Join KASA's general counsel for an important session on state and federal law changes and other issues that impact Kentucky schools and the administrators who lead them.

Come join Andrew in this early morning session to Master Your Mornings. What are the routines, structures, and habits you can put into place to jumpstart your day? Want to wake up earlier? Want to be more focused on your personal & professional life? Want to get that morning workout in? In this proactive, self-care session, Andrew dives into the following:

• Mastering the first 60-75 minutes of each day
• Making time to do the things you want to do
• Build a shut-down evening routine
• SAVERS: how to start your day by using SAVERS
• Books, distractions, zoning in, and more

It is challenging to lead if you are not filling your cup first. Make the important thing the important thing and get it done daily, and early. Keep Surviving & Thriving!

Kentucky attendance data show ongoing chronic absenteeism requiring an intentional system response. This session examines attendance trends and contributing factors, including how strengthening school connectedness supports engagement. Participants will explore a research-based, tiered framework integrating prevention, early intervention, and re-engagement, with Kentucky examples demonstrating how aligning relationships and systems improves attendance outcomes.

Every principal works to create a school where students feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn each day. This session invites principals to rethink school nutrition as a powerful strategy that shapes attendance, behavior, and school culture. Through real-world examples, participants will learn how intentional partnerships with school nutrition leaders can increase participation and reinforce a sense of care and belonging—helping students arrive ready to learn and stay engaged.

We don’t have an alternative education problem—we have a design problem. Too often, students are placed into systems that were never built with them in mind. This session explores how to move beyond placement-driven practices and create flexible, student-centered programs grounded in connection, accountability, and purpose. Walk away with actionable strategies to redesign your program for stronger student outcomes.

Step into a playful, yet impactful exploration of innovative AI tools designed to spark creativity, boost productivity, and add a touch of fun to your leadership bag of tricks. Tailored for school leaders and district leaders, this session blends discovery with discussions as we drive into tools that are as practical as they are quirky. From solving real-world challenges to uncovering whimsical possibilities, you'll leave with fresh ideas ti implement in your district and maybe even a few tools you never knew you needed. Whether you're looking for serious solutions or just a bit of fun, this session is your recess for inspiration and discovery.

Reading, Math, Behavior, Oh My! This session features educators from Robert B Turner Elementary in Anderson County, a blue school in the top 9% of KY elementary schools, who built a robust MTSS system from the ground up. Participants will leave with practical suggestions for managing, implementing and maintaining a system of excellence that is data driven and child focused in the three areas of reading, math and behavior. Free resources will be provided.

Bring the challenging questions you and your team are facing. In this collaborative session, we will work together to identify effective strategies for addressing complex situations involving parents and staff. Drawing on the experience of Teresa Combs and fellow directors, participants will gain practical insights and guidance from leaders who have navigated similar challenges.

A summary of the most impactful education bills from the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly and a forecast of trends impacting public education as we prepare for the 2027 General Assembly.

Conquering Confrontation gives school leaders a practical, high impact framework for handling tough conversations with confidence and precision. Grounded in self awareness, emotional regulation, active listening, and intentional planning. This fast paced session helps participants de-escalate conflict, build trust, and move people toward clear solutions. Leaders will leave with actionable tools and a ready to use conversation planner for their next high-stakes interaction.

Want to have better, stronger relationships with your stakeholders? Tired of getting/feeling “beat-up?” Want to improve your public speaking and communication skills? Have people coming at you way too hard and unsure how to best handle it? Need some effective strategies? Feel like you are being too reactive instead of more proactive in your relationships? In this energy-filled workshop, Andrew will lead you through a variety of strategies, techniques, tips, and hacks that will help improve your overall communication and interactions with your stakeholders: staff, students, and parents. A few examples include difficult one-on-one conversations, body language, the ladder of active listening, how to own the large assembly setting, E + R = O, and your school and office energy, successful vs. significant, and more. The goal of this workshop is to become more confident, comfortable, and prepared to handle the many complex and challenging social situations that are rapidly coming at school leaders in today’s world.

In an era when complex challenges and divisive topics often dominate the conversation, leaders must find ways to bring their communities together - especially when stakes and emotions run high. In this interactive and practical session, Dr. Jill Siler - former superintendent and author of Thrive Through the Five - shares a framework for building trust, fostering open dialogue, and navigating difficult conversations with clarity and respect. Participants will explore how to design meaningful engagement experiences, communicate facts and context transparently, frame discussions in ways that invite collaboration, and keep the focus on what matters most: the success and well-being of students. You'll leave with strategies to facilitate productive conversations, acknowledge differing perspectives, and guide your community toward shared solutions - even when the topic is challenging and the room is divided.

