AESA

10/09/2026

⏰ Days left to speak up for E-Rate.

The FCC’s October 13 public comment deadline is almost here.

If your ESA hasn’t submitted comments yet, now is the time. Share what E-Rate means for the schools, students, and communities you serve.

Then, encourage your districts and superintendents to add their voices, too. Firsthand examples from local education leaders matter.

🔗 Resources and action steps: https://erate.aasa.org/

DAYS LEFT. Let’s make them count.

10/08/2026

🚨 New Study: Cutting E-Rate Could Cost the U.S. Economy $4.2 Billion a Year

A new study released today by the SHLB Coalition finds that for every $1 cut from E-Rate, the U.S. economy could lose approximately $1.60 in economic activity.

As AESA Executive Director Dr. Joan Wade emphasized, reducing E-Rate funding won't reduce the need for internet connectivity. It will shift costs onto schools and the educational service agencies that support them.

AESA is proud to support this important research!

📣 The FCC's public comment deadline is October 13! Help protect affordable internet access for schools and students.

👉 Read the report

The SHLB Coalition advocates for policies and programs that enable anchor institutions to obtain and promote open, secure, high-quality broadband services to support connectivity and opportunity for all.

10/08/2026

AESA is at in Arlington, VA this week! COO Sheila Severson King is joining education, library, and health care leaders to discuss broadband access and policy, with E-Rate front and center.

AESA’s Noelle Ellerson Ng also joined the panel, “Too Much Tech? How the FCC Is Entering the Screen Time Debate.”

Strong connectivity matters for the schools and communities we serve. Keep advocating for E-Rate: erate.aasa.org

10/08/2026

This is international professional learning, not simply international travel.

AESA Global Educators Field Studies give educators firsthand exposure to other education systems, cultures and approaches, with one purpose in mind: bring new ideas and perspective back to the students, schools and communities you serve.

🇵🇹 Portugal
June 23–July 2, 2027
https://www.aesa.us/portugal-2027/

or
🇰🇷 South Korea
June 23–July 2, 2027
https://www.aesa.us/southkorea-2027/

Register by November 15.
Jason Hiruo

10/07/2026

AESA’s Central Region leaders are gathering in Fargo, North Dakota! 🌟

The 2026 Central Region Symposium brings ESA leaders from across the Heartland together to share state perspectives, talk through common challenges and opportunities, and learn from one another.

With leaders representing North Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, and Illinois, these two days are all about connection, collaboration, and strengthening the ESA community.

We’re glad to have our Central Region together!
Joan Wade

10/07/2026

🎧 Have you been catching our audio overviews of AESA Online News?

Each week, you can listen to a quick overview of the newsletter when you don’t have time to sit down and read the full issue.

You’ll find the audio link right at the top of each week’s newsletter.

🔊 Catch this week’s AESA Online News audio overview:
https://notebook.google.com/notebook/221f53c9-e42c-49f6-a3b6-bff85e11015a/artifact/031b9315-a49f-4581-9314-38c8a0353e93

Listen on your commute, between meetings, or whenever it works for you!

10/07/2026

📣 Executive Assistants: Your AESA Network kicks off tomorrow!

The AESA Executive Assistant to the CEO Network brings EAs from across the country together to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another.

Facilitated by AESA Chief of Staff Ann Fiene, the network kicks off tomorrow, October 7, at 12:00 p.m. ET with Not So Scary New Employee Onboarding 👻, a practical session filled with ideas for making the onboarding process more welcoming, organized, and manageable.

There’s still time to join and be part of tomorrow’s conversation!

👉 Join the network: https://members.aesa.us/ap/Events/Register/zBF6qNBcgCACR

Ann Hazen-Fiene

10/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the 2026 AESA National Award recipients!

AESA is proud to recognize these outstanding leaders for their leadership, service, innovation, and impact:

🏆 Excellence in Executive Leadership: Cliff Carmody, SWWC Service Cooperative (MN)

🏆 Outstanding Individual Achievement: Michael Fine, Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team, California County Superintendents (CA)

🏆 Outstanding Achievement in ESA Writing & Research: Elizabeth Radday, EdAdvance (CT)

🏆 Exemplary Service & Innovation for Technological Advancement: Jenna Cooper, Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC), and Darlene Kennedy, Northern Indiana Educational Services Center (IN)

🏆 Women of Inspiration in Leadership: Daveda Colbert, Wayne RESA (MI)

We look forward to celebrating these remarkable leaders at the 2026 AESA Annual Conference & Expo in Orlando!

Learn more and join us: https://www.aesa.us/annual-conference/

10/06/2026

📸 A few snapshots from Louisville!

The 2026-27 AESA Academy for Women Leaders is officially underway. This week, an incredible group of women from across the ESA community came together for their in-person kickoff to connect, learn, reflect, and grow as leaders.

This is just the beginning of their journey together, and we’re excited to see the relationships, ideas, and leadership that grow from this experience throughout the year.

A special thank you to Karen Goldstein, who is leading this year’s Academy, and to everyone who made the trip to Louisville!

Joan Wade Ann Hazen-Fiene

10/06/2026

What’s ahead for education policy in 2027? 🏛️

The September AESA State Examiner looks at the trends ESAs should be watching as states prepare for the next legislative session.

Plus, find a new Post-Election Transition Toolkit with practical resources to help your ESA connect with newly elected policymakers and prepare for what’s next.

📖 Read the latest issue: https://www.aesa.us/2026/10/05/sept-2026-aesa-state-examiner/