Spring Conference
The 2012 NRCSA Spring Conference
The 2012 NRCSA Spring Conference is scheduled for March 22 & 23, at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Kearney. A schedule for event, information on speakers and sessions, and registration materials are available on this page. Registration fees for member schools are $165.00 per person. Registration fees for non-member schools are $300.00 per person. The registration fee for exhibitors is $375.00 per exhibit space. To register, simply complete the appropiate form through the links below and return it to NRCSA along with payment for the registration. Registrations may be changed or cancelled before March 20, 2012. Schools and exhibitors will be responsible for all registrations after that date.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the Spring Conference please contact Jeff Bundy at (402) 202-6028 or via e-mail at jbundy@nrcsa.net.
Registration Forms
**Note: The PDF versions of the forms can be completed by typing in the highlighted boxes.
Use the 'Save As' command to save a create a new version of the completed form which can be printed or e-mailed to NRCSA.**
Member Registration
2012 NRCSA Spring Conference Member Registration Form (PDF Format)
2012 NRCSA Spring Conference Member Registration Form (Online Format)
Exhibitor Registration
Exhibitor registration is closed, all spaces have been sold.
Exhibitor Directory
Download the Exhibitor directory in PDF.2011 Exhibitor Directory
Keynote Speakers
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Aaron Thomas’ father Ed was a beloved high school football coach who not only trained generations of players on the importance of discipline, hard work and commitment but personally put these values into practice as a community leader who inspired his town to rebuild in the wake of a deadly tornado. Not long after the community withstood the disaster of the storm, the small town of Parkersburg, Iowa, endured a far worse tragedy: the fatal shooting of Ed Thomas by a mentally ill former player. Rather than shun the family of their father’s murderer and perpetuate the tragedy that Parkersburg faced, Aaron and his family called for understanding and compassion—because that’s what Ed Thomas would have wanted them to do. In this incredible story of ordinary people thrust into an extraordinary situation, Aaron Thomas shares his family’s journey of showing uncommon strength during the darkest of times. Having made it through tremendous adversity, Thomas shares the importance of living a life of passion and meaning while challenging audiences to set the goals necessary to stand out in both life and business. Picking up the mantle of his father as the Athletic Director of Aplington-Parkersburg High School shortly after his death, he and his family are the recipients of the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage presented at the 2010 ESPY Awards. Along with his family and the help of author Mark Tabb, Thomas writes about his father and the lessons he taught him in his New York Times best-selling book, The Sacred Acre: The Ed Thomas Story (August 2011).
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Throughout his thirty-eight year career in Nebraska public schools, Dr. Roger Breed has provided state-wide leadership as an active participant on numerous committees and boards responsible for examining issues and developing recommendations regarding state standards, assessment programs, personnel selection and certification, and other significant school policy issues.
Dr. Breed has experience working with both small and large school districts during his long service in Nebraska. He has served as superintendent of schools at Elkhorn and Axtell. Prior to that he was a principal at York.
His address represents a welcome opportunity to hear about the latest developments with the State Board and Department of Education.
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Rohan Murphy, who lost his legs at birth, started to wrestle his freshman year of high school. After a successful high school wrestling career he went on to wrestle at Penn State University. In addition to wrestling, Murphy is also an accomplished powerlifter, competing in international competitions all over the world representing the USA.
Rohan has been featured in publications such as ABC news, Sports Illustrated, and many more. He was even featured in his very own Nike commercial to motivate and inspire people to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle.
Now Rohan is a professional motivational speaker. He lived his whole life motivating people by his actions, he is now motivating the youth of America by his words. Rohan’s life story is a gripping tale of adversity, dedication, and living life with a purpose. This Website is to support his efforts in obtaining the speaking engagements necessary to fulfill his dream of being a full time motivational speaker!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Concurrent Sessions
2012 School Retirement Plan Update: This session will focus on the status of the School Employees Retirement Plan. 2012 retirement legislation will be discussed. Also, relevant topics for school employees and employers will be covered. Presented by Jason Hayes, Legal Counsel, NPERS
Basics of Board Governance 1: During this highly interactive session, Burma Kroger will lead participants through a review of some key principles of effective boardsmanship. Topics will include board member roles, the board/superintendent relationship, ethical considerations, handling complaints, and dealing with the public. Presented by Burma Kroger, NASB Director of Board Development
Basics of Board Governance 2: Board Panel Discussion: During this session, Burma Kroger will lead a panel discussion of three board members who will answer the question, “Based on your experience, what qualities, skills, or knowledge must a board member have in order to be effective?” Presented by Burma Kroger, NASB Director of Board Development and panelists.
