PreCon & PostCon Workshops
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026 & Friday, Nov. 20, 2026
Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
PreCon Workshops—Wednesday, Nov. 18
Strategic School Safety Leadership for Boards
9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)In today’s complex and high-pressure safety landscape, school board members play a critical role in guiding thoughtful, responsible decisions. This session focuses on strengthening governance, ensuring sound oversight, and communicating with clarity during uncertain situations. Participants will explore how to evaluate safety investments, avoid reactionary decisions, and balance transparency with legal considerations—while building sustainable, people-centered approaches that reduce risk and support effective crisis response.
Special thanks to Jester Insurance for sponsoring the morning and afternoon Strategic School Safety Leadership for Boards workshops.
Ken Trump
President of National School Safety and Security Services
Ready, Set, Govern! New Board Member Onboarding Workshop
9–11:30 a.m.
CALLING ALL APPOINTED OR NEWLY ELECTION SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS! Take advantage of the Ready, Set, Govern! workshop at BoardCon, which will set you on the road to success. We will cover foundational elements of good governance, such as understanding the roles of the board, management roles of the superintendent and tips for fostering good communication to support an effective board-superintendent partnership.
Special thanks to Hoglund Bus Company for sponsoring the morning Ready, Set, Govern! workshop.
Pressure Release—Communication Strategies for Boards & District Leaders
9–11:30 a.m. OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
Board members and administrators are often called upon to speak in high-pressure situations—whether it’s a tough media interview or pointed questions from community members. This interactive two-and-a-half-hour workshop will help you sharpen your message, stay calm under pressure, and respond with confidence. Through practice scenarios and feedback, you’ll build skills to communicate clearly and effectively, even when the spotlight is on.
Special thanks to FEH Design for sponsoring the morning Pressure Release workshop.
Special thanks to SVPA Architects for sponsoring the afternoon Pressure Release workshop.
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 for first-time attendees.
Special thanks to Frontline Education 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 for first-time attendees.
Special thanks to Frontline Education 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), property taxes, and more. This session offers SBO credit for first-time attendees.
Special thanks to Frontline Education for sponsoring the morning and afternoon school finance workshops.
Basics for Board Secretaries
11 a.m.–NoonThis free mini-workshop is designed to support newer board secretaries with practical tips on foundational basics such as meeting minutes, agendas and more. Connect with peers, get your questions answered and then deepen your learning by attending the afternoon Board Secretary Workshop. This session offers SBO credit for first-time attendees.
Fee: Free.
Board Secretary Workshop
1–3:30 p.m.Our popular Board Secretary workshop is a staple in our Wednesday workshop lineup! With all new content, we’ll once again 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 for first-time attendees.
Special thanks to Simbli eBOARDsolutions for sponsoring the Board Secretary Workshop.
PostCon Workshops—Friday, Nov. 20
Board Presidents’ Workshop
8 a.m.–NoonCALLING ALL BOARD PRESIDENTS, VICE PRESIDENTS & ASPIRING LEADERS! Once again, we’ll offer our interactive workshop designed to support board leaders in strengthening their governance skills. Join your peers and IASB staff experts as we explore timely, relevant topics and share practical approaches to navigating the challenges and opportunities facing school boards today. While the workshop is designed with board leaders in mind, all board members are welcome to attend.
A complimentary breakfast will be provided for attendees at the Board President Workshop.
Special thanks to the DCI Group for sponsoring the Board Presidents' Workshop.
Registration Details
COMING SOON! Registration opens on August 3, 2026.
With the exception of the free Basics for Board Secretaries Workshop, the registration fee for a workshop is $125 for members and $165 for non-members.
 | For questions, email Emily Miller or call (515) 247-4699. |
6000 Grand Ave., Ste. A
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 288-1991
© 2017–26 Iowa Association of School Boards®
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