Innovation Hour

Innovation Hour: Budget Hold’em

Thursday, October 15 | 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM

Room TBD

Join us for a fresh, highly interactive Innovation Hour focused on one of the most complex challenges school districts face: making tough budget decisions while staying aligned with district priorities.

Facilitated by Sharla Horton, Director, Education Resource Strategies (ERS), and moderated by Angela Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Aurora West SD 129, Aurora, Illinois, Budget Hold’em places attendees in a realistic district budgeting scenario where they will weigh priorities, discuss tradeoffs, and make strategic resource decisions.

Working in small groups, participants will review potential investments and reductions, build a final budget-neutral hand aligned with district goals, and reflect on the strategies behind their decisions. The session will conclude with a facilitated debrief focused on key takeaways participants can carry into future budget conversations in their own districts. Continue the conversation at the Expo Hall Opening Reception immediately following the session.

Speakers

Moderator, Angela Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Aurora West SD 129, Aurora, Illinois

Facilitator, Sharla Horton, Director, Education Resource Strategies (ERS)

Session Schedule

Schedule subject to change.

9:15 AM – 9:25 AM Welcome, framing, and introductions
9:25 AM – 9:35 AM Budget Hold’em overview and instructions
9:35 AM – 10:00 AM Small-group gameplay and discussion
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM Final hand selection and table reflection
10:10 AM – 10:15 AM Facilitated debrief and closing

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this session, participants will:

  • Analyze budget tradeoffs by weighing potential investments and reductions against district priorities, fiscal realities, and student impact.
  • Collaborate across perspectives to make resource decisions that balance competing needs while maintaining alignment with strategic goals.
  • Apply a strategic budgeting lens to connect individual budget choices to broader district plans and long-term outcomes. 
Credit

This session will be eligible for:

  • 1.0 SFO contact hours
  • 1.0 CPE credits
  • 1.0 CAE credits

More information to be provided once approved for credits.