THURSDAY, October 17, 2024
8:15 - 11:30 am - Ballroom
Awards and Keynote Speaker Clint Swindall
Clint is the president and CEO of Verbalocity, Inc., a personal development company with a focus on leadership enhancement. These solutions include leadership development programs, training, speaking and general consulting.
For more than two decades, Clint has traveled the world delivering high-content speeches and training in an entertaining and inspirational style to Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and trade associations. Click here to read more.
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11:30 am - 1:00 pm - Lunch on your own
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Noon - 12:45 pm
ISBC Board Meeting
Clark Fork River Ballroom
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1:00 - 1:50 pm
Alternative Delivery Systems for Building Construction (and don’t forget about the maintenance plan).
Salon C
This clinic session will address the various forms of alternative delivery systems available in building construction. Additional emphasis will be placed on the sometimes-forgotten task of planning and budgeting for building maintenance after the build.
Presenter(s): Mark Qualman – QuEst Services, Larry Crowder – MREA and MCS Executive Director, Also Featuring MCS Partners: CD Architectural Services, Hillyard, and Carrier
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1:00-1:50 pm
Analyzing Insurance Coverage and Other Legal Considerations in the Formation and Operation of Sports Cooperatives
Salon A
A discussion of the necessary steps, documentation, and potential pitfalls involved in the formation of a sports cooperative between two or more Montana school districts.
Presenter(s): MTSBA Legal and MSGIA staff
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1:00-1:50 pm
Building Relationships Between Schools and the Department of Labor & Industry
Salon E
DLI is an education and training agency, mission-focused on empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.
Presenter: Sarah Swanson, MT Commissioner of Labor and Industry
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1:00-1:50 pm
Esports Facility Building: Hardware for Gaming and Streaming
Salon G
Building an esports facility can seem like a daunting task. There are lots of questions and unknowns that new programs need to figure out in order to set their teams up for success. In this session, Gravity Gaming by ByteSpeed’s Josh Knutson will run through the important steps in selecting a space in your school, what equipment you will need, and other considerations that go beyond just playing games; like what to look for in streaming accessories, how other schools have set up network and permissions for their machines, and how to fund purchases of the equipment they might need.
Presenter: Josh Knutson, Gravity Gaming Solutions Director for ByteSpeed, LLC
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1:00-1:50 pm
Innovations Showcase - Early Childhood Literacy
Bitterroot River
With the passage of HB352 in the 2023 session, school districts have now been given an opportunity to serve students in need of literacy intervention. The goal of the bill is to get kids on track to reading at grade level by third grade. School districts can offer a 4y/o program for those who are identified as needing intervention before kindergarten. Districts can also offer summer jump start programs for students PreK, 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Both of these programs come with additional ANB resources from the state. During this session, we will host a panel discussion with school districts who have started an early literacy program. They will discuss staffing, assessment, and their successes and challenges with their new programs. District representatives from Bozeman, Evergreen and Jolliet will be presenting.
Presenter(s): Casey Bertram and Megan Roth, Bozeman Public Schools; Laurie Barron, Evergreen Public Schools ; Clark Beggar, Joliet Public Schools
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1:00-1:50 pm
Overview of U.S. Federal Policies and How They Have Historically Impacted Indigenous Communities of North America (Part 1)
Salon F
Despite governmental assimilative tactics, tribal nations still possess innate protective factors such as cultural resiliency to overcome historical loss symptoms of poverty, violence, discrimination, and oppression. This session will help create a sense of community by viewing the current assets of tribal nations as tools to overcome historical loss and contribute to sustainable solutions for future generations. The historical awareness this session provides will help educators understand the perspective and necessity of IEFA.
Presenter: Deserae Kill Eagle
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1:00-1:50 pm
Advocacy 101 – 2025 Montana Legislature
Salon B
The 2025 Legislative Session is just around the corner. This session will explain the legislative process, the dynamics that influence education public policy in Montana, and how to be an effective advocate for students and public schools. MTSBA staff will provide a preview of the new advocacy tools the Coalition of Advocates for Montana’s Public Schools will use to help you better engage and communicate with legislators. Join our “Army of Advocates” fighting for Montana’s students.
