District Meetings
NRCSA holds a total of six (6) district meetings every year (typically these occur in late August through November). There is at least one meeting per district held in a location within that district. Whenever possible these meetings are scheduled to coincide with ESU meetings or other gatherings of administrators. This is intended to minimize the burden of travel and expense placed on all schools and ESU’s.
These meetings are designed to be an outreach to all schools. The Executive Director, the lobbyist, or both provide an update on NRCSA’s activities, and are available to hear comments, questions, or concerns facing schools in the district. It is also a time to give feedback to the organization and discuss topics of interest. NRCSA welcomes your thoughts and ideas about legislative issues as well as ideas for training or sessions you would like to see at other conferences such as the Legislative Forum or Spring Conference.
Administrators from all public schools in Nebraska, whether members or not, are welcome to attend these meetings at no cost. If you cannot attend the meeting in your district, feel free to attend any of the district meetings that your schedule allows. Effective communication is the only way to make your voice heard, both within the organization and with lawmakers.
Golf Tournament
The NRCSA Golf Tournament is held in late July or early August in conjunction with the NCSA’s Administrator Days in Kearney. The tournament is held annually on the Tuesday before Administrator Days. Participation is open to all personnel from NRCSA member schools, both active and retired, as well as vendors and personnel from other education related organizations. The format is a 4-person scramble with 3 flights. Participation is limited to 132 golfers.
This event offers an opportunity for fellowship, competition, a chance to reconnect with friends, and to support a great cause with a portion of every registration fee going to support the Gary Fisher Fine Arts Scholarship. There are lots of prizes given away at this event, including a pin prize on every hole! There is also a lunch served after the conclusion of play. This is a relaxing and fun way to start your week at Administrator Days.
Legislative Forum
The NRCSA Legislative Forum is held annually in mid to late February at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln.
The sessions presented offer administrators and board members an opportunity to hear from education leaders including, the Education Committee Chair, the Appropriations Committee Chair, the Governor, personnel from the Department of Education, and NRCSA leadership. It also offers the opportunity to have a direct dialogue with policy-makers over lunch.
This is an important event not only for NRCSA, but for policymakers as well. On average, around 25 of the 49 senators attend the lunch session. Even senators representing urban areas (and who have no NRCSA member schools in their district) have attended. The sharing of thoughts and ideas, even with legislators who do not directly represent NRCSA schools, only strengthens our voice.
Spring Conference
The Spring Conference is NRCSA’s flagship event. It is held annually the third or fourth Thursday and Friday in March, at the Crowne Plaza & Younes North Convention Center in Kearney. The conference is a day-and-a-half of presentations, workshops, and motivational speakers all aimed at promoting rural schools. There are musical performances, scholarship announcements, award presentations, a general membership meeting, 30-35 sessions on topics of interest, and other fun and informative activities. The conference typically features over 300 attendees from member schools, some 180 people who exhibit on behalf of 84 or more businesses, and anywhere from 30 to 50 presenters. All totaled, there are typically anywhere from 400 to 600 people in attendance.