Conference Daily Online

AASA's award-winning newsletter, providing daily coverage of events, photos and video clips of the conference.

Student-Run Manufacturing Business Detailed as Basis of a Re-Engineered Indiana High School

Student-Run Manufacturing Business Detailed as Basis of a Re-Engineered Indiana High School

Brown County High School in Nashville, Ind., has around 550 students. Emily Tracy, the district’s superintendent, said the school is truly focused on making sure students are well prepared after graduation. Tracy and her team presented at the “Re-Engineering Schools” session at the AASA National Conference on Education on Friday in San Antonio, Texas. “It’s […]

Illinois District Shares Its Cost-Efficient Moves to Electric School Buses in Rural Region

Working with utility companies could minimize the cost of purchasing and maintaining electric school buses, panelists said Friday during a session at the National Conference on Education in San Antonio.  Andreas Edmondson, superintendent of Hardin County Schools in Illinois,  and Duncan McIntyre of Highland Fleets, a maker of electric school buses based in Beverly, Mass., […]

Systemwide Agency Can Be Used to Amplify Student Agency

How does student agency relate to college and career readiness? Michelle Whitney, superintendent of Pasco School District 1 in Washington, and Robi Cole, AVID associate area director for the Pacific Northwest, engaged participants at an AASA conference roundtable Friday morning with examples of the impact of their student agency work. They repeatedly noted their work […]

[Video] Building an Employee-Centered District (2:20)

This session with Georgette Warnock explored how superintendents can re-engage teachers and make their districts a top destination for those with the capacity and desire to help students grow. This story was produced by Silas Bryant at the 2023 AASA Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

[Video] Interview: Ryan, Mejia and Andreski on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (9:45)

District leaders led interactive conversations surrounding how to implement diversity, equity and inclusion. Watch this in-depth interview with Andres Mejia, Christopher Andriski and David Ryan on implementing DEI in predominantly white school communities. This story was produced by Angelina D’Elia at the 2023 AASA Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Read more.

Oceanside Superintendent Moves Audience to Tears in Discussing Support of LGBTQ+ Students

Julie Vitale in front of YouTube video screen

How educators can create a safe and inclusive climate for all students of the LGBTQ+ community was the focus of an AASA conference session led by Julie Vitale, superintendent of the Oceanside Unified School District in California, on Friday afternoon. Vitale wants all schools to ensure students of diverse backgrounds thrive and flourish. Her session, […]

Creating a Happiness Advantage to Educators Brings Positive Results to an Iowa School System

man in front of presentation with colorful cartoon frogs

Joel Pedersen, superintendent of the Cardinal Community School District in Iowa, exudes excitement when he talks about his eight-year implementation of the Happiness Advantage in his school system. Pedersen first learned about the Happiness Advantage from AASA. His district was subsequently featured by Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, in his keynote address at […]