NSBA 2025 Annual Conference

Early Bird Savings End Friday, Jan. 10!

 

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This national event brings together education leaders from across the country, offering a unique opportunity to learn about best governance practices, gain insights into child development, and explore cutting-edge programs and technology to enrich student learning. Join us in Atlanta for an empowering experience of national school board leadership learning and networking with like-minded professionals.

NSBA 2025 Keynote Speakers

Read Bios

Conference Registration

  • NSBA Annual Conference Pricing (In-Person Attendance)
    Registration  Registration Deadline  State Association Staff/Officers; NATCON, CUBE, & COSA Districts Districts in Member State Associations

    Unaffiliated School Board Member & General Public

    		 Corporate Guest
    (Includes General Sessions & Exhibit Hall Only)
    Advanced Early Bird December 6, 2024 $650 $850 $925 $1,500 $400
    Early Bird January 10, 2025 $750 $950 $1,050 $1,500 $400
    Standard April 3, 2025 $850 $1,050 $1,250 $1,500 $400
    Onsite  April 4 - 6, 2025 $1,400 $1,400  $1,400 $1,500 $400

  • One-Day Pricing (In-Person Attendance, Available Onsite Only)
    State Association Staff/Officers; NATCON, CUBE, & COSA Districts Unaffiliated School Board Member & General Public
    $450 $550

  • NSBA Online Pricing (Online Access)
    State Association Staff/Officers; NATCON, CUBE, & COSA Districts Unaffiliated School Board Member & General Public
    $300 $300

    Online access includes three live-streamed keynote sessions.

  • NSBA Online Add-On Pricing (Online Access)*
    State Association Staff/Officers; NATCON, CUBE, & COSA Unaffiliated School Board Member & General Public
    Complimentary $125

    *In-person conference attendees only.

Schedule-at-a-Glance (as of June 10, 2024)

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Registration 
9 a.m. – Noon   Preconference Workshops (Ticketed Event)
9 a.m. – Noon  Experiential Learning Visits (Ticketed Event)
12:45 – 2 p.m.   Concurrent Sessions 
2:30 – 4 p.m.   Opening General Session  
4 – 5:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall 
4 – 5:30 p.m.  Welcome Reception hosted by Joint Councils 

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration 
9 – 10:15 a.m.  Concurrent Sessions
9 – 10:15 a.m. Rural Education Breakfast (Ticketed Meal Event)
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.  Concurrent Sessions
11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Exhibit Hall
Noon – 2 p.m.  Council of Urban Boards of Education Luncheon (Ticketed Meal Event) 
12:45 – 2 p.m. Concurrent Sessions 
2:30 – 4 p.m.  General Session 
7:30 – 10:30 p.m.  CUBE Urban Night Out (UNO) (Ticketed Event)

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Registration 
9 – 10:15 a.m.    Concurrent Sessions  
9 – 10:15 a.m.  ASBJ Magna Awards Breakfast (Ticketed Meal Event)
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Exhibit Hall  
10:30 – 11:45 a.m.  Concurrent Sessions 
Noon – 2 p.m. National Connection Joint Councils Luncheon (Ticketed Meal Event) 
12:45 – 2 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
2:30 – 4 p.m. (Doors open at 2:15 p.m.) General Session

Preconference Workshops (Ticketed Event)

All preconference workshops are ticketed events. They are open to all conference registrants, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225

  • Morning Workshops | 9 a.m. – Noon

    Ready, Set, Govern: The Key Work of School Board Members
    In today’s high-stakes educational environment, the daily pressure on governance leaders is enormous. The more effective the board team, the better a school district’s students perform. The Key Work of School Boards provides a framework that reflects “best governance practices” that are traceable to high-performing boards and high-performing school districts. This session provides an overview of a relevant and reliable governance guide to a board during times of conflict and ideas to become a stronger team. This session, though not required, is also the beginning of the Ready Set Govern track, a series of sessions for both newly elected members and those individuals wanting a refresher on core areas of board work.  

    Presenter:
    Timi Tullis, Associate Director, Association of Alaska School Boards

    A Path to Effective and Engaging School Board Meetings
    It is through board meetings that school boards fulfill their function and responsibility for public education and the only way that boards can conduct business and take action. Effective meetings reflect on the boards' work and help enhance the relationship with the superintendent, families, and the broader community. This session will explore the elements of successful school board meetings from start to finish. Attendees will delve into building a cohesive school board team, planning effective meetings, your role in meetings, fostering community involvement, sunshine laws, good governance, and ultimately leading to better transparency, efficiency, connectedness, and decision-making.

    Presenters:
    Jenni Lefing, Membership Services Manager, Association of Alaska School Boards
    Tiffany Jackson, Membership Services Director, Association of Alaska School Boards

    Creating the Conditions for High-Quality Special Education on a Budget
    What do school board members need to know about special education to ensure they set the conditions that meet legal requirements, produce breakthrough outcomes, and don't break the bank? School boards have three responsibilities: develop the annual budget for the school system; set school policies; and hire and evaluate the superintendent. In this session, we will review legal requirements for special education compliance and investigate five evidence-based levers that improve outcomes for special education students. Participants will have opportunities for collaborative problem-solving.

    Presenter:
    Amy Pleet-Odle, Inclusion Coach, Inclusion Focused Coaching, LLC

    Equity in Action: Strategies for School Boards to Support LGBTQ+ Students
    Join us for a dynamic three-hour pre-conference session for school board members and education leaders. This session will build practical skills and a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ student issues. Participants will learn to identify and address microaggressions and implicit biases through interactive discussions and hands-on activities. Attendees will develop strategies to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ students, boost their confidence in fostering inclusivity, and create actionable plans for continued growth in this vital area.

