From the Classroom to the Staffroom: Legal Obligations of School Boards to Students and Employees 

Speaker(s): Angie Stallbaumer & Lori Kopp, KASB

This presentation provides school board members with a clear overview of their legal responsibilities in upholding and protecting the constitutional and statutory rights of students and school district employees. Topics include student speech and discipline, employee due process and discrimination protections, federal law compliance and the board's role in shaping policy and responding to legal challenges. Through real-world examples and case law, attendees will gain practical insights into how to support educational goals while ensuring that individual rights are respected and legally protected.

This breakout session is scheduled for two hours (longer than the standard one-hour sessions) to allow for deeper discussion and hands-on learning.

Upcoming Legislative Issues for 2026

Speaker(s): Leah Fliter & Shannon Kimball – KASB

Join the KASB Advocacy Team for an analysis of the 2026 legislative session and its potential impact on Kansas public education.

Beyond the Basics: An Advanced Seminar on School Finance

Speaker(s): Dr. Kellen Adams – Leavenworth USD 453

This advanced session is designed for Kansas superintendents and board of education members seeking a deeper understanding of school finance. Grounded in Kansas context, this session will focus on strategic budgeting, maximizing revenue across all funds, understanding the long-term impact of finance law changes and crafting communication strategies to improve public trust and transparency. Participants will have opportunities to discuss emerging trends that impact their district's resources specifically, as well as understanding the primary drivers within the current finance formula.  

Leading from the Board Table: Strengthening Board Leadership

Speaker(s): Dr. Britton Hart, Lori Blake, Bill Biermann – KASB

Strong leadership starts at the board table. This session will dive into the unique roles and responsibilities of board presidents, vice presidents and other board leaders in setting a tone of collaboration, focus and trust. Participants will explore how effective board leadership drives productive meetings, strengthens superintendent partnerships and builds community relationships. Whether you're a current officer, a future leader or a board member who wants to support your leadership team better, this session offers strategies, tools and examples to elevate your board's effectiveness and governance impact. 

This breakout session is scheduled for two hours (longer than the standard one-hour sessions) to allow for deeper discussion and hands-on learning.

Embracing the Future: The Impact of AI on Education

Speaker(s): G.A. Buie, Jara Wilson – USA-Kansas

Join us for an insightful workshop designed specifically for local school board members and district leaders to explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. This session will explore how AI technologies are transforming teaching and learning experiences, improving administrative efficiency and personalizing student engagement. Perhaps most importantly, we will address solutions to the safety concerns  that keep board members and superintendents awake at night.  

The Power of Connection: Families, Schools, Community

Effective Results Reports For Boards

Speaker(s): Craig Marshall – Burlington USD 244

This session will focus on an effective results reporting process used by USD 244 Burlington to show progress in curricular areas as well as activities. This  process  is used each month at board meetings allowing administrators to efficiently share information with our board of education.

Beyond the Premium

Speaker(s): Rod Spangler & Shea Kirsop – KBS, Inc.

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring school leaders who have successfully navigated the complexities of risk management within tight budgets. They will share their experiences and strategies for overcoming the challenges posed by traditional risk management practices that often prioritize local relationships over long-term investment in student outcomes.

Better Service Starts Here: Modernizing District Operations

Speaker(s): Hillary Robbins & Dr. Anna Stubblefield – K12 Insight

When resources are tight and expectations are high, operational efficiency becomes a leadership priority. To deliver better service and improve experiences districtwide, K-12 leaders must modernize outdated processes. 

Forward-thinking districts are proving that the key isn’t more staff  — it’s smarter, more efficient systems. By bringing teams together through a unified approach, leaders can break down silos, streamline workflows and use data to reduce response times and build trust. 

In this session, discover practical strategies and a proven framework to modernize key service processes across your district using AI and automation — so your teams can focus on what matters most: supporting students and staff. 

Boosting School Board Efficiency and Transparency with Paperless Meetings

Speaker: Craig Caples – Sparq Data Solutions

Calling all school board members and administrators! Join us for an engaging session on how to enhance your board's operations by adopting paperless meetings and online policy platforms. 

