Friday, November 21, 2025
7:30- 8:45 am		Registration Begins - Networking and Continental Breakfast | Exhibit Area Opens
8:45- 10:45 am		Welcome - Student Performance | Remarks | CAPSS Superintendent of the Year |  Keynote Address - Dr. Miguel Cardona
10:55 am- 12:15 pm		Session A Workshops
	A1	2026 Legislative Preview (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
	A2	AI in Our Schools: What Boards and District Leaders Need to Know (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
	A3	Communicating Through Crisis and Controversy (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
	A4	The Skills Superintendents Need to Lead Today (C, TOOLS)
	A5	Forecasting Safety for Your District: A Guide to Best Practices for Appropriate and Effective Implementation of Connecticut’s School Climate Policy (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
	A6	Title IX and Transgender Students (MNEL, TOOLS)
	A7	Empowering Board Leadership for Multilingual Learner Success (MNEL)
	A8	Meeting with the State Board of Education (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
12:15- 12:45 pm		Networking, Reception, Exhibits
12:45- 2:15 pm		Luncheon | Acknowledgement of Guests | Student Performance | Student Panel | Networking
2:15- 2:45 pm		Dessert/Networking in Exhibit Area
2:50- 4:10 pm		Session B Workshops
	B1	Roles and Responsibilities of Board of Education Members and Superintendents (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
	B2	Student Panel (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
	B3	Policy (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
	B4	21st Century School Libraries: Leading and Achieving (MNEL, TOOLS
	B5	Mistakes Superintendents Make (TOOLS)
	B6	High School Graduation Requirements (MNEL, APE, TOOLS)
2:50- 4:20 pm		Session C Clinic
	C1	The 37th Annual Meeting of the Nutmeg Board of Education (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
4:15- 5:30 pm		Session D Workshops
	D1	Legal Issues (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
	D2	Cyber Culture Change: Teaching Cybercy to Empower and Protect (MNEL)
	D3	Systematizing Success: The Central Office Blueprint for Coherence, Vision, and Results (MNEL)
	D4	How Changes in Washington, D.C. Will Impact Your School District 9 (MNEL, APE, TOOLS)
	D5	Board Chair Check-In (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)
	D6	Fostering High Leverage Engagement Practices via Classroom Drop-Ins: A Quick Turn-Key Opportunity for Administrators (MNEL, TOOLS)
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 22, 2025
7:30- 8:30 am		Registration Begins - Networking and Continental Breakfast
8:30- 9:30 am		General Session - Welcome | Student Performance | Keynote Address - Beth "Morning Deer" Regal
9:35- 10:45 am		Student Session
9:35- 10:45 am		Session E Workshops
	E1	Whole Child Initiatives: Build Your Toolkit to Promote Successful Strategic Planning and Implementation (MNEL, TOOLS)
	E2	Clearing the Air: Understanding CT's IAQ and HVAC Laws and Requirements (TOOLS)
	E3	Using the Four Domains for Rapid School Improvement to Build Leadership Capacity for School Climate Transformation (MNEL, APE, TOOLS)
	E4	The Special Education Task Force Report: Recommendations Made to the Legislature and Legislative Outcomes (MNEL, APE)
	E5	Integrating SEL Strategies within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to Empower Multilingual Learners (MNEL)
	E6	Learning How to Advance and Advocate for Educator Diversity in Your District (MNEL)
9:35- 11:35 am		Session F Clinic
	F1	Understanding Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act (Including Recent Updates) (C, TOOLS)
10:50 am-12:00 pm		Session G Workshops
	G1	The Freedom to Read in the School Library (C, TOOLS)
	G2	Bridging Voices: Effective Communication Strategies for School District Leaders in a Politically Complex Era (TOOLS)
	G3	Thinking Outside the Campus: Utilizing Interdistrict and Community Collaborations to Increase High-Quality Pathways Programs (MNEL)
	G4	Everything Board Members and Superintendents Wanted to Know About Special Education but Were Afraid to Ask (MNEL, TOOLS)
	G5	Speaking for the State: Board Member Free Speech Rights and Limitations (APE, C, TOOLS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STRANDS

MNEL: Meeting the Needs of Every Learner
APE: Advocacy for Public Education
C: Civility
TOOLS: Tools for Newer Board Members and Superintendents

A1    2026 Legislative Preview (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)

With a February start, the General Assembly will consider work on numerous issues.

