NSBA 2024 Annual Conference | April 6-8 | New Orleans

Save up to $200—Advanced Early Bird Savings End Dec. 8.

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Immerse yourself in the vibrant destination of New Orleans and elevate your leadership skills at the NSBA Annual Conference and Exposition. This national event brings together education leaders from across the country, offering a unique opportunity to learn about best governance practices, gain insights into child development, and explore cutting-edge programs and technology to enrich student learning. Join us in New Orleans for an empowering experience of national school board leadership learning and networking with like-minded professionals.

Conference Registration

  • NSBA Annual Conference Pricing (In-Person Attendance)

    Registration  Registration Deadline  Participating
    NATCON & CUBE Districts in Member State Associations/State Association Delegates 
    Participating NATCON & CUBE Districts in Non-Member State Associations

    Non-Participating NATCON & CUBE Districts in
    Member State Associations 

    Non-Participating NATCON & CUBE Districts in Non-Member State Associations   Guest
    Advanced Early Bird December 8, 2023 $650 $725 $850 $925 $100
    Early Bird January 12, 2024 $750 $825 $950 $1,050 $100
    Standard April 4, 2024 $850 $925 $1,050 $1,250 $100
    Onsite  April 5 - 8, 2024 $1,400 $1,400  $1,400 $1,400 $100
  • One-Day Pricing (In-Person Attendance, Available Onsite Only)

    Participating NATCON & CUBE Districts in Member State Associations/State Association Delegates  Non-Member State Associations
    $400 $500
  • NSBA Online Pricing (Online Access)

    Participating NATCON & CUBE Districts in Member State Associations/State Association Delegates   Non-Member State Associations
    $450 $550
  • NSBA Online Add-On Pricing (Online Access)*

    Participating NATCON & CUBE Districts in Member State Associations/State Association Delegates  Non-Member State Association
    Complimentary $125

    *In-person conference attendees only.

Schedule-at-a-Glance

7 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Registration 
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Experiential Learning Visits 
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Preconference Workshops 

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration 
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.  Concurrent Sessions
10 - 11:30 a.m. (Doors open at 9:30 a.m.)  General Session Keynote
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Exhibit Hall
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Networking/NSBA Cares Community Service Project 
Noon – 1:30 p.m.   Council of Urban Boards of Education Luncheon
1 – 3:30 p.m.  Solution Theaters (Exhibit Hall)
1 – 2 p.m.  Concurrent Sessions 
3 – 4 p.m.  Concurrent Sessions 

7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Registration 
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.    Concurrent Sessions  
10 – 11:30 a.m. (Doors open at 9:30 a.m.) General Session Keynote
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Networking/NSBA Cares Community Service Project 
Noon – 1:30 p.m.  National Connection Joint Councils Luncheon 
1 – 3:30 p.m. Solutions Theaters (Exhibit Hall) 
1 – 2 p.m.  Concurrent Sessions 
3 – 4 p.m.  Concurrent Sessions 
4 – 4:30 p.m.  Drum Circle 

7:30 a.m. – Noon  Registration 
8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 
10 – 11:30 a.m. (Doors open at 9:30 a.m.)  General Session Keynote

Preconference Workshops

All preconference workshops are ticketed events. They are open to all conference registrants, and tickets must be purchased in advance.

  • Full Day Workshop

    NSBA 2024 Rural Education Summit — 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    The 2024 Rural Education Summit is designed for rural school board members to come together, share experiences, and learn from experts in the field. It will delve into crucial topics that are pivotal for the success of rural school districts. From addressing teacher shortages to ensuring effective special education programs, safeguarding school environments, and bridging the digital divide through broadband internet access — featured sessions and discussions will provide you with actionable insights to address these challenges. Whether you serve our sprawling countryside or remote communities, this summit is designed to empower you with insights, strategies, and solutions that cater to the specific needs of rural education.

    Attendees will explore innovative solutions, exchange ideas, and forge a path forward to strengthen rural education and create better opportunities for students in every corner of our country. (Lunch Included)

    CUBE/NATCON: $300 | REGULAR: $355

    Unlocking the Power of School Board Influence in Special Education — 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    This session is designed for school board members wanting to enhance their impact and improve their district’s special education effectiveness. Participants will be provided with an overview of federal requirements, evidence-based practices, persistent challenges, and practical solutions to transform special education outcomes. Participants will explore strategies that have the potential to revolutionize district approaches to special education, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation.

    Through this session, participants will: 

    • Explore five keys of school board influence on special education practices using case study scenarios.
    • Apply collective efficacy principles to building professional capacity to reach and teach learners with and without disabilities.
    • Generate essential questions to ask district leaders about special education practices.  

