WSSDA 2024 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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7:30am PST

Pre-Conference Registration

Thursday November 21, 2024 7:30am - 10:00am PST

If you are attending a pre-conference workshop, please stop by registration to pick up your conference materials. Regular Conference registration will open at 12:00 PM for those not registered for a pre-conference workshop.

Thursday November 21, 2024 7:30am - 10:00am PST
111 A, Spokane Convention Center

General Information

7:30am PST

WSSDA Bookstore

Thursday November 21, 2024 7:30am - 5:30pm PST

Ballroom Lobby, Spokane Convention Center

Find thought-provoking books for education leaders and everyday reading, as well as a nice selection of children’s books for holiday gifts and for the WSSDA book drive.

A 20% discount will be given on all books donated to the book drive as well as on the purchase of 3 or more picture books. Discount does not apply to other titles.

Thursday November 21, 2024 7:30am - 5:30pm PST
Ballroom Lobby, Spokane Convention Center

General Information

9:00am PST

Pre-Conference: Board Boot Camp

Thursday November 21, 2024 9:00am - 2:00pm PST

111 B, Spokane Convention Center

Board Boot Camp is the perfect place for new board members to start their journey. You’ll hear from trainers with extensive school board experience as they cover the basics of board service, serving your district's students and families, and best practices for effective school board leadership. You’ll also connect with new board members from around the state while exploring scenarios you’re likely to encounter as a school director. A panel discussion called “What your board president and superintendent would love to tell you…but probably won’t” is a favorite of many attendees. Superintendents and veteran school directors are encouraged to attend with their new board members for the best experience.

*Requires pre-registration

Speakers

Sandra Zavala-Ortega

Director, Vancouver Public Schools

Sandra Zavala-Ortega was appointed to serve on the School Board for Vancouver Public Schools In April of 2021 and continues to serve on the board after being elected in November 2021. Sandra is the first Latina Director on the Vancouver school board.Sandra is a proud daughter of Mexican... Read More →

Luckisha Phillips

Director & Leadership Consultant, Federal Way Public Schools & WSSDA

Luckisha Phillips has served on the Federal Way Public School Board since October 2018. She currently holds the role of Legislative Representative along with other leadership roles with WSSDA committees.Professor Phillips has over 20 years of experience that centers on children... Read More →

Amy Cast

Director & WSSDA Leadership Consultant, Northshore School District & WSSDA

Amy Cast brings a wide variety of school board and marketing management experience. As a director on the Northshore School Board, Amy has served in every officer position, including Audit Chair, Legislative Chair, Vice President and President. As President, she oversaw a community-wide... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 9:00am - 2:00pm PST
111 B, Spokane Convention Center

Pre-Conference

9:00am PST

Pre-Conference: Law Conference

Thursday November 21, 2024 9:00am - 2:00pm PST

100 A, Spokane Convention Center

Engage with experienced school law attorneys on the pressing legal issues facing public school districts in the 2024-25 school year. Learn about today’s legal landscape, including newly developing concerns and issues on the horizon. Speakers will help you identify pitfalls and minimize the risk of investigations and costly litigation in your district. The content of Law Conference changes according to the important topics that emerge each year. This is a can’t-miss learning opportunity tailored specifically to K-12 leaders.

*Requires pre-registration

Speakers

Christine Geary

Director of Policy & Legal Services, WSSDA

Kelli Schmidt

Attorney/Legal Investigator, Advance Law Office PLLC

Thursday November 21, 2024 9:00am - 2:00pm PST
100 A, Spokane Convention Center

Pre-Conference

9:00am PST

Pre-Conference: Strategic Advocacy Academy

Thursday November 21, 2024 9:00am - 2:00pm PST

111 C, Spokane Convention Center

A key role for school board members and additional education leaders is influencing others by advocating for their students, school districts, and K-12 public education. As you learn about the systems that support and drive state policymaking, this workshop will help you build comfort and confidence as an advocate. Join this engaging and educational session to practice techniques for effective advocacy and leave equipped with skills and goals for the next legislative cycle.

*Requires pre-registration

Speakers

Marissa Rathbone

Director of Strategic Advocacy, Washington State School Directors' Association

Thursday November 21, 2024 9:00am - 2:00pm PST
111 C, Spokane Convention Center

Pre-Conference

12:00pm PST

Exhibits Open

Thursday November 21, 2024 12:00pm - 5:30pm PST

Ballroom Lobby & 111 A, Spokane Convention Center

Be sure to visit our sponsors and exhibitors in the foyer and in the exhibit hall on the first floor. Coffee and tea will be available in 111 A all day.