We'll dive into how going paperless can streamline your board meetings, making them more efficient and improving overall governance. You'll learn about the latest digital tools that make meetings seamless and effective, ensuring everyone can participate fully and make well-informed decisions. 

We'll also explore the benefits of using an online policy platform. Discover how it can increase public visibility, simplify policy updates and improve compliance across your district. By making policies more accessible and easier to manage, you can foster a more transparent and accountable governance structure. 

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Coaching Culture: From the Top Down, Lifting Everyone Up

Speaker(s): Branden Johnson & Krissy Matthaei – Wichita USD 259

This session will explore how building a culture of coaching—from the executive level to the classroom — can transform entire school systems. Participants will discover how intentional coaching structures increase teacher support, foster professional growth and improve student outcomes. By aligning leadership practices with a shared coaching mindset, districts can create more responsive, resilient and empowered school communities. Whether you're a superintendent shaping strategy, a board member guiding vision, a principal leading a building or a teacher driving daily impact — this approach offers a sustainable path to retention, results and renewal. 

School Security Policies - First Steps to Locking the Doors

Speaker(s): Tim Brant – Maize USD 266

School administrators today confront a heightened sense of concern for safety from students, parents and staff. While attacks on schools are rare, constant media coverage of high-profile attacks elevates anxiety for communities. Policies are the first step in developing a layered security approach to school safety. Whether it's leveraging technology as force multiplier, having School Resource Officers in the building, using behavioral threat assessments or simply locking the doors, we’ll examine the importance of engaging staff and putting the right processes and equipment in place to make it all work effectively. Using real-life examples from across the country, this session will highlight the need for security policies and practices that make sense and are achievable.  

From the Classroom to the Staffroom: Legal Obligations of School Boards to Students and Employees 

Speaker(s): Angie Stallbaumer & Lori Kopp, KASB

This presentation provides school board members with a clear overview of their legal responsibilities in upholding and protecting the constitutional and statutory rights of students and school district employees. Topics include student speech and discipline, employee due process and discrimination protections, federal law compliance and the board's role in shaping policy and responding to legal challenges. Through real-world examples and case law, attendees will gain practical insights into how to support educational goals while ensuring that individual rights are respected and legally protected.

This breakout session is scheduled for two hours (longer than the standard one-hour sessions) to allow for deeper discussion and hands-on learning.

Upcoming Legislative Issues for 2026

Speaker(s): Leah Fliter & Shannon Kimball – KASB

Join the KASB Advocacy Team for an analysis of the 2026 legislative session and its potential impact on Kansas public education.

In Sync: A Panel Conversation with Superintendents and Their Board Presidents

Speaker(s): Dr. Steve Karlin & Russell Miller – 

What does a strong superintendent–board president partnership look like in action? Join this engaging panel session featuring Kansas superintendents and their board presidents as they share candid insights into what makes their governance teams effective. From navigating challenges to celebrating wins, this conversation will explore how trust, communication and clarity of roles contribute to high-functioning leadership. Attendees will hear diverse perspectives and lessons learned that can be applied to strengthen their board-superintendent relationships. Whether you are a veteran leader or new to your role, this session will offer inspiration and guidance for building a more united and impactful governance team. 

Leading from the Board Table: Strengthening Board Leadership

Speaker(s): Dr. Britton Hart, Lori Blake, Bill Biermann – KASB

Strong leadership starts at the board table. This session will dive into the unique roles and responsibilities of board presidents, vice presidents and other board leaders in setting a tone of collaboration, focus and trust. Participants will explore how effective board leadership drives productive meetings, strengthens superintendent partnerships and builds community relationships. Whether you're a current officer, a future leader or a board member who wants to support your leadership team better, this session offers strategies, tools and examples to elevate your board's effectiveness and governance impact. 

This breakout session is scheduled for two hours (longer than the standard one-hour sessions) to allow for deeper discussion and hands-on learning.

