Welcome to the ASBA’s 71st Annual Conference! We’re happy you have joined us for this opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the achievements of Arkansas’s school board members and educators.
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Join us for the official welcome and opening of the 2024 ASBA Annual Conference. Our National Anthem will be sung by Yni Bernalte, 9th grader at Parkview Magnet High School. The presentation of colors will be performed by the Watson Chapel School District JROTC Color Guard.
Willow Sweeney is co-founder of Top 20 Training that provides training and materials to empower leaders, teachers, parents and students to develop their potential. She and her Top 20 team have trained over 950,000 leaders throughout the United States. Willow has co-authored four books. Top 20 Teachers: The Revolution in American Education, Top 20 Parents: Raising Happy, Responsible and Emotionally Healthy Children, Top 20 Teens: Discovering the Best-kept Thinking, Learning and Communicating Secrets of Successful Teenagers and their newest book, Rebalanced Thinking, Rebalanced Living. Willow's career has included high school teaching and coaching, and she has been a national speaker and trainer since 2002. She and her husband, Brian, have two sons and live in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Co-Owner/Co-Founder/Senior Facilitator/Author, Top 20 Training
Willow Sweeney is a co-founder of Top 20 Training that provides training and materials to empower leaders, teachers, parents and students to develop their potential. Her career has included high school teaching and coaching. She has been a national speaker and trainer since 2002. Willow and her Top 20 team have trained over 1,000,000... Read More →
Visit Governor's Hall I for Refreshments and to view a performance by the Forest Heights STEM Academy Choir. Premier partners will be located in the Marriott Hotel East Concourse.
This presentation seeks to raise awareness of the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in Arkansas and their impacts on learning, student achievement, adverse youth outcomes, and, ultimately, communities. It will present ways districts can utilize the 40 Developmental Assets framework to help (1) identify and build on the strengths and “sparks” of youths to facilitate positive outcomes; (2) build resilience in the face of ACEs by strengthening “protective factors” in the lives of all youths; and (3) organize and mobilize community-wide stakeholders as “asset-builders” in the lives of youths. The presentation will feature a sample “getting started” action plan for school board members, with attention to key policy decisions, assessment/ reporting tools for monitoring asset-building progress, and ways to lead not only their school districts but also their communities in asset-building efforts for the benefit of all youth.
This session will explore the vital role of communication in fostering effective district partnerships. Participants will gain insights into strategies for enhancing transparency, building trust, and increasing community involvement to strengthen educational outcomes. This session will provide actionable strategies and highlight successful initiatives that exemplify effective communication and collaboration among key district stakeholders.
In this dynamic session, participants will explore how a resilient approach to school finances can position districts for long-term success. With a focus on revenue sources, including state funding, local taxes, and federal allocations, board members will learn how to strategically manage expenditures to support evolving educational priorities. This session will highlight the critical role of school board members in ensuring fiscal responsibility, maintaining transparency, and fostering financial readiness for the challenges of tomorrow. By aligning financial decisions with student-centered goals, attendees will leave empowered to lead schools that are resilient and ready to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
Effective Alternative Learning Programs should be just as important as Traditional Learning Programs. They both have the potential to encompass our future leaders. So to that end, it is of utmost importance to lead effective alternative learning programs through a means of enriching, real-world experiences by way of developing strong community partnerships to assist our students in becoming productive members of society, hence keeping our students resilient and ready for whatever may come their way. My presentation will seek to demonstrate the components that make up an effective ALE program through strong community partnerships/stakeholders and out-of-the-box projects/activities in which to get the most out of each and every one of our students as we prepare them for their future today.
Unlock the potential of your board with Simbli! Join us for an insightful breakout session focused on enhancing leadership and operational efficiency within your governance team and organization. Whether you're looking to refine your strategic planning process, strengthen policy implementation, enhance your board meetings, or streamline superintendent evaluations, this session offers invaluable insights. Learn how Simbli, developed by the Georgia School Boards Association and offered as a service through ARSBA, can empower your board to reach new heights of effectiveness and efficiency to make a difference for students.
This session provides an in-depth look at how the College Access Program has become a powerful catalyst for increasing graduation rates in rural Arkansas. It highlights innovative strategies that have contributed to a significant rise in graduation rates, with a focus on providing accessible college and career planning resources, networking opportunities, mentorship, and skill-building experiences specifically tailored to meet the needs of students in rural areas. Learn about the unique challenges facing rural education and discover how targeted interventions empower students to navigate the path from high school to higher education or workforce readiness with confidence and resilience. Discover best practices and measurable outcomes that can help foster a sustainable culture of achievement and persistence across rural Arkansas, equipping students with the skills and determination needed to succeed well beyond graduation.
