Preconvention Workshops

Tuesday, January 19

1:30–5 p.m., Baird Center (Registration opens Nov. 2)

Expand your convention learning! Join us Tuesday, Jan. 19, for a preconvention workshop to explore a topic in depth.

Register for a $99 session when you register online for the convention. On-site registration begins at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19.

Long-Range Facilities Planning: From Vision to Reality

With aging buildings, changing instructional needs, shifting enrollment and limited resources, districts need informed decision-making. This session will be broken into three sub-topics: long-range facilities planning, working with stakeholders to implement the plan, and maximizing the district investment. Participants will leave with practical tools, templates, peer examples and expert guidance.

Beaver Dam Unified School District
Burlington Area School District
Franklin Public Schools
Gibraltar School District
Howards Grove School District
School District of Monroe
Wauwatosa School District
Plunkett Raysich Architects

Measures That Matter: A Board Playbook for Asking the Right Questions

School boards often act as passive recipients of dense reports rather than drivers of improvement. This interactive four-hour workshop with the WISExplore Leadership Team empowers boards to transition to proactive oversight by integrating 2025-26 state report card data with local evidence. Using the WISExplore “3-Legged Stool” model, participants will balance student performance with adult practices and systems data. Attendees will gain a framework to align resources with high-priority needs, driving tangible progress toward district goals.

CESA 3
CESA 6
CESA 8
CESA 12

Please bring a device to access online resources and get the most out of this interactive session. Additionally, we would encourage you to bring a printed copy of your district’s 2025-26 District Report Card Detail. You may also want to bring one school report card (optional). 

School Finance Puzzle

Learn about the major components of the Wisconsin school finance system using a hands-on, interactive approach from members of the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials and the School Finance Team for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Attendees will become acquainted with the basics of the budget cycle, revenue limits, equalization aid, property taxes and referendums while learning how these components interrelate and impact board decision-making. Leave the workshop with increased confidence in discussing school finance concepts and fostering an environment of trust in your community for the benefit of students.

Waunakee Community School District
Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials

When Conversations Get Tough: Leading with Confidence, Trust and Purpose

Community and board conversations can quickly become challenging—especially when emotions run high and perspectives differ. This interactive pre-convention workshop will equip board members and administrators with practical strategies to listen effectively, navigate disagreement, de-escalate conflict, and engage their boards and communities in productive dialogue. Learn how intentional communication can build trust, strengthen relationships and keep the focus on what matters most—students and their schools.

WASB Consultants