COSSBA will offer sessions in blocks of 60 and 90 minutes in length.  You should allow for at least 10-15 minutes for Q&A at the end of the session presentation.

Proposal Session Criteria

Session proposals should take into consideration the below:

• Targets board members or association leadership/staff as the primary audience
• Weaves equity throughout the message/learning
• Is engaging and interactive
• Is politically neutral
• Places an emphasis on improving student outcomes
• Includes a school board member as a participant in the presentation whenever possible
• Presents practical, real-world application of the concept or solution (proven practices, case studies, can be replicated in other schools)
• Includes a clear take-away from the presentation (action plan, list of questions board members should ask, checklist of to do’s, etc.)
• Will not be used as a sales pitch for any commercial entity
• Is of high interest and relevant to today’s district governance leaders

Session Proposal Categories

• Governance & Leadership- This category includes facets of board leadership and governance principles including topics such as accountability, advocacy, leadership, governance, planning, evaluation, communication, and acting ethically.
• Advocacy- This category focuses on how advocacy makes a difference in the local community, and at the state and federal levels. Attendees will learn skills to become more effective advocates for public education as well as how to organize at the grassroots, state, and federal levels.
• Student Achievement – Presentations will center around the implementation of unique practices that have a positive impact on student achievement. This track offers an opportunity for districts to celebrate their successes with a “we did it and so can you” approach.
• Finance- Sessions in this category will show how districts allocate resources to support their mission and goals. This track can include solutions for better budgeting, financial issues affecting school districts, practical advice on surviving difficult economic times, and accountability for financial goals.
• Stakeholder & Community Involvement /Communication - Presentations will focus on processes, activities, and communication tools used to increase involvement and collaboration with parents, families, educators, agencies, organizations, and communities.  Presentations will focus on improving or augmenting the school's and its students' welfare and success through communications with internal and external audiences, including written, visual, and social media.
• School Safety and Mental Health– Sessions in this category will show how school districts ensure safety and well-being of students and staff, including physical, emotional, and academic areas.

Proposal Acknowledgement:

Please read and confirm that you agree to the following:

• My presentation is appropriate for the K-12 public education field and for conference attendees seeking information and skills to help them govern and lead more effectively in public education. Further, I understand that presenters are expected to use materials and language that are original or, if not, credit the author.
• The entirety of my presentation is politically neutral.
• If my presentation materials are available for attendees, I will provide electronic copies to the event planners to share on the conference app by the deadline.
• If I am selected to present at the 2024 COSSBA National Conference, I am solely responsible for all arrangements and expenses necessary for participation in the convention. Further, I understand that COSSBA does not provide hotel or travel reimbursements.
• Any board member or superintendent participating in the presentation must register as an attendee of the conference and pay the registration fee.
• We recognize that many sponsors/vendors have valuable subject matter expertise. However, conference attendees do not respond well to "sales pitches" for products and/or services. If you represent an organization that does business with school districts, you must meet one of the following criteria:
  • The organization is a paid exhibitor at the 2024 COSSBA National Conference.
  • The organization is a paid conference sponsor and/or a COSSBA Partner Organization.
  • The organization representative(s) is/are registered and paid conference attendees.

I hereby state that I understand and agree to the above terms.