    CUBE/NATCON: $290 | REGULAR: $345

  • Morning Workshops | 9 a.m. – Noon

    Sharing the Magic! Developing Your Communication Superpowers Through Storytelling!
    Storytelling is a powerful communication technique that connects people and builds bridges, relationships, and trust. It is also one of the most effective communication techniques that school board members employ to share their district's successes, culture, history, values, and the small miracles that happen everyday. Learn to tell your district's true, authentic stories in a compelling manner that reveals your district's values, priorities, and dreams. You will create your own inspiring story that can be shared immediately with your community, media, teachers, parents, and students.

    CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225

    Becoming More Engaged & Inclusive: Strategies for Supporting Our LGBTQ+ Students
    Given the importance and impact that diversity and equity issues play in the lives of students, it is imperative that school boards are prepared to meet the needs of diverse learners, such as LGBTQ+ students. There are critical considerations for effectively supporting LGBTQ+ students that educators must be aware of. Participate in this pre-conference workshop that features a highly customizable and interactive diversity and equity training that helps educators and school board members develop the competency necessary to support LGBTQ+ students.

    CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225

    Understanding the Key Work of School Boards
    In today’s high-stakes educational environment, the daily pressure on governance leaders is enormous. The more effective the board, the better a school district’s students perform. The Key Works of School Boards provides a framework that reflects “best governance practices” that are traceable to high-performing boards and high-performing school districts. This session provides an overview of a relevant and reliable governance guide with strategies and ideas that reflect board best practices. You’ll explore the five Key Work action areas.

    CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225

  • Afternoon Workshops | 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

    Student Achievement Data Transparency (SADT): Disaggregate, Make Public, Collaborate, Monitor, Engage Parents, and Increase Student Growth
    The crisis reflected by African American and Latino American student achievement data should be alarming to all in K-12 education. National and local test scores for these students continue to trail other racial and ethnic groups. This trend must be addressed. School boards play a unique and critically important role in establishing the climate for the courageous conversations needed when analyzing, disaggregating, sharing, and monitoring student achievement data with transparency. Governance leaders must require regular student achievement data reviews as part of their established practices.
    CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225

    Productive Leadership Beyond Polarizing Politics
    Public schools strive to serve each and every student, and many school board members aspire to serve their students, families, staff, taxpayers, and communities in a nonpartisan way. As our country and the education realm have become more polarized through culture wars and the politicization of education issues, school boards and superintendents are faced with the challenge of leading with a divided electorate. And who speaks for students when they can't vote? Join these experts in strategic advocacy and effective leadership for a thought-provoking and interactive session.
    CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225

    School Board Meetings in Need of an Effectiveness Boost 
    School boards fulfill their function and responsibility for public education through meetings, where the board can conduct business and take action. Having effective board meetings reflects on the board's work and helps to enhance relationships with the superintendent and the public. Attendees will explore key elements of successful school board meetings from start to finish. Topics include planning an effective meeting, your role in meetings, sunshine laws, and parliamentary procedures. This session will help you to be part of school board meetings that promote transparency and efficiency.
    CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225


Experiential Learning Visit

An experiential learning visit offers a rare opportunity to explore education in practice.

  • NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS)

    Dynamic Strategies in Education: Student Success in Action at New Orleans Public Schools
    NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) in New Orleans is the only all-charter public school system in the nation. Its community is comprised of 67 schools and more than 41,000 students. It is devoted to educating and preparing all students to thrive in life. For 182 years, public education in New Orleans has been a part of the vibrant and multicultural city's complicated history.

    Today, NOLA-PS works to be the 'good change' in public education. It works to overcome adversity and champion resilience to pursue the promise of a quality education for all students. Here, scholars can grow and learn to be well-prepared, engaging leaders in the community, in business, and in public life.

    Through this experiential learning visit, you will have the opportunity to visit NOLA Public Schools and join the superintendent, board members, staff, and students to learn about the development and implementation of NOLA-PS Evolve — the school system's reimagined strategic plan of action, focusing on amplifying the voices of families and scholars through:

    • Effective and Connected Communication
    • High-Quality Schools
    • Student, Staff, and Community Well-Being
    • Operational Excellence

    Learn how the school system is integrating strategies focused around state-of-the-art facilities, innovations in digital learning, extensive choices, and unique career and technical education learning opportunities, as well as embracing and celebrating a diverse community to accomplish its vision of ensuring every scholar has a promising and successful future.

    Cost: $200

Concurrent Sessions

Engage in extensive professional development opportunities, including a new focus area dedicated to family engagement. Fostering strong partnerships between schools and parents is crucial to the work of school boards. By prioritizing family engagement, school board members can make informed decisions that better reflect the needs and perspectives of their diverse student body, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education in their district and creating a sense of community, trust, and collaboration, ensuring that families are active stakeholders in their children's education. Click below for sessions and descriptions.

