Joint Annual Conference

November 20-22, 2026

Administrative Professionals' Program — Enhance Your Skills & Grow Your Network

A professional development opportunity designed to enhance the roles and skills of the individuals in every district who perform the duties of the school board secretary or superintendent's administrative assistant.

  • Learn strategies for addressing tough questions and challenging situations.
  • Find innovative solutions to daily issues you encounter in the administrative office.
  • Connect with fellow administrative professionals and build reliable, year-round support network.
Administrative Professionals Program Image

Build Knowledge, Enhance Skills & Connect with Peers

Dates: November 20-21

Location: Swissötel

The two-day training includes breakout panels, a keynote speaker and workshop, networking opportunities, and the chance to meet one-on-one with an IASB policy consultant. The sessions are designed to build knowledge and develop professional skills for both those new to the job and individuals with many years of experience.

Registration Information

All attendees must be paid registrants of the 2026 Joint Annual Conference and register for the Administrative Professionals' Program (registration can be completed during the normal Conference registration process). There is no additional cost to attend this event. School district administrative professionals are encouraged to participate in this unique professional development opportunity.

Contact Shantel Rotherham with questions or for additional information about the Administrative Professionals' Program. 

Friday, November 20

9-11 a.m.

Opening Session

Welcome and presentation of the 2026 Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award

Keynote Speaker & Workshop: Building Healthy Partnerships at Work

Rhonda Scharf, Certified Speaking Professional, Speaking Hall of Fame, Global Speaking Fellow

12:45-1:45 p.m.

TRUST in Action: Superintendent-Admin Assistant Partnership

Presenter: PJ Caposey, Ed.D., Superintendent, Oregon CUSD 220 and Mandi Callaway, Executive Assistant, Oregon CUSD 220 and 2025 Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award Winner.

Google Gemini Unleashed: New AI Workflows

Presenter: Lisa Schwartz, Regional EdTech Coordinator, Learning Technology Center

Introduction to FOIA and the Open Meetings Act

Presenter: Leah Bartlet, J.D., Public Access Counselor, Office of the Illinois Attorney General

2-3 p.m.

APs for APs: Managing Your Administrative Procedures

Presenter: John Fines, Director of Policy Services, IASB

AI for Go-Getters: Advanced Tools for Efficiency

Presenter: Eric Santos, Regional EdTech Coordinator, Learning Technology Center

Beyond the Basics: Unlocking BoardBook Value

Presenter: Isaac Houston, Customer Success Consultant, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)

Saturday, November 21

10:30-11:30 a.m.

AP Power Hour

A roundtable networking event facilitated by volunteers of the Administrative Professionals’ Program Planning Committee. This year’s topics include:

  • Pull Up a Chair: An Open Table Session
  • Agendas & Minutes + BoardBook = Meeting Magic 
  • Reclaiming the Workday
  • Mastering Workload: Organization and Prioritization Strategies
  • New Desk, New Chair, New Role: How to Navigate all Things New, Without Losing You!
  • New Board Members 101

1:30-2:30 p.m.

From Agendas to Action: Legally Sound Board Documentation

Presenter: Trisha Olson, J.D., Chief Legal Officer, School District U-46 and Member, Illinois Council of School Attorneys

Finding Your Fit with AI: Role, Team, District Applications

Presenter: Jim Boswell, Ed.D., Director of Operations and Technology, Bremen CHSD 228

2:45-3:45 p.m.

How to Handle Common Board Procedural Hurdles

Presenters: Steven Richart, J.D., Attorney, Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick & Kohn LLP, and Member, Illinois Council of School Attorneys

Mastering Canva’s AI & Branding Ecosystem

Presenter: Lisa Schwartz, Regional EdTech Coordinator, Learning Technology Center