Exhibitor Registration
Exhibitor Load in (by 3:30 p.m.)
Location: Registration 1 & 2
Attendee Registration
Location: Registration 1 & 2
Education Sessions
Education Session - AI in Education: Leading During Uncertainty and Innovation
Location: Sagewood
This session will examine the challenges and opportunities posed by the introduction and widespread use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-based tools in schools. While relevant policies and laws will be introduced, broader leadership concepts will be discussed for navigating schools through an era of change.
Presenter:
Dr. Oliver Dreon, professor, Millersville University
Education Session - Supporting Student Well-Being in an AI-Driven World
Location: Rosewood
As students increasingly turn to artificial intelligence (AI) for emotional support, school leaders face a critical choice: ignore the trend or guide it. Superintendent Ryan Giffing shares how districts can ethically use therapist-informed AI to support mental health, strengthen human connection and build safer, more responsive learning environments for today’s youth.
Presenters:
Dr. Ryan Griffing, superintendent, Conrad Weiser Area School District
Dr. Andrew Hoffert, assistant superintendent, Wilson Area School District
Adele Winter, VP, advancement, The Cook Center for Human Connection
Dr. Melissa Woodard, superintendent, Wyomissing Area School District
Education Session - Future-Ready Students: The Power of Investing in Durable Skills
Location: Ironwood
In this panel, presenters will explore how to invest and intentionally build durable skills to foster the next generation of leaders. Participants will receive a scope and sequence draft of durable skills designed to inform ongoing thinking as well as insights on how to incorporate these strategies into student curricula and employee and professional development.
Presenters:
Dr. Kenneth Batchelor, superintendent, Radnor Township School District
Shawn Dutkiewicz, assistant superintendent, Radnor Township School District
Denice Ricciotti, manager of school partnerships, Right at School
Education Session - A Common Strength-Based Framework for School Boards, Educators and Clinicians
Location: Orange
Creating a school climate responsive to the needs of students, families and staff requires a commitment to health and safety. A trauma-informed approach believes in the capacity of youth, families and the larger system to absorb disruptions, cope with change and celebrate strengths while maintaining structure and identity. Learn more in this presentation.
Presenters:
Paul Brennan, superintendent, Riverside School District
Dr. Christine Wydeen, mental health supervisor, Riverside School District
John Yarem, guidance department chair/crisis counselor, Riverside School District
Education Sessions
Education Session - Communication Practices in Changing Times: A Tale of Two School Districts
Location: Sagewood
Today’s successful district communication programs are equal parts proactive, comprehensive and sustainable. Hear from two superintendents about their approaches to developing a robust communications strategy, creating a manageable budget and identifying partners to support their efforts.
Presenters:
Dr. Sam Lee, superintendent, Bensalem Township School District
Dr. Michael Loughead, superintendent, Hampton Township School District
Leza Raffel, president/CEO, Communication Solutions Group
Education Session - Better Together: Schools, Parents and Students Supporting Mental Health
Location: Rosewood
Youth mental health is in crisis, and schools can’t tackle it alone. Learn how three Pennsylvania superintendents work to unite schools, parents and students to reduce stigma, foster connection and improve well-being. Attendees will leave with practical tools and free resources to use in their district.
Presenters:
Dr. Ryan Griffing, superintendent, Conrad Weiser Area School District
Dr. Andrew Hoffert, assistant superintendent, Wilson Area School District
Adele Winter, vice president, advancement, The Cook Center for Human Connection
Dr. Melissa Woodard, superintendent, Wyomissing Area School District
Education Session - Rewiring Learning: Transforming Schools Through Educational Neuroscience and Purposeful Learning Experiences
Location: Ironwood
Discover how Pennsylvania districts can accelerate educator effectiveness and student achievement by transforming experiential learning through the lens of educational neuroscience. This session explores innovative, research-based strategies that reframe teaching and learning, empowering school leaders to design environments that align with how brains learn best – fostering deeper engagement and growth.
Presenters:
Karen DeNunzio, director of teaching and learning, Governor Mifflin School District
Dr. Lisa Hess, superintendent, Governor Mifflin School District
Education Session - The New Frontier: Designing, Developing and Implementing K-12 AI Policy
Location: Aloeswood
Participants will learn to identify and apply credible, research-based resources to guide the development of generative artificial intelligence (AI) policies in education. They will explore strategies for engaging all stakeholders – students, families, staff, faculty and community members – through a transparent and inclusive process. Additionally, participants will gain practical tools for implementing best practices in professional development, teacher training and policy execution using a structured AI framework that balances innovation with data privacy, digital security and ethical responsibility.
