Friday, November 20, 2026
7:30- 8:30 am		Registration Begins - Networking and Continental Breakfast | Exhibit Area Opens
8:30- 10:30 am		Welcome - Student Performance | Remarks | CAPSS Superintendent of the Year |  Keynote Address - Dr. Phelton Moss, Managing Director of Government Relations, NSBA
10:35 am- 11:15 pm		Session A Workshops
	A1	Legislative Update (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
	A2	Communicating Effectively About Your Budget (APE, EC, GOV)
	A3	A New Chapter in Teacher Dismissal: What the Challenges to the Teacher Tenure Act Mean for Board Members and Superintendents (GOV)
	A4	Electrifying School Transportation: A Roadmap for Partnership, Finance, and Communications (EC, GOV)
	A5	Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding and Accountability (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
	A6	Career Pathways - Pathways to Possibilities (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
	A7	Go Beyond Teaching Spanish, Cultivate Biliteracy (TLEL)
	A8	Meeting with the State Board of Education (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
12:00- 12:30 pm		Networking, Reception, Exhibits
12:30- 1:45 pm		Luncheon | Acknowledgement of Guests | Student Performance | Student Panel | Networking
1:45- 2:15 pm		Dessert/Networking in Exhibit Area
2:20- 3:40 pm		Session B Workshops
	B1	Roles and Responsibilities of Board of Education Members and Superintendents (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
	B2	Understanding Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act (Including Recent Updates) (EC, GOV)
	B3	Leading Together: Aligning Diverse Perspectives for Effective School Governance (GOV)
	B4	Ahead of the Algorithm: AI Integration Essentials for School Leaders (TLEL, PP)
	B5	Special Ed Reform Legislation, One Year Later: Where Are We Now? (EC, APE)
	B6	Superintendents and Boards Working Toward Shared Governance (GOV)
	B7	Beyond Incremental Change: Rethinking High School Through Pathways and System Redesign (EC, PP, TLEL)
2:20- 4:20 pm		Session C Clinic
	C1	38th Annual Meeting of the Nutmeg Board (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
3:50- 5:15 pm		Session D Workshops
	D1	Legal Issues (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
	D2	From Advocacy to Action: Advancing Educator Diversity and Retention (EC, APE, GOV, PP)
	D3	Report from Career Pathways Commission (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
	D4	Shared Services (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
	D5	Board Chair Check-In (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
	D6	District Accreditation: A Framework for Coherence and Alignment (TLEL)
5:30- 6:05 pm		Reception
6:05- 8:15 pm		Dinner | Election Results | President's Remarks | Teacher of the Year
8:15- 11:00 pm		Evening Reception
		Saturday, November 21, 2026
7:30- 8:30 am		Registration Begins - Networking and Continental Breakfast
8:30- 9:30 am		General Session - Welcome | Student Performance | Keynote Address - TBD
9:35- 10:45 am		Student Session - Policy into Practice (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)
9:35- 10:45 am		Session E Workshops
	E1	The Instructional Core: What Should School Board Members Know About It? (TLEL, GOV)
	E2	AI-Powered, Human-Centered: A Systems Approach to District Implementation (TLEL, GOV)
	E3	Critical Issues – Productive Boards (APE)
	E4	Public Comment and Your Board – Best Practices for Effective Communication (EC, APE)
	E5	We Are in This Together (GOV)
9:35- 11:35 am		Session F Clinic
	F1	Safer Schools Start with a Connection: A Proven Approach for District Leaders (EC, TLEL)
10:50 am-12:00 pm		Session G Workshops
	G1	Transforming Dysfunction into Direction: What We Learned Rebuilding Our Board-Superintendent Partnership (EC, GOV)
	G2	Planning for What’s Next: Aligning Facilities, Enrollment, and Learning (TLEL)
	G3	PK3 Leadership Matters to Ensure Successful Pathways to High School Graduation and Beyond (TLEL)
	G4	Bringing Your Vision of the Graduate to Life with Personal Interest Projects (TLEL, PP)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STRANDS

APE: Advocacy for Public Education
EC: Effective Communications
GOV: Governance: The Superintendent/Board Partnership
PP: Pathway Possibilities
TLEL: Teaching and Learning that meets the Needs of Every Learner

A1  Legislative Issues (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

With the start of the General Assembly, we will be considering work on many issues.

