ADE Summit 2025: Full Schedule

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10:20am CDT

Arkansas Digital Sandbox - Get to know the New User Interface

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

The Digital Sandbox is getting a fresh new look! Join us to tour the new UI and see how you can access your favorite tools. All functionalities of the system are the same, but updates to MediaSpot and SmartSpot (now called Insights) are just a few of the enhancements you can look forward to!

Speakers

Randi Tolentino

Director of Customer Success, Arkansas Digital Sandbox (MyVideoSpot)

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Operations

10:20am CDT

From Data to Dialogue: Enhancing Communication at the District During State Reporting

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

In this session, eSchool System Administrators will share their district’s best practices and strategies for effective communication during the state reporting cycle. Attendees will gain insights into how districts collaborate to validate data, ensuring accuracy throughout the process.

Speakers

Lana Etheredge

Student Information Systems Administrator, Bentonville Schools

Pam Carter

Data Systems Manager, Cabot Public Schools

Krystal Wheat

System Administrator & DTC, Siloam Springs School District

Debbie Featherston

APSCN Field Analyst, ADE

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Operations, Data

10:20am CDT

Mastering Legislative Audits: Navigating Compliance and Best Practices

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Exhibit Hall B

This training provides school administrators, financial officers, and staff with a comprehensive understanding of legislative audits and their critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance. Participants will learn how to prepare for and navigate the legislative audit process, understand the key components auditors focus on, and explore best practices for maintaining accurate records. This session will also highlight common audit challenges, how to address them, and strategies for continuous improvement. By the end, attendees will be equipped to confidently handle legislative audits and ensure their school’s financial and operational integrity.

Speakers

Matt Fink

Deputy Legislative Auditor, Arkansas Legislative Audit

ALA Summit Presentation 2025 pdf

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition

10:20am CDT

New Cycle Coordinators Session

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

This session is tailored for NEW SIS Coordinators to provide an in-depth understanding of their responsibilities, available resources, communication importance, and to learn about the SIS system and the state reporting process.

Speakers

Reshmi Jose

Jessica Bowman

APSCN Field Analyst, Arkansas Dept of Education

2025 New Cycle Coordinator PDF pdf

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Operations, Data

10:20am CDT

Performance Frameworks Academics, Finances and Operations

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

Explore how Arkansas’s new charter school performance frameworks will shape oversight and accountability. This session will dive into the tools and indicators used to assess academic outcomes, financial sustainability, and operational quality—ensuring schools stay aligned with their mission and meet high standards.

Speakers

Darrell Smith

Assistant Commissioner of School Choice & Parent Empowerment, Arkansas Department of Education

Darrell Smith has been involved in education for over 30 years. He spent almost 20 years in Arkansas serving as a teacher, principal, and administrator, helping to lead one of the largest private schools in the country to National Blue Ribbon status. He has recently led a number of... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Operations

11:40am CDT

Recruiting, Enrolling, Budgeting and Reporting Charter Students

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

Student success is at the heart of every charter school’s mission—but sustainability depends on more than just great instruction. In this session, participants will explore best practices for student recruitment and enrollment, learn how to align budgeting with enrollment trends, and understand the key reporting requirements that support transparency and compliance. Whether you’re launching a new school or strengthening an existing one, this session will equip you with strategies to ensure your school remains financially sound and student-centered.

Speakers

Jim Goenner

National Charter Schools Institute

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations

11:40am CDT

School Safety Trends & Critical Incident Debriefs: Lessons from Parkland, Uvalde, and Beyond

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

Dr. May and Jerry Keefer will discuss evolving trends in school safety and a critical examination of high-profile school shootings. This session will provide detailed debriefs of the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas—analyzing key failures, emergency response outcomes, and systemic gaps revealed through official investigations.

Key Takeaways:

Understand the timeline and critical response elements in the Parkland and Uvalde incidents
Identify key safety and communication challenges highlighted in post-incident reviews
Examine recent trends and data in school-based violence and active shooter events
Discuss proactive strategies for improving school emergency preparedness and threat assessment

Speakers

Cheryl May

Director, Criminal Justice Institute-University of Arkansas System

Dr. Cheryl P. May is the Director of the Criminal Justice Institute (CJI), its National Center for Rural Law Enforcement (NCRLE) and Arkansas Center for School Safety. She was appointed Director on July 1, 2010. She has served and been an advocate for the Arkansas law enforcement... Read More →

Jerry Keefer

Arkansas Safe Schools Director, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Prior to joining ADE, Keefer worked as a special agent in charge of the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office since 2020. During that time, he supervised various units including the Executive Protection Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Investigations Unit, and Digital Forensics... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, School Safety

11:40am CDT

State Reporting SIS Updates

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

SIS Coordinators! this session we will discuss the features of the state reporting system (SIS) and discuss how the features can be utliized in the state reporting process.

Speakers

Reshmi Jose

Monte Harrison

State System Administrator, DESE Office of Information Technology

SIS Team

Jeff Cantwell

System Administrator, ADE DESE

SIS / Notice of Intent

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Data

11:40am CDT

USDA Foods Unpacked: Optimizing USDA Foods in Your School Nutrition Program

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

In this session attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of USDA Foods for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). USDA Foods offer a wide variety of nutritious, cost-effective options. This session will provide the participant with an understanding of:

PAL Vs. Entitlement
Surveys
Direct Delivery Orders – Schools vs. State Warehouse
DoD Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Processing

Speakers

Jim Ponzini

Program Administrator - Food Distribution Unit, AR Department of Education

USDA Food Distribution for the State of Arkansas

Patricia Ellison

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition

11:40am CDT

What's behind the score?: School Rating Revised Formula

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

As educators, understanding that the A to F grading system serves as a vital tool for gauging school performance and driving improvement initiatives is critical. It is with great pleasure that ADE announces significant enhancements to this system, aimed at fostering a more simplified approach to assessing our schools' achievements.

