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Monday, Oct. 28 | 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

CUBE First-Time Attendees Informational Session & Meet-and-Greet
Join CUBE Chair Gill Garrett as he provides first-time CUBE Conference attendees with a detailed overview of what to expect and what can’t be missed at this year’s conference. The session also will be an opportunity to meet with and network with other attendees from across the country and learn more about the benefits of joining the national CUBE network.

Speaker:
Gill Garrett, Chair, Council of Urban Boards of Education, Pontiac School District Board of Education (MI)

Navigating the Challenges of School Board Leadership: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
School board members are vital to shaping the future of education in their communities, yet they increasingly face challenges that can lead to legal, ethical, and public relations problems. This session will explore recent high-profile cases of school board members across the country who have encountered legal and ethical troubles. Participants will gain insights into the most common pitfalls —such as conflicts of interest, transparency issues, misuse of resources, and breaches of confidentiality.

Attendees will learn proactive strategies for avoiding these hazards, ensuring that their board service remains focused on the best interests of students and the community. Through real-world examples, interactive discussions, and expert advice, school board members will leave with practical tools to enhance governance, build trust, and maintain accountability in their districts.

Speaker:
Micah Ali, CUBE Chair Emeritus, President, Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees (CA)

Monday, Oct. 28 | 8 – 11:30 a.m.

Strengthening Communities: Empowering Families and Students with the CCSD Family Support Center
Nevada’s Clark County School District (CCSD) Family Support Center acts as a centralized hub where students and families can easily access services tailored to meet their diverse needs. The center (a 2024 Magna Award winner) plays a vital role in breaking down barriers by providing resources such as refugee and newcomer programs, adult English classes, assistance with public benefits, pediatric care, employment services, and college counseling. It also offers specialized services, including foreign transcript evaluations and legal support, and helps newcomers integrate into the school system and navigate broader societal challenges. The inclusion of a community market further emphasizes the center’s commitment to supporting families by providing access to food and other essentials in a welcoming environment.  Join this visit to tour the facility and meet with members of the CCSD Family Support Team who will reflect on the challenges and successes encountered in their mission to support students and families.

Empowering Students through Project-Based Learning and Alternative Pathways
This experiential learning visit will explore how Western High School, a Clark County School District pilot school in the heart of Las Vegas, is transforming education for nearly 2,800 Title I students through innovative, student-centered approaches. The visit will focus on the school's implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL), where authentic, real-world projects shape students' 21st century skills and deepen engagement. Additionally, participants will learn about Western's alternative pathways, including the Flex Academy, offering a blend of online and on-site learning, and Warrior Pathways, a program in partnership with the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, providing students with trade school scholarships. Discover how these models and initiatives create personalized learning experiences and prepare students for future success beyond traditional education methods.

Cost: $79 | to register.

Monday, Oct. 28 | 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.

Working for Equity in Equity-Adverse Environments
In many communities across the U.S. today, and particularly in the South, equity is not only an under-addressed issue but increasingly a forbidden concept. As school boards and states create policies and legislation banning or muddying equity-related initiatives, and sometimes even forbidding the use of the word “equity,” the work to improve student opportunities and outcomes and to recognize and address injustice continues. The recent attacks on equity are often particularly relevant in urban communities. These communities may stand to gain the most from the sort of work to challenge the disparities currently being limited (and, especially in the case of larger urban districts, may also be singled out at the state level for additional limitations around things like diversity, equity, and inclusion). In this session, we will share challenges — and, in some cases, solutions — experienced by the Equity Assistance Center-South, a federally funded technical assistance center (with "equity" in its title) that provides support across multiple equity areas, including race and gender. We will discuss strategies for moving equity work forward within the current environment and potential approaches to effectively push back on equity limitations.

Speakers:
Max Altman, Director of Research and Policy, Southern Education Foundation
Eshé Collins, Director, Equity Assistance Center-South, Southern Education Foundation
Danielle Harris, Program Manager, Equity Assistance Center-South, Southern Education Foundation

Strategic Collaboration: Utilizing a School Board Equity Council and Leadership to Advance Goals
The session will address how Ogden School District has utilized a District and Community Equity Council, including school board members and community partners, to move the district's strategic plan forward through a focus on equity and access for students and stakeholders. Specifically, how the work of the Equity Council supported Ogden School District’s work toward closing achievement gaps among all student groups, including significantly increasing graduation rates and opportunities for students in rigorous coursework. This session also will address how the council has strategically supported Ogden’s efforts toward moving the needle in early literacy achievement largely in part to staff retention and recruiting and developing a talented workforce. Ogden has unprecedented numbers in staff retention and has been able to recruit and develop teachers that match our student demographics through a Grow Your Own Program. Ogden also has been able to build culture and trust with teachers and staff through a systematic approach to gathering data and collective problem solving. This work created trust and broke down barriers and misunderstandings in the community.

