Lon Garrison, Executive Director
As Alaskans, resilience is part of who we are—and last week showed us why. When we discovered that the Egan Center, our chosen venue for the 72nd Annual Conference of the Association of Alaska School Boards, was still housing evacuees from Western Alaska, our team swiftly responded.
Working closely with the staffs at both the Egan and Dena’ina Centers, we devised a solution. Thanks to this teamwork, the conference will proceed as scheduled—now at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage.
Keynote Speakers: Inspiring Leadership and Connection
Our keynote lineup reflects AASB’s commitment to supporting students academically, culturally, and personally.
Jeff Utecht, an internationally recognized educator and consultant, will challenge us to think about leadership in the era of generative artificial intelligence. His message is about more than technology—it’s about how school leaders can harness innovation to empower teachers, improve learning, and prepare students for an unpredictable future.
Ben Mallott, President of the Alaska Federation of Natives, will ground us in the cultural heart of education. He will speak to the importance of community, identity, and the power of local governance in shaping responsive, meaningful education systems. His discussion on Tribal compacting offers a vision for how communities can design educational pathways rooted in culture and self-determination.
Youth Leadership: Tomorrow’s Voices Today
The AASB Youth Leadership Institute will once again be a highlight of the conference. Students from across the state—rural and urban—will come together to learn about leadership, advocacy, and service. Their energy and insight remind us why our work matters. When we listen to our students, we not only see the future of our schools—we see the future of Alaska.
Theme and Relevance: Schools as Anchors in Times of Need
This year’s conference theme—Coming Together for Alaska Students—could not be more fitting. The recent devastation in Western Alaska from the remnants of Typhoon Halong has underscored how central schools are to our communities. In both urban centers and remote villages, schools often serve as sanctuaries—places of safety, stability, and hope. They are where families find shelter, where meals are served, and where connection is restored in the aftermath of disaster.
School districts possess some of the most comprehensive infrastructure in Alaska. In times of crisis, they stand ready to support students, families, and communities in ways that extend far beyond academics. The 72nd Annual Conference gives us the opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen that role—to explore how school boards can lead collaboratively with local governments, businesses, and community organizations to ensure that every student and every family is supported, no matter the challenge.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to welcome school board members, superintendents, staff, students, chaperones, and nearly 20 sponsors who are eager to connect and support your districts. This year’s event will also feature a special guest: Leonard Lockhart, President-Elect of the National School Boards Association and a member of the Windsor, Connecticut Board of Education, joining us for his first visit to Alaska.
Be well, travel safely, and I’ll see you soon.
Lon Garrison
Executive Director
Association of Alaska School Boards