This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE! Searching for vacancies requires no login. To post a job, you will use your current Career Center username and password.

Upcoming Deadlines

Teacher of the Year Program
June 25—Final Application Deadline

TASA School Board Awards
June 30—Entry Deadline to ESC

AASA Educational Scholarship Program
July 30—Application Deadline

NSOTY Program
July 30—Nomination Deadline
September 30—Application Deadline

ALI Awards
(Golden Deeds Award and John R. Hoyle Award for Educational Leadership)
July 31—Nomination Deadline

AASA Distinguished Service Award
August 31—Nomination Deadline

TASA Honorary Life Nominations
November 30—Nomination Deadline

Upcoming Conferences and Events

TCWSE Annual Summer Conference
June 25—27

UT/TASA Summer Conference on Education
June 27—29

Leadership Development Process
September 14—15

First-time Superintendents' Academy: Session One
September 15-16

TASA/TASB Convention
September 24—26

2010-2011 Professional
Development Calendar

INTERCHANGE
June 2010
Volume 8, No. 6

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues.  Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2010 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

The 82nd Legislative Session is quickly approaching and, now more than ever, superintendents and other school leaders need to be talking with legislators about public education. The state's estimated budget shortfall has risen to $18 billion. The governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house have already directed cuts to state agencies totaling $1.25 billion. In addition, changes to the accountability system from 2009 and the upcoming transition to end-of-course exams require increased commitments from students, parents, educators, and elected officials. It is important for administrators to talk with parents, teachers, community leaders, and locally elected officials on education issues that impact Texas public schools. To help facilitate local discussions and partnerships, TASA has developed materials with statewide information regarding school finance, accountability, and state budget matters, among other topics. The materials are easy to understand and can be shared with all interested stakeholders in your community.

Balancing Budgets, School Finance, and Performance Standards¨
The UT/TASA Summer Conference on Education begins this Sunday, June 27, and is designed to give you in-depth information on a short list of critical topics that superintendents and other school leaders will need in order to make accurate, informed decisions in anticipation of the 2010-11 school year. Twelve conference sessions, including several repeats, address topics focused on school finance and performance standards. The conference kicks off with two high-profile presentations focused on transforming schools in a time of economic stress, including school budgeting in hard times and confronting cutbacks and critics. Between sessions, unwind at the Past Presidents Golf Tournament (Monday), and relax at the "Meet the Exhibitors" Open House and Reception (Sunday) and the Conference Reception (Monday). Registration available on-site.

50th Annual TASA/TASB Convention
September 24—26
George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston
Registration and Online Housing Now Open
The Convention begins in Houston on Friday, September 24, with a full day of in-depth and breakout sessions plus a distinguished lecture by Todd Buchholtz, economist; and an Opening Session by Daniel Pink, best-selling author and expert on innovation, competition, and the changing world of work. Other General Session speakers include Emmitt Smith, National Football League™s all-time leading rusher and a three-time Super Bowl champion, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame later this year; and Gubernatorial Candidates Bill White and Rick Perry (invited). Also offered again this year is the highly popular Digital Learning Pavilion, where you can join your colleagues for an unforgettable interactive voyage into the classroom of the future. The Convention offers school board members and school administrators the opportunity to earn 16.75 hours of continuing education credit, hear outstanding keynote speakers to keep informed and engaged, explore a tradeshow with hundreds of exhibitors, and network with more than 6,000 public school officials! Two and one-half days of professional development opportunities at one great price!

TASA 2010—11 Officers and Executive Committee

President: H. John Fuller, superintendent, Wylie ISD (ESC 10)
President-Elect: Rod Townsend, superintendent, Hico ISD
Vice-President: Jeff N. Turner, superintendent, Coppell ISD
Past President: John M. Folks, superintendent, Northside ISD

2010—11 Executive Committee Members:
01 —Scott B. Owings, Sharyland ISD
02 —Paul Clore, Gregory-Portland ISD
03 —Robert Mark Pool, El Campo ISD
04 —Alton Frailey, Katy ISD *
05 —Philip Welch, Orangefield ISD
06 —Fred Brent, Anderson-Shiro CISD *
07 —J. Glenn Hambrick, Carthage ISD
08 —Kathy Allen, Hooks ISD *
09 —Darren Francis, Perrin-Whitt CISD
10 —Todd Williams, Kaufman ISD *
11 —Darrell G. Floyd, Stephenville ISD
12 —Kevin Houchin, McGregor ISD
13 —David Shanley, Johnson City ISD
14 —Shane Fields, Albany ISD
15 —Russ F. Perry, Nueces Canyon CISD
16 —Mike Lee, Booker ISD *
17 —Deanna Logan, Ralls ISD
18 —Kevin Allen, Iraan-Sheffield ISD
19 —Lorenzo Garcia, El Paso ISD
20 —Richard Middleton, North East ISD

At Large Members:
Charles E. Dupre, Pflugerville ISD
Steve Flores, Harlingen CISD *
Adelaida Guerra, San Marcos CISD *
Karen Rue, Northwest ISD *

*new members

Membership News

2009—10 Final Membership Report. With 2,243 TASA members as of May 28—compared to 2,209 members for the same period last year—final membership totals for 2009—10 were higher than 2008—09 final totals. The final total includes 943 superintendent members, 369 central office members, and 731 other active members, as well as 200 associate members.

2010—11 Membership Renewal. Online renewal for the 2010—11 membership year (September 1—August 31) is now available. Make sure to pay your dues early to take advantage of all that TASA has to offer! Membership dues are the same as last year: Active, Superintendent—Percentage of gross annual salary x .004 ($250 minimum dues); Active, Other than Superintendent—Percentage of gross annual salary x .003 ($150 minimum dues); Associate—$250; College/University/State Agency—$75; and Student—$50.

AASA Membership. Effective July 1, dues for AASA Active Members (Superintendent, Assistant/Associate/Deputy Superintendents) increase from $403 to $426. Dues for College/ University Professors will increase from $180 to $190. Reminder: You can join or renew your AASA membership on TASA™s membership form! Just choose AASA Membership and include the dues amount as part of your total payment. TASA will forward your payment to AASA to activate or renew your membership. If you are a current AASA member, payment of the AASA membership fee will automatically extend your AASA membership one full year from your current renewal date. Membership in AASA connects you to a network of like-minded colleagues, encourages you to exchange ideas and solutions, and gives you access to widely respected leaders in American education today.

Nomination Deadline: June 30

Proud of your board? Here's how to honor an invaluable partnership: If you're proud of your board and the work it does on behalf of the children in your district, let everyone know! Nominations are still open for the 2010 TASA Outstanding School Board! TASA created the School Board Awards Program in 1971 to recognize school boards whose dedication and ethical service have made a positive impact on the children of Texas. This is an excellent opportunity to reward your hard-working, dedicated board members with the recognition they deserve. Nomination criteria, procedures, and related dates are posted on TASAnet.

Call for ALI Award Nominations

• Golden Deeds Award—The nominee for this award may be anyone who has shown commitment to public education through Ĺ“golden deeds.Âť
• John R. Hoyle Award for Educational Leadership—The nominee for this award must be a professional educator who has made a difference in the lives of youth for the betterment of society.

America's Best High Schools 2010
Each year, Newsweek picks the best high schools in the country based on how hard school staffs work to challenge students with advanced-placement college-level courses and tests. Just over 1,600 schools—only 6 percent of all the public schools in the U.S.—made the list. This year's rankings include 127 schools in Texas and offer new interactive features. Newsweek teamed up with a data company called Factual to create individual profile pages for each school where students and faculty can comment and contribute. Check out the profiles by clicking on the name of any school in the list.


Leadership Development Process "Transformation"
July 13—14
TASA Headquarters Building, Austin
Do you recall the LDP (Leadership Development Process, formerly known as DuPont Training)? Do you need a refresher? Need it for the first time? LDP has received a "transformation" and still contains the emphasis on slowing down, thinking things through, along with excellent processes and tools to make great decisions for our students. It's BACK! Sign up now!

The Leadership Development Process offers information, practice, and application tools and concepts that enable participants to:

• Use systematic thought processes to develop and implement effective action plans.
• Develop a culture that fosters teamwork and leads to enhanced employee participation in and commitment to the school organization and its goals.
• Improve leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Increase the quality of thought of all employees in the organization.
• Make decisions at the most appropriate level in the organization.
• Sharpen their focus.

This session will be held at the TASA Headquarters Building in Austin. For more information and to register Click Here!

NSDC's Purpose: Every educator engages in effective professional learning every day so that every student achieves.

Ed Tech Trends to Watch in 2010
School districts and college campuses across the country are adding social media features to learning management systems, offering more online and blended courses, and taking advantage of mobile devices. Check out the top trends in learning management systems, online learning, and mobile computing identified in a 2010 Software & Information Industry Association report released this month.

TEA NEWS

Texas Wins $18.2 Million Grant for Further Development of the Texas Student Data System
Texas has been awarded a three-year $18.2 million federal grant to build upon the state's efforts to design and implement the Texas Student Data System, a next generation longitudinal data system. The Texas Student Data System will deliver relevant and actionable data to parents and educators to continually improve student performance while alleviating the data collection burden on school districts and improving data quality. The Texas Legislature and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation have previously committed significant resources to modernize the state™s public education data management system to enable Texas to examine students™ progress from early childhood, beyond schooling, and into their careers. To date, more than 2,000 Texas educators have participated in defining requirements for the Texas Student Data System. Texas is one of 20 states to be awarded a Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) grant, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The state will receive the second highest grant amount in the nation. New York will receive the most with $19.7 million.

TEA Receives $50,000 Grant for Dropout Prevention Efforts
TEA has received a two-year, $50,000 AmeriCorps Planning Grant from the Corporation for National Community Service, through the OneStar Foundation, to expand effective dropout prevention strategies that encourage students to graduate from high school and become college and career ready. The agency will invest matching resources of $85,000 to support the combined dropout prevention efforts of Communities In Schools (CIS) and AmeriCorps. Grant and matching funds will be used to design a Texas dropout prevention model that uses assessments and an early warning data system to identify potential dropouts. AmeriCorps volunteers, working with local CIS programs throughout Texas, will serve as adult advocates and mentors for these students. This new project reflects the state™s commitment to proven research-based and cutting-edge strategies to prevent dropouts and recover students who have previously dropped out. These strategies include providing challenging and personalized learning environments, role models and mentors, and academic support to help struggling students catch up; and using data systems to identify struggling students early.

AASA National Conference on Education
Registration and Housing Open July 1 for AASA Members
The 2011 National Conference on Education will be held on February 17-19, 2011, in Denver, Colorado. Online registration and housing will open for AASA Members only on July 1, 2010. AASA Members will be able to secure early-bird registration rates and top-choice hotels during this time. General registration will be available beginning July 16, 2010.

Please be advised that a dedicated room block is available for our Texas AASA members at the Hyatt Regency Denver Hotel & Convention Center. Room rates are $212 per night. These rooms will be available from July 1-October 31, 2010.

Important Note for the 2011 Conference: Between July 1 and October 31, 2010, you will not be required to register for the conference in order to secure your housing arrangements. However, if you have booked your housing and have not registered for the conference by October 31, 2010, your housing reservations will be canceled and your room(s) will be released back into the general housing block. Be sure to register by Sunday, October 31, to retain your housing arrangements.

NSOTY Program
Nomination Deadline: July 30
Application Deadline: September 30
2011 National Superintendent of the Year Program Applications are now available online for the 24th year of this program sponsored by ARAMARK Education, ING, and AASA. The program is designed to bring honor to public school superintendents on all levels—local, state, and national. Detailed program information, including important dates, eligibility and qualifications, review and selection processes, and the nomination and application forms are now available to download.

AASA Educational Scholarship Program
Application Deadline: July 30
2011 Educational Administration Scholarship Applications are now available. The scholarships were created to provide incentive, honor, and financial assistance to seven outstanding graduate students in school administration who intend to make the school superintendency a career. Only one candidate may be submitted by each college or university campus, and each candidate must be recommended by the dean of the school of education in which the candidate is enrolled. Encourage an outstanding graduate student who is pursuing school administration to apply for a chance to be awarded a scholarship from AASA. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, July 30.

Distinguished Service Award Program
Nomination Deadline: August 31
2011 Distinguished Service Award Applications became available on June 15. Nominate a colleague that has exhibited exemplary leadership throughout his or her career and has enhanced the profession. To receive the Distinguished Service Award, an individual must have been an AASA member for at least 10 years and be retired from a full-time position in educational administration. The nomination deadline for this award is Tuesday, August 31.

Call for Projects: 2011 Shirley Cooper & Walter Taylor Educational Design Awards
Submission Deadline: September 30
Have you and your district team been involved in a recent facility-planning process, building a new facility, or renovating an existing facility? Recognizing the importance of school architecture to schools' success, AASA, the American Institute of Architects, and the Council of Educational Facility Planners International invite you to participate in a national exhibition, presentation, and juried award program, showcasing how well-designed school facilities promote student growth and achievement. The submission deadline is Thursday, September 30. Click the title link to find out more about this program and download the application and portfolio documents.

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE! Searching for vacancies requires no login. To post a job, you will use your current Career Center username and password.

Upcoming Deadlines

NSOTY Program
July 30-Nomination Deadline
September 30-Application Deadline

AASA Educational Scholarship Program
July 31-Application Deadline

AASA Distinguished Service Award
August 31-Nomination Deadline

TASA/TASB Convention
August 28-Housing Deadline
September 18-Preregistration Deadline

Upcoming Conferences and Events

Syfr Conference
Part I: A Whole New Brain
July 19-22

Syfr Conference
Part II: A Whole New Education
September 9-10

First Time Superintendents Academy, Session One
September 16-17

TASA/TASB Convention
October 2-4

Syfr Conference
Part III: A Whole New World
October 27-28

First Time Superintendents Academy, Session Two
November 4-5

Texas A&M University/TASA Administrative Leadership Institute (ALI)
November 18-19

Annual Texas Assessment Conference
December 6-9

2008-2009 Professional
Development Calendar

INTERCHANGE
July/August 2009
Volume 7, No. 7

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues.  Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2009 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

Part I: A Whole New Brain
July 19 (6 p.m.) through July 22 (11:30 a.m.)
Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, Lost Pines, TX
TASA, in collaboration with Syfr Corporation, has created a unique, three-conference series designed to further a shared vision for public education. Participants are encouraged to create new ways of thinking about the challenges facing public education and collaborate to create solutions. Part I is designed to arm participants with a wealth of information about how 21st century students learn. The first conference explores new findings in neuroscience, examines current and future assessment requirements, and discusses how to mesh them to meet current performance requirements. This conference is a "research into practice" conference, examining recent brain research and developing several action research projects for districts and teachers to implement consistent with our emerging understanding of the nature of 21st century learning. This conference helps us understand how culture and even age hard-wire the brain against change, and presents art as a metaphor for how change can occur and the elements necessary to make it happen. (Part II, A Whole New Education, September 9-10, Houston Hyatt; Part III, A Whole New World, October 27-28, Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, Lost Pines).
Online Membership Renewal Coming Soon!
In the coming weeks, TASA Online Membership Renewal will be available. TASA Membership (September 1-August 31) offers a host of services and benefits designed to enable superintendents and other education leaders to succeed at the challenging task of running today's complex school districts, including Governmental Advocacy, Legal Support, Publications and Information Resources, Leadership Development, and the TASA Career Center. In addition, TASA offers a wide range of "enhanced/district" services such as Legislative & Public Policy Services, TASA Research Connection (formerly Administrator's Resource Center), XPress News, Facility Planning Services, and Curriculum Audit Services-all designed to keep you and your district operating at full speed. Keep these programs in mind as you complete your membership renewal form for 2009-10. For more information, contact Brettany Zirkle, manager, Membership and Data Services, 512-477-6361 or 800-725-8272.
TASA 2009-10 Study Group Chairs
The following superintendents have been confirmed as regional Study Group/Membership Chairs for 2009-10:

• Norma L. Salaiz, La Villa ISD (01)
• Mary Springs, Santa Gertrudis ISD (02)
• Sam Atwood, Goliad ISD (03)
• David G. Anthony, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (04)
• Rick Summers, Deweyville ISD (05)
• Michael King, West Rusk CISD (07)
• Richard Flanagan, Mount Vernon ISD (08)
• Darren Francis, Perrin-Whitt CISD (09)
• Darrell G. Brown, Forney ISD (10)
• Karen G. Rue, Northwest ISD (11)
• Kevin Houchin, McGregor ISD (12)
• Pari Whitten, Harper ISD (13)
• David K. Perry, Gorman ISD (14)
• Leigh Ann Glaze, San Saba ISD (15)
• Mike Jackson, Perryton ISD (16)
• James D. Parker, Tahoka ISD (17)
• Mary Lou Carrasco, Balmorhea ISD (18)
• Eldefonso Garcia, Jr., Fabens ISD (19)
• Jack R. Seals, Jr., Dilley ISD (20)

Session One: September 16-17, 2009
Austin Marriott North, Round Rock
If you are a first- or second-year superintendent eager for a dynamic leadership experience, register today for the 18th Annual First-time Superintendents' Academy. The academy, which consists of four, one and one-half day sessions, is spread throughout the year for ongoing support. Complete registration details can be found on TASAnet, or contact Paul Whitton, Jr., TASA associate executive director, Administrative Services, 512-477-6361 or 800-725-8272.

October 2-4
George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston
Registration and Online Housing Opened June 15
The Convention begins on Friday, October 2, with a full day of in-depth and breakout sessions, plus an Opening Session featuring Alan November, an international leader in education technology. Saturday's General Session speaker is Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, an associate professor of neurosurgery and oncology at John Hopkins University, who shares his success story and how he overcame obstacles to reach his goals of becoming a U.S. citizen, brain surgeon, and Harvard University graduate. The Convention wraps up on Sunday morning with Debbie Allen, Emmy-award winning actress and internationally recognized director, choreographer, and author, who shares her experiences of growing up in the Houston public school system, along with her personal success story. The Convention offers school board members and school administrators the opportunity to earn more than 16 hours of continuing education credit, hear outstanding keynote speakers to keep you informed and engaged, explore a tradeshow with hundreds of exhibitors, and network with more than 6,000 public school officials! Two and one-half days of professional development opportunities at one great price!
TASB Announces 2009 SOTY Nominees

Superintendents from 16 public school districts have been nominated for the annual Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards. Since 1984, the SOTY program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership. The 2009 regional superintendents of the year and nominating education service centers (ESCs) are:

• Oscar Rodriguez, Jr., Mission CISD (01)
• Charley McMath, London ISD (02)
• Michael Lanier, Rice CISD (03)
• Mark Henry, Galena Park ISD (04)
• Clay Webb, New Waverly ISD (06)
• James Wilcox, Longview ISD (07)
• Linda Henrie, Mesquite ISD (10)
• Ray Braswell, Denton ISD (11)
• Rose Cameron, Copperas Cove ISD (12)
• JesĂşs Chávez, Round Rock ISD (13)
• Guy Nelson, Highland ISD (14)
• Robert Gibson, Miles ISD (15)
• Bill Mayfield, Highland Park ISD (16)
• Larry McClenny, Patton Springs ISD (17)
• Paul Vranish, Tornillo ISD (19)
• Thomas Harvey, Jr., La Vernia ISD (20)

Nominees are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education. The state committee will interview regional winners in August and select five state finalists. The Superintendent of the Year will be announced October 3 at the TASA/TASB Convention in Houston.
H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
H-E-B recognized 39 educators and 7 school districts during the 8th annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards celebration on June 14 at the Barton Creek Resort in Austin. Cash awards totaling nearly $400,000 were presented to the eight statewide winners-teachers and principals and their campuses-and two districts: Lamar CISD, Thomas Randle, superintendent (large district category, $100,000 award); and IDEA Public Schools, Weslaco, Thomas Torkelson, superintendent (small district category, $50,000 award.)