Speakers:
Luke Rasmussen, Superintendent, Ogden School District (UT)
Arlene Zisumbo Anderson, Board Member and Vice President, Ogden School District (UT)
Heather Gerrard, Executive Director of Pathways, Ogden School District (UT)
Jessica Bennington, Executive Director of Human Resources, Ogden School District (UT)

Unveiling the Path to Equitable Education: Empowering K-12 Schools Through Equity Audits
In this dynamic and interactive session, participants will dive into the crucial concept of equity audits in K-12 education. We will explore the purpose and significance of equity audits, understand the key components involved, and learn how to conduct and implement them effectively. By examining real-world case studies and engaging in hands-on activities, attendees will gain practical strategies and tools to promote equity, identify systemic barriers, and foster inclusive learning environments within their schools.

Speakers:
Michael Dodge, Trainer, Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC); Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Life, American International College Supervisor
Stefania Raschilla, Superintendent, West Springfield Public Schools (MA) 

Empowering Schools as Community Hubs: Strengthening Educational and Community Ties
This session will explore the transformative role of schools as central hubs for both educational and community support, with a focus on enhancing educational equity in urban communities. We will explore how schools can leverage partnerships with local organizations, faith-based programs, and community resources to provide holistic support to students and families. The session will emphasize the pivotal role of school leaders in fostering and maintaining strong school-community relationships. School board members will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of supporting school leaders in these efforts. Practical initiatives discussed will include improving digital infrastructure, facilitating access to online learning tools, and enriching after-school programs. Attendees will gain insights into successful case studies and actionable strategies highlighting the need for increased support for school leaders to build robust, mutually beneficial relationships with community stakeholders. These efforts are essential for creating inclusive and supportive environments that promote educational equity and community well-being, ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Speakers:
Dennis B. McKesey , Ed.D., Educational Leader, The Off School Grounds Coalition (OSG)
Dr. Meisha Porter, Visiting Senior Fellow, Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) & Former Chancellor, New York City Department of Education

Monday, Oct. 28 | 3:45 – 5 p.m. 

Now What? From Creating Policy to Changing Practice to Close Achievement Gaps
Boards of education can implement well-intentioned equity policies without achieving equitable learning outcomes. This is because equity policies, vision and mission statements, and procedures seldom address HOW to improve student learning in meaningful ways. Boards and school leaders who support equity often do not know how to change instructional practices to meet student needs. Closing achievement gaps requires building each school’s capacity to maximize student growth by supporting key instructional practices for every student in every classroom every day.

In this session, participants will:

• Explore common practices that can short-circuit equity policies and vision and mission statements, perpetuating achievement gaps.
• Examine key improvements to instructional practices necessary to move equity from policy to instructional practice.
• Develop a prioritized list of practical steps to lead for equity by improving instructional practice.

Speaker:
Dr. Teresa Hill, Superintendent, South Holland School District 151 (IL)

Early Detection, Early Intervention: The Power of Universal Screening in Schools
This session delves into the critical role of universal screening in identifying students' needs and providing timely interventions. Participants will gain insights into the significance of early detection and how to use their data to align systems, including strategies, policies, people, and processes to provide intervention for academic success and socio-emotional well-being.

Speakers:
Marsha Herron, Ph.D., Director of Student and Organizational Success, Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA)
Jessica Hawkins, Director of Community and Systems Initiatives, Healthy Minds Policy Initiative
Armisha Harris, Director of Mental Health, Oklahoma City Public Schools

Reclaiming the Narrative About Educational Equity & Why It Matters for Every Student
In today's hyper-polarized environment, terms such as "equity," "CRT," "Social-Emotional Learning," "school choice," “DEI,” and "parental rights" have been misconstrued and misunderstood to the point that they can cause school board members and administrators to experience a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn reaction. School leaders need to have a solid understanding of these terms — what they do and do not mean, as well as their origins — so we are well-prepared to help our communities engage in the work associated with these important topics. In this session, we will review some of these terms; we will discuss proven strategies for building a foundation of shared language and understanding across political divides; and we will reserve a few moments to refill your cup as education leaders. Participants will come away with tools, strategies, and practical examples for addressing common misinformation around these "hot" topics in a way that invites people of all demographics and backgrounds into productive dialogue about the educational equity issues affecting many of our students and families.

