IASB Summit on Student Success

The Power of Belonging

Logo: Summit on Student Success, The Power of Belonging Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny

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

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.

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.

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

View Agenda & Program

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

Breakout Sessions

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

Building Belonging Through School Branding Campaigns

Dubuque Schools & Bondurant-Farrar Schools

Presentation PDF

Creative Spaces, Connected Students—The Vital Role of Fine Arts Programming in Our Schools

Creston Schools, Central Springs Schools & Iowa Alliance for Arts Education

Presentation PDF
Handout: Preparing Students for the Next America
Handout: Be in the Know
Handout: Arts Education is Essential

Iowa BIG North's Authentic Classroom—The Power of Belonging & Serving Communities

Iowa BIG North & New Hampton Schools

Presentation PDF

Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Students & Staff

Scanlan Center for School Mental Health

Presentation PDF

From the Board Table to the Classroom—Keeping the Focus on Student Learning

Winterset Schools

Presentation PDF

Capturing Kids' Hearts—Seeing, Hearing & Empowering our Staff & Students

Clinton Schools

Presentation PDF

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 Cs: 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 Ps—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!

Registration

Fee: $140 for members.

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

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