H-E-B launched the awards program in cooperation with TASA in 2002 as a positive way to support public education in Texas. To date, more than $3.5 million has been given to educators, schools, and districts across the state. It is the largest monetary awards program for educators in Texas and one of the largest in the nation. We applaud Charles Butt, H-E-B Chairman and CEO, for his continuing support of public education through this awards program and other endeavors, such as Raise Your Hand Texas.
Other Special Recognitions

Devine ISD Earns Governance Recognition
Devine ISD joins a select cadre of public school districts that has earned distinction for good governance from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The district met specific criteria to be recognized in the association's Good Governance Program and will be featured in the TASB magazine, Texas Lone Star.

Creek ISD Honored for Budget

(Friendswood Journal © 06/17/2009)

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has presented the prestigious Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to Clear Creek ISD. The award represents a significant achievement by the district. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
In Memorium
Arnett Weeks, Jr., 84, TASA Honorary Life Member, former superintendent and football and track coach at Jim Ned CISD (1959 to 1971); and superintendent and coach at Bangs ISD (1973 to 1985), died June 24 in Victoria after a short illness. Friends and family describe the former Big Country school superintendent and coach as an "inspiration" and standout athlete. Arnett was athletic director and coached basketball, football, and track at Cisco Junior College from 1955 to 1958. After retirement, he assisted coaching track at Howard Payne University for about two years. He served in public education for 50 years. TASA expresses its sympathies to family members and friends.

Texans Currently Serving on AASA Executive Committee:

• Randy Mohundro, superintendent, De Leon ISD (AASA Region 14) - Current term expires June 2010

Texas' AASA Governing Board Representatives and Terms of Office

• Alton L. Frailey, superintendent, Katy ISD (ESC Region 4) - July 2009-June 2012
• Kay Waggoner, superintendent, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD (ESC Region 11) - July 2005-June 2008; July 2008-June 2011
• James E. Wilcox, superintendent, Longview ISD (ESC Region 7) - January 2004-June 2006; July 2006-June 2009; July 2009-June 2012
• Paul L. Vranish, superintendent, Tornillo ISD (ESC Region 19) - January 2004-June 2007; July 2007-June 2010

Online Housing and Registration for AASA's 2010 National Conference on Education™
General Registration Now Open!
The 2010 National Conference on Education, Build a Stronger Future, will be held February 11-13 in Phoenix, Arizona. Please be advised that a dedicated room block is available for our members at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. These rooms will be available through September 28. A valid user name and password are required to make any reservation in the state block. Please use the following when you register online:

User Name: Johnston
Password: Lime10

In order to keep rooms accessible to Texas members only, please do not share the user name and password with individuals outside of our state association.

To make housing arrangements, you first must be registered to attend the 2010 National Conference on Education (NCE). Save time and secure housing immediately-register online. Once your online registration is complete, you will automatically be linked to the housing site. If you have any questions concerning the online registration/housing process, contact the AASA Housing Service Consultant at 800-974-3084. Questions may also be directed to Pat Johnston at TASA, 800-725-8272.

[NOTE: The Texas Reception will be held on Friday, February 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; and the Texas Breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 13, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., at the Sheraton Hotel.]

AASA's 2010 National Superintendent of the Year Program

Nomination Deadline: July 30, 2009
Application Deadline: September 30, 2009

Please join with other school communities in honoring outstanding educational leadership. Make this the year that your district becomes involved in the National Superintendent of the Year Program. The program is open to all public school superintendents in the United States and overseas. The NSOTY Program is truly representative of education's outstanding leaders from all parts of the country and abroad. Past recipients have come from diverse backgrounds-men and women representing small- to large-sized districts in rural, suburban, and urban communities.

To nominate a superintendent for the 2010 NSOTY Program, complete the nomination form by July 30. This enables AASA to officially notify the superintendent that he/she has been recommended for this honor. Then, to apply, superintendents must complete the application forms and return them to AASA, postmarked by September 30. (Note: You do not have to be nominated to apply.)

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE! Searching for vacancies requires no login. To post a job, you will use your current Career Center username and password.

Upcoming Deadlines

Teacher of the Year Program
June 12-Preliminary Application Deadline
June 26-Final Application Deadline

ALI Awards
Golden Deeds Award and John R. Hoyle Award for Educational Leadership
June 15-Nomination Deadline

Summer Conference on Education
June 19-Preregistration Deadline

TASA School Board Awards
June 30-Entry Deadline to ESC

NSOTY Program
July 30-Nomination Deadline
September 30-Application Deadline

AASA Educational Scholarship Program
July 31-Application Deadline

AASA Distinguished Service Award
August 31-Nomination Deadline

Upcoming Conferences and Events

Questioning FOR Learning-Improving the Thinking and Achievement of ALL Students, ToT
June 15-17

Level I Curriculum Management Audit Training
June 16-19

Improved Questioning, Advanced Seminar
June 18-19

Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Summer Leadership Institute North
June 18-20

TASA Budget Boot Camp
June 26

Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE) Annual Summer Conference
June 26-28

UT-TASA 61st Annual Summer Conference on Education
June 28-30

2008-2009 Professional
Development Calendar

INTERCHANGE
June 2009
Volume 7, No. 6

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues.  Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2009 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

October 2-4
George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston
Online Housing opens June 15. Online Registration opens June 23
The Convention begins in Houston on Friday, October 2, with a full day of in-depth and breakout sessions plus an Opening Session (details forthcoming). Other General Session speakers include Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, an associate professor of neurosurgery and oncology at John Hopkins University, who shares his success story and how he overcame obstacles to reach his goals of becoming a U.S. citizen, brain surgeon, and Harvard University graduate. The Convention wraps up on Sunday morning with Debbie Allen, Emmy-award winning actress, dancer, choreographer, producer, and author, who shares her experiences of growing up in the Houston public school system, along with her personal success story. The Convention offers school board members and school administrators the opportunity to earn more than 17 hours of continuing education credit, hear outstanding keynote speakers to keep you informed and engaged, explore a tradeshow with hundreds of exhibitors, and network with more than 6,000 public school officials! Three full days of professional development opportunities at one great price! Online housing opens on Monday, June 15, and registration opens on Tuesday, June 23.


Registration Deadline: June 19
The UT/TASA Summer Conference on Education has a NEW format this year, designed to give you in-depth information on a short list of critical topics that superintendents and other school leaders will need in order to make accurate, informed decisions in anticipation of the 2009-10 school year. Twelve conference sessions address key issues-some that challenge, others that promise to transform our public schools. The 81st Legislative Session adjourned on June 1, and, based on what passed and didn't pass, a variety of presenters will share likely scenarios and ramifications throughout the conference. The conference kicks off with two high-profile presentations focused on reaching and teaching 21st century students-reinventing how we conceive, create, and manage education institutions to meet the needs of our students in a global, digital world. Between sessions, unwind at the Past Presidents Golf Tournament (Monday), and relax at the "Meet the Exhibitors" Open House and Reception (Sunday) and the President's Reception (Monday). Online registration is open through Friday, June 19.


TASA 2009-10 Officers and Executive Committee
John Folks, superintendent, Northside ISD; President-Elect H. John Fuller, superintendent, Wylie ISD; Vice-President Rod Townsend, superintendent, Hico ISD; and Past President Rick Howard began their 2009-10 terms on the Executive Committee on June 1.

Executive Committee Members
01 - Scott B. Owings, Sharyland ISD*
02 - Henry D. Herrera, Alice ISD
03 - Robert Mark Pool, El Campo ISD*
04 - Leland Williams, Dickinson ISD
05 - Philip Welch, Orangefield ISD
06 - Mike Cargill, Bryan ISD
07 - J. Glenn Hambrick, Carthage ISD*
08 - Eddie Johnson, Harts Bluff ISD
09 - Darren Francis, Perrin-Whitt CISD*
10 - Jeff N. Turner, Coppell ISD
11 - Darrell G. Floyd, Stephenville ISD*
12 - Kevin Houchin, McGregor ISD
13 - David Shanley, Johnson City ISD*
14 - Shane Fields, Albany ISD
15 - Russ F. Perry, Nueces Canyon CISD
16 - David G. Foote, Dalhart ISD
17 - Deanna Logan, Ralls ISD*
18 - Kevin Allen, Iraan-Sheffield ISD
19 - Lorenzo Garcia, El Paso ISD*
20 - Richard A. Middleton, North East ISD

At-Large
Charles E. Dupre, Pflugerville ISD*
Gloria Gallegos, Pasadena ISD
Sylvester Perez, Midland ISD*
Gaile B. Thompson, Abilene ISD

* New Members

Membership News

2008-09 Final Membership Report. With 2,209 TASA members as of May 28-compared to 2,174 members for the same period last year-final membership totals for 2008-09 were higher than 2007-08 final totals. The final total includes 963 superintendent members, 741 central office members, and 313 other active members, as well as 192 associate members.

2009-10 Membership Renewal. Online renewal for the 2009-10 membership year (September 1-August 31) is available. Make sure to pay your dues early to take advantage of all that TASA has to offer! Membership dues are the same as last year: Active, Superintendent-Percentage of gross annual salary x .004 ($250 minimum dues); Active, Other than Superintendent-Percentage of gross annual salary x .003 ($150 minimum dues); Associate-$250; College/University/State Agency-$75; and Student-$50.

AASA Membership. Effective July 1, dues for AASA Active Members remain at $403, and Associate Members increase to that same amount (from the current $376). Dues for College Professor Members and Institutions will drop from $202 to $180. Reminder: You can join or renew your AASA membership on TASA's membership form! Just choose AASA Membership and include the dues amount as part of your total payment. TASA will forward your payment to AASA to activate or renew your membership. If you are a current AASA member, payment of the AASA membership fee will automatically extend your AASA membership one full year from your current renewal date. Membership in AASA connects you to a network of like-minded colleagues, encourages you to exchange ideas and solutions, and gives you access to widely respected leaders in American education today.


Nomination Deadline: June 30

Proud of your board? Here's how to honor an invaluable partnership: If you're proud of your board and the work it does on behalf of the children in your district, let everyone know! Nominations are now open for the 2009 TASA Outstanding School Board! TASA created the School Board Awards Program in 1971 to recognize school boards whose dedication and ethical service have made a positive impact on the children of Texas. This is an excellent opportunity to reward your hard-working, dedicated board members with the recognition they deserve. Nomination criteria, procedures, and related dates are posted on TASAnet.

Call for ALI Award Nominations
Nomination Deadline: June 15
Nominations are being sought for two awards to be presented during the Administrative Leadership Institute at the Texas A&M University campus on November 18-19:

• Golden Deeds Award-The nominee for this award may be anyone who has shown commitment to public education through "golden deeds."
• John R. Hoyle Award for Educational Leadership-The nominee for this award must be a professional educator who has made a difference in the lives of youth for the betterment of society.

E-mail a one-page nomination letter explaining why you believe your nominee is worthy of one of these awards. A vita listing their accomplishments and contributions to education is helpful for the selection committee but is not required. Be sure to include your contact information. Nominees should be sent to Dr. Virginia Collier, Associate Clinical Professor, Texas A&M University, College of Education and Human Development, 4226 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843. The deadline for nominations is Monday, June 15.

Special Recognitions

Jenney Receives National Award
TASA Member Timothy R. Jenney, superintendent, Fort Bend ISD, is recipient of the 2009 Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award given by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). Jenney will receive the award and be honored on June 30 at the NSPRA National Seminar, which is being held in San Francisco. The judges noted that Jenney was chosen because he clearly demonstrates his belief that strategic communication is as important to district planning and operations as the budget and other vital resources, and he has set an expectation of staff that communication be considered a priority in Fort Bend ISD. The Bob Grossman Leadership in School Communications Award is given annually to a superintendent or CEO of a school district, education agency, service center or intermediate unit for outstanding leadership in school public relations and communications.

Five School Health Advisory Councils Win Statewide Recognition
Five Texas school districts have been chosen as recipients of the 2008-09 Awards of Excellence for local School Health Advisory Councils (SHAC's). This award, given by the Southern Collaborative on Obesity Reduction Efforts (SCORE) team members and state leaders, highlights those districts that have shown excellence and effectiveness in their work. The award recipients are El Paso, Fort Bend, Fort Worth, La Porte, and Northside ISDs.

SHACs are councils appointed by the local school board that are tasked with assisting their district in ensuring that local community values are reflected in the district's health education instruction. The SCORE Team was assembled by The Council of State Governments to effectuate change at the state level for supporting obesity prevention. Teams from the states with the highest obesity rates were asked to participate. The Texas team includes representation from the Office of the Governor, the Texas Education Agency, the Department of State Health Services, the Texas Department of Agriculture, and the City of Arlington's Mayoral Office.

Friday, June 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ESC Region 13, Austin

Do You:

1. Understand or have questions about the new school finance plan (HB 3646)?
2. Know your district's Total, Estimated General Fund Revenue and/or recapture for school year 2009-10?
   

If your answer to one or both of these questions is "NO," then you will not want to miss the next TASA Budget Boot Camp for superintendents and other school business officials. Register online today, and bring the Required Data Elements.

11 Crisis Management Tips for Administrators: What to Do If You Have to Shut Down
Computer Discount Warehouse Government (CDW-G) offers a checklist of topics and questions for non-technology executives and administrators to review with their management teams and IT departments to prepare for significant facility shutdowns-regardless of the cause.

eSchool News Superintendent's Center
The Superintendent Center has news stories relevant to superintendents, links to videos, and a list of resources that will help you learn how to best use technology to strengthen your district.

AASA Governing Board Member Nominated for Top K-12 Post
President Obama has nominated AASA Governing Board member Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana, superintendent in Pomona, California, and California State Superintendent of the Year, to be assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education. Read Melendez de Santa Ana's recent article in The School Administrator.

2009 National Conference on Education Call for Presentations
"AASA District and School Showcase"
Submission Deadline: June 22
AASA is seeking "best of the best" presenters to engage attendees in dialogue about cutting-edge trends, issues, and solutions to prepare our children for the future. Submit a presentation for the pre-conference "AASA District and School Showcase" by Monday, June 22.

NSOTY Program
Nomination Deadline: July 30
Application Deadline: September 30
2010 National Superintendent of the Year Program Applications are now available online for the 23rd year of this program sponsored by ARAMARK Education, ING, and AASA. The program is designed to bring honor to public school superintendents on all levels-local, state, and national. Access the online brochure, which includes the nomination form, for further information.

AASA Educational Scholarship Program
Application Deadline: July 31
2010 Educational Administration Scholarship Applications are now available. The scholarships were created to provide incentive, honor, and financial assistance to seven outstanding graduate students in school administration who intend to make the school superintendency a career. Only one candidate may be submitted by each college or university campus and each candidate must be recommended by the dean of the school of education in which the candidate is enrolled. Encourage an outstanding graduate student who is pursuing school administration to apply for a chance to be awarded a scholarship from AASA. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, July 31.

Distinguished Service Award Program
Nomination Deadline: August 31
2010 Distinguished Service Award Applications become available on June 15. Nominate a colleague that has exhibited exemplary leadership throughout his or her career and has enhanced the profession. The nomination deadline for this award is Monday, August 31.

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE! Searching for vacancies requires no login. To post a job, you will use your current Career Center username and password.

Upcoming Deadlines

TEA Character Education Survey
May 15-Completion Deadline

TASB Superintendent of the Year
May 18-Nomination Deadline

2009 State Board of Education Heroes for Children Award
May 29-Application Deadline

Texas Assessment Conference
June 1-Presentation Applications Deadline

Teacher of the Year Program
June 12-Preliminary Application Deadline
June 26-Final Application Deadline

Summer Conference on Education
June 19-Preregistration Deadline

TASA School Board Awards
June 30-Entry Deadline to ESC

Upcoming Conferences and Events

Level I Curriculum Management Audit Training
May 12-15

Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) 2009 Summer Conference
June 10-12

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) 2009 Summer Conference
June 10-12

Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Summer Leadership Institute South
June 11-13

Questioning FOR Learning-Improving the Thinking and Achievement of ALL Students, ToT
June 15-17

Level I Curriculum Management Audit Training
June 16-19

Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Summer Leadership Institute North
June 18-20

Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE) Annual Summer Conference
June 26-28

UT-TASA 61st Annual Summer Conference on Education
June 28-30

2008-2009 Professional
Development Calendar

INTERCHANGE
May 2009
Volume 7, No. 5

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues.  Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2009 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

Legislative News
House Bill 4294-Flexibility and Choice: Enabling 21st Century Learners to Succeed
In a recent edition of the San Antonio Express-News, TASA Executive Director Johnny Veselka emphasized that the 81st Texas Legislature has a unique opportunity in the coming weeks to help transform the learning environment in our elementary, middle, and high schools by passing House Bill 4294, and encouraged the support of all Texans. "Its passage will free millions of dollars in state textbook funds annually so that local schools can invest in electronic content and other instructional materials that reflect the realities of the digital era, where students are not just consumers of knowledge, they are creators of knowledge. It is about Texas children succeeding on the world stage. Its focus on bringing curriculum and instruction into the digital age paves the way for a college- and workforce-ready student body prepared for success in the 21st century workplace." Support of this bill actively engages school leaders in the visioning process, as outlined in the document Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas.

Registration Deadline: June 19
Housing Deadline: May 29
The UT/TASA Summer Conference on Education has a NEW format this year, designed to give you in-depth information on a short list of critical topics that superintendents and other school leaders will need in order to make accurate, informed decisions in anticipation of the 2009-10 school year. Twelve conference sessions address key issues-some that challenge, others that promise to transform our public schools. By June 1, the work of the 81st Legislative Session will be done, and we will know what legislation has passed and is likely to be signed into law. A variety of presenters share likely scenarios and ramifications throughout the conference. The conference kicks off with two high-profile presentations focused on reaching and teaching 21st century students-reinventing how we conceive, create, and manage education institutions to meet the needs of our students in a global, digital world. Between sessions, unwind at the Past Presidents Golf Tournament (Monday), and relax at the "Meet the Exhibitors" Open House and Reception (Sunday) and the President's Reception (Monday). Online registration is open through Friday, June 19.

