After a delayed flight, I finally arrived at the AASA National Conference on Education. The moment I stepped into the hotel, I was reminded why this gathering is so valuable. Seeing respected colleagues, reconnecting over dinner, and exchanging ideas about our work was both affirming and energizing. It reinforced the power of connections and the importance of learning from one another as we lead our districts forward.
This morning, after a great breakfast, I made my way to the convention center early to explore the vendor exhibits. Every year, I come with a list of priorities to explore, and this time, my focus is on AI, STEM, and implementing a successful strategic plan. I also took time to check in with our existing partners, including Finalsite, which continues to play a key role in helping us communicate our district’s story clearly to our families and community.
One of the highlights of my day was attending a roundtable session on STEM Leadership: Students and Educators Shifting School Culture by the team from Indian Hill Exempted Village Schools. They shared how they have built a culture of collaboration by creating systems for staff to observe and learn from one another. They’ve defined STEM as Strategies That Engage Minds and have partnered with organizations like Jason Learning to enhance professional learning—not just for administrators, but for teachers directly. Their work has evolved, shifting ownership of STEM Night from staff-led to student-led sessions, reinforcing the idea that every space in a school should be a space for student engagement.
Later, I stopped by the Social Media Lounge for a session on Fostering Mental Wellness and Community Connection Through Social Media. The discussion centered on being intentional about what we post, ensuring we normalize conversations around mental health, and providing clear pathways for support. One key takeaway was the importance of diversifying platforms to connect with different audiences—there isn’t just one perfect platform, but rather a need to meet people where they are. A powerful reminder came from one presenter: while we focus on caring for our communities, we must also check in on our own family members who take care of us and our own personal well-being.
In the afternoon, I facilitated a roundtable on community engagement, sharing Oakwood’s approach and the lessons we’ve learned in building meaningful connections with stakeholders. Here’s the handout I used to share our district’s plan while I shared my lessons learning: Handout. One attendee challenged us to continually assess whether all community groups feel engaged and represented—an important consideration as I refine and expand our efforts.
I ended the day in a session titled AI-Powered Superintendent Solutions: Expert Insights on Overcoming District Challenges. The presenters shared how AI can enhance leadership by streamlining operations, structuring administrative teams more effectively, and informing strategic decisions. One superintendent discussed how AI is embedded in her district’s strategic plan, while another shared how AI is shaping their approach to solving district challenges. It was an insightful look at how technology can drive efficiency and innovation in school leadership.As I reflect on today’s sessions, one thing is clear—future-driven leadership requires us to embrace change, seek out innovation, and remain deeply connected to our students, staff, and communities. The insights I’ve gained will help shape the conversations and decisions we make in Oakwood. But leadership isn’t just about attending conferences—it’s about taking action. I challenge each of us to consider: How are we driving the future in our own districts? How are we ensuring that our students are not just prepared for what’s ahead but are actively shaping it? Let’s continue to push boundaries, collaborate, and lead with purpose. The future won’t wait—let’s get to work.
