Reflections on the 2024 FSBA/FADSS Annual Joint Conference: Leadership, Learning, and Inspiration

This past week, the 79th Annual Joint Conference of the Florida School Boards Association (FSBA) and the Florida Association of District Superintendents (FADSS) took place in Tampa. This gathering was more than a professional event; it was an opportunity for Florida’s school board members and superintendents to engage in leadership development, board and committee meetings, and meaningful networking to advance the shared mission of increasing student achievement through effective leadership and advocacy.

One of the most impactful parts of the conference was the New School Board Member Academy. This series of professional development sessions was tailored to the 59 newly elected or appointed school board members statewide, including Ken Frink, Citrus County’s newly elected board member. The training helps new members transition from private citizens to public officials, fostering their ability to work collaboratively within governance teams. With the complexity of today’s educational landscape and the demands for excellence and accountability, this academy provides essential tools to prepare these leaders for success in their roles.

As a member of the FSBA Advocacy Committee, I had the privilege of contributing to the important work of developing strategies to strengthen public education advocacy. This committee focuses on fostering public understanding and support for education while also encouraging community involvement. The discussions and planning during these sessions are critical as we work to address the challenges and opportunities facing schools across the state.

Additionally, I participated in the FSBA Board of Directors meeting, where I serve as the Director for District 27. These meetings are crucial for setting strategic directions and positions on issues that impact education, ensuring FSBA’s efforts are aligned with the needs of students, teachers, and communities.

The conference featured two inspiring keynote speakers who left a lasting impression. Damon West, a best-selling author and motivational speaker, shared his transformative journey from incarceration to becoming a powerful voice for resilience and personal growth. His message, “Be a Coffee Bean,” emphasized that the power to change any situation lies within us. West’s story of overcoming adversity resonated deeply, reminding attendees of the importance of inner strength and perseverance in leadership roles.

Equally engaging was Rennie Curran, a former NFL linebacker turned leadership coach, who delivered a keynote titled “One Team, One Dream.” Through compelling stories and practical examples, Curran illustrated how trust, communication, and accountability are essential to building strong teams. His insights on overcoming barriers to collaboration were particularly valuable for school board members working to foster cohesive relationships within their districts. Both speakers offered powerful lessons on resilience and teamwork, leaving the audience motivated to apply these principles in their work.

The vital breakout sessions offered during the conference are always important learning for me as they address a wide range of critical topics. From advocacy strategies and media relations to discussions on school safety, mental health, legal and constitutional rights, these sessions provided actionable insights.

One standout session featured a student panel discussion, where students shared their perspectives on mental health challenges, test anxiety, curriculum relevance, and the need for expanded academic and career opportunities. One student’s statement, “Education is not free, but education is freedom,” was especially powerful, capturing the transformative role of education in shaping futures.

A significant benefit of the conference was the opportunity to connect with other school board members and superintendents. These interactions allowed us to share solutions, discuss challenges, and learn from one another. Whether addressing mental health, safety, or expanding career pathways for students, these conversations reinforced the importance of collaboration and collective effort.

Reflecting on the week, I, like the many other leaders who attended, return to our respective districts with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment. The FSBA/FADSS Joint Conference not only provides invaluable resources and training but also reinforces the shared dedication we all have to fostering educational excellence for Florida’s students.

The opportunity to learn, collaborate, and grow alongside fellow school board members and superintendents from across the state strengthens our collective resolve to address challenges, implement solutions, and advocate tirelessly for the future of public education. It is truly a privilege to be part of an organization that empowers us to lead with purpose and vision.

Thomas Kennedy serves as the Citrus County School Board member for District 1. In June 2022, he became the first Citrus County School Board Member elected as the 55^th President of the Florida School Boards Association, representing most of Florida’s 358 school board members.

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