Nomination Deadline: June 30

The nomination deadline for TASA's School Board Awards Program is quickly approaching. If your board epitomizes the success that can be achieved when board members, district staff, and community members work together as a team-putting the schoolchildren of the district at the heart of every decision and action-then your board deserves to be nominated as a 2009 Regional Honor Board! School boards nominated for the awards program must have served during the school year immediately preceding the awards program. Tuesday, June 30, is the deadline for turning in your nomination to your regional education service center, so don't delay! Nomination criteria, procedures, and related dates are posted on TASAnet. Important: In order for your district to be eligible for the 2009 School Board Awards Program, your district's superintendent must have been serving in his/her current position at least since July 1, 2007. Recent (2005-2008) Outstanding and Honor Boards also are ineligible for this year's program. <Full List of Recent Outstanding/Honor Boards>

October 2-4
George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston

Registration and Online Housing: Open June 15
Superintendents, be sure your newly elected board members put the 2009 TASA/TASB Convention on their calendars! The Convention begins in Houston on Friday, October 2, with a full day of in-depth and breakout sessions plus an Opening Session (details forthcoming). Other General Session speakers include Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, an associate professor of neurosurgery and oncology at John Hopkins University, who shares his success story and how he overcame obstacles to reach his goals of becoming a U.S. citizen, brain surgeon, and Harvard University graduate. The Convention wraps up on Sunday morning with Debbie Allen, Emmy-award winning actress, dancer, choreographer, producer, and author, who shares her experiences of growing up in the Houston public school system, along with her personal success story. The Convention offers school board members and school administrators the opportunity to earn more than 17 hours of continuing education credit, hear outstanding keynote speakers to keep you informed and engaged, explore a tradeshow with hundreds of exhibitors, and network with more than 6,000 public school officials! Three full days of professional development opportunities at one great price! Registration and online housing open on Monday, June 15.

Registration: Opens June 15
First- or second-year superintendents who are eager for a dynamic leadership experience should plan now to attend the 2009-10 First-time Superintendents' Academy being held at the Marriott Austin North Hotel in Round Rock; first session is September 16-17. Experienced superintendents and other educators who share useful insights as practitioners lead the provocative, interactive academy sessions. More information about this four-session academy, also available as individual sessions, can be found on TASAnet. Registration opens Monday, June 15.

2009 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards Finalists
Rescheduled Awards Celebration: June 14
H-E-B has announced 40 Texas educators and 7 school districts as finalists in the 2009 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. The finalists were chosen for their commitment to Texas children and their community. (NOTE: Due to concern surrounding the H1N1 Swine Influenza outbreak, H-E-B postponed its annual Excellence in Education Awards celebration event, which was originally scheduled for this past weekend, until Sunday, June 14, at the Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin. The statewide judging has also been rescheduled for Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13. Additional details will be provided later this month.)

Large District Category
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD (Gene A. Buinger, Superintendent)
Lamar CISD (Thomas Randle, Superintendent)
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (Daniel King, Superintendent)
Harlandale ISD (Robert Jaklich, Superintendent)

Small District Category
Burnet CISD (Jeffery Hanks, Superintendent)
Randolph Field ISD (Billy Walker, Superintendent)
IDEA Public Schools, Weslaco (Thomas Torkelson, Superintendent)

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards is the state's largest monetary recognition program for educators in Texas and one of the largest in the nation. H-E-B awards more than $500,000 in cash prizes to deserving teachers, principals, and school districts. TASA has worked with H-E-B since the program was established in 2002 to promote this outstanding effort to celebrate and honor outstanding Texas educators.

Broad Prize Finalists
The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has announced five school districts that are finalists for the 2009 Broad Prize for Urban Education, an annual $2 million award that honors urban school districts making the greatest progress nationwide in raising student achievement. The districts in this year's running include four-time finalist Aldine (outside Houston, Texas), two-time finalist Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), three-time finalist and former Broad Prize winner Long Beach Unified (California), and two first-time finalists, Gwinnett County (Georgia) and Socorro (El Paso, Texas). Previous Broad Prize winners have included Brownsville ISD (2008) and Houston ISD (2002). Every year, 100 of America's largest urban school districts are eligible for The Broad Prize. In selecting the five finalists, the review board evaluated publicly available academic performance data on each district that was compiled and analyzed by MPR Associates, Inc., a leading national education research-consulting firm. The winner of The Broad Prize, to be announced on Wednesday, September 16, in Washington, D.C., will receive $1 million in scholarships for high school seniors who will graduate in 2010. The four finalist districts will each receive $250,000 in scholarships.

TEA News

Completion Deadline: May 15
In order to gather data required by Texas Education Code §29.906(e), an electronic Character Education Survey has been made available for your completion.
 Each year TEA will designate as a Character Plus School every school that provides a program that meets the criteria and is approved by a committee as defined in law. Character Plus Schools will be designated by TEA by August 30, and a comprehensive list of Character Plus Schools will be posted online. Data reflecting the impact of the character education program on student discipline and academic achievement are required to be reported annually and will appear in the Agency's Comprehensive Annual Report.

Application Deadline: May 29
The State Board of Education is now accepting applications for the 2009 Heroes for Children Award. This annual award recognizes public school volunteers who have been strong advocates for Texas schoolchildren. Volunteers may be nominated by individual persons or organizations. Educational employees and elected government officials are not eligible to be nominated for this award. Also, organizations are not eligible to be nominated for this award. The application form is available at the Texas Education Agency Web site. The State Board of Education will select 15 Heroes for Children-one person from each of the 15 State Board of Education districts. Heroes will be honored during the State Board of Education's September 2009 meeting. Completed applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 29. Applications should be sent to Heroes for Children, Communications Division, Texas Education Agency, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Room 2-180, Austin, Texas 78701-1494. Applications may also be faxed to 512-463-5947, or emailed to Heroes@tea.state.tx.us.

Best of Texas Awards
CIS Superintendent of the Year
Duncan Klussmann, superintendent, Spring Branch ISD, and TASA legislative committee member and study group/membership chair (Region 4), has been recognized by the Communities In Schools State Advisory Committee as Superintendent of the Year, one of the 12 "Best of Texas awards" bestowed on individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and support of the CIS program. Klussmann has been described as a tireless champion of students and has set the standard for district improvement. He has a strong sense of vision and purpose: All students in Spring Branch ISD will succeed. Klussmann is also an enthusiastic supporter of Communities in Schools. This past year, he expanded CIS services in Spring Branch from 12 campuses to 28 by placing a CIS program at every Title I school in the district. Nearly 9,000 students have received more than 40,000 hours of direct service delivery. He is a true leader who inspires others through his sense of genuine concern and integrity.

2010 TOY Nomination Guidelines and Application

Application Deadline: June 26
The Texas Education Agency rewards and recognizes excellence in the teaching profession through the Texas Teacher of the Year Program. The TOY Program honors excellence in classroom education and provides a forum to showcase many outstanding educators whose efforts and examples inspire their students, their colleagues, and the communities they serve. School districts are encouraged to complete a Teacher of the Year application and to participate in the Texas Teacher of the Year Program to recognize and reward outstanding teachers. Please note that the completed application for each local school district's Teacher of the Year must be received at the district's respective regional educational service center no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, June 26, (Central Standard Time), to be eligible to compete for regional and state honors.

Hatrick Named AASA President-Elect for 2009-10
Edgar B. Hatrick III, superintendent in Loudoun County, Virginia, has been named 2009-10 AASA president-elect. Hatrick has served as superintendent in Loudoun County since 1991. Previously, he was assistant superintendent in Loudoun County. He served as president of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents and the Washington Area Superintendents' Study Council. He has been a guest lecturer at the University of Virginia, George Mason University, Shenandoah University, and Marymount University. He received his doctorate and master's degrees in education from Virginia Tech and his bachelor's degree in English from the University of Richmond. Hatrick will be sworn in as 2009-10 AASA president-elect on July 16 during a ceremony held in conjunction with AASA's summer governance meetings and the AASA Seattle Summit in Seattle, Washington.

Report Swine Flu-Related School Closings to AASA
The CDC has asked AASA to collect information about school closures related to swine flu in the United States. If a school in your district is closing or has closed because of swine flu, please complete the AASA Swine Flu School Closures Form in addition to contacting your local public health authority. The information you submit on the form will be shared immediately with the CDC. Read AASA's swine flu update.

2009 National Conference on Education Call for Presentations
Submission Deadline: May 31
AASA is seeking "best of the best" presenters to engage attendees in dialogue about cutting-edge trends, issues, and solutions to prepare our children for the future. Presenters will help attendees increase their leadership skills and professional competence, provide an exchange of ideas and solutions, and help attendees to address controversial issues facing today's educators. Be a part of the National Conference on Education's community of learning to help America's public education leaders improve the quality of education for all children! Submit a presentation.

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE! Searching for vacancies requires no login. To post a job, you will use your current Career Center username and password.
Upcoming Deadlines

AASA President-Elect
April 15-Ballots Deadline

TASB Superintendent of the Year
May 18-Nomination Deadline

Texas Assessment Conference
June 1-Presentation Applications Deadline

Teacher of the Year Program
June 12-Preliminary Application Deadline
June 26-Final Application Deadline

Summer Conference on Education
June 19-Preregistration Deadline

TASA School Board Awards
June 30-Entry Deadline to ESC
Upcoming Conferences and Events

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 3
April 16-17

Leading Professional Development in the Classroom
April 20-21

First-time Superintendents Academy
April 22-23

AASA Legislative Advocacy Conference
April 22-24

TASA/Syfr Conference, Part I
May 6-7

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 4
May 7-8

Level I Curriculum Management Audit Training
May 12-15

Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) 2009 Summer Conference
June 10-12

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) 2009 Summer Conference
June 10-12

Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Summer Leadership Institute South
June 11-13

Questioning FOR Learning-Improving the Thinking and Achievement of ALL Students, ToT
June 15-17

Level I Curriculum Management Audit Training
June 16-19

Improved Questioning, Advanced Seminar
June 18-19

Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Summer Leadership Institute North
June 18-20

Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE) Annual Summer Conference
June 26-28

UT-TASA 61st Annual Summer Conference on Education
June 28-30

2008-2009 Professional
Development Calendar

INTERCHANGE
April 2009
Volume 7, No. 4

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues.  Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2009 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

Registration and Housing Now Open!

General Sessions. The Conference kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, with the first general session (details forthcoming). Other general sessions feature a Visioning Institute Panel of Superintendents, led by John Horn; Ray Glynn and TEA staff; and a Legislative Update Panel, led by the TASA governmental relations team.

Focus Sessions. Learn the latest about today's most important topics, including the new digital learning environment, new learning standards, assessment, accountability, organizational transformation, a more balanced and reinvigorated state/local partnership, and more!

Special Events. Between sessions, unwind at the Past Presidents Golf Tournament (Monday), and relax at the "Meet the Exhibitors" Open House and Reception (Sunday) and the President's Reception (Monday).

Housing. Rooms have been blocked at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. Reservations should be made soon, as rooms tend to go quickly! Call the hotel directly (512.343.2626 or 800.468.3571) or make online room reservations. The hotel reservation deadline is Friday, May 29.

Fuller to Become President-Elect
H. John Fuller, superintendent, Wylie ISD (Region 10), and TASA's 2008-09 vice-president, will become president-elect June 1. A member of the association for the past 31 years, Fuller has represented Region 10 on the TASA Executive Committee since 2004. He has 39 years of experience in public education, 31 years as a superintendent. He has served as superintendent at Wylie ISD for 15 years (since October 1993), and previously as superintendent in San Marcos CISD, Muleshoe ISD, and Wells ISD. He has also served as a principal, coach, university math instructor, and public school math teacher. Fuller holds a doctorate in education from Texas Tech University, master of science and master of education degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University, and bachelor of arts and associate of science degrees from Dallas Baptist University. He has served as chairperson of the board of trustees for the Texas Center for Educational Research, and is very involved in working with aspiring administrators as well as participating in the TASA Mentoring Program.

Townsend to Become 2009-10 Vice-President
The TASA Executive Committee at its March 24 meeting elected Rod Townsend, superintendent, Hico ISD (Region 12), to serve as association vice-president for 2009-10. A member of the association for 12 years, Townsend has represented Region 12 on the TASA Executive Committee since 2006. He has 27 years of experience in public education, 12 years as a superintendent. He has served as superintendent at Hico ISD for 10 years and previously as superintendent at Rochester ISD for 2 years, where he also served as a principal and classroom teacher. Townsend holds a master's degree in educational administration from Sul Ross University and a bachelor's of science degree in agricultural education from Texas Tech University. He has been involved in the TASA Mentoring Program for 6 years and served in various other roles, including as chairman of the Superintendent Forum at ESC Region 12 for 4 years, director of the Texas Association of Rural Schools for 3 years, and assessor for Texas principals in the Tarleton Assessment of Principals (TAP) Program at Tarleton State University for 4 years. His one-year term as vice-president begins on June 1.

2009-11 Executive Committee Members
(Odd-Numbered Regions)
01 - Scott Owings, Sharyland ISD*
03 - Mark Pool, El Campo ISD*
05 - Philip Welch, Orangefield ISD
07 - Glenn Hambrick, Carthage ISD*
09 - Darren Francis, Perrin-Whitt CISD*
11 - Darrell Floyd, Stephenville ISD*
13 - David Shanley, Johnson City ISD*
15 - Russ Perry, Nueces Canyon CISD

17 - Berhl Robertson, Roosevelt ISD*
19 - Lorenzo Garcia, El Paso ISD*

* New Members; all others in odd-numbered regions were re-elected without opposition for another two-year term.

Dupre and Perez Appointed to At-Large Positions
TASA 2009-10 President John Folks, superintendent, Northside ISD, appointed Charles E. Dupre, superintendent, Pflugerville ISD; and Sylvester Perez, superintendent, Midland ISD, to serve as at-large members of the Executive Committee. Their terms run from June 1, 2009, to May 31, 2011.

Accountability Forum
A special briefing session was held for Accountability Forum subscribers immediately following the TASA Legislative Conference on March 26 at the Hyatt Regency Austin. The session included a luncheon followed by presentations from Moak, Casey & Associates staff, who provided in-depth and up-to-the-minute overviews of accountability-related legislation. Reports from notebooks used at the briefing have been posted to the MCA Web site.

Not yet a subscriber to the TASA Accountability Forum? The Forum has proven invaluable to current forum subscribers because of the instant access to information and the depth and scope of content-virtually impossible to replicate on an individual basis. Join this community of informed, pro-active school leaders today!

TASA Accountability Forum Details

A district subscription to the TASA Accountability Forum includes all of the following:

• Regular updates on legislative deliberations and activity
• Rapid interpretation of major accountability proposals
• Analyses of significant issues in accountability
• View Sample Analysis Document (Accountability Proposals and Issues in Texas Public Education)
• Interactive participation in an electronic forum to facilitate the rapid exchange of information among subscribers
• Modeling impact of various proposals, to the extent possible with available data
• Formal briefings during and after the legislative session

April 22-23
Austin Marriott North, Round Rock

If you are a first- or second-year superintendent eager for a dynamic leadership experience, register today for Session Four of the Annual First-time Superintendents' Academy, being held April 22-23 at the Austin Marriott North in Round Rock. The academy, consisting of four 1-1/2-day sessions spread throughout the year, is designed to assist new superintendents in successfully negotiating the many challenges they face in this critical leadership position, helping orient them to those relationships, practices, and priorities that are crucial to early and continued success. Complete registration details can be found on TASAnet, or contact Paul Whitton, Jr., TASA associate executive director, Administrative Services, 512.477.6361 or 800.725.8272.

Wednesday, April 29
ESC Region 13 Headquarters, Austin

Online registration is now open!

Do You Know:

• Your district's total, estimated General Fund revenue and/or recapture for school year 2008-09 through the 4th six weeks?
• Your district's projected over/under payment for school year 2008-09?
• How to begin to project your district's revenues for school year 2009-10 with the several school finance plans under current consideration?

If your answer to one or more of the following questions is "NO," then you will not want to miss this TASA Budget Boot Camp for superintendents and other school business officials. Register now!TASA, in collaboration with Syfr Corporation, has created Tomorrow's Education in Today's Classrooms.
This unique, three-conference series is designed to further a shared vision for public education. Participants are encouraged to create new ways of thinking about the challenges facing public education and collaborate to create solutions. The conferences explore characteristics of 21st century work and research, study its ramifications for today's classrooms, and examine current and future assessment requirements and how to mesh them to meet current performance requirements. You may choose to enroll in individual events or in the entire three-conference series. The sessions are designed for superintendents, chief academic officers, and/or district teams of two to five. Upon registration, participants will be enrolled in Syfr's Digital Campus to prepare for the conference. The Syfr Digital Campus will begin the collaborative work with regular postings prior to the conference. Mark your calendar (Part I: A Whole New World, May 6-7, Austin; Part II: A Whole New Brain, July 19-22, Austin; Part III: A Whole New Education, September 9-10, Houston)! Learn More and Register Today!TASA's 2008-09 Associate Members
Our associate members are some of the best partners we have, offering support that enables our association to offer quality services and professional development programs to Texas school leaders, while simultaneously guaranteeing their companies a high profile in the education marketplace. Our 2008-09 associate members are listed on TASAnet, along with their contact information. Encourage vendors in your area to take advantage of the benefits of TASA membership!Membership Renewal Time Approaching!
Now is the time to start thinking about expanding your TASA membership for the 2009-10 membership year. Renewal information will be made available online in June-budget now to take full advantage of your TASA membership:

Additional memberships that result in valuable benefits and strong professional support:

• Sustaining Membership-Active and associate members who recognize the importance of developing and sustaining the association as a preeminent advocate for public education
• AASA Membership-collected experience, knowledge, influence, and drive of school system leaders nationwide

Wide range of subscription services designed to empower you and your district to excel:

• Accountability Forum-Detailed analytical information regarding the potential effects of legislative and administrative decisions on subscribing districts; creates an information base for Forum participants to communicate legislative positions to the Texas Legislature
  
• Administrator's Resource Center (ARC)-Access to vital research and information via the e-Knowledge Portal-a trusted collection of journals, magazines, newspapers, books, video and audio clips, presentations, and more-brought to you through a unique partnership between TASA and Educational Research Service (ERS)
• XPress News-TASA's weekly legislative/public policy newsletter, e-mailed directly to your desktop
• Legislative & Public Policy Services-Legal counsel on legislative issues, legislative consulting, bill analysis, and bill tracking; supports the association's overall legislative initiatives

TASA Announces Support for HB 4294
TASA Executive Director Johnny Veselka participated in a capitol press conference on Tuesday, March 31, along with representatives of a coalition of education and business organizations supporting HB 4294, which will allow school districts to use their textbook allotted funds to buy state-approved learning materials and technology that best meet the needs of their own students. Representatives Dan Branch (R-Dallas, Higher Education) and Rob Eissler (R-The Woodlands, Public Education) opened the press conference.

