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!
Important Venue Update!
New Location: Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center
Due to the impacts of Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska, the Egan Convention Center is currently being used as an emergency shelter for displaced residents. AASB’s Annual Conference will now be held at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage.
Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center
600 W 7th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
This Year’s Theme: Coming Together for Alaska’s 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 Alaska’s students with you in Anchorage!
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.
Youth Leadership Institute
Thursday, November 13 – Sunday, November 16, 2025
Hosted at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, students will spend 4 days with peers and guest speakers from across Alaska. This year’s theme, “Coming Together for Alaska’s Students,” will empower youth to use their voices to be change-makers in their schools and communities. Engaging breakout sessions with speakers and school board members enables conversations at a level unique to Youth Leadership Institute. Check out the agenda.
Important Information:
- Students and Chaperones: Please download and sign this photo release form to have ready to submit during the registration process. The signed form can also be emailed to cplesa@aasb.org.
- Each district is required to register a chaperone for their participants. This may be a participant at the coinciding AASB Annual Conference (i.e., board member, superintendent).
- One-site school districts may register up to 2 students and 1 chaperone.
- Multi-site school districts may register up to 6 students (no more than 2 from one school) and 1 chaperone.
- A unique email is required for each registrant.
- There is a limit of 80 participants for YLI 2025 – a waitlist will be used for registrations received over the limit.
Presenter Info
Are you presenting at AASB’s Annual Conference? Visit the Presenter Hub for presenter-specific information.
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.
June Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fundraising Auction
On Friday evening, November 14, we invite you to our annual June Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser, a conference tradition! Featuring a silent and live auction, this event funds the June Nelson Memorial Scholarship awarded to 15 students in Alaska every year.
At this fundraiser, items donated by school boards, school board members, and administrators from across Alaska are presented by students to an eager crowd of auction participants.
If you would like to donate an item to this auction, please email aasb@aasb.org or bring your auction item to the Annual Conference, where items will be accepted at the check-in desk.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
