Early Bird Workshops

Note: Our Early Bird Workshops offer something for everyone and is a great way to kick-off the convention.

TOPIC: Not Your Standard ‘Bored’ Communication

Kelly Moulton – ISBA Consultant

The role of a school board member is often misunderstood. This training will aid new and old board members on their ability to effect change in their community through the proper channels. Focus points include the legal aspects and best practices of communication with the community, fellow board members, administration, and staff. This interactive session will explore the scope and leadership opportunities that will provide for positive interactions in all aspects.

TOPIC: Budget and School Finance Basics

Katie Ebner – Chief Financial Officer, Post Falls SD

This session will provide an overview of the budget-setting process, and equip board members with tools for effective oversight of a district and charter school budgets. The session will cover the basic mechanics of school funding, budget season deadlines, and walk through standardized budget and financial report formats.

TOPIC: Setting the Superintendent Up for Success: Clear Expectations and Evaluation

Ryan Cantrell – ISBA Consultant

Superintendent success starts with clearly-communicated expectations between the school board and superintendent. This session will examine how boards communicate clear expectations for their superintendent, using the District’s or Charter School’s Strategic Plan, annual goals, and the annual superintendent evaluation. Designed by a former superintendent of a high-performing rural school district, Mr. Cantrell will walk participants through the healthy annual cycle for superintendent evaluations, designed to promote high performing school systems.

TOPIC: Oversight vs. Overstepping and Rogue Board Members

Lisa Colón Durham – ISBA Professional Development Director
Amy White – Partner, Anderson, Julian & Hull

School board members are locally elected or appointed public officials entrusted with governing the local school district or charter school. Effective boards learn to operate within their role so that they don’t overstep their authority or become rogue board members. However, knowing what that exactly means can be confusing. This early bird session will help board members, superintendent/charter administrators, and other staff learn what it means when a board or individual board member steps out of their governance and oversight authority. In addition, we will look at the legal consequences associated with overstepping.