National Association of Federally Impacted Schools

NAFIS honored Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with a special recognition award at the 2022 NAFIS Fall Conference for her outstanding achievements in increasing student internet connectivity.

Many Impact Aid school districts experience challenges regarding student and educator internet access at home, an issue that became increasingly urgent with the shift to virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairwoman Rosenworcel coined the phrase “the homework gap," raising visibility on the issue well before the pandemic. Due in large part to her dedication and perseverance, there has been growing recognition among policymakers of the need to address the homework gap, and substantial funds were allotted for this purpose in COVID relief and other bills. As a result, many school districts – including many NAFIS members – have been able to implement creative solutions to connect students, educators, and families at home.

The NAFIS Family congratulates Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel on her achievements and thanks her for her continued dedication to this cause.

Read our press release:https://www.nafisdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NAFIS-Honors-FCC-Chairwoman-Jessica-Rosenworcel.pdf

NAFIS was proud to recognize the late Jeff Limore with the Friend of NAFIS Award at the 2022 NAFIS Fall Conference. The award was accepted by his wife Shelley Limore.

Jeff, who passed away in June, was a national leader in advocating for school districts that receive Impact Aid. He served on the NAFIS Board of Directors for six years, representing Region V (Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah). He was a longstanding member of the National Indian Impacted Schools Association (NIISA) Executive Board, serving as Past President at the time of his passing. He also served on the Oklahoma Association Serving Impacted Schools (OASIS) Board of Directors.

A citizen of the Cherokee Nation deeply committed to the students and staff in his community, Jeff also embraced his role as a champion for all students in federally impacted school districts and worked to ensure they have access to the educational opportunities and resources they deserve. Recognizing the unique context in which Oklahoma Impact Aid school districts operate, he strove to elevate the state’s voice on the program at the federal level.

Read our press release:https://www.nafisdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Late-Dahlonegah-Superintendent-Jeff-Limore-Honored-for-Contributions-to-Impact-Aid.pdf

Thanks to Clover Park School District and the entire Washington state delegation for your strong advocacy for Impact Aid this week!

It was a great Day 2 at the NAFIS Fall Conference, including remarks by Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten! We are so grateful to her for speaking and to all who are joining us. Good luck tomorrow on Capitol Hill!

The first day of the 2022 NAFIS Fall Conference is in the books! Thanks to all who are joining us - we look forward to another great day tomorrow!

If you plan to attend the 2022 NAFIS Fall Conference and have not yet registered, be sure to do so today! Conference registration closes tonight (September 9, 2022) at 11:59PM ET, and walk-ins will be charged an additional $100.

NAFIS is thrilled to announce that Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten will speak during the Second General Session. She will discuss the Administration's current education priorities as well as her experience leading an Impact Aid school district.

We also excited to hear from FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, The Washington Post's Paul Kane; Impact Aid Office Director Faatimah Muhammad; and association leaders on the future of public education. In addition, we are pleased to present breakout sessions on a variety of timely topics, including cybersecurity, trauma informed education, the Impact Aid application and the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions on public schools. Find full session descriptions and speaker information on the conference registration website. https://web.cvent.com/event/caa213b7-cbd3-4346-a128-7b99faef9526/summary

NAFIS Executive Director Nicole Russell had a great time in Oklahoma last week, connecting with federally impacted school districts and discussing the importance of Impact Aid. Thank you OASIS for organizing!

Thank you NAFIS Executive Director Nicole Russell for joining us at the OSSBA/CCOSA conference.

Getting excited for the NAFIS Fall Conference! Director of Operations & Conference Services Lynn Watkins and Communications Director Anne O'Brien checked out our space at the Hyatt this week as conference prep continues.

We look forward to seeing the NAFIS Family in DC September18-20. Learn more about the conference and register at https://bit.ly/3zICbF2.

Executive Director Nicole Russell took advantage of her time in Chicagoland for the July NAFIS Board meeting to tour two federally impacted school districts.

She joined NAFIS President Tom Schneider, superintendent of Burr Ridge Community Consolidated School District 180 (IL), for a tour of the city. The district receives Section 7002 Federal Property funds due to the presence of Argonne National Laboratory. She also saw construction of a new addition to Burr Ridge Middle School, a prime example of a successful project using Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) dollars.

Nicole also joined North Chicago School District 187 (IL) Superintendent John Price, Executive Director of Finance & Operations Greg Volan, Chief Academic Officer Ana Fuhrer and Principal Cara Kranz to tour Forrestal Elementary School and Naval Station Great Lakes. Located on over 1,600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, NSGL is the Navy's largest training installation. It supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation. While there, Nicole and district leaders met with Capt. Jason Williamson, NSGL Commanding Officer, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of educating military children.

NAFIS appreciates the opportunity to visit federally impacted school districts and learn more about their unique contexts and needs, making us stronger advocates for the children they serve. Thank you to Burr Ridge and North Chicago for hosting!

