IASB Convention 2024

"What do you want your school community to say about your board in two years?” This legacy question motivated the board-superintendent team at Albia Schools to develop collective board goals and operating principles with an emphasis on relationships, trust, and respect. Join members of Albia’s governance team as they share their journey while providing opportunities for reflection and discussion on how your district can leverage your governance roles to make a positive and significant difference.

In recent years, public attendance and participation in school board meetings has increased significantly. In addition, Iowa law provides new ways for community members to participate in board meetings beyond the public comment process. During this session, attorneys from Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. will focus on new laws ranging from petitions to place an item on the board’s agenda to challenges to curriculum and library books to good old-fashioned public comment procedures. Board members will also gain a better understanding of legal requirements and best practices as they navigate a tricky topic during a public meeting.

The research on board governance is clear: highly effective board teams can and do make a significant and positive difference for the students they serve. What does that mean for school board leadership? How can board presidents and vice presidents foster board team relationships to chart a strong course for the district and succeed in both calm and choppy waters? Join two board presidents who will lead an interactive conversation with participants focused on sharing insights and strategies to cultivate unity, overcome challenges and navigate the complexities of school board governance.

How do school boards and superintendents effectively collaborate to set and achieve a shared goal? In this presentation, Maquoketa Schools will showcase their board's collaborative journey in setting a joint goal with the superintendent. Join this board-superintendent team as they detail their process to develop, implement, and sustain their joint goals throughout board meetings. Participants will gain insights into utilizing the 8 Characteristics of an Effective Board, maintaining a focus on the goal through regular updates, and fostering a strong commitment between the board and superintendent toward achieving shared objectives.

Is it time to update your district's strategic plan? In this session, Western Dubuque Schools will explore the essential elements they used in updating their strategic plan (Plan on a Page). Join this Superintendent board-president team as they emphasize the importance of high-level support from board leadership and showcase the organic, collaborative nature of the planning process. Participants will gain insights into effective stakeholder engagement, data-driven decision-making, and fostering a unified vision for school improvement.