Spring Conference

March 2025 Thursday Morning Keynote

Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, Thursday March 20, 8:30 AM

 Dr. Joe Sanfelippo recently retired after spending the last 26 years in the building and the final 12 as the Superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, WI. The Fall Creek School District was named an Innovative District by the International Center for Leadership in Education twice during that time. Joe holds a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, an MS in Educational Psychology, an MS in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Leadership, Learning, and Service. He was selected as 1 of 117 Future Ready Superintendents and 1 of 50 Superintendents as a Personalized Learning Leader by the US Department of Education. Education Dive named Joe their National Superintendent of the Year in 2019.

Joe started the #1minwalk2workLeadership Challenge, and authored multiple books, including The Power of Branding-Telling Your School's Story, Principal Professional Development: Leading Learning in a Digital Age, Hacking Leadership: 10 Ways Great Leaders Inspire Learning That Teachers, Students and Parents Love, Lead From Where You Are: Building Intention, Connection, and Direction in Our Schools, and Crafting the Culture: 45 Reflections on What Matters Most, and the upcoming 1 Minute Walk to Work: Weekly Walks to Your Greatest Year Ever (Available June 2024).

March 2025 Thursday Noon Keynote

Dr. Brian Maher - Commissioner of Education, Thursday March 20, 12:00 PM

Dr. Brian Maher was selected as the Nebraska Commissioner of Education by the State Board of Education on March 31, 2023, and started in the position on July 1, 2023.

Dr. Maher is a long-time educator with strong Nebraska roots. He served as superintendent at Sioux Falls School District (South Dakota) from 2015 to 2020; a 25,000-student school system where he led during the beginning stages of a worldwide health pandemic. Maher also served as superintendent at both Kearney (2007-2015) and Centennial (1999-2007) Public Schools in Nebraska. In his tenure as a school superintendent, he successfully led four bond referendums in three different school districts. Dr. Maher was also an administrator at Waverly, Elkhorn, and Johnson-Brock Public Schools and a teacher at Elkhorn and Clarks Public Schools.

March 2025 Friday Closing Keynote

Darin Boysen - Executive Director, Nebraska Coaches Association, Friday March 21, 2025, 11:00 AM

Darin Boysen was selected as the Nebraska Coaches Association Executive Director in the spring of 2011.  The NCA serves a current record 4,500+ coaches across the state of Nebraska. 

Boysen earned his bachelor’s degree at Midland University in 1990 and a master’s degree from Doane University in 1996.

Boysen was a social studies teacher and coach at North Bend Central for 15 years.  While at North Bend, he coached several sports including football, wrestling, and boys golf.  Darin began his teaching and coaching career in Lake Havasu City, Arizona in 1990.

Before his arrival at the NCA, he served as an Assistant Director for the Nebraska School Activities Association for five years (2006-2011). Nationally, he served on the NFHS national rules committees for the sport of wrestling and the NFHS Spirit of Sport Award.

At the national level, Mr. Boysen is currently serving as the President of the National Organization of Coaches Association Directors, is a member of American Football Coaches Association’s High School Leadership Council, and as a founding Board of Director of the National School Sports Alliance, founded by Ecsell Sports. He has served as an executive board member of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. At the state level, he is a Board of Director with the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame Foundation. 

Boysen has been recognized for his service by several state and national organizations: The Nebraska State Athletic Trainers Association – Key Contributor Award (2010), the Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame (2013), HUMANeX - Athletic Coach Exemplar (2015), Proactive Coaching’s Leading with Honor Award (2023), theNHSACA’s Carey E. McDonald National Citation (2024) and by the Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association with the Award of High Distinction, just last week.

Darin’s passion is serving coaches and the profession of coaching. He travels across Nebraska and America advocating that education-based athletics and activities are unique and desperately needed in our society today. He joined the Proactive Coaching team of certified speakers in the Fall of 2024, specializing in The Role of Parents in Athletics presentation. Through the endorsement of the NRCSA and other Nebraska educational organizations, Darin shared Bruce Brown’s legendary insights with parents in 23 schools during the inaugural year.

Darin’s wife Tina, a 23-year elementary teacher, joined the NCA staff full-time in May 2022 as the Coordinator of Events and Programs. Darin and Tina have two daughters: Jordan - a NICU nurse at Children’s Hospital in Omaha and Hailey – completing her Special Education degree at Doane University in May. She has accepted a contract with Lincoln Public Schools for the 2025-2026 school year.

