Foundations of Boardsmanship

Serving on a board of education is both an honor and a responsibility. To help you start strong, KASB is offering Foundations of Boardsmanship, a workshop designed to equip board members with the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to lead effectively.

In this training, you’ll learn:

• The roles and responsibilities of school boards
• The difference between governance and management
• How to set goals, hire and evaluate superintendents, and support public education
• Key insights on Kansas education law, collaboration and effective communication

By understanding these fundamentals, board members are better prepared to serve as part of a cohesive governance team that makes decisions with students at the center.

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Workshops are free of charge to all Kansas school board members as part of KASB’s commitment to strong, informed leadership across the state. All in person sessions run from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. 

• Jan. 9 – Leavenworth
• Jan. 9 – Colby
• Jan. 10 – Circle
• Jan. 23 – Manhattan
• Jan. 23 – Dodge City
• Jan. 24 – Rock Hills
• Jan. 24 – Olathe
• Jan. 30 – Paola
• Feb. 6 – Wichita
• Feb. 21 – Pratt
• Feb. 25-26 – Online*
• Feb. 27 – Smoky Valley
• Feb. 27 – Chanute

*Online Workshops: Must attend 2-hour sessions on both days, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

This workshop is perfect for newly elected members, but also valuable for veteran board members. Consider attending with a fellow board member who can serve as a mentor to build a shared understanding of your district’s opportunities and challenges.

Board Leaders Table Talk

Are you a board president or leader looking to sharpen your skills? Join KASB’s new monthly virtual leadership series designed to help board leaders grow in their role and bring new strategies back to the board room.

These open discussions, led by the KASB Leadership Team, will cover key leadership topics each month while also giving you space to ask questions, share challenges and learn from other board members.

Sessions run from 12–1 p.m. on Wednesdays:

• Dec. 17
• Jan. 21
• Feb. 18

Join one session or attend them all — it’s up to you! Either way, you’ll leave with practical leadership skills you can use right away.

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Clerk’s Corner Lunch & Learn

We are excited to continue our new monthly Clerk's Corner Lunch + Learns, specifically designed for Board of Education clerks. In conjunction with Greenbush Education Center and its partners, these sessions provide a valuable opportunity to delve into pertinent topics, listen to insightful guest speakers and ask questions in a supportive environment. 

Additionally, you'll have the chance to network with colleagues from across the state, sharing experiences and best practices. Whether you're looking to stay updated on the latest trends or seeking advice on specific challenges, Clerk's Corner Lunch + Learns offer a unique platform for professional growth and connection. 

The sessions will be held on the third Thursday of each month, from 12-1 p.m. The dates are:

• Dec. 18
• Jan. 15
• Feb. 19
• March 26
• April 16
• May 21
• June 18
• July 16
• Aug. 20

Join us each month as we explore, learn and grow together in our commitment to excellence in education.

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Fundamentals of Negotiations – Practical Applications

Thursday, Jan. 8 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m., Topeka

Join us for our Fundamentals of Negotiations seminar on Monday, Jan. 8, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. in Topeka, and get the tools you need to negotiate with confidence.

This annual KASB training is required by statute, but more importantly, it’s designed to help board members and superintendents understand the process, strategies and expectations that lead to favorable results at the bargaining table. You’ll learn the basics of the Professional Negotiations Act, how to set clear board goals, build the right team and achieve positive outcomes.

Our attorneys will walk you through a practical “how-to” guide for effective negotiations, including notice letters, key deadlines, impasse procedures and essential tactics for navigating terms and conditions of employment. You’ll also learn to distinguish between “needed” changes and “preferred” adjustments—key insights for knowing when to push and when to compromise.

Together, we can make your next round of negotiations a smoother, more successful process for everyone involved.

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Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) Members Only

Prepping for Negotiations

Get ready to set your board up for success in professional negotiations! Our upcoming Prepping for Negotiations seminars, led by KASB attorneys, provide a comprehensive 90-minute review of both legal requirements and board goals crucial for negotiating 2026-2027 professional contracts. These regional seminars satisfy the annual training requirement of the Professional Negotiations Act.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity — register now for the location and date that works best for you: 

• Thursday, Jan. 22, from 1:30 - 3 p.m. in Garden City
• Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in Cloud County
• Tuesday, Feb. 2, from 3:30-5 p.m. in Topeka
• Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 1:30-3 p.m. in Haysville
• Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Lyons

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School Finance 101

Monday Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Topeka OR Feb. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Online

Get ready to learn everything you need to know about how your school district's budget works at School Finance 101! This interactive workshop breaks down funding formulas, common terminology and strategies for allocating resources to support student success.

You'll also learn how to engage your community in shaping a district vision that aligns with shared goals for your children. 

Let KASB equip you with the tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions for your district!

Register - Topeka  Register - Online

Special Education Seminar

Thursday, Jan. 29 in Topeka, from 9 a.m to 3 p.m.

Identifying students in need and navigating Section 504 can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Our Special Education Seminar equips you with the knowledge and tools to confidently respond to real-world challenges you may face when serving students with disabilities.

Join us for a full-day, scenario-based seminar focused on the most common and challenging areas of special education. Follow along with KASB attorneys as they walk you step-by-step through key requirements and precedures, including:

• Child find and evaluation obligations
• Implementing IEPs with fidelity
• Providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
• Addressing discipline concerns for students with disabilities
• Understanding dispute resolution options, including mediation, formal complaints, and due process

Through practical examples and realistic scenarios, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how to respond to a variety of special education situations. You’ll leave this workshop ready to provide the right resources and specialized instruction to the students who need it most

 Register Now

Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) Members Only