Speakers:
Mary Fertakis, CEO, M Fertakis Consulting, LLC
J. Marie Richie, Founder and Principal, J. Marie & Associates

Equity-Focused Board Governance: Acceleration Through Innovation, Advocacy and Action
At Ypsilanti Community Schools, we lead through an unwavering commitment to equity that values and honors voice, choice, and agency by creating opportunities that ensure a strong sense of belonging for all. This session is designed to help board trustees understand the importance of leading with an equity-focused lens that results in better student outcomes by investing in equitable innovation opportunities. Our commitment to our vision for Acceleration Through Innovation, Advocacy, and Action speaks to our common purpose and the precision of our collective work together by adopting an equity-focused mission, vision, and strategic plan; adopting equity policies; allocating equitable resources; adopting a culturally responsive curriculum that ensures all students are seen, heard, understood, valued, respected, and cared for; and having equitable tools for the adoption of equitable resources. We will share the strategies we use in making informed decisions that directly impact the lives of our students and community. This equity-focused work can be possible when we lead with data, embed culturally responsive practices, cultivate cultural awareness and proficiency, analyze policies and practices, and ensure we incorporate equity in our decisions.

Speakers:
Dr. Celeste Hawkins, Board of Education President, Ypsilanti Community Schools (MI)
M. Jeanice Townsend, Board of Education Treasurer, Ypsilanti Community Schools (MI)
Yvonne Fields, Board of Education Trustee, Ypsilanti Community Schools (MI)
Sharon Lee, Board of Education Vice President, Ypsilanti Community Schools (MI)
Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross, Superintendent, Ypsilanti Community Schools (MI)
Dr. Carlos Lopez, Assistant Superintendent, Ypsilanti Community Schools (MI)

   

Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Collaboration for Student Success Resources
Is your district or school community struggling with inequitable student outcomes or teacher retention? Research shows that school communities with strong collaborative practices yield higher student achievement and higher teacher retention. But how do you get started, and how do you implement these practices effectively? The National Labor Management Partnership, made up of the nation's education associations, has authored a guidebook and set of tools to help! In this interactive session, you will learn the case for collaboration, how to get started, and what resources are available to create successful partnerships that benefit your students and community.

Speakers:
Andrea Walker, Director of Strategy, National Education Association (NEA)
Jinghong Cai, Senior Research Analyst, Â鶹¹ÙÍø (Â鶹¹ÙÍø)

Thriving Under Pressure: Managing Trauma and Triggers as a School Board Director
This session is designed to equip school board members with essential tools for managing trauma, recognizing triggers, and practicing self-care. In this session, participants will gain a deep understanding of how personal well-being impacts their effectiveness as leaders. By fostering resilience and mental health, board members can make better decisions, handle stress, and remain focused on their mission. This session also will address how these practices contribute to educational equity in urban communities. When board members are mentally and emotionally healthy, they are better positioned to advocate for policies and practices that support all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. This, in turn, helps create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. The session includes interactive activities, practical self-care strategies, and a guided self-care plan development, ensuring participants leave with actionable steps to enhance their personal well-being and leadership capabilities.

Speakers:
Dr. Courtney M. Graves, School Board Director, Ferguson-Florissant School District (MO)

Emerging Technologies and Their Role in Empowering Urban Youth for the Future Workforce
This session delves into the critical role of emerging technologies, including AI, in shaping educational equity and preparing urban students for the future workforce. With a focus on how these technologies can be ethically implemented to benefit all students, we explore practical strategies to address and overcome the historical and systemic barriers that often sideline urban youth. Our diverse panel of experts, from educators to tech innovators, will offer insights and recommendations to ensure that these technologies serve as tools of empowerment rather than exclusion, fostering an environment where urban students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Speakers:
Kermit Belcher, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, DeKalb County School District (GA)
Dr. Muhsinah Moore, AI Metaversity Expert, Morehouse College
Dr. Leah Austin, President & CEO, National Black Child Development Institute
Gaby Rowe, Founder, Texas Connected Initiative