AI in Education: Preparing Students for a Changing World
This presentation will explore how higher education institutions, specifically Doane University, integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching, learning, and operational processes to better prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce and world. Participants will receive a brief overview of how Doane is leveraging AI in education through a recent capstone project for senior business students. This project not only showcases AI capabilities in the classroom but also provides context for AI in the workforce. Doane University emphasizes the importance of AI while also incorporating critical thinking, ethical practices, and data literacy. Participants will leave the session with a clearer understanding of AI trends, as well as concrete strategies and resources for building AI literacy among students to prepare them for the workforce or further education. Presented by Tiffany Shonerd Doane University

AI in Schools, Changes in Federal Grant Funding, and other Hot Topics for our Nebraska Rural Schools
This session will discuss a variety of topics, including the fast-pace changes in artificial intelligence and its uses and potential misuses in public schools, the recent changes in federal grant funding as highlighted by NDE, and other hot topics impacting our Nebraska rural schools. Presented by Perry Law Firm

“A Bold Initiative: Comprehensive Behavioral and Social Skill Supports for Students, Families, Teachers, and Administrators, North Platte Public Schools implementation of Boys Town’s Lift initiative.” 
This presentation will explore the comprehensive partnership between North Platte Public Schools and Boys Town which began in 2022. The initiative aims to address behavioral and social skills needs within the school community to decrease absenteeism, beahvioral incidents, and suspensions, ultimately keeping students in the classroom. It provides teachers and administrators with tools and strategies to effectively address behaviors by using consistent language and interventions across the entire school building, creating a supportive environment for all students. Additionally, the partnership provides tiered interventions for students with specific behavioral needs and offers specialized support for families, including parenting resources. Intial outcomes from the initiative in North Platte will be reviewed and outcomes from other Boys Town Lift locations will also be provided. Presented by Brandy Buscher & Megan Andrews; North Platte Public Schools & Boys Town

Building Foundations for Team Success: Growing Leaders with SEED
Join us for an interactive session focused on enhancing team dynamics and driving professional growth! In this session, we’ll delve into the aspects of team culture, educator development, and systemic coherence, utilizing Nebraska SEED self-reflection rubrics as our guide. We’ll share our journey including templates, examples, and artifacts. We will also discuss how we partnered with ESU13 and the SEED team to provide individual/team coaching to drive professional growth. The team will share how they are working towards alignment with the Board of Education’s Strategic plan and optimizing curriculum, instruction, and supervision. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance team dynamics and drive success! Presented by Dr. Julie Downing, Travis Miller, Mandy Plog, & Eric Arneson; Educational Service Unit 13 & Hemingford Public Schools

Building Resilience Together: The Impact of the Seward County and ESU5 Mental Health Partnership
This presentation will highlight the impactful collaboration between Seward County Schools and ESU5 over the past three years in addressing mental health needs within local schools. By combining resources and expertise, the partnership has provided counseling, crisis intervention, and proactive wellness programs to students, educators, and families. The session will explore the measurable outcomes of these efforts, including improvements in student well-being, academic performance, and emotional resilience.Presented by Jen McNally; Educational Service Unit 5

A Conversation with Members of the State Board of Education
Join members of the State Board of Education for a discussion on the statewide vision and priorities for Nebraska education as it relates to rural community schools. Much of this session will be devoted to question and answer opportunities.Presented by Kristin Christensen, Maggie Douglas, Lisa Schonhoff, Liz Renner, Kirk Penner, Sherry Jones, Elizabeth Tegtmeier, & Deborah Neary, Moderated by Dr. Brian Maher & Ryan Foor; Nebraska State Board of Education, Nebraska Department of Education, & Commissioner of Education

Educator Certification Updates
This session will include general updates on the certification process with a focus on how to best help your applicants and teachers to be prepared for the upcoming school year. Presented by Katelyn Larsen Nebraska Department of Education

Empowering Rural Youth: Implementing Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) in Nebraska Schools
This presentation explores how three rural schools across Nebraska are adopting the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program to address unique challenges faced by students in underserved areas. Attendees will learn how the program is being tailored to meet the specific needs of the rural communities of Arlington, Auburn and Bancroft-Rosalie, focusing on workforce readiness, career exploration, and soft skills development. The presentation will highlight The structure of the JAG model and its alignment with Nebraska’s rural school systems. Presented by Dr. Jon Cerny, Dr. Dawn Lewis, & David Patton, Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools, Arlington Public Schools, & Auburn Public Schools

