Pre- & Post-Convention Workshops

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 & Friday, Nov. 22, 2024
Iowa Events Center, Des Moines

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED! Walk-ins are welcome on-site—visit the Registration Desk on Level 2 for more information.

Pre-Convention Workshops—Wednesday, Nov. 20

Ready, Set, Govern! New Board Member Onboarding Workshop

9–11:30 a.m.
CALLING ALL BOARD MEMBERS! Whether you are newly appointed, missed your chance to take it, or would just like a refresh, don’t miss out on Ready, Set, Govern! as a Pre-Convention workshop on Nov. 20. from 9–11:30 a.m. Here’s what you can expect from READY, SET, GOVERN!

Understanding Governance & Management Roles—What is a governance role and how do I get some? Not a simple task, but as a board member you will be setting direction and have ongoing oversight of the district from the 30,000-foot level! We will talk through fundamental board responsibilities and provide a framework for learning critical information. Identifying and differentiating the governance work of the board and the management work of the superintendent isn’t always easy. We will talk through how important all the work is and how the board sets direction and then passes that on to the superintendent for implementation.
Learning Your Legal Role in Meetings & Board Policy—The work of the board occurs in meetings when the board is together. We will talk about best practices, as well as about transparency laws to ensure the board provides public access to meetings and allows the public to hear the deliberation of the board. As you learn about your legal responsibilities, you will also learn more about the important role board policy plays in decision-making at the table. 
Addressing Concerns & Complaints with Staff & the Public  – From time-to-time board members may hear from staff or from members of the public with concerns or complaints. While board members may feel obligated to find an answer to every question or issue, that isn’t always necessary. Districts have policies around how communication with staff and the public work best, and those policies are often stated as chain of command. This is never meant to be a barrier to conversation, but rather a model of governance and the best way to help a staff member or a member of the public. You will have an opportunity to practice answering some sticky questions while following board policy and helping your public to better understand your governance role.

Fee: $110 for IASB members. $165 for non-members.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome on-site!

Special thanks to Hoglund Bus Company for sponsoring the Ready, Set, Govern! workshop.

Breaking Barriers—Using a Poverty-Informed Lens to Transform Education

9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)

Donna Beegle

Second Keynote Speaker; Poverty-Informed Leadership Expert

Today, students born into poverty face incredible hurdles throughout their educational journey. But together, we can change that! School board members and education leaders play a crucial role in creating environments that deeply impact children and families living in poverty. Adopting a poverty-informed lens can transform school communities, creating an environment which uplifts and supports ALL students.

Join us for an eye-opening session where you’ll participate in an interactive poverty simulation, which will challenge your beliefs, dispel pervasive myths, and uncover the real obstacles to educational success. You’ll walk away with actionable, proven tools to remove poverty barriers and improve educational outcomes for all students. Don’t miss this chance to revolutionize your approach and make a lasting impact on your students' lives!

Keynote speaker Donna Beegle grew up in generational poverty and dropped out of high school in ninth grade. Donna went from high school dropout to earning her doctorate, and brings 34 years of research and practical experience to the table. Co-facilitator Elia Hernandez-Moreno contributes extensive expertise in breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting college readiness. Elia will weave her insights on adding value to others' lives, and how to transform compassion fatigue into compassion satisfaction in this interactive workshop.

Fee: $110 for IASB members. $165 for non-members.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome on-site!

Learn More About Keynoter Donna Beegle

Special thanks to Creative Planning for sponsoring the afternoon Breaking Barriers workshop.

Generative AI & Education

9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)

Amanda Bickerstaff

AI for Education Co-Founder, Consultant & Speaker

What is generative AI? How does it function? How quickly is it evolving? A strong understanding of AI is crucial to aligning its potential with your district’s educational goals and priorities. Dive into the future of education with AI!

In this interactive, two-and-a-half-hour workshop, you’ll work with leading expert Amanda Bickerstaff to build a foundation of generative AI basics, explore AI ethics, and examine the limitations and opportunities an AI policy can create in your district. You'll leave the workshop with practical tools and deep insights to ensure your AI policy truly reflects and serves your community’s needs. Seize this opportunity to transform your approach and lead your district into an AI-driven future!

Before you go: This workshop uses digital materials, so attendees will need a mobile device (phones work!). While a laptop isn't required, some attendees find it enhances the experience. Also, check out these 5 Questions to Ask Teachers & Students About AI.

Fee: $110 for IASB members. $165 for non-members.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome on-site!

Special thanks to Modern Builders for sponsoring the afternoon Generative AI & Education workshop.

Basics for Board Secretaries

11 a.m.–Noon
Get ready to elevate your expertise with this free mini workshop! Tailored to newer board secretaries, this session is packed with practical tips on mastering the fundamentals—meeting minutes, agendas, and beyond. Plus, it's the perfect chance to connect with peers, answer your questions, and prepare for even deeper learning in the afternoon Board Secretary Workshop. Don’t miss out on this essential boost to your board secretary toolkit! This session offers SBO credit.

Fee: Free.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome on-site!

Board Secretary Workshop

1–3:30 p.m.
Prepare for the ultimate afternoon of learning and connection at our highly anticipated Board Secretary Workshop! A must-attend event in our Wednesday lineup, this session is back with all-new content to shape an afternoon of interactive networking and learning focused on issues and questions most pressing to Iowa’s school and AEA board secretaries. This session offers SBO credit.

Fee: $110 for IASB members. $165 for non-members.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome on-site!

School Finance 101

9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
If you’re a newer board member, you’ll value this introduction and overview of basic school finance concepts and terminology. The session will introduce budgeting and funding components in relation to your role on the board. This session offers SBO credit.

Fee: $110 for IASB members. $165 for non-members.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome on-site!

Special thanks to Frontline Analytics for sponsoring the morning and afternoon school finance workshops.

School Finance 201

9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
This session provides a deeper dive into key school finance concepts like spending authority and how that differs from cash. Additionally, this session details how school district property taxes are determined and provides information on financial health measures and the importance of budget planning for the future. This session offers SBO credit.

Fee: $110 for IASB members. $165 for non-members.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome on-site!

Special thanks to Frontline Analytics for sponsoring the morning and afternoon school finance workshops.

School Finance 301

9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
This advanced level workshop provides a more in-depth analysis of important concepts of spending authority, trending issues that impact school finance, the function of the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC), and more. This session offers SBO credit.

Fee: $110 for IASB members. $165 for non-members.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome on-site!

Special thanks to Frontline Analytics for sponsoring the morning and afternoon school finance workshops.

Post-Convention Workshops—Friday, Nov. 22

Board Presidents’ Workshop

8 a.m.–Noon
CALLING ALL BOARD PRESIDENTS, VICE PRESIDENTS & ASPIRING LEADERS! Once again, we’ll be offering our staple, interactive workshop designed to serve the learning needs of board leaders. Feedback from past participants indicates this four-hour learning experience provides some of the most powerful and relevant learning at Convention. Join your peers and IASB staff experts as we delve into hot button issues and meaningful content to share insights and surface practical approaches to various issues related to effective school board governance. While designed for board leaders, anyone is welcome to attend.

A complimentary breakfast will be provided for attendees at the Board President Workshop.

Fee: $110 for IASB members. $165 for non-members.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ins are welcome on-site!

Special thanks to the DCI Group for sponsoring the Board Presidents' Workshop.