Summit on Student Success

The Power of Belonging

Logo: Summit on Student Success, The Power of Belonging Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny

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It’s all about the students! Student success is at the forefront for every board member in Iowa, and our students are the reason 1,845 volunteers serve on their local school boards.

Join us for IASB's 3rd annual Summit on Student Success! This year's theme, The Power of Belonging, focuses on the vital role of creating a supportive and connected school environment.

School board members play a vital role in creating a sense of belonging that makes every student feel valued, engaged, and connected—key factors in improving attendance and overall success. Since attendance is the first step toward student achievement, fostering these connections is more important than ever. This June, we’ll examine how belonging impacts student success and explore how schools are building environments where students feel supported, connected, and truly at home.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how we can work together to make a positive impact!

Thank you to Frontline Analytics for sponsoring this year's Summit on Student Success!

Summit Features

Keynote & Workshop by Stephen Sroka—A nationally recognized speaker with real-world strategies and “tips from the trenches” on building trusted relationships—the foundation of student success.
District Breakout Sessions—Discover how Iowa school districts are fostering belonging and improving student learning.
Collaborate & Connect—Connect with board members from across the state to discuss challenges, solutions, and innovative strategies.
Actionable Insights for Board Leadership—Learn how to leverage your role to create supportive, connected schools, and remove barriers to learning.

Key Dates

March 19: Registration & Lodging Opens
April 16: A Sneak Peek with Stephen Sroka—The Power of Many Webinar
May 9: Lodging Closes
June 9: Registration Closes
June 11: Summit on Student Success

Keynote Speaker

Stephen Sroka

The Power of Many—Creating a Culture of Belonging for Student Success

It takes a team to make a lasting difference in the lives of students. School board members play a critical role in fostering a culture where every student feels valued, supported, and connected. This is The Power of Many—when board members, educators, and communities come together to create a sense of belonging that fuels student success.

This motivational keynote will feature Stephen Sroka’s powerful "tips from the trenches" and real-world strategies to help build trusted relationships—the foundation of belonging. He explores the 4 C’s: Communication, Collaboration, Cultural Competency, and Caring, and how they shape leadership, equity, mental health, attendance, kindness, and school safety.

Stephen’s message has evolved from The Power of One—how a single person can make a difference—to The Power of Many—how teamwork and trusted relationships are essential for lasting impact. After a life-altering moment when his own life was saved by a principal, superintendent, and SROs, he now speaks with renewed urgency about how collective action transforms lives.

With honesty, humor, and hope, this keynote will challenge and inspire you to embrace The Power of Many. It will reinforce the 4 P’s—Purpose, Passion, Pride, and Persistence—while reigniting your "why" as a school board member.

Join us to discover how your leadership can build stronger communities, create a culture of belonging, and ensure that every student has the support they need to thrive.

Interactive Keynoter Workshop

Board Members to a T—Lead, Inspire & Transform

Wrap up the Summit with an energizing, hands-on experience led by keynote speaker Stephen Sroka! In this dynamic 90-minute workshop, board members will connect with each other to dive into The Power of Belonging—reflecting on their crucial role in shaping school environments where every student feels valued and supported.

Get ready to participate in Stephen’s “Board Members to a T” exercise—a fun, interactive, and eye-opening technique designed to strengthen relationship-building, partnerships, and leadership skills.

This isn’t just another workshop—it’s a high-energy, motivational experience that will equip you with real strategies to lead with Purpose, Passion, Pride, and Persistence. Don’t miss this unforgettable closing session!

Breakout Sessions

Each 60-minute breakout session will highlight Iowa school districts that are fostering a sense of belonging and driving student success. These sessions are designed to:

Expand understanding of key issues impacting student learning and well-being.
Provide real tools and solutions that board members can implement.
Explore big-picture strategies around leadership, policy, and student support.
Equip attendees with a concrete action plan to bring these ideas to life in their districts.

Attendees will chose from engaging breakout sessions that offer practical takeaways and real-world success stories for timely and relevant issues.

Breakout Topics

Creating Safe & Connected Classrooms

Student Learning Focused Board Meeting

Transforming Communities Through Student-led Learning Experiences

Building Belonging Through School Branding

Supporting High Quality Fine Arts Programming

Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Students & Staff

Five Reasons to Attend

Develop leadership informed by the knowledge that ALL students can learn, and more IS possible.
Recognize that you CAN and DO make a difference in student learning.
Foster innovation and collaboration between school boards across Iowa.
Leverage your board member role to improve student learning.
Explore pathways to student success and discover promising initiatives for improved student learning.

Registration

Fee: $140 for members.

Register Now

Thank you to Frontline Analytics for sponsoring this year's Summit on Student Success!

Lodging

RESERVE A ROOM AT A REDUCED RATE! We have discounted rooms available through hotel blocks at the Residence Inn by Marriott^® and Tru by Hilton. Book now—the deadline to reserve a room in the IASB hotel blocks is Friday, May 9.

Book at Residence Inn by Marriott^®

Book at Tru by Hilton