Presenters:
Dr. Traci Eshelman, school board director, Franklin Regional School District
Dr. Gennaro Piraino, superintendent, Franklin Regional School District
Education Session - Beyond the Hype: Demystifying AI for Ethical and Practical Use
Location: Orange
Artificial intelligence (AI) I is transforming education, but ethical and effective use requires understanding how it works. Vito DeLuca, solicitor and Pennsylvania’s first county chief AI officer, will demystify large language models like ChatGPT, explain their limitations, and empower school leaders to navigate AI’s opportunities and risks with clarity and confidence.
Presenters:
Vito DeLuca, solicitor, Dallas School District/Greater Nanticoke Area School District
Exhibit Hall Open
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom
Exhibitor Reception
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom
School Leader Awards Dinner and Student Showcase
Location: Kalahari Ballroom
Attendee/Exhibitor Breakfast
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom
Exhibit Hall Open
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom
Exhibitor Registration
Location: Registration 1 & 2
Attendee Registration
Location: Registration 1 & 2
General Session
Location: Kalahari Ballroom
Education Sessions
Education Session - Avoiding Building Design and Construction Pitfalls: Superintendent Panel Perspective
Location: Sagewood
Building planning and construction can be a resounding success or a tremendous challenge. In this session, superintendents will share the greatest pitfalls of planning and executing building renovations and new construction – and how to best avoid them.
Presenters:
Michael Bromirski, superintendent of schools, Hempfield School District
Dan Cicala, Esq., principal, Fidevia construction Management and Consulting
Dr. Philip Domencic, superintendent, Cornwall-Lebanon School District
Dr. Elizabeth Robison, superintendent, Pocono Mountain School District
Education Session - Everyone Likes To Be Heard, but Can You Listen?
Location: Ironwood
When there are 10 people with 10 different voices, how does a board ensure everyone feels heard and respected? What about the taxpayers the board serves? Communication is a complicated process but doesn't have to be. In this presentation, learn how to keep communication from breaking down.
Presenters:
Kelly Cole-White, school board president, Wyalusing Area School District
Duane Naugle, school board director, Wyalusing Area School District
Education Session - Little Steps, Big Dreams: Launching Our Preschool
Location: Aloeswood
Starting a preschool involves challenges like securing funding, meeting regulations and developing a strong curriculum. Success comes from creating a safe, nurturing environment, hiring qualified staff, and building trust with parents. In this presentation, learn more about how overcoming these obstacles leads to a rewarding impact on early childhood development.
Presenters:
Dr. John Bianconi, principal, Franklin Area School District
Amy Boland, preschool teacher, Franklin Area School District
Joe Keenan, principal, Franklin Area School District
Stefanie Swartz, preschool teacher, Franklin Area School District
Dr. Eugene Thomas, superintendent, Franklin Area School District
Education Session - Ensuring Educational Continuity While Navigating a Digital Disruption
Location: Kalahari A
This presentation is an autopsy of a cybersecurity crisis, featuring a firsthand account from the Upper Perkiomen School District on navigating a significant cybersecurity breach. The discussion will cover critical topics such as board governance and decision-making, collaboration with the union and law enforcement, instructional continuity, and recovery.
Presenters:
Dr. Andrea Farina, assistant superintendent, Upper Perkiomen School District
Alexis Jenofsky, communications specialist, Upper Perkiomen School District
Dr. Allyn Roche, superintendent, Upper Perkiomen School District
James Roth, director of technology, Upper Perkiomen School District
Education Session - Jon Gordon’s The Power of a Positive Team
Location: African Ballroom, Suite 40
Learn more about building trust, fostering open communication and creating a culture of positivity. Participants will explore techniques to overcome challenges, resolve conflicts and strengthen team cohesion. This session equips teams with actionable strategies to achieve sustained success together.
