2022 Board Service Academy Series & Additional Professional Development Opportunities
Workshops will be held virtually until MABE determines it's safe to meet in person, at which point workshops will be held at the MABE offices. Additional workshops will be offered as the need or issue arises.
There is a charge of $75.00 per workshop unless otherwise indicated, payable via the online registration link provided for each workshop.
For more information about Board Development Programs, please contact Molly Young, Director of Board Development.
NSBA Equity Symposium
January 22, 2022 ($225)
Washington, DC
The NSBA Equity Symposium provides a forum for school board members, public school advocates, and community leaders to examine and discuss the strategies, current trends, research, and best practices around equity in our nation's public K-12 schools.
Adult New Board Member Orientation: Equipping Yourself for Success
January 31, 2022 ($150)
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Congratulations! You've been elected or appointed to your local school board and may be wondering, "Now what?" This is a crucial area where MABE's expertise can help! During these two days, you will learn the vital "ins and outs" of your important role; examine school law and policy that will impact your day-to-day work; learn about MABE's many practical resources that help you in your ongoing School Board efforts; and meet other new board members facing many of the same challenges you're encountering. This one is a can't miss!
The Budget Process: Make Sure You're Prepared!
February 9, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
One of the absolute most important and challenging functions of a school board involves school budget and finance. When districts are preparing their budgets, it is imperative for all members of the Board of Education to understand the budget process, know the school board's role in the process, and -- importantly -- know how to best communicate budget requests to their local appropriating body. You'll leave this practical session having gained helpful insights and how-tos about the budgeting process from MABE Deputy Executive Director Milton Nagel.
School Boards Operating in a New Age: The Pressing Need for Vision and Accountability
March 10, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Vision and accountability are two of the key components of effective board governance, and neither has been more imperative than in today's turbulent climate. Establishing a clear vision with high expectations for quality learning supports strong student outcomes. This includes clear and specific goals to move a district forward, and being held accountable for these goals. Accountability depends on open decision making, community engagement and support, and receptivity to new ideas and constructive criticism. This Academy will feature best practices and discussion of unique challenges from your peers from around the state.
Crisis Communication How-Tos for Boards of Education
March 22, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
School Boards today are facing a range of threats that seem to increase each week, involving everything from social media firestorms, meeting protests and misconduct allegations, to contentious ballot issues and difficult labor union negotiations. When crises occur -- or seem ready to crop up at any moment -- stakeholders need to hear and be influenced by the Board's positions. Learn from MABE Communications Director Jen Beltz ways to frame and share your message in a diplomatic, time-sensitive and persuasive way.
NSBA 2022 Annual Conference & Exposition
April 1-4, 2022
San Diego
The NSBA 2022 Annual Conference & Exposition brings together education leaders to learn about best governance practices, gain insight into child development and learn about new programs and technology that can help enrich student learning.
The Board of Education Role in Community Engagement & Leadership
April 21, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
The ultimate goal of community engagement is to focus the community on answering the question, "What must the community be like in order for all children to succeed?" This important session will help you develop a better understanding of the public's expectations, and determine how parents, business people, and other members of the public can actively support the school system through effective engagement. By doing so, Board members empower themselves by increasing the effectiveness and impact of their everyday governance.
The Board of Education Role in Community Engagement & Leadership
April 23, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
The ultimate goal of community engagement is to focus the community on answering the question, "What must the community be like in order for all children to succeed?" This important session will help you develop a better understanding of the public's expectations, and determine how parents, business people, and other members of the public can actively support the school system through effective engagement. By doing so, Board members empower themselves by increasing the effectiveness and impact of their everyday governance.
The Blueprint and Universal Pre-K
May 3, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future Act mandates expansions of guaranteed access to high-quality pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds in income-eligible families. Learn more about the law, the State's implementation plan, and challenges local Boards face in making room for new students, building partnerships with private providers, and communicating with families on the roll-out of these major reforms.