Presenters:     
Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE
Sheila McKay, Associate Executive Director for Government Relations, CABE
 

A2  Communicating Effectively About Your Budget (EC, APE, GOV)

How can Boards of Education and Superintendents communicate effectively with families, staff, and taxpayers about your district budget? Especially when funding is tight, it’s important to tell a clear story about the investment in your schools. 

A veteran K-12 strategic communication consultant will share practical tools for informing and engaging stakeholders about the budget process, fiscal challenges, and other key messages related to school finance. The session will include examples from school districts that deliver compelling content through a variety of channels, as well as strategies for ensuring input from the community.

Presenter:        
Chris Horan, Founder and Managing Partner, Horan Communications
 

A3  A New Chapter in Teacher Dismissal: What the Changes to the Teacher Tenure Act Mean for Board Members and Superintendents (GOV)

Recent legislation has significantly impacted the role of the board of education in the termination process for tenured teachers. The new statutory language also addresses the permissible reasons for termination, the standard of review, and appeal rights. Going forward, board members and superintendents will need to understand how their respective roles and responsibilities have changed; how the information flowing from the superintendent to the board pre-termination may look different; what recourse a board may have in the event of an unfavorable decision; and the distinctions in the rules pertaining to tenured versus non-tenured teachers.

Presenters:     
Jessica Richman Smith, Partner, Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Joe Miller, Associate, Shipman & Goodwin LLP
 

A4  Electrifying School Transportation: A Roadmap for Partnership, Finance, and Communication (EC, GOV)

This session is designed for school Board's of Education seeking actionable strategies to plan, fund, and implement electrification projects that deliver measurable operational, financial, and sustainability outcomes. We will identify financing strategies for large-scale fleet electrification, including grant layering, mission-driven lending, and long-term operational contracting structures; examine stakeholder engagement frameworks required to align board of education, municipal leaders, state and federal agencies, utilities, and private partners around complex infrastructure initiatives and differentiate between vehicle replacement planning and full system transformation, including the operational, infrastructure, and governance demands required to implement a 100 percent electric fleet with grid integration capabilities.

Presenters:     
Christopher Tranberg, Superintendent, Branford Public Schools
Blaize Levitan, Chief Operating Officer, Branford Public Schools
Peter Berdon, Board Chair, Branford Board of Education
 

A5  Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding and Accountability Update (EC, APE, TLEL, GOVE, PP)

Presenter:
Joseph Macary, Superintendent, Middletown Public Schools
Leonard Lockhart, Board Member, Windsor Board of Education
Jeffrey Newton, Superintendent, East Lyme Public Schools
Joseph Martino, Director of Finance and Operations, Region 15 Public Schools
 

A6  Career Pathways – Pathways to Possibilities (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

Career pathways help students connect what they learn in school to college, careers, and life after graduation. In this session, participants get an overview of CAPSS's work to build a statewide system that supports pathways in public schools. We'll define what a pathway is, go through its core components, and discuss why pathways matter for students, families, communities, and the state's workforce.

We'll also look at how CAPSS's work fits with the Governor's Pathways Commission, including where the two efforts line up and where they differ in focus and approach.

This is an interactive session. We want to hear from Board of Education members and superintendents. What you share will help shape the next phase of this work so that it reflects what districts need and what they're already doing well.

Presenters:     
Miguel Cardona, former US Secretary of Education, Founder, Cardona Solutions
Christine Carver, Retired Superintendent; Consultant, CAPSS
Chris Rivers, Director of Social Impact Consulting and Team Lead, Postsecondary Education and Career Pathways, Social Impact Partners
 

A7  Go Beyond Teaching Spanish, Cultivate Biliteracy (TLEL)

Biliteracy is a super skill for all students that will impact their entire life beyond their journey with us. This session will provide a framework for how to go beyond teaching a second language in elementary schools to developing true literacy in two languages. This directly aligns with our core responsibilities of improving student achievement, ensuring equity, and making strategic decisions about resources and policy. Dual language programs have been shown to enhance academic outcomes for both multilingual learners and native English speakers while promoting biliteracy, enabling students to read, write, and communicate effectively in two languages.

