School Board Conference – Arizona 2023
PLEASE JOIN US for the
2023 Arizona School Board Member Conference
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
9:30 –5:00 PM
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 East Princess Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Parents across the nation are stepping up to run for school board in their local districts to improve the state of our public education system and fight to put students first. The Pacific Research Institute created its School Board Member Training Program in November of 2022 to educate and empower school board members by providing them with the tools and resources they need to make meaningful change in their local school districts.
Our mission is to bring likeminded board members together from across the state to hear from esteemed panelists and build coalitions to improve the public education experience for Arizona students. The first annual PRI Arizona School Board Member Conference will explore how to become a more effective school board member, increase student achievement, and know the questions to ask to implement the curriculum that best suits your district.
This event is free and includes breakfast, lunch, and reception.
All attendees will receive one night hotel accommodations on the evening of December 4, 2023
courtesy of PRI
This event is for elected school board members only.
Panel Discussions
How To Be An Effective School Board Member
Newly elected school board members, such as successful parent candidates, are not political experts with prior elected office experience, but are passionate and motivated to create change in our public school system. Whether you are a newly-elected board member or a school board veteran, this panel will offer the tools and resources you need to be effective in your position, address pressing issues in your district, build coalitions to achieve your goals, and communicate effectively with students, parents, taxpayers and staff.
Increasing Student Achievement
Are Arizona students prepared for life after high school? The NAEP exam revealed fourth-grade students in both district and charter schools in Arizona saw a decline in mathematics and reading scores during the COVID-19 shutdowns. This panel will take a look at student achievement and how we can better equip Arizona students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed throughout and after public school.
School Budgets 101: How to analyze and impact your district’s budget
At a time of fiscal uncertainty, applying a critical eye to how your district is budgeting and spending taxpayer dollars is more important than ever before to safeguard classroom dollars. This panel will explore how to effectively approach and balance your district’s budget. Hear from education budget experts who will give the basics on school district finances and budgeting and share best practices to guide your work in reviewing your school district’s budget. Learn how to ask the right questions of your district’s staff about spending, and get tips about how to find and eliminate wasteful and inefficient spending in your district’s budget.
Speakers
Ken Bennett
Arizona State Senator,
LD 1
Kaitlin Harrier
NavigatEd Arizona
Whitney Marsh
Yes Every Kid Foundation
Jared Taylor
Heritage Academy schools
Jenny Clark
Love Your School
Erik Twist
Arcadia Education
*Additional speakers to be announced