Nurturing New Arrival Students: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health and Community Support
Within Denver Public Schools, we have dedicated ourselves to cultivating a supportive environment for New Arrival Students by prioritizing mental health and holistic well-being. Through integrating trauma-informed and trauma-specific interventions, culturally responsive practices, and proactive community engagement and partnerships, we have developed robust internal systems and have continued to foster diverse partnerships to address the multifaceted needs of our student body. Our presentation will spotlight the collaborative efforts undertaken to ensure equitable access to mental health resources, navigate basic needs services, and provide culturally relevant support for New Arrival students. By sharing our strategies, successes, and lessons learned, we aim to provide participants with innovative tools and resources that will lead to systemic change anchored in equity for New to Country Students. We hope to inspire fellow urban educators and administrators to embrace a comprehensive approach to student support that honors individual experiences and fosters a sense of belonging within our diverse urban communities.

Speakers:
Meredith Fatseas, Director of Mental Health, Denver Public Schools (CO)
Taha Zaffar, Senior Manager of Social Work and Mental Health, Denver Public Schools (CO)

Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 28 | Noon – 2 p.m.

State of Urban Education
Sponsored by DLR Group
CUBE Chair Gill Garrett will provide updates and insights on the current state of urban education, along with his motivational messaging on continuing to build and support excellence in urban school board leadership. 

There will be a Q&A session at the end of the address. Questions must be submitted in advance. Click here to submit your questions.

Speaker:
Gill Garrett, Chair, Council of Urban Boards of Education, Pontiac School District Board of Education (MI) 

Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 9 – 10:15 a.m.

Policy That Demands Equity — Ensuring All Students Have the Schools They Deserve
Sponsored by Sodexo
While state and federal legislation drives much of what takes place in public schools, local school boards are the real engines of policy that determine what happens in our schools across the country. As local school board members consider local policies (and the practices that implement them), we must guarantee that such policies drive equity, opportunity, and access for every student. Ensuring that our students have every opportunity to step into their brilliance must be our top priority.

In this keynote, Rocío Inclán, senior director of the National Education Association’s Center for Racial and Social Justice, will explore practical, actionable strategies that empower education leaders in their work to make certain that every student has the chance to reach their full potential. Together, we will achieve this goal by driving equity, supporting teachers, and fostering policies that cultivate brilliance in every classroom. Together, we will envision a future where your leadership is the catalyst for meaningful change and where every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Speaker:
Rocío Inclán, Senior Director, Center for Racial and Social Justice, National Education Association (NEA)

Tuesday, Oct. 29 | Noon – 2 p.m.

Harnessing the Power of National Service for a Brighter Tomorrow
In an illuminating keynote, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith will share how service has the power to save us — to save our neighborhoods, our cities, the nation, and even ourselves. Throughout his life, Michael has witnessed the transformative power of service, and he sees it every day as the head of the federal agency for national service. He knows firsthand that service changes lives, and he continues to be inspired by the sacrifice of our nation's volunteers. It is his intent that you leave this session inspired to serve others in a way that propels all of us toward a brighter future. 

There will be a Q&A session at the end of the keynote. Questions must be submitted in advance. Click here to submit your questions.

Speaker: 
Michael D. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, AmeriCorps

Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 10 a.m. -Noon

The Power of Arts and Culture in Education
This fireside chat will feature the stars of the beloved sitcom “Living Single” — Kim Coles, Kim Fields, and Erika Alexander. The special session will delve into the personal and educational journeys that helped shape who they are today, along with the pivotal role that arts and culture play in shaping a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Our celebrated guests will share experiences, challenges, and triumphs from their educational backgrounds, shedding light on how the arts have influenced their paths. They will discuss the transformative power of integrating arts into education, highlighting how it can cultivate creativity, build cultural awareness, and foster a more engaging and supportive learning atmosphere for all students.

Speakers:
Erika Alexander, Actress, Activist, Film Director, Producer
Kim Coles, Motivational Speaker, Coach, Host, Author, Actress, Comedian
Kim Fields, Actress, Director, Producer, Entrepreneur

Headquarter Hotel: Bellagio Hotel & Casino
3600 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109

The CUBE group rate at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino is sold out due to high demand. However, sleeping rooms are still available at the prevailing rates at the time of booking. We recommend booking your accommodations as soon as possible to secure the best available rate.