From Classroom to Commerce: Lessons Learned from Starting a School-Based Business
This session will look at the challenges and successes of starting a school-based business. Centennial High School and Weeping Water High School FFA have started two different types of businesses and will share what they have learned throughout the process of starting from scratch to running a successful business and truly having students take ownership of running and managing the business. It is easier than you would think and a high-impact experience for students! Presented by Craig Barjenbruch, Lauryn Breitkreutz, Jordan Wagner, Krystl Knabe, Abbie Hanneman, & Blake Henderson; Centennial Public Schools & Weeping Water Public Schools

Growing Teachers, Growing Success: How Apprenticeship, Retention, and Collaboration Fuel the Future of Education
This session delves into the transformative potential of teacher apprenticeships as a funding-supported, collaborative approach to addressing educator workforce shortages and improving retention. Participants will explore how this innovative model provides aspiring teachers with hands-on, mentored experience while earning their credentials, supported by sustainable funding and robust resource networks. Apprenticeship program information will be shared, with a focus on structural differences between this model and traditional teacher preparation programs, emphasizing its advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, real-world training, and enhanced support systems. Attendees will also learn strategies for building strong partnerships among school districts, higher education institutions, and the Nebraska Department of Education to establish teacher apprentice pipelines for future educators. Attendees will gain insights into how this approach can foster a diverse and sustainable educator workforce while enhancing teacher satisfaction and retention. Participants will leave with actionable ideas and resources to related to teacher apprenticeship programs. Presented by Dr. Sara Skretta, Dr. Sue Kemp, Kelly Baehr, Kesha King; Univeristy of Nebraska-Lincoln & Nebraska Department of Education

Helping Communities Connect Career Advancement” through Career Technical Education programs in rural schools
The Hale County College & Career Academy motto” Helping Communities Connect Career Advancement”. Public  school districts play a pivotal role in the wellbeing of rural communities. CTE programs serve their rural communities by expanding innovative  career pathways for ALL students. The purpose of this session is to hear from CTE instructors about how their program connects to career advancement. Presented by Dr. Marlon Murray & Felecia Briggins; Hale College & Career Academy

How to serve Grab and Go and Delivery Meals to Kids During Summer
It takes a village to feed kids when school is out. Come learn about whether the new Grab and Go or Delivery options with the Summer Food Service Program can help your community get it done! Join this session to learn about the new Rural Non-Congregate summer option, figure out your district’s eligibility and see a timeline for participation. You will also hear from a summer 2024 Nebraska sponsor about how they managed their program and how it benefited their community. Presented by Eric Savaiano Nebraska Appleseed

The KSB Crystal Ball
With any new presidential administration, there are always changes to rules, regulations, and enforcement expectations.  In addition to executive orders and agency interpretations, of course we always have new court cases and legislation that impact schools.  Without focusing too much on any one area, the attorneys from KSB will take you through a fast-paced session that will cover many topics, with our best guesses for what’s coming next and what you can do to be prepared as a board member or administrator. Presented by KSB School Law

Legal Updates for Rural School Board Members
Every year, new developments in school law require updates for school districts and school board members. In addition, “hot topics” and common mistakes can cause serious problems and roadblocks for school boards. This session will cover all this and more. Presented by Perry Law Firm

Let’s Put the FUN in Funding
No, this is not a session to complain about TEEOSA or the Unicameral.  But we will work through the current state of the law and the things all school board members and administrators need to think about when it comes to the technical requirements of planning for your upcoming budget and other financial considerations.  Terms like allowable growth and pink postcards are still here.  Will it be more difficult to run a bond election?  Whether you’re anticipating a “normal” budget process or may have facility improvements or building projects in mind, this session will tackle the tricky compliance areas and things KSB attorneys have learned through experience in these ever-changing rules.Presented by KSB School Law

Literacy & Leadership
Being a leader in literacy is essential for learner success. The Nebraska Department of Education has recently made literacy across Nebraska a top priority for all learners throughout our districts and classrooms. Join Becky Michael as she presents today’s major shifts in ELA instruction including recent impactful research and literacy updates. She will share multiple literacy resources applicable to district and school leaders, classroom educators, and parents.Presented by Becky Michael; Nebraska Dept. of Education

