Day One

Owning the Numbers: How School Leaders Turn Data into Meaningful Change Through Collective Commitment - Dr. Scott Ebbrecht - Room 240

What if your school’s most powerful lever for improvement was already in your hands, hidden in the data you collect every day? This session will provide fresh insights into how school leaders can unlock the potential of instructional systems that transform assessment results into clear, strategic action. From demystifying the differences between assessment, achievement, ability, and aptitude, to using data to guide real-time instructional decisions, this presentation bridges theory with practice. Leaders will explore how to build staff confidence in data interpretation, align curriculum planning with actual student needs, and foster a culture of shared responsibility for progress. Grounded in authentic, relevant examples from a 30+ year veteran administrator who led measurable gains in student achievement, this session is ideal for school leaders ready to drive data-informed improvement with clarity, purpose, and collective commitment, placing student outcomes and teacher accountability at the center.

Becoming an Instructional Leader - Dr. Joan Walker - Room 245

Dr. Walker will focus on the role of the administrator and the instructional process. The role of the leader is to know what effective teaching and learning is for all grade levels. Participants will delve into effective teaching practices and methods to engage the learner, with additional focus on instruction in special education. This will be an interactive presentation with attendees engaged in problem solving and discussion.

Educational Leaders as Instructional Leaders: Student Positioning in the Classroom - Dr. Elsheika Pennerman - Room 235

School leaders oftentimes assume the role of instructional leaders. However, seldom do they receive in-depth training on how to evaluate instructional lessons and how to effectively offer next steps to teachers. This session offers a closer look at classroom instruction, specifically delving into ‘student positioning’ by teachers and peers, and the implications it can have for student learning, behaviors, and academic performance. Session attendees will engage with real classroom instruction cases. Using guided prompts, they will work collaboratively to analyze cases for instances of student positioning and make recommendations for strategies that encourage critical thinking and collaboration. This work promises to transform the way school leaders look at instructional practices. It is a reminder to be more reflective and intentional in our instructional practice so that it aligns with what we say we believe students can do.

AI for Educational Leaders: Driving Innovation, Equity, and Efficiency - Mr. David Clark - Room 230

AI is not just a tech trend—it’s a leadership opportunity. This session will equip educational leaders with the knowledge and tools to integrate artificial intelligence in ways that foster innovation, support equity, and streamline daily operations. Whether it's enhancing parent communication, creating differentiated learning experiences, or improving resource allocation, AI offers district and school leaders new pathways to meet the evolving needs of their communities. Grounded in real-world examples, this session will empower participants to become thoughtful, forward-thinking AI leaders in their respective district roles.

Writing and Winning Grants - Terry Davis - Room 235

As school leaders navigate another year of budgetary constraints, many are seeking grants as a way to secure high-quality educational opportunities for their students. In today’s competitive landscape, however, nonprofits across sectors are vying for the same limited funds. Writing a technically correct proposal isn’t enough. Winning grant awards requires thinking like a grant maker. Understanding what funders value, and how to strategically speak to your school’s needs, will set your proposal apart. 

In this highly interactive session, you'll explore best practices for selecting strong grant opportunities, learn how to decode what grant application questions are really asking, and analyze sample proposals to see what works--and what doesn’t. You’ll learn what sets successful proposals apart and leave with strategies you can put to use right away. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to level up, this session will sharpen your grant writing skills for a competitive edge.

Maximizing Impact: Understanding Title I Funding and Strategic Spending - Nan Hagood and Paul Smith - Room 230

This session equips public school principals with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently manage and maximize Title I, Part A funding. Participants will explore the core purpose of Title I, understand how funds are allocated, and distinguish between allowable and non-allowable expenditures. Through interactive scenarios and real-world examples, school leaders will gain clarity on cost coding, compliance requirements, and strategies for aligning Title I spending with student achievement goals. Attendees will leave with practical resources, planning templates, and increased capacity to make data-informed, equitable funding decisions that directly impact instructional quality and student success.

Smart Stewardship: How School Leaders Strategically Align Resources to Fuel Purpose and Performance - Dr. Scott Ebbrecht - Room 240

Resources are not infinite; rather, they are finite. Therefore, what if the key to improving student growth, staff morale, and instructional success was not about acquiring more, but about using what you already have with greater purpose? This session invites school leaders to take ownership of resource decisions by aligning people, time, and funding with their core mission, rather than long-standing tradition. Participants will explore practical strategies to increase impact across staffing, scheduling, and support systems, without relying solely on additional funding. From refining hiring practices and maximizing collaborative time, to auditing the master schedule for equity and making informed, data-driven budget choices, this session blends actionable tools with a leadership mindset grounded in purpose and accountability.

Facilitated by a veteran school leader with over 30 years of experience, the session draws on authentic examples based on the seven guiding pillars of purposeful leadership. Participants will leave with a sharpened focus on equity, collaboration, and systems thinking, prepared to lead with greater clarity, strengthen team communication, and ensure that resources are directly aligned with student and staff success. This session is designed for PreK–12 administrators ready to shift resource management from routine compliance to strategic collective commitment.