Several hundred school leaders gathered for the 2022 PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference held October 31 and November 1 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Poconos. Attendees enjoyed more than 40 educational sessions and learning labs on relevant topics such as district culture, school budgeting and effective communications, while networking with colleagues from across the commonwealth.

In the exhibit hall, attendees interacted with more than 160 exhibitors plus the Future of Education special feature, where they could explore the latest technology and furniture designed for the classroom and boardroom. Those who downloaded the conference mobile app explored booths while earning points for the Exhibit Hall Challenge prizes. Winners of the challenge included Dr. Jill Takacs (Jenkintown SD), Steve Gnall (Mahanoy SD), Dr. Joie Green (Mahanoy SD), Lisa Peterson (Governor Mifflin SD), Liz Dauberman (Southern York County SD), Danielle Weaver-Watts (Southern York County SD), Elizabeth Drummond (Methacton SD), Dot Noll (Eastern Lebanon Co. SD), and Aimee Kemick (Ridgway Area SD). The nine-hole EdPAC golf course in the exhibit hall was also a hit. PSBA Alliance Partner DRAW Collective took home the ‘Hole in Won’ for Best Design trophy and Liz Dauberman was crowned Mini Golf Putting Champion!

On Monday’s opening session, Dr. Sherri Smith, executive director of PASA, honored the 2022 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Bridget O’Connell (Palisades SD). Also, 2022 PSBA Governing Board President David Hein recognized those winners of the 2022 PA Education Innovation Awards: Innovative Teacher Award – Ignacio Jayo and Steve Beal (Centennial SD); Innovative School Leader Award – Dr. Christopher Sefcheck, superintendent (New Kensington-Arnold SD); and Innovative School Board Award – Quaker Valley Board of School Directors. Dr. Richard Frerichs, the recipient of the 2022 William Howard Day Award for exemplary contributions to public education, was also recognized as well as the two 2022 Allwein Society inductees: Liz Sheehan (New Hope-Solebury SD) and Dr. Karen Beck-Pooley (Bethlehem Area SD).

Opening keynote speaker Jean Becker reminded attendees that “what unites us is more powerful than what divides us,” in her presentation informed by her time as chief of staff for former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. Student Showcase was a highlight Monday evening, with excellent performances by Sofia Mains, soloist and master of ceremonies (Cumberland Valley SD); Synergy (Cambria Heights SD); Pocono Mt. East H.S. Show Choir (Pocono Mt. SD); Tunkhannock Area H.S. Tiger Big Band (Tunkhannock Area SD); and Spring Grove Area H.S. Select Modern Band (Spring Grove Area SD). The performances were livestreamed on PSBA’s Facebook page. To conclude the event, a random drawing was held, and several attendees were chosen to receive STEAM scholarships for their districts: Christina Deangelis (Quaker Valley SD), Marsha Pleta (Washington SD) and Dr. Elizabeth Robison (Pocono Mountain SD).

PSERS presented a featured education session on Tuesday morning, following which PSBA CEO Nathan Mains recognized outgoing PSBA President David Hein for a year of outstanding leadership. Hein briefly addressed attendees and introduced the Great PA Schools campaign. Finally, closing keynote speaker John McDonald, a nationally recognized expert in school safety and security, discussed the importance of climate and culture within a school district, how to manage a crisis situation, and the school board’s role in garnering community support. 

Thanks to all who attended, exhibited and presented! See photos and highlights from conference by following #PASLC2022 on social media.