Early Bird Workshops

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

TOPIC: New Board Member Bootcamp – Session A&B

• Anne Ritter, ISBA Consultant

Join a veteran board member to discuss the essential roles and responsibilities of school boards. Explore the foundations of good governance, working well as a team, and the basics of school law and finance. Leave with reminders and tips for effective school board service.                    

TOPIC: Oversight vs Overstepping – Session A

• Jason Sevy, Marsing Joint School District #363
• Norm Stewart, Marsing Joint School District #363

School boards govern, and administrators manage; but what does this mean in real life? Consider key opportunities and responsibilities of school board members as well as how boards work together with their administration. Learn with colleagues about keeping the balance between micromanagement and disengagement. Discover how a highly effective board chair and superintendent navigate this relationship.             

TOPIC: Don’t Cut What You Can Untie: The Honey Over Vinegar Approach to Productive Negotiations – Session A

• Courtney Wucetich, Dry Creek Mediation and Conflict Resolution LLC

The theory of Human Relations within the organizational landscape accepts that a natural component of human interaction is conflict. This theory also accepts that conflict is to be managed, not eradicated, with the optimistic possibility that the process can lead to collaboration and greater outcomes. Today’s discussion is an introduction to battle-tested practical strategies and best practices to transform conflict into negotiation, how to de-escalate and re-direct when talks take a tough turn, and when to consider the benefits of mediation.

TOPIC: Effective & Efficient Board Meetings – Session B

• Jason Knopp, ISBA Consultant
• Allison Westfall, ISBA Consultant

Nobody enjoys long boring meetings—board members, staff, and patrons alike. While long board meetings should be avoided, super short meetings are not the answer. Explore what constitutes an efficient board meeting and ways to ensure yours are healthy. Learn tips for the efficient use of time and ensure your board meetings are focused on the board’s work and the things that matter most.

TOPIC: Superintendent Evaluation – Session B

• Ryan Cantrell, Idaho State Department of Education
• Spencer Barzee, Idaho State Department of Education

Every school district superintendent and charter school administrator deserves a fair, objective, and meaningful evaluation. This is not an easy task. Discover tips on making your performance reviews more valuable and focused on the growth of your school and their leader. Take away effective tips for intentional and helpful evaluations that accurately reflect the will of the board and the superintendent’s level of performance.