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.

Required New School Director Training – VIRTUAL 

September 17, 2022

New School Director Training is designed to meet the PA state training requirements for
all newly elected and appointed school directors in Pennsylvania.  

This training offers an overview of school governance and the role of the school board, an introduction to school finance and board policy, as well as an overview of legal implications of the Sunshine Act conflicts of interest and ethics. Per legislation passed by the PA General Assembly in 2019, a full hour is devoted to introducing trauma-informed education and its implications on school systems. Attendees will receive relevant resources for later reference. Time will be provided for questions, discussion and networking with other school directors in attendance. 

Required Advanced School Director Training – VIRTUAL

September 17, 2022

Advanced School Director training is designed to meet the PA state training requirements for all school directors reelected in November 2021.  
 
The program includes the latest in policy and legal updates, a session on advanced school finance and the ongoing implementation of trauma-informed education per legislation passed by the PA General Assembly in 2019. Attendees will receive relevant resources to understand and navigate implications to public school district from case law, state and federal legislation, as well as guidance from government agencies. Time will be provided for questions, discussion and networking with other school directors in attendance. 

PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference

October 30 – November 1, 2022

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 2022

October 31, 2022

The Pennsylvania School Board Solicitors Association’s (PSBSA) annual School Law Workshop is a multitopic, expert-level seminar designed for Pennsylvania school law practitioners, reviewing current issues arising in representing public school entities and offering ideas for practical approaches and solutions. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to network with education law colleagues from across the commonwealth while hearing the latest insights in this fast-paced practice area. Attorneys may earn up to 5.5 continuing legal education (CLE) credits (all substantive) by attending this workshop. 

 

Connections: School Safety + Mental Health 

November 2, 2022

Student mental health and support, and physical school safety and security, are critical areas of focus for the coming school year, as we reflect on and learn from recent events. These areas have been recognized by the PA General Assembly as priorities requiring additional funding allocations, as well as awareness and training activities. Please join us for a one-day session following the PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference to dive into these subject areas and learn more about the various approaches and programs to address the needs of your students and schools. Programs focusing on school mental health awareness and student supports will run alongside additional programs focusing on physical school safety, security and training — attendees will have the option to select the sessions that best meet their needs and interests.

PSBA School Board Secretaries Conference 

November 18, 2022

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.

Delegate Assembly Meeting

2022

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

Equity Summit

2022

Equity Summit brings district leaders together to address topics and learn strategies that move Pennsylvania schools toward equity for all students.

School Law Workshop

2022

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.

Start Strong

2023

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

School Board Secretaries Conference

January 2023

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.

Advocacy Day

TBD

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 leaders on the Hill, 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.

Board Leadership Workshop Series

TBD

Virtual Sectional Meetings

TBD

Spring Legal Roundup

TBD

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.