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2009 AESD Conference

The 2009 AESD Conference “Beyond the Blues,” hosted by ESD 123, was held April 16-19 in Walla Walla at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. This quality conference was well attended by ESD Board members and staff. Many of those who attended shared their experience and expertise as presenters.

The "Swingin Singers," (left) directed by Mrs. ReNae Davis, music teacher in College Place School District, provided lively entertainment for the conference. For more details about the conference, see 2009 AESD Conference. To see pictures from the conference, see AESD Conference slide show.

NOW is the Time!

The next AESD Conference is scheduled April 22-24, 2010 in Vancouver and will be hosted by ESD 112. The theme is “Now is the Time.” Planning for the conference is already off to a great start and we hope you can all attend!

See NOW is the Time for a musical PowerPoint slideshow that includes a preview of the conference. Look for more information in January 2010!

ESD 40th Anniversary

ESD Anniversary Video

June 30 AESD Executive Board Meeting

The summer meeting of the AESD Executive Board, followed by a brief ESD Coordinating Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel-City Center, in Spokane. The meeting will begin with a buffet luncheon at 12:30 p.m., followed by the business meeting at 1:00 p.m. Directions to the Spokane Doubletree Hotel are here: http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/SPCC-DT-Doubletree-Hotel-Spokane-City-Center-Washington/directions.do

The ESD Superintendents will join the AESD Executive Board during the 12:30 luncheon. It is anticipated the meeting will conclude around 3:00 p.m. For your review are the draft Agenda and minutes from the April 16, 2009 meeting. Also see ESD Coordinating Board minutes. Other materials will be available at the meeting.

Tom Kelly, former AESD Liaison, loses battle with cancer

We are sad to announce that Tom Kelly, former AESD Legislative Liaison, lost his battle with cancer on May 5, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rae Ann, daughter Laura and family and son TJ and family.

Tom served in the U.S. Army for 30 years and retired in 1996 as a full Colonel of Infantry. He served in many regions of the US and in several foreign countries, including Vietnam. He earned 3 Silver Stars, 2 Legions of Merit, 3 Bronze Stars for Valor, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

After retirement from the Army, Tom entered K-12 education as an administrator, serving first at OSPI, then as Superintendent of North Mason School District. Tom was AESD Legislative Liaison, along with Jim Shoemake, following Norm Wisner’s retirement.

Tom said in a final message, “I am grateful for the many opportunities the Good Lord has provided me. My life was exciting and fun. I met and enjoyed many people, from many cultures in many countries. God provided me a wonderful family who brought me great joy. My wife Rae Ann is a wonderful strong woman who is my best friend. I extend my thanks to all those with whom I have had the pleasure of being involved with over the many years. God has been good to me and my family.”

AESD President's Message

By Brad Gingerich, ESD 123

It is an honor to be your president this year. As most of you know, this is not my first time in this position. The changes and improvements that have occurred over the years to the ESDs continue to impress me. I believe that our boards and superintendents are special to the educational system, as are the ESDs in general.

ESDs are currently working hard to create a system that will better serve the state, the districts and the kids of Washington State. We have the responsibility to provide the best cost effective services and leadership to all of our customers. The current financial situation has put stress on all elements of education. Kudos for the hard work done by our legislative team, superintendents, board members and staff to minimize the effects of funding cuts.

ESDs are in a position to provide the services that many school districts critically need to continue to provide basic quality education to all of our kids.

Our challenge for this year is to keep our ESDs healthy so we can provide what is needed for kids. We must continue to move forward to develop our statewide networks. We all need to make contacts and work with our legislators to show we are the “best deal around.” Everyone will continue to be asked to try to save and become more efficient.

The potential for ESDs to support education continues to grow, because of the hard work and dedication by all involved. It is going to be an exciting and challenging year for everyone involved with ESDs.

I hope you all have a safe and great summer!

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