Presenters:   

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

A2    AI in Our Schools: What Boards and District Leaders Need to Know (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)

As artificial intelligence reshapes education, what should Boards of Education and district administrators focus on? This session covers best practices for ethical AI use by teachers, new approaches to addressing academic integrity, and strategies for building student AI literacy. The session also highlights the responsibility of local leaders to address disinformation and AI deep fakes in policy and practice. Walk away with practical guidance and clear next steps for navigating the AI era.

Presenter:

Matt Mervis, Director, Skills21 & AI Strategy, EdAdvance

A3    Communicating Through Crisis and Controversy (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)

Is your district leadership prepared to respond effectively when crises and controversies arise? A veteran communications strategist will provide practical tips for Superintendents and Boards of Education to communicate with families, staff, the community, local leaders, and the press about anticipated and unanticipated crises, emergencies, and controversies. Attendees will learn about roles and responsibilities, key messaging, strategies, and tactics to help manage difficult situations and minimize disruption.

Presenter:

Christopher Horan, Managing Partner, Horan Communications

A4   The Skills Superintendents Need to Lead Today (C, TOOLS)

Leading a school district is a complex task that requires a vast and varied set of skills, understandings, and knowledge. A set of competencies, as well as skill in civic leadership are more important than ever. Today’s challenges require us to shift our thinking about the work of the superintendency. In this session, we will explore a set of research-based competencies as well as three key shifts in leadership necessary for success as a superintendent.

Presenters:   

Kelly Lyman, Program Director, University of Connecticut. Executive Leadership Program
Joseph Macary, Superintendent, Vernon Public Schools

A5    Forecasting Safety for Your District: A Guide to Best Practices for Appropriate and Effective Implementation of Connecticut's School Climate Policy (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)

Join us for an overview of the novel Connecticut School Climate Policy and a discussion about best practices for implementing Safe School Climate Policy across your District.  Our discussion will touch on strategies and techniques that your District can rely on to be in compliance with state law while also supporting your students and community members.  Typhanie Jackson currently serves as Executive Director of Student Services and Special Education for New Haven Public Schools.  Monica Abbott is the Social Emotional Learning District Coordinator and Safe School Climate Coordinator for New Haven Public Schools.  Both Typhanie and Monica bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in advancing student and staff wellbeing through professional development in culture, climate, social-emotional learning, and positive behavioral interventions and support.  Join Typhanie, Monica, and Attorney Herbie Rosen for a productive and thoughtful discussion.

Presenter:

Herbie Rosen, Attorney, Berchem Moses

A6    Title IX, Transgender Students and the Return to the Year 2020 (MNEL, TOOLS)

Connecticut Law provides protection against discrimination for students and staff on the basis of gender identity and expression as well as sexual orientation.  Since January 20, 2025, the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights has made it clear that it interprets Title IX to exclude protections for students and staff on these same bases.  Districts are left to walk a fine line between creating a welcoming and positive learning environment for all their students and not running afoul of the U.S. Department of Education’s new guidance.

Presenters:          

Melinda Kaufmann, Attorney, Pullman & Comley
Kimberly Catala, Attorney, Pullman & Comley

A7    Empowering Board Leadership for Multilingual Learner Success (MNEL)

Connecticut’s student population is becoming increasingly diverse, with English Learners now making up over 10% of K-12 enrollment statewide—a number that continues to grow. Many districts, including suburban and rural areas, are experiencing rapid increases in multilingual learners, yet existing programs often struggle to keep pace with students' needs.

Presenters:          

Jill Bessette, Education Consultant, LEARN
Lisanne Kaplan, Multilingual Learner Program Coordinator, LEARN and Waterford Public Schools
Christina Golgozeanu, Education Consultant, LEARN
Linda Darcy, Director of Teaching and Learning, LEARN

A8   Meeting with the State Board of Education (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)

Presenters:

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

B1    Roles and Responsibilities of Board of Education Members and Superintendents (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)

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
Leonard Lockhart, President, CABE
Steven Rioux, President, CAPSS
 

B2  Student Panel: An Opportunity to Hear from Our Why

One goal of American education in recent years has been to develop leadership skills in youth. Social media platforms, among other innovations, have provided extended opportunities for youth to develop opinions and defend their points of view.