Presenter: Emily Dean, MTSBA Director of Advocacy
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2:00 - 2:50 pm
Strategies For Successful Citizen Communication Advocacy with Montana Legislators
Salon B
Join Dr. Douglas Reisig, Executive Director of the Montana Quality Education Coalition, in discussion regarding valuable insights in citizen advocacy opportunities and requirements for involvement in the upcoming legislative session. What is the Montana legislative process, how to reach out to your local legislative advocates and tips on meaningful and productive communication approaches, as well as testimonial guidelines will be covered.
Presenter: Dr. Douglas Reisig, Executive Director of the Montana Quality Education Coalition
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2:00 - 2:50 pm
Behavioral Threat Assessments: The standardized process to respond to potential threats & ensure a safer school environment
Salon G
Jason Russell, Founder & President at SEC, facilitates a discussion around the significant advantages of deploying an effective Behavioral Threat Assessment model like the NTAC model. A consistent and effective model ensures the safety of students, staff, and community, and it ensures compliance with MT law. Behavioral Threat Assessment emphasizes the need to support critical mental health issues and provides early-stage interventions and support before behavior escalates to threats or violence. Participants will be presented with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, assess, and management potential threats within a school environment. Aspects of case studies, legal and ethical considerations and best practices will all be discussed by Jason in this MCEL clinic session.
Presenter: Jason Russell, Founder & President, Secure Environment Consultants (SEC)
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2:00 - 2:50 pm
Implementing IEFA in Schools
Salon E
Join us for an informative webinar designed specifically for school administrators seeking effective strategies to implement Indian Education for All (IEFA) and ensure equitable access to education for all students.
The Indian Education for All Unit at the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is committed to partnering with schools to achieve this goal. In this webinar, we will:
- Provide an overview of the key components of IEFA and their implications for school administrators.
- Highlight the resources and support that OPI offers to assist schools in navigating the complexities of IDEA implementation.
- Showcase real-world examples of successful IEFA implementation in schools across the state. Provide information about IEFA Office Hours where you can get your specific questions answered by IEFA Specialists.
Whether you are new to IEFA or seeking to refine your existing practices, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead your school towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Key takeaways:
- An understanding of the legal and ethical framework of IEFA.
- Practical strategies for implementing IEFA in your school.
- Knowledge of the resources and support available from the IEFA Unit.
- Inspiration and motivation to create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.
Presenter: Christopher J. Morigeau
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2:00 - 2:50 pm
Innovation Showcase - CTE/Work-Based Learning
Bitterroot River
Come and hear from Livingston Schools and their partners at the Community School Collaborative how they have leveraged philanthropic giving, Advanced Opportunity, Transformational Learning Grant, and other funds to establish a school and community driven work-based learning program. We'll give a brief history of the evolution of the program, will discuss past and current challenges and opportunities, will describe in detail the current system, and will touch on some future plans and hopes. We'll leave plenty of time for questions along the way.
Presenter(s): Todd Wester – Livingston Public Schools, Janie Ensign – Livingston Public Schools, Emily Contreras – Community School Collaborative, Gabrielle Rowley – Montana Work-based Learning Collaborative
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2:00 - 2:50 pm
Overview of U.S. Federal Policies and How They Have Historically Impacted Indigenous Communities of North America (continued from 1:00 - 1:50 pm)
Salon F
Presenter: Deserae Kill Eagle
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2:00 - 2:50 pm
Montana’s Public Bidding Laws: Tips, Tricks, and Things to Remember
Salon C
This clinic session will feature a comprehensive review of state bidding standards and processes. Details on the flexibility that Montana Law provides for the cooperative bidding process will be included.
Presenter(s): Rich Batterman – MREA and MCS Chief Legal Counsel, Larry Crowder – MREA and MCS Executive Director, Also Featuring MCS Partners: CD Architectural Services, Hilyard, and Carrier
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2:00 - 2:50 pm
Successful Board and Admin Teams: How do they do it?
Salon A
Have you recently experienced a change in your administrative staff - a new District Clerk, a new Superintendent, or a significant shift in Board members? These adjustments in staffing and leadership can have substantial impacts on the stability of your district. A cohesive board and administrative team can create consistency for the families and staff within your district and provide balanced and unified communication with your board. Several successful board/admin teams from across the state will share their real-world experiences and practices of how they have grown together, supported one another, and worked through differences to ensure the stability and health of their own districts.
