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 the Yukon-Koyukuk and Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Districts. He then moved into leadership, serving as Superintendent of Nome Public Schools and Valdez City Schools. In Juneau, Shawn 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 the Juneau School District. He also took part in the 2021-2023 American Association of School Librarians School Leader Collaborative, a national effort to explore 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
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 on April 21st @ 7 PM EST.
Yours in advocacy,
ACT4SL Team:
Christy Kaaland (WA), Deb Kachel (PA), Kathy Lester (MI),
Tricina Strong-Beebe (NJ), Susan Yutzey (OH)
