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
  $450	$550

• 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.

Preconference Workshops

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)
  
  
  

Call for High School Performing Arts Nominations

Who's Got Talent?
Showcase the amazing talent in your district on a national stage. Three high schools will be chosen to perform at the NSBA 2025 Annual Conference & Exposition, April 4-6, 2025, in Atlanta. The submission window closes Nov. 8. Review the guidelines to help prepare your submission. Direct questions to info@nsba.org for more information.

Submit Your Nomination

• FAQs

  How do I nominate my district?
  Click here.

  How are the nominations judged?
  The judges will look for programs that:

  • Seek to remove barriers to achievement for vulnerable or underserved children, based on race, ethnicity, gender, special needs, geography, or socio-economic status
  • Reflect and support your school board’s equity mission and vision for the district

  
  What are the deadlines?

  • Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Nomination submission opens
  • Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, Nomination submission closes
  • Tuesday, October 15, 2024, Judging begins
  • Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Judging ends
  • Friday, October 25, 2024, Notification of three winners

  
  Who is eligible?
  Your school district must be a public school in the United States or the U.S. Virgin Islands and a member in good standing of your state school boards association.
  
  How many nominations can we send in?
  You can submit one per category.
  
  If I have nominated a program previously, can I nominate it again?
  Yes, you can.
  
  How do I know you received my nomination?
  After you complete your nomination, you will receive an email notification that it has been received. It is important that you provide us with your valid e-mail address on the nomination form. This is the vehicle we will use to communicate with you about your nomination.
  
  What backup materials are needed?
  You can upload a YouTube video on the nomination form, and they will be viewed by the judges.
  
  When and where is the judging?
  The judging occurs October 15-22, 2024, with notifications on October 25, 2024.
  
  Who are the judges?
  The panel of judges are the NSBA Past Presidents who volunteer to be judges.
  
  What happens if we win?
  If you are a winner, you will be notified on October 25, 2024. Notification will be sent to the program’s nominator, the executive director and president of your state association by e-mail.
  
  Are there any permissions required for students to attend and perform?
  The nominator is responsible for getting all written permissions from parents/guardians for students to travel and participate.
  
  Who is allowed to travel with the students?
  The students must be accompanied by an adult school representative and additional two adults if necessary, depending on the size of the group.
  
  Who is responsible for paying for housing, all meal costs, transportation to and from the performance city, and any additional costs?

  • NSBA provides two nights of complimentary housing for the students (three to four to a room) in the group and for two or three accompanying adults who will be expected to assume responsibility for the safety and deportment of the group.
  • Transportation to and from the performance city and venue, all meal costs, and all other cost associated with bringing your group to the NSBA conference is the sole responsibility of the respective school boards.

  
  Tips on Making Your Nomination
  Please review the guideline criteria before you submit your nomination and make sure that your nomination meets each criterion. Provide proof that your program meets the state criteria in your nomination’s narrative and backup materials. Be sure to document any evidence that your program meets the state criteria in your nomination.

• Submission Guidelines

  • Performing groups must represent a public school or group of public schools and have school board approval to represent their district. The school district must be in good standing with its state school boards association. If the school district is not in good standing with its state association, then the school will not qualify for the judging process.
    
    
  • We welcome all categories of the performing arts, including:
    • Dance
    • Music
    • Spoken Word
    • Acting
    • Singing
  • The total size of the group may not exceed the following:
    • Jazz Groups – 12 students
    • Choirs – 25 students
    • Show Choirs – 20 students
    • Big Bands – 20 students
    • Orchestra – 20 students
    • Mariachi Groups – 15 students (including instrumentalists, singers, dancers, accompanists, etc.)
    • Dance Groups – 12 students
      
      
  • NSBA requests your specific requirements including quantity of instruments, chairs, microphones and a stage plot showing your typical setup to ensure compatibility with onsite production.
    
    
  • Your videos should be uploaded to YouTube.
    
    
  • General Session performance times are strictly held to 15 minutes.
    
    
  • NSBA’s General Session is inclusive and respectful of all attendee backgrounds, and we request that the performing group refrain from religious based performances.
    
    
  • NSBA provides two nights of complimentary housing for the students (three to four to a room) in the group. NSBA does not cover the cost for accompanying adults. However, we will secure a room at the NSBA rate for adults attending with the group. Accompanying adults will be expected to assume responsibility for the safety and deportment of the group.
    
    
  • Transportation to and from the performance city and venue, all meal costs, and all other cost associated with bringing your group to the NSBA conference is the sole responsibility of the respective school boards.

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.