IASB Convention 2024

Statistics show that Iowa’s students living in poverty are the least likely to gain an education—what if your actions as a leader could change that? Students experiencing poverty face significant barriers to education, making it imperative for school board members and education leaders to be well-informed on how our decisions impact students in poverty. In her compelling keynote, Donna Beegle will dive into the impact of poverty on students’ education and why poverty-informed Iowa school board members are more important than ever to break barriers for the one in five students struggling with basic needs. How can we better support our school communities in building environments where students experiencing poverty can succeed?

Donna’s personal experiences with generational poverty led her to drop out of school at 15. At 26, she obtained her GED. Within 10 years, Donna went on to earn her doctorate in Educational Leadership. This insider perspective and 34 years of experience working with school leaders to improve educational outcomes for students in poverty, paired with her powerful personal story, will give you an in-depth exploration of how poverty impacts student achievement, and how informed leaders can make all the difference for students experiencing poverty. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to lunch and learn during the second general session—you’ll leave inspired and empowered to be a voice for Iowa's students living in poverty!

Special thanks to Jester Insurance Services for sponsoring the Second General Session & Luncheon at the 79th IASB Annual Convention & Trade Show.