TASA Legislative Chair Kay Waggoner, superintendent, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, presented comments in support of the legislation, along with Luke Bellsnyder, executive director, Texas Association of Manufacturers. Also in attendance representing TASA were Jesus Chavez, superintendent, Round Rock ISD; Pat Pringle, executive director, ESC Region 13; Michael T. Smith, superintendent, New Braunfels ISD; and Nola Wellman, superintendent, Eanes ISD.

In conjunction with the Dannon Institute, TASA is pleased to present "Your Schools Wellness Policy." Learn how to enlist support for your school wellness policy and overcome challenges in implementation and evaluation. Experts in the field discuss associations between physical activity/fitness and academic achievement, profitable ways to offer healthy foods, tools for evaluating the effectiveness of your wellness policy, how to rally support for your school wellness program, and ideas for incorporating physical activity into a jam-packed day. This presentation is presented in a series of four episodes.

Learn about Stimulus Education Money: TASA has the Podcast
Mary Kusler gives the absolute latest update on stimulus funding, appropriations, and education policy. Much more federal money is coming to education. Learn here about how the stimulus bill will affect education. School administrators have a unique opportunity to influence the conversation and help reframe NCLB reauthorization to focus on students most in need. Learn more about the positions taken by the American Association of School Administrators. This four-part podcast touches on all of the issues that an administrator needs to know about new and renewed funding from Washington. This podcast is from the recent legislative conference.

Best Practices for Hispanic Student Success 

Podcasts on "Best Practices for Hispanic Student Success" are now online. View the Edcouch-Elsa ISD early childhood education program that has had outstanding results. Learn how Hidalgo ISD has dramatically increased college entrance rates through offering college classes in high school in conjunction with innovative partnerships. Another podcast shows how Edinburg CISD's AVID program has the most Dell scholars attending college in the entire country. The last podcast series shows how a rigorous dual language program can increase student success through academic enrichment.

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

DON'T FORGET . . .
Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week in March!

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE! Searching for vacancies requires no login. To post a job, you will use your current Career Center username and password.
Upcoming Deadlines

Sylvia Charp Award
March 16-Nomination Deadline

Annual TASA/TASB Convention
March 16-Breakout Application Deadline

TASA Legislative Conference
March 18-Preregistration Deadline

TASA/Syfr Conference Series
April 1-Discount Deadline

AASA President-Elect
April 15-Ballots Deadline

TASB Superintendent of the Year
May 18-Nomination Deadline

Texas Assessment Conference
June 1-Presentation Applications Deadline

Teacher of the Year Program
June 12-Preliminary Application Deadline
June 26-Final Application Deadline

TASA School Board Awards
June 30-Entry Deadline to ESC

CoSN 2009 Annual Conference
March 10-12

Level II Curriculum Management Audit Training
March 10-13

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Annual Conference
March 13-16

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 2
March 19-20

TASA Legislative Conference
March 25-26

Working on the Work Conference
April 5-8

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 3
April 16-17

Leading Professional Development in the Classroom
April 20-21

First-time Superintendents Academy
April 22-23

AASA Legislative Advocacy Conference
April 22-24

TASA/Syfr Conference, Part I
May 6-7

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 4
May 7-8

Level I Curriculum Management Audit Training
May 12-15

Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP) 2009 Summer Conference
June 10-12

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) 2009 Summer Conference
June 10-12

Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Summer Leadership Institute South
June 11-13

Questioning FOR Learning-Improving the Thinking and Achievement of ALL Students, ToT
June 15-17

Level I Curriculum Management Audit Training
June 16-19

Improved Questioning, Advanced Seminar
June 18-19

Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Summer Leadership Institute North
June 18-20

Texas Council of Women School Executives (TCWSE) Annual Summer Conference
June 26-28

2008-2009 Professional
Development Calendar

INTERCHANGE
March 2009
Volume 7, No. 3

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues.  Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2009 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

TASA Election Update

President Elect. The deadline for filing petitions for the office of TASA 2009-10 president-elect was March 2. TASA Vice-President H. John Fuller (Wylie ISD) has submitted the required number of petitions and has been certified as TASA president-elect for the term beginning June 1.

Executive Committee. The deadline for filing petitions for the TASA 2009-11 Executive Committee was February 16, with new terms beginning June 1.

Newly Elected Committee Members. The following individuals submitted the required number of petitions without opposition:

Scott Owings, Sharyland ISD (ESC 01)
Glenn Hambrick, Carthage ISD (ESC 07)
Darren Francis, Perrin-Whitt CISD (ESC 09)
Darrell Floyd, Stephenville ISD (ESC 11)
Lorenzo Garcia, El Paso ISD (ESC 19)

Returning Executive Committee Members. The following individuals will be serving second terms:

Philip Welch, Orangefield ISD (ESC 05)
Russ Perry, Nueces Canyon CISD (ESC 15)

Elections Being Conducted

Region 3
Henry Lind, superintendent, Cuero ISD
Trey Lawrence, superintendent, Shiner ISD
Mark Pool, superintendent, El Campo ISD

Region 13
Patty Shafer, superintendent, San Marcos CISD
David Shanley, superintendent, Johnson City ISD

Region 17
John Booth, superintendent, Levelland ISD
Berhl Robertson, superintendent, Roosevelt ISD

Ballots have been sent to all voting members in these regions, and should be returned to TASA, postmarked no later than Friday, March 20.
Changes are coming to Texas' public school accountability system … 
The stakes are high - don't go it alone.

Representatives of several major organizations, including TASA, along with several superintendents, have been meeting with key legislators and their staff recently to discuss development of the anticipated major bill on public education accountability. We anticipate that this legislation will be filed in the next few days. The discussions and activities surrounding this bill will have significant implications for all Texas school districts. The need for access to timely, accurate, and usable information and policy guidance to make strategic decisions about district and school priorities has never been more urgent. The time to join the TASA Accountability Forum is now!
How can YOU make a difference during the 81st Session of the Texas Legislature? Get involved and stay informed!! Join us for TASA's 2009 Legislative Conference where you'll hear the latest on what's happening at the State Capitol-from official actions in the House and Senate to the equally intriguing conversations behind the scenes! Everyone knows the hot topics of today may be cold news tomorrow, so we keep this conference agenda fluid . . . you'll hear only the latest from experts on the inside track of legislative activities. This conference will arm you with the information and resources you need to talk to and work with your own legislators to help make public education a winner in the 81st Legislative Session.

Complimentary Registration. Superintendents and administrators in districts that subscribe to TASA's Accountability Forum, Legislative and Public Policy Services, and/or Administrator's Resource Center receive complimentary registration to the Legislative Conference.

Regular Registration. The registration for all other individuals is $95.

PREREGISTRATION through Tuesday, March 18.
49th Annual TASA/TASB Convention

Call for Convention Programs

Application Deadline: Monday, March 16

Online applications for Breakout Sessions are now being accepted from districts interested in presenting at the TASA/TASB Convention (October 2-4, 2009), George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston). Sessions focus on an array of topics addressing school leadership and management for superintendents, board members, and administrators and should be submitted under the following categories:

• Board/Superintendent Teamwork
• Curriculum Instruction
• District Governance/Leadership
• Finance, Operations, and Facilities
• School Law/Legislative

April 22-23
Austin Marriott North, Round Rock

, and receive a special discount!2009 Texas Assessment Conference Applications
Applications are now being accepted for presentations at the Texas Assessment Conference and Texas Association of Collegiate Testing Personnel Conference being held December 6-9 at the Hilton Austin Hotel. The deadline for submitting applications online is Monday, June 1.Midwinter Conference Presentations
All presentations for which TASA received permission to post have now been posted to TASAnet, including PowerPoints from more than 74 sessions, as well as a variety of podcasts! Click on the correct time period, scroll through the listed sessions, and locate the presentation you wish to view. Titles of sessions are live links to the presentations!2010 Texas Teacher of the Year Program
Every fall, the Texas Teacher of the Year program honors two State Teachers of the Year-one in elementary education and one in secondary education-and Regional Teachers of the Year from each of the 20 education service center regions. The two State Teachers of the Year typically become spokespeople for teachers in the state the year following their nomination. They serve as traveling ambassadors for public education with a schedule of speeches, workshops, and presentations, while continuing to be a classroom teacher. The program's mission is to select outstanding classroom teachers who are also able to speak for, motivate, and exemplify the contributions of all teachers. Program guidelines and the 2010 application form are available on TEA's Website. The preliminary deadline is June 12; final deadline for the full application to be received by your ESC office is Friday, June 26. Do NOT FAX the final application.

Nominations Now Open for Charp Award

T.H.E. Journal and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) have announced the 6th annual award program in honor of Dr. Sylvia Charp and her groundbreaking contributions and extended service to the education technology community. T.H.E. Journal and ISTE will identify and recognize a school district that has shown effectiveness and innovation in the application of technology districtwide. The award has two focuses: districtwide implementation and innovation. Nominations close on Monday, March 16. The award will be presented at NECC 2009, June 28-July 1, in Washington, D.C.

AASA National Conference Highlights
Awards and Recognitions

Atlanta Leader Named 2009 NSOTY. Beverly Hall, superintendent of Atlanta, Georgia, Public Schools since 1999, has been named the 2009 National Superintendent of the Year. The ceremony also honored the national finalists and state representatives. Now in its 22nd year, the National Superintendent of the Year Program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead our nation's public schools.

25-Year Members Receive Lapel Pins. Eighty-six members of AASA, including three from Texas, were recognized for reaching the 25-year mark for membership in the association. Texas recognitions include TASA President-Elect John M. Folks and TASA Past Presidents Leonard E. Merrell (2001-02) and Harold D. Ramm (1995-96). Recipients of this recognition received a lapel pin and personalized certificate symbolizing their support, loyalty, dedication, and service to AASA. This year AASA celebrates those memberships that began in 1984.

Core Receives $2,000 Scholarship. TASA member Brandon Heath Core, of College Station, is one of seven of the nation's outstanding graduate students in educational administration to have been selected by AASA to receive a AASA Educational Administration Scholarship of $2,000 named in honor of a former AASA executive director. Core, winner of the Finis Engleman Award, is pursuing a doctorate at Texas A&M University in College Station. He works as a principal of Anderson-Shiro Junior High/Senior High School in Anderson, and previously served as an assistant principal of schools in Dayton and Navasota. He received his master's in education from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, and his B.S. from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. AASA selects recipients on the basis of their experience and excellence in school administration; personal essays about their qualifications; and recommendations from university faculty, including the dean of the graduate school in which they are enrolled.

Austin ISD Recognized for Promoting Mock Presidential Election. Austin ISD was honored at the AASA Conference on February 20 for Outstanding Leadership in Voter Education. This award, co-sponsored by AASA, is presented every fourth year to a school district that has taken a leadership role as participants in the National/Student Parent Mock Election, the largest voter education project in the country. The excitement generated by the district's mock election activities resulted in a 60 percent student voter turnout, with more than 40,000 students participating in the actual mock election held during the week of October 27-30 at 78 elementary, middle, and high school campuses across the district.

AASA Governing Board Meeting. In formal actions, the governing body took these actions and others during its full-day meeting Wednesday before the official start of the Conference.

Membership dues:

• For those in the active category, who comprise the majority of AASA members, dues will remain flat in 2009-10 at $403 under a plan ratified by the board Wednesday. Associate members also will pay that amount, an increase from their current $376 per year.
• Annual dues for college professors and institutions, such as libraries, will drop from $202 to $180, while the annual fee for retired members drops $5 to $55.

• Revenue will increase a modest $52,600 in 2009-10 under the dues changes.

Membership structure: In a proposal discussed by Governing Board members:

• The number of membership categories would be reduced from 13 to 4 to simplify enrollment and clarify marketing for new members. This restructuring would require a revision to the AASA bylaws if the Governing Board approves the plan at its July meeting.

• The four proposed streamlined categories include these (though category names have not been finalized): Active, including institutional and associate members; Active Small District/Professor, including subscription members; Aspiring/Retired, including currently enrolled graduate students; and Honorary/Emeritus, including life members.



Candidates for AASA President-Elect
President-Elect Ballots were mailed to all AASA voting members the week of February 23. Association members will choose between Paul A. Shaw, superintendent of the White County School District in Cleveland, Georgia; and Edgar B. Hatrick III, superintendent in Loudoun County, Virginia. The victor will serve as president-elect for one year, starting July 1, before moving into the presidency for a year. All completed ballots must be received at AASA headquarters on or before Wednesday, April 15. Votes will be tallied on April 17. Be sure to send your ballot in today!

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE! Searching for vacancies requires no login. To post a job, you will use your current Career Center username and password.DON'T FORGET . . .
Celebrate Texas Public Schools Week in March!

Upcoming Deadlines

TASA President-Elect Petitions
March 2-Submission Deadline

Sylvia Charp Award
March 16-Nomination Deadline

Annual TASA/TASB Convention
March 16-Breakout Application Deadline

TASB Superintendent of the Year
May 18-Nomination Deadline

TASA School Board Awards
June 30-Entry Deadline to ESC

Upcoming Deadlines

AASA National Conference on Education
February 19-21

TASBO 63rd Annual Conference
February 23-27

First-time Superintendents Academy, Session 3
February 25-26

50 Ways to Close the Achievement Gap
February 25-27

Working on the Work Conference
March 1-4

CoSN 2009 Annual Conference
March 10-12

Level II Curriculum Management Audit Training
March 10-13

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Annual Conference
March 13-16

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 2
March 19-20

TASA Legislative Conference
March 25-26

Working on the Work Conference
April 5-8

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 3
April 16-17

Leading Professional Development in the Classroom
April 20-21

First-time Superintendents Academy
April 22-23

AASA Legislative Advocacy Conference
April 22-24

2008-2009 Professional
Development Calendar

INTERCHANGE
February 2009
Volume 7, No. 2

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues.  Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2009 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

How can YOU make a difference during the 81st Session of the Texas Legislature? Get involved and stay informed!! Join us for TASA's 2009 Legislative Conference where you'll hear the latest on what's happening at the State Capitol-from official actions in the House and Senate to the equally intriguing conversations behind the scenes! Everyone knows the hot topics of today may be cold news tomorrow, so we keep this conference agenda fluid . . . you'll hear only the latest from experts on the inside track of legislative activities. This conference will arm you with the information and resources you need to talk to and work with your own legislators to help make public education a winner in the 81st Legislative Session. Register online today!! PREREGISTRATION through Friday, March 20.

COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION
Please register online in advance so that a badge and materials will be ready for you when you arrive at the conference.

• Accountability Forum Districts-for the superintendent and administrative staff in districts that subscribe to the TASA Accountability Forum, a subscription service offered in cooperation with Moak, Casey & Associates (MCA) that provides subscribers detailed analytical information regarding the potential effects of accountability-related legislative and administrative decisions on their own districts, and creates an information base for Forum participants to communicate legislative positions to the Texas Legislature. If your district is not a subscriber, visit TASAnet.org for details. [Learn more about the Accountability Forum!]

• LPPS Districts-for the superintendent and administrative staff in districts that subscribe to TASA's Legislative and Public Policy Services, a program that strengthens and unifies the association's legislative efforts, helping TASA achieve important legislative and public policy goals. If your district is not an LPPS subscriber, you may subscribe now and take advantage of this valuable benefit! [Learn more about LPPS!]

• ARC Districts-for the superintendent and administrative staff in districts that subscribe to TASA's Administrator's Resource Center, which features the TASA/ERS e-Knowledge Portal (eKP), empowering interactive, research-based collaboration and document sharing. If your district is not an ARC subscriber, sign up today and make this dynamic research tool an integral part of your district's success! [Learn more about ARC!]

REGISTRATION-$95
A block of rooms has been reserved for conference attendees at the Hyatt Regency Austin, 208 Barton Springs Road, Austin. Call the hotel directly to make your reservations, 512.477.1234 or 800.233.1234. Room rates are $155 single/$180 double. The reservations deadline for this special rate is Monday, March 2.Political Activities

The 81st Regular Called Session began on January 13, and TASA is following every minute of it so we can keep you informed! Be sure to read your TASA Daily, visit Capitol Watch, and monitor Bill Tracker frequently to stay up-to-the-minute on critical legislative actions.TASA Elections

President-Elect. The deadline for filing petitions for the office of TASA 2009-10 president-elect is normally March 1; however, since March 1 falls on a Sunday this year, the filing deadline is Monday, March 2. Ballots will be sent to each voting member of TASA in late April, if necessary. TASA Vice-President H. John Fuller (Wylie ISD) has announced his candidacy and is currently circulating petitions for the position. For detailed procedures, see TASA's Constitution and Bylaws (Article IV, Officers and Election). Questions may be directed to TASA Executive Director, Johnny Veselka, 512.477.6361 or 800.725.TASA (8272).Midwinter Conference Notes
Podcasts and Powerpoints
TASA began posting select podcasts and powerpoints of General Sessions, Distinguished Lectures, and Concurrent Sessions on February 5. Only podcasts and powerpoints of sessions for which TASA has received permission will be included.

Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas
If you were unable to attend the TASA Midwinter Conference or have not received a copy of the Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas, TASA and the Texas Leadership Center are pleased to provide the document for download on TASAnet. The report, resulting from the work of 35 superintendents who participated in the Public Education Visioning Institute over the past 21 months, includes space for reader reflections, questions, and comments in the section titled "Principles and Premises We Embrace." We believe the statements of principle and supporting premises furnish the foundation for developing an understanding and commitment to a shared set of values and a common vision for public education in Texas. TASA will continue to share with you our plans and strategies for continuing the dialogue in the coming months.

Honorary Life Memberships were awarded to 27 retired members during a special recognition session at the TASA Midwinter Conference, Monday, January 26, at the Austin Convention Center. Honorees, listed by name, position and district at the time of retirement, date of retirement, and years in education, are available on TASAnet. It's not too early to make nominations for 2010! If you, or someone you know, will be retiring from education this year and are eligible for Honorary Life Membership, complete and submit the 2010 nomination form by Friday, November 27.

Education Expo 2010

Online exhibitor registration for Education Expo 2010 opened at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 9. Exhibitor information and the Exhibit Hall Floorplan are posted on TASAnet.
October 2-4
George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston
Applications for Breakout Sessions Now Being Accepted!

TASA/TASB are accepting applications for Breakout Sessions at the 2009 Convention. Share innovative district and campus programs with your peers from across the state!