Presenters:     
Darren Schwartz, Superintendent, Waterbury Public Schools
Diurca Tomasella, Principal of Roberto Clemente International Dual Language School, Waterbury Public Schools
Manuel Zaldivar, Supervisor of Multilingual Learners, Waterbury Public Schools
Anthony Brooks, Assistant Superintendent, Waterbury Public Schools
 

A8  Meeting with the State Board of Education (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with members of the State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education. We encourage you to share your views on issues of concern to you, your Board, and your community and to ask about the Board’s priorities for 2026-2027. The format will be informal as the group size permits.

Presenters:     
Members of the State Board of Education
Charlene Russell-Tucker, Commissioner, CT State Department of Education
 

B1  Roles and Responsibilities (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

Connecticut's educational leaders recognize the power and potential to improve teaching and learning in our public schools through cooperative, purposeful and professional working relationships between superintendents and boards of education.

Presenters:     
Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE
Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director, CAPSS
Meg Scata, President, CABE
Bryan Luizzi, President, CAPSS
 

B2  Understanding Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act (Including Recent Updates) (EC, GOV)

The FOIA is an important compliance issue for both school board members and superintendents.  Failure to comply with the FOIA may lead to fines (and board actions being declared null and void).  You will hopefully have a better understanding of the FOIA, so that board meetings can function more smoothly and in compliance with current laws (especially with respect to “remote” and “hybrid” meetings),board members and school administrators are more aware of the public (or private/exempt) nature of records they may receive and create, especially in light of modern technologies and new remote rules, and board members and school administrators can properly respond to FOIA requests and also avoid FOIC complaints.  The presentation will be designed for persons  with little/no experience with the FOIA, and those just needing a FOIA “refresher.”

Presenters:     
Mark J. Sommaruga, Attorney, Pullman & Comley,  LLC
Russell Blair, Director of Education and Communications, Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission
 

B3 Leading Together: Aligning Diverse Perspectives for Effective School Governance (GOV)

School board members and superintendents are expected to represent the entire community, yet they operate at the intersection of multiple, often competing, constituent expectations—and their effectiveness depends on how well they navigate those dynamics. The dynamics are exacerbated by a culture that is increasingly divided and siloed. Board members are elected to represent the community, yet the “community” does not speak with a single voice. Teachers, administrators, parents, and residents each bring different priorities, experiences, and concerns. Without a clear understanding of these perspectives, board members risk making decisions that unintentionally privilege one group over another or fuel conflict and mistrust. This workshop helps board members more accurately interpret constituent input and govern with greater awareness and balance.

Presenters:     
Mary Broderick, Senior Search Consultant, CABE Search Services
Jack Reynolds, Retired Superintendent of Schools; Senior Search Consultant, CABE Search Services

 

B4  Ahead of the Algorithm: AI Integration Essentials for School Leaders (TLEL, PP)

Artificial intelligence (AI) remains one of the most promising and potentially disruptive innovations for students, teachers, and school leaders. Hundreds of schools are implementing AI policies and practices, and all districts are considering how to leverage current and emerging technologies to support rather than shortcut learning. This session will provide critical framing of AI as a topic from two state leaders. Participants will gain a stronger understanding of the laws and practices governing AI use in Connecticut and on a national level. Presenters will share practical guidance regarding AI use as it pertains to privacy, instruction, professional development, and school operations: a top-10 set. Participants will leave with grounded advice on how schools can pivot to ensure students graduate with the "durable skills" they will need to compete and thrive in the AI-powered workplace.

Presenters:     
Irene Parisi, Chief Academic Officer, Connecticut State Department of Education
Doug Casey, Executive Director, Connecticut Commission for Educational
 

B5  Special Education Reform Legislation, One Year Later: Where Are We Now? (EC, APE)

This workshop will provide information important to understanding school finance and the roles and responsibilities of school districts and the State in providing special education services. Attendees will understand the content of the legislation passed during the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions pertaining to the funding and reform of special education in Connecticut. Understand the timelines for implementation of the legislative acts and understand the status of implementation of the legislative acts as of the fall of 2026, both in terms of where districts should be at this point, and where the State is in implementing those provisions that required State action.

Presenters:     
Michelle Laubin, Senior Partner, Berchem Moses, P.C.
Bryan Klimkiewicz, Special Education Division Director, Connecticut State Department of Education
 

B6  Superintendents and Boards Working Toward Shared Governance (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

District improvement requires a collaborative effort between leadership and governing bodies.  This workshop defines the superintendent competencies that create shared governance with the Board of Education and provides time for Board members and superintendents to reflect on their own practice. We will examine current practices that support shared governance and actions to continue to strengthen the collaborative work of superintendents and Boards of Education.

