Opening Keynote Presentation

“Recalibrate the Culture” by Jimmy Casas

Do you leave work every night exhausted from putting out fires all day long? Are you frustrated because you find yourself dealing with the same issues time and time again? You are not alone.

It is time to recalibrate. Recalibrate our why. Our work. Our values. Ourselves. Educators must explore their inner selves to understand the role we each play in how we can impact the climate and culture of an entire campus when we are strategic and aligned in our practices. The classroom, building, and district levels must see themselves as one and must be intentional in replicating their processes, protocols, and frameworks to recalibrate and bring about system-wide change and cultivate a healthier culture. Participants will leave this session with a renewed understanding of the importance of effective processes and practical tools they can utilize immediately to cultivate a healthier culture for all members of their school community.

All will receive a copy of “Culturized: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes” by Jimmy Casas

“Federal Education Policy Update” by Noelle Ellerson – Associate Director, The School Superintendents Association

In this session, AASA’s Noelle Ellerson Ng will provide an update on federal education policy and how policy discussions across the executive, judicial and legislative branches could impact the nation’s schools. Her session will touch on the administration’s priorities, annual appropriations, Supreme Court Cases, and more.

• Superintendent Dr. Mathis Calvin – Lockport City School
• Superintendent Tim Carter – Wilson Central School

Expect Excellence: Bunker Room – Highlighting an Erie 1 region district

• Superintendent Dr. Tim Oldenburg – Tonawanda City Schools

Carry the Banner: Explorer – Highlighting a CA region district

• Superintendent Mike Dodge – Fillmore Central School & Principal Eric Talbot
• “Carrying the Banner For Every Student: Courageous Leadership That Opens Doors” Join Superintendent Mike Dodge and Principal Eric Talbot as they share their powerful leadership journey in cultivating a school where every student feels seen, safe, and valued. In the face of public scrutiny and cultural resistance, they remained grounded in their commitment to lead with integrity and compassion. This session will highlight the bold decisions, personal convictions, and everyday actions that helped transform their district into a place of true belonging. Learn how courage, connection, and conviction can shape a community where all are welcome.

Merchant of Hope: Moonshadow – Highlighting an Erie 2 region district

• Superintendent Tammy Mangus – Cassadaga Valley Central School
• “Unpacking Hope:  What it is, what it isn’t, and how to create systems that truly are hope full, not just hopeful”  This session will help each participant understand what hope is and is not, draft their own call to action in becoming a merchant of hope and create one core take-away to begin or continue their work in ‘hope agency’ once they step back into their district.