TASB Conference for Administrative Professionals

Thursday, February 20

7:30-8:30 a.m. - Breakfast

8:30 a.m.-noon - Morning Sessions:

What Keeps You Up at Night? Top 10 Legal Questions for Administrative Professionals 

As an administrative professional, you know that your role is a dynamic juggling act, with a myriad of issues demanding your attention every single day. In this presentation, a TASB Legal Services Attorney will address some of the most common legal issues that administrative professionals grapple with, offering guidance and clarity on how to navigate your complex role with confidence and competence. 
Presenter: TASB Legal Services 

How To Make AI Your Friend, Really! 

Unleash the power of AI to make your workday not just more efficient, but more enjoyable too! From streamlining tasks to adding a touch of creativity, discover practical tools and tips that will help you breeze through your responsibilities with ease and a smile. Get ready to unlock a fun, future-forward approach to productivity! 

Presenter: Amanda Bigbee, Policy Service  

12-1:15 p.m. - Lunch (provided)

1:15-4:45 p.m. - Afternoon Sessions:

What Admins Need To Know about Advocacy and the Texas Legislature 

Learn how TASB works collaboratively with school board members to create our Advocacy Agenda, the plan we use to advocate for Texas public schools at the state Capitol. You’ll then get some insights about important dates and hot topics expected to come up during the upcoming legislative session that begins in January of 2025.   

Presenters: TASB Governmental Relations 

Know Your Enemy: Deconstructing Cyberattacks  

Cyberattacks have the potential to drain school budgets, disrupt student learning, and erode public trust. It's important to understand how cyberattacks work and identify basic best practices that help schools protect sensitive data. This presentation will delve into types of cyber-attacks such as business email compromise, ransomware, and social engineering. We’ll also examine how hackers use the dark web as a marketplace for stolen data. Finally, we will recommend preventative measures for each of the discussed attack methods.  

Presenter: Lucas Anderson, TASB Risk Management Services 

The Fundamentals of Policy: Helpful Tools and Resources   

We understand that managing district policies is a complicated task. That's why we're dedicated to helping you excel in this critical aspect of your role. This workshop will give both the policy and legal perspective, as we examine the intricacies of navigating the district update process, handling numbered update materials, and organizing handbooks, regulations, and historical files effectively. With access to invaluable policy development resources, you will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to tackle any policy-related challenge. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking to refine your skills or a newcomer eager to make a positive impact, this presentation caters to all experience levels. Join us for this session to help your district thrive in the ever-evolving policy landscape of public education. 

Presenters: Kristy Birch, Policy Service and Jacy Selcoe, Legal Services 

HR Hot Topics 

 District HR staff call and email questions to TASB HR Services on a wide variety of topics, and consulting staff regularly see trends emerge. This session will cover many of the “hot topics” HR staff have inquired about in the past few months. What have districts been asking about recently? Topics include the new regulations for FLSA, PWFA, and Title IX as well as leave, certification, hiring issues under your DOI, handling grievances, and more. Come join an HR Services consultant to get the answers in this engaging session. 

Presenter: Cheryl Hoover, HR Services 

Practical Advice for Building Presentations and Documents 

Administrative Professionals are often asked to help with a wide range of tasks including last-minute presentations, handouts, and fliers to support their executive leadership. Thankfully, evolving tools and programs have made this work easier. Come learn how to create materials that are professional, engaging, and effective. We’ll share time-saving tips and tricks for working in Google Docs, Slides, Canva, and PowerPoint. For those with access to AI, you’ll also see how to leverage this emerging technology in the creative process.  

Presenters: Stephany Wagner-Thornhill, Chris Ramirez, and Cassandra Sanchez-Barrera, TASB Communications, Marketing and Events  

Meeting Minutes: Best Practices, Tips, and Tricks 

Taking effective meeting minutes could be considered an art. How detailed should they be to keep an accurate record of school district business? Of course, knowing what to leave in and what to leave out is important to mastering this important skill. Come learn tips, tricks and best practices from an experienced administrative professional who has been perfecting the art of minutes for decades. Not only will you walk away with some actionable strategies for your next board meeting, but if you’re using BoardBook, you’ll learn how to leverage this online meeting platform to make your work easier.  

Presenter: Donna Lincke, Executive Assistant to TASB’s Deputy Executive Director   

Friday, February 21

7:30-8:30 a.m. breakfast

8:30-11:00 a.m. - Morning Sessions:

Quiet Leadership: Cultivating Compassion and Empathy in Every Interaction 
As the gatekeepers and quiet leaders in your districts, your role in fostering a culture of compassion and empathy is pivotal. This session will explore how simple changes in language and mindset can lead to profound improvements in how you support all stakeholders. Learn practical tools to enhance your impact and help your superintendents navigate the day with empathy at the forefront. 

Presenter: Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent Pflugerville ISD 

The Superintendent-Administrative Assistant Team: The Bond, the Challenges, and the Benefits 

Hear from superintendents and their administrative assistants about how to make the most of this vital relationship to help your district be successful. You’ll learn from new and experienced superintendent/admin pairs about best practices, strategies and other tips that promote communication, trust, and a shared understanding of roles and responsibilities. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and gather insights on how to strengthen your working relationship with your superintendent for stronger results that ultimately benefit students.  

Location

The conference is held at the TASB Headquarters, 12007 Research Blvd, Austin, Texas.

Housing Information

Home2Suites Austin North / Near the Domain

• 2800 Esperanza Crossing | Austin, Texas  78758
• Hotel Rate: $189.00
• 512.339.2400
• Cut-off Date 1/22/2025

Hilton Garden Inn Austin North/ Near the Domain

• 2600 Brockton | Austin, Texas 78758 | T: 737.484.0979| F: 737.484.0976
• Hotel Rate $189.00
• Cut-off Date 2/6/2025

Hotel links are sent after registration.