure requirements of board members, administrators, and school employees; the requirements for annual financial audits and the responsibilities of the business official for providing records and the audit process; requirements for responding to Corrective Action Plans; Common audit findings and how to prevent them; fraud definition, detection, and prevention, as well as policies that should be established by the district; expense reimbursement policies and procedures; discussion of current events as they relate to ethics and audits; best practices and other considerations.
This session provides school administrators with a high-level overview of key federal child nutrition programs, including the School Breakfast Program (SBP), the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and Special Provision Options such as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and Provision 2. Participants will gain insights into program implementation, eligibility requirements, and strategies for maximizing participation while streamlining administrative processes.
Program Operations, Child Nutrition, ADE, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Krista Jackson is the Associate Director of Program Operations with the Child Nutrition Unit. Ms. Jackson has 14 years of experience working in Child Nutrition. She currently trains, hires, and supports Area Specialist who administer the Administrative and Procurement Reviews in... Read More →
Associate Director, Finance and Training, Child Nutrition Unit, DESE, ADE
Sheila Chastain is the Child Nutrition Unit, Associate Director Finance and Training. She has been assigned to various positions within the Child Nutrition Unit for the last 28 years. Ms. Chastain supervises a group 5 professionals within the Child Nutrition Unit who will provide... Read More →
Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT Fulton (SCC)
Education on your pension, gaps in retirement and the options available to fill them, benefits you can take with you in retirement, educate your staff to help them prepare for their future retirement no matter what year they’re in.
This comprehensive training will empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of school funding, budget development, and financial sustainability. During this session, participants will explore the critical components of school budgets, including revenue sources, expenditure projections, funding aid calculations and the practical tools available to assist with developing your school budget.
Office of Coordinated Support and Services/ Fiscal Services, Arkansas Department of Education
Jason Miller is an accomplished education leader and finance professional with over 20 years of experience in Arkansas public education. He currently serves as a State Leadership Development Coach at the Arkansas Department of Education, where he provides statewide guidance on district... Read More →
Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT Hoffman (M)
Minimum standards for the Arkansas Self-Funded Cyber Response Program become effective July 1, 2025. Join a discussion of the practical ways these requirements will affect your district.
Coordinator of K12 Cyber Policy and Strategy, Arkansas Department of Education
Jeff Killingsworth was privileged to be in the classroom for 12 years, teaching a variety of math and science classes from kindergarten through eighth grade, before joining the Arkansas Department of Education. He is currently the Coordinator of K12 Cyber Policy and Strategy, and... Read More →
Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT Conway (MCC)
Minimum standards for the Arkansas Self-Funded Cyber Response Program become effective July 1, 2025. Join a discussion of the practical ways these requirements will affect your district.
Coordinator of K12 Cyber Policy and Strategy, Arkansas Department of Education
Jeff Killingsworth was privileged to be in the classroom for 12 years, teaching a variety of math and science classes from kindergarten through eighth grade, before joining the Arkansas Department of Education. He is currently the Coordinator of K12 Cyber Policy and Strategy, and... Read More →
Tuesday July 29, 2025 12:20pm - 1:05pm CDT Conway (MCC)
Join us for this interactive and informative session designed specifically for those just starting out. Whether you're a new coordinator, administrator, or support staff, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of federal education programs, including their purpose, funding structures, key requirements, and reporting expectations.
Director of Federal Programs, Springdale Public 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 →
Senator Kim Hammer and Dr. Karen Walters, Superintendent at Bryant, will provide tips to foster positive relationships between legislators and superintendents and how to collaborate for changes and improvements to benefit students and schools.
Participants will review statewide data regarding merit pay disbursement during the 2024-2025 school year and learn more about the merit pay tab in LEA Insights.
Educator Effectiveness Special Projects Coordinator, DESE
Sharlee Crowson has been a part of the DESE Educator Effectiveness team since 2016. During that time, she has worked in educator preparation, teacher recruitment, and educator workforce data.
Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT Salon B (M)
This session will provide 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.
This session will provide attendees with multiple pieces of the puzzle that makes up a school district budget. Attendees will be challenged to think outside the box.
Learn how to integrate risk management techniques with business priorities (financial, reputational, operational) to make smarter decisions that support a safe and resilient learning environment.
Ray Girdler currently serves as a member of the DIS cybersecurity team through Arkansas' State Cybersecurity Office (SCSO). Mr. Girdler formerly served as the Director of Data Use & Privacy for the Arkansas Department of Education. Over the years, he has also served in multiple roles... Read More →
Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT Drew (SCC)
This presentation provides an in-depth look at Fayetteville Public Schools' comprehensive safety initiatives, specifically, our intruder on campus drills. The session will outline best practices for active threat preparedness, layered communication, staff training, and campus-specific protocols in a low cost/no cost environment. Key topics will include the importance of cultivating a culture of safety, the role of current technology and training in crisis response, and actionable strategies to empower staff and protect students.
Join us for this interactive and informative session designed specifically for those just starting out. Whether you're a new coordinator, administrator, or support staff, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of federal education programs, including their purpose, funding structures, key requirements, and reporting expectations.
Director of Federal Programs, Springdale Public 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 →
Senator Kim Hammer and Dr. Karen Walters, Superintendent at Bryant, will provide tips to foster positive relationships between legislators and superintendents and how to collaborate for changes and improvements to benefit students and schools.
In this session, participants will explore effective strategies for maximizing the impact of categorical funds. We will cover best practices for fund management, compliance requirements, and innovative approaches to resource allocation. Attendees will leave with practical insights and tools to enhance their financial planning and ensure optimal use of categorical funds to support their educational goals.
Office of Coordinated Support and Services/ Fiscal Services, Arkansas Department of Education
Jason Miller is an accomplished education leader and finance professional with over 20 years of experience in Arkansas public education. He currently serves as a State Leadership Development Coach at the Arkansas Department of Education, where he provides statewide guidance on district... Read More →
Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT Hoffman (M)
Participants will review statewide data regarding merit pay disbursement during the 2024-2025 school year and learn more about the merit pay tab in LEA Insights.
Educator Effectiveness Special Projects Coordinator, DESE
Sharlee Crowson has been a part of the DESE Educator Effectiveness team since 2016. During that time, she has worked in educator preparation, teacher recruitment, and educator workforce data.
Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT Salon B (M)
This session will provide 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.
This session will provide attendees with multiple pieces of the puzzle that makes up a school district budget. Attendees will be challenged to think outside the box.
Learn how to integrate risk management techniques with business priorities (financial, reputational, operational) to make smarter decisions that support a safe and resilient learning environment.
Ray Girdler currently serves as a member of the DIS cybersecurity team through Arkansas' State Cybersecurity Office (SCSO). Mr. Girdler formerly served as the Director of Data Use & Privacy for the Arkansas Department of Education. Over the years, he has also served in multiple roles... Read More →
Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT Drew (SCC)