Beyond Compliance: Creating Coherence Across Initiatives

Speaker(s): Angela Dick, Dr. Billie Wallace, Bill MacDonald, Nettie Johnson – Topeka USD 501

How can district and school leaders move from managing various initiatives to creating a unified, sustainable system for school improvement? This session explores how one district has aligned KESA, Ci3T (MTSS), PLCs and the School Improvement Process to build coherence, clarity and shared ownership across all schools. By intentionally “connecting the dots,” the district developed support structures that reduce initiative fatigue and increase focus on what matters most: student learning and continuous growth. 

Silence Your Phones: It’s Time to Learn 

Speaker(s): Kim Whitman, Smartphone Free Childhood US

An engaging breakout session on "Phone-Free Schools" where we explore the transformative journey toward a distraction-free learning environment. This session dives into the rationale behind full-day personal electronic device policies as compared to instructional time only policies. It highlights success stories from Kansas schools embracing a phone-free model. Attendees will learn practical strategies for effective implementation and how to address common challenges — from parent communication during emergency situations to affordable implementation methods. Most importantly, participants will walk away with proven practices for transforming school culture into a richer, more engaging educational environment.   

Unlocking Potential: Helping Struggling Students Thrive in Education

Speaker(s): Cara Baker – Nemaha Central USD 115 & Stacey Jones – Highland Community College

This session will explore effective strategies for supporting students with diverse needs. Participants will learn how to recognize and address students who may struggle with traditional academics but excel in hands-on learning environments. The session will cover practical approaches for fostering student success with a focus on improving executive function skills and accommodations. By understanding the strengths and challenges of today’s learners, educators can create inclusive, supportive environments that empower all students to thrive and achieve their full potential in educational settings. 

Blueprint for Success: Mapping a Strategic Plan for Recruitment

Speaker(s): Kala Green & Cris Seidel – Educate Kansas

Educator vacancies nationwide have reached an all-time high, influenced by complex and multifaceted challenges. To address this crisis, leaders must cultivate innovative approaches to attract high-quality candidates to the profession and retain the talented educators they currently employ. This session will explore innovative approaches for recruiting and retaining top talent, with an emphasis on crafting an individualized strategic plan.

How to Effectively Utilize the Expertise of Your Board Clerk

Speaker(s): Dr.Michael Schumacher & Shelly Trenholm – Shawnee Mission USD 512

Oftentimes we talk about the "Team of 8" (7 board members and the superintendent); in the Shawnee Mission School District it's the Team of 9. Our board clerk is an essential member of our team, along with the board of education and our district leadership team. This session will center around ways in which you can tap into the strengths of your board clerk and foster a collaborative environment that makes the entire team better and ultimately impacts students in a positive way. 

Voices Beyond the Stars: Empowering Student Leadership in Policy

Speaker(s): Rachel Russell – Kansas City USD 500, Sheyvette Dinkens – Metropolitan Communtiy College

Students are not just the future—they are the now. In this dynamic session, explore innovative strategies to engage students as active contributors in school board decisions and education policy-making. Learn how to implement student-driven World Cafés, design impactful leadership development experiences and co-create policies that reflect the real needs and dreams of young people. With a focus on equity, empowerment and sustainability, this session will equip educators, administrators and advocates to aim beyond traditional models and build systems where student voice isn’t just heard—it leads. 

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“How’s School Going?” - Change Conversations, Change Lives!

Speaker(s): Tyson Eslinger – Morris County USD 117, Dr. Kimberly Mauk – Southwest Plains Regional Service Center, Justin White & Nathan Trenholm – Data Insight Partners

There’s one question on the mind of every parent, and we’ve got the answer. Discover how districts across Kansas are transforming family communication with the How’s School Going app without adding extra work for staff. 

Tyson Eslinger,  Superintendent of Morris County USD 417, will reveal how integrated student profiles and personalized school newsletters keep parents in the loop on student grades, test scores, attendance, celebrations and upcoming events—all automated and hassle-free for staff. 

You’ll walk away knowing how your district can simplify access to critical information and strengthen relationships in your school community. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the ways How's School Going can make a difference in your students' lives! 

