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 2026 ArkASPA Spring Conference
Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock
February 24, 2026
Conference Sponsored by American Fidelity 
Agenda: PRE-CONFERENCE: Human Capital Workshop Monday, February 23, 2026 - Little Rock School District Administration Building | | 12:30 - 1:00 | Registration & Snacks | | 1:00 - 1:05 | Welcome Melissa Powell, ArkASPA President | | 1:05 - 1:15 | Ice Breaker Shawn Burgess, Little Rock School District | | 1:15 - 2:30 | Human Capital 101 (HC 101) Presenters: Greg Mones and Melissa Powell Assessing the functionality of your district's human capital management. All districts - large and small, rural, suburban, or urban - can continuously improve their human capital management by clarifying roles and responsibilities, improving workflow, using data wisely, optimizing technology, and creating calendars for key work. In this initial course, participants will assess some of these elements and identify high-leverage opportunities for improvement in their district. | | 2:30 - 2:45 | Break | | 2:45 - 4:00 | Human Capital 101 (HC 101) Presenters: Greg Mones and Melissa Powell Assessing the functionality of your district's human capital management. All districts - large and small, rural, suburban, or urban - can continuously improve their human capital management by clarifying roles and responsibilities, improving workflow, using data wisely, optimizing technology, and creating calendars for key work. In this initial course, participants will assess some of these elements and identify high-leverage opportunities for improvement in their district. | | | CONFERENCE: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock | | 8:00 - 8:25 | Registration | | 8:25 - 8:30 | Welcome Melissa Powell - ArkASPA President | | 8:30 - 9:30 | Fair Labor Standard Act Presenter: Kendra Clay | | 9:30 - 10:30 | Challenging Conversations Presenter: Dr. Karen Lasker | | 10:30 - 10:45 | Break | | 10:45 - 11:45 | Policy Updates - AI Policy Panel Members: Lucas Harder, Cody Kees, Shasta Wagner Topic Discussion Sexual Harassment FOIA EEOC AI Policy and other hot topics | | 11:45 - 12:45 | Lunch | | 12:45 - 1:30 | DESE, Evaluation Entering EES LEADS Pending Changes Presenter: Andy Sullivan | | 1:30 - 2:15 | The Real Life of EES: Scheduling and Systems Presenters: Brandie Williams, Superintendent, Trumann School District Jennifer Barbaree, Superintendent, Pine Bluff School District Cody Wallis, Assistant Superintendent, Trumann School District Phillip Carlock, Assistant Superintendent, Pine Bluff School District In this session, two districts will share how they organize, schedule, and sustain effective EES (TESS/LEADS) implementation in their schools. Participants will hear real-life strategies from two perspectives—how each district structures observation cycles, aligns DESE expectations with local initiatives, and ensures district wide consistency. Presenters will compare systems, highlight lessons learned, and provide practical takeaways any district can apply to streamline their EES processes, strengthen follow-through, and build trust and credibility across campuses. | | 2:15 - 2:30 | Break | | 2:30 - 3:15 | ADA/FMLA Accommodations Presenter: Jeremy Lasiter | | 3:30 - 4:30 | ArkASPA Board Meeting Melissa Powell, ArkASPA President |
Registration Fees:
PRE-CONFERENCE: Human Capital Workshop (Register By 2/16/26) Conference Registration (Register By 2/16/26) - Member - $150
- Non-Member - $175
Late Registration (After 2/16/26) - Member - $190
- Non-Member - $200
Lodging: Wyndham Riverfront Little Rock 2 Riverfront Plaza, North Little Rock, AR 72114 Reserve your room for $110 per night when booked before February 3, 2026 (conference rate deadline)
AAEA Contact Information:
Lana Webb
Membership & Certification Coordinator l.webb@theaaea.org
501-372-1691 Dr. Megan Duncan Executive Director m.duncan@theaaea.org 501-372-1691
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