Presenters:     
Joseph Macary, Superintendent, Middletown Public Schools
Kelly Lyman, Coordinator, Executive Leadership Program, UCONN
 

B7  Beyond Incremental Change: Rethinking High School Through Pathways and System Redesign (EC, APE)

This session is directly relevant to school board members and superintendents who are navigating increasing pressure to prepare students for a rapidly changing future while managing immediate operational and political demands. CRPE’s research across New England finds that while many leaders recognize the need for significant change, most efforts remain focused on improving existing systems rather than redesigning them. This session offers a concrete example of what it looks like to move beyond incremental improvement, using Danbury Public Schools’ wall-to-wall academy model as a case study. Participants will gain insight into the governance, leadership, and system-level decisions required to support high-quality, equitable pathways, as well as the tradeoffs, challenges, and stakeholder dynamics that accompany this work. The session is designed to help board members and superintendents reflect on their own role in enabling or constraining change, and to identify practical strategies for advancing more ambitious efforts in their districts.

Presenters:     
Maddy Sims, Senior Fellow, Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE),  ASU
Kara Quinn Casimiro, Superintendent, Danbury Public Schools
Meghan Martins, Associate Principal of Instruction, Danbury Public Schools
Andre Foote, Assistant Principal and Academy Director, Danbury Public Schools
Justin Hitchcock, English Teacher and Academy Lead, Academy of Communication and Design, Danbury Public Schools
 

C1  Annual Meeting of the Nutmeg Board (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

Yet again, the Nutmeg Board meets and does all the wrong things. Designed to amuse and educate you, their actions will be analyzed from a legal perspective.

Presenters:     
Tom Mooney, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Cast TBD
 

D1  Legal Issues (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

Join CABE's Deputy General Counsel for a presentation on recent court cases involving important topics.

Presenter:        
Conrad Vahlsing, Deputy General Counsel, CABE
 

D2  From Advocacy to Action: Advancing Educator Diversity and Retention (EC, APE, GOV, PP)

School board members and superintendents play a critical role in shaping policies, practices, and resource allocation that directly impact the recruitment, development, and retention of a diverse educator workforce. As districts face ongoing staffing challenges, leaders must be equipped with effective strategies to build sustainable pipelines, remove barriers in hiring, and create inclusive environments that support all staff. This session provides actionable approaches aligned to state initiatives, such as 6–16 pathway programs and apprenticeship models, while also highlighting the importance of mentorship and retention systems. By strengthening workforce diversity and retention, boards and superintendents can improve student outcomes, reflect the communities they serve, and ensure long-term organizational stability.

Presenters:     
Susan Lessard, Superintendent, Norwich Public Schools
Raissa Mosher, Executive Director of Talent and Human Resources, Norwich Public Schools
Shuana Tucker, Chief Talent Officer, Connecticut State Department of Education
Jade Gopie, Bureau Chief, Talent Office, Connecticut State Department of Education
 

D3  Policy (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

Join CABE staff for a presentation on a variety of policy topics. The discussion will range from boards’ policy-making philosophies to recent policy issues and mandates, to a look ahead to future policy considerations.

Presenter:        
Jody Goeler, Sr. Staff Associate for Policy Services, CABE
 

D4  Shared Services in Connecticut Schools: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What We’re Learning (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

As school districts face increasing financial and operational pressures, shared services continue to be explored as a strategy for improving efficiency and maximizing resources. This session will present preliminary findings from CASBO’s 2026 Cooperative/Shared Services Survey, examining what services and positions districts are currently sharing, who they are partnering with, and the factors that contribute to successful—or unsuccessful—arrangements. Participants will gain a statewide perspective on current practices, emerging trends, and lessons learned that can help inform future conversations about shared services in Connecticut’s public schools.

Presenter: 
Brian Greenleaf, Chief Financial Officer, EASTCONN
Bernice Rizk, Business Manager, Naugatuck Public Schools
Linda Trudeau, Business Manager, Guilford Public Schools
John Spang, Connecticut School Business Official (Retired)
 

D5  Board Chair Check-In (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

This session is an extension of the virtual Board Chair Check-Ins and Updates CABE has held since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This in-person session will allow Board Chairs to continue to have conversations and learn from one another and CABE Staff

Facilitator:      
Patrice McCarthy, Executive Director and General Counsel, CABE
 

D6  District Accreditation: A Framework for Coherence and Alignment (TLEL, GOV)

We will articulate the urgency of a coherent approach to early learning based on neuroscience and an understanding of the PK-3rd grade continuum. Strategies to connect with constituents about the economic and societal value of early education through high school and beyond will be used.