Speakers

Hope Worsham

Asst. Commissioner of Public School Accountability, DESE

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Accountability

Tag Beginning Administrator

11:40am CDT

A Pound of Prevention: From Data Entry to State Reporting

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 1:40pm CDT

TBA

This session will give guidance on frequent data entry errors in the eSchoolPLUS system, which can impact the accuracy of data used for state reporting and other state systems. It offers direction for best practice and procedures of data entry to prevent errors that can have a negative effect on a district and how to solve the errors, if they do occur. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Speakers

Lynda Burt

Information System Business Analyst, ADE/APSCN

My employment under APSCN began in 1997. I enjoy assisting districts with issues they may be having with eSchool, Cognos, and/or State Reporting. A couple of my duties are to create/edit eSchool documentation and to test state reporting cycles. I find these challenging and like to... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 1:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Data

1:00pm CDT

Governing for Greatness Responsibilities of Charter Boards

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

Great governance is the backbone of high-performing charter schools. Whether you’re a board member or support a board, this session will provide a clear understanding of board responsibilities, legal duties, and strategic oversight. Discover how strong boards elevate schools and inspire excellence.

Speakers

Jim Goenner

National Charter Schools Institute

Alyson Murphy

National Charter Schools Institute

Freddie Scott

Engagement Operations Manager, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Freddie Scott has a varied career that spans more than thirty years of team building and professional services marketing encompassing education, health, technology, and entrepreneurship consulting. Freddie was recently inducted into the 2023 class of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Operations

1:00pm CDT

Partnering for Success: State Classroom Inspections & Support"

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

Provides educators, administrators, and school staff with a comprehensive understanding of state classroom inspections and how they serve as a tool for growth and improvement rather than just oversight. Participants will learn about the inspection process, key focus areas, and best practices for preparing their classrooms while fostering a positive and collaborative relationship with inspectors.

Speakers

Travis Spence

Senior Area Project Manager, Arkansas Dept of Education

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Facilities

2:20pm CDT

eSchool What You Need to Know for School Year 2026

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

During this session we will delve into the additions to state reporting requirements and changes to some eSchoolPLUS processes for 2025-2026. This session would benefit all eSchool data entry users.

Speakers

Melissa Young

APSCN Student Field Support, ADE

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Data

2:20pm CDT

The Sugar Dilemma: Navigating Guidelines and Nutritional Needs in Schools

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

This training session explores the complex issue of sugar consumption in school meal programs, providing school nutrition staff and administrators with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate guidelines and meet the nutritional needs of students. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to make informed decisions about meal planning, implement strategies to lower sugar levels in school meals, and foster an environment where students can thrive both academically and physically.

Speakers

Samantha Gray

Area Specialist Supervisor, Department of Education - Child Nutrition Unit

Samantha Gray holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. Her career has taken her through health systems, early childhood programs like Head Start, and now into the world of school meals with the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. She has a knack for making nutrition... Read More →

The Sugar Dilemma Navigating Guidelines and Nutritional Needs in Schools pdf

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition

3:40pm CDT

Back to Basics: Strategies for Successfully Ending FSMC Contracts and Going Self-Operated

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

Exhibit Hall B

This session is designed to help foodservice operators navigate the transition from a Food Service Management Contract to a self-operated model. Whether you're considering ending your current FSMC contract or preparing to re-establish full control over your foodservice operations, this session will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Speakers

Nancy Dill

Public School Program Manager, DESE, Child Nutrition Unit

Registered Dietitian; BS University of Arkansas, Dietetic Internship University of Arkansas, MS University of Central Arkansas.I have worked at DESE, Child Nutrition Unit as a Program Area Specialist, covering the southeast counties of Arkansas and as a supervisor to the program specialists... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Exhibit Hall B Hot Springs Convention Center

Operations, Child Nutrition

3:40pm CDT

Data Driven Decision Making in Early Childhood

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

Local Leads play a crucial role in early childhood systems by gathering and analyzing data like Child Count and Coordinated Funding Requests. This data helps identify gaps in services, assess demand, and ensure resources are allocated effectively to support young children and their families. By leveraging local insights, these efforts aim to create equitable access to high-quality early childhood programs and services.

Speakers

Jennifer Douglas

Assistant Director, ADE: DESE Office of Early Childhood

Tonya Williams

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Early Childhood

3:40pm CDT

The State of the State Scholarships

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

Just about the time you had figured out the new state system for scholarships, A.C.C.E.S.S is passed and you need to learn more! The goal of the session is to provide updates to how scholarships will stack with each other, how students can troubleshoot SAMS, and how you can be the supportive role in anticipation of the next level.

Speakers

Alisha Lewis

Assistant Commissioner, Arkansas Division of Higher Education

Alisha Lewis began service to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education in March 2017 where she serves as the Associate Director of Communications. Through Arkansas State Transformation, her role transitioned to Chief Communication Director for the new encompassing Department... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Finance

3:40pm CDT

What do your state reporting reports tell you?

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

This session will explain what goes into defining and understandinghow reports are produced for state reporting

Speakers

Lynda Burt

Information System Business Analyst, ADE/APSCN

Reshmi Jose

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Operations, Data

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