[CASL-L] Fwd: SAVE THE DATE: April 26th, 7 PM EST-Level Up School Library Advocacy: Stakeholders Speak

[CASL President]

In case this hasn't been shared already. I'll be marking my calendar for
this! Will keep an eye out for the Zoom link too.

*Valerie DiLorenzo*
CASL President






---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Act4SL <act4sladvocacy at gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Mar 25, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Subject: SAVE THE DATE: April 26th, 7 PM EST-Level Up School Library
Advocacy: Stakeholders Speak
To: Act4SL <act4sladvocacy at gmail.com>


Dear Library Advocates,

ACT4SL (Act for School Libraries) invites you to join our upcoming webinar:

Title: Level Up School Library Advocacy: Stakeholders Speak
Date & Time: April 21, 2026 | 7:00 PM EST

In celebration of School Library Month, ACT4SL will host a webinar next
month focused on expanding advocacy efforts and strengthening the role of
school libraries within our educational communities.

Overview:
This engaging panel will feature three key stakeholders: a school board
representative, and two superintendents, who will share their perspectives
on the value of school libraries.

Together, they will address:

   -

   How school librarians can effectively approach and engage with
   decision-makers to advocate for the school library
   -

   What inspired them to become advocates for school libraries
   -

   Practical strategies librarians can use to inform school boards,
   administrators, and the broader school community about the impact of their
   work

This webinar offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from those
involved in educational leadership and decision-making, providing
actionable insights to strengthen your advocacy efforts.

Panelist Bios:

Shawn Arnold, Juneau, Alaska

*Superintendent of Juneau School District*

Shawn Arnold has called  Alaska home since 1994. After a 23-year career in
the Army and Air Force Military Service— including 10 years of active duty
where he specialized in contingency operations and capacities to counter
terrorist situations— Sean retired in  2017 with over 20 years of
leadership experience. Shawn started his education career teaching in
Yukon-Koyukuk and Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Districts. He then
moved into leadership  serving s Superintendent of  Nome Public Schools
and Valdez City Schools. In Juneau to worked as Director of Student
Services, and as Principal of both Thunder Mountain High School and Thunder
Mountain Middle School. Recently Shawn was chosen to return as
Superintendent of Juneau School District. He also took part in the
2021-2023 American Association of School Librarians School Leader
Collaborative, a national effort to leadership roles of school librarians.


April Grace

*Superintendent of Shawnee Public Schools *

April Grace has served as an Oklahoma educator for more than 30 years,
working with communities to improve the lives of students, families and
staff at every level. She began her career as a high school science teacher
and coach, and over the years, transitioned to administrative roles in four
districts giving her a unique perspective on the challenges school
districts face today. In 2016, April was named superintendent of Shawnee
Public Schools where her work resulted in Shawnee Public Schools being
named one of the state’s top workplaces in 2019. Winning several awards
over the years— including being awarded the AASL Distinguished School
Administrator Award in 2021— Dr. Grace understands the importance of all
members of each school’s community working together for student success.


Nidhi Satiani

*Upper Arlington (OH) School Board Member*

Nidhi Satiani is a second-year doctoral student in the Public Policy and
Management program at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, where she
brings 20 years of experience as a clinical and research optometrist. A
hopeful thinker and doer who finds patterns where others see complexity,
Nidhi believes that inclusive, evidence-based policy can build more
equitable communities where everyone is empowered to flourish.

Her research investigates how public K-12 education and local community
culture can serve as the engine of a healthy democracy. She views education
as a critical social determinant of health and uses a mixed-methods
approach to examine how school organizational structures cultivate
democratic norms like civic discourse and institutional trust.

Beyond her studies, Nidhi is deeply engaged in her community through recent
board service with organizations including the Mount Carmel Health
Foundation, Ohio State Mortar Board Alumni Council, and Erase the Space. As
the first person of color elected to her local Board of Education, she
works to elevate underrepresented perspectives.

About ACT4SL:
ACT4SL is a national initiative dedicated to empowering school librarians
through advocacy, collaboration, and professional learning opportunities.
Our mission is to amplify the voice and visibility of school librarians at
local, state, and national levels.

Learn more and access resources here: ACT4SL Libguide
<https://antiochlis.libguides.com/act4sl/home>

More details to come, including the official flyer and Zoom link. Please
feel free to share this save-the-date with colleagues and state
organizations.

As always, we look forward to having you join us next month!


Yours in advocacy,


ACT4SL Team:

Christy Kaaland (WA), Deb Kachel (PA), Kathy Lester (MI),

Tricina Strong-Beebe (NJ), Susan Yutzey (OH)
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