Join this fast-paced session designed to equip school board members with essential insights on Economics Arkansas (EA). We’ll cover: 1. Why should your district consider partnering with Economics Arkansas? 2. What are the costs—fiscal and human capital? 3. How does partnering benefit the community? 4. Who’s already using this program, and what have their experiences been? 5. What are the next steps for exploring a partnership in your district? Plus, exciting door prizes will be awarded! Don’t miss out!
Join us for a practical and engaging session of our journey in including all stakeholders in our implementation of Standards-Based Grading (SBG) in the Searcy Special School District. This approach helps educators clearly track and report student progress, making sure students are ready for future challenges. School leaders will learn strategies for implementing SBG through a clear, structured roadmap. We’ll cover everything from planning and listening to the needs of students, parents, and teachers to offering support and training for educators. Key topics include setting clear learning goals, creating fair ways to measure progress, and involving stakeholders in the transition to this new system. By the end of the session, participants will feel confident in leading their schools and stakeholders toward a grading system that is flexible, inclusive, and focused on growth, helping students thrive in tomorrow’s world.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Farmington Schools and Entegrity joined forces to revolutionize energy consumption, resulting in nearly $6 million in savings over two decades. Through strategic implementation of energy-saving measures and innovative solar solutions, this partnership propelled sustainability efforts and significantly slashed operational costs. Together, they epitomize the power of forward-thinking initiatives in driving impactful change and fostering long-term financial resilience.
Join the 2024 Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation Educator of the Year Freddy Penka as he shares about his successful Outdoor Adventures course at Pinkston Middle School in Mountain Home. Mr. Penka will be accompanied by MHPS Board President Lisa House, who will highlight the Board’s support for this program. They will also be joined by a representative from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission who will share about how the commission partners with OA classrooms to provide additional resources and programming. The course can be taught as a PE Course, a local elective, or as an accompaniment to agricultural science and wildlife management, and there are various funding opportunities that will help support districts who wish to implement this course. Mr. Penka is a passionate educator who will share a host of examples of the positive impacts this course has made on young people.
The purpose of this presentation on board leadership and governance is to engage participants on three critical concepts for enhanced communication between school board members and superintendents.
Join us for our annual awards luncheon hosted by Senator Kim Hammer. Annual boardsmanship and service awards will be presented, and we will hear from 1st place student speaker, Carter Whiley, an 11th grader at Mansfield High School.
The honorable Kim Hammer serves as Arkansas State Senator for District 16, representing parts of Saline and southwestern Pulaski Counties. Elected to the Senate in 2018 after eight years in the House, Senator Hammer serves on the Education Committee and is deeply committed to education... Read More →
Chris Chism has dedicated more than 27 years of his life to public school education, beginning with his time as a classroom teacher and a coach. He was appointed as the superintendent of Pearl Public School District in 2022 after serving as principal of Pearl High School for seven years. He was selected as a 2020 Practitioner of Distinction by the School of Education at the University of Mississippi. His personal interest in the area of Al has evolved into educating others about Al’s many facets which can be used to make duties and responsibilities more efficient. He is in demand as an AI presenter across the nation.
Chris Chism has dedicated more than 27 years of his life to public school education, beginning with his time as a classroom teacher and a coach. He was appointed as the superintendent of Pearl Public School District in 2022 after serving as principal of Pearl High School for seven... Read More →
Visit Governor's Hall I for Refreshments and to view a performance by the Carl Stuart Middle School Choir. Premier partners will be located in the Marriott Hotel East Concourse.
Behavior is a form of communication. Join us as we explore the brain states and think together about the relationship between what's happening inside the brain and external behaviors. We will discuss how connections with others build neurological connections that wire the brain for impulse control and willingness. We will look at the data showing the direct correlation between connection and reduction in office referrals and big behaviors.
Professional communication is always permeated by personal histories and convictions. Explore how nonverbal behaviors can shape the direction of critical conversations, strengthen relationships, and provide support in interpersonal connections. Join us for insight into establishing quality communication to enhance productivity and purpose.
Join us for an engaging session with an attorney and acting superintendent, offering practical advice for school boards. This presentation will focus on enhancing communication, improving board relations, and addressing everyday legal issues in school governance. Participants will discover effective strategies for transparent dialogue and active listening, which are crucial for building trust and collaboration between superintendents and board members. The session will emphasize the importance of mutual respect and shared goals to create strong partnerships. Additionally, the superintendent will share real-life examples of common legal challenges and provide proactive solutions to navigate them effectively. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with actionable tools to foster resilience and readiness in their schools, prioritizing student success today while preparing for future challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership approach and strengthen school governance!
