Connections and Commitments: Turning Conference Lessons into Action

Katie Oliver, Associate Executive Director

Over the past two months, school board members around Alaska have had incredible opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge through our Annual Conference and Winter Boardsmanship Academy. We’ve joined together to explore topics as diverse as cell phone use in schools, meaningful tribal consultation, school board member conduct and ethics, and student mental health services and supports. From engaging with board members across the state and attending insightful presentations to connecting with Youth Leadership Institute attendees and conference exhibitors, you’ve laid the groundwork for meaningful relationships and ideas that can benefit your district. With so much information to absorb, you’re likely returning home energized and eager to share your insights. But where should you start?

Here are a few follow-up ideas to help you make the most of your conference experience:

Review Your Notes and Share What You Learned

Start by reviewing your notes and identifying the key takeaways worth sharing with your board members. Make this a priority before the details fade. Request time to report on your learning at your next board meeting, and provide a written or verbal summary for all members. Encourage your attending colleagues to do the same.

If youth from your district attended the Youth Leadership Institute, ensure that they and their chaperones are invited to present their insights at an upcoming meeting. Their perspectives will provide valuable insight to board decision-making.

Explore Post-Conference Resources

Visit AASB Connect to access the conference session presentations and other resources. Did you find yourself at Annual Conference in the tricky position of having to choose between two concurrent sessions with topics relevant to your district? Now you can access the presentations for insights into those sessions you could not attend. Here, too, you can reacquaint yourself with the Dignity Index, as shared by Tami Pyfer our Saturday keynote, and find resources to take the Dignity pledge and learn more.

Commit to Making Changes

Was there a speaker or session that inspired you to think differently about your board’s operations or your personal approach to leadership? Discuss your next steps with a colleague or your Superintendent. On a personal level, think about how you can apply what you learned. Will you engage more with your district’s student government association, brush off your copy of Robert’s Rules, or commit to drafting a new resolution on an education issue important to you?  Identify specific actions you and your board can take to implement the new knowledge and insights gained at the conference. If your board is motivated to hold a retreat to bring the learning to your boardroom, remember that AASB staff can facilitate workshops tailored to your needs.

Strengthen New Connections

The relationships you formed during the conference can be powerful assets for your district. Reach out to the board members, presenters, and exhibitors you met to continue the conversations you started. These connections can lead to valuable collaborations and ideas that benefit your board and district in the long term.

Keep Learning

Remember the opportunities continue, and there are more to come!

• Our First Term Board Member webinar series continues on Tuesday, January 7 at Noon with School Law Basics with Clint Campion of Sedor Wendlandt Evans & Filippi. Register Here. While this free series is geared to new board members, all are welcome to join in and bring questions and insights. You can access recordings of previous webinars in the series through AASB Connect.
• Registration is now open for February’s Leadership Academy and Legislative Fly-In in Juneau. The Academy opens with Law and Policy Day with a focus on understanding and defining free speech. The following day will emphasize current legislation impacting education, advocacy training, and more. Monday and Tuesday are reserved for school board members to visit the capitol and meet with legislators to share stories from your district. Make plans now to join us in Juneau to turn your insights into action and ensure your voice is heard on issues that matter most education in Alaska. Register Here.