    Presenters:
    Michael Dodge, Trainer, Massachusetts Association of School Committees
    Stefania Raschilla, Superintendent, West Springfield Public Schools (MA)
    Kerry Martins, Executive Director of Community Relations and Educational Services, West Springfield Public Schools (MA)

    Re-Imagining Rural Education Through an Equity Lens
    A small rural district on the Eastern Shore of Maryland works collaboratively with the local management board, businesses, and community partners to take a deep look at student data ( the disparities among sub-groups), create student advisory groups, and make the community their classroom with EQUITY — E (each student) Q (quality) U (understanding) I (instructional practices) T (transparency) Y (a culture of yes) — as the focus.

    Presenters:
    Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent, Talbot County Public Schools (MD)
    Emily Jackson, Board President, Talbot County Public Schools (MD)
    Candace Henry, Board Vice-President, Talbot County Public Schools (MD)


General Session Keynotes

 

  • Friday Keynote: Melissa Stockwell

    The Power of Choice
    An aspiring gymnast in childhood, Melissa Stockwell dreamed of someday representing Team USA at the Olympic Games. As college approached, her patriotic dreams shifted to representing her country as a member of the U.S. Army. Upon graduating, she was commissioned and soon after deployed to Iraq. It was there that a roadside bomb made her the first female American soldier to lose a limb in active combat. What followed was a remarkable story of resilience and perseverance and of the indomitable spirit of a woman who chose not only to survive but to thrive.

    Now a Paralympic medalist, a World Champion, a World Record Holder, and an Ironman, Melissa’s keynote, “The Power of Choice,” is an emotionally commanding presentation that will both redefine your perception of disability and inspire you to rethink your own limits.

    Speaker:
    Melissa Stockwell
    American War Hero & Paralympic Medalist 

    Read Bio

  • Saturday Keynote: Ravi Hutheesing

    How Technology and AI are Impacting the Future of Education
    With 40% of jobs about to be automated and 65% of youth destined for jobs that don't yet exist, Ravi Hutheesing offers a "deep dive" into how to empower Generations Z and Alpha to consistently pivot and succeed in an unpredictable and global future. Today's graduates must harness and leverage the power of artificial intelligence, but the true differentiator will come through their humanity, creativity, and ability to identify with their own cultural heritage and that of each other. By creating cultural sustainability, they will be able to build multicultural networks, create worldwide opportunities, and grow into passionate global citizens and leaders. Now more than ever, students need a complete education that is not driven by politics or profits but rather inspires curiosity, nurtures talent, provokes critical thinking, and fosters communication — Ravi's "four pillars" of lifelong learning. As the world evolves at the intersection of education, technology, and culture, Ravi will explore how themes aligned with advancements in areas like technology and artificial intelligence are shaping the way students learn, think, and connect globally.

    Speaker:
    Ravi Hutheesing
    Global Education and Cultural Futurist

    Read Bio

Conference Information

  • Cancellations & Refunds

    Cancellations & Refunds for Registration will be accepted through Thursday, February 20, 2025 with a full refund less a $150 processing fee.

    Registration Cancellations received on or after Friday, February 21, 2025 will not be refunded.

    No-shows will not receive a refund. All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to NSBA: memberservices@nsba.org. Refunds will be processed within one week of request. NSBA is not responsible for airfare, hotel, or other costs incurred by participants in the event of program or registration cancellation.

    If you need to make any changes to your hotel reservation, please contact the NSBA Registration & Hotel Support Center or by phone at (800) 616-8210 (U.S. & Canada) or (415) 979-2264 (International). The hotel reservation cancellation deadline is March 20, 2025. Cancellations on or after March 20, 2025 will forfeit the deposit or will be charged an amount equal to one night’s room and tax.

    In registering you acknowledge and agree to the NSBA Annual Conference Terms and Conditions.

  • Hotels & Rates

    You must be registered for the conference before you can reserve housing. All reservations should be made prior to March 20, 2025. Room availability and conference rates cannot be guaranteed after this date.

    View the Atlanta hotel map and rates.

  • Travel & Getting Around

    Wherever you choose to begin exploring, Atlanta’s public transportation can get you there.

    MARTA, our transit rail system, carries you across the city, through our unique neighborhoods and beyond. Climb on board the newest addition to the city’s public transport, the Atlanta Streetcar, to zip you around the entertainment district. If you prefer to stay with wheels, cruise around by car, rideshare, hop in a taxicab, shuttle, or even indulge in a limo service.

    Stick with one or mix it up! Either way, you’ll find navigating through Atlanta is a breeze. Click here for information on taxicabs, ride sharing, and other transportation.

  • Convention Center Parking

    With a campus of more than one million square feet, and just as many fun things to do, there are several efficient ways to get to our championship campus. Browse GWCC parking maps and get driving directions as you plan your next visit to the Georgia World Congress Center campus. The Georgia World Congress Center provides safe and convenient parking for guests for a daily fee. The Blue lot provides the closest access to the event. Click here for the Parking Guide.

    Not sure where to park? Visit the event calendar to find your event’s location.


  • Discover Atlanta

    Looking to relax and have some fun after a long day of learning? Continue the fun while in Atlanta by visiting some of the local tourist attractions and restaurants. Additionally, you can access special offers and discounts on popular Atlanta attractions. Click here for more information.

Exhibitors & Sponsors