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.
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 →
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.
The Senate Bill 5243 Universal High School & Beyond online platform will launch in fall 2025. Gain awareness, insight, and perspective for the statewide implementation, student engagement, and equitable access for meaningful, innovative HSBP experiences through the lens of a student and staff panel.
The WA Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) governs education-based activities and athletics for all interested high schools and middle schools in Washington state. Our ultimate mission is to keep students connected to their education while participating in safe and healthy activities. This session will provide an overview of the WIAA and discussion on topics faced as we serve all students in Washington.
Preparing students with the skills to meet the demanding post-secondary job-market of STEM related careers will be essential to meeting the global economy. STEM literacy for all students is essential to improve under-represented student growth and improve teacher and principal effectiveness.
Dr. Ian Saltzman is superintendent of Everett Public Schools. Before joining Everett in 2019, he served for thirty years in the Palm Beach County School District in Florida. He has been privileged to have served students as a teacher, principal and superintendent. Documented student... Read More →
Everett Public Schools since 2006Deputy superintendent 2019-presentAssociate superintendent for curriculum, assessment and special programs 2016-2019Assistant superintendent for teaching and learning 2012-2016Principal & assistant principal experience 2003-2012Taught in Oakland, CA... Read More →
Director Larson has lived in Tukwila for over 40 years. He’s a product of public education and believes “public education is the key to a successful country. I love to see students discover their passions.” For a decade and a half, he has volunteered in classrooms at Cascade... Read More →
Associate Professor, College of Education, University of Washington
Dr. David Knight is Associate Professor of Education Finance and Policy and co-Director of the Education Policy Analytics Lab at the University of Washington College of Education. He serves as Principal Investigator (PI) of a three-year research project funded by the National Science... Read More →
Learn from districts that have formed creative partnerships with families how to go beyond standard parent nights and instead to create authentic and collaborative relationships with families and your community that lift up and support positive outcomes for ALL students.
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 →
Director & Leadership Consultant, Central Valley School District & WSSDA
Cindy McMullen is a recycled school director, having served on the Central Valley School Board in Spokane from 1987-2011, then serving four years on the State Board of Education, and being re-elected to the Central Valley Board in 2015. She has been active in WSSDA, graduating from... Read More →