• Applications must be submitted by the due date (Monday, March 16).
• Only online submissions will be accepted.
• Breakout Sessions must be 1.25 hours in length.
• Presentations limited to three (3) per school district or organization.

Audio Journal-Coming Soon!
A New Professional Development Resource in Electronic Format from TASA
TASA and Audio Education, Inc. are teaming up to bring you Audio Journal, a monthly "executive briefing" in audio/digital format, including the most current thoughts and insights from best-selling authors, leading-edge consultants, and major policymakers. The new TASAnet will feature a direct link to AudioEducation On-Line for TASA members, enabling school leaders throughout the state to access the wealth of resources found online each month. Stay tuned to TASAnet for details.Technology News

CoSN 2009 Annual Conference

Leadership, Policy & Innovation in a Collaborative World

March 10-12, 2009 • Austin
Early Registration Deadline: Friday, February 20
TASA is pleased to partner with the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) in an exciting and innovative new leadership initiative. In collaboration with superintendents across the country, CoSN has produced a rich set of tools and resources designed to help superintendents understand the transformative role of education technology, and provide a blueprint for technology leadership and action required to meet the dynamic needs of today's changing school systems. We encourage you to consider attending CoSN's annual conference in March. Join your community of national educational technology leaders, enhance your career, and define the future of the Internet and information technologies in our nation's schools at CoSN's 2009 conference. It's the only national conference that focuses on the needs of school district technology leaders-a terrific opportunity for you and your leadership team to explore 21st century learning and the implications for your district. Register by February 20 to take advantage of discounted fees.

Education Week's LeaderTalk
The first group blog by school leaders for school leaders, LeaderTalk expresses the voice of the administrator in this era of school reform. Insights and resources are shared for the benefit of P-12 administrators and educational leadership preparation programs. Edweek.org's hosting of the LeaderTalk blog, a CASTLE project, is underwritten in part by a grant from The Wallace Foundation. (Find LeaderTalk's complete archives prior to December 16, 2008, here.)

Tech-Savvy Superintendent Awards
In the ninth annual Tech-Savvy Superintendent Awards, sponsored by Promethean, the Pearson Foundation, and K12 Inc., eSchool News recognizes 10 of the nation's top K-12 executives for their outstanding ed-tech leadership and vision (representing Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington). Chosen by the editors of eSchool News with help from last year's winners (including Abelardo Saavedra, superintendent, Houston ISD; and Jerry Vaughn, superintendent, Floydada ISD), these 10 exemplary leaders will be honored in a private ceremony held on February 20 in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Century Club 100, an honorary organization of superintendents, during the American Association of School Administrators' annual conference in San Francisco. Get a start on entering next year's competition by reviewing the 10 "Hallmarks of Excellence" for the eSchool News Tech-Savvy Superintendent Awards.

TEA Website Redesign

The Texas Education Agency has unveiled a new Web site featuring a new look and user experience. One of the biggest changes is an enhanced search engine designed to dramatically improve a visitor's ability to locate specific information. The site, when fully in place, will also meet usability standards now required under federal law for people with disabilities. The new home page, which has taken over the www.tea.state.tx.us address, features portals where administrators, teachers, and outside entities doing business with TEA can go for targeted information. Additional portals organize information by topic.

Building Partnerships to Educate and Empower
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (TODASTWD)

The Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (TODASTWD) program is promoted annually nationwide by the Ms. Foundation for Women. The day provides an opportunity for districts to extend plans for career investigation activities. Nationally, the TODASTWD is the fourth Thursday in April each year (April 23, 2009). However, many superintendents have expressed an interest in participating in the TODASTWD at a different time than the national event due to state and locally established activities. TEA has sent out a letter advising superintendents about scheduling possibilities and regional coordination of activities related to the TODASTWD.

AASA Legislative Advocacy Conference. Join your colleagues on April 22-24 in Arlington, Virginia, and make your voice heard on critical issues affecting your district and the students you serve. Get an up-close perspective on education legislation and step in front of the new administration and your congressional representatives. This is a critical time to shape the future of education funding and program requirements such as for NCLB. Your district and students need you to show the real face of your public schools on Capitol Hill and in the executive agencies. 

AASA members who register by Monday, March 2, will save $75 and receive FREE scheduling assistance for Capitol Hill appointments! Register online or download the registration form to reserve your space for this conference!

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE!January Is School Board Recognition Month!
There's still time to honor your board during January. TASB has prepared an electronic resource kit to help districts recognize their local trustees, which is full of ideas for honoring board members and letting the community know of their many contributions.

Upcoming Deadlines

AASA National Conference
January 31-Regular Registration Deadline

TASA Executive Committee Petitions
February 15-Filing Deadline

TASA President-Elect Petitions
March 1-Submission Deadline

Sylvia Charp Award
March 16-Nomination Deadline

Annual TASA/TASB Convention
March 16-Breakout Application Deadline

TASB Superintendent of the Year
May 18-Nomination Deadline

TASA School Board Awards
June 30-Entry Deadline to ESC

Upcoming Deadlines

TASA Midwinter Conference & Education Expo
January 25-28

TASA/CEFPI School Facilities Institute
January 27-28

Aspiring Superintendents Academy
January 28

Budget Boot Camp
February 11

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 1
February 12-13

AASA National Conference on Education
February 19-21

TASBO 63rd Annual Conference
February 23-27

First-time Superintendents Academy, Session 3
February 25-26

50 Ways to Close the Achievement Gap
February 25-27

Working on the Work Conference
March 1-4

Level II Curriculum Management Audit Training
March 10-13

Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Annual Conference
March 13-16

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 2
March 19-20

2008-2009 Professional
Development Calendar

INTERCHANGE
January 2009
Volume 7, No. 1

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues.  Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2009 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

TASA Midwinter Conference Begins Sunday!
This conference promises to exceed expectations! In addition to dynamic featured speakers and concurrent sessions, you won't want to miss the opportunity to "Help Shape the Vision for Texas Public Education"!
 Conference attendees are invited to participate in Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas, a special series of interactive forums conducted during each Concurrent Session time period throughout the conference. Facilitated by superintendents who participated in TASA's Public Education Visioning Institute, the visioning forums are designed to actively engage school leaders in the visioning process. Conference attendees are encouraged to participate in this "work in progress" and help frame the shared values and common vision for public education that will lead to strategic actions at local, state, and national levels. Online registration has closed; however, you may register on-site beginning Sunday, January 25, at 2 p.m. in the Austin Convention Center.Launch of Newly Redesigned TASAnet!
Our newly redesigned TASAnet launched on Monday, January 19! We hope you will enjoy the new look and functionality of our site. All of your favorite features are incorporated in the new site, including Bill Tracker, Capitol Watch, Career Center, and more! We look forward to enhancing TASAnet with new features over the coming months. A TASAnet Profile has been created for each current TASA member and TASA Daily recipient. An e-mail containing your username, along with a link to an area where you will create your own password, has been sent directly to you-from webmaster@tasanet.org-at the preferred e-mail address TASA has on file for you. If you are a TASA member and do not receive the initial log-in e-mail, please do not create a new profile for yourself. Instead, contact the TASA office and we will provide you with the information you need to log in. Once you have created your password and logged into the site, you may visit the Edit Your Profile section (under Your TASAnet Account, in the left-hand navigation column) to change your username and/or password at any time, as well as to make changes to your organization and contact information.
TASA Open House
TASA was pleased to have had a number of members and other guests attend our Open House on January 13 in conjunction with the convening of the 81st Legislature. Personal tours were given to showcase recent renovations and improvements to the TASA Headquarters Building. As a reminder, members are invited to visit the TASA offices during the TASA Midwinter Conference or whenever in Austin. Conference/meeting rooms are available upon request.
TASA President-Elect Petitions
The deadline for filing petitions for the office of TASA 2009-10 president-elect is Sunday, March 1. Petition forms may be obtained by contacting TASA Executive Director Johnny Veselka. Ballots will be sent to each voting member of TASA in late April, if necessary. TASA Vice-President H. John Fuller (Wylie ISD) has announced his candidacy and is currently circulating petitions for the position.

Executive Committee Elections
Elections for TASA 2009-11 Executive Committee representatives in odd-numbered regions will take place in March. Petition forms may be obtained from TASA Executive Director Johnny Veselka and must be received by the TASA office no later than Sunday, February 15. Six Executive Committee Members are ineligible for re-election because of expired terms: Larry W. Nichols (Region 3), Mary Ann Whiteker (Region 7), John Baker (Region 9), Jerry Roy (Region 11), Ryder Warren (Region 13), and Mike Motheral (Region 17). Petition requirements as well as complete election procedures are posted on TASAnet.

2009-10 Planning Calendar for Texas Schools
The TASA/ERS Planning Calendar for Texas Schools is now available on TASAnet for download (NOTE: You must log in to TASAnet to view and download your copy). This valuable document is available at no cost to ARC subscribers. The calendar provides Texas school officials with information on dates of special observances and holidays of interest in planning school activities in Texas. The calendar has been prepared using the format of the nationally recognized annual ERS publication, Resources for Planning the School Calendar. For information on subscribing to TASA's Administrator's Resource Center, visit us online or contact the TASA office, 512-477-6361. (Non-subscribers may purchase an electronic copy of the calendar for $45.)

October 1-4
George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston
Applications for Breakout Sessions Now Being Accepted!

TASA/TASB are accepting applications for Breakout Sessions at the 2009 Convention. Share innovative district and campus programs with your peers from across the state!

• Applications must be submitted by the due date (Monday, March 16).
• Only online submissions will be accepted.
• Breakout Sessions must be 1.25 hours in length.
• Presentations limited to three (3) per school district or organization.

Wednesday, February 11
ESC Region 11

Do You Know:

• Your district's Total, Estimated General Fund Revenue for the 2008-09 school year as of mid-year?
• Your district's projected over/under payment for 2008-09?
• How to project your district's revenues for 2009-10?

If your answer to one or more of these questions is "NO," then you will not want to miss this TASA Budget Boot Camp for superintendents and other school business officials. What to Bring: The Required Data Elements and other items on the attached list.

TASA's 2009 School Board Awards Program
Information on the 2009 School Board Awards Program is available online. In addition, an informative how-to guide for nomination is included. Start now! Remember, in order for your district to be eligible for the 2009 School Board Awards Program, your superintendent must have been serving in his/her current position since July 1, 2007. Entries are due to the appropriate regional education service centers by Tuesday, June 30.
TASB's 2009 Superintendent of the Year Awards Program
TASB's 2009 Superintendent of the Year Awards Program is available online, along with an official entry form and sample resolution. Nominations must be submitted to the appropriate regional education service centers by Monday, May 18. Technology News

Nominations Now Open for Charp Award
T.H.E. Journal and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) have announced the 6th annual award program in honor of Dr. Sylvia Charp and her groundbreaking contributions and extended service to the education technology community. T.H.E. Journal and ISTE will identify and recognize a school district that has shown effectiveness and innovation in the application of technology districtwide. The award has two focuses: districtwide implementation and innovation. Nominations close on Monday, March 16 (The winner will be notified by April 20, and the award will be presented at NECC 09 in Washington, DC, June 28-July 1).

2009 NSOY Finalists
AASA has announced four finalists in the 2009 National Superintendent of the Year program. The four finalists are Suzanne Freeman (Trussville, Alabama, City Schools); Beverly Hall (Atlanta, Georgia, Public Schools); Stu Silberman (Fayette County, Kentucky, Public Schools); and Gene White (Indianapolis, Indiana, Public Schools). The four national finalists were chosen from 49 Superintendent of the Year finalists. The finalists were interviewed in Washington, D.C., on January 13 at the National Press Club by a national blue-ribbon selection panel of educators, businesspeople, and government officials. They participated in "Dear Mr. President," a dialogue about what the new administration must do to ensure all children will learn (Windows Media). AASA will announce the 2009 National Superintendent of the Year and recognize all NSOTY representatives on February 20 at AASA's National Conference on Education in San Francisco.

AASA National Conference
February 19-21, 2009
Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, CA
Deadlines Have Been Extended
It's not too late to register for AASA's 2009 National Conference on Education. Deadlines to receive the discounted regular registration rate and AASA's special hotel rates have been extended until January 31. Both the Texas Reception and the Texas Breakfast will be held at the San Francisco Marriott. The reception is Friday, February 20, 5:30 to 7 p.m.; the breakfast is Saturday, February 21, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. If you haven't registered yet, hurry! Rates go up after January 31.

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE!

Upcoming Deadlines

Tech-Savvy Superintendent Awards
November 30-Nomination Deadline

CoSN Awards
November 30-Nomination Deadline

AASA President-Elect Nominations
December 5-Filing Deadline

Honorary Life Awards
December 19-Nomination Deadline

TASA Executive Committee Petitions
February 16-Filing Deadline

Upcoming Conferences and Events

TASA/TASB Pre-Legislative Seminar
December 5

National Staff Development Council (NSDC) 40th Annual Meeting
December 6-10

23rd Annual Texas Assessment Conference and 20th Annual Texas Association of Collegiate Testing Personnel Conference
December 7-10

Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA) Winter Conference
December 10-12

Honorary Life Nominations
December 19-Nomination Deadline

Leading in the 21st Century
January 14-15

TASA Midwinter Conference & Education Expo
January 25-28

TASA/CEFPI School Facilities Institute
January 27-28

Aspiring Superintendents Academy
January 28

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 1
February 12-13

AASA National Conference on Education
February 19-21

TASBO 63rd Annual Conference
February 23-27

First-time Superintendents Academy, Session 3
February 25-26

50 Ways to Close the Achievement Gap
February 25-27

2008-2009 Professional
Development Calendar

INTERCHANGE
November/December 2008
Volume 6, No. 10

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Anne Harpe, Graphics Coordinator
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues. Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2008 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

Round up your leadership team and head to Austin to take advantage of this information-packed learning opportunity that covers the business of school administration in a way unique from any other conference. Along with outstanding Featured Speakers (Daniel Pink, Matthew Dowd, Robert Scott, and Fenwick English) and Distinguished Lecturers (Mary Kusler, Tony Wagner, Jan Morrison, Richard Erdmann, Dr. Kenneth Cooper, and Bill Daggett), the Midwinter Conference offers more than 150 concurrent sessions for your entire administrative leadership team. Concurrent session strands include budget and finance, curriculum and instruction, facilities planning, technology, assessment, and more-practical information and workable solutions for everyone!

Also rolled into the Midwinter Conference:

Education Expo (January 26-27)-more than 300 vendors offering products and services you need to run your district

TAPE Annual Conference (January 25-27)-partnership training and best-practice models from the Texas Association of Partners in Education for the development of exemplary education partnerships (separate registration process and fee)

TCPEA Conference-within-a-Conference (January 25-28)-planned cooperatively by TASA and the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration to build a bridge that encourages research in the university with a strong practical application

TASA/CEFPI School Facilities Institute (January 27-28)-a fresh perspective on school design issues and solutions (additional fee applies)

Showcase of School Architecture (January 27-28)-architectural firms that were 2008 TASA/TASB Caudill or Criteria Award Winners in planning and design for new construction and/or renovation projects in Texas

Aspiring Superintendents' Academy (January 28)-interactive, full-day academy that prepares Texas' future superintendents, followed by participation in an online "Community of Practice," networking aspiring superintendents as they discuss and learn throughout the year (additional fee applies; fee includes Wednesday luncheon and access to virtual online community activities)
ALI Award Recipients
Several prestigious awards were given at the Administrative Leadership Institute held November 19-20 in College Station, including:

Golden Deeds for Education-TASA Member Bill McKinney, executive director, ESC Region 4 in Houston, joins a long list of distinguished Texas educators as recipient of the 2008 Golden Deeds Award. As recipient of this award, he is recognized as an individual who has, through actions and deeds, improved the educational system in Texas to enrich the lives of all Texas public school students. McKinney has been involved in education for 40 years. He has filled a number of educational roles, including math teacher, principal, director of research and evaluation, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. As executive director of Region 4, a post he has held since 1988, McKinney heads up a center that serves 54 school districts, representing more than one million students and 83,000 teachers.

Hoyle Award for Educational Leadership-TASA Member Ted Moore, superintendent, Lovejoy ISD, has been selected to receive the 2008 John R. Hoyle Award for Educational Leadership. As recipient of this award, he is recognized as a practicing administrator who is making a difference in the lives of all youth for the betterment of all society. Moore, a 32-year veteran of public education, has been a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, technology director, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Before going to Lovejoy in 2005, he served in Carrizo Springs, Allen, and McKinney ISDs. Moore took the position at Lovejoy to tackle the challenge of building a secondary program from the ground up.
TASA Executive Committee Petitions
Elections for TASA 2009-11 Executive Committee representatives in odd-numbered regions will take place in March 2009. Petition forms may be obtained from TASA's executive director and must be received by the TASA office no later than Monday, February 16, 2009. Petition requirements as well as complete election procedures are posted on TASAnet.
Statewide Superintendent Salary Survey Report
A recent report of district trends in superintendents' salaries and benefits has been released, with district participation at one of the highest levels to date. The TASB/TASA salary survey, conducted annually by the TASB Human Resource Services division, is the first of a series of five surveys collected for the most definitive study of compensation and benefits practices in Texas. This PDF report includes summary data, and data by district, on superintendent salaries, experience, and benefits. Surveys from 867 districts received by the October deadline are included in the superintendent report. Major highlights and other details are included on TASB's Web site.

Nomination Deadline: Friday, December 19
Retired school administrators interested in being nominated for TASA Honorary Life Membership in January 2009 can access the nomination form on TASAnet. Honorary Life Nomination Forms are due in the TASA office no later than Friday, December 19. For additional information, contact Brettany Zirkle, manager, Membership and Data Services, at the TASA office, 512-477-6361 or 800-725-8272.

The Texas Assessment Conference, now in its 23rd year, remains the only statewide conference in Texas specially dedicated to assessment and testing in education. Conference topics cover a broad spectrum of assessment and accountability issues, the latest information on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, alternative assessment systems for special education and limited-English-proficient students, college/university testing issues, best practices from districts, and more.
School Board Recognition Month
Tool kits to help districts plan for School Board Recognition Month in January 2009 have been mailed to all superintendents. Ideas from member school districts and sample materials from TASB are also posted online to help jump start activities in your community. Plan now to show your school board members you appreciate their dedication and hard work. They are extraordinary people who voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing school districts. Recognizing board members for this commitment and sacrifice takes a combined effort on the part of all they serve: administrators, school staff, students, and the community. Even though showing appreciation should be a year-round process, taking advantage of the designated School Board Recognition Month in January assures that these important people receive some of the thanks they deserve.
Texas Public Schools Week
The Texas School Public Relations Association has prepared a "Celebrate Texas Public Schools (CTPS) kit" that gives your district or school the opportunity to celebrate Texas Public Schools Week, March 2009, and any other time during the year, including beginning and end-of-school-year events, open houses, homecoming, teacher orientations, groundbreaking for a new school, and other celebratory activities. The 2009 theme is "GROWING GRADUATES-Texas Public Schools Plant Seeds for Success!" Informational flyers will be mailed to all TSPRA members, school district superintendents, elementary and middle school principals, and persons who ordered last year. This year, TSPRA's CTPS kit is going green! No printed kits or CDs will be produced. The kit will only be available as a downloadable file, which will allow you to print only the files you need, saving a lot of paper. The download file will include all the materials usually provided on TSPRA's CD kit. Information on how to order the downloadable CTPS kit ($55 for members and $60 for nonmembers) is available on TSPRA's Web site.