Thursday November 21, 2024 12:00pm - 5:30pm PST
Ballroom Lobby & 111 A, Spokane Convention Center

Exhibits

12:00pm PST

Conference Registration

Thursday November 21, 2024 12:00pm - 6:00pm PST

111 A, Spokane Convention Center

Registration is open for all Annual Conference attendees. Please stop by to pick up your conference materials.

Thursday November 21, 2024 12:00pm - 6:00pm PST
111 A, Spokane Convention Center

General Information

2:15pm PST

OnBoard: Foundations of State Funding

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:15pm - 5:15pm PST

401, Spokane Convention Center

Untangle the complexity of state funding, which is the primary financial support for Washington’s K-12 schools. Explore the primary categories of general apportionment funding, expand your knowledge about funding of the six Basic Education programs, and gain an overview of the four Basic Education categorical programs. The knowledge you gain will be immediately applicable to your work in guiding, approving, and reviewing district budgets.

All OnBoard sessions are first come, first served; no pre-registration required.

Speakers

Maya Vengadasalam

Leadership Consultant, WSSDA

Maya brings a strong business and finance background and is currently employed as a Business Process Analyst for the Housing Authority of the City of Tacoma. Until recently, Maya served as a school board director in the Kent School District for eight years. She has served on numerous... Read More →

Cassandra Sage

Leadership Consultant, WSSDA

Cassandra Sage served as a board director in the Lake Washington School District, filling the role of legislative representative. She advocates for students and families at the local, state, and national level in the areas of education, mental health, housing, and disability rights... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:15pm - 5:15pm PST
401, Spokane Convention Center

OnBoard

2:30pm PST

1001. Culture of Engagement: Integrating diverse perspectives in bond planning

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST

205, Spokane Convention Center

Explore the crucial role of diverse perspectives in the educational bond planning process. Co-presented with David VanderYacht, superintendent of Lynden School District, this session delves into strategies for fostering a culture of engagement and civil discourse within school communities. Through real-life examples from the Lynden School District, participants will learn how authentic engagement and communication strategies can effectively build trust and consensus across varied stakeholder groups.

Speakers

Ashley McClaran

Project Executive, STV

STV is a leading national infrastructure-focused construction management and professional services firm that makes communities better – for today and for the next 100 years. We are proudly involved in projects that are making a generational impact in our local communities.

David VanderYacht

Superintendent, Lynden School District

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST
205, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

2:30pm PST

1002. Ensuring Student Access and Success for Students Beyond High School: A Deep Dive into High School Graduation Requirements and Minimum Admissions Requirements into 4-year Public Universities in WA

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST

100 A, Spokane Convention Center

Learn all about the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs) - Credits students need to accumulate by the time of high school graduation to be able to pursue admissions into any of our six 4-year baccalaureate institutions in WA. Potentially engage with a panel of experts from higher education, K-12 sectors and students to discuss the impact of CADRs, its alignment with high school graduation requirements, how you as a board member can leverage this policy at the school district level and can also inform this policy at the state level.

Speakers

Melissa Beard

Director; WSSDA Vice-President, Tumwater School District

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST
100 A, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

2:30pm PST

1003. Gender Inclusive Schools Laws as Top Protective Factors for LGBTQ Students

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST

206 A, Spokane Convention Center

Recent surveys of Washington state students reveal a growing population of LGBTQ students. The 2023 Healthy Youth Survey suggests that upwards of 25% of 10th graders are LGBTQ or questioning. Yet few school staff or school directors and administrators are aware of Gender Inclusive School laws and policies, much less their strong connection to the top protective factors for LGBTQ students. In this interactive workshop that includes students’ perspectives, you will learn about GIS laws, their connection to improving outcomes for LGBTQ students, and school climate overall. We will wrap up with a conversation about how you can help to connect this important work to your district's mission and values.

Speakers

Lisa Page

Student Advocate, Professional Development Provider, Common Goodness Project

Since 2004, I've worked within and alongside the LGBTQ+ community in one way or another. My experience is broad and includes working with faith communities, partnering with public schools, volunteering for juvenile justice departments, supporting foster parents with LGBTQ+ youth... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST
206 A, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

2:30pm PST

1004. Integrating OSPI’s Human-Centered AI Guidance for K-12 Public Schools to Empower Student Success

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST

111 B, Spokane Convention Center

School board members and district leaders will have an opportunity to conduct a deep dive into OSPI’s Human-Centered AI Guidance for K-12 public schools by exploring how leveraging AI responsibly can enhance student learning outcomes and operational efficiency while also addressing important concerns around privacy, equity, and transparency. Participants will be actively involved during this hands-on presentation.

