Registration opens for the 2024 OSBA Annual Convention

This year's OSBA Annual Convention comes at the junction of a transformative year for OSBA and a potentially pivotal school funding debate. It is the perfect time to learn about OSBA's renewed focus to serving school boards for the good of children and to prepare for the 2025 legislative session.

This year's theme is "All in for Students."

Registration opens Tuesday, Sept. 17, for Oregon's largest gathering of school board members, administrators and administrative professionals. The event Nov. 7-9 in downtown Portland offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn more about education issues and join forces to make a difference for Oregon's students.

The convention weekend opens with two preconferences. The full-day Administrative Professionals Preconference covers key topics to help empower leadership while also elevating administrative professionals' impact. The OSBA Leadership Institute Gold Level preconference delivers research-based best practices for school boards to improve student achievement.

The convention is designed to give school leaders the information they need, whether they are just starting out or decades into the work. The convention, starting Friday, Nov. 8, offers inspiring speakers, workshops on practical topics and innovative approaches, and plentiful networking opportunities.

Emielle Nischik, OSBA's new executive director, and OSBA staff will be available throughout, and there is a lot to talk about. School districts are struggling with short budgets while still dealing with pandemic problems, including lost learning and chronic absenteeism. At the same time, OSBA staff have been working with government officials and legislators to shape education-related 2025 bills, including changing the way the State School Fund is set.

This year's convention will feature the return of Brandon P. Fleming, an award-winning educator and the author of "Miseducated: a Memoir," with a new presentation. The former Harvard debate coach moved the convention audience last year talking about reaching at-risk youth.

The preconferences are $300, and the convention is $625. Online registration ends Oct. 14, although for an additional $100 people will be able to register at the event. Conference attendees can also get a special rate at the Portland Marriot Downtown Waterfront or the Residence Inn Portland Downtown RiverPlace hotels with information from their registration confirmation email.