The 2023 Summer Leadership Seminar — “Learning to Read: The Science of Literacy” — is scheduled for Monday, August 7, 2023, at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park (7025 Northland Drive North, Brooklyn Park).

The Summer Leadership Seminar helps MSBA members start the new school year informed and inspired. You’ll meet new people, share ideas, and learn about key education issues. Demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and hear what’s happening in schools. Be the best board member you can be.

The 2023 Summer Leadership Seminar will feature the following learning opportunities (all events will be held at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest hotel; times are subject to change):

• Sunday, August 6 (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.): Early Bird Session: “Civil Discourse and Dealing with Conflict”
• Monday, August 7 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Summer Leadership Seminar
• Monday, August 7 (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.): Learning to Lead — School Board Basics: Phase I Workshop
• Tuesday, August 8 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Leadership Foundations — School Finance and Management: Phase II Workshop
• Tuesday, August 8 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Charter School Board Workshop

Program: Click here to access the Summer Leadership Seminar program.

What: Summer Leadership Seminar

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, August 7, 2023

Where: Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park, 7025 Northland Drive North, Brooklyn Park

Registration fees for Summer Leadership Seminar (meals included)

• Register by June 30: $295
• Register between July 1-July 24: $315
• Walk-in registration rate: $335

Advance registration closed on July 24. Walk-ins are welcome to attend. Direct any registration-related questions to Jen Ebert at registration@mnmsba.org.

Event Cancellation Policy: Click here to review the MSBA Event Cancellation Policy.

Program: Click here to access the Summer Leadership Seminar program.

Program: Click here to access the Summer Leadership Seminar program.

Opening Keynote — “The Science of Reading: What Every Leader Needs To Know”

• Presented by: Kim Gibbons, Director of the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI), University of Minnesota

MSBA Updates

• Strategic Plan Update with MSBA Executive Director Kirk Schneidawind
• Policy Updates with MSBA Director of Legal and Policy Services Terence Morrow
• Legislation Update with MSBA Government Relations staff members Denise Dittrich and Kimberley Lewis

Literacy Panel Discussion: “Where Do We Go From Here?”
We know the importance of literacy, though how we work as a state and individual school systems will require knowledge, strategic intent, and ongoing support.

• Facilitated by: Katie Pekel, EdD, Director of Educational Leadership, University of Minnesota.
• Panelists include: Kim Gibbons, Thor Didrickson (Roseau School Board Member and parent), Julie Domogalla (MSBA Board of Director and East Central School Board Member), and Melissa Sonnek (Roseville Area Assistant Superintendent)

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

• Assessment and Data Dashboard from the Minnesota Department of Education
• Fahrenheit 2023: Book Challenge, Censorship, and the First Amendment
• MSBA Idea Exchange
• North Star Therapy Animals
• Requirements of the World’s Best Workforce and Your Strategic Plan

Closing Keynote — “Early Literacy Immersion and Optimization!”

• Presented by: Eric Litwin, Best-selling Author

Eric Litwin’s presentation is sponsored in part by Scholastic.

What: Summer Leadership Seminar Early Bird Session: “Civil Discourse and Dealing with Conflict” (presented by John Ward, MSBA Associate Director of Strategic Governance)

When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, August 6, 2023

Where: Minneapolis Marriott Northwest in Brooklyn Park, 7025 Northland Drive North, Brooklyn Park

Synopsis: Good board governance is predicated on the ability to engage in civil discourse with colleagues and the public. However, sometimes disagreements lead to conflict at a level that makes the ability to make even simple decisions impossible. This session examines what factors contribute to negative conflict and discusses some strategies board members can employ to get back to civil discourse which benefits students and the community.

Early Bird Session fees: $125 for advance registration ($135 for late registration)

Advance registration closed on July 24. Walk-ins are welcome to attend. Direct any registration-related questions to Jen Ebert at registration@mnmsba.org.