Speakers

Jon Mishra

Assistant Superintendent, OSPI

Susan Lathrop

Assistant Superintendent, OSPI

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST
111 B, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

2:30pm PST

1005. Reducing Staff: Lessons learned & reaffirmed

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST

207, Spokane Convention Center

Inflation and basic costs are up, enrollment is down, and billions in federal pandemic relief has ended. Learn proactive and reactive strategies to lead through unprecedented state fiscal challenges and combat local union action to erode public confidence in school board and superintendent leadership.

Speakers

Trevor Greene

Superintendent, Yakima School District

Jake Kuper

CFO, Yakima School District

Kirsten Fitterer

Executive Director of Communication and Engagement, Yakima School District

Kirsten Fitterer serves as the Executive Director of Communications and Engagement for the Yakima School District. In this critical role, she sits on the Superintendent's Cabinet as one of seven executive managers, overseeing the education of 15,000 students. Kirsten started as a... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST
207, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

2:30pm PST

1006. Roles Defined: Boosting efficiency & student success

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST

111 C, Spokane Convention Center

Learn about the critical relationships and roles in school governance. Understand how board members govern, the superintendent leads, and the CFO manages the budget. Discover how to balance these roles, navigate budget cycles, ensure transparency, and adapt to enrollment changes for effective decision-making.

Speakers

Natalie Wimberley

Director, Peninsula School District

Ashley Murphy

CFO, Peninsula School District

David Olson

Director, Peninsula School District

Lori Glover

Director, Peninsula School District

Jennifer Butler

Director, Peninsula School District

Chuck West

Director, Peninsula School District

Krestin Bahr

Superintendent, Peninsula School District

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST
111 C, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

2:30pm PST

1007. The Power of Student Perspective for Equitable Outcomes

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST

206 B, Spokane Convention Center

Experience the transformative power of student voice in service of systemic coherence toward equitable strategic growth through a justice-centered partnership between Orting School District’s Board of Directors and its diverse Student Advisory.

Speakers

Dr. Aaron Lee

Executive Director For Equity and Student Outcomes, Orting School District

Jaedin Soto

Student Representative, Orting School District

Carly Castro

Student Representative, Orting School District

Carrie Thibodeaux

Director, Orting School District

Melissa Kinzler

Director, Orting School District

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST
206 B, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session, Student Representative Course

2:30pm PST

1008. Using the MTSS Framework & Vulnerability Assessments for Safer Schools

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST

206 D, Spokane Convention Center

Learn how Richland Schools used a Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment, the Design Basis Threat, and the MTSS Framework to support their strategic plan for school and community safety. The interactive session provides examples of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 interventions and the importance of each.

Speakers

Darryl Judge

Director of Business Development, Commande & Richland Police Department (Retired), Safeguards 3 Cyber & Physical Security

A Cyber and Physical Security Solutions Company.

Doug Judge, Ph.D

Associate Professor, International Institute for Restorative Practices

Jill Oldson

Director, Richland School District

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST
206 D, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

2:30pm PST

Open Government Training

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST

201 A-C, Spokane Convention Center

Open Government is an important principle in Washington State with two important and powerful tools enabling the people to inform themselves about their government - the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and the Public Records Act (PRA). The OPMA requires that covered agency leaders take action and conduct deliberations openly. It establishes the public’s right to observe their government in action. The PRA provides broad access to agency records.

This session qualifies for the legislative requirement for Open Government training for all school directors within 90 days of taking office and refresher training every four years thereafter.

Speakers

WA Office of the Attorney General

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 4:00pm PST
201 A-C, Spokane Convention Center

Pre-Conference

2:30pm PST

OnBoard: Foundations of Cultural Proficiency

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 5:00pm PST

402, Spokane Convention Center

Culture is to people what water is to fish. We tend not to think about culture because it surrounds us all the time. In this learning experience, participants will explore culture within the context of a school district and its impact on students, staff, and families. By considering the opportunities and benefits of cultivating cultural proficiency throughout a school district, school directors will be equipped to promote cultural proficiency within the unique context of their own districts.

