Innovation Hour

Come Curious, Leave Empowered!
Get Inspired. Get Ideas. Get Ahead.

Room: Ballroom A, Fort Worth Convention Center

Join us for a high-energy Innovation Hour, where we’ll challenge the status quo and spark new thinking about school districts' current challenges. In this fast-paced, interactive session, school business leaders and ASBO International partners will lead small-group conversations on creative strategies, smart solutions, and bold ideas to help you navigate modern-day challenges with confidence.

Whether you're facing personnel challenges, aging facilities, declining enrollment, budget shortfalls, or looking to stretch your dollars further, this is your chance to ask questions, swap ideas, and walk away with fresh approaches that can make a real impact in your district.

Moderated by:

• Mike Barragan, Assistant Superintendent, Glendale Elementary School District 40, Glendale, Arizona
• Angela Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Aurora West SD 129, Aurora, Illinois

Discussion Topics and Leads

1. Building Community Trust & Engagement – Strengthen relationships with families, staff, and the broader community.

• • Elizabeth Hillard, Montgomery County Public School and United Healthcare, Landis Rush, Eric Palmquist, Bob Wilson
  • Ryan Stechschulte, Toledo City School District and School FIRM, Joe Sokol, Dan Schall
  • Michael Juech, Kohler School District

2. Creating Safe, Supportive, and Welcoming Schools – Foster environments where students and staff feel secure and included.

• • Karen Smith, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Lifetouch, Patrick Hand

3. Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and Smarter IT Integration – Safeguard information while improving technology use in schools.

• • Todd Puster, ESC of Northeast Ohio and Gallagher, Johnty Mongan, Georgia Price-Hunt

4. Doing More with Less: Strategic Budgeting Strategies for Schools – Maximize limited resources to align spending with priorities.

• • Josh Swanson, Howard Suamico School District and Canon, Paul Murphy, Dave Wetzel
  • Craig Schilling, Concordia University Chicago and ClearGov, Andrew Donohue, David Misasi
  • BJ Ryan, Moore Public Schools and LINQ, Cody Draper, Santina Connors

5. Financial Literacy & Retirement Readiness for Educators – Support educators in building financial confidence and planning ahead.

• • Mary Ellen Normen, Retired and Equitable, Mike Linehan
  • Kari Austin, Mountain Brook City Schools and American Century, Onyema Nwaomah
  • Miguel Vargas, Marquardt SD 15 and National Life Group, Michelle Lang-Payne
  • Derek Jess, The City of Summit Public Schools and Security Benefit, Chris Zingaro, Don Wiley
  • Sharie Lewis, Parkrose School District and Voya, Greg Springfield

6. Innovative Strategies for Recruitment & Retention – Explore creative ways to attract and retain top talent.

• • Gina Lanier, Adams 12 Five Star Schools and American Fidelity, Megan Garton

7. Managing Labor, Pension, and Healthcare Costs Without Breaking the Budget – Balance rising labor costs with district sustainability.

• • Sara Meinders, Forest City Community School District and Hylant, Mike Ugljesa, James Bailey

8. Private Sector Lessons for School District Leaders – Apply insights from business to strengthen district operations.

• • Lynn Knight, School District of Nekoosa and Corebridge Financial, Allen Thomas, Christina Proscia

9. Smarter Spending: Rethinking Procurement for Maximum Value – Improve efficiency, transparency, and value in purchasing.

• • Melissa Fettkether, Postville Community School District and Amazon, Shaina Biller
  • Howie Barber, Old Rochester Regional & MA School, Superintendency Union #55 and AEPA, George Wilson, Andrew Pickens, Todd Merriman

10. Turning Policy Shifts into Strategic Opportunities – Adapt to policy changes and leverage them for innovation.

• • Jim Rowan, ASBO International and Daybright Financial, Eric Gilbert, Darin Reeser