What is the place of student voice in the governing of public schools? As the people for whom the system is created, designed, and operated to serve, what role do students have in influencing the decisions that guide their schools?

Our student panelists have a lot to share with you!

Facilitator:       

Jaime Barr-Shelburn, Board Member, East Lyme Board of Education

Presenters:      

Kayla Lin, Student, E.O. Smith High School, Mansfield Public Schools
Idhaant Bhosle, Student, Rocky Hill High School, Rocky Hill Public Schools

B3    Policy (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)

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

B4   21st Century School Libraries: Leading and Achieving (MNEL, TOOLS)

School board members and superintendents are charged with ensuring that every student in their district receives the highest quality education possible. School libraries staffed with full-time, certified school librarians play a critical role in student success because they provide access to resources, foster a love of learning, and support academic achievement in ways that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction. Librarians are certified teachers, leaders, innovators, collaborators, and much, much more. “More than 60 studies show that students with access to well-resourced school libraries with certified librarians consistently perform better academically and score higher on standardized assessments” (Nijma Esad). In addition, standards adopted by Connecticut's State Board of Education, such as Social Studies, Information and Media literacy, NGSS, CCSS, Digital citizenship, ISTE, and AASL National Library Standards, are supported by school librarians. Simply put, school librarians help our students succeed in ways you may not even imagine.

Presenters:   

Jenny Lussier, Elementary School Librarian, Region 13 Public Schools; President, CT Association of School Librarians
Val DiLorenzo, Library Media Specialist, Danbury Public Schools; Vice President, CT Association of School Librarians

B5    Mistakes Superintendents Make (TOOLS)

This workshop will help new and aspiring superintendents better understand the relationship between them and the Board of Education. The presenters, with over 90 years of experience, will examine 12 common errors that superintendents often make and will discuss how to avoid those missteps.

Presenters:   

Nicholas Caruso, Associate Executive Director for Field Services and Technology, CABE
David Erwin, Coordinator, RESC Alliance

B6    High School Graduation Requirements (MNEL, APE, TOOLS)

This session will explore the evolving landscape of high school graduation requirements under Public Act 17-42 and related legislation. Presenters from Bethel and Farmington Public Schools will share how their districts have implemented flexibilities in the law to create student-centered pathways and the work of a Vision of a Global Citizen that balances state mandates with local innovation. Participants will learn about practical strategies for aligning graduation requirements with college and career readiness, the role of mastery-based and alternate pathways, transition services, and the implications of TCS codes for state reporting. The session will highlight lessons learned, challenges, and opportunities for Boards of Education and Superintendents to support deeper learning and meaningful postsecondary preparation for all students.

Presenters:          

Christine Carver, Superintendent, Bethel Public Schools
Kathy Greider, Superintendent, Farmington Public Schools

C1    37th Annual Meeting of the Nutmeg Board (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)

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.

Presenter:

Thomas Mooney, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin

D1    Legal Issues (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)

Join CABE's deputy general counsel for a presentation on recent court cases involving important topics.

Presenter:

Conrad Vahlsing, Deputy General Counsel, CABE

D2    Cyber Culture Change - Teaching Cybercy to Empower and Protect (MNEL)

Cybersecurity is a significant concern in school districts. This presentation offers some suggestions to extend efforts beyond hardware and software to behaviors.

Presenters:   

Salvatore Menzo, Superintendent, Goodwin University Magnet School System
Sarah Burke, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, Goodwin University Magnet Schools

D3   Systematizing Success: The Central Office Blueprint for Coherence, Vision, and Results (MNEL)

In a time when districts are navigating complex demands and evolving community needs, coherence at the central office is not optional—it’s essential. This session will reveal how a unified vision and aligned systems can transform every corner of a district. Through real-world examples, you’ll explore how Windsor is driving excellence by designing and implementing a clear central office blueprint rooted in coherence, clarity, and results. From a custom-built Instructional Core Wheel to strategic use of walkthrough tools, data talks, district-wide professional learning, and a visionary, innovative mobile classroom, this session will highlight the power of systems thinking.

