Posts by csowder@aesa.us
Behind the Scenes: How Customer Service and Unreasonable Hospitality Can Transform Education Service Agencies
In the world of education, the concept of customer service is often overlooked, yet for Education Service Agencies (ESAs), it is the foundation of meaningful partnership with the schools and communities they serve.
Read MoreCongress Moves to End the Government Shutdown
November 12 marked the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The House reconvened for the first time since mid-September to consider the funding bill the Senate passed on Monday night. The President and House Republican leaders support the measure, while most Democrats and some Republicans oppose it for different reasons.
Read MoreSenate Advances Deal to End Shutdown
On November 9, the Senate took the first procedural step to end the government shutdown after a group of moderate Democrats reached a deal with their Republican counterparts. There are still many procedural steps necessary, but this move means the government will likely be open by the end of the week.
Read MoreUPDATE: FCC Votes to End Biden-Era Wi-Fi Hot Spot Expansion
The FCC voted 2 to 1 on orders that would make both Wi-Fi on school buses and Wi-Fi hotspots ineligible for E-Rate support.
Read MoreOctober 2025: AESA State Examiner
This month’s report for October 2025 examines the rising tide of state property tax reforms and implications for K-12 education.
Read MoreWide Array of AI Legislation Introduced
Despite the federal government remaining closed for more than a month now, multiple new bills related to AI and students have been introduced in the past several weeks.
Read MoreGuest Post: Maintaining Strong Foundations for Head Start Programs During the Government Shutdown
This blog post comes from the National Head Start Association.
Read MoreSchool Mental Health Grants Reopened
The U.S. Department of Education released revised priorities for both the School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) Grant Program and the Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) Demonstration Grant Program.
Read More(Updated) Administration Fires ED Staff Important for K-12 Programs
On the afternoon of October 10, the Department of Education (ED) laid off about 450 of its staff as part of a second Reduction in Force (RIF). Most notably for district leaders, the majority of staff in both the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) and the Office of Special Education (OSEP) have been let go.
Read MoreSeptember 2025: AESA State Examiner
This month’s report for September 2025 examines trends in state accountability systems. States are reimagining K–12 accountability beyond test scores, emphasizing career readiness, financial literacy, and Portrait of a Graduate frameworks. Districts face new data, resource, and instructional demands, while ESAs play a key role in supporting implementation and alignment with state policies.
Read More