Pre-Convention Workshops
9 a.m.–11:30 OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
Take advantage of the Ready, Set, Govern! series—all three workshops will set you on the road to success and include critical topics to focus on as a new board member. The first workshop will be in person at Convention, followed by a digital workshop in January on personnel matters and budgeting, and a digital workshop in February on student learning and superintendent evaluation.
Learn more about the New Board Member Academy workshop series.
BONUS! All attendees will receive a complimentary hard copy of the 2021–22
School Board Member Handbook!
Division, Discourse and Decision-Making—the Board’s Role in Adaptive Times
9 a.m.–11:30 OR 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
Bill de la Cruz, Belonging and Inclusion Facilitator, De La Cruz Solutions
In a society that’s more polarized than ever, is civil discourse a lost art? Is it possible to find commonalities and connections in a divisive environment? What are the conversation schools board should be having? Skilled facilitator Bill de la Cruz will help uncover answers to these provocative questions and more. This interactive workshop is designed to help board members explore the impacts of division in discussion and decision making. Together, Bill and participants will define division, talk about purposeful conversations, and explore strategies to move through conflict. This session will deepen your thinking, model elements of relational leadership – and equip you with techniques and practices designed to help foster a culture of belonging and inclusion.
RIPE Innovations: What’s the Low-Hanging Fruit?
1–3:30 p.m.
Andrew Frishman, Co-Executive Director, Big Picture Learning
Students, families, and communities’ expectations of schools continue to expand. In this session, we’ll delve into why specific innovations focused on Relationships, Interests, Practice, and Equity (RIPE) help prepare students for a dynamic and turbulent world. Join Andrew and graduates from Big Picture Learning schools to learn what has been most impactful for them. We’ll explore the ways to create the conditions to support sustainable innovation that benefits students, families, educators, and communities. Most importantly, we’ll discuss how school boards can lead with policy and culture that scales these opportunities to support student success throughout their districts. Bring a computing device (laptop, tablet or smartphone) and be ready to dive in!
Basics for Board Secretaries
11 a.m.–Noon
This 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. Now offers SBO credit!
ATTENTION! You must register to attend a Wednesday Pre-Convention Workshop. Walk ins welcome based on space availability.
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. Session offers SBO credit.
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. Session offers SBO credit.
School Finance 201
9–11:30 a.m. and 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
When the terms “authorized budget” or “unspent balance” come up in a board meeting, you’ll know what they mean after attending this intermediate level workshop. You’ll also understand trends using real-world data to help you meet the challenges your district may face. Session offers SBO credit.
School Finance 301
9–11:30 a.m. and 1–3:30 p.m. (repeat offerings)
This advanced level workshop provides a more in-depth analysis of important concepts such as cash/fund balance, spending authority, use of the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC), fiduciary responsibility and more. Session offers SBO credit.