Is your school truly safer because of the procedures and practices you have in place? This practical, results-focused training is designed for school administrators who want to move beyond compliance and ensure their safety efforts are making a real impact. Participants will examine current protocols, identify gaps between practice and effectiveness, and explore strategies to strengthen prevention, response, and recovery efforts. The session emphasizes actionable steps and real-world application so that every safety measure in your school contributes to better outcomes for students and staff.

Human trafficking is not a distant issue-it's happening in our communities, and our schools are on the front lines. This powerful session equips school administrators with the knowledge and tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to human trafficking affecting students. Participants will explore how traffickers target vulnerable youth, the warning signs that often go unnoticed, and the critical role schools play in early identification and intervention. Learn how to build staff awareness, strengthen reporting protocols, and collaborate effectively with law enforcement and community partners.

Classroom educators have an almost impossible daily task – addressing the academic, personal and social needs of society’s most vulnerable population. Beyond teaching content, teachers are often expected to fulfill roles that extend far beyond the classroom, requiring them to make countless complex professional decisions each day. Sound decision-making must be grounded in a Professional Standard of Care—not just by adhering to district policies, but by aligning with broader professional norms.

Learn the 4 key elements of a healthy foundation: de-stress, eat, move, and sleep your way to a healthier, happier you. Learn simple, practical ways to nourish your mind and body—without the overwhelm.

Join us for an insightful session on the essential steps and considerations for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into district policy. We will explore how to effectively introduce AI in educational setting, focusing on developing student and staff handbooks, acceptable-use policies, and obtaining parent consent. Our discussion will include setting grade-band expectations for when and how AI should be introduced or discussed in the classroom. We will address critical questions such as: When is it appropriate to rely on AI for cognitive tasks, and when should individuals retain the learning experience for themselves. Additionally, we will provide a comprehensive "Before You Buy" AI software checklist to guide decision-making prior to purchasing AI tools. Key aspects to consider will include data storage practices and the importance of reviewing software updates in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating the integrations of AI in your district!

Looking to breakthrough at your school? Want that amazing school setting that you hear about, but few attain? Do you desire to make a lasting impact at your school community? Collaborate and grow with Andrew as he leads this powerful conversation about creating an amazing school setting. Topics include...

• Bringing amazing energy each day
• Creating student voice & choice
• Using technology & social media to tell your story
• Inspect what you expect, being present, being intentional
• Build a beautiful school setting and keep it that way!
• Smile, humor, and finding joy in it all You can’t do it alone.

Andrew will share strategies for building collective commitments from stakeholders to build a school you students are excited to attend.

Every district has a story to tell. The question is: who do you want telling it? This session provides the firsthand perspective of a new superintendent leading a district through financial crisis, organizational instability, and community uncertainty while intentionally rebuilding trust, culture, and fiscal health. Participants will explore practical strategies for shaping public perception through transparent communication, intentional climate and culture leadership, and proactive community engagement. A major focus will be on leveraging social media, particularly Facebook, as a leadership tool to celebrate successes, communicate difficult realities, and reclaim the district narrative before others define it for you. This session is designed for leaders seeking actionable ideas for strengthening trust, managing community relations, and using storytelling as a strategic leadership practice.

Sextortion is a rapidly growing threat impacting students—and school leaders must be prepared to respond. This session equips administrators with the knowledge to recognize warning signs, understand how sextortion occurs, and take immediate, appropriate action. Participants will examine real-world scenarios, legal considerations, and the emotional impact on students and families. Learn how to strengthen reporting protocols, support victims, and partner effectively with law enforcement and digital safety experts. This session also highlights prevention strategies, including staff awareness and student education. Walk away with practical tools to respond with confidence and lead proactive efforts that protect students in an increasingly digital world.

Part 1 explores the research and warning patterns behind grooming and its connection to trauma, student mental health, and school safety. Grooming begins with trust, access, manipulation, and secrecy. This session examines child sexual abuse as one of the most damaging Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and shows why grooming is directly tied to school safety, student mental health, and long-term harm. Participants will explore how these patterns develop, how they are often missed, and why earlier recognition is essential to student safety and well-being. Part 2 provides practical guidance from law enforcement and mental health professionals, walking administrators step-by-step through how to recognize, document, and respond to grooming concerns with structured, defensible processes aligned with HB4. Awareness is not enough—schools need a plan. In the second installment, experts in law enforcement and mental health will walk attendees step by step through how to respond to grooming cases. Participants will leave with concrete, actionable, and defensible plans, hear the latest research, and learn next steps aligned with the language and intent of HB4. This session is built to help schools move from uncertainty and questions to confident action.