Professional Negotiations

Speaker(s): Dave Cunningham & John Rasmussen – KASB

This session will provide attendees with a basic understanding of the Professional Negotiations Act and the training necessary to serve as a team member for the 2026-2027 contract year. 

Shaping the Future of Public-School Funding in Kansas 

Speaker(s): Leah Fliter & Shannon Kimball – KASB

Join this session to hear an in-depth update on the work of the Kansas Legislature’s Education Funding Task Force to prepare for renewing or rewriting the Kansas school finance formula before it sunsets in June 2027. Learn how you can support suitable funding for Kansas public schools.

The Right to Speak: Free Speech Rights for the Public and Board Members

Speaker(s): Ashley Rohleder-Webb – KASB

This presentation explores the scope and limits of First Amendment protections for both the public and school board members during public school board meetings. Attendees will learn how free speech rights apply in the context of government meetings, the legal boundaries of public comment periods and how board members can express their views while maintaining decorum and adhering to legal constraints.  

The session will also address recent case law, disruptions at meetings, viewpoint discrimination and the board’s authority to set reasonable rules for participation—equipping school leaders

Mapping Your Board's Success: The Power of Self-Evaluation

Speaker(s): Dr. Britton Hart, Michelle Hubbard & Alma Henry – KASB

Where is your board headed—and how will you know when you've arrived? This session will explore how boards of education can use self-evaluation as a powerful tool to reflect, realign and map success over the next two years. Grounded in the six standards of strong governance for an effective board, participants will learn how intentional, routine self-assessment can build trust, clarify priorities and support goal setting that keeps the board focused on student success. Whether your board is new to self-evaluation or looking to deepen its understanding of the process, this session will offer practical tools to help guide your journey. Leave with a framework to chart your board's next steps — and the roadmap to get there.

Inside, Outside, Upside Down: Better BOE Communication 

Speaker(s): Kristin Magette & Wendy Johnson – KASB

Having a megaphone doesn't mean you know how to use it for good. With the right approach, school board members can make a big difference for district communication goals. Leave with proven strategies school boards can use to communicate and build trust with employees, families and community members.

AI for Impact: Boosting District Efficiency and Governance

Speaker(s): Trevor Ashcraft – Holton USD 336 

AI is rapidly becoming a practical tool for school districts. This session explores how district leaders and school boards can leverage AI to streamline administrative tasks, enhance communication and foster better decision-making —  ultimately boosting efficiency and improving student outcomes.

We'll move beyond the hype to demonstrate real-world AI applications that are accessible now. Learn how AI can help draft emails, summarize meeting notes and generate to-do lists. Discover how AI can analyze data for strategic planning and even assist with superintendent evaluations. 

This interactive session offers actionable strategies and best practices for ethical AI implementation.  

Mapping Success: Our Road to a Guaranteed & Viable Curriculum

Speaker(s): Dr. Ben Boothe & Jason Jones – Gardner Edgerton USD 231

Discover the process behind how Gardner Edgerton USD 231 built a guaranteed and viable curriculum that supports student learning and teacher clarity. This session will walk participants through our collaborative writing model — from identifying priority standards to developing unit guides, assessments and resources. Learn how teacher teams, instructional leaders and feedback loops drive revisions and ensure alignment across schools and grade levels. The session emphasizes why a well-structured curriculum is vital for equity, consistency and student success. Whether you're an educator or a board member, this session will offer valuable insight into the "why" and "how" of curriculum writing in our district. 

What’s Holding Your Board Back Isn’t Policy — It’s a Lack of Trust

Speaker(s): Dr. Mark Chrislip & Stu Moeckel – Eudora USD 491

Trust is the foundation of every effective school board—but in today’s climate, it’s more fragile than ever. Across Kansas, boards are feeling the weight of public pressure, internal tensions and strained relationships that impact their ability to lead well. 

This session introduces the TrustCentric Framework, a data-driven model built on three essential building blocks: Competency, Problem Solving and Care for Others. Backed by research and practical application, this framework helps boards rebuild trust, foster unity and strengthen relationships—with each other, their superintendent and their community. 

