2026 Southern Region Leadership Conference

School board leadership is filled with moments that require sound judgment, thoughtful leadership, and a clear understanding of the board's role. In this interactive Early Bird session, participants will work together to navigate realistic governance scenarios involving legal issues, ethics, community expectations, superintendent relationships, social media, and board decision-making. This engaging tabletop experience encourages discussion, collaboration, and practical problem-solving as teams rotate through a series of timely scenarios. Participants will leave with fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and greater confidence to lead effectively when the next "moment" arrives.

In today's rapidly changing educational environment, school board members are often challenged to manage personal and political preferences as they ponder the greater good of the educational community. As politics and outside interests collide, the role of the school board member is often at odds with the reality and responsibility of the role: School board members are curators of educational advancement and student opportunity. However, in a climate of rapid communication and immediate gratification, the role of the modern school member has become complex, challenging, and at times, chaotic. This interactive learning session is designed to provide school board members with strategies that just might help them manage their roles as educational policy makers.

The First Amendment continues to shape some of the most challenging issues facing public schools today. From religious expression and the Ten Commandments litigation in Arkansas and Louisiana to employee speech and other emerging legal disputes, school boards are increasingly called upon to make decisions with significant constitutional implications. This session will examine recent court cases and national trends, explain what they mean for local school districts, and provide practical guidance to help board members and school leaders navigate these complex issues while fulfilling their governance responsibilities.

The First Amendment continues to shape some of the most challenging issues facing public schools today. From religious expression and the Ten Commandments litigation in Arkansas and Louisiana to employee speech and other emerging legal disputes, school boards are increasingly called upon to make decisions with significant constitutional implications. This session will examine recent court cases and national trends, explain what they mean for local school districts, and provide practical guidance to help board members and school leaders navigate these complex issues while fulfilling their governance responsibilities.