Presenter(s): Pat McHugh, Executive Director of Business and Operations, MCPS; Micah Hill, Superintendent, MCPS; Jim Howard, Superintendent, Bonner Elementary; Carrie Ruff, District Clerk/Business Manager, Bonner Elementary; Laurie Gendrow, Board Chair, Bonner Elementary
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3:00 - 3:50 pm
The Life and Times of a Rural School Superintendent
Salon C
Discover the rewarding world of rural education leadership! As a rural school superintendent, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the future of entire communities. Learn how you can make a profound impact on students' lives, foster close-knit relationships with families, and lead innovative educational initiatives tailored to your district's specific needs. This presentation will reveal the joys and challenges of this dynamic role, where every day brings new opportunities to inspire, problem-solve, and create lasting change. If you're passionate about education and dream of a career where your decisions directly influence the growth and success of both students and communities, don't miss this eye-opening look into the life of a rural school superintendent.
Presenter: Mike Perry
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3:00 - 3:50 pm
Building Literacy Anchored in the Science of Reading
Salon D
Enable reading and literacy educators to pinpoint the specific phonics skills causing students with reading difficulties to struggle and continue to build strong, confident readers. In this session, we will explore how educators can accelerate literacy for all students, equitably improve reading outcomes, and eliminate future barriers to success. Learn how to support all students with reading assessments connected to targeted and adaptive literacy skill practice. All schools and districts can improve their literacy program with aligned assessment and skill building practice in all grades that is anchored in the Science of Reading.
Presenter (s): Tanna Thwaite, District Assessment Director, Renaissance
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3:00 - 3:50 pm
Innovation Showcase - Charter Schools
Bitterroot River
HB549 created the opportunity for public charter schools in our state. These schools are under the supervision and guidance of the local school board. There were 19 schools approved under the new public charter school law. The mission and vision of each school is diverse, but fits the needs of the local community. The school districts went through a process with the Board of Public Education to get their new school approved. During this session, we will host a panel discussion with a large (Great Falls) and small (Corvallis) district to discuss their school vision as well as the process they went through to get their charters up and running. The Board of Public Ed has opened another opportunity for applications which closes this fall. The executive director of the Board will also be on hand to answer questions for those districts interested in applying.
Presenter (s): Jacki Mainwaring and Rachel Cutler, Great Falls Public Schools; Pete Joseph, Corvallis Public Schools; McCall Flynn, Executive Director, Board of Public Education
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3:00 - 3:50 pm
Innovative Capital Improvement Projects that will Transform Your School and Community
Salon G
As schools look to innovative capital improvement projects, join us to hear the keys to preparing for your District’s future by: (1) putting together a capital improvement plan for the District, (2) communicating with the community in passing the bonds at a bond election, (3) issuing bonds with favorable financing terms, and (4) designing, constructing and managing the construction projects. This MCEL session will provide an interactive format with Stanford Schools, D.A. Davidson, Dorsey & Whitney, and McKinstry. Attendees will learn from the recent favorable experience of Stanford K-12 District who recently passed a $9 million, 25-year bond with a monthly impact of $9.68 for a $100,000 home. The Bonds were issued to construct improvements to the Stanford School facilities, including new teacher housing, classroom and other space updates, ADA and HVAC improvements, and athletic and auditorium upgrades.
Presenter(s): Pax Haslem, Superintendent, Stanford Schools; Bridget Ekstrom & Crystal Vogl, D.A. Davidson & Co.; Dan Semmens & Courtney Ellis, Dorsey & Whitney; Bob Moore, McKinstry
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3:00 - 3:50 pm
My Boarding School Experience
Salon F
Donovan Archambault will provide is first-person boarding school experience. The historic trauma the boarding schools has caused is evident in today’s children. This session will provide context to the history and experience and how to support students in education today.
Presenter: Donovan Archambault
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3:00 - 3:50 pm
Social Studies Instruction and Literacy Gains
Salon A
Are we helping our students see themselves as community members and citizens? In the name of teaching literacy and math, social studies instruction can often be overlooked even though it can work in conjunction with school literacy goals. This presentation offers some paradigms and resources for using social studies instruction to bolster the teaching of literacy and more broadly, the ideal of citizenship.
Presenter: Dylan Huisken
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3:00 - 3:50 pm
Taking the Mystery out of Teacher Pay
Salon A
You may have heard Montana is dead last when it comes to teacher pay - but are we? The 2025 Montana Legislature is looking at examining the issue of teacher pay. It is important that you know how the current model works, how it is calculated and how different tweaks could have long-term implications to the affordability of your certified staff. This session will provide you the basic tools you will need to engage the legislature and your certified staff as this topic becomes front and center over the coming months.
