2026 Southern Region Leadership Conference

Join us for the official opening ceremonies of the 2026 Southern Region Leadership Conference, followed by our keynote speaker Rex Nelson.

Welcome / Conference Overview: Doris Parham, ASBA President
Invocation: Etta Taplin, MSBA Vice President
Presentation of Colors: Jacksonville AFJROTC
Pledge of Allegiance: Taft Kleinpeter, LSBA President
National Anthem: Annslee Young, Sheridan High School
Opening Remarks: Shannon Moore, ASBA Executive Director

Keynote: Rex Nelson, “From State of Disaster to State of Excellence” -
Rex Nelson will guide attendees through the history of our region, connecting past events to present-day realities and future opportunities. His message will highlight the critical role of education and the influence of school board leadership in shaping strong communities—challenging participants to lead their districts toward excellence.

The conference concludes with the perspectives that shape public education every day—from the students we serve to the leaders who guide our schools and govern with purpose.

Session 1: The Future Starts Here: Student Voices (Panel), Student Leaders from Arkansas High Schools
Hear directly from outstanding student leaders representing school districts across Central Arkansas as they share their experiences, aspirations, and perspectives on today's public schools. Through engaging moderated conversation, panelists will discuss what schools are doing well, the challenges students face, and how school boards and educational leaders can continue creating opportunities for student success. This session offers a valuable reminder that every decision made in the boardroom ultimately impacts the students we serve.

Session 2: Leading the Moment: A Superintendent’s Perspective
As the leader responsible for turning vision into action, Superintendent Denny Rozenberg shares the realities, opportunities, and responsibilities of leading a public school district in today's educational landscape. Building on the voices of students, this session will challenge attendees to consider how strategic leadership, strong governance, and a shared commitment to students can move schools forward and inspire meaningful change.

Session 3: Meeting the Moment: Leading Through Hard Decisions with Clarity and Unity
In this session, Dr. Rochelle Redus will share lessons learned through educational leadership and governance, offering practical strategies for navigating difficult decisions while fostering transparency, collaboration, and unity among stakeholders.