Presenters:     
Alyson Geary, Director for Accreditation and School Improvement, New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Fran Kennedy, Associate Director for Accreditation and School Improvement, New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director, CAPSS
Kathleen Greider, Emeritus Superintendent of Schools, Farmington, CT, CAPSS
 

SS  Policy Into Practice: Student Representatives on Boards of Education (EC, APE, TLEL, GOV, PP)

Upon completion of this workshop, students will understand the necessity for a board of education to adopt a policy and procedure specific to student representatives on boards of education to validate student governance and the value of student voice in decision-making.

Presenter:     
Eileen Baker, Board Member, Old Saybrook Public Schools
 

E1  The “Instructional Core” - What Should School Board Members Know About It? (TLEL, GOV)

We will be discussing how boards and superintendents can align their work to improve student achievement. Participants will have a better understanding of the Instructional Core, how it leads to improved instruction, and the board of education's role in supporting it.

Presenters:     
Jody Goeler, Sr. Staff Associate for Policy Services, CABE
Nick Caruso, Associate Executive Director for Field Services and Technology, CABE
 

E2 AI-Powered, Human-Centered:  A Systems Approach to District Implementation (TLEL, GOV)

AI is no longer a future issue; it is a present leadership responsibility. Districts must now make decisions about policy, instruction, ethics, professional learning, operations, communication, and student readiness in a rapidly changing world. This session will offer a practical, "systemic implementation" model for moving beyond isolated AI tools toward an "AI-Powered, Human-Centered" district strategy. It will help boards clarify their governance role in setting vision, policy, and guardrails, while helping superintendents lead coherent implementation across schools.

Presenters:     
Thomas Scarice, Superintendent, Westport Public Schools
Anna Mahon, Assistant Superintendent, Westport Public Schools
 

E3  Critical Issues - Productive Boards (EC, APE)

Boards of Education will be under pressure to deal with a number of substantive change issues over the next decade - those with awareness and the tools to deal with them will be more successful than those who are not. Participants will gain awareness of the 5-10 biggest structural change challenges facing public education over the next 10 years and learn about the 5 critical behaviors/practices of productive Boards.

Presenter:        
Jonathan Costa, Executive Director, EdAdvance
 

E4  Public Comment and Your Board -- Best Practices for Effective Communication (EC, APE)

This session will explore practical tools that boards of education can use to control public comment periods while at the same time fostering open and constructive dialogue with community members.  Public comment or audience of citizen portions of board meetings are a staple for many districts across Connecticut.  While these sessions can be very useful, they also run the risk of hijacking board agendas and diverting time and energy away from critical district initiatives.  Striking the right balance between an open community forum and an orderly meeting environment is an ongoing challenge.

Presenter:        
Zachary D. Schurin, Attorney, Pullman & Comley, LLC
 

E5  We Are In This Together (GOV)

For small school districts, it is crucial that we seek innovative partnerships to continue to provide high-quality programming and the best education possible for our students. Invest in building effective inter- district partnerships.

Presenters:     
Roy Seitsinger, Superintendent, Preston Public Schools
Jack Zamary, Superintendent, Bozrah Public Schools
Scott Feder, Superintendent, Voluntown Public Schools


F1  Safer Schools Start with Connection: A Proven Approach for District Leaders (EC, TLEL)

Board members and superintendents are increasingly tasked with addressing the growing challenges of student mental health, disengagement, bullying, and school safety -not just through policy, but through measurable, culture-shifting practices. Rachel’s Challenge aligns with these priorities by offering a proven, prevention-focused approach that strengthens connection, belonging, and positive school culture across entire systems. The session provides leaders with both a compelling narrative and actionable strategies that can be implemented at the district and school level.