New Laws Passed in 2022 Affecting Your School System: Policy-Making Implications & Opportunities
May 25, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Legislative sessions move quickly and can be complicated. It can be difficult to keep up with decisions that impact local boards without legislative expertise in your corner. Here, MABE has you covered! This helpful session will provide you and your Board with all the latest legislative developments from Annapolis you need to have on your radar, and prepare you to act on these new laws through local board policies, programs, and services.
Ethics: What You Most Need to Know
June 7, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Ask yourself this: Do you and your fellow board members always act ethically? There is often a fine line between good intentions and unethical behavior. During this useful workshop, you will learn needed information and context about Maryland's ethics laws; analyze related, real-life scenarios; and examine the consequences for failure to comply. Given the importance of meeting ethics requirements, you'll want to be sure to attend.
Governing for Equity
June 23, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
The Maryland State Board of Education has mandated educational equity as a priority for all school systems in the State. In response, the MABE Educational Equity Committee has created a Workbook, "Leading for Educational Equity Through School Board Governance," to assist Maryland School Boards in focusing on educational equity as an integral part of its decision-making process. Through the use of the Workbook, this session will explain the relationship between equity and equality; how educational equity benefits all students; and how Boards can evaluate their decisions through an equity lens. This project is generously supported by our strategic partner Newsela, known for its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging which is echoed in their mission of meaningful classroom learning for EVERY student.
Boost Your Effective Governance With Stronger Board Self-Evaluations & Superintendent Evaluations
July 12, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Evaluations are essential tools to ensure effective Board Governance. Commitment to quality, excellence, continuous learning, and local control of the educational system all are demonstrated when Boards lead by example with thorough, well-thought-out evaluations. This session will walk you through how to establish an organized process for delivering the best possible evaluations that strengthen your governance efforts.
The Blueprint and Reimagining College Readiness and CTE
July 21, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future Act calls for statewide curricular reforms, expert review teams advising on school-based practices, and the ambitious target that students are "college and career ready" by the end of 10th grade instead of 12th grade. This session will explore how the Blueprint redefines Career Technical Education (CTE) and demands expanded partnerships with community colleges and businesses.
Student New Board Member Orientation
August 4, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Student Board Members have a unique opportunity to help shape the path of education on a local level and learn the basics of governance firsthand. MABE's Student New Board Orientation will help equip you to make the biggest helpful impact in your school system, while helping you forge valuable connections with other student board members. During your resource-filled day with MABE, you will learn the "ins and outs" of your important role, meet your peers from throughout Maryland, and engage in timely discussions from a trusted student perspective.
The Open Meetings Act: Understanding its Significance, Avoiding Penalties & Ensuring School Board Compliance
August 23, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Maryland's Open Meetings Act is more complicated than just providing public notice of your meetings. This workshop will help you and your School Board colleagues by providing an in-depth overview of Maryland's Open Meetings Act, and discussing some of the cases and complaints that have come before the Open Meetings Compliance Board. Maryland law now requires that at least one member of the Board be designated to receive training on the Open Meetings Act, and it is highly recommended that all members be familiar with the Act.
Parliamentary Procedure: Maximizing its Benefits & Rewards
September 13, 2022 ($75)
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Learn from an experienced parliamentarian the best way to conduct your board meetings while still complying with Maryland law. If your board uses Robert's Rules of Order, this interactive and engaging session will provide you with a clear understanding of ways to use Parliamentary Procedure to make your board meetings even more efficient and productive.
MABE Annual Conference 2022
October 5-7, 2022
Join your fellow board members and other education stakeholders from across the state at The Westin Annapolis for 2.5 days of engaging speakers, timely workshops, and active networking.
Registration information pending
Adult New Board Member Orientation
(Date & Time TBD)
Congratulations! You've been elected or appointed to your local school board and may be wondering, "What next?" This is a crucial area where MABE's expertise can help! During these two days, you will learn the vital "ins and outs" of your important role; examine school law and policy that will impact your day-to-day work; learn about MABE's many practical resources that help you in your ongoing School Board efforts; and meet other new board members facing many of the same challenges you're encountering. This one is a can't-miss!
Registration information pending