Board Support Professionals Programming

Fresh ideas to encourage and energize you.

Pre-Conference Session: The Effective Office Partnership and Keeping Confidential "Stuff" Confidential
This interactive workshop includes innovative office techniques to strengthen and expand your knowledge, skills, and attributes through day-to-day office protocol, organizational techniques, analysis of time wasters, and the practice of continuous improvement. Resourceful, effective, and productive office partnerships are essential for a school to succeed. The role of the educational office professional (administrative assistant, secretary, board clerk, etc.) has been elevated, by necessity and choice, to be much more of a partnership than ever before. The pressure to keep the "boss" on time and on top of things, is approaching a 24/7 experience. Increase your value as a constructive member of the school district team. Once you get the partnership piece down, take a look at confidentiality: your job description may not spell it out, but keeping "stuff" confidential is part of everyone's job. This session explores dynamics, from being told "You can confide in me" to the temptation to confide in someone else. What obligations do you have to blow the whistle on wrongdoing and waste? What does "executive session" really mean? Are whistleblowers protected by law in your state?

Board Support Basics: You Bring the Questions, We'll Provide Some Answers
This is another interactive workshop with three very experienced office professionals, who are never too busy to help organize opportunities for others to learn. They are prepared to answer all questions from the "basics" from beginners and "nuances" from the not-so-new. All questions will receive a dignified answer...or two... or three!

Open Meetings/Open Records: How Much "Sunshine" Is There in Your Evening Meetings?
Explore how Open Meeting laws affect your job. When is it appropriate to meet privately? Who should be allowed and/or invited to attend these private meetings? Must the subject of the discussion be made public? What's your role, if any? Get the answers to these and other important questions.

Caught in the "Love Triangle"
Your primary role is to work with your superintendent to keep things running efficiently and effectively. For many of you, even if your job description does not require you to work directly with the board, you still interact with the board in any number of ways. No wonder why some refer to this as a Triangle! There can be a lot of confusion among you, your boss and the board. Mixed signals. Suspected breaches of confidentiality. Onerous and time consuming "projects" for you that flow from the board and/or the superintendent that are of questionable value. How can you survive being caught in the "love triangle," and maintain confidentiality and the level of professionalism your role requires?

Parliamentary Procedure: Efficiency vs. Democracy and Legalities vs. Practicalities
This is a fast-paced, learner-centered PowerPoint presentation that offers a new way to look at an old subject. Learn to avoid collisions at the intersection of Old Business and New Business Boulevards; negotiate Agenda Avenue without undue delays; and repair pot holes on Parliamentary Plaza. The trip will also pass several familiar landmarks such as Reconsideration Ridge and Call the Question Canyon.

Handling Media Inquiries with Nerves of Steel
Don't get flustered when reporters inquire about board meetings or general district business. Join a lively discussion around what is important for reporters to know, how to handle issues of public record, and how to prepare yourself so you won't be caught off guard. You'll also look at best practices in formulating a response plan for multiple media inquiries in times of crisis.

Work Does Not Have to Be a Four Letter Word!
This workshop focuses on having fun at work. Not at the expense of getting the job done, but as a way of preserving your sanity by learning that laughter can be the lubricant that makes meeting deadlines fun without sacrificing efficiency. Discover methods and techniques that work, and share your practical experiences too.