Message from the Executive Director
March 1, 2026
Dear Members and Stakeholders,
Are you thinking about October in Buffalo? I know the answer as we reach the first day of March is likely, "No."
This year we are working to expand the reach of our Annual Convention and Education Expo and our Annual Convention Digital Experience by offering you webinars from a few presenters including one of our keynote speakers. Not only will these sessions provide usable takeaways leading up to Convention, but they will also give you a preview of what you can learn if you join us in person or online from Oct. 22 to 24.
Before I share more about these webinars, I’m pleased to announce our two keynote speakers - Steven Sharp Nelson and David Allison.
Steven’s career as "an award winning, Billboard chart-topping, YouTube rock star, but in a cellist sort of way" is just a piece of his story. His voracious appetite for learning and his ADHD, which he calls his "super power," propelled him through careers in venture capital, nonprofit management, creative writing, and more. His knack for powerful storytelling, comical vulnerability, musical analogies, and love for social psychology has made him a keynote favorite around the world. His professional passion is "rooted in being a spokesman for creativity, the worth of a soul, and pronoia."
David has redefined how organizations solve problems and seize opportunities "by proving a fundamental truth: everything we do is driven by our values." Known as "The Values Guy," he is a leading authority on human values and the founder of the groundbreaking Valuegraphics Project, the first global inventory of core human values. He has transformed human values into actionable insights, unlocking the potential for profound human connection and influence, where every decision resonates deeply with the values that drive what we all do, think, and feel to deliver more effective results than traditional methods. David combines the precision of data-driven insights with the inspiration of a world-class storyteller.
As our shared journey toward convention unfolds, I will highlight additional details about our keynotes, featured sessions, networking opportunities and unveil the exciting new features we’re bringing to Convention in 2026.
Until then, the "first step" toward Convention is our complimentary webinar series starting on March 26 at noon. "Data Privacy & Cybersecurity 101 — Board Oversight Made Simple" will be presented by Michelle Krieger. She is the co-author of From Chalk Dust to Digital Trust and serves as Data Protection Officer (DPO) for Lake Shore Central School District. She will break down what a strong cybersecurity posture looks like in K–12 districts. Through clear visuals, simple frameworks, and real-world examples, you will gain the confidence to ask the right questions, guide leadership decisions, and ensure their district stays safe, secure, and resilient. I encourage you to register for this and our future Annual Convention Webinar Series offerings by visiting the digital experience web page.
NYSSBA annual Resolutions Survey will arrive tomorrow
When NYSSBA’s annual Resolutions Survey pops up in your inbox tomorrow, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and perspectives on public policy issues you believe could impact school boards and public education that should be considered during the next resolutions cycle. The valuable information you share by completing this short survey can lead to adopted resolutions that inform our advocacy efforts on behalf of school board members and public education. Please participate in this important process.
DemocracyReady NY announces New York Civic Learning Week
The DemocracyReady NY Coalition will host a series of virtual events starting on March 9 to celebrate New York Civic Learning Week. All events will be free and accessible to the public, and participants will include students, parents, school and district leaders, educators, policymakers, and youth-serving organizations. NYSSBA is a co-sponsor along with the New York State 250th Commemoration Commission, New York State Bar Association, and New York State United Teachers.
Chancellor Young, Commissioner Rosa issue statement as Black History Month concludes
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. and State Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa issued a joint statement on Friday noting Black History Month "provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and experiences of Black Americans past and present and the significance of the adherence to truth in our reflection on the American story." In addition to sharing their thoughts on the importance of preserving America’s unvarnished history, they shared their appreciation for educators and others who are "committed to the truth the truth above all else." You can read the entire statement here.
Weekly updates and reminders
NYSSBA’s Superintendent Evaluation Workshop
prepares you to successfully fulfill this duty
There’s still time to register for NYSSBA’s live virtual Superintendent Evaluation Workshop on March 6 from 8 a.m. to noon. By attending this session, you will gain an understanding of the best practices for designing an evidence-based evaluation process that will: overcome challenges; foster meaningful conversations; and strengthen relationships on your governance team. The board-superintendent relationship is one of the most important factors in your mutual success on behalf of your students and community. You can enhance this relationship by ensuring you have a process that promotes communication, transparency and clear expectations. This session is sponsored by SuperEval. Learn more and register.
SED offers Women’s History Month resources
March is Women’s History Month and SED is reminding the field that resources to support teaching and learning about women’s history, civic participation, and equity, not only during Women’s History Month but throughout the entire year, are available on the Office of Standards and Instruction’s Social Studies Guidance and Resources webpage. These resources also support women’s history lessons aligned to the New York State K-12 Social Studies Framework.
Read the latest national association news
Here’s the latest from the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) and the National School Boards Association (NSBA):
As I wrap up this week, I wanted to share that on Tuesday I attended the Comptroller’s Advisory Council for the Retirement System meeting. Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and his team offered positive updates on the retirement system and a reminder that school district employees make up the second largest group in the state retirement system. The Common Retirement Fund Fiduciary and Conflict of Interest Review Update, which found the fund was operated "at the highest ethical and professional standards," was shared during the meeting.
To those observing Ramadan, I wish you a peaceful, healthy, and spiritual month. Ramadan Mubarak!
To those observing Purim, I wish you a joyous Purim. Chag Purim Sameach!
Be well and stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Robert S. Schneider CPA, CAE
Executive Director
New York State School Boards Association