All OnBoard sessions are first come, first served; no pre-registration required. This session qualifies for the legislative requirement for educational equity training for all school directors.

Speakers

Vanessa Medalla Edwards

Leadership Consultant, WSSDA

Vanessa Edwards was a Marysville School District board director for four years. During her term, she was the President, Vice President, and Legislative Chair, Policy Chair and Equity Chair. During her term, she helped with defining the district values, and a community developed Strategic... Read More →

Mary Fertakis

WSSDA Leadership Consultant, M Fertakis Consulting, LLC

Mary Fertakis served on the Tukwila School Board from 1995-2017, was the 2012 WSSDA President, served two terms on the WSSDA Board, one term on the Legislative Committee, and is a Leadership WSSDA graduate. She served on WSSDA’s Closing the Achievement Gap Task Force, Urban Issues... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 5:00pm PST
402, Spokane Convention Center

OnBoard

2:30pm PST

AESD Executive Board Meeting

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 5:30pm PST

203, Spokane Convention Center

This is a strategic meeting of the 9 ESDs.

Thursday November 21, 2024 2:30pm - 5:30pm PST
203, Spokane Convention Center

Meetings/Committees

3:00pm PST

WASA Board Meeting

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 5:00pm PST

102 A-D, Spokane Convention Center

This is a strategic meeting for the Board of Directors for the WA School Administrators' Association (WASA).

Thursday November 21, 2024 3:00pm - 5:00pm PST
102 A-D, Spokane Convention Center

Meetings/Committees

4:20pm PST

2001. A Partnership Approach to Supporting Students Social & Emotional Wellness

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST

206 A, Spokane Convention Center

Students are in a mental health crisis and schools no longer have the capacity to meet the needs alone. Learn how this unique, yet replicable, partnership called the Renton Referral Hub, is helping us to build systems that equitably address the needs through a community hub.

Speakers

Victoria Blakeney

Director of Student Support, Renton School District

Devyna Aguon

Mental Health Facilitator, Renton School District

Dr. Avanti Bergquist

Director & Child Psychiatrist, Renton School District

Adam Davis

Director Community Partnerships, Health Commons Project

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST
206 A, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

4:20pm PST

2002. Attracting, Supporting, & Sustaining School Leaders

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST

205, Spokane Convention Center

What are the consequences of constant leadership turnover? Besides financial costs, the impacts on culture, systems, and learning for both students and adults can have lasting negative effects. If highly effective school leaders are the number one influence on student achievement, then supporting leadership should be top priority for every district.

Speakers

Scott Seaman

Executive Director, Association Of Washington School Principals

Roz Thompson

Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, Association Of Washington School Principals

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST
205, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

4:20pm PST

2003. Creating a Coherent District

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST

207, Spokane Convention Center

Six years ago, Battle Ground Public Schools embarked on a journey to eliminate initiative overload and fragmentation. They found a way to focus their direction, increase collaboration, deepen learning, and secure accountability while at the same time improving district culture and climate and strengthening community support. They will share their story and their process so that you can do it too.

Speakers

Denny Waters

Superintendent, Battle Ground Public Schools

Shelly Whitten

Deputy Superintendent, Battle Ground Public Schools

Mary Snitily

Director, Battle Ground Public Schools

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST
207, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

4:20pm PST

2004. Empowering School Boards: Strategic financial oversight for Washington state schools

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST

111 B, Spokane Convention Center

Join us for a comprehensive presentation focused on the indispensable roles and responsibilities of school district board members in ensuring sound financial oversight of Washington state schools. In this session, we will delve into the essential principles, practices, and strategies that empower school boards to effectively manage fiscal resources and promote financial transparency and accountability within their districts.

Speakers

Lisa Matthews

Assistant Superintendent for Finance, NWESD

Trisha Schock

Assistant Superintendent Of Adminsitrative Services, NCESD

Young Adult Consumer Education Trust (YACET) is an East Wenatchee based non-profit founded in 1999. We are currently pursuing our mission in the four counties of North Central Washington (Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, and Grant) by supporting schools’ and teachers’ efforts to exceed... Read More →

Kassidy Probert

Assistant Superintendent, NEWESD 101

Jennifer Priddy

Deputy Superintendent, Business and Operations, ESD 113

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST
111 B, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

4:20pm PST

2005. Mirrors, Doors, and Windows: Personalizing classroom materials to represent the students you serve

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST

206 D, Spokane Convention Center

As influential leaders in the educational system, school board directors play a crucial role in ensuring that the curriculum reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the students it serves. This session will empower public school board directors to champion and support the creation and utilization of culturally responsive curricula that fosters an inclusive and engaging educational environment.