The new LONESTAR Website, developed and maintained by the Texas Public Education Information Resource Unit in the Information Analysis Division of TEA, is now available, providing fast, easy access to Texas education data. LONESTAR displays data using charts and graphs at the state, region, and school district levels for the five most recent years. Current reports include student enrollment, high school graduation, accountability ratings, Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) ratings, and listings of school districts within legislative districts.
Technology News

2009 Tech-Savvy Superintendent Awards
Nomination Deadline: Sunday, November 30
Does your superintendent demonstrate exemplary vision for the use of technology to improve all facets of education-and show outstanding leadership in working to make this vision a reality? If so, then nominate your district's chief executive for eSchool News' ninth annual Tech-Savvy Superintendent Awards. Ten national finalists will be chosen by the editors of eSchool News in consultation with last year's winners. The 2009 winners will be honored in a ceremony held during the AASA annual conference in San Francisco and in the February 2009 issue of eSchool News. But hurry, nominations will only be accepted online through Sunday, November 30.

CoSN Awards
Nomination Deadline: Sunday, November 30
The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) is accepting online nominations for three of the association's most prestigious awards-the Withrow Award for Educators (a district technology leader), the TEAM Award, and the Excellence in Public Service Award. These awards are given annually to an individual, a school district team, and a public servant who exemplify leadership and innovation in education technology. The awards will be presented during CoSN's 14th Annual K-12 School Networking Conference, themed "Leadership, Policy & Innovation in a Collaborative World," being held March 10-12, 2009 in Austin, TX.

AASA National Conference
February 19-21, 2009
Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, CA
It's not too late to register for AASA's 2009 National Conference on Education. Register now while limited sessions are still available! Hurry! Rates go up after Wednesday, January 14. The Texas Reception is being held on Friday, February 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and the Texas Breakfast on Saturday, February 21, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., both at the San Francisco Marriott.

Call for Nominations for 2009-10 AASA President-Elect
AASA invites all eligible members to consider running for the office of AASA president-elect for 2009-10. Candidates must file by 5 p.m. Eastern time on Friday, December 5. Learn more.

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!

The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE!
Upcoming Deadlines

TASA Midwinter Conference
October 24?Concurrent Session Application Deadline

TASA/TASB Convention
October 31?Early Bird Registration Deadline

Honorary Life Nominations
November 28?Nomination Forms Due
Upcoming Conferences and Events

Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Conference on Teaching and Learning
October 24?26

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) Fall Summit
October 30?31

35th Annual National Middle School Association (NMSA) Conference
October 30?November 1

American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Women in School Leadership Forum
October 31?November 1

First-time Superintendents Academy, Session 2
November 5?6

Texas A&M University/TASA Administrative Leadership Institute (ALI)
November 19?20

TASA/TASB Pre-Legislative Seminar
December 5

National Staff Development Council (NSDC) 40th Annual Meeting
December 6?10

23rd Annual Texas Assessment Conference and 20th Annual Texas Association of Collegiate Testing Personnel Conference
December 7?10

Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA) Winter Conference
December 10?12

Leading in the 21st Century
January 14?15

TASA Midwinter Conference & Education Expo
January 25?28

2008-2009 Professional
Development Calendar

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Anne Harpe, Graphics Coordinator
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361, www.TASAnet.org. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues. Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2008 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

New Executive Committee Member Elected
In Region 18, Kevin Allen, superintendent, Iraan-Sheffield ISD, defeated Randy Johnson, superintendent, Forsan ISD, in a run-off election for representative on the Executive Committee. Allen will fill the unexpired term of Michael Downes, who recently resigned his position on the committee. Allen will serve through May 31, 2010, at which time he will be eligible for a full two-year term in the regular election to be conducted in March of 2010.

TASA 2009?2011 Executive Committee Petitions
Elections for TASA 2009?2011 Executive Committee representatives in odd-numbered regions will take place in March 2009. An asterisk in the following list signifies those Executive Committee members who will complete their second two-year terms on May 31, 2009, and, therefore, are not eligible for re-election.

• Region 01?Michael Sandroussi, Edcouch-Elsa ISD
• Region 03?Larry W. Nichols, Calhoun County ISD *
• Region 05?Philip Welch, Orangefield ISD
• Region 07?Mary Ann Whiteker, Hudson ISD *
• Region 09?John Baker, Seymour ISD *
• Region 11?Jerry W. Roy, Lewisville ISD *
• Region 13?Ryder F. Warren, Marble Falls ISD *
• Region 15?Russ Perry, Nueces Canyon CISD
• Region 17?Mike Motheral, Sundown ISD *
• Region 19?Rudy Barreda, Tornillo ISD

Petition forms may be obtained from TASA Executive Director Johnny L. Veselka, and must be received by the TASA office no later than Monday, February 16, 2009. Petition requirements as well as complete election procedures are posted on TASAnet.

TASA/TASB Convention Report
The 2008 TASA/TASB Convention wrapped up Sunday, September 28, after a successful three days at the Dallas Convention Center. Highlights of the convention included announcement of:

• Frisco ISD (Rick Reedy, superintendent), 2008 Outstanding School Board of Texas
• Dan Troxell, Kerrville ISD, 2008 Superintendent of the Year
• Cathy Bryce, superintendent, Highland Park ISD, TSPRA's 2008 Key Communicator

Fifty-seven districts had 100 percent attendance (the superintendent and all board members registered for and were present at the convention), and China Spring ISD (George Kazanas, superintendent) was randomly selected from this group to receive free registration for the superintendent and board at the 2009 Convention (October 2?4, Houston, George R. Brown Convention Center).

Online registration and housing for the TASA Midwinter Conference opened on October 8! TASA's Midwinter Conference is a great opportunity for you and your leadership team! There's not another conference like it all year long?a 2-1/2-day event that's designed specifically for school superintendents and other key district leaders. You'll get the information you need from presenters who speak your language?budget and finance, curriculum and instruction, facilities planning, technology, assessment, and more! Featured speakers include Daniel Pink, Columnist and Author, A Whole New Mind; Matthew Dowd, Co-Author, Applebee's America: How Successful Political, Business and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community; Robert Scott, Commissioner of Education; and Fenwick English, R. Wendell Eaves Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition, a dynamic lineup of distinguished lectures and more than 150 concurrent sessions tackle the tough issues head-on.

Also rolled into the Midwinter Conference:

• Education Expo (January 26?28)?more than 300 vendors offering products and services you need to run your district

• Showcase of School Architecture?architectural firms that were 2008 TASA/TASB Caudill or Criteria Award Winners in planning and design for new construction and/or renovation projects in Texas

• TAPE Annual Conference (January 25?27)?partnership training and best-practice models from the Texas Association of Partners in Education for the development of exemplary education partnerships (separate registration process and fee)

• TASA/CEFPI School Facilities Institute (January 27?28)?a fresh perspective on school design issues and solutions (additional fee applies)

• TASA Aspiring Superintendents' Academy (January 28)?Interactive, full-day academy that prepares Texas? future superintendents, followed by participation in an online "Community of Practice," networking aspiring superintendents as they discuss and learn throughout the year (additional fee applies; fee includes Wednesday luncheon and access to virtual online community activities)

• TCPEA Conference-within-a-Conference?planned cooperatively by TASA and the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration to build a bridge that encourages research in the university with a strong practical application

Honorary Life Nominations
Retired school administrators interested in being nominated for TASA Honorary Life Membership in January 2009 can access the nomination form on TASAnet. Honorary Life Nomination Forms are due in the TASA office no later than Friday, November 28. For additional information, contact Brettany Zirkle, manager, Membership and Data Services, at the TASA office, 512-477-6361 or 800-725-8272.

November 5?6
Austin Marriott North Hotel, Round Rock

The second of four sessions of the 2008?09 First-time Superintendents Academy offers first- and second-year superintendents the opportunity to systematically analyze relevant issues and explore alternative strategies consistent with effective leadership. New superintendents experience top-quality learning led by experts in the field, as well as the highly valuable opportunity to collaborate and develop networks with colleagues from across the state. Register today!
Administrative Leadership Institute
November 19?20
Hilton College Station & Conference Center

Superhero Texas School Leaders Close the Student Achievement Gap: A Vision Fulfilled
"Comic books and high blockbuster box office hits don't know one thing about Superheroes. If you want to find the real Superheroes, visit the classrooms and administration buildings of Texas public schools." John Hoyle. The Administrative Leadership Institute continues its pursuit of answers: How are Texas superheros?superintendents, central office leaders, executive administrators, principals, and teachers?winning the battles over school dropouts, unstable student test results, and finding and keeping highly qualified teachers? Don't miss the thrilling 26th ALI episode on how Texas superheroes leap tall buildings and deflect bullets to close the student achievement gap. Learn more and register online! The conference hotel is the Hilton College Station; reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly at 979-693-7500.
TASA/TASB Pre-Legislative Seminar
December 5
Hilton Austin Hotel?Downtown, Austin

As the 81st Texas Legislative Session approaches, school districts will be looking to the Legislature to assist Texas public schools as they face increasing accountability standards and stagnating state funding levels. At TASA/TASB's Pre-Legislative Seminar, political commentators, lawmakers, and education experts will analyze the agenda for the upcoming session and provide their predictions on the outcome of critical issues. School board members, superintendents, and school district administrators will hear directly from legislators and policymakers about plans they have for education. Space is limited, so register early.

The Texas Assessment Conference, now in its 23rd year, remains the only statewide conference in Texas specially dedicated to assessment and testing in education. Conference topics cover a broad spectrum of assessment and accountability issues, the latest information on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, alternative assessment systems for special education and limited-English-proficient students, college/university testing issues, best practices from districts, and more.
TASA Membership
The new TASA membership year began on September 1. Currently, we have processed 1,975 memberships, including 925 superintendents. At this time last year, we had 1,983 memberships. Total membership in 2007?08 was 2,174. If you haven't renewed yet, please do so today! For additional information regarding membership, please contact Brettany Zirkle, 512-477-6361 or 800-725-8272.

AASA Women in School Leadership Forum
October 30?November 1
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa, Savannah, GA

During this two-day forum, you will:

• Learn how to more effectively use the power and influence you have in your position.
• Gain in-depth understanding of your leadership role and challenges as well as women's leadership issues.
• Expand contacts through panel presentations with experts, leaders and scholars.
• Explore the choices and trade-offs you face as you juggle your personal and professional lives.
• Depart from the forum with a strategy for the future and a network of women leaders just like you ?who you can turn to for advice and help in the future.

AASA National Conference on Education
February 19?21, 2009
Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, CA

The 2009 AASA National Conference takes place February 19?21 in San Francisco. The focus is on globalization, technology, measurement, and budgets. As we all know, the challenges and opportunities inherent in public school leadership are enormous. You can turn to the National Conference on Education to learn fresh approaches and challenge your thinking. Get a 360-degree perspective from public school systems?large and small, urban, suburban, and rural?and talk to your peers face-to-face about their best practices. Registration is now open to all AASA members, nonmembers, exhibitors, and sponsors. Register by October 31 to take advantage of the special early-bird fee. Note: The Texas Reception will be held on Friday, February 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; and the Texas Breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 21, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., both at the San Francisco Marriott.

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE!

Upcoming Deadlines

TASA/TASB Convention
September 12?Preregistration Deadline

TASA Membership Directory
September 30?Directory Membership Deadline

AASA National Conference
September 28?Texas Block of Rooms Deadline
October 31?Early Bird Registration Deadline

National Superintendent of the Year Program
September 30?Application Deadline

TASA Midwinter Conference
October 24?Concurrent Session Application Deadline
Upcoming Conferences and Events

First-time Superintendents Academy, Session One
September 17?18

Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA) Fall Conference
September 21?22

48th Annual TASA/TASB Convention
September 26?28

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association C.A.M.P. TEPSA
September 28?30

Level I Curriculum Management Audit Training
October 14-17

5th Annual Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Conference
October 15-18

Texas Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (TxASCD) Annual Conference
October 19-21

Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Conference on Teaching and Learning
October 24-26

Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) Fall Summit
October 30-31

2008-2009 Professional
Development Calendar

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Anne Harpe, Graphics Coordinator
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361, www.TASAnet.org. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues. Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2008 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

TASA/TASB Convention Approaching Fast!
Are your board members and staff registered for the TASA/TASB Convention? If not, now's the perfect time! We've got a fantastic lineup of speakers and sessions?it's a training opportunity you won't want to miss! If your district has an ADA of 750 or below, be sure to sign up for the Small School District Seminar being held on Friday at the Convention Center. Also scheduled this year is the addition of two field trip options on Friday morning. No additional fee is required for the Small District Seminar or the field trips; however, advance registration is necessary and participation is limited. Use the Personal Convention Scheduler to help you and your leadership team make the most out of the Convention. Select the sessions, speakers, and events you want to attend. The scheduler will craft an easy-to-use itinerary that you can carry with you.  We look forward to your attendance at the Convention!

Five Texas school district boards of trustees have been selected as 2008 Honor School Boards in TASA's School Board Awards Program (listed with their superintendent):

• Rio Grande City CISD (Roel Gonzalez), Region 1
• Pasadena ISD (Kirk Lewis), Region 4
• Bellville ISD (John Conley II), Region 6*
• Frisco ISD (Rick Reedy), Region 10
• Grapevine-Colleyville ISD (Kay Waggoner), Region 11

These five boards will be interviewed by TASA's School Board Awards Committee at the TASA/TASB Convention on Friday, September 26. On Saturday, September 27, during the Second General Session, the five boards will be recognized and one will be named Outstanding School Board in Texas. Regional Honor School Boards also will be recognized at the Second General Session (Region 6?Buffalo ISD; Region 7?Mineola ISD; Region 13?Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD; Region 19?San Elizario ISD; and Region 20?Northside ISD).

*Regions had the option of naming two regional honor school boards, one with under 1,000 students and one with 1,000 or more students.
TASB SOTY Finalists
Five public school administrators from across Texas were selected as state finalists for TASB's annual Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award. The 2008 finalists and nominating education service centers (ESCs) are:

• Ted L. Moore, Lovejoy ISD, Region 10
• Stephen F. Waddell, Birdville ISD, Region 11
• Dennis R. Hill, Llano ISD, Region 13
• Doug Harriman, Seminole ISD, Region 17
• Dan Troxell, Kerrville ISD, Region 20

The state selection committee, which interviewed all regional winners August 22?23 in Austin, focused on such issues as advocacy, standardized testing, long-range planning, district leadership, and student success. The 2008 Superintendent of the Year will be announced during the Third General Session of the TASA/TASB Convention in Dallas on Sunday, September 28. The winning superintendent will receive an award from Balfour, program sponsor. [Additional Details]
2008?09 TASA Committee Appointments
Through its committees, TASA successfully interacts with other state and national education-related organizations, and conducts association business with broad member representation. A complete list of 2008?09 TASA Committees are posted on TASAnet, including descriptions of each committee's charge and appointed members.

TASA primary committees and their 2008?09 chairs are:

• Administrative Services?Ryder F. Warren, Marble Falls ISD (13)
• Communications & Technology?Jeff N. Turner, Coppell ISD (10)
• Leadership Development?Leland Williams, Dickinson ISD (04)
• Legislative?Kay E. Waggoner, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD (11)
• Higher Education?James A. Vornberg, Texas A&M University
• Central Office Advisory?Jesus H. Chavez, Round Rock ISD (13)

TASA Directory Deadline
In order to be listed in our 2008?09 Membership Directory, your membership must be in the TASA office by Tuesday, September 30. TASA offers a host of services and benefits designed to enable superintendents and other education leaders to succeed at the challenging task of running today's complex school districts. Governmental Advocacy, Legal Support, Publications and Information Resources, Leadership Development . . . all these and more are the benefits of membership in the association that caters specifically to your needs. Learn More!
TASA Midwinter Conference Concurrent Session Application
Has your district got a great program that you'd like to share? TASA's annual Midwinter Conference has become the conference of choice for district leadership teams . . . here's your opportunity to share best practices from your district with key education leaders from around the state, January 25?28 at the Austin Convention Center! Deadline for submitting application online: Friday, October 24. Apply now!

September 17?18
Marriott Austin North Hotel in Round Rock

Don't let this leadership opportunity pass you by! You only get one chance to be a first-time superintendent?make it a rewarding and successful experience! If having the confidence to lead with knowledge and skill is important to you during your first tenure as superintendent, you won't want to miss TASA's First-time Superintendents' Academy. You'll gain invaluable resources that will come in handy as you negotiate the first 18?24 months of the superintendency. Topics include a common-sense approach to the superintendency; TASA's online resources; the superintendent's contract; law and policy regarding honorariums, outside employment, and ethical reporting; working with your board; UIL update; and school finance basics. Join your peers, share ideas and concerns, and take advantage of the unique experience this academy affords. Register online today!!
ALI Focus
November 19?20
College Station Hilton and Conference Center

The 2008 Administrative Leadership Institute, November 19?20 at the College Station Hilton and Conference Center, is focused on the theme of Superhero Texas School Leaders Close the Student Achievement Gap: A Vision Fulfilled. Wednesday's agenda includes a Superintendents Panel and Interactive Response Session, followed by an opening banquet at the exclusive Miramont Country Club in Bryan with an address by Dr. Elsa Murano, president, Texas A&M University. Thursday's agenda includes Dr. Tim Waters, president and CEO, Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) in Denver, followed by breakout discussions and questions. Don't miss the thrilling 26th ALI episode on how Texas Superheroes leap tall buildings and deflect bullets to close the student achievement gap. You will leave a super-charged superhero. Registration opened September 1.
2008 Key Communicator
TSPRA's Professional Awards Committee has chosen Highland Park ISD Superintendent Cathy Bryce as the association's 2008 Key Communicator, recognizing her outstanding contributions to public education through effective communications. The selection committee noted that Bryce's educational career is solidly grounded in her conviction that all children deserve an outstanding education. While serving as superintendent of one of the highest-performing public school districts for the past seven years, Bryce stays focused on the big picture and never loses sight of what is best for Texas: preparing all of its schoolchildren to become productive, responsible citizens who have the education and training necessary to compete in the 21st century workplace. Bryce will receive the Key Communicator Award at the Second General Session of the TASA/TASB Convention in Dallas, Saturday, September 27, 10:30 a.m.
National Recognition
TASA member Denise Collier, deputy superintendent of curriculum and instruction/chief academic officer, Dallas ISD, is among 16 individuals appointed by U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings to the National Technical Advisory Council (NTAC). Spellings announced the council's formation as part of the proposed regulations to strengthen No Child Left Behind. The council's purpose is to advise the Department on complex and technical issues regarding the design and implementation of state standards, assessments, and accountability systems. The council will offer expert advice on such things as the use and applicability of minimum subgroup sizes for proficiency calculations, confidence intervals, and the principles necessary for ensuring that performance indexes are consistent with the Title I statute and regulations.
Honorary Life Nominations
Retired school administrators interested in being nominated for TASA Honorary Life Membership in January 2009 can access the nomination form on TASAnet. Honorary Life Nomination Forms are due in the TASA office no later than Friday, November 28. For additional information, contact Brettany Zirkle, manager, Membership and Data Services, at the TASA office, 512-477-6361 or 800-725-8272.
Technology News

New Podcast for Administrators. A new Web site sponsored by McGraw-Hill Education's Urban Advisory Resource offers advice on improving schools from superintendents and other education leaders across the country in an easily accessible format. The District Leader's Podcast features interviews each week with various experts from the front lines of education. School leaders can download these podcasts to a portable media player for listening on the go. Examples of the topics covered include Making the Tough Decisions, Improving Student Performance, Urban Education, and Trends in Education and Leadership. Arthur Griffin, vice president of the Urban Advisory Resource, stated, "We know from firsthand experience that one of the best ways to improve education is to share ideas about what works best?and what doesn't. We are excited about the possibilities ahead, thanks to this resource."