Presenters:   

Noha Abdel-Hady, Acting Superintendent, Windsor Public Schools
Liana Jorgensen, Principal, Sage Park Middle School, Windsor Public Schools

D4   How Changes in Washington, D.C. Will Impact Your School District (MNEL, APE, TOOLS)

Regardless of your politics, it is clear that the Trump administration has radically overhauled the role of the federal government in K-12 education. The proposed elimination and/or consolidation of the federal Department of Education will effectively terminate a cabinet-level agency that has been in existence for forty-five years. Moreover, the Trump administration has implemented significant changes in the way Title IX and other federal education laws are interpreted.

Presenters:          

Zachary Schurin, Attorney, Pullman & Comley
Mark Sommaruga, Attorney, Pullman & Comley

D5   Board Chair Check In (MNEL, APE, C, TOOLS)

This session is an extension of the virtual Board Chair Check-Ins and Updates that 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   Fostering High Leverage Engagement Practices via Classroom Drop-Ins: A Quick (5-minute) Turn-Key Opportunity for Administrators (MNEL TOOLS)

We will share the perspectives and insights of superintendents (from five diverse CT districts) who have uniquely and creatively adopted classroom drop-ins to build trust with their staff and foster district-wide high-leverage engagement practices. Following a brief overview of the classroom drop-in framework, as developed in partnership with educational consultants at EASTCONN Regional Education Service Center, administrators will share how they have utilized this non-evaluative, culture and climate-centered practice in their districts and with their boards to reflect upon and progress monitor school and district improvement efforts in the area of student engagement and high-leverage instructional practices.

Presenters:   

Dr. Ravit Stein, Director of Consultation & Professional Learning, EASTCONN
Mary Anne Butler, Superintendent, Stonington Public Schools
Sean McKenna, Superintendent, Griswold Public Schools
Christopher Bitgood, Superintendent, Canterbury Public Schools
Matthew Dunbar, Superintendent, Suffield Public Schools
Dr. Susan Nash-Ditzel, Superintendent, Killingly Public Schools

Student Representatives on Boards of Education: Policy into Practice

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.

Facilitator: 

Eileen Baker, Board Member, Old Saybrook Board of Education

E1     Whole Child Initiatives: Build your Toolkit to Promote Successful Strategic Planning & Implementation (MNEL, TOOLS)

Schools contribute to the positive development of children through the implementation of efforts to address academic, social, emotional, physical, and behavioral developmental pathways (Chafouleas & Iovino, 2021). Such efforts, often referred to as whole child initiatives, require a high degree of district-wide coordination and integration, particularly in the face of initiative fatigue, limited resources, and increasing concerns about student mental health. In this workshop, district leaders will be introduced to an organizational framework to help them engage in whole child strategic planning to strengthen policies and practices, and they will consider how their leadership can drive measurable change, with an emphasis on growth through resource reallocation.

Presenters:   

Sandra Chafouleas, Professor, Educational Psychology, University of Connecticut
Tracy Stefano, K-12 Supervisor of Health & Physical Education, East Hartford Public Schools
Thomas Anderson, Superintendent, East Hartford Public Schools

E2    Clearing the Air: Understanding Connecticut's IAQ and HVAC Laws & Requirements (TOOLS)

Connecticut boards of education are subject to legislatively imposed requirements and deadlines to inspect and evaluate indoor air quality ("IAQ") and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems ("HVAC") in all their public schools. IAQ and HVAC requirements affect not only facilities/operations personnel but various stakeholders (e.g., principals, unions, superintendents). This session will cover these requirements and aims to assist you in finding a clearer path for compliance.

Presenter:

Alfredo Fernandez, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin

E3    Using the Four Domains for Rapid School Improvement to Build Leadership Capacity for School Climate Transformation (MNEL, APE, TOOLS)

School climate is essential to student success, teacher retention, and districtwide improvement - but how do district leaders move beyond compliance-driven mandates to create real, lasting change? This session will highlight how the Hartford region's Leadership for Learning Community of Practice has helped schools across multiple districts strengthen leadership capacity for climate work using the Four Domains for Rapid School Improvement. Participants will learn how districts have shifted from compliance-based mandates to data-driven action, built school-wide leadership capacity, and aligned climate goals with district priorities such as belonging, achievement, and staff retention. Through this regional collaboration model, district and board leaders will gain practical strategies for scaling climate work, leveraging data like the CALL survey, and embedding restorative, equity-driven practices that create supportive environments for both students and staff.

