About

This year’s conference is designed to empower small school leaders with actionable tools and strategies to overcome challenges and drive success. Engage in sessions on leadership communication to inspire trust and unity, crisis communication to maintain transparency, and building collaborative networks for shared solutions. Explore topics like using data for improvement, strategic planning with AI, budget-building tools, and securing grants and funding. Join us for this opportunity to connect, learn, and lead with impact.

Target Audience

This conference is designed for district administrators, business managers, and school board directors from small districts across Washington State.

Dates & Times

Pre-Conference Opportunity: The 4 Essential Roles of Leadership

Start your conference experience with a brand-new learning opportunity at this year’s Spring Conference: the pre-conference session, The 4 Essential Roles of Leadership by FranklinCovey Education. This impactful and engaging workshop prepares leaders with the tools to inspire trust, create a compelling vision, execute strategies effectively, and coach team potential. Developed through extensive research, this framework addresses the critical skills leaders need in today’s educational environment. Participants will gain practical tools and strategies to build leadership credibility, shape a culture of trust, align systems with strategy, and empower teams to achieve extraordinary results.
As the first-ever pre-conference offered at the Spring Conference, this session is a unique opportunity to expand your leadership skills, foster collaboration, and set the tone for a powerful and enriching conference experience. Space is limited to the first 50 registrants for this pre-conference opportunity, so be sure to secure your spot early. Don't miss out on this exciting addition to the Spring Conference!

Registration

Registration is closed at this time. Please contact Ryan Hickerson if you would like to register manually.

Cancellation Policy

Venue

Wenatchee Convention Center
121 N Wenatchee Ave
Wenatchee, WA 98801

Hotel/Lodging — New Location

Hilton Garden Inn Wenatchee
25 N Worthen St, Wenatchee, WA 98801

Spring Conference Hotel Update: Room Block Full
Our reserved room block at the Hilton Garden Inn Wenatchee is now full. However, there are still hotel options available in Wenatchee. We encourage you to explore alternative accommodations by going to Visit Wenatchee Hotels & Motels.
 
If you have not yet booked your stay, please note that housing rates may vary once our block is filled, so securing a reservation as soon as possible is recommended.
 
We look forward to seeing you in Wenatchee for the Spring Conference!

Our Keynote Speaker

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo

Author; Superintendent of the Year 2019; Retired Superintendent of Fall Creek SD, WI
We are excited to welcome Dr. Joe Sanfelippo as our keynote speaker. With over 26 years in education, including 12 years as Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin, Dr. Sanfelippo has been instrumental in leading his district to be recognized twice as an Innovative District by the International Center for Leadership in Education. His dedication to advancing educational leadership has earned him accolades such as being named one of 117 Future Ready Superintendents and one of 50 Personalized Learning Leaders by the U.S. Department of Education. In 2019, Education Dive honored him as their National Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Sanfelippo is also the creator of the #1minwalk2work Leadership Challenge and the author of several influential books, including "The Power of Branding: Telling Your School's Story" and "Hacking Leadership: 10 Ways Great Leaders Inspire Learning That Teachers, Students, and Parents Love." His insights into building intentional, connected, and directed school cultures are invaluable for educators seeking to make a significant impact. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by Dr. Sanfelippo's approach to educational leadership. Learn more about him here.

Meals

The conference registration includes Monday breakfast and lunch as well as Tuesday breakfast and lunch to-go.
Additionally, registrants are encouraged to join the Sunday Evening Pre-conference Reception sponsored by i-Ready, the Monday Afternoon Social sponsored by Renaissance, and the Monday Early Evening Reception sponsored by Beresford, McKinstry, and OAC.

Sunday Reception

Sunday's Small Schools Conference Reception is sponsored by i-Ready. All attendees are invited to attend.

Sunday March 16, 2025
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
The reception will take place at The LocalTel Event Center at PyBus Public Market, and includes delicious appetizers, wine and non-alcoholic beverages provided by Visconti’s and music by Owen Barnhart. The event center is conveniently located next to the Hilton Garden Inn.

RSVP is appreciated.

Questions

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact Ryan Hickerson at rhickerson@wasa-oly.org.