For alternative hotel options at potentially lower price points, consider the following hotels within walking distance of the Bellagio (please note, Â鶹¹ÙÍø does not have a room block at these properties):


Walking Distance: Approximately 5 minutes via a pedestrian bridge.

Walking Distance: Approximately 10 minutes via an enclosed walkway.


Walking Distance: Approximately 15 minutes.

Ground Transportation 

The Bellagio Hotel & Casino is approximately 5 miles from the . Visit the LAS airport for more information.

Hotel Parking 
are available at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino.

Q: Will there be an online event for CUBE 2024 Annual Conference?
A: There is no online component for CUBE 2024.

Q: If my state association is not a member, can I register?
A: Yes.  to see the pricing.

Q: What is the registration deadline?
A: You can save $100 when you register on or before July 19, 2024. We recommend registering early to secure your spot at the conference.  

Q: What is the deadline for online registration?
A: The deadline for online registration is Wednesday, October 23. Registrations after this date will be handled on-site and are subject to availability.

Q: What is the deadline for making an attendee name substitution?
A: The deadline to substitute one attendee's information for another is Wednesday, October 23. If there are any changes after this date, they will need to be handled on-site.

Q: What is included in my registration fee?
A: The full conference registration includes access to all sessions, networking breakfasts, luncheon events, evening receptions, and CUBE Urban Night Out (UNO). 

Q: Can I bring a guest?
A: Yes. The guest registration fee is $195. A guest registration grants access to the Welcome Reception and CUBE Urban Night Out (UNO) only. Your guest must purchase a registration if planning to attend sessions, networking meal events, evening receptions, and CUBE Urban Night Out (UNO).

Q: How do I redeem a complimentary registration?
A: Each CUBE district receives one complimentary attendee registration. The attendee using the complimentary registration should contact info@nsba.org for the special registration code. If you are a sponsor, you can find the number of complimentary registrations in the agreement. Sponsors also will receive an email from Karen Miller regarding the number of complimentary registrations their company receives. The email will include information required to get your team registered. Contact Karen Miller at KMiller@nsba.onmicrosoft.com with sponsor-related questions. 

Q: What is the event cancellation policy?
A: Requests for refunds can be honored only if made in writing to Â鶹¹ÙÍø at info@nsba.org by Friday, October 4, 2024, and will be subject to a $150 cancellation fee per registrant. No refunds will be honored after that time.

Q: Who do I contact if I have registration questions?
A: Please email info@nsba.org with your questions, indicating CUBE Annual in the subject line.

Q: Is there a credit card authorization form for housing at the hotel?
A: Yes. Please contact bellagiogroupconv5@mgmresorts.com to request a credit card authorization form.

Q: What should I do if I have special dietary needs for meal events?
A: Please email info@nsba.org and indicate the type of allergy or other dietary restrictions. (Please title the email Dietary Needs for CUBE Annual.)

Q: What should I do if I have an ADA request?
A: Please email info@nsba.org if you have any special needs by Friday, October 4, 2024. (Please title the email ADA Accommodations for CUBE Annual Conference.)

Q: How do I report my CEUs earned at CUBE 2024?
A: When the event is over, you will receive a survey link to the email you used to register. After you complete the survey, you will receive a link to a form where you can submit documentation for your CEUs. Contact equity@nsba.org with any questions.

Q: Will session presentations and recordings be available?
A: Session PowerPoints and additional digital handouts are exclusively available through the event app. This event has been planned as an in-person event — no recordings will be available.

Request for refunds of the conference registration fee (minus a $150 service fee) can be honored only if made in writing to Â鶹¹ÙÍø at info@nsba.org by Friday, October 4, 2024. No refunds will be honored after that time.

Please feel free to email us at info@nsba.org with any questions you may have regarding your CUBE Annual Conference registration.

Proof of vaccination status or a negative test result is not required to attend Â鶹¹ÙÍø events. Attendees who are not vaccinated are asked to take an at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test before traveling to the event and should not attend if they test positive or have COVID-19 symptoms. Â鶹¹ÙÍø does not require proof of these measures but encourages attendees to act responsibly and with consideration for the health and safety of others. Mask wearing is optional.