Conference  Program

7:15 - 8:15 AM	Registration Open and Light Networking Get settled in for the day and connect with your colleagues.
8:15 AM	Welcome Liz Windingstad, President, MASPA Board
8:15 -9:45 AM	Change Smarter: Deliberately Leading Through the Disruption of Change Tony Chatman, Author & Keynote Speaker Changes comes fast and disruption comes out of nowhere. It rattles us to our very foundations. It makes us wish that it would just go away and we could get back to what we know. You know the "good ol' days". The problem is that the good ol' days are gone. Remember Woolsworth's, Commodore computers, Blockbuster, Circuit City, MySpace, Borders and Enron? They're all gone. Just like the good o'l days. And all we've been left with is this ominous feeling that it can also happen to our organization. Change and Disruption are always about people. It is the people who have to embrace the new normal and carry out the corresponding change. The truth is, it’s not the disruption that gets us; it’s how we respond, it’s how we lead. If we’re reactionary, the results can be disastrous to the productivity, morale, and stability of the organization. But for organizations that respond with intention and put their people first, change and disruption are no longer the problem; they’re the opportunity. In "Change Smarter,” Tony will share captivating stories from the field and the very latest in organizational and psychological research to show your leaders (1) how to turn the resistance of people stuck in their comfort zone into enthusiastic buy-in and (2) how to transform change and disruption into greater innovation, higher efficiency, a better customer experience, new market offerings and increased talent retention and attraction. Leaders will Learn: Why we and others "flip-out" during change and how to lead with resilience when it happens How to identify and embrace change as an opportunity to skyrocket past your competitors by sparking excitement, igniting innovation, and leaving fear in the dust How to turn saboteurs into supporters and adversaries into advocates. Meet Tony The engine of a thriving culture is the untapped potential of your people. To unlock that potential, you need a spark. Whether it’s empowering your leaders, fostering genuine connections, navigating change, or resolving cultural challenges, Tony Chatman delivers the spark that transforms individuals and teams into a cohesive, high-performing culture. For over 20 years, Tony has partnered with some of the most successful organizations in the world—including Chase Bank, the U.S. Secret Service, Phillips 66, Clear Channel, and St. Joseph’s Health. He specializes in bridging differences in perspectives, communication styles, and experiences by addressing the universal need we all share: to feel valued and seen. As a scientist and chemical engineer, as well as a husband, father, and former leader of a nonprofit dedicated to community upliftment, Tony combines intellect with humanity. He is equal parts head and heart. He brings research-based insights into human behavior and leadership while delivering transformative experiences with humor, warmth, and empathy. His keynote presentations captivate audiences, encouraging them to laugh, reflect, and grow together. Tony’s practical, results-driven approach to cultural transformation helps organizations overcome stagnation and leverage the full power of their people. With Tony Chatman and his team’s cutting-edge training solutions, you won’t just improve your organization’s culture—you’ll elevate the way your people work together to achieve meaningful results. Attachments: Presentation (pdf)
10:00 -11:15 AM	BREAKOUTS The 199 Way, A Community Commitment Presenters: Michele Carroll, Director of Human Resources, Inver Grove Heights ISD 199 & Consultant, CESO Sarah Zaiser, Student Support Specialist, ISD 199 Kris Chermak, Retired Speech Therapist, contract negotiator, ISD 199 Tammy Gingerich, Union Co-President, Ed MN, ISD 199 Teacher turnover is a critical issue in school districts across the state, characterized by the frequent departure of educators from their roles, either to other districts or entirely out of the teaching profession. High turnover rates disrupt student learning, strain school resources, and increase recruitment and training costs. This presentation will explore what Inver Grove Heights School District has done over the course of the past eight years to create a culture of trust, compassion, and support to improve teacher retention, motivation, engagement, and enjoy work. AND Beyond Borders: Attracting and Hiring Educators Worldwide Presenters: Liz Windingstad, Director of Human Resources, Willmar Public Schools Kristin Dehmer, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Administrative Services, Moorhead Area Public Schools In today’s challenging hiring environment, school districts increasingly struggle to find qualified applicants to fill teaching vacancies. This presentation explores an innovative solution: leveraging J1 and H1B Visa programs to attract and hire educators from around the world. Drawing on real-world examples and experiences, attendees will gain insights into the process, from costing and timelines to supporting international hires with benefits, housing, and cultural acclimation. Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating international teachers into their schools successfully while addressing the challenges that come with this approach. Whether you're considering this option for the first time or looking to refine your current process, this session provides valuable tools to enhance your district's recruitment strategy. Attachments: Presentation (pdf)
11:15 - 12:15 PM	Lunch
11:45 - 12:30 PM	Puppy Pause In a room full of chatter, of laughter, and paws, We invite you to join us for the "Puppy Pause." When the sessions grow heavy, your brain starts to stew, Take a break, meet some puppies, and maybe folks too!
