Jenni Lefing, Membership Services Manager
We hope you’ll join us November 13–16 in Anchorage for AASB’s 72nd Annual Conference and Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) — Alaska’s largest gathering of education leaders. This annual event brings school board members, superintendents, and student leaders together to share ideas, address challenges, and explore ways to strengthen education across our state.
As we shared last week, the Egan Convention Center, our original venue, is serving as a shelter for Alaskans displaced by Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska. We’re grateful that Anchorage can provide this vital support to these communities in this time of need.
Thanks to the hard work of the Anchorage Convention Center staff, our conference will proceed as scheduled- now at the Dena’ina Center. While there may be minor adjustments to our schedule, our overall program remains the same.
Like your own school boards and staff, AASB remains resilient and adaptable, and we look forward to welcoming you to the Dena’ina Center in just a few weeks!
Youth Leadership Institute (YLI)
An integral part of the conference, the Youth Leadership Institute brings high school students from across Alaska together to build leadership skills and learn how to use their voices to make positive change in their schools and communities.
Throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of opportunities for board members and students to connect — during meals, breaks, roundtables, and the Friday June Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser.
Pre-Conference Workshops – Thursday, November 13
Thursday’s pre-conference sessions are designed to dive deeper into topics critical to effective school board governance. These optional sessions offer exceptional value for both new and experienced board members:
Ready Set Govern is designed for new board members. This workshop provides an overview of board roles and responsibilities, opportunities to learn best practices, and time to connect with peers from across Alaska.
This year’s Experienced Board Member Academy focuses on the Board’s Role in School Finance. Participants will strengthen their understanding of financial oversight through sessions covering: Alaska’s Foundation Formula and how it determines school funding; Budgeting process fundamentals and timelines; Managing and understanding fund balance and more.
The Resolutions Committee meets Thursday, November 13, to review, amend, or recommend new or existing resolutions. Each member district is asked to have at least one representative present. The committee’s work is forwarded to the Delegate Assembly, which meets on Sunday, November 16, to vote on resolutions that set AASB’s legislative direction for the coming year.
Conference Highlights
This year’s theme, “Coming Together for Alaska’s Students,” will be reflected throughout the sessions and keynotes.
Friday Keynote: Jeff Utecht
A lifelong educator and global leader in modern learning, Jeff has worked with over 75,000 educators worldwide. His keynote will focus on rethinking education and leveraging technology to prepare students for the future.
Saturday Keynote: Ben Mallott
President of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) since 2024, Ben will speak on responsive local education governance and tribal consultation in education. Following his address, a panel discussion on tribal consultation will continue the conversation.
Twenty breakout sessions will cover topics including Teacher Recruitment & Retention, Effective Meetings, Advocacy, School Law, AI in Education, and Meaningful Tribal Consultation. Additionally, Friday’s Snapshot Sessions feature over 20 mini-sessions on topics such as post-secondary student supports, family engagement, mariculture workforce development, insurance, and more.
June Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser
A beloved conference tradition, the June Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser takes place Friday evening. School boards and board members donate items for live and silent auctions, with all proceeds supporting student scholarships for post-secondary education.
Explore Exhibitor Booths
Our sponsors and exhibitors play a vital role in the success of our conference. Their commitment connects them with you – the key decision-makers responsible for school district purchases and policies – and enables them to showcase innovative programs, products, and services. Make sure to visit exhibitor booths and complete your “exhibitor board game” card to be entered into a drawing to win a prize.
Tips to Get the Most Out of the Conference
To help ensure you and your board have a meaningful, productive, and inspiring conference experience, we recommend that you:
- Download the Conference App – On November 7, registered attendees will receive instructions on downloading and accessing the app. It’s your go-to source for the most up-to-date conference information.
- Coordinate with Your Board – Maximize your experience by attending different sessions and sharing highlights afterward. If your district has students attending YLI, be sure to include them in off-site meals (Thursday lunch/dinner, Friday dinner, Saturday dinner).
- Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities – Connect with colleagues during meals, breaks, and roundtables—and don’t miss the June Nelson Fundraiser and district forums. These moments to share experiences and ideas are among the most valuable parts of the conference.
- Join in Conference Traditions – Friday is Traditional Wear Day! Whether it’s a kuspuk or Xtratufs, wear something that represents your community.
- Share What You Learned – After returning home, prepare a brief report for your next board meeting to share key takeaways and ideas from the conference.
Online registration is open through October 31!
We can’t wait to see you in Anchorage at the Dena’ina Center as we come together for Alaska’s students.