Driving Sustainable School Improvement: A Research-Based Framework

Presenters: Cognia Midwest Regional Director Shannon Vogler

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Room 1

Effective school improvement requires a structured, research-based approach that moves beyond compliance to drive meaningful change. Cognia’s continuous improvement model—Observe → Evaluate → Learn → Improve—guides institutions through a data-driven process that enhances student outcomes, strengthens instructional practices, and builds leadership capacity.  Join this session to explore how Cognia’s framework delivers meaningful insights, measurable impact and practical strategies you can apply in your own context.

The Next 50 Years: How Facilities Planning Can Help Districts Shape a Better Future

Presenters: CO-OP Architecture Principal Architects Tom Hurlbert & Kyle Raph and Planner Tom Oster

Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Room 5

Understanding that the average U.S. school building today has stood for 50 years, there must be a renewed emphasis on smart long-term planning when exploring any school building project. Leaning on a wealth of experience, the presenters will discuss the benefits of facilities planning for K-12 school districts of all stripes. The presentation will offer insights and strategies that may be beneficial for school administrators and board members when building project conversations begin.

Debunking Myths About Cooperative Purchasing Contracts

Presenters: Cooperative Purchasing Contracts Program Representative Jerome Evans

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 1

Debunking Myths About Cooperative Purchasing Contracts addresses common misconceptions about using cooperative purchasing contracts, emphasizing legal compliance, cost savings, and project progression. The session highlights how working with governmental cooperatives ensures competitive pricing, contract transparency, and the advancement of district goals.

Bring EveryDay Strong to your School to Empower Emotional Health in Children and Young Adults

Presenters: United Way of the Black Hills John Cass, Whitney Bischoff and Kathy Cruse

Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 5

Bring EveryDay resilience to the children around you by fostering their feelings of safety, connection and confidence.  Address communication issues, school attendance, screen time and other issues affecting their emotional health.

Security for Today, Partners for the Future

Presenters: Safe-N-Secure General Manager Seth Lozano

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Room 5

The purpose of our Breakout Session is to share ideas that have worked in the past for securing schools, while sharing examples of new equipment and features that will benefit schools in the future.  We intend to discuss, securing internal classrooms individually, monitoring private areas without invading privacy, and a few other policies/equipment that work well for keeping schools secure.

Leveraging AI to Boost Your Procurement Efficiency

Presenters: Equalis Group Marketing & Engagement Manager Nancy Burns & Midwest Regional Director Zach Heidmann

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. in Room 1

AI is transforming industries, including public procurement. The question isn’t if AI will reshape procurement, but how we’ll adapt to it. Procurement professionals face critical challenges: selecting the right AI tools, training AI for effective use, and identifying where AI delivers the greatest impact. Equalis Group, a national cooperative purchasing organization, has spent over a year collaborating with public agencies to explore AI’s role in procurement. We’ve tested platforms, refined prompts, and developed strategies to streamline RFP development and sourcing. Join us for a live demonstration showcasing how AI can help you create better solicitations faster, secure necessary products and services, and navigate complex procurements with ease. Whether tackling complex procurements, managing heavy workloads, or navigating unfamiliar categories, AI can be a game-changer. See it in action and learn how to apply AI in your procurement process today!

Growing Our Own: Pathways to Develop and Retain Great Teachers in South Dakota Schools

Presenters: USF Director of Doctorial Studies Dr. Matt Manes

Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Room 5

Explore how school boards can address teacher shortages by developing local talent. This presentation highlights innovative “grow-your-own” models—paraprofessional-to-teacher programs, apprenticeships, and high school pathways—that strengthen recruitment and boost retention. Learn practical strategies, funding options, and success stories to build a sustainable teacher pipeline and ensure every student has access to excellent educators rooted in their communities.

Choosing the Right Construction Delivery Method

Presenters: Hausmann Construction Senior Project Manager Pierce Koch and Project Manager Seth Lukonen

Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 p.m. in Room 1

Selecting the right construction delivery method is crucial for your school project’s success. This session explores Hard Bid, Construction Manager as Advisor, Construction Manager at Risk, and Design-Build—how each impacts cost, schedule, and collaboration. Using real-world examples, we’ll highlight lessons learned, common pitfalls, and key decision factors. Whether planning a renovation or new build, you’ll gain the insights needed to choose the best method and confidently navigate the construction process.