Led by Mark Chrislip, USD 491 Board President and certified TrustCentric Guide with 34 years of board experience, this session offers real-world insight and practical tools boards can use immediately. 

Lessons and Learnings from Board Leadership

Speaker(s): Jared Meitler – Rock Creek USD 323 & Lori Blake – KASB

What does it really mean to step into a board leadership role—and why might it be worth it? This breakout session invites you to explore the journey through story. Using a narrative approach, we’ll unpack the key differences between serving on a board and leading one, reflect on the challenges and rewards of leadership, and highlight tools and resources that support success. Along the way, you’ll hear real lessons learned—some the hard way—and leave with practical insights and encouragement to consider your own next steps in board service. Whether you're just getting started or thinking about leveling up, this session is designed to inspire and equip through the power of lived experience. 

Food for Thought: School Boards as Leaders in Food Secure Schools 

Speaker(s): Jami Reever – Emporia USD 253 & Jessica Kejr– Kansas Apple Seed

School meals are an important tool in the fight against childhood hunger and ensuring future student success. Students who participate in school meals benefit from improved health outcomes, better test scores, fewer school absences and less behavioral referrals.  

School board members can be  anti-hunger advocates by leveraging federal nutrition programs and by acting on local needs and policies that increase consistent access to healthy meals for students in your district.  

Explore opportunities to expand access to students — including the Community Eligibility Program, eliminating the reduced-price copay and updating meal fee policies. Learn from a school board member’s firsthand experience on how they proactively pursued policies that ensured broader access for students.  

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KELI: A Shining Star for Mentoring Excellence

Speakers: Dr. Mischel Miller & Dr. Donna Augustine-Shaw – KELI/KState

Supporting your new superintendent is our main goal.  Our session will show board members how we mentor for leadership success that impacts student learning, influences district/school culture, focuses on continuous improvement, and builds a new leader's skills for longevity. This session will involve opportunities for active involvement and participant discussion.

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Public Trust and Legal Duties: Intro to Kansas Open Meetings and Records Requirements

Speaker(s): Angela Stallaumer – KASB

Designed for newly elected or appointed school board members, this presentation introduces the fundamentals of the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA) and the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). Participants will gain a clear understanding of their legal responsibilities, including how to conduct open meetings, manage public records requests and avoid common mistakes.  

Through practical examples and interactive discussion, new members will be equipped to serve their communities with confidence, integrity and transparency from day one. 

Starting Strong: A Practical Guide to Onboarding New Board Members

Speaker(s): Dr. Britton Hart & Lori Blake – KASB

A well-structured onboarding process sets the tone for effective governance. In this session, participants will explore a practical, step-by-step approach to onboarding new board of education members. Using a comprehensive onboarding document as a guide, we'll walk through key areas such as roles and responsibilities, meeting protocols, communication norms and district priorities. Whether you're preparing to welcome a new member or looking to strengthen your current process, this session will provide timelines to help new board members feel informed, supported and ready to contribute from day one.

Kansans Can Competency Framework

Speaker(s): Dr. Susan Schiffelbein – Baldwin City USD 348, Pattie Noonan & Dr. Amy Gaumer-Erickson – University of Kansas

Come learn about the Kansans Can Competency Framework, including how to access and implement free KSDE-approved K–12 curriculum for building student self-efficacy, self-regulation, assertiveness and conflict management.  

We will share academic and behavioral impacts from several Kansas schools. Intra and interpersonal competencies are not only evidence-based, they’re also teachable. Students who demonstrate competencies have improved retention of subject matter and sustained attention, attain higher levels of education, are better able to avoid drug use and experience less bullying. Thousands of educators have applied evidence-based instructional practices to teach intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies to students K-12.

From Vision to Action: Setting and Sustaining District Goals

Speaker(s): Michelle Hubbard & Alma Henry – KASB

Not every district needs a robust strategic plan to make meaningful progress — but every district needs clear goals. This session will focus on how boards and superintendents can collaboratively set short- and long-term goals that are focused, measurable and actionable. Learn how to create goals that align with your district's vision, guide decision-making and stay relevant over time. Participants will explore strategies for monitoring progress, revisiting goals throughout the year and ensuring sustained focus without overwhelming the system. Walk away with tools to move from discussion to direction. 

