Is Tinker Retiring?

KASA is proud to bring Lawlines to InTouch! Lawlines will be included once a month to provide intriguing and informative material. The views of student free speech has evolved significantly since 1969, when the landmark case of Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Schools took place. Today, there are numerous social media platforms being used by students across the world. The questions are: Does the Tinker standard need to be revisited? How is speech originating at home, and sent to hundreds of students electronically, somehow different than speech made at school, in the presence of dozens of other students? Continue reading here! (This is a member benefit, please log in to view.)






KASA Member Selected to Present at Premier Equity Conference

KASA member and Berea Independent Superintendent, Diane Hatchett, will be presenting a session at the 2021 Equity and Engagement Academy! This premier virtual event will be held on April 30 and will focus on authentic discussions, practical strategies, and solutions to support equity in our schools and impactful engagement! Register here.


Call to Action

The General Assembly reconvened this week after its delay due to inclement weather last week. Your help is needed to ensure the next 50 years of public education is secure.

Contact your Representative with the following message:

"Pass HB 208 as amended by the committee substitute."
This bill extends the COVID-19 related waivers to school districts through the 2021-22 school year.


"Please pass SB 5."
This bill was filed by Senate President, Robert Stivers. It provides legal liability protections for school boards, districts and employees related to COVID-19.

Contact your Senator with this message:

"Vote YES on HB 258 as passed by the House."
This bill has been received by the Senate and may be taken up next week.

Recognizing Unsung Heroes

When you think of all the folks in your school/district who make a difference in the lives of students, who comes to mind? Teachers? Principals? Counselors? Yes, all these folks make a difference, but what about those non-certified staff members…office staff, custodians, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, etc. These folks may not have impressive titles or degrees behind their names, but to our students – they are heroes! KASA calls them Freds!

In the words of the late American Entrepreneur Jim Rohn, “Service to others leads to greatness.” This is what Freds do in our schools and districts every day – they go above and beyond what their job description calls for. They put the needs of others before their own, they have a heart for people and want to make others happy. Freds are the epitome of what it means to be a servant leader. They don’t do it for recognition, but to simply put a smile on someone’s face. Through the years, KASA has had the honor of recognizing many Freds across the commonwealth. Every school/district has a Fred! Who is yours? Here’s your opportunity to recognize these unsung heroes.

Nominate your unsung hero for the KASA Fred award. Inspired by well-known author Mark Sanborn, the award is named in honor of Fred Shea, the subject of Sanborn’s national bestseller, The Fred Factor. The award seeks to honor an individual who exudes a Fred-like spirit of service, innovation, and commitment to others, positively influencing and impacting the lives of those in the school community. Three finalists will be recognized at the Annual Leadership Institute, July 28-30, 2021. Two finalists will receive a commemorative award and $250 monetary gift. The winner will receive a commemorative award and $500 monetary gift.

Applications due March 16, 2021. Fred nomination form here.