2008 Tech Leader of the Year?Submission Deadline: September 26. Are you making a difference? You inspire, encourage, empower, and give wings to others' dreams. Now it's your turn. Tech & Learning's 2008 Leader of the Year Program is once again honoring K?12 administrators, technology coordinators, and teachers who use technology in innovative ways to help teachers teach and help students learn. TechLearning invites you to share your teaching, training, and managing success stories with their judges. Four finalists will win a trip to NSBA T&L 2008, gain national recognition, and be profiled in T&L's 2008 Awards Issue.
TEA News
Share your good news! Get statewide recognition for your district on TEA's "Our Schools Our Stars" Web page, dedicated solely to showcasing achievements, honors, and interesting features about Texas public schools. It's a popular page on the Web site, averaging almost 14,000 page views per month. This page is maintained by the TEA Communications Division, which is always looking for press releases, features, pictures, and announcements to post. Even if you just have an idea for a story to post, they?d like to hear about it. Send your stories, ideas, press releases, and pictures to Sheila Allee for consideration. All items should have statewide interest.

AASA National Conference on Education
February 19?21, 2009
Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco
The 2009 AASA National Conference takes place February 19?21 in San Francisco. The focus is on globalization, technology, measurement, and budgets. As we all know, the challenges and opportunities inherent in public school leadership are enormous. You can turn to the National Conference on Education to learn fresh approaches and challenge your thinking. Get a 360-degree perspective from public school systems?large and small, urban, suburban, and rural?and talk to your peers face-to-face about their best practices. Registration is now open to all AASA members, nonmembers, exhibitors, and sponsors. Register by October 31 to take advantage of the special early-bird fee. Note: The Texas Reception will be held on Friday, February 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; and the Texas Breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 21, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., both at the San Francisco Marriott.

2008 AASA/NSPRA Back-to-School Toolkit for School Leaders. This toolkit is designed exclusively for members of the American Association of School Administrators and the National School Public Relations Association. It provides a wealth of materials for school system leaders and public relations and communications professionals to use in back-to-school outreach to key audiences, including members of the school community, parents, business leaders, the news media, community groups, and lawmakers. This toolkit can be used to celebrate the opening of school and engage in positive communications throughout the school year. (Note: You will need to log in to the AASA Web site to access this toolkit.)

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE!
Upcoming Deadlines

Annual Texas Assessment Conference
December 7?10

2007-2008 Professional
Development Calendar

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Anne Harpe, Graphics Coordinator
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361, www.TASAnet.org. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues. Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2008 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

Renovation of TASA Headquarters
We are pleased to report that the renovation of the TASA Headquarters Building, authorized more than a year ago, is nearly complete. This effort began with the support of a special committee appointed by 2006?07 President Kay Waggoner. Based on the committee's recommendation, the TASA Executive Committee concluded that the renovation and modernization of our office facility at this time would help the association to continue its strong advocacy and leadership roles for many years to come. Constructed in the late-1940s, expanded in 1978, and purchased by TASA nearly 20 years ago, the TASA offices are strategically located in downtown Austin. The enhancements, including additional meeting rooms; mechanical, electrical, and interior upgrades; and the infrastructure for state-of-the-art technology, will enhance its value and better serve our members. Our ability to "promote, provide, and develop leadership that champions educational excellence" is greatly enhanced by the continuing support of the TASA officers and executive committee, and by TASA members throughout Texas.

TASA Welcomes TSPRA as New Tenant
The TSPRA state office has moved to the TASA Headquarters Building effective July 1. Their phone, fax, and e-mail addresses remain the same. TSPRA's newly remodeled suites, 101?105, are on the first floor, right side. If you have any questions, please contact TSPRA Executive Director Judy Farmer, 512-474-9107 or 800-880-9107.
Renew Your Membership Today!
TASA membership renewal forms are being mailed in July. If you haven?t renewed yet, don?t delay another moment. TASA membership offers a host of services and benefits designed to enable superintendents and other education leaders to succeed at the challenging task of running today's complex school districts, including Governmental Advocacy, Legal Support, Publications and Information Resources, Leadership Development, and the TASA Career Center. In addition, TASA offers a wide range of "enhanced/district" services such as Legislative and Public Policy Services, Administrator's Resource Center, XPress News, Facility Planning Services, and Curriculum Audit Services?all designed to keep you and your district operating at full speed. Keep these programs in mind as you complete your membership renewal form for 2008?09. For more information, contact Brettany Zirkle, manager, Membership and Data Services, 512-477-6361 or 800-725-8272.
TASA 2008?09 Study Group Chairs
The following superintendents have been confirmed as regional Study Group/Membership Chairs for 2008?09:

• Romeo Rodriguez, Jr., Zapata County ISD (01)
• Christina Gutierrez, Bishop CISD (02)
• Jo Ann Bludau, Hallettsville ISD (03)
• Duncan F. Klussmann, Spring Branch ISD (04)
• Rick Summers, Deweyville ISD (05)
• TBD (06)
• Stan Surratt, Lindale ISD (07)
• Margaret F. Davis, Pleasant Grove ISD (08)
• Jeff A. McClure, Henrietta ISD (09)
• Eddie R. Dunn, Ennis ISD (10)
• Greg Gibson, Crowley ISD (11)
• Tony Price, Fairfield ISD (12)
• Roderick Emanuel, Bastrop ISD (13)
• Shane Fields, Albany ISD (14)
• Matt Underwood, Mason ISD (15)
• Clifton L. Stephens, Borger ISD (16)
• Berhl L. Robertson, Jr., Roosevelt ISD (17)
• Keith W. Richardson, Monahans-Wickett-Pyote ISD (18)
• Eldefonso Garcia, Jr., Fabens ISD (19)
• Michelle Carroll Smith, Lytle ISD (20)

Recent Report Distributed
A recent report offered by superintendents participating in the Public Education Visioning Institute, established nearly two years ago with significant financial support from SHW Group, has been mailed to all TASA members. Thirty-five superintendents participating in the Institute produced the document Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas as a "work in progress" for conversation and further development among TASA members, other educators, business and community leaders, and policymakers. We hope that each TASA member will study this document and engage in the dialogue that must occur if we are to truly transform public education in Texas in a way that will make our public schools better for all Texas children. The major conceptual themes stated in this document focus on strategies for engaging today's students, new learning standards for the digital environment we live in, transforming our assessment and accountability systems, and creating a more balanced state-local partnership to ensure that our students can succeed in today's world.

Session One: September 17?18, 2008
Austin Marriott North, Round Rock
If you are a first- or second-year superintendent eager for a dynamic leadership experience, register today for the 17th Annual First-time Superintendents' Academy. The academy, which consists of four two-day sessions, is spread throughout the year for ongoing support. Complete registration details can be found on TASAnet, or contact Paul Whitton, Jr., TASA associate executive director, Administrative Services, 512-477-6361 or 800-725-8272.

Registration and Online Housing Opened June 16
The Convention begins on Friday, September 26, with a full day of in-depth and breakout sessions, plus an Opening Session featuring Sir Ken Robinson, a world-class leader in creativity. Saturday's General Session speaker is Christopher Gardner, an avid motivational speaker who addresses the keys to self-empowerment, beating odds, and breaking cycles, and who inspired the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, portrayed by Will Smith. The Convention wraps up on Sunday morning with John Walsh, television host and victims' rights advocate, who has dedicated himself to fighting on behalf of children and all crime victims. The Convention offers school board members and school administrators the opportunity to earn more than 16 hours of continuing education credit, hear outstanding keynote speakers to keep you informed and engaged, explore a tradeshow with hundreds of exhibitors, and network with more than 6,000 public school officials! Three full days of professional development opportunities at one great price!
TASB Announces 2008 SOTY Nominees
Superintendents from 15 public school districts have been nominated for the annual Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) award sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards. Since 1984, the SOTY program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in educational leadership. The 2008 regional superintendents of the year and nominating education service centers (ESCs) are:

• Roel Gonzalez, Rio Grande City CISD (01)
• Sam Atwood, Goliad ISD (03)
• Abelardo Saavedra, Houston ISD (04)
• Mike Cargill, Bryan ISD (06)
• David Fitts, Pewitt CISD (08)
• Tom Woody, Vernon ISD (09)
• Ted Moore, Lovejoy ISD (10)
• Stephen Waddell, Birdville ISD (11)
• Dennis Hill, Llano ISD (13)
• Ronny Collins, nominated by Snyder ISD (14); now with Mineral Wells ISD
• Matt Underwood, Mason ISD (15)
• Frank Belcher, Canadian ISD (16)
• Doug Harriman, Seminole ISD (17)
• Ricardo Estrada, Clint ISD (19)
• Dan Troxell, Kerrville ISD (20)

Nominees are chosen for their strong leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance, and commitment to public involvement in education. The state committee will interview regional winners in August and select five state finalists. The Superintendent of the Year will be announced September 28 at the TASA/TASB Convention in Dallas.
Technology News

Model Classroom for Educators. Hallsville ISD has a new classroom, but it won't be used by students; it will be a model for teachers and administrators nationwide on how to integrate technology into lessons. People who are interested in seeing the classroom should contact the school district to schedule a time. Viewers will have the option of seeing the room with school district or Apple personnel.

T.H.E. Journal 2008 Innovators Nominations. T.H.E. Journal is looking for outstanding technology innovators in K?12 schools and districts, visionary technology project leaders, and innovative vendor partners who have deployed extraordinary technology solutions to school challenges. Could you be one of this year's recognized technology leaders? T.H.E. Journal's 2008 Innovators will be featured in the December issue. Nominate your institution, technology project leader(s), and vendor partner(s) by August 29!

Texans Currently Serving on AASA Executive Committee:

• Randy Mohundro, superintendent, De Leon ISD (AASA Region 14) ? Current term expires June 2010

Texas' AASA Governing Board Representatives and Terms of Office

• Hector Montenegro, superintendent, Arlington ISD (ESC Region 11) ? July 2005?June 2008; July 2008?June 2011

• Kay Waggoner, superintendent, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD (ESC Region 11) ? July 2005?June 2008; July 2008?June 2011

• James E. Wilcox, superintendent, Longview ISD (ESC Region 7) ? January 2004?June 2006; July 2006?June 2009

• Paul L. Vranish, superintendent, Tornillo ISD (ESC Region 19) ? January 2004?June 2007; July 2007?June 2010

Online Housing and Registration for AASA's 2009 National Conference on Education?
The 2009 National Conference on Education will be held February 19?21, 2009, in San Francisco, California.  General registration will be available beginning July 15. Please be advised that a dedicated room block is available for our members at the San Francisco Marriott. These rooms will be available from July 1 to September 29. A valid user name and password are required to make any reservation in the state block. Please use the following when you register online:

User ID: Johnston
Password: Lime09

In order to keep rooms accessible to Texas members only, please do not share the user name and password with individuals outside of our state association.

To make housing arrangements, you first must be registered to attend the 2009 National Conference on Education (NCE). Save time and secure housing immediately??register online. Once your online registration is complete, you will automatically be linked to the housing site. If you have any questions concerning the online registration/housing process, contact Jennifer Moore, 847-282-2529. Questions may also be directed to Pat Johnston at TASA, 800-725-8272.

NOTE: The Texas Reception will be held on Friday, February 20, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; and the Texas Breakfast will be held on Saturday, February 21, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., at the San Francisco Marriott.

2009 NSOTY Program. National Superintendent of the Year Program announcement postcards have been mailed to all public school superintendents. The application packet is available on AASA's Web site. You may download the forms to your computer, and then complete, print, and mail them to AASA. This program is open to all U.S. public school superintendents, as well as superintendents of American schools abroad and Department of Defense Education Activity Schools. Applicants must plan to continue in the profession. Anyone can nominate a superintendent for this program. The nomination deadline is July 30. Most often, nominations come from a school board member, parent, community leader, or another superintendent. The 2009 National Superintendent of the Year, national finalists, and state finalists will be honored at the AASA National Conference on Education in San Francisco in February! The last day to postmark and mail application packets to AASA is September 30. For more information, contact Darlene Pierce, 703-875-0736.

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE!
Upcoming Deadlines

UT/TASA Summer Conference on Education
June 13?Online Registration Deadline

2009 Teacher of the Year Program
June 13?Preliminary Application Deadline
June 27?Final Application Deadline

TASA School Board Awards Program
June 30?Entry Deadline

AASA Educational Scholarship Program
August 31?Application Deadline

AASA Distinguished Service Award
August 31?Nomination Deadline

NSOTY Program
July 30?Nomination Deadline
September 30?Application Deadline
Upcoming Conferences and Events

Improved Questioning?Three-Day Training-of-Trainers' Seminar
June 11?13

Level II Curriculum Management Audit Training
June 16?19

TCWSE Annual Conference
June 20?22

UT/TASA Summer Conference on Education
June 22?24

AASA Summer Leadership Institute
July 24?27

2007-2008 Professional
Development Calendar

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Anne Harpe, Graphics Coordinator
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361, www.TASAnet.org. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues. Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2008 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

Registration Deadline: June 13

This year's Summer Conference has an earlier start time, with no preconference sessions as in previous years. The Conference kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 22, with First General Session Speaker Dr. Ray Perryman, president and CEO of The Perryman Group, a leading economic research and financial analysis firm headquartered in Waco, addressing today's economy and tomorrow's needs.

Sunday afternoon, Second General Session Speaker John Horn, senior associate with The Schlechty Center for Leadership in School Reform, will present an overview of the Texas Public Education Visioning Institute, a program that challenges conventional thinking to improve leadership capacities and school systems. Afterwards, he will moderate a superintendent panel discussion on evolving ideas of the program and next steps.

Monday morning, Third General Session Speaker Ray Glynn, acting deputy commissioner, School District Leadership and Educator Quality, TEA, will address education priorities, including funding, curriculum rewrites, and preparing for the future.

The conference concludes on Tuesday morning with Fourth General Session Speaker Matthew Dowd, founding partner of ViaNovo, an international communications and brand positioning firm; political strategist; ABC News political contributor; and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Applebee's America: How Successful Political, Business and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community, which offers numerous practical examples of how leaders earn the loyalty and support of people by understanding and sharing their values and goals. Focus sessions throughout the conference concentrate on two of today's most important topics: assessment and accountability. In addition, we'll offer sessions on issues sure to be addressed when the 81st Legislature meets next January. Between sessions, unwind at the Past Presidents Golf Tournament (Monday), and relax at the "Meet the Exhibitors" Open House and Reception (Sunday) and the Conference Reception (Monday). Online registration is open through June 13.

Registration and Online Housing Open June 16

The TASA/TASB Convention begins on Friday with a full day of in-depth and breakout sessions, plus an Opening Session featuring Sir Ken Robinson, a world-class leader in creativity. Saturday's General Session speaker is Christopher Gardner, an avid motivational speaker who addresses the keys to self-empowerment, beating odds, and breaking cycles, and who inspired the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, portrayed by Will Smith. The Convention wraps up on Sunday morning with John Walsh, television host and victims' rights advocate, who has dedicated himself to fighting on behalf of children and all crime victims. The Convention offers school board members and school administrators the opportunity to earn more than 16 hours of continuing education credit, hear outstanding keynote speakers to keep you informed and engaged, explore a tradeshow with hundreds of exhibitors, and network with more than 6,000 public school officials! Three full days of professional development opportunities at one great price!
TASA 2008?09 Officers and Executive Committee

President Rick Howard, superintendent, Comanche ISD; President-Elect John Folks, superintendent, Northside ISD; Vice-President H. John Fuller, superintendent, Wylie ISD; and Past President Thomas E. Randle, superintendent, Lamar CISD, began their 2008?09 terms on the Executive Committee on June 1.

At Large Members. New At-Large Members Gloria Gallegos, associate superintendent, Pasadena ISD, and Gaile Thompson, executive director of secondary education, Abilene ISD, began serving a two-year term. Contact information on these and all 2008?09 officers and Executive Committee members is available on TASAnet.
Executive and Legislative Committee Changes

Philip Welch, superintendent, Orangefield ISD, has been elected to represent Region 5 on the Executive Committee, replacing Mike McGowan, who is retiring June 30. Kay Waggoner, TASA past president and superintendent, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, has been appointed to serve as chair of the TASA Legislative Committee. She replaces Robert Duron, superintendent, San Antonio ISD, who asked to be relieved of his duties as Legislative Chair due to other ongoing district obligations. Duron will continue to serve as a member of the Legislative Committee. Waggoner will serve as chair for the remainder of the current term, ending August 31, 2009.
Membership News

2007?08 Final Membership Report. With 2,174 TASA members as of May 28?compared to 2,232 members for the same period last year?final membership totals for 2007?08 were slightly lower than 2006?07 final totals. The final total includes 970 superintendent members, 729 central office members, and 278 other active members, as well as 167 associate and 30 student members.