Developing Free Speech Issues: Just when First Amendment principles seem to be working in public education, new fights over student religious speech threaten to reignite culture-war battles in schools across the country. This session will update administrators and board members on several recent lawsuits across the country that explore when schools must allow religious speech in school and when they must limit that expression. Presented by Harding Schultz Law Firm
EHA Group Health Plan Update: This session will discuss the EHA Group Health Plan, the EHA Wellness Program, and updates to health care reform. Time will be provided for questions and answers. Presented by Kent Trelford-Thompson & Kurt Genrich, Blue Cross Blue Shield & EHA
Ethics Complaints: What Do I Do Now: This presentation will provide an overview of the process for ethics complaints made against Nebraska certificate holders and provide basic information on how to avoid being the recipient of an ethics complaint. Presented by Brian Halstead & Jeff Schneider, NDE & PPC
Federal Resources Available Across Agencies for Rural Schools and Communities: This session will focus on the resources available to rural education communities and educators through the Department of Education and other federal agencies. The presentation will also cover the do’s and don’ts of the grant application process. Presented By Patrick Kerr & Jeanne Ackerson, U.S. Department of Education
It's Late But Not Too Late- 11th Hour Employment Considerations: The magic employment date of April 15th is fast approaching. Kelley Baker and Bobby Truhe will review considerations and procedures for administrators and board members regarding nonrenewal, termination, and reduction in force preparation and hearings. They will discuss the roles and responsibilities of administrators and board members, review statutory procedures, talk about practical considerations, and answer questions. Presented by Harding Schultz Law Firm
Nebraska School Activities Association Update: This session will provide an update on current happenings at the Nebraska School Activities Association in regard to legislation, legal issues, the Executive Director search, new employees at the association, as well as other "hot topics." Presented by Dr. Steve Shanahan, Interim Executive Director, NSAA
Nebraska's Teacher and Principal Performance Framework: In November 2011, the State Board of Education adopted the Nebraska Teacher and Principal Performance Framework, a document, which outlines effective practices for teachers and principals. The Framework was drafted by Nebraska educators, board members, and parents, and reviewed in a series of meetings across the state before being adopted by the State Board. This session will discuss how the Nebraska Teacher and Principal Performance Framework was developed and how it can be used in your school district. Presented by Donlynn Rice & Jim Havelka, NDE & Havelka Educational Consulting
Negotiations- The New CIR Rules and Procedures: The "school" provisions of the new Commission of Industrial Relations (CIR) law become operative July 1, 2012. It is imperative that all schools and educational service units understand the new required negotiations time-line along with the rights and responsibilities that come with it. This session will overview the laws new negotiations time-lines, total compensation, and array midpoint range rules. Presented by Perry Law Firm
Open Meetings Law: This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the obligations which a board of education has under the Nebraska Open Meetings Act including: what constitutes a meeting; exception for subcommittees; exception for chance meetings and workshops; exception where the board is exercising judicial functions; conducting meetings via e-mail; giving proper notice; required specificity of the agenda; emergency meetings; voting requirements under the Act; posting the Open Meetings Act; circumstances which justify a closed session; procedures for closed session; the right of the public to speak at board meetings; the right of the public to record meetings; the right of the board of education to enforce rules of orderly conduct at meetings; requirements for the meeting minutes; and consequences for violating the Act. Presented by Neal Stenberg, Stenberg Law Office
Opportunities from the National Center for Research on Rural Education: This session will provide an overview of the National Center for Research on Rural Education. The goal of the Center is to enhance learning and achievement of students in rural settings by building the capacity of rural school communities (i.e., teachers, families). The Center is invested in partnering with rural schools to conduct rigorous research to identify effective school, teacher, and family supports to help advance the performance of students in rural settings, particularly in the areas of reading, science, and behavior. Presented by Dr. Gina Kunz, & Dr. Gwen Nugent, UNL
Public Records Issues: This session will provide a comprehensive overview regarding public records including: the public's right to inspect or obtain copies of public records; what constitutes a public record; the extent to which email sent or received by a board member at home may constitute a public record; what records may be withheld from the public; procedures for responding to a request for public records; charging for copies of records; consequences for violating the Public Records Act; required retention of records under the Nebraska Records Management Act; and preservation of records in connection with litigation--the required "litigation hold". Presented by Neal Stenberg, Stenberg Law Office