Presenter
Christopher Wolfel, executive director, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20
Attendee Lunch
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom
Education Sessions
Education Session - The Prexie Center: A Youth Center Within the Walls of Washington High School
Location: Sagewood
The Prexie Center offers a holistic support system for students in need, providing a safe and welcoming space with access to a food pantry, clothing closet and a warm after-school meal. The center also offers enrichment activities, such as study tables, painting, floral design, car care, cooking classes, pool tables and much more. Rooted in faith, the program provides opportunities for discussions about faith and hope – without pressure to conform. With a focus on compassion and empowerment, the center has helped transform the lives of many students, giving them a vision of hope for a brighter future. Attend this session to see how The Prexie Center inspires brighter futures, and gain practical insights on launching an after-school program. Presenters will break down the complexities, share solutions to legal challenges and show attendees how to make a lasting impact.
Presenter:
Marsha Pleta, founder and co-director, The Prexie Center
Education Session - Teaming Up for Effective Advocacy
Location: Rosewood
School directors’ and superintendents’ unique perspectives allow collaboration to share powerful stories about how legislation and funding will impact their schools and community. In this session, learn from the presenters' experiences to better advocate to state legislators. View sample communications requesting legislators' support for the budget and grant applications.
Presenters:
Lynn Fuini-Hetten, superintendent, Salisbury Township School District
Sarah Nemitz, school board vice president, Salisbury Township School District
Education Session - Leading With Collaborative Purpose: Board and Superintendent Relationships
Location: Ironwood
Explore strategies for strengthening board-superintendent relations through clarified governance roles, shared purpose and strategic communication. In this session, learn how intentional goal-setting, role alignment and rhythmically structured interactions can transform challenges into cohesive leadership for district success.
Presenters:
Rachel Cline, school board vice president, Blackhawk School District
Dr. Carol Sprinker, school board director, Blackhawk School District
Dr. Johannah Vanatta, superintendent, Blackhawk School District
Education Session - From CAPS to Capital
Location: Aloeswood
The Upper St. Clair School District fosters an entrepreneurial mindset in students through innovative programs and community partnerships. This session highlights development strategies and actionable ideas to engage middle and high schoolers in business, entrepreneurship and career readiness. This session is perfect for school directors and administrators seeking meaningful, inclusive programming.
Presenters:
Daniel Beck, assistant principal, Upper St. Clair School District
Erin Stehle, principal, Upper St. Clair School District
Dr. Timothy Wagner, principal, Upper St. Clair School District
Education Session - Policy Governance and Administrative Regulations: What You Need to Know
Location: Kalahari A
Policymaking is an essential board responsibility because the policy manual addresses virtually every aspect of school operations. It is continuous, typically based on changes in state and federal laws and regulations. Equally important are the administrative regulations to implement board policies. Learn more at this engaging presentation.
Presenters:
Laura Morton, director of policy services, PSBA
Davelyn Smeltzer, senior director of policy services, PSBA
Education Session - Leadership, Communication and Feedback
Location: Kalahari H
Learn how three past, present and future PASA presidents from diverse locals and entities led their teams through effective evaluation processes to drive change, enhance, performance and increase communication. The presentation will be in a panel format.
Presenters:
Dr. David Christopher, superintendent, West Chester Area School District
Dr. Christopher Dormer, superintendent, Norristown Area School District
Dr. George Fiore, executive director, Chester County Intermediate Unit
Dr. Gennaro Piraino, superintendent, Franklin Regional School District
Education Session - Trauma-Smart Schools: Transforming PA Schools With Proven Interventions
Location: African Ballroom, Suite 40
Drawing on over 12 years of experience in providing trauma-sensitive programming across Pennsylvania's school districts, this presentation aims to educate attendees on the impact of adversity in contemporary educational settings. It will highlight successful partnerships with community-based experts and school districts, showcasing evidence-based results in academic performance and social-emotional development.
Presenters:
Paul Mancia, vice president, Laurel Life
Megan McGuire, principal, Waynesboro Area School District
Education Sessions
Education Session - You Don’t Have To Do It Alone: Harnessing Partnerships for Change
Location: Sagewood
This presentation will explore the transformative potential of strategic partnerships that allow a fresh perspective to challenge historical practices and conventional approaches, foster creative problem-solving, and drive impactful change in districts. Attendees will gain insights into the value that exterior collaboration brings to addressing complex challenges.
Presenters:
Dr. Jason Bottigleri, superintendent of schools, Northeastern York School District
Chris Celmer, president/senior consultant, owner, Devopar Consulting
Education Session - Bridging Education and Industry: Lessons from Germany's Dual VET System
Location: Ironwood
This session highlights insights from PSBA International Education Study Group delegation focusing on the Dual VET system in Germany. Presenters will compare Germany’s vocational model with Pennsylvania’s career and technology centers, emphasizing industry collaboration, hands-on training and student outcomes, while offering recommendations to enhance career readiness and vocational education in the U.S.