  • Family Engagement

    Elevating Your Leadership Practices With the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships
    Research shows that family engagement matters. So, how can school board members and education leaders create an environment that sustains strong family-school partnerships? School board members and education leaders will learn about PTA's National Standards for Family-School Partnerships, exchange ideas, and gain tools to support family-school partnerships.

    Presenters:
    Helen Westmoreland, Director, Family Engagement, National PTA

    Reestablishing Trust With Your Community in the Midst of Controversy or Hardship: A Case Study in Action
    Local school districts have faced hardships and challenges that have not transpired in a lifetime or more. Over the past several years, the Huron Valley Schools (MI) took a somewhat unique approach designed to engage community stakeholders by remaining transparent, available, and communicative. We accomplished our goals by dispelling misinformation and building relationships in a time of uncertainty. This session is designed to provide board members with tools they might consider when navigating difficult community circumstances—including health emergencies such as a pandemic, school safety, and strategic planning.

    Presenters:
    Paul Salah, Superintendent, Huron Valley Schools (MI)
    Tom Wiseman, Board of Education President, Huron Valley Schools (MI)

    Navigating Challenges to Assessment, Achievement & Accountability
    Join our session to learn how Scituate Public Schools (MA) focuses on transparent communication strategies to ensure that public challenges regarding assessment, achievement, and accountability are addressed in a transparent and clear manner during public meetings. Learn about some key data points to ensure that parents, community members, and other stakeholders get their questions answered and know that they are heard when it comes to rankings, curriculum, and other hot topics for public debate regarding school and district accountability.

    Presenters:
    Heidi Driscoll, Assistant Superintendent, Scituate Public Schools (MA)
    Nicole Brandolini, School Committee Chairperson, Scituate Public Schools (MA)

    Effective and Efficient Board of Education Meetings and the Importance of Building Collaborative Partnerships Within the School Community
    Effective and efficient board of education meetings are of utmost importance as they provide a platform for informed decision-making, accountability, and transparent governance. These meetings enable board members to decide on critical matters such as policies, budgets, and strategic planning, ensuring thorough analysis and input from all stakeholders. Berkeley Township Schools is a pre-K-6 district in Ocean County, New Jersey. Learn how our Board of Education experienced growing pains and challenges but has learned to work collaboratively with all our stakeholders.

    Presenters:
    Jennifer Bacchione, Board of Education President, Berkeley Township Board of Education (NJ)
    David Ytreboe, Board of Education Member, Berkeley Township Board of Education (NJ)
    James Roselli, Superintendent of Schools, Berkeley Township Board of Education (NJ)
    Melissa Gallagher, Director of Curriculum, Berkeley Township Board of Education (NJ)

    Ready Set Govern: Engaging With Your Families and Community Members
    Developing open partnerships with community members and families requires mutual trust and investment of time to build strong relationships. As all parties gain a better understanding of each other, the easier it is to work together and the more trust is gained. This session will address how to effectively build on these relationships and answer these tough questions: What is the proper way to get input from your community members? What is the best way to engage families in discussions that will ultimately affect their students?

    Presenters:
    TBD

    More sessions and focus areas will be announced soon.

Conference Information

  • NSBA 2023 Recap

    Day One Highlights

    Day Two Highlights

    Day Three Highlights

  • Cancellations & Refunds

    Cancellations & Refunds for Registration will be accepted through Thursday, February 22, 2024 with a full refund less a $150 processing fee.

    Registration Cancellations received on or after Friday, February 23, 2024 will not be refunded.

    All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via the NSBA Registration & Hotel Support Center or via Fax: (415) 216-2535. Refunds will be processed within one week of the request. NSBA is not responsible for airfare, hotel, or other costs incurred by participants in the event of program or registration cancellation.
  • Hotels & Rates

    You must be registered for the conference before you can reserve housing. All reservations should be made prior to March 22, 2024. Room availability and conference rates cannot be guaranteed after this date.

    View the New Orleans hotel map and rates.

  • Travel & Getting Around

    Click here for information on taxicabs, ride sharing, and other transportation.
  • Destination New Orleans

    Looking to relax and have some fun after a long day of learning? Continue the fun while in New Orleans by visiting some of the local tourist attractions. Click here for more information.

  • Safety Protocols & Requirements

    Proof of vaccination status or a negative test result is not required to attend NSBA events. Attendees who are not vaccinated are asked to take an at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test before traveling to the event and should not attend if they test positive or have COVID-19 symptoms. NSBA does not require proof of these measures but encourages attendees to act responsibly and with consideration for the health and safety of others. Mask wearing is not required.

Exhibitors & Sponsors