In this presentation, we will guide school boards on evaluating district operations by identifying which practices should be started, stopped, or improved. Key areas include school banking, outsourced services, policies, and communication. While the superintendent manages these processes, the board's role is to provide oversight, ensuring that operations align with the district's strategic goals and values. By focusing on governance, the board holds the superintendent accountable for efficient management without overstepping into administration. This oversight helps foster transparency, ethical leadership, and a positive educational environment that drives student success.
In this session, participants will explore the IBelieveinRSD journey by the Russellville School District (RSD) and its stakeholders. Through intentional engagement and communication strategies, RSD has taken control of its narrative, ensuring that the district’s successes, goals, and challenges are shared authentically and accurately. No longer are outside sources or misinformation shaping the story; RSD has empowered its community to lead the conversation. Participants will discover how RSD used stakeholder engagement to reclaim its voice by bringing stakeholders in. We’ll share insights on how this proactive approach has helped build stronger relationships with students, staff, families, and the wider community. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, attendees will learn how the IBelieveinRSD movement united the district in telling one cohesive story. This session will inspire school districts to empower stakeholders in championing their key messages. Join us in celebrating how the power of stakeholder engagement and the IBelieveinRSD initiative has given RSD the ability to own its story and shape its future.
Dr. Ginni McDonald is the dedicated Superintendent of the Russellville School District, where she is deeply committed to supporting students and families in the Russellville community. With over 27 years of experience in public education and academic leadership, Dr. McDonald excels... Read More →
Presenters offer practical and employed strategies on how to provide continuous and meaningful educational services to children when unforeseen circumstances are encountered. The West Memphis and Wynne School Districts both recently experienced extraordinary tragedies that devastated their school systems and communities in different, but equally significant, ways. While each community grieved, giving up was not a viable option for either because schools are the foundation of communities and education must take place even when circumstances are disadvantageous. This session exposes participants to Six Domains of Resilience that help educational leaders and school boards adapt and recover during times when it may feel impossible, and there is no board policy to leverage. This panel will share real experiences of how Vision, Composure, Reasoning, Health, Tenacity, and Collaboration prevail in being resilient and ready in the most trying of times.
Join us for an engaging workshop designed to enhance the culture of your school community! "The Culture Club" focuses on fostering a positive environment where every student, teacher, and staff member feels valued and connected. Participants will explore effective strategies to build relationships, celebrate the wins (even the small ones!) and promote collaboration within the district. Throughout the session, we will discuss the importance of communication, shared values, and collective responsibility in shaping a vibrant school culture. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences, brainstorm creative initiatives, and develop actionable plans that can be implemented in their own school settings. By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical tools and insights to cultivate a thriving community that supports academic success and growth. Together, we can create school cultures where everyone belongs and thrives!
Trust and ethical leadership are the cornerstones of a resilient Superintendent-School Board relationship. This session will focus on strategies for building trust, transparency, and accountability between the Superintendent and Board Members. Participants will leave this session better prepared to lead with integrity ensuring the success of their school districts and communities.
Top 20s Reduce Negativity: Eliminating Social Tornadoes - Experiences and relationships are diminished by negativity. This session provides attendees with awareness and means for reducing negativity in their own thinking and in their social conversations.
Co-Owner/Co-Founder/Senior Facilitator/Author, Top 20 Training
Willow Sweeney is a co-founder of Top 20 Training that provides training and materials to empower leaders, teachers, parents and students to develop their potential. Her career has included high school teaching and coaching. She has been a national speaker and trainer since 2002. Willow and her Top 20 team have trained over 1,000,000... Read More →
After a challenging few years – including two failed millage campaigns, a lot of community backlash, numerous FOIA requests, a social media firestorm, and a legal battle – the Mountain Home Public Schools’ Board of Education has gained some valuable insight to share with others. A major focus on transparency from the Board and the district itself has helped build back trust with a somewhat hesitant community, and we are happy to share some of the ways we have worked to mend fences and foster positive relationships moving forward.
Washington Middle School in El Dorado, Arkansas, serves a diverse population of fifth and sixth graders. Historically, the school had a punitive discipline approach, disproportionately affecting students of color. Under new leadership since 2020, the school has implemented transformative changes to foster a supportive and inclusive environment. These changes include a House System, restorative practices, intensive Response to Intervention (RTI), and expanded family engagement. Communication has been improved through newsletters, surveys, and home visits, while trauma-informed training and alternative discipline frameworks like "Don't Suspend Me!" were introduced. As a result, the school drastically reduced suspensions in the 2023/2024 year. The presentation will showcase these efforts, including research findings from the district’s Mental Health Coordinator on restorative practices, demonstrating the effectiveness of equitable, community-focused approaches in transforming school culture and student outcomes.