Presenter:        
Kristi Krings, CEO, Rachel's Challenge
 

G1  Transforming Dysfunction into Direction: What We Learned Rebuilding Our Board-Superintendent Partnership (EC, GOV)

Not every Board of Education starts off high-functioning—and not every board knows how to fix it when things aren’t working. This session shares the real story of the Scotland Board of Education and how it moved from a difficult place to a much stronger, more effective team. Prior to 2021, the board struggled. Roles between the board and administration were unclear, communication was inconsistent, and there wasn’t a shared sense of purpose driving decisions. At times, the board overstepped into day-to-day operations, and decisions weren’t always grounded in what was best for students. There was many challenges that we faced that trickled down to our students. People will leave with  a real example of a board that had to reset and rebuild; Practical ways to use CABE self-evaluation tool.and ideas for improving communication and trust.

Presenters:     
Cassidy Martin, Board Chair, Scotland Board of Education
Lisa LaBelle, Vice Chair, Scotland Board of Education
Valerie Bruneau, Superintendent, Scotland Public Schools
 

G2  Planning for What's Next: Aligning Facilities, Enrollment, and Learning (TLEL)

This presentation offers an exploration of the strategies school districts across the country have employed to tackle the issue of fluctuating and/or declining enrollment rates and the challenge of optimizing facility usage.  Attendees will gain an understanding of nationwide enrollment trends and resulting challenges faced by school districts across the country; understand the historical context of educational facilities' decisions disproportionately impacting minority student communities; learn about the different facility approaches that school districts are taking to address these challenges and provide high-quality learning experiences for students; and learn how to develop a decision-making framework to address their facility needs.

Presenters:     
Patrick Davis, Principal, Perkins Eastman
Sean Brennan, Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations, Milford Public Schools
Mark McCarthy, Principal, Perkins Eastman


G3  PK3 Leadership Matters to Ensure Successful Pathways to High School Graduation and Beyond (TLEL, GOV)

Participants will be engaged in essential learning related to policy considerations and the urgency of a coherent district/school PK - grade 3 continuum. We will address brain research, executive function, social and emotional well-being, curricular and instructional alignment, family engagement, and leadership. A structured process will be used to determine next steps for your district relative to quality early education. We will articulate the urgency of a coherent approach to early learning based on neuroscience and an understanding of the PK-3rd grade continuum and use strategies to connect with constituents about the economic and societal value of early education through high school and beyond.

Presenters:     
Karen L. List, UCONN Neag PK3 Leadership Program Co-director, UCONN Neag Department of Educational Leadership
Irene Garneau, Department Supervisor for Early Childhood Education, West Hartford Public Schools
Maureen Lantner, UCONN Neag PK3 Leadership Program Co-director, UCONN Neag Department of Educational Leadership
 

G4  Bringing your Vision of the Graduate to Life with Personal Interest Projects (TLEL, PP)

For district leadership, the Personal Interest Project (PIP) serves as a powerful bridge between high-level strategic goals and actual student outcomes. Board members often approve a "Vision of the Graduate" (VoG) as a set of abstract ideals. The PIP provides the "proof" by showcasing real-world student work. It moves the VoG from a logo on a wall to a visible, public demonstration of student capability that leaders can proudly share with their constituents. Attendees will understand key differences between a VoG & related competencies (soft skills) and Academic standards & related content-area skills; consider how a VoG can/should live for students through both singular experiences and ongoing practices. and reflect on how Project Based Learning can strengthen and build relationships with your town/community. We will gather ideas for how to advance your VoG in your own district/school(s).

Presenters:     
Chuck Hershon, Director of Teaching and Learning, Portland Public Schools
Mike Searson, Principal of Portland Middle School, Portland Public Schools
Alan Stelkoff, Social Studies Teacher, Portland Public Schools
Corey Toussaint, CTE Teacher, Portland Public Schools

2026 FRIDAY MORNING SPEAKER

Dr. Phelton Moss, Managing Director of Government Relations, NSBA, will provide the keynote address at the CABE/CAPSS Convention on Friday, November 20. His non-partisan remarks will provide an overview of federal educational issues, help participants anticipate the impact on local public education, and share strategies for meaningful advocacy.

Dr. Moss brings a wealth of experience in education policy, advocacy, and leadership at the federal, state, and local levels. He previously served as Senior Policy Adviser to Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL), where he provided counsel on K–12 and higher education, labor, health care, and criminal justice issues. He has also served in senior roles with the Mississippi Department of Education, where he led the state’s teacher recruitment and retention efforts. He holds a faculty appointment as a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education and Affiliate Faculty Member in the Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University.