Presenter: Andy Sever, MTSBA Director of Labor Relations
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3:00 - 3:50 pm
Who's Paying to Keep the Lights On? A guide to recruiting and retaining your School Business Managers and District Clerks
Salon B
Schools across the state are seeing an influx in retirement, burnout, and retention failure in the school business and operations. Recruiting and retaining a successful school business official or team is vital to the stability of the district, the protection and security of the schools Board and staff, and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars. This workshop will provide an overview of a new resource guide created by MASBO will assist leaders in communication and discussion of this increasing liability to districts. This workshop is great for Board Members, Superintendents, and School Business Officials seeking to create a working administrative team that is both sustainable and effective.
Presenter(s): Shelley Turner, MASBO Executive Director, Shay Baize, Training & Interim Services, & Donnie McVee, Training & Interim Services
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4:00 - 4:50 pm
Innovations Showcase - Innovations in Negotiations Processes
Bitterroot River
Join Larry Crowder formerly of Culbertson School and current Director of MREA, along with two Montana schools that have experienced varied challenges in negotiations and have braved and succeeded in the implementation of innovative strategies that have proven successful.
Presenters: Larry Crowder – Executive Director, MREA Cayuse Prairie K-8, Billings Public Schools
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4:00 - 4:50 pm
Resiliency and the Warrior Youth Mindset
Salon F
During this session, Donnie Wetzel will provide insights on building resilience in young people and activating their own agency in creating a healthy life. He will discuss holistic wellness growth through accomplishment and service with generational impact.
Presenter: Donnie Wetzel Don.Wetzel@mt.gov; Tribal Liaison, Department of Labor and Industry
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4:00 - 4:50 pm
Montana Digital Academy Future- Looking Educational Innovation: MTDA and Blending Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Salon A
Join Jason from MTDA as he presents updates on new initiatives from MTDA, including career and technical education focuses, along with our work on artificial intelligence, especially as it relates to course development. Of course, there will be a few jaw-dropping demos to show off the evolving skillsets of AI for all those in knowledge work!
Presenter: Jason Neiffer
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4:00 - 4:50 pm
New Funding to Address Lead in Schools Drinking Water
Salon B
Overview of the funding available to address lead in drinking water in schools in Montana. Funding can be used to replace old water fixtures, water filters, replacement filter, and plumbing replacement. The funding can also be used to purchase and install filtered bottle fill stations
Presenter: Greg Montgomery, Montana Department of Environmental Quality
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4:00 - 4:50 pm
A New Era in School Health and Wellness Benefits
Salon G
Montana School Insurance Alliance (MTSIA) is actively working toward formulation to provide Montana public school districts a better, more affordable option for health insurance. Join us for a deep dive into the MTSIA and what it means for schools in the future.
Presenter: John Doran, Chief Strategy Officer, Montana School Insurance Alliance
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4:00 - 4:50 pm
Positive Classroom Management with CW-FIT
Salon C
Learn how you can be a part of bringing evidence-based strategies and professional development to Montana rural educators with Class-Wide FIT! CW-FIT is a classroom management intervention proven to increase student engagement, decrease disruptive behaviors and raise the academic performance of students. This unique opportunity brings researchers and educators together to develop a coaching model that fits the diverse needs of rural Montana schools.
Presenter: Jacky Williams, M.Ed. - Project Coordinator Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, Michaela Parisi - CW-FIT National Trainer
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4:00 - 4:50 pm
Vaping in Montana Schools: The Data, Prevention, Detection, Discipline and Support for Beating an Addiction
Salon E
Vaping remains a top discipline problem in Montana schools. It doesn’t matter if you’re an urban or rural school…youth across our state have been lured into the latest substance use trends, vaping and oral nicotine pouches. With Montana youth reporting a 288% increase in daily electronic cigarette use since 2017 (2023 Montana YRBS,) our schools have a discipline problem and an addiction problem.
In this session we’ll discuss free prevention education tools available to schools, we’ll share detection successes and complications, and we’ll discuss a variety of responses once a student is identified vaping on school grounds.
We’ll share information about the many tobacco prevention and cessation resources available to Montana schools. The latest are “quit kits” from the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program, designed to support students who want to beat their addiction to nicotine. Come and check them out and take a few back with you.
Presenter: Kris Minard, OPI
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6:00 - 8:00 pm - MCEL Welcome Reception (MREA/MCS Sponsored)
Ballroom