2008?09 Membership Renewal. Renewal forms for the 2008?09 membership year (September 1?August 31) will be available soon. Make sure to watch your mail and pay your dues early to take advantage of all that TASA has to offer! Join as early as June 1 and begin receiving 2008?09 benefits immediately! Membership dues are the same as last year:

• Active, Superintendent?Percentage of gross annual salary x .004 ($250 minimum dues);
• Active, Other than Superintendent?Percentage of gross annual salary x .003 ($150 minimum dues);
• Associate?$250;
• College/University/State Agency?$75; and
• Student?$50. <Read More>
  

AASA Membership. Effective July 1, dues for AASA Active Members increase to $403 and Associate Members increase to $376. College Professor Members pay $202, one-half the Active Member dues rate. Reminder: You can join or renew your AASA membership on TASA's membership form! Just choose AASA Membership and include the dues amount as part of your total payment. TASA will forward your payment to AASA to activate or renew your membership. If you are a current AASA member, payment of the AASA membership fee will automatically extend your AASA membership one full year from your current renewal date. Membership in AASA connects you to a network of like-minded colleagues, encourages you to exchange ideas and solutions, and gives you access to widely respected leaders in American education today.

TASA School Board Awards
Nomination Deadline: June 30

Proud of your board? Here's how to honor an invaluable partnership: If you?re proud of your board and the work it does on behalf of the children in your district, let everyone know! Nominations are now open for the 2008 TASA Outstanding School Board! TASA created the School Board Awards Program in 1971 to recognize school boards whose dedication and ethical service have made a positive impact on the children of Texas. This is an excellent opportunity to reward your hard-working, dedicated board members with the recognition they deserve. Timeline, Full details, and selection criteria are listed on TASAnet.

Saturday, June 21, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Renaissance Hotel, Austin

Do You Know:

• Your district's "Target Revenue" for school year 2008?09 and beyond
• Your district's Total, Estimated General Fund Revenue for budget purposes in school year 2008?09
• Your district's projected M&O, Compressed, Effective, Rollback, and I&S (if applicable) tax rates for school year 2008?09
• If your district can access the additional 2 "Golden Pennies" in 2008?09
• How to project M&O revenues into the future under HB 1 to determine if such revenues will completely cover inflationary costs without the need for fund balance supplements

If your answer to one or more of these questions is "NO," then you will not want to miss this TASA Budget Boot Camp for superintendents and other school business officials. Register online today, and bring the Required Data Elements AND your laptop computer with wireless Internet capability.
Call for ALI Award Nominations
Nomination Deadline: June 15

Nominations are being sought for two awards to be presented during the Administrative Leadership Institute at the Texas A&M University campus on November 19?20:

• Golden Deeds Award?The nominee for this award may be anyone who has shown commitment to public education through "golden deeds."

• Hoyle Award in Educational Leadership?The nominee for this award must be a professional educator who has made a difference in the lives of youth for the betterment of society.

E-mail a one-page nomination letter explaining why you believe your nominee is worthy of one of these awards. A vita listing their accomplishments and contributions to education is helpful for the selection committee but is not required. Be sure to include your contact information. Nominees should be sent to Dr. Virginia Collier, Associate Clinical Professor, Texas A&M University, at College of Education and Human Development, 4226 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843. The deadline for nominations is June 15.
H-E-B Excellence in Education Award Winners; Aldine and Lackland ISD District Winners

Recognizing the outstanding work of educators in Texas public schools, HEB awarded $380,000 in monetary awards to teachers and principals and their campuses and districts during an awards banquet during the Seventh Annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards Celebration on Sunday, May 4, at the Woodlands Resort and Conference Center. District awards were presented in Large District and Small District categories. The 2008 awards included recognition of two districts as state winners: Aldine ISD, Wanda Bamberg, superintendent (large district category) and Lackland ISD, David Splitek, superintendent (small district category). TASA has worked with H-E-B since the program was established in 2002 to promote this outstanding effort to celebrate and honor outstanding Texas educators. We congratulate the state winners and finalists and join all of the participants in thanking Charles Butt and H-E-B for their unprecedented support of Texas public schools and the educators who serve more than four million students statewide.
2008 National Model School District

Pasadena ISD, under the leadership of TASA member and superintendent Kirk Lewis, has been named the National Model School District for 2008 by the International Center for Leadership in Education. ICLE recognized Pasadena ISD for its ongoing effort to reform the educational program in the district to reflect higher standards and greater rigor in its instruction throughout the system. The district will be recognized at ICLE's Model Schools Conference in Orlando, Florida, in June. The Model Schools Conference is the largest national forum for K?12 educational reform.

AASA Seeks Contributions for "Leadership Lite."
AASA's The School Administrator magazine publishes a back-page humor column called "Leadership Lite," and the editors are eager to solicit stories from superintendents and other administrators for possible use in 2008?09. What the magazine is seeking are short, humorous or offbeat anecdotes (that generally can be told in no more than four or five paragraphs) that relate to some telling aspect of life in educational administration or the day-to-day work in a school district. Anecdotes should be based on the contributor's own experience?something you?ve seen or heard or that's been shared by a colleague?in a school setting, administrative office, school board meeting, educational administration course, etc. Please submit your stories now or down the line to Jay P. Goldman, editor, The School Administrator.

Distinguished Service Award. Distinguished Service Awards are given annually to retired AASA members who exhibit exemplary leadership throughout their careers and who have enhanced the profession of school administration. Retired AASA members who have been members for at least 10 years, have been retired for at least one year, and meet the qualifications may be nominated for this award. Nomination forms become available in June each year. The deadline for accepting nominations is August 31.

NSOTY Program. 2009 National Superintendent of the Year Program applications are now available online for the 22nd year of this program sponsored by ARAMARK Education, ING, and AASA. The program is designed to bring honor to public school superintendents on all levels?local, state, and national. Access the online application for further information. Applications must be postmarked by September 30.

AASA Scholarship Program. 2009 Educational Administration Scholarship applications are now available. Submit your nominations of an outstanding graduate student pursuing school administration for a chance to be awarded a $2,000 scholarship from AASA. Nominations must be postmarked by August 31.
TEA News

Online Tax Information Survey. TEA is in the process of implementing the provisions of House Bill 828 that was passed by the 80th Texas Legislature. This bill authorizes TEA to adjust funding for districts under certain circumstances. In order to comply with the law, TEA is asking districts to complete an online tax information survey. In this survey, TEA asks about changes in local optional homestead exemptions; changes in payments made to Tax Increment Fund (TIF), as authorized in Chapter 311 of the Property Tax Code; and changes in abatements, as authorized by Chapter 312 of the Property Tax Code. In order to determine whether your district is eligible for funding adjustments prior to the near-final settle-up period for the 2007?08 school year, this survey should be completed in a timely manner. Upon completion of the survey, be sure to click on the submit button at the bottom of the form. Please complete the survey no later than July 1.

Proposed Rules on Criminal Background Checks. On May 21, TEA released proposed commissioner's rules relating to criminal background checks of certain contract employees as required by TEC §22.0834, as added by SB 9 during the last legislative session. The statute requires entities that contract with school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, or shared services arrangement (school entities) to provide services to obtain criminal history information for those employees who "have continuing duties related to the contracted services" and "direct contact" with students but fails to define those terms. Additionally, the statute is unclear on what types of contracts and contractors are subject to compliance. The proposed rules reflect and address many concerns raised by groups representing administrators, sports officials, trustees, and other school contractors. TASA is encouraging superintendents to review the proposed rules and provide feedback to TASA governmental relations staff if appropriate.
TRS News

Request for Estimate of Retirement Benefits. TRS has posted a link on its homepage to an online request form to receive an estimate of retirement benefits. TRS members should complete this request if your anticipated retirement date is within five years and you want TRS to calculate your potential benefits. A printed estimate will be mailed to your address of record within 31 days. If you do not plan to retire for five or more years, please refer to the Retirement Estimate Calculator by using the online Retirement Calculator. Note: Submitting this form to TRS does not constitute an application for retirement, nor designation of beneficiary. This form is a request for information only.

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by:

Post Your Vacancies to TASA's Career Center!
The Career Center averages nearly 100,000 visitor sessions per month, and your posting is FREE!
Upcoming Deadlines

TxPEP Learning Coaches
May 9?Application Deadline

TASB Superintendent of the Year Program
May 15?Nomination Deadline

AASA National Conference on Education Presentations
May 15?Submission Deadline

2008 State Board of Education Heroes for Children Award
May 23?Application Deadline

AASA Summer Leadership Institute
May 30?Preregistration Deadline

TEA Character Education Survey
May 30?Completion Deadline

Texas Assessment Conference
June 2?Presentation Applications Deadline

UT/TASA Summer Conference on Education
June 13?Online Registration Deadline

2009 Teacher of the Year Program
June 13?Preliminary Application Deadline
June 27?Final Application Deadline

TASA School Board Awards Program
June 30?Entry Deadline
Upcoming Conferences and Events

Leading Professional Development in Classroom Assessment FOR Learning
May 6?7

Mentoring the Reflective Principal, Session 4
May 15?16

Level 1 Curriculum Management Audit Training
May 20?23

Improved Questioning, Advanced Course
June 9?10

Improved Questioning?Three-Day Training-of-Trainers' Seminar
June 11?13

Level II Curriculum Management Audit Training
June 16?19

TCWSE Annual Conference
June 20?22

UT/TASA Summer Conference on Education
June 22?24

AASA Summer Leadership Institute
July 24?27

2007-2008 Professional
Development Calendar

Editorial Staff
Johnny L. Veselka, Executive Director
Ann Halstead, Assistant Executive Director, Communications and Information Systems
Albert Rivas, Webmaster
Anne Harpe, Graphics Coordinator
Karen Limb, Editorial Coordinator

INTERCHANGE is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Administrators, 406 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701, 512-477-6361, www.TASAnet.org. Subscriptions are included in TASA membership dues. Legislative advertisement paid for by TASA. ©2008 by the Texas Association of School Administrators. All rights reserved. TASA members may reprint articles in limited quantities for in-house educational use.

Texas Leadership Center's CTIP Project
The Texas Leadership Center, a 501(c)(3) organization associated with TASA, has been awarded a grant by the Houston Endowment to develop a cost-effective induction/mentoring model for the professional education community in the state. The model is intended for application as a tool in the professional development of novice Texas teachers, thereby resulting in higher student achievement. Working under the auspices of the Texas Leadership Center, a project team and advisory committee currently are developing the model, the Collaborative Teacher Induction Program?CTIP, over a 15-month period. For more information, contact CTIP Project Director Charles Patterson, TASA Associate Executive Director Susan Holley, or TASA/CTIP Principal Trainer and Designer Dianne Hess.

Online Registration Deadline: June 13
Online Housing Deadline: May 30
This year's Summer Conference has an earlier start time, with no preconference sessions as in previous years. The Conference kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 22, with First General Session Speaker Dr. Ray Perryman, president and CEO of The Perryman Group, a leading economic research and financial analysis firm headquartered in Waco, Texas. Concurrent sessions throughout the conference focus on two of today's most important topics: assessment and accountability. In addition, we'll offer sessions on issues sure to be addressed when the 81st Legislature meets next January. Between sessions, unwind at the Past Presidents Golf Tournament (Monday), and relax at the "Meet the Exhibitors" Open House and Reception (Sunday) and the President's Reception (Monday). Online registration is open through June 13.

Nomination Deadline: June 30
The nomination deadline for TASA's School Board Awards Program is quickly approaching. If your board epitomizes the success that can be achieved when board members, district staff, and community members work together as a team?putting the schoolchildren of the district at the heart of every decision and action?then your board deserves to be nominated as a 2008 Regional Honor Board! School boards nominated for the awards program must have served during the school year immediately preceding the awards program. June 30 is the deadline for turning in your nomination to your regional education service center, so don't delay! Nomination criteria, procedures, and related dates are posted on TASAnet. Important: In order for your district to be eligible for the 2008 School Board Awards Program, your district's superintendent must have been serving in his/her current position at least since July 1, 2006. Recent (2004?2007) Outstanding and Honor Boards also are ineligible for this year's program. <Full List of Recent Outstanding/Honor Boards>

Superintendents, be sure your newly elected board members put the 2008 TASA/TASB Convention on their calendars! The Convention begins in Dallas on Friday, September 26, with a full day of in-depth and breakout sessions plus an Opening Session featuring Sir Ken Robinson, a world-class leader in creativity. Saturday's General Session speaker is Christopher Gardner, an avid motivational speaker who addresses the keys to self-empowerment, beating odds, and breaking cycles, and who inspired the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, portrayed by Will Smith. The Convention wraps up on Sunday morning with John Walsh, television host and victims' rights advocate, who has dedicated himself to fighting on behalf of children and all crime victims. The Convention offers school board members and school administrators the opportunity to earn more than 16 hours of continuing education credit, hear outstanding keynote speakers to keep you informed and engaged, explore a tradeshow with hundreds of exhibitors, and network with more than 6,000 public school officials! Three full days of professional development opportunities at one great price! Registration and online housing open on June 16.

First- or second-year superintendents who are eager for a dynamic leadership experience should plan now to attend the 2008?09 First-time Superintendents' Academy being held at the Marriott Austin North Hotel in Round Rock; first session is September 17?18. Experienced superintendents and other educators who share useful insights as practitioners lead the provocative, interactive academy sessions. More information about this four-session academy, also available as individual sessions, can be found on TASAnet. Registration opens June 2.
2008 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards Finalists
H-E-B has announced 40 Texas educators and 8 school districts that have been selected as finalists in the 2008 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. The finalists were chosen for their commitment to Texas children and their community. The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards is the state's largest monetary recognition program for Texas educators. All the finalists will now compete on a statewide level for larger cash prizes. The competition will be held in Houston May 2?3 with the awards celebration taking place on May 4 at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center. At the celebration, 10 grand prize winners will be announced and awarded cash prizes totaling more than $500,000. TASA has worked with H-E-B since the program was established in 2002 to promote this outstanding effort to celebrate and honor outstanding Texas educators. <Full List of All Finalists>

TxPEP Learning Coaches for 2008?09 School Year
Application Deadline: May 9
The Texas Principal Excellence Program (TxPEP) is seeking current and recently retired principals, as well as current and retired central office administrators with a successful track record of leading schools to improved academic results, to serve as Learning Coaches. All TxPEP coaches must have experience as a principal. The TxPEP Learning Coach provides support to a TxPEP Learning Network (TLN) of 5?10 principals engaged in building their leadership capacities and management skills throughout the 2008?09 school year. For more information on the TxPEP program or to apply as a TxPEP Learning Coach, go to the TxPEP Web site.

TEA Character Education Survey
Completion Deadline: May 30
In order to gather data required by TEC §29.909(e), an electronic Character Education Survey has been made available for your completion by May 30.  Each year TEA will designate as a Character Plus School every school that provides a program that meets the criteria and is approved by a committee as defined in law. Character Plus Schools will be designated by TEA by August 29, and a comprehensive list of Character Plus Schools will be posted online. Data reflecting the impact of the character education program on student discipline and academic achievement are required to be reported annually and will appear in the Agency's Comprehensive Annual Report.
Best of Texas Awards
TASA Past President Dawson Orr (2003?04), superintendent, Wichita Falls ISD, has been recognized by the Communities In Schools State Advisory Committee as Superintendent of the Year, along with 10 other individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and support of the CIS program. Every year, hundreds of individuals volunteer their time and effort towards the Communities In Schools (CIS) program, an exemplary dropout prevention program administered by the Texas Education Agency. These individuals contribute in various ways towards a common goal: keeping Texas youth in school and better prepared for a post-secondary education. This is the seventh year that CIS has recognized outstanding contributions by unique individuals.
Technology News

CoSN New Leadership Initiative. TASA is pleased to announce its participation in an exciting and innovative new leadership initiative?Empowering the 21st Century Superintendent?launched in early April by the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN). The new CoSN effort, joined also by the Colorado and North Carolina administrator associations, provides superintendents with the latest tools and resources they need to understand the transformative role of education technology, and lays out a blueprint for technology leadership and action. The initiative is designed to help superintendents build their knowledge and skills to become more effective, visionary technology leaders in their communities. An advisory committee of superintendents provided direction for the initiative and CoSN conducted focus groups and personal interviews to help develop a robust set of resources for superintendents. (See four-minute video that features superintendents?including Annette Griffin, Carrollton-Farmer's Branch ISD, and Hector Montenegro, Arlington ISD?sharing personal thoughts about their own roles as catalysts for 21st century learning.)

TASA/School Improvement Network Partnership. The School Improvement Network is pleased to offer all TASA members a free 30-day personal license to PD 360, a Web-based library that puts hundreds of searchable video segments at the fingertips of teachers and administrators and empowers them to find instant answers and individualized support on the topics most relevant to Texas educators. Video segments present real best-practice classroom examples and feature more than 65 top experts, like Michael Fullan, Rick DuFour, Doug Reeves, and Rick Stiggins. To receive your license, go to www.pd360.com. Click on Begin Registration Now and enter your information. Use referral code "TASA Daily" to activate your license. See which Texas districts are already using PD 360.

New TEA Web Portals. TEA's Web site has taken the first step toward providing information through a system of Web portals. The general public now has access to seven new Web portals, which offer the agency's wealth of content in categories defined by audiences and users. The portals provide information for educators, superintendents, parents, students, and the news media. A sixth portal will be home to the agency's databases of information, and the seventh portal will serve ultimately as the home page once a staged conversion to the new portal system is complete.

AASA Names Daniel A. Domenech as New Executive Director. AASA has announced the selection of Daniel A. Domenech as the association's new executive director. A native of Cuba, 29-year member, and past president of AASA, Domenech succeeds Paul D. Houston, who will retire on June 30 after leading AASA as executive director for 14 years. Domenech will begin his new role on July 1. He is currently senior vice president and head of the Urban Advisory Resource for McGraw-Hill Education. In this role, he is responsible for building strong relationships with large school districts nationwide and increasing awareness of McGraw-Hill's educational programs and services.  TASA Executive Director Johnny Veselka was pleased with AASA's choice for its new executive director. "I've had the pleasure of working with Dan for more than 10 years. He is an outstanding educator who will bring very special qualities to the leadership of AASA. We're looking forward to working with him on matters of mutual concern to TASA and AASA."

AASA Summer Leadership Institute (July 24?27 ? Renaissance Grand Hotel ? St. Louis, Missouri).
Meet with school system leaders who have discovered solutions to your most stubborn leadership dilemmas. Expand your network and leadership skills at the 2008 AASA Summer Leadership Institute in July. See details. Put this outstanding event on your leadership team's summer calendar, and register by May 30 to save $75!

2009 National Conference on Education Call for Presentations. AASA is seeking "best of the best" presenters to engage attendees in dialogue about cutting-edge trends, issues, and solutions to prepare our children for the future. Presenters will help attendees increase their leadership skills and professional competence, provide an exchange of ideas and solutions, and help attendees to address controversial issues facing today's educators. Be a part of the National Conference on Education's community of learning to help America's public education leaders improve the quality of education for all children! Submission deadline: May 15. Submit a presentation.

This issue of Interchange is sponsored by: