Joint Annual Conference
November 20-22, 2026
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).
- In-depth knowledge from education experts on current issues impacting school governance.
- Learn how you and your board can gain a leadership advantage.
- Fresh perspectives on the topics that matter most to your districts.
Workshop Information
Date: Friday, November 20
Location: Sheraton Grand Chicago
Friday Focus Workshops are only available to individuals registered for the 2026 Joint Annual Conference. Workshops are offered in the morning and afternoon. Conference attendees can register for one or two half-day training sessions covering 11 school governance topics. District administrators and roster managers can register a single individual or multiple members of their district through the Conference Group Registration process. The price of each half-day training is $225. Workshops include breakfast (a.m.) or lunch (p.m.).
Contact Miranda Sexton at (217) 528-9688, ext. 1118 with questions about Friday Focus Workshops.
Morning and Afternoon Workshops
These workshops are offered twice, once in the morning (9-11:30 a.m.) and again in the afternoon (12:30-3 p.m.).
Presenter: Jared Horvath, Ph.D., Neuroscientist, educator, author, and Director, LME Global. Second General Session Speaker
Why is digital technology so often detrimental to learning, and what are the mechanisms driving negative effects? With a deeper understanding of why these tools so often disappoint, we will be much better poised to meaningfully consider when and how we choose to use tech.
The Future-Proof Catalyst: From Inspiration to Implementation
Presenter: Mary Hemphill, Ph.D., CEO & Founder, The Limitless Leader. Third General Session Speaker
Leaders will define what future-proofing looks like for their communities, map key stakeholders who blend veteran wisdom with fresh energy, craft audience-specific messaging that stays authentic, and leave with a complete 30/60/90-day action plan and ready-to-use tools.
Morning Only Workshops
Check-in and breakfast begin at 8 a.m.
Workshops: 9-11:30 a.m.
Navigating the Board Presidency: Presiding with a Purpose
Presenters: Patrick Allen and Katie Bulava, Directors of Outreach & Training, IASB
Fierce Conversations Foundations
Presenter: Justin Caldwell, Ed.D., Director of Outreach & Training, IASB
Regeneration: Reimagining and Revitalizing Rural Education
Presenter: Todd Dugan, Ed.D., President-Elect, Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS), and Superintendent, Bunker Hill CUSD 8
EQUITY 26: Listening Across Difference
Presenters: Sabine Denise Jaques, Joy, Justice & Equity Specialist, Joy & Justice in Schools, and Thomas Chang, Consultant, Joy & Justice in Schools
Afternoon Only Workshops
Check-in begins at 11 a.m. Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Workshops: 12:30-3 p.m.
Navigating the Board Presidency: A Day in the Life
Presenters: Patrick Allen and Katie Bulava, Directors of Outreach & Training, IASB
Governing in an AI Environment: Where Boards Must Draw the Line
Presenter: Gary Fasules, Director of Outreach & Training, IASB
Presenters: Laura Martinez and Arlana Bedard, Directors of Outreach & Training, IASB
EQUITY 26: Writing Ourselves Into Being
Presenters: Sabine Denise Jaques, Joy, Justice & Equity Specialist, Joy & Justice in Schools, and Thomas Chang, Consultant, Joy & Justice in Schools
Superintendent Evaluation: The Essential Work of the Board
Presenter: Perry Hill IV, Ph.D., Director of Outreach & Training, IASB