Presenters:
Sabrina Backer, school board director, Franklin Area School District
Dr. Lisa Hess, superintendent, Governor Mifflin School District
Jessica Sizemore, school board director, Somerset Area School District
Matthew Vannoy, school board director, Sharon City School District
Education Session - Transforming School Districts: Building and Leading Effective Systems for Success
Location: Aloeswood
Systems leadership enables leaders to understand and address the complex, interconnected challenges within their organizations, fostering sustainable and impactful solutions. Identification of root causes rather than symptoms promotes long-term resilience and adaptability, ensuring that organizations can thrive in an ever-changing environment. Attendees will learn how to implement systems leadership in their organization.
Presenters:
Dr. Michele Balliet, director of professional development, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators
Dr. Sherri Smith, executive director, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators
Education Session - The State of the Economy and Its Impact on Investment Rates
Location: Kalahari A
This presentation focuses on past and current economic developments, the anticipated economic outlook and includes a discussion on short-term interest rates.
Chase Byler, senior vice president, LGIP director, PSDLAF
Education Session - Beyond the Model: Creating Equitable School Discipline Systems
Location: Kalahari H
This presentation examines why adopting alternative discipline models alone (e.g., PBIS, Restorative Justice) often fails to reduce exclusionary practices for students with disabilities. Drawing on Critical Disability Theory, it highlights the need for systemic change – emphasizing leadership, school culture, training and implementation fidelity as essential drivers of equitable discipline outcomes.
Presenters:
Sherman Bronson, assistant director of special education, Wallenpaupack Area School District
Christopher Caruso, high school principal, Wallenpaupack Area School District
Education Session - E-Colors: Elevating Leadership Through Effective Communication
Location: African Ballroom, Suite 40
Effective leadership starts with self-awareness. This session introduces E-Colors Module 1: Self and Team Awareness, focusing on communication, teamwork and leadership. Participants will learn to identify personality strengths and limiters, improving interactions and understanding diverse personalities to enhance leadership skills and foster stronger, more effective teams.
Presenters:
Jenny Lent, assistant to the executive director for educational programs, Intermediate Unit 1
Dr. Don Martin, executive director, Intermediate Unit 1
Dr. Kristin Szewczyk, assistant executive director, Intermediate Unit 1
Exhibitor Reception
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom
Attendee/Exhibitor Buffet Breakfast
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom
Exhibit Hall Open
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom
Exhibitor Registration
Location: Registration 1 & 2
Attendee Registration
Location: Registration 1 & 2
Early Bird Sessions
Early Bird Session - Let's Rebound with Attendance: An Attendance Incentive Program
Location: Sagewood
Chronic absenteeism is a growing problem in today's schools. Let's Rebound with Attendance is an educational program designed to involve both students and their families in an effort to improve school attendance rates. This program provides a team approach to improving attendance through community connections.
Presenters:
Dr. Shaina Franson, elementary principal, Curwensville Area School District
Early Bird Session - Create Professional Development Plans With Lasting Impact
Location: Rosewood
This session is designed to help school leaders understand how to more effectively design professional development plans that support teacher efficacy in K-12 classrooms. The presenter will share her own research as well as information from other researchers to provide attendees with practical application to their own organizations.
Presenters:
Dr. Catherine Gardy, director of curriculum, instruction and educational technology
Early Bird Session - Certified Trauma and Mental Health Therapist
Location: Aloeswood
This presentation will provide an in-depth description of the Tunkhannock Area School District's certified mental health therapist, who is completely grant funded, and the dynamic support she provides students who may not be able to access those skill sets outside of the school day. Learn about the student needs she supports.
Presenters:
Stephanie Giancini, certified mental health and trauma therapist, Tunkhannock Area School District
MaryGene Eagen, assistant superintendent, Tunkhannock Area School District
Early Bird Session - Admired Leadership: Transforming School Culture Across Diverse Settings
Location: Kalahari A
Three PASA presidents share how Admired Leadership transformed urban, suburban and intermediate unit settings in Pennsylvania. Discover practical leadership behaviors that measurably improved school climate, staff engagement and student achievement. Learn implementation strategies from the Norristown Area School District, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District and the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
Presenters:
Dr. Christopher Dormer, superintendent, Norristown Area School District
Dr. George Fiore, executive director, Chester County Intermediate Unit
Dr. John Sanville, superintendent, Unionville-Chadds Ford School District
Early Bird Session - Bridging the Governance Gap: Practical Leadership in a Distrustful Era
Location: Kalahari H
Today’s school leaders face rising public skepticism toward institutions. This session introduces the “governance gap,” a framework that explains this disconnect, and offers practical strategies to build trust, strengthen local partnerships and lead effectively within systems that often feel out of step with community expectations.
