Spring Conference

The 2026 NRCSA Spring Conference


The 2026 NRCSA Spring Conference will be held from March 18th to 20th, 2026 at the Crowne Plaza & Younes North Convention Center in Kearney. 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.

Member Registration

Registration fees are $220 per person for NRCSA member schools, $360 per person for non-member schools. $5 of every registration supports NRCSA scholarships and awards funds. To register simply complete one of the forms below and return it to NRCSA. Your business office will receive an invoice for payment of any conference fees. Registrations may be altered or cancelled prior to NRCSA making a meal count commitment. Schools will be responsible for registration fees after that occurs.

Attendee Registration Forms (Vendors do not use these forms)

2026 NRCSA Spring Conference Member Registration Form (On-line version)

2026 NRCSA Spring Conference Member Registration Form (MS Word version)

Exhibitor Registration

There are a total of 96 exhibit spaces available at the conference. Registration fees are $485 per space and include an 8 foot table and chairs in a 10 foot by 6 foot piped and draped booth. Electrical power is available, if needed, and wireless internet is available throughout the hotel and conference facility. Booths are sold on a first-come-first served basis and typically sell out well ahead of the deadline listed on the forms.

2026 NRCSA Spring Conference Exhibitor Registration Packet (MS Word document)

Exhibitor Directory

NRCSA encourages your support of our Business Affiliates.

2025 NRCSA Exhibitor Directory

 

General Session Speakers

Information regarding speakers will be available at a later date.

March 2026 Thursday Morning Keynote

Adrienne Bulinski

March 2026 Thursday Noon Keynote

Dr. Brian Maher, Commissioner of Education

March 2026 Friday Closing Keynote

Melissa Oberg

 

Concurrent Sessions

Building Better People through Lessons from History: Lessons from the Holocaust

During this session, educators will learn how The Holocaust Learning Experience has filled a gap nationally in traditional Holocaust Education. The HLE has created a bundled, cross curricular, plug and play program that is easily deployable and deliverable to any school district throughout the United States at no charge. We have done the heavy lift for teachers. The overarching goal of the HLE is character building and teaching the importance of empathy and resilience. Through our use of living history, students have the opportunity to hear from multiple survivors and how their stories are both similar and yet distinctive. Considering various experiences on a topic can lead to a deeper understanding, richer decision-making, greater creativity, and enhanced critical thinking. Presented by Leigh Routman; Holocaust Learning Experience

A Conversation with Members of the State Board of Education

Join members of the State Board of Education for a discussion on the statewide vision and priorities for Nebraska Education as it relates to total community schools. Much of this session will be devoted to question and answer opportunities. Presented by Kristin Christensen, Maggie Douglas, Lisa Schonhoff, Liz Renner, Kirk Penner, Sherry Jones, Elizabeth Tegtmeier, & Deborah Neary; State Board of Education. Moderated by Dr. Brian Maher & Ryan Foor; Commissioner of Education & Chief of Staff, Nebraska Department of Education

EHA Benefits Update

Join us for an overview of upcoming changes to the EHA plan for the 2026–2027 plan year. This session is ideal for anyone who wants to stay informed and have the opportunity to ask questions about the plan. Presented by Emily Tobias, Stephanie Williamson, & Greg Long; Blue Cross Blue Shield of NE & EHA

Grow Your Own: Building Rural Teacher Pipelines Through High School Pathways

Rural Nebraska schools face persistent teacher shortages. The Grow Your Own Education Pathway program offers a sustainable, homegrown solution by inspiring high school students to pursue careers in education—and ultimately return to teach in their rural communities. This session will showcase Nebraska’s fully developed, four-course Education & Training program of study designed to spark interest in the teaching profession. The free curriculum—available in both Canvas and Google Classroom—aligns to Nebraska CTE standards, InTASC teaching standards, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. Each course offers dual-credit opportunities through partnering colleges, allowing students to earn up to 12 credits toward an education degree. Educators Rising CTSO activities and competitions are embedded throughout. Participants will leave with ready-to-implement resources, teacher training options, and strategies for launching or expanding a rural teacher pathway in their own districts. Presented by Dr. Katie Soto; Educational Service Unit 9

Hot Topics for Rural School Board Members

This session will cover current legal issues in 2026, with a focus on issues facing Nebraska rural school districts in 2026. Presented by Justin Knight; Perry Law Firm

Leveraging CTE Funding for Maximum Results

Effective use of CTE funding can drive real improvement when aligned with intentional planning and district priorities. This session will discuss the Nebraska CTE funds (federal and state), highlight opportunities for strategic investment, and demonstrate how thoughtful use of resources can support high-quality pathways, reVISION priorities, and stronger student achievement. Presented by Sydney Kobza, Amanda Cole Nebraska Department of Education

