Spring Conference

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

AI in Schools: Separating the Noise from What Actually Matters

With constant headlines, tools, and opinions about AI, school leaders are left asking: what actually matters for teaching, learning, and operations? This session cuts through the hype to focus on the policies, practices, and decision points that have real implications for schools. Participants will leave better equipped to evaluate AI tools, support educators, and communicate clearly with stakeholders. Presented by Andrew Easton; Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council

Angry Emails, Public Comment and Facebook: Now What?

Board members and superintendents usually aren’t the ones issuing student discipline, but they’re often the ones getting the angry phone calls, forwarded emails and social media screenshots.  This session focuses on how boards and superintendents should respond when student discipline decisions trigger community outrage.  We’ll cover what you can say (and what you absolutely shouldn’t), how confidentiality and due process limit public responses and how to support administrators without stepping into the discipline itself.  Practical guidance for staying legally grounded when emotions, opinions and posts are flying. Presented by KSB School Law

The Apprenticeship Pathway to Teaching

What does a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program look like from the perspectives of those living it every day? This engaging session brings together voices from across the partnership to share authentic experiences, successes, and lessons learned. Hear directly from an apprentice, mentor teacher, school principal, and the NDE as they discuss how this innovative pathway to teaching is strengthening educator pipelines. Participants will gain practical insights, partnership strategies, and real-world examples of how the apprenticeship model is working in Nebraska to support future educators. Presented by Jim Kent & Kelly Baehr; Nebraska Dept. of Education

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

Continuous Improvement Process from Top to Bottom- How to get everyone involved in your continuous improvement process?

Having trouble getting everyone involved with your district’s school improvement process? Leaders of the Mullen Public School Continuous Improvement team will provide insight into their process and how they get everyone involved from board members to teachers to paraprofessionals to maintenance staff. The process involves our approach to focus on areas that will never be checked off. Presented by Darren Tobey, Chris Kuncl, Brett Mauler, Mike Kvanvig, Sarah Hardin & Liza Simonson; Broken Bow Public Schools & Mullen Public Schools

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

Different Paths, Shared Purpose: Strengthening Education Through Community Connections

This session explores how community connected STEM teaching can support educators from diverse backgrounds while strengthening teacher retention—especially in rural schools. By leveraging community partners, guest experts, and real-world STEM experiences, teachers can reduce the pressure to “know everything” and instead model curiosity, collaboration, and learning alongside students. Participants will leave with practical, classroom-level strategies that build confidence, connection, and sustainability for both teachers and learners. Presented by Sarah Hardin; Mullen Public Schools

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

The Excellence Equation: Teamwork + Trust + (A Little Bit of Fun)

Why settle for 1+1=2? Discover the Equation of Excellence to transform your department into a high-performing powerhouse. This session provides elite teamwork interventions to build deep trust, resolve conflict, and foster collective efficacy. Learn to leverage healthy friction and strategic fun to boost results. Leave with a practical toolkit to move your team from co-existing to achieving extraordinary, collective impact. Presented by Jen McNally; Educational Service Unit 5

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

Hot Topics for School Administrators

Student matters, staffing issues, and parent complaints routinely raise legal questions for administrators. In this session, the Perry Law Firm will highlight current hot-button issues that frequently arise in day-to-day school operations—and, yes, sometimes before your second cup of coffee—and offer practical advice to help school leaders feel prepared, confident, and proactive when these situations inevitably land on their desks. Presented by Haleigh carlson & Josh Schauer; 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

NSAA Initiatives

In this session, the NSAA will discuss current and future initiatives to assist member schools and the students, coaches and communities we serve. Presented by Jennifer Schwartz & Ron Higdon; Nebraska School Activities Association

Open Meetings:  What Board Members Need for a Smooth, Successful Meeting

In this session, the Perry team will discuss the basics of open meetings and some practical ideas on keeping your meetings on topic and on track. Presented by Derek Aldridge; Perry Paw Firm

Panel Discussion on Promoting Professional Growth in Rural Nebraska Schools

Four experienced Nebraska administrators will share how their rural schools have transformed their evaluation processes to promote a culture of continuous professional growth. Panelists will share strategies and examples of how evaluation and feedback support the growth of school leaders, teachers, and students. Presented by Paul Anderson, Kelly Klanecky, Don Hosick,  & Amanda Skalka. Moderated by Dr. Marc Doss; Ravenna Public Schools, Wood River Public Schools, Minden Public Schools, Sandy Creek Public Schools, & Network for Educator Effectiveness.

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

Screen Smarts

In today’s digital world, teaching students how to navigate online spaces responsibly is just as essential as traditional education. At Hershey Public Schools, we’re committed to shaping informed, thoughtful and responsible digital citizens. For the last two years, we have had formal board goals that focus on equipping students, parents and staff with tools to help them engage with technology safely, wisely and ethically.” We partnered with A.Plum Creative, whose expertise transformed our idea into high-quality, visually compelling and fact-checked content. To bring our message to life, we have combined weekly social media content, on-campus digital signage and ongoing community engagement to reinforce responsible digital habits. By integrating these messages into daily life, we’re fostering a school culture built on integrity, safety and responsibility in the digital space. Join us to learn how through this strategic collaboration, Hershey Public Schools is leading the charge in digital citizenship—ensuring that our students are prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Presented by Anna Weber & Jane Davis; A Plum Creative & Hershey Public Schools

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

Special Education Without a Safety Net: Rural Realities and Legal Survival

When you don’t have endless programs, staff or options, special education decisions get complicated fast.  This session tackles the issues rural boards and administrators actually face: state complaints, chronic absences, violent or disruptive behavior, parents upset about classroom impacts and what to do when there simply isn’t another placement down the road. We’ll focus on practical, legally defensible choices that work in the real world, not the textbook one. Presented by KSB School Law

Who’s Evaluating the Evaluators? (Hint: It Should Be You)

School boards have a lot of practice in evaluating superintendents. Evaluating themselves? Not so much. This session explains why board self-evaluation actually matters, how it improves board effectiveness and why skipping it creates real legal and governance risks. We’ll also talk about aligning board and superintendent evaluations without turning either into a popularity contest. Bonus: a quick look at KSB’s evaluation platform and how it makes the whole process less painful and more productive. Presented by KSB School Law

Why Rural Matters 2025: People, Place, and Possibility – A Blueprint for Rural Education Advocacy

Rural schools are at the heart of their communities, yet too often their unique strengths and challenges are overlooked in education policy debates. The National Rural Education Association’s (NREA) Why Rural Matters 2025 report shines a spotlight on the realities of rural education in all 50 states, offering a powerful tool for leaders who want to make smarter, more equitable decisions for students. This session, hosted by leadership from NREA, will unpack the key findings of this landmark report, highlighting how issues of access, funding, staffing, and opportunity intersect with the lived experiences of rural families. The session will also rural leaders translate this knowledge into stronger advocacy, demonstrating how a deeper command of the report’s data and themes can strengthen conversations with legislators, build urgency around rural needs, and elevate local stories that too often go unheard. More importantly, the discussion will move beyond data to action, showing leaders how to leverage the report to shape district priorities, influence state policy, and advocate more effectively at the national level. Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of the “people, place, and possibility” that define rural education, as well as concrete strategies to use the report as a catalyst for stronger governance, smarter resource allocation, and bold advocacy on behalf of rural students. Presented by Dr. Melissa Sadorf; Executive Director, National Rural Education Association

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