Join us in Anchorage, November 13-16, 2025!
As the state’s largest gathering of education policymakers, AASB’s Annual Conference provides school board members with a valuable opportunity to learn from their peers, engage with education experts, and strengthen collaboration within their board-superintendent teams. Sessions are designed to equip boards with content knowledge, practical tips, and tools to energize school boards, inspire change, and advance student achievement.
An integral part of the conference is the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) — an inspiring experience that brings high school students from around Alaska to build leadership skills alongside their school boards, and learn how to be powerful advocates for their schools and communities. Boards are encouraged to bring student representatives to participate!
New Venue for 2025!
This year, all conference sessions will take place at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, right in the heart of Downtown Anchorage. This exciting new location offers expanded meeting space and improved accessibility to help us better fulfill our mission of serving Alaska’s students, families, and communities.
Choose your preferred accommodations with special room blocks available at both the Hilton Anchorage and Hotel Captain Cook, just a short walk from the venue.
This Year’s Theme: Coming Together for Students
Now more than ever, Alaska’s education leaders must unite in support of student success. This year’s theme reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, connection, and strong local governance. Join school board members, superintendents, and education advocates from across the state as we come together to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen the leadership that shapes Alaska’s schools and communities.
We look forward to coming together for students with you in Anchorage!
Become a Presenter
Interested in presenting a Breakout Session or a Snapshot Session at AASB’s Annual Conference? Learn more here.
Become a Sponsor
The Annual Conference is AASB’s largest event of the year, with 200-300 school board members, superintendents, and student attendees. It’s an ideal opportunity for businesses and organizations to connect with the decision-makers responsible for major school district purchases and policies.
Join school board members, superintendents, and education advocates from across the state as we come together to exchange ideas and strengthen the leadership that shapes Alaska’s schools and communities.
Shine at Alaska’s largest gathering of education leaders with an Annual Conference Sponsorship, or go further with the PLUS Add-On for year-round visibility at all of AASB’s statewide events!
Keynote Speakers
Friday
Jeff Utecht
Jeff Utecht Consulting
Jeff Utecht has worked with more than 75,000 educators worldwide, focusing on technology, generational leadership, and reimagining learning for the future. Raised in Spokane as the child of two educators, he began teaching at 17 and received a Bill & Melinda Gates Technology Grant in 2001.
Over the past two decades, Jeff has served as a teacher, leader, and consultant, delivering keynote addresses globally and helping schools create sustainable change. His work emphasizes preparing students for the future and inspiring educators to rethink traditional approaches to teaching and learning.
Saturday
Benjamin Mallott
President, AFN
Ben Mallott serves as President of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), a role he assumed in 2024 after serving as Vice President of External Affairs. He previously worked for U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski as a Legislative Assistant on issues impacting Alaska Natives and rural communities.
In addition to his leadership at AFN, Ben chairs the Alaska Humanities Forum and serves on the boards of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Nature Conservancy of Alaska, and his village corporation, Baan O Yeel Kon. He holds degrees from Oregon State University and American University in Washington, D.C.
Pre-Conference Sessions
Experienced Board Member Academy
Thursday, November 13
This year’s Experienced Board Member Academy will focus on the Board’s Role in School Finance. The day will focus on strengthening board members’ understanding of their oversight role in school district finances. Sessions will explore key financial topics such as:
- Overview of Alaska’s Foundation Formula and how it determines school funding
- The fundamentals of the budgeting process and timelines
- Understanding and managing fund balance
- The role and impact of Impact Aid funding
- How grants affect district budgeting and financial planning
Ready, Set, Govern!
Thursday, November 13 & Friday, November 14
Ready, Set, Govern!, designed for new school board members, is structured to help them better understand and feel more comfortable in their role, as well as connect with school board members from around the state.