Navigating Complex Personnel Challenges in Public Schools
This session will explore personnel issues facing public schools, including evaluations, compliance with Title IX in employee matters, best practices for transgender employees, and handling evolving legal challenges.  Attendees will gain practical insight into balancing legal mandates while addressing real world scenarios. Presented by Perry Law Firm

Nebraska School Lands Past and Present
This session will describe the history, operation of, and funds raised by the School Lands for the support of the public schools. Presented by Kelly Sudbeck; Nebraska Board of Education Lands & Funds

Nebraska State College Initiatives, including Nebraska SMART TUTORING
This presentation will provide attendees with an update on recent initiatives from the Nebraska State Colleges.  Included in the presentation will be an update from the Nebraska SMART Tutoring Director, as well as updates on educator pathway initiatives that focus upon non-traditional students such as dual credit students, paraprofessionals, and individuals who already hold a bachelors degree who wish to pursue educator certification. Presented by Julie Dickerson & Jodi Kupper; Nebraska SMART & Nebraska State College System

NRCSA General Members Meeting
This session will comprise the General Members Meeting for NRCSA. Nominations for leadership positions and an update on NRCSA services and programs will be presented. Presented by Jack Moles & Dr. Heather Nebesniak; NRCSA & Ord Public Schools

NRCSA Legislative Update
In this session Executive Director Jack Moles will provide an update on the current legislative activity and NRCSA’s participation within the process, including the efforts of Nebraska United for Property Tax Relief and Education. Topics covered will also include school finance activity, property tax relief measures, the efforts of other education related groups, federal legislation, and more. Presented by Jack Moles & Russ Westerhold; NRCSA

School Finance 101
This session will discuss the basics of school finance. The major factors of the formula (various adjustments and allowances, comparison arrays, etc) will be discussed and explained.  This session will also cover the eleven different funds used by schools. Presented by Michelle Cartwright; Nebraska Dept. of Education

School Finance Update
This session will provide information on all relevant current school finance happenings including; Legislative work addressing issues related to the state aid formula, aid certification, property tax authority and possibly adding in a bad joke or two! Presented by Bryce Wilson; Nebraska Dept. of Education

Screen Smarts: How Hershey Public Schools is Empowering Responsible Digital Citizens
In today’s digital world, teaching students how to navigate online spaces responsibly is just as essential as traditional education. At Hershey Public Schools, we’re committed to shaping informed, thoughtful and responsible digital citizens. One of our formal board goals for the 2024-2025 school year is “to equip students, parents and staff with the tools they need to engage with technology safely, wisely and ethically.”We partnered with A.Plum Creative, whose expertise transformed our idea into high-quality, visually compelling and fact-checked content. To bring our message to life, we have combined weekly social media content, on-campus digital signage and ongoing community engagement to reinforce responsible digital habits. By integrating these messages into daily life, we’re fostering a school culture built on integrity, safety and responsibility in the digital space.Join us to learn how through this strategic collaboration, Hershey Public Schools is leading the charge in digital citizenship—ensuring that our students are prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Presented by Jane Davis & Anna Weber; Hershey Public Schools & A.Plum Creative

Securing the Future: Strategies for Recruiting Diverse and High-Quality Superintendents in
Nebraska Schools
Are you prepared to navigate the challenges of hiring a top-tier superintendent if your current one decides to step down? The Nebraska Association of Professors of School Leadership (NAPSL) is here to support you in building strategies that will attract and secure high-quality leadership for Nebraska’s schools. This engaging session, led by NAPSL, will spark essential discussions on the future of educational leadership in our state, examining Nebraska's rich history of superintendents and exploring the growing need for a more diverse pool of future leaders. Together, we’ll identify actionable steps to address the evolving demands in education. We encourage both board members and current superintendents to join us for this vital conversation on shaping Nebraska's educational leadership future. Presented by Dr. Mike Sieh, Dr. Kevin Riley, & Dr. Shavonna Holman; Wayne State College, University of Nebraska-Omaha, & University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Stop, Evaluate and Listen: Meaningful and Compliant Superintendent Evaluations
Is your school’s or ESU’s evaluation process meaningful, or a confusing thing to just check off the list?  In this presentation, KSB will cover the legal requirements for conducting and discussing superintendent evaluations along with other contract and policy implications for what you do and how you do it.Presented by KSB School Law