The National Indian Impacted Schools Association Board of Directors met last week in Santa Fe to conduct business, share information and discuss efforts to advance Impact Aid. NAFIS Executive Director Nicole Russell participated to meet leaders in the NIISA community and learn more about issues impacting schools that serve students residing on Indian lands. Events such as this make NAFIS staff better advocates, as we bring what we learn to policymakers to illustrate the critical role that Impact Aid plays in school districts across the country.

Thank you to the NIISA Board for hosting us and for your hard work!

Join us! Registration is open for the 2022 NAFIS Fall Conference, which will be held September 18-20 in Washington, DC.

Our conference theme is "Rising to New Possibilities," looking to the future as we emerge from the global pandemic. Individually and collectively, we are taking what we have learned over the past two years and exploring the possibilities that come with changes in technology and social norms. School districts are reimagining teaching and learning. NAFIS is exploring new ways to work and advocate. And together, we will see what possibilities arise from the midterm elections, which will bring a new Congress in January. Learn more and register at https://web.cvent.com/event/caa213b7-cbd3-4346-a128-7b99faef9526/summary

ICYMI: 42 Senators signed a "Dear Colleague" letter supporting strong & continued funding for Impact Aid for FY23! The letter makes clear the strong bipartisan support for the program. Read it athttps://www.nafisdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/FY23-Impact-Aid-LHHSE-Letter-Final.pdf

The official photos are in from Dr. Jill Biden and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona's visit to K**b Noster Public Schools (MO, a member of the ) for a Month of the Military Child celebration in April! During the event, Secretary Cardona noted the importance of Impact Aid for federally impacted school districts like K**b Noster, saying, "You have an ally at the Department of Education."

NAFIS Executive Director Nicole Russell, Board Vice-President Keith Mispagel and Board Member Helen Payne were all special guests at the event and were each photographed with the First Lady and Secretary. Thanks again to K**b Noster for hosting and for all you do to support military connected students!

Kyle Fairbairn, executive director of the Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA), visited California's Sierra Sands Unified School District and Silver Valley Unified School District last week. During the visits, he toured several school buildings.

At Sierra Sands, Fairbairn saw new and modernized facilities made possible by the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) grant program. The district's comprehensive high school, Sherman E. Burroughs High School, received extensive modernization and now features state of the art classrooms (pictured). In addition, one of the district's oldest schools, Murray Middle School, was newly built five years ago. Next, the district will break ground on a new Richmond Elementary School.

MISA is a key member of the NAFIS Family, along with the Federal Lands Impacted Schools Association (FLISA), National Indian Impacted Schools Association (NIISA) and Mid-to-Low LOT Schools (MTLLS). Together, these organizations work to strengthen Impact Aid for all constituencies that the program serves. Site visits help organizational leaders better understand the issues school districts face every day and improve advocacy for the program. Thank you to Sierra Sands and Silver Valley for hosting, and NAFIS looks forward to conducting more visits as we resume travel in the coming months!

School Violence Resources

NAFIS joins the community of Uvalde and the nation in mourning the 19 children and two educators killed in a shooting at Robb Elementary School yesterday. It is the 27th school shooting this year, according to Education Week data. We implore our policymakers to take action to end this senseless violence.

The National Association of School Psychologists offers resources to help educators and administrators support students and families as they cope with school violence. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources

School Violence Resources These resources were developed to help educators and administrators support students and families cope with bullying and school violence.

Take Action! If you have not already done so, please urge your Senators to sign the Impact Aid "Dear Colleague" letter, which asks the appropriations committee to provide "strong and continued" funding for Impact Aid in FY23 and illustrates the importance of the program.

Please act quickly - the deadline for Senators to sign on is May 17. Your Senators' signatures can help us show the strong bipartisan support for Impact Aid.

Visit the NAFIS Action Center at https://www.nafisdc.org/take-action/ to access our template e-mail, which you can personalize or send as-is.

Great news! A total 85 Representatives signed a bipartisan "Dear Colleague" letter supporting an investment in Impact Aid for FY23. The letter calls for strong and continued funding for all line items of the Impact Aid Program to ensure all federally impacted school districts can provide quality education.

Thank you for reaching out to your Representatives to get them to sign on - "Dear Colleague" letters signal priorities to the appropriations committee, and this year's letter makes clear the strong bipartisan support for the program!

Congratulations to NAFIS Board Member Trista Olney for this incredible honor!

DSD Business Manager Trista Olney (right) has been named the South Dakota Association of School Business Officials (SDASBO) 2022 Outstanding School Business Official!

“For the past 18 years, Trista’s expertise and leadership have played an integral role in the growth and success of the Douglas School District,” said Kristi Lewis, President of SDASBO.“This award is a testament to the dedication and commitment that Trista has displayed throughout her career.”

Douglas School District Board President Cathleen Melenedez, states, “Trista displays her knowledge, integrity, commitment and moral character on a daily basis. She is trustworthy and always has answers for the Board when asked. We turn to her for advice on every decision that involves the District’s monetary assets.”

We are so lucky to have you, Trista!

Happy First Day to our new Executive Director, Nicole Russell (pictured on right)! She's getting set up in the office with John Forkenbrock, who most recently served as Interim Executive Director, and Lynn Watkins, NAFIS Director of Operations & Conference Services.

