Joint Annual Conference
November 21-23, 2025
Friday Focus Workshops — Targeted Training for School Board Members
IASB Friday Focus Workshops provide school board members with knowledge and resources to be an effective and efficient school leader. Grow your governing and board leadership skills with multiple half-day sessions (morning and afternoon).
- Gain in-depth knowledge from education experts on current issues impacting school governance.
- Dig into your role on the local board of education and learn how you and your board can gain a leadership advantage.
- Find fresh perspectives on the topics that matter most to your students, parents, and communities.
How to Register
Friday Focus Workshops are only available to individuals registered for the 2025 Joint Annual Conference. District administrators and roster managers can register a single individual or multiple members of their district through the Conference Group Registration process. Individual school board members should contact their district administrator to register for a Friday Focus Workshop(s) of their choice.
Registration Instructions
Questions about Friday Focus Workshops should be directed to Miranda Sexton at (217) 528-9688, ext. 1118.
Date and Location
Friday, November 21, Sheraton Grand Chicago
Schedule
8-9 a.m. – Continental breakfast and check-in for a.m. workshops9-11:30 a.m. – Morning (a.m.) workshops
11-11:30 a.m. – Check-in for afternoon (p.m.) workshops
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Lunch for p.m. workshops only
12:30-3 p.m. – Afternoon (p.m.) workshops
View Friday Focus Workshops Flyer
Student Board Member Leadership Summit
Register current and aspiring student board members for a dynamic day to empower student voices. Students will learn about effective governance and advocacy, then join Tiny Moments, Big Impact: Leveraging Everyday Interactions to Build a Thriving Culture, with Phil Boyte.
Morning and Afternoon Workshops
These workshops are offered twice, once in the morning and again in the afternoon.
David Braun, Attorney, Kyle Freeman, Ph.D., Superintendent,
Kim McCormick, Mediator
Ronald S. Thomas, Ph.D.
David Horsager
David Braun, Attorney, Kyle Freeman, Ph.D., Superintendent,
Kim McCormick, Mediator
Ronald S. Thomas, Ph.D.
David Horsager
Morning Only Workshops
Katie Bulava, Patrick Allen
Arlana Bedard, Ed.D, Laura Martinez
Justin Caldwell, Ed.D.
Afternoon Only Workshops
Katie Bulava, Patrick Allen
Perry Hill, Ph.D, Natalie Williams-McMahon, Ed.D.
Ann Williams, Ed.D.