Presenter:     

Jessica Gray, School Improvement Specialist, Quality Schools and Districts, WestEd

E4    The Special Education Task Force Report: Recommendations Made to the Legislature and Legislative Outcomes (MNEL, APE)

Provides information on school funding and services provided by school districts, as well as advocacy efforts made by the statewide organizations to assist school districts in the delivery of services and obtaining funding for such services.          

Presenters:          

Michelle Laubin, Attorney, Berchem Moses
Andrew Feinstein, Board Member, Special Education Equity for Kids in Connecticut (SEEK-CT)
Fran Rabinowitz, Executive Director, CAPSS

E5    Integrating SEL Strategies within Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to Empower Multilingual Learners (MNEL)

This session provides insights into how SEL can be embedded within MTSS to support and empower multilingual learners, a fast-growing and diverse student group. This session highlights culturally and linguistically sustaining strategies, identity-centered practices, and translanguaging techniques that can improve academic, emotional, and social outcomes for these students. School board members and superintendents can use this knowledge to inform policies, guide professional development, and align district-wide initiatives, ultimately fostering a positive school climate and sense of belonging for all students.

Presenters:   

Elisa Laudati, Consultant, State Education Resource Center (SERC)
Sophia Diamantis, Consultant, State Education Resource Center (SERC)

E6    Learning How to Advance and Advocate for Educator Diversity in Your District

Research demonstrates that students who learn in classrooms and schools led by culturally responsive educators from diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds experience positive social and academic outcomes. For the last five years, CSDE has partnered with WestEd to provide professional learning, coaching, and training to educators in the state to support greater educator diversity and culturally responsive school cultures. This has contributed to increased diversity of the educator workforce in the state, and this session is designed to orient school board members and superintendents to model practices, approaches, and policies that have been implemented to achieve this outcome.

Presenters:   

Shuana Tucker, Chief Talent Officer, CT State Department of Education
Leonard Lockhart, Board Member, Windsor Board of Education

F1     Understanding Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act (Including Recent Updates) (C, TOOLS)

The FOIA contains open meetings and public records requirements (along with numerous exceptions) that, unfortunately, are often misconstrued. FOIA issues frequently preoccupy board members and superintendents, in light of numerous records requests and issues that arise at public meetings.  This workshop should serve to provide further/updated guidance to board of education members and school administrators seeking to navigate the FOIA.

Presenters:   

Russell Blair, Director of Education and Communications, CT Freedom of Information Commission
Mark Sommaruga, Attorney, Pullman & Comley

G1    The Freedom to Read in the School Library (C, TOOLS)

School boards are responsible for ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education. This includes access to a wide range of library materials that reflect the diversity of students' interests and needs. However, there has been an increase in the number of challenges to library materials in recent years. These challenges often focus on books that address topics such as race, gender, and sexuality.

The Freedom to Read workshop will provide school board members and superintendents with the information they need to make informed decisions about library materials. The workshop will cover the following topics:

The First Amendment and students' right to access information (looking at foundational case law and current litigation)

The costs of book bans and challenges, and the importance of policy
Strategies for developing policies that promote and protect intellectual freedom

How to respond to challenges to library materials

How to educate the community about the importance of intellectual freedom

The Freedom to Read workshop is an essential resource for school board members and superintendents. By attending this workshop, participants will gain the knowledge and skills they need to ensure that all students have access to a world-class education.

Presenters:   

Tess Mawhinney-McCool, Library Media Specialist, Suffield High School Public Schools, CT Association of School Librarians
Lindsay Delligan, Director, Jonathan Trumbull Library, Lebanon; Co-Chair, Intellectual Freedom Committee, CT Library Association
 

G2    Bridging Voices: Effective Communication Strategies for School District Leadership in a Politically Complex Era (TOOLS)

Effective communication is a fundamental responsibility of school district leadership. Board members and superintendents must work collaboratively to establish clear messaging, manage crises, and maintain public confidence in district decisions. Given the increasing polarization in educational policy and governance, the ability to navigate political tensions, facilitate civil discourse, and engage diverse stakeholders is critical to a school district’s success. This session equips education leaders with tools to enhance transparency, foster community trust, and create a positive climate for students and staff.

