AASB's Fall Conference, Leadership for Community Engagement, will take place in north Alabama at The Westin Huntsville!

.............................................................................................................................

Fall Academy Core Conference: Leadership for Community Engagement

AASB's Fall Academy Core Conference, Leadership for Community Engagement will be held Sunday, Oct. 4 and Monday, Oct. 5 at The Westin Huntsville. Earn up to six training hours while hearing from engaging speakers who will share practical strategies and real-world examples of how school leaders can strengthen relationships with families, stakeholders, and their communities. Through inspiring keynote presentations, interactive discussions, and panel conversations, attendees will explore innovative approaches to community engagement, effective communication, branding, and building public trust. View Schedule

2026 Fall Conference ($209) | Contact your board secretary or AASB to register. 

Post-Conference Workshop | Monday, Oct. 5 | 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. | ($109) | Contact your board secretary or AASB to register. 

Extend your learning by attending the Post-Conference session, School Board Member Advocacy. Advocacy isn't reserved for the legislative session. it's an ongoing responsibility of effective school board leadership. The decisions made at the State House have a direct impact on every public school system in Alabama, and school board members have an important role in shaping those conversations. Join us for this engaging post-conference legislative advocacy session to learn how to build meaningful relationships with lawmakers, effectively communicate your school system's priorities, and champion public education. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to strengthen your impact, you'll gain practical tools, a better understanding of the legislative process, and renewed confidence to advocate for policies that benefit your students, schools, and communities. Lunch is provided. (2 training hours)

Cancellations/No Shows:

• No cancellations will be accepted beginning September 27, 2026.
• A $20 late fee will be applied to registrations starting September 27, 2026.
• No shows will be charged the full conference registration fee. 

Dietary Restrictions/Special Accommodations 

If you have a disability or dietary restrictions that require special attention please click here.

Hotel Information

NEW LOCATION: AASB's 2026 Fall Conference, Leadership for Community Engagement, will take place in Huntsville, Ala. at The Westin Huntsville!

The Westin Huntsville and Element Huntsville is a hotel complex with two connected hotels, providing guests with unique access to shared dining and amenities with distinct experiences so everyone can get the best stay for their needs.

The Westin & Element Huntsville

6800 Governors West NW

Huntsville, AL 35806

Rate: $179

Please see your conference confirmation email for booking links for both The Westin and Element Huntsville.

Last day to book: Monday, September 7

Update 8/12/26: Saturday night at The Westin Huntsville is full.

Parking: Complimentary On-Site Parking | Valet: $21.00/daily

Amenities

• Heated indoor pool open year-round (Outdoor saltwater pool closed for the season)
• Complimentary on-site parking
• Valet parking available
• Two complimentary electric car charging stations
• Express checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi 
• Dining
• Sage Grille
• Sage Bar
• Trieste Café
• In-room dining

Local Attractions

• Bridge Street Town Centre
• U.S. Space & Rocket Center
• Cummings Research Park
• Huntsville International Airport

Speakers

Sunday, October 4

From Challenge to Connection: Charlottesville  Kids Walk to School Success Story

Sometimes the best community engagement ideas begin with a problem that needs a creative solution. Charlottesville City Schools will share how a challenge sparked an award-winning campaign that brought students, families, school leaders and community members together. Participants will discover how looking at challenges differently—and showing up, listening and creating opportunities for connection—can build trust, visibility and stronger community relationships.

Beyond the Boardroom: Leading with Energy, Purpose, and Resilience

Every school district has a temperature—and its leaders have more power to influence it than they may realize. This high-energy keynote challenges district leaders to consider the tone they set, the energy they bring and the story they tell about public education, while exploring how composure, optimism and shared purpose can ripple from the boardroom into classrooms and communities. Attendees will leave energized and ready to protect their leadership flame, champion their schools and make every moment count.

Ad Valorem Referendum Panel

Ad valorem referendums can be a powerful tool for investing in schools—but getting to “yes” is rarely simple. In this candid panel discussion, school board members and education leaders will share lessons from successful and unsuccessful efforts, exploring what worked, what didn’t, and what they wished they had known. Attendees will gain practical insights into building community support, communicating the need and navigating the challenges that can make or break a referendum effort.

Monday, October 5

Breakout Sessions

(8-8:50 a.m. and 8:55-9:45 a.m.)

From Community Members to Community Champions: Building Better Connections

What happens when school leaders invite their community behind the scenes and give them a closer look at how a school system works? Pelham City Schools will share how a new community initiative is bringing residents into the conversation to better understand the people, programs, challenges and decisions shaping their schools. Participants will gain practical ideas for opening the doors, telling their district story, building relationships, and creating informed advocates for public education.

Beyond the Binder: Creating Strategic Plans that Matter

Do you have a case of the SPOTS—otherwise known as a Strategic Plan on the Shelf? A strong strategic plan provides direction for the board, superintendent and school system, and this session will explore the board’s role in turning vision into action. Participants will gain practical strategies for engaging stakeholders, setting priorities, and keeping the plan connected to ongoing board work and accountability.

Stronger at the Table: Building an Effective Board Team

Strong boards build trust, navigate conflict, share priorities, and stay focused on results. This session features five practical strategies for strengthening teamwork and board effectiveness.

General Sessions

Branding More than a Logo

A school district’s brand is more than a logo, color palette or tagline—it’s the story your community experiences every day. Birmingham City Schools will share how intentional branding can strengthen identity, communicate values, and build deeper connections with stakeholders. Participants will gain practical insights for creating a district brand that is authentic, recognizable, and meaningful.

HOST, Don’t Hold: Rethinking Community Engagement

Listening is more than giving people a microphone—it’s about creating the conditions for meaningful understanding. Lesley Bruinton, APR, introduces HOST, a research-informed framework that helps school boards structure community conversations, broaden participation, and translate what they hear into insight that strengthens governance.

Schedule at a Glance