Want to get to know Nicole? Check out our interview with her, which was published last week in IMPACT -https://www.nafisdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/GettoKnowNewEDNicoleRussell.pdf

And join us in welcoming Nicole to NAFIS!

NAFIS is hard at work advocating for Impact Aid! For FY23, we are asking Congress for at least a $57 million increase - $2 million for Federal Property and $55 million for Basic Support. Read our letter to congressional leaders:https://www.nafisdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FY23-NAFIS-Appropriations-Request.pdf

Take Action! If you have not already done so, please urge your Representative to sign the House Impact Aid "Dear Colleague" letter, which asks the appropriations committee to provide "strong and robust" funding for Impact Aid in FY23 and illustrates the importance of the program.

Please act quickly - the deadline for Representatives to sign on is April 21. Your Representative's signature can help us show the strong bipartisan support for the program.

Visit the NAFIS Action Center at https://www.nafisdc.org/take-action/ to access our template e-mail, which you can personalize or send as-is.

Congratulations to K**b Noster Public Schools on this incredible honor! K**b Noster is a prime example of how collaboration between a community and a military installation, Whiteman Air Force Base, can foster success for military connected students.

Incoming NAFIS Executive Director Nicole Russell, Board Vice-President Keith Mispagel and Board Member Helen Payne were special guests at the event and attended a meet and greet with Dr. Biden and Secretary Cardona. During his remarks, Secretary Cardona noted the importance of Impact Aid for federally impacted school districts like K**b Noster, saying, "You have an ally at the Department of Education."

Thank you, K**b Noster, for hosting this event and for all you do to support military families and students!

The NAFIS Board of Directors has named Nicole Russell as the next NAFIS Executive Director. Her first official day will be May 2, 2022.

Russell has 14 years of Capitol Hill, federal lobbying, corporate communications and nonprofit experience in government relations, specializing in education policy. Most recently, she served as the Government Relations Deputy Director at the National Military Family Association, where her policy portfolio included K-12 education and childcare. In 2021, she was elected co-chair of the Military Coalition’s Personnel Committee, which maintains Impact Aid funding as a top legislative policy goal. She also served as an ex-officio member of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission 2020-2022.

Read the announcement at bit.ly/3r9jUvP, and join us in welcoming Nicole to the !

April is the Month of the Military Child! Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission - MIC3's "Purple Up!" toolkit has resources to help raise awareness and ideas to help you celebrate. https://mic3.net/motmc/

Need some ideas on how to celebrate Month of the Military Child? Our Month of the Military Child ! Toolkit has celebration ideas as well as all you need to promote . Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3rAtMOS

The President's FY23 budget request has been released. Overall, education funding got a significant increase - especially Title I ($19 billion increase), IDEA ($2.9 billion) and mental health ($1 billion).

However, Impact Aid sees a $16 million cut. This is somewhat of an "artificial cut," as the President’s budget was based on FY21 levels and Congress provided increases for FY22 that now create a decrease between the 2022 enacted level and the 2023 request. The Administration does not intend to push for a 2023 requested level that inadvertently is lower than 2022 enacted.

NAFIS is closely monitoring this situation as we look to secure a significant INCREASE for Impact Aid for FY23. We are continuing our advocacy work and will be calling on the NAFIS Family to ensure Congress understands the importance of the Impact Aid program and the need for increased funds for the coming year!

At the 2022 NAFIS Spring Conference, Ray Proctor was honored with the Virginia Allred Stacey Founders Award - the highest that NAFIS offers - for his contributions to Impact Aid.

Proctor was involved with Impact Aid and NAFIS for over 28 years during his time as Associate Superintendent of Business Services at Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (CA). He served on the NAFIS Board of Directors for 12 years, including several terms as Treasurer, and on the Board of Directors of the Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA). And he was the catalyst behind the NAFIS Data Verification Group (DVG) over 20 years ago, which he chaired until his retirement.

The entire NAFIS Family joins together in thanking Ray Proctor for his work to strengthen and protect Impact Aid. Read the press release:https://www.nafisdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ray-Proctor-Honored-for-Contributions-to-Impact-Aid.pdf

Yesterday, Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act in the Senate!

NAFIS strongly supports this legislation, which would establish a five-year glidepath to full funding. A similar bill was introduced last year in the House by Reps. Levin (D-CA) and Young (R-AK). That legislation (H.R. 5255) would fully fund Section 7003 Basic Support, provide a proportional increase to Section 7002 Federal Property, and increase the Section 7003(d) Children with Disabilities payment to approximately $2,000 per student (or $1,000 for an off-base military student) over five years. The House version currently has 33 bipartisan co-sponsors.

The Senate bill adds an annual $3.25 million increase for the Impact Aid School Construction program.

Read the press release on the Senate bill: https://www.lujan.senate.gov/press-releases/lujan-inhofe-gillibrand-tillis-introduce-legislation-to-support-our-schools-by-advancing-toward-full-impact-aid-funding/