Required Policies: Every year, Congress, the Legislature, and the Department of Education add to the list of policies that schools are required to prepare and adopt. This session will discuss these policy requirements, both old and new. Presented by Harding Schultz Law Firm
Rule 10 Update: Description TBD. Presented by Freida Lange, NDE
School Finance 101: This session will discuss the basics of the state aid to schools formula. The major factors of the formula (various adjustments and allowances, comparison arrays, etc) will be discussed and explained. Presented by Russ Inbody & Bryce Wilson, NDE
School Finance Update: This session will discuss current school finance legislation and issues related to the state aid formula, including issues related to aid certification. Presented by Russ Inbody & Bryce Wilson, NDE
School House Graphics Products: This session will discuss School House Graphics Products (SGHP). Housed within the Arnold High School, SHGP is both a self-sustaining company and a program of study, where students can get course credit for what they learn about technology, design, and business. In partnership with Mid-Plains Community College, students can earn college credit through their involvement with SHGP. SHGP has also been the subject of a "documentary" produced by Nebraska Loves Public Schools. Presented by Clay Mohr & Julie Mohr, Arnold Public Schools
Sharing People, Programs, and Distance Education in 21st Century Schools: In this session the presenters will discuss sharing people and programs between districts and the basics of implementing distance education classrooms and using on-line classrooms to better the opportunities for your students. The pros and cons, costs, and other pertinent information associated with implementing these programs will also be discussed. Time for questions and answers will be provided. Presented by Joey Lefdal, Craig Frerichs & Panelists, Newcastle and Wynot Public Schools
State Board of Education Panel: During this session members of the State Board of Education and Commissioner of Education, Dr. Roger Breed will discuss current education initiatives including assessments, accountability, effective educator standards, legislative issues, and other “hot” topics. Presented by Dr. Roger Breed, Commissioner of Education & Members of the State Board of Education
Student Information and Privacy-The New Revised FERPA Regulations: On December 2, 2011 the U.S. Department of Education released new revised regulations governing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These regulations were effective January 3, 2012. This session will overview important changes affecting every schools day-to-day operations along with the need to make several policy changes and create new operating forms to assure compliance. Presented by Perry Law Firm
Unemployment Benefits: Addressing and Avoiding Potential Pitfalls: In 2011, a number of state courts across the country addressed issues relating to unemployment compensation for substitute teachers. The issue of unemployment compensation for substitute teachers, coaches, and part time employees can lead to confusion and frustration for school officials. This session will address the ins and outs of unemployment compensation as it relates to school employees. It will also provide practical guidance in avoiding and handling such claims, as well as discuss legislative and other potential solutions to these matters. Presented by Perry Law Firm
Schedule
**Schedule is tentative and subject to change**
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
4:00 PM—9:00 PM Exhibitor Check-In & Setup—Ballroom
7:00 PM —9:00 PM Attendee Registration—Pre-Function Area
7:00 PM Hospitality Rooms (as posted)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
7:15 AM Attendee Registration—Pre-Function Area
Coffee and Rolls—Ballroom Exhibit Area
8:10 AM General Session—Loper Hall
Presiding: Joan Reznicek, NRCSA President, Supt, Ponca Public Schools
Musical Welcome: Chadron Cardinal Singers
Sponsorships and Awards:
Keynote Address: Aaron Thomas
10:15 AM Refreshment Break—Ballroom
10:45 AM—11:45 AM Thursday Morning Select-a-Sessions
12:00 PM Lunch General Session—Loper Hall
Presiding: Charles Isom, NRCSA Past President, Supt, Superior Public Schools
Sponsorships and Awards:
Keynote Address: Dr. Roger Breed
2:00 PM—3:00 PM Thursday Afternoon Select-a-Sessions
3:00 PM Refreshment Break—Ballroom
3:15 PM—4:15 PM Thursday Afternoon Select-a-Sessions
4:30 PM NRCSA General Membership Meeting—Room C
5:30 PM Hospitality Rooms Open
6:30 PM Country Buffet—Loper Hall
7:30 PM—9:00 PM Casino Night—Ballroom
Friday, March 23, 2012
7:15 AM Attendee Registration—Pre-Function Area
Coffee and Rolls—Pre-Function Area
8:00 AM—9:15 AM Friday Select-a-Sessions
9:30 AM—10:15 AM Brunch Buffet—Loper Hall
10:15 AM Closing Session—Loper Hall
Presiding: Alan Garey, NRCSA President-Elect, Supt, Medicine Valley Schools
Musical Welcome: Ponca Show Choir
Sponsorships and Awards:
Keynote Address: Rohan Murphy
Lincoln, NE 68508 