Signature Events

PSBA offers members a variety of live education and networking events throughout the year. Some events highlight foundational content or aspects of Pennsylvania public education. Other events cover timely topics, offering members direct access to experts, along with best practice exchanges among peers. The goal of every gathering is to support school directors and other district leaders in exemplifying PSBA’s Principles for Governance and Leadership through governing effectively, leading responsibly, acting ethically, advocating earnestly, planning thoughtfully, evaluating continuously and communicating clearly. Check below for details on signature events, including specific locations as they become available.

The PSBA member portal – myPSBA.org is the resource for virtual and live event registrations, online learning, publications and other tools, along with a way to connect with other members. Course enrollment and progress toward badges and certificates may be tracked and required school director training specifics are outlined here.

School solicitors, other school district positions and non-member participants will be provided an alternative registration option, where applicable. Please click on the specific event you’re interested in for details on how and where to register.

Board Leadership Panel Discussions

All dates in this series have passed. Any future sessions will be listed here.
Whether serving in your first year or tenth year, being elected to board leadership demonstrates the confidence and trust of your colleagues. The board president has responsibilities that are different than those of any other school board director and the vice president supports those responsibilities in various ways. During this program, we will review the four foundational responsibilities of board leadership, followed by a panel discussion with experienced board leaders from around the commonwealth. We encourage school directors currently serving in leadership positions and directors interested in future board leadership to register for this program. Please select the date/time that works best for your schedule.

Starting Out: A Seat on the School Board

All dates in this series have passed. Any future sessions will be listed here.
Are you interested in campaigning for your local school board? Would you like to learn more about the role before you file? From reviewing the basics of effective school board service to hearing what to expect from experienced directors, this virtual program focuses on the core considerations for those considering a run for school board.

Sectional Meetings

All dates in this series have passed. Any future sessions will be listed here.
In an effort to best support the needs of our members, PSBA has restructured the 2023 Sectional Meetings. See PSBA.org for details on webinars/presentations addressing school safety and security, poverty, and legislative matters.

Spring Legal Roundup

March 22, 2023

PSBA's Spring Legal Roundup is an engaging and interactive three-hour educational event that provides important updates on significant developments in school law. Attorneys and school directors are welcome to attend. Attorneys may earn up to three substantive continuing legal education credits.

*PSBA is accredited by the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board as a provider of continuing legal education (CLE) programs in both in-person and distance learning formats.

*Note: All-Access school entities can send all nine school directors, superintendents, business managers and board secretaries to as many live and online programs as they like, except for multiday events and customized workshops.

School Solicitors Symposium

July 13-14, 2023 | Penn Stater, State College, PA

The School Solicitors Symposium is an annual multiday educational and networking program specifically focused on issues and trends impacting the legal representation of public school entities. The program is presented in a relaxed, informal atmosphere and includes networking and brainstorming opportunities in addition to topical presentations. Attorneys may earn 7.5 continuing legal education credits (6.5 substantive, 1 ethics).

Start Strong

September 13, 2023 | PSBA Headquarters

PSBA trainers and veteran school board directors provided information to attendees on how to welcome and effectively acclimate new school directors to board service.

Fall Advocacy Week

October 2-6, 2023 | Virtual/Capitol 

PSBA connects you with state legislators to advocate powerfully and directly on behalf of your districts, region and public education. This is your opportunity to apply your advocacy skills by engaging with legislators, along with other school directors who are passionate about public education. You will understand and be able to clearly voice PSBA’s legislative priorities alongside stories and concerns from your district.

Safe and Sound – Improving School Safety and Student Mental Health

October 15, 2023 | Preconference event

This preconference event focuses on student mental health and support, and physical school safety and security. Attendees will have the option to select sessions from two tracks that best meet their needs and interests.

PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference

October 15-17, 2023

The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) and PSBA host a joint, multi-day conference for school leaders from across the commonwealth. Serving and supporting the role of school administrators and school board directors, the programming of the event is designed to inform and inspire. The purpose of the conference is to equip you for the challenges of your education leadership role by bringing learning opportunities, product and service offerings, along with networking, together for a maximized attendee experience.

School Law Workshop

October 16, 2023 | Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Poconos, PA

The annual School Law Workshop offers valuable networking and learning opportunities for school attorneys and school officials. Presentations provide an overview of legal issues school entities across the commonwealth may face, including occurrence from the past year and insight on what’s likely to come. Participants may earn up to 5.5 continuing legal education credits. Always a highpoint of the event is the presentation of the PA School Board Solicitors Association’s President’s Award for Distinguished Career Achievement in School Law.

Delegate Assembly

November 4, 2023 | Hybrid event: Virtual and at PSBA Headquarters

The PSBA Delegate Assembly is our association-wide business meeting that includes platform and bylaws consideration, financial updates and leadership election results.

School Board Secretaries Conference 

November 17, 2023 | PSBA Headquarters

School board secretaries are an essential part of school boards’ success. This annual event is designed specifically to meet the networking and training needs of these key employees. The conference will provide the latest policy and legal updates, and help attendees refresh skills.

New and Advanced Required School Director Training

Various dates and times | Virtual and In-Person

As an accredited statewide provider for required school director training, PSBA's New School Director Training is designed to meet the PA state training requirements for all newly elected, appointed and reelected school directors.

New School Director Monthly Exchanges

Various dates and times | Zoom

Learning to be an effective member of your Team of 10 takes time. New School Director Monthly Exchange facilitates the process by helping first-term directors better understand relevant topics, such as school board governance, school law, school finance and board policy.