 

2026 SATURDAY MORNING GENERAL SESSION

Beyond the Boardroom: Navigating the Realities of School Governance Today

School boards and superintendents are leading in an era where local governance feels more complex—and public—than ever. Join three veteran education leaders – NSBA President Leonard Lockhart, Past NSBA President Mary Broderick, and the 2026 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year Jeffrey Newton - for an unscripted, fireside discussion on what effective governance actually looks like when theory meets real-world pressure.

Our panelists will dig into the everyday challenges of district leadership: handling political friction, keeping cool during a crisis, and working constructively with municipal partners. We'll discuss practical ways to build trust within your board-superintendent team, set a tone of civility that carries across the district, and maintain strong financial oversight without getting bogged down in micromanagement.

You’ll walk away with candid perspectives and practical strategies for keeping the focus where it belongs: on your students.

Convention Sponsorship Opportunities and Advertising
See our new sponsorship benefit for all levels of sponsorship!

Convention Sponsorship Order Form 

Convention Magazine Advertising Insertion Order Form

PLATINUM SPONSORS $7,500 PLUS
Benefits also include all Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond Sponsorship Benefits, plus

• Placement of one information piece in Convention packets, but no catalogs, please

• Opportunity to briefly address Convention attendees

• 15% Discount on CABE Business Affiliate membership at the Gold, Diamond, or Platinum Levels

• 25% discount on a single advertisement in the CABE Journal 

DIAMOND SPONSORS $5,000-7,499
Benefits also include all Bronze, Silver, and Gold Sponsorship Benefits, plus

• One e-mail message, approved by CABE, sent on your behalf to registered Convention attendees

• Recognition in pre-Convention E-letter, sent to all board of education members and superintendents

• Sponsor logo featured on our sponsor sign, to be displayed in a highly visible area

• 20% discount on a single advertisement in the CABE Journal 

GOLD SPONSORS $2,500-4,999
Benefits also include all Bronze and Silver Sponsorship Benefits, plus

• Recognition in the Convention Edition of the CABE Newsletter

• List of Convention attendees containing name and district

• 15% discount on a single advertisement in the CABE Journal

SILVER SPONSORS $1,500-2,499
Benefits also include all Bronze Benefits, plus

• 10% discount on a single advertisement in the CABE Journal

• One complimentary registration for a CABE workshop (exception: CABE/CAPSS Convention)

BRONZE SPONSORS $500-1,499
Benefits include 

• Recognition in Convention Program

• Special Sponsor Ribbon for you and your staff

• Custom signage at sponsorship site

• Recognition at the CABE website

• Sponsor name featured on highly visible display

If you would like more information, contact Lisa Steimer at 860-571-7446 or email lsteimer@cabe.org.

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STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

Your presence at the CABE/CAPSS Convention positions your company among the state's education leaders and gives you a distinct edge by participating in this premier event.  From increasing awareness to generating greater booth traffic, you will undoubtedly maximize your profile in this critical market.  Contact Lisa Steimer at 860-571-7446 or email lsteimer@cabe.org for more information or to secure sponsorship. For Exhibit Hall information, contact Dawn Cole at 860-236-8640 or dcole@capss.org.

2025 CABE/CAPSS Convention Sponsors

We thank the following sponsors:

DIAMOND SPONSORS

Shipman & Goodwin

GOLD SPONSORS

Berchem Moses PC 
Pullman & Comley

SILVER SPONSORS

Heggerty
Lifetouch

BRONZE SPONSOR

Boardbook
EASTCONN
LEARN

To view/print workshop handouts, click here. 

Workshop Evaluations

To exhibit at the CABE/CAPSS Convention, contact Dawn Cole at 860-236-8640 or dcole@capss.org.

Purchase Meal Tickets

Showcase your students at the
2026 CABE/CAPSS Convention!
November 20-21 2026

Please share this with your music and theatre teachers
and club advisors!

The Convention provides an excellent platform for your students to demonstrate their skills and innovation and to entertain educational leaders from across Connecticut and New England. We are seeking a variety of talented student performing groups to help kick off the General Sessions on Friday and Saturday morning!

To have your students considered, you must send a video and any supporting data to show the diversity of talent by submitting an electronic entry.

Deadline is Friday, June 5, 2026

A committee of board members and superintendents will review the entries. Letters announcing the winners will be mailed in late June or early July.

Contact Lisa Steimer at CABE 860-571-7446 or lsteimer@cabe.org for more information.