Keynote:
A Retrospective Look at Women and Leadership, Sheila Allles, MDE Chief Deputy Superintendent
The roles, expectations and opportunities for women have evolved significantly over the past seven decades. My presentation will highlight major changes through the lens of accomplishments that have occurred as well as challenges and barriers women faced then and still face now.
Breakout Block 1 (10:45 - 11:45):
Landing that Superintendency: Advice from an Insider, Donna Oser
Superintendent search isn’t really a man’s game, but sometimes it may feel like it. Join Donna Oser, CAE, veteran search consultant with the Michigan Association of Schools Boards, to explore strategies for planning and owning your next big career move! Conversation will include job targeting, resume preparation, and interview strategy - but nothing is off-limits, so bring your questions!
Strategic Action Planning: Making the Shift for Organizational Change to Occur, Tina Kerr, MASA
Over the past 5 years, there has been a steady shift from traditional strategic planning to strategic ACTION planning. Strategic Action Planning (SAP) transforms organizations by uncovering the barriers that may exist, which would prevent organizational change from occurring. The SAP process will yield clearly defined goals and action steps, which in turn will keep the leader focused and committed to the work. This session will provide participants with all the necessary tools to implement a strategic action planning process at the building or district level.
Finance Essentials for Organizational Leadership, Don Sovey
Learn about the required financial skills needed for running a large organization in today’s challenging business environment. This session will include information on the state of school business and budget process including how to develop best practices in school budgeting. We will examine new legislative challenges that must be addressed to stay compliant with state laws. The role of the board versus the superintendent will be reviewed in addition to sustainability and succession planning. An examination of training through MSBO, MLI, and MASA will be discussed as the next steps. This session is being presented by Donald Sovey, CPA, CFO, who is a forty-year veteran of school finance and owner of School and Municipal Advisory Services, PC.
Breakout Block 2 (1:45 - 2:45):
Your Social Media Footprint, Wendy Zdeb, MASSP
The narrative about public education driven by the media and the legislature is overwhelmingly negative. As leaders, we can actively influence perceptions about public education and our schools/districts specifically with positive messaging. Learn how to use Hootsuite to save time through pre-scheduling messages to all social media links in just a few clicks and take control of the narrative.
Positive Superintendent and Board of Education Relationship, Chris Wigent
A positive working relationship between the superintendent and her board of education will provide many benefits for the district (and the superintendent). In this session, MASA Executive Director Chris Wigent will present the “top ten” characteristics that when in place, will help to ensure a positive climate that will prove to be beneficial for both parties as well as the entire school district.
Strengthening Leadership: Your Skills, Your Impact, Steve Seward, MASSP
Developing groups, being a skillful group member, and facilitating teams are all essential to effective leadership. Let’s explore the various skills and capabilities necessary to promote and sustain group focus and a sense of collaboration with small and large groups. This interactive and insightful session will help you become more strategic in your leadership capabilities as you create a culture of positive change.
Breakout Block 3 (3:00 - 4:00):
Negotiating Your Contract, Chris Wigent
MASA Executive Director, Chris Wigent has reviewed the contracts of over 180 superintendents throughout the state. In this session, Chris will review what should/should not be included in a superintendent’s contracts as well as how to appropriately negotiate the initial contract or a contract extension. He will also provide tips and suggestions to those who might not be experienced or comfortable in negotiating their own contract.
Fostering Positive Culture through Effective Leadership, Tricia Hill
Genesee Intermediate School District believes people are their greatest asset. Through a focus on positivity, the GISD has learned the importance of engaging and connecting with their 1,900 employees. Specific strategies will be shared that will tell the story of how the GISD embarked on a journey to increase staff happiness and how it has made an even bigger impact on their culture than they ever imagined. Tricia will also explain the challenges women leaders may face while trying to improve organizational culture.
Leveraging Your Strengths as a Leader, Steve Seward, MASSP
Strengths-based leadership allows people to feel valued, and valued people “show up”. When we know our outcomes and know our people, we are able to examine patterns of behavior and can then interact with intention; choosing the communication tools that will best support the thinking of others. Let’s explore various ways to intentionally influence and develop positive mindsets while creating a culture of self-directedness.