Small District Strategies to Expand Communication Capacity

Speaker(s): Kristin Magette – KASB

Communication is an essential element of school district success. From engaging families to building community trust and voter support, districts of every size are expected to lead the way. If you are struggling to keep up with the expectations of staff, families and/or your community, there are solutions. Whether you're hoping to hire, discussing internal options or just starting to think about next steps, there is a path forward to reach your goals.

Strategic Planning For You, By You

Speaker(s): Jamie Rumford – Scott County USD 466

Strategic planning is a necessary practice for districts to engage in. It sets the district's path and keeps agreed-upon concepts in front of stakeholders. There are many formats for strategic plans — as there should be. Finding the format and deciding on the process that works for your district takes time and persistence. I will review the process our school district went through with our plan, including planning, stakeholders involved, the impact it makes in leading our district and the future steps we will take to keep it moving forward.

Securing Schools, Strengthening Connections

Speaker(s): Terri Moses & Stephanie Quick – Wichita USD 259

Ensuring the safety of students and staff at school requires a comprehensive approach. Since 2018, Wichita Public Schools has made school safety a key component of the district’s strategic plan for success. This presentation will highlight the physical security measures adopted to enhance safety, as well as initiatives aimed at fostering a stronger connection between students and school. Together, these efforts work to improve both safety and a sense of belonging, ultimately protecting our schools. 

Building BOE Relationships and Trust

Speaker(s): Brian Huff & Tom Reddin – Gardner Edgerton USD 231

Like many districts, USD 231 has experienced some tumultuous times over the past 5 years. The political climate around public education, along with the sudden shift in governance that was spurred by the pandemic, created a whirlwind of change for board and district leadership. We will walk attendees through our journey from high levels of distrust and anxiety to more manageable levels, allowing us to focus on our core goals. Our journey of improvement continues, and we are excited about the prospects for the future of USD 231. We are sure you will have good advice for us as well during our table discussions. Come and exchange ideas with us as we seek the best governance model possible for us all!

Buffalo Strong-Leading a community through Resilience and Renewal

Speaker(s): Eric Stoddard – Rawlins County USD 105

When a fire destroyed our junior-senior high school, our community faced not just the loss of a building, but the disruption of learning, relationships and a shared sense of stability. This session will walk participants through the journey of leading a school district through crisis, recovery and renewal — from emergency response to long-term rebuilding and reimagining education. Attendees will gain insight into the leadership strategies, communication practices and emotional intelligence required to guide staff, students and the community through trauma while keeping learning at the center. We'll discuss practical steps for mobilizing resources, maintaining continuity and fostering resilience in both systems and people. 

How to Win a Bond Issue

Speakers: Lonnie Moser – Hiawatha Schools USD 415 & Rick Nobles – ExcellenceK12

Municipal bonds, which include school district bonds, only pass at a rate of 55%. We will show you the exact steps to take to increase your chances of passing a bond issue to 95%. This will help you whether you are trying to pass a bond in 2026 or five years from now. We will help you determine what your patrons think about you and your project ideas, and what their tax tolerance is. Then, we will help you  develop your bond questions. Lastly, we will tell you exactly what you need to do for an election campaign.

The KASB conference is for current school board members. Members who do not win re-election are still on the board until January and are, therefore, still eligible to attend. 

Yes! We would love to have newly elected members attend! We even have a pre-convention session on Friday just for them. 

We realize that with the election the week before the convention, substitutions may need to be made. Please email cgoulter@kasb.org as soon as you have a substitution. We want to be sure to have a badge and accurate information for your new members. 

Unfortunately, because of the timing of the elections and when we have to give the hotel our final numbers, we will not be able to offer refunds. We recommend substituting the registration for another district personnel. 

New board members will need to be added to your Member Portal account. Please see these instructions. Once they are added to your district account, they should appear in the dropdown menu and will be able to be registered.