Presenters:
Dr. Tom Butler, executive director, Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8
Featured Session
Education Sessions
Education Session - Creating a Culture of Learning
Location: Sagewood
Discover how the Penn Manor School District's new coaching program is driving a powerful culture shift. This session highlights key systems, including induction, professional learning and methods used to measure impact. School leaders seeking to build a dynamic culture of learning will gain practical, proven strategies to support teachers and foster growth.
Presenters:
Tony Carrodo, learning facilitator, Penn Manor School District
Dr. Philip Gale, superintendent, Penn Manor School District
Elizabeth Raff, learning facilitator, Penn Manor School District
Education Session - Peer Mentoring for New Superintendents
Location: Rosewood
This panel presentation will provide insights about the value of peer mentoring and coaching provided by a veteran superintendent for two new superintendents. Each of them will share how the experience helped to inspire them in their role as superintendent.
Presenters:
Dr. Ella Musser, superintendent, Cocalico School District
Paula Newell, superintendent, Port Allegany School District
Dr. Isabel Resende, superintendent, Nazareth Area School District
Education Session - PSBA Institute German Study: Overview of the German Education System
Location: Ironwood
In this session, the PSBA International Education Study Group will provide an overview of the German education system, including how it works, how the system achieves results and how it is funded. Presenters will focus on North Rhine-Westphalia, where the group spent time, and will discuss how the education system there compares to our schools in Pennsylvania.
Presenters:
Tiffany Cherry, school board director, Upper Merion Area School District
Pamela Kilgore, school board director, Washington School District
Jennifer Lowman, school board director, Cheltenham Township School District
Kelly White, school board president, Wyalusing Area School District
Education Session - Enhancing School Safety and Security: Federal Resources to Protect the K-12 Community
Location: Aloeswood
This session will feature a panel of federal agencies discussing the latest insights and resources on school safety. The focus will be on how administrators can protect and mitigate against threats of violence, including anonymous threats. Learn best practices for securing school buildings, updating emergency operations plans and including disability considerations within school safety planning. Federal representatives may include the U.S. Secret Service's National Threat Assessment Center, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's School Safety Task Force, the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Presenter:
Andrew Dominic, engagement manager, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Education Session - 2025 Legal Highlight Reel
Location: Kalahari A
In this presentation, PSBA Legal Services staff attorneys will review the past months' significant legal developments relevant to school leaders.
Presenter:
Carmen J. Bloom, Esq., chief legal officer, PSBA
Education Session - Applying for Referendum Exceptions, Designating Funds and Increasing Taxes: Debunking the 2023 Audit and the Current State of Public School Funding in the Commonwealth
Location: Kalahari H
Is the Act 1 Index an indicator of the past or the future? (2025-26 Base Index = 4.0%) Attendees will review the math behind the Base Act 1 Index, Section 333(l) of the Taxpayer Relief Act (53 P.S. §6926.333(l). Dr. Christopher Polzer will share findings regarding the January 2023 auditor general’s report, Commonwealth Court Judge Jubelirer’s February 2023 decision declaring Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional, the March 2023 closure of the School Audit Bureau and current state of public school funding in the commonwealth.
Presenter:
Dr. Christopher Polzer, chief operating officer and assistant superintendent, Bristol Township School District
Education Session - Building Better Boards: Governance, Leadership and Community Partnership
Location: African Ballroom, Suite 40
Explore how the Governor Mifflin School District's board president and superintendent foster ethical leadership, board unity and community partnerships through collaboration, professional development and a Business Council that links education to workforce development.
Presenters:
Dr. Lisa Hess, superintendent, Governor Mifflin School District
Lisa Peterson, school board president, Governor Mifflin School District
Exhibit Hall Tear Down
Location: Kilimanjaro Ballroom
Attendee Lunch and Closing Keynote
Location: Kalahari Ballroom