Public debates about generative technology in education often focus on risks associated with academic integrity or data security. But educator ethics asks deeper questions—about purpose, responsibility, and the profession’s duty to society when efficiency-enhancing technologies threaten to displace professional judgment. This session explores the ethical dimensions of generative technology and the potential consequences of its uncritical embrace by educators.

In ADA states like Kentucky, even small attendance gaps can add up to significant lost funding over time. The major difference for districts with significant reductions in chronic absenteeism is often simpler than you think. It comes down to timing. “Early” intervention goes beyond catching absenteeism before it escalates. It means:

• Identifying risk in the first 60 days of the school year

• Reaching families at the first sign of absence

• Uncovering hidden trends by the hour, block, or class, which traditional tracking methods can miss

• Flagging students who are quietly disengaging in 6th grade, years before they drop out of high school Districts that struggle to recover funding are often reacting too late in at least one of these areas.

In this session, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to spot risk earlier, engage families proactively, and turn student attendance data into timely action that supports student success and reclaims lost ADA funding.

Join fellow administrators for an engaging, interactive session focused on the transformational power of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process. Building a remarkable culture isn’t just about theory, it's about the intentional actions of leaders. In this workshop, you will hear from experienced leaders who’ve seen dramatic changes in their schools and districts. You will leave with a refreshed commitment to your vision and actionable tools to create and maintain a relationship driven culture.

Learn how student-led initiatives like the Student Education Advisory Council amplify student voices to transform school culture. This session equips administrators and educators with strategies to engage students in collaborative forums, strengthen relationships, and promote positive climate. Discover systems that empower students as partners in decision-making for lasting change district-wide.

This session provides school and district leaders with a practical overview of Title IX and best practices for fostering safe, equitable learning environments. Participants will explore roles and responsibilities, reporting and response protocols, including how to appropriately react and respond to allegations, and strategies for addressing concerns with professionalism, consistency, and care. Emphasis is placed on prevention, compliance, and building trust with students, staff, and families.

This hands-on session moves beyond theory and into immediate application. Participants will explore AI tools they can begin using right away. Using Examples relevant to their own work, attendees will learn how to transform data into interactive webpages, create focused research notebooks with NotebooksLM, and even build a basic bot or agent, such as a contract review assistant or a school crisis scenario tool for response practice. This session is designed to empower leaders with practical skills, confidence, and personalized tools that enhance decision-making and day-to-day leadership work.

Violations of disciplinary protections for students with disabling conditions are not just violations of the students’ rights to a free appropriate public education. Courts may determine that such violations constitute discrimination under federal and state disability laws, which may result in monetary damages against the district and, in serious cases, against individual administrators. These violations can also result in EPSB actions against administrator and teaching certificates. Come and learn rules you must follow to protect the civil rights of students and to protect yourself from liability for such violations.

What if the culture of your school is shaped less by your strategic plan and more by your daily actions? In this interactive session, Dr. Brian Lile explores how leaders build culture through the moments that matter most. Using the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership, participants will reflect on their leadership habits, examine real-world scenarios, and leave with practical strategies to strengthen trust, inspire commitment, and positively influence school culture—starting on Day 1.

Grooming and sexual misconduct are critical risks that demand vigilant, informed leadership. This session equips school administrators with a clear understanding of relevant laws, policies, and reporting obligations that govern prevention and response. Participants will learn how grooming behaviors develop, the warning signs often missed, and how to distinguish appropriate from inappropriate adult-student interactions. The session also addresses boundaries, supervision practices, and staff conduct expectations. Walk away with practical strategies to strengthen prevention, improve reporting and documentation, and build a culture of accountability—ensuring schools remain safe, professional environments for every student.

Many educators plan for retirement by simply relying on their Teacher Retirement System benefit and do not realize that there is more they can and should do to prepare. It is critical for educators to understand the rules dictating their pension and how it interacts with Social Security and supplemental retirement plans, such as 457(b), 401(k), and 403(b) plans. Understanding these items provides people with a foundation of financial wellness that can help them plan and take the necessary steps to be financially secure.