Navigating the New Landscape: Recent Changes, Pathways and What’s Ahead in Educator Certifications

This presentation will review recent regulatory changes in certification, provide clarification on alternative pathways to certification and review possible rule revisions and future conversations around educator certification. Presented by Katelyn Larsen, Brad Dirksen, & Molly Barnett; Nebraska Department of Education

NRCSA General Members Meeting

This session will comprise the General Members Meeting for NRCSA. Nominations for leadership positions and an update on NRCSA services and programs will be presented. Presented by Jack Moles & Chris Kuncl; NRCSA & Mullen Public Schools

NRCSA Legislative Update

In this session Executive Director Jack Moles will provide an update on the current legislative activity and NRCSA’s participation within the process, including the efforts of Nebraska United for Property Tax Relief and Education. Topics covered will also include school finance activity, property tax relief measures, the efforts of other education related groups, federal legislation, and more. Presented by Jack Moles & Russ Westerhold; NRCSA

School Finance 101

This session will discuss the basics of school finance. The major factors of the formula (various adjustments and allowances, comparison arrays, etc) will be discussed and explained.  This session will also cover the eleven different funds used by schools. Presented by Michelle Cartwright; Nebraska Dept. of Education

School Finance Update

This session will provide information on all relevant current school finance happenings including; Legislative work addressing issues related to the state aid formula, aid certification, property tax authority and possibly adding in a bad joke or two! Presented by Bryce Wilson; Nebraska Dept. of Education

So What Makes a Good Board Member

Rural school districts across the state are blessed with many good, effective Board of Education members.  In this panel discussion, veteran Board members will share a little bit about their ideas on being an effective Board member. Presented by Jack Moles & Panelists; NRCSA

Conference Schedule

2026 Spring Conference Schedule

Wednesday, March 18, 2026    

10:00 AM-2:00 PM Pre-Session: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, presented by FranklinCovey

3:00 PM-5:00 PM Executive Committee Meeting—Bronze 5

6:30 PM—9:00 PM Exhibitor Check-In & Setup—Gold 4,5,6,10,11,12

7:00 PM —9:00 PM Attendee Registration—Registration 1

7:00 PM Hospitality Rooms 

Thursday, March 19, 2026                                                                              

7:15 AM  Attendee Registration—Registration 1                            

Coffee and Rolls—Gold 4,5,6,10,11,12

8:30 AM  General Session—Silver 4,5,6,10,11,12     

Presiding: Chris Kuncl, NRCSA President, Supt, Mullen Public Schools     

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Musical Welcome:       

9:05 AM – 9:15 AM Scholarships and Awards:      

NRCSA Scholarship & Gary Fisher Fine Arts Scholarship Announcements

9:30 AM – 10:20 AM Keynote Address: Adrienne Bulinski                     

10:20 AM—11:00 AM Exhibitor Time                                                            

11:00 AM—11:50 AM Thursday Morning Select-a-Sessions

12:00 PM  Lunch General Session— Silver 4,5,6,10,11,12               

Presiding: Dr. Heather Nebesniak, NRCSA Past President, Supt, Ord Public Schools

12:35 PM – 12:55 PM Keynote Address: Dr. Brian Maher, Commissioner of Education, NDE

1:00 PM – 1:40 PM Scholarships and Awards: 

Outstanding Elementary Teacher                        

Outstanding Secondary Teacher                        

Gary Fisher Outstanding Music Teacher                                    

Outstanding ESU Staff Member                                         

1:45 PM—2:20 PM Exhibitor Time                                                           

2:20 PM—3:10 PM Thursday Afternoon Select-a-Sessions

3:10 PM—3:35 PM Exhibitor Time                                                                

3:35 PM—4:25 PM Thursday Afternoon Select-a-Sessions

4:30 PM-5:30 PM Exhibitor Reception                                           

6:00 PM  Chuckwagon Buffet— Silver 4,5,6,10,11,12

7:00 PM Hospitality Rooms

Friday, March 20, 2026                                                                                      

7:15 AM  Attendee Registration—Registration 1

Coffee in Silver Ballroom                                     

8:00 AM—8:50 AM Friday Select-a-Session I

9:00 AM—9:50 AM Friday Select-a-Session II

10:00 AM—10:45 AM  Brunch Buffet—Silver 4,5,6,10,11,12

10:30: - 11:00 AM Musical Welcome:

10:50 AM  Closing Session— Silver 4,5,6,10,11,12         

Presiding: Stephanie Kaczor, NRCSA President-Elect, Supt, Riverside Public Schools

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM Scholarships and Awards:  

Outstanding Classified Staff Member       

Outstanding Board Member                                                                         

Outstanding Principal                                                                                        

Outstanding Superintendent                        

11:50- AM – 12:45 PM Keynote Address: Melissa Oberg                 

12:50 PM Thank Yous, Prizes, & Drawings