12:30 - 12:45 PM	MASPA Business meeting
12:45 - 1:45 PM	Managing Employee Morale: Help Staff Feel Seen, Valued & Heard Jeff Bergholtz, Director of Human Resources, District 99 - Downers Grove, IL Dr. Rob Lang, Assistant Superintendent for Staff Services, District 99 - Downers Grove, IL Like many districts over the past few years we have faced various challenges related to human resources. In this session, we will share our story of challenges, how those have impacted staff morale and how we are working to positively address this with both reactive and now proactive approaches. Our story will feature both target approaches to specific groups as well as larger initiatives meant to have an impact on the organization as a whole. All of which we have used as an additional tool in employee recruitment and retention. At worst we hope this session will provide you with the comfort that comes from knowing “misery loves company” and at best we hope to leave you with ideas to help positively impact your staff morale. Jeff Bergholtz is currently the Director of Human Resources for Community High School District 99 in Downers Grove, and has over twenty-five years of experience in K-12 education. In his current role, Jeff oversees the management of the HR department in areas such as, recruiting, retention, benefits, hiring processes, licensures, etc. Previously, Jeff spent ten years as a principal and assistant principal in Pre K - 8th grade settings. Prior to that, Jeff was a social studies teacher, an English teacher, and a coach, working with middle school and high school students. Jeff holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, and a Master’s in History from DePaul University and holds pHCLE certification.  Currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Staff Services in Community High School District 99, Dr. Robert Lang is responsible for all things related to staff including supporting HR, innovative instruction, Equity & Inclusion programming, and professional learning. Previously, Dr. Lang served as a research fellow at the Woolf Fisher Research Centre in Auckland observing and studying pedagogical innovations and school culture, and guiding schools through professional learning based on local school data. Dr. Lang started his career in education as a high school physics and engineering teacher. Dr. Lang holds a doctoral degree in Leadership in Curriculum & Instruction, with additional credentials in school district superintendency and Chief School Business Official. Attachments: Rochester Presentation (pdf) Spring Lake Park Presentation (pdf)
2:00 - 3:00 PM	Legal Update for School Personnel Administrators Mick Waldspurger, Shareholder, Squires, Waldspurger, & Mace, P.A. Michael (Mick) Waldspurger is a shareholder with the law firm of Squires, Waldspurger, & Mace, P.A. Mick is dedicated to providing practical and proactive legal advice to his clients. He represents Minnesota and Wisconsin school districts in all areas of school law, including labor and employment law, special education, student discipline, data practices, board governance, and civil litigation. Mick also represents cities in labor and employment law matters and in civil litigation. Mick’s successful litigation experience includes lawsuits, arbitration proceedings, due process hearings, and countless other administrative actions. Sharing the experience he has gained in the field, Mick frequently presents at school workshops, training sessions, and state-wide conferences. He has also been a keynote speaker at the national level on labor relations and teacher contract negotiations. Mick is a member of the Minnesota Council of School Attorneys. After graduating from law school, Mick had the honor of serving as a law clerk to the Honorable Justice Donald Steinmetz of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Mick received his B.A., cum laude, from Knox College and his J.D., cum laude, from Marquette University Law School, where he was an Executive Editor of the Marquette Law Review. Attachments: Presentation (pdf)

MASPA has applied for BOSA credit for attendees of this event.