Tools, Textbooks, and Tech: ESUCC’s Magic for Schools
Discover how the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council (ESUCC) is transforming education in Nebraska! From saving schools over $8 million annually through the Nebraska Coop to expanding equitable learning opportunities with 740 distance learning course connections in the Distance Learning Network, ESUCC ensures every student has access to success. The new Textbook Loan Program provides essential learning resources to non-public schools statewide. There is so much more! Join me to explore how ESUCC drives collaboration, sparks innovation, and delivers big wins for Nebraska schools—enhancing student success and building the future of education together.Presented by Dr. Larianne Polk; Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council

What is the Northeast Nebraska Agriculture and Natural Resources Compact?
Have you heard rumors about the 1st ever Nebraska Education Compact?  Come to this session to learn more about what the compact is doing in the Northeast part of Nebraska and how we are supporting schools in the region.Presented by Dr. Tammera Mittelstet & Dr. Mark Lenihan; University of Nebraska-Lincoln & Wayne Community Schools

So What Makes a Good Board Member
Rural school districts across the state are blessed with many good, effective Board of Education members.  In this panel discussion, veteran Board members will share a little bit about their ideas on being an effective Board member. Presented by Jack Moles & Panelists; NRCSA

2025 Spring Conference Schedule

**Schedule is tentative and subject to change**

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

10:00 AM-2:00 PM Pre-Session: The Seven HAbits of Highly Effective People, presented by Franklin Covey

3:00 PM to 5:00 PM   Executive Committee Meeting—Bronze 5

6:30 PM—9:00 PM   Exhibitor Check-In & Setup—Gold 4,5,6,10,11,12

7:00 PM —9:00 PM  Attendee Registration—Registration 1

7:00 PM                  Hospitality Rooms                                 

Thursday, March 20, 2025

7:15 AM                  Attendee Registration—Registration 1

                                 Coffee and Rolls—Gold 4,5,6,10,11,12

8:30 AM                  General Session—Silver 4,5,6,10,11,12

         Presiding: Dr. Heather Nebesniak, NRCSA President, Supt, Ord Public Schools

         8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Musical Welcome: Wood River Public Schools

         9:05 AM – 9:15 AM Scholarships and Awards:  

NRCSA Scholarship & Gary Fisher Fine Arts Scholarship Announcements

           9:30 AM – 10:20 AM Keynote Address: Joe Sanfelippo                                                                            

10:20 AM—11:00 AM       Exhibitor Time

11:00 AM—11:50 AM       Thursday Morning Select-a-Sessions

12:00 PM                Lunch General Session— Silver 4,5,6,10,11,12

         Presiding: Dr. Mark Lenihan, NRCSA Past President, Supt, Wayne Community Schools

         12:35 PM – 12:55 PM Keynote Address: Dr. Brian Maher, Commissioner of Education, NDE

         1:00 PM – 1:40 PM Scholarships and Awards:

Outstanding Elementary Teacher

Outstanding Secondary Teacher

Gary Fisher Outstanding Music Teacher

Outstanding ESU Staff Member

1:45 PM—2:20 PM   Exhibitor Time

2:20 PM—3:10 PM   Thursday Afternoon Select-a-Sessions

3:10 PM—3:35 PM            Exhibitor Time

3:35 PM—4:25 PM   Thursday Afternoon Select-a-Sessions

4:30 PM-5:30 PM Exhibitor Hospitality

 6:00 PM                  Chuckwagon Buffet— Silver 4,5,6,10,11,12

7:00 PM                  Hospitality Rooms

Friday, March 21, 2025

 7:15 AM                  Attendee Registration—Registration 1

                                 Coffee and Rolls—Registration 1

 8:00 AM—8:50 AM  Friday Select-a-Session I

9:00 AM—9:50 AM  Friday Select-a-Session II

10:00 AM—10:45 AM       Brunch Buffet—Silver 4,5,6,10,11,12

10:30: - 11:00 AM                 Musical Welcome: Palmyra District OR 1

10:50 AM                Closing Session— Silver 4,5,6,10,11,12

         Presiding: Chris Kuncl, NRCSA President-Elect, Supt, Mullen Public Schools

         11:00 AM – 11:45 AM Scholarships and Awards:  

Outstanding Classified Staff Member

Outstanding Board Member

Outstanding Principal

Outstanding Superintendent

         11:50- AM – 12:45 PM Keynote Address: TBD

12:50 PM                Thank Yous, Prizes, & Drawings