Presenters:          

Cheri Burke, Superintendent, Granby Public Schools
Monica Logan, Board Chair, Granby Board of Education

G3    Thinking Outside of the Campus – Utilizing Interdistrict and Community Collaborations to Increase High-Quality Pathways Programs (MNEL)

The East Lyme High School Pathways program has initiated several low-cost partnerships with community partners to expand opportunities for students. Examples include a Military Vehicle repair class with the Army National Guard, Early Bird Automotive Class with a local garage, and several collaborations with General Dynamics/Electric Boat and Porter & Chester Institute for trades exploration and training. East Lyme High School also collaborates with surrounding districts by offering seats in their EMT Certification Class, and a reciprocal arrangement where Waterford High School offers seats in the Automotive class. The presentation will also highlight the highly successful EMT certification class, which collaborates with several local agencies, UCONN ECE, UCONN Pharmacy, Hartford Healthcare, Army National Guard, and the Global Language Department. 

Presenters:   

David Fasulo, Assistant Principal & District Pathways Administrator, East Lyme Public Schools
Mary Turano, Science Teacher and EMT Classroom Teacher, East Lyme High School, East Lyme Public Schools

G4   Everything Board Members and Superintendents Wanted to Know About Special Education but Were Afraid to Ask… (MNEL, TOOLS)

This interactive session will demystify special education acronyms, jargon, and processes and will provide board members and superintendents with essential information about special education legal requirements and current and emerging legal issues.

Presenters:           

Peter Maher, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin
Andreana Bellach, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin
Julie Reznik, Attorney, Shipman & Goodwin

G5    Speaking for the State: Board Member Free Speech Rights and Limitations (APE, C, TOOLS)

School board members may not always understand or appreciate the differences between their speech rights and related responsibilities as individuals and as elected officials, or the effect their government actor status may have on their ability to address the speech and behavior of the public when interacting with boards. This workshop will help them understand those differences and effects.

Presenter:     

Kyle McClain, Attorney, Zangari Cohn Cuthbertson Duhl & Grello P.C.

FRIDAY MORNING SPEAKER

Dr. Miguel A. Cardona served as the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Joe Biden. With over 27 years in education, he has championed equity and access, from teaching fourth grade to leading America’s education system. Cardona’s key initiatives include academic recovery post-pandemic, mental health support, global competitiveness, and making college more affordable. Under his leadership, U.S. schools reopened successfully, $185 billion in student debt was forgiven, and student loan systems were reformed. His tenure saw record growth in student reading achievement, expanded apprenticeships for aspiring teachers, and increased school mental health resources. A first-generation college graduate, Cardona’s journey from bilingual educator to national leader exemplifies the power of public education. He holds multiple degrees from the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. Secretary Cardona and his wife, Marissa, also an educator, are proud parents of two college students. 

SATURDAY MORNING SPEAKER

Beth “Morning Deer” Regan was elected to the Mohegan Council of Elders in 2014, appointed Secretary in 2016, Vice Chairwoman in 2020, and Chairwoman in 2024.

Beth brings an extensive background in both education and athletics to her role on the Council of Elders. With a career spanning over 35 years as a teacher at Tolland High School, she specialized in both Native American studies and Russian history, creating courses in both subjects. An integral part of the Mohegan Tribe’s partnership with the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program, Beth has created curriculum and lessons on Mohegan history and culture for Connecticut teachers of all grade levels to incorporate into their instruction.

Outside the classroom, she has coached at the high school and collegiate levels and has a strong interest in soccer, basketball, and Unified Sports. Beth has also spent over 30 years as a coach and volunteer for Special Olympics. Her work in all of these areas has earned her many citations as both Teacher of the Year and Coach of the Year, and she is a member of the athletic Halls of Fame at Eastern Connecticut State University, New Britain High School, and the Connecticut Girls Soccer Association.

She holds two degrees from Eastern Connecticut State University, both a Bachelor of Science degree in history and education and a Master’s degree in Human Relations. She was a longtime member of the Mohegan Board of Education and is a current member of the Mohegan Tribe Language Committee. Beth and her spouse, Geri White, are longtime residents of Hampton, CT, where they both serve on various civic committees.

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

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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.

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