School Board Scenarios

Presenters: ASBSD Executive Director Heath Larson & Members of the ASBSD Board of Directors

Thursday, 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 13-14

Join this session as experienced school board members cover a variety of board leadership related scenarios and provide insight on they would deal with these situations.

Developing Leadership Capacity from Within

Presenter: Douglas Superintendent Kevin Case

Thursday, 11:30 to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 6-7

In this interactive session, we will explore how Douglas School District is strategically building leadership capacity across all levels of the organization. We will explore the specific activities, professional development opportunities, and strategic partnerships designed to ensure seamless continuity during both planned and unplanned transitions. Ultimately, our goal is to cultivate a robust pipeline of leaders who are deeply committed to district initiatives and the principles of continuous improvement.

Administrative Partnerships: Evaluation & Coaching

Presenters: Wall Superintendent & MS-HS Principal Dr. Sally Crowser and Assistant Principal & Tech Coordinator Rebecca Myers

Thursday, 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 6-7

Two administrators work together to create an environment of learning and growth for inexperienced and veteran staff.  In this session, administrators share how one coaches and one evaluates.  The two administrators work together closely and combine forces for strength in enhancing teachers and staff, working to improve learning while improving retention of teachers. The administrators share the strength in working together in a small school to provide a stronghold for their team.

Board-Employee Contract Negotiations 101

Presenters: Kaufman Law Office Attorney Gerry Kaufman and Churchill, Manolis, Freeman & Burns Law Office Attorney Rodney Freeman, Jr.

Thursday, 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 13-14

Every year school boards negotiate contract terms with the teacher organization, and some school boards also negotiate contract terms with a support staff organization and/or an administration organization.  Therefore, it is important for all school board members (and school administrators) to have a basic understanding of the laws related to public employer-public employee collective bargaining and the negotiations process.  This session is an overview of the Negotiations Webinars which ASBSD sponsors every spring.

Stronger Together: How School Districts Are Lowering Costs and Gaining Control Through Pooling

Presenters: Risk Program Administrators Program Administration Vice President Ryan Doyle and Gallagher Benefit Services Consultant Kim Lobato

Thursday, 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 6-7

This session explores how pooling arrangements through Associated School Boards Programs provide a sustainable, cost effective solution for property & casualty insurance and employee benefit plans. Attendees will learn how shared risk delivers lower and more stable costs, stronger buying power, and enhanced coverage and benefits tailored to public school districts. The discussion will highlight the value of shared expertise, transparent governance, and greater local control compared to traditional insurance models. Presenters will also examine key trends impacting P&C and employee benefits, including ongoing changes in health insurance. Participants will leave with practical insights on how pooling helps South Dakota public school districts protect resources and sustain essential programs for the long term.

Critical Leadership Responsibilities in Special Education: What Every Decision Maker Must Know

Presenters: S.D. DOE Director of Special Education and Early Learning Linda Turner and Special Education Programs Specialist Rebecca Cain

Friday, 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 6-7

This session provides board members and administrators with a clear overview of their legal responsibilities under IDEA and state law. Participants will review discipline requirements, including suspension, expulsion, and impact of HB 1017; seclusion and restraint policy obligations; comprehensive plan expectations; and fiscal duties to ensure student needs are met. Leaders will leave with a stronger understanding of their roles in special education compliance and have time for questions and discussion.

Vision to Execution: Developing Strategic Plans That Work

Presenters: Harrisburg Superintendent Jennifer Lowery, Board Chair Terra Venard, Director of Academic Services Michael Amolins, Data & Analytics Andrew Koch and Director of Communication JoAnne VerMulm

Friday, 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

This session centers on how to build an executable strategic plan from the start. Participants will explore development processes that align purpose, priorities, timelines, and ownership, ensuring the plan is realistic, clearly communicated, and embedded into daily decision making to drive sustained improvement across the district.

Delivering a Vision: How Yankton Brought Early Learning to Life

Presenters: Trailhead Learning Center Principal Melanie Ryken, Yankton Curriculum Director Nicole Valnes, Koch Hazard Architects AIA Principal Keith Thompson, World Architects & Engineers AIA Education Practice Leader Valerie Peterson and McGough Construction Project Manager Mark Sontag

Friday, 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. in Room 2

This session highlights how Yankton School District delivered South Dakota’s first standalone public early childhood center and key lessons after one year. Presenters will share insights on community engagement, intentional planning, and collaborative design and construction that led to a successful project. Attendees will learn how the facility supports young learners and gain practical strategies to improve project delivery and student outcomes, including how professional development prepared teachers to thrive in a team-based instructional environment.

Building a High-Functioning Board-Superintendent Partnership

Presenters: Harrisburg Superintendent Jennifer Lowery, Board Chair Terra Venard and Harrisburg School Board Members

Friday, 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10

An effective district depends on a strong, trust‑based partnership between the school board and superintendent. This session explores how clear roles, shared expectations, communication norms, and aligned governance practices support effective leadership. Participants will learn practical strategies to strengthen collaboration, navigate conflict, and maintain focus on strategic goals—creating a unified leadership team that drives student success and organizational stability.

Making it Through

Presenter: Langford Area Superintendent Shad Storley

Friday, 11:00 to 11:50 a.m. in Room 2

This presentation will share information on the planning in the Redfield School District to pass a $16 million bond for a new PK through 12 building, as well as in Langford Area for the steps and planning gone through to pass their opt-out with 71 percent voter approval.