Speakers

Heather Bybee

Chief of Staff, Spokane Public Schools

Nikki Lockwood

Director, Spokane Public Schools

I was raised in Spokane and proud to serve as Vice-President of the Spokane Public Schools Board of Directors and on the WSSDA Legislative Committee for DA9. I work to make Spokane more inclusive for people of all backgrounds an identities. My husband and I have two daughters and... Read More →

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST
206 D, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session, Student Representative Course

4:20pm PST

2006. Navigating Students’ Pathways: Embracing AI/AR/VR's role in career exploration

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST

206 C, Spokane Convention Center

Discover how educational leaders across the Northwest use creative approaches including AI, AR, and VR to engage and inspire students. This session will demonstrate how students research, learn, and experience a variety of concepts and the associated career pathways in STEM, health science, advanced manufacturing, agri-science, transportation and more. Based on this exploration, students are able to develop plans for post-secondary study and/or earn valuable certifications.

Speakers

Ben Peterson

Director of CTE Solutions, zSpace Inc., zSpace, Inc.

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST
206 C, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session, Student Representative Course

4:20pm PST

2007. New School Health & Safety Rule Development from WA State Board of Health

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST

206 B, Spokane Convention Center

Engage with the State Board of Health’s development of new school environmental health and safety rules. The board is working in collaboration with interested parties to develop draft minimum health and safety standards for all schools in Washington and is seeking your feedback and input on the proposed rules.

Speakers

Andrew Kamali

School Rule Manager, Washington State Board of Health

Patty Hayes, RN MN

Chair, Washington State Board of Health

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST
206 B, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

4:20pm PST

2008. Utilizing Perspectives for Informed Decision Making

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST

111 C, Spokane Convention Center

The Arlington school board team is utilizing layers of student, staff, family, and community perspectives and voices to make better decisions, increase partner involvement, and foster educational equity to support student learning and achievement. You will hear from our student advisors and board members about the valuable understanding gained as a board team, the actions being taken, and the positive impacts.

Speakers

Chrys Sweeting

Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools

Mary Levesque

Director, Arlington Schools

Erica Knapp

Director, Arlington Schools

Sheri Kelly

Director, Arlington Schools

Matt Dimond

Director, Arlington Schools

Nathan Nichols

Student Representative, Arlington Schools

Deja Reed

Student Representative, Arlington Schools

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST
111 C, Spokane Convention Center

Breakout Session

4:20pm PST

Equity & Access Caucus

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST

201 A-C, Spokane Convention Center

WSSDA members are invited to join this caucus to learn and share best practices in educational equity and equity policy development.

Thursday November 21, 2024 4:20pm - 5:20pm PST
201 A-C, Spokane Convention Center

Meetings/Committees

5:30pm PST

Pre-Dinner Social

Thursday November 21, 2024 5:30pm - 6:00pm PST

Grand Ballroom Lobby, Davenport Grand

Join us in the Davenport Grand Ballroom Lobby to network with colleagues before the President's Dinner. A cash bar will be available.

Thursday November 21, 2024 5:30pm - 6:00pm PST
Grand Ballroom Lobby, Davenport Grand

General Information

5:30pm PST

Student Representatives Dinner

Thursday November 21, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm PST

Cedar Ballroom, Davenport Grand

Join fellow student representatives for dinner and be part of building community, mapping out your plans for the conference, and dreaming big about the future of K-12 education!

Thursday November 21, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm PST
Cedar Ballroom, Davenport Grand

General Information

6:00pm PST

President's Dinner

Thursday November 21, 2024 6:00pm - 7:30pm PST

Grand Ballroom, Davenport Grand

Kick off the 2024 conference with a celebration of leadership at the President's Dinner! Highlights include a no-host bar and beautiful music from the Odyssey String Ensemble, plus:
• Honoring Outgoing President, Sandy Hayes
• 2024 Boards of Distinction recognition
• Recognition of WSSDA committees and members
• Washington School Boards' Educational Foundation
• Leadership WSSDA Graduation

Thursday November 21, 2024 6:00pm - 7:30pm PST
Grand Ballroom, Davenport Grand

General Information