Disagreement isn’t just natural—it’s necessary. Effective leaders understand that strong communities are not built by avoiding difficult conversations, but by creating environments where people feel welcomed, heard, and respected. 

For school board members, navigating differing opinions, public concerns, and emotionally charged issues has become an increasingly important part of leadership. In this engaging and practical session, Matt Lehrman will explore how boards can move conversations beyond conflict and toward trust, understanding, and productive dialogue. 

Attendees will gain strategies to strengthen communication, navigate challenging discussions with confidence, and foster stronger relationships with their communities—even during times of disagreement and change. Through real-world examples and actionable insight, this session will challenge leaders to rethink how they engage with others and lead conversations that build connection rather than division.