About The Program
Join us at the April National Superintendents Forum, the premier professional development event designed for K-12 superintendents. This year’s theme, “Empowered Districts: Strategic Leadership Amid Budget, Policy & Social Change,” sets the stage for an engaging and insightful experience. Over the course of two and a half days, we will explore some of today’s most pressing topics, including the superintendent’s role as the stabilizing force driving focus, fiscal resilience, and mission clarity. This event offers a unique opportunity to stay at the forefront of technology, promote collaboration, and exchange insights with fellow superintendents.
Topics of Discussion
Culture Over Everything: Igniting Hope, Lifting Morale, & Ensuring All Students & Staff Thrive
Great schools are not built by test scores or strategies alone—they are grown in a culture climate where hope is deliberate, morale is contagious, and every adult believes their work changes lives. This opening keynote reveals why culture is the ultimate accelerator of student growth, staff joy, and lasting success, and shows district leaders how to intentionally create the conditions where every student discovers purpose and every educator wakes up excited to make it happen.
Beyond Security: Building Safe, Supportive, & Student-Centered Schools
This session provides a perfect space to discuss the balance between protection and support, ensuring safety doesn’t compromise culture. Superintendent Foister, this discussion’s Thought Leader, will also share how he implemented comprehensive security measures—secure vestibules, SRO training, and new technology—while also developing a mental health clinic funded through Medicaid.
Future-Proof District Planning: Turning Vision into Measurable Outcomes
This discussion invites a candid, collaborative conversation on how superintendents keep long-term strategic efforts alive, accountable, and adaptable amid political and financial pressures.
Leadership Continuity: Developing Your Next Wave of Principals & District Leaders
Leadership succession is one of the most pressing challenges facing districts today. This discussion focuses on systems and mentorship programs that build leadership capacity from within.
AI in Action: Practical Ways Superintendents Are Driving Efficiency & Impact
Artificial Intelligence is transforming district operations and instruction. See how leaders are using AI to streamline processes, personalize learning, and enhance decision-making.
From Plans to Progress: The Art of Right Decisions at the Right Time
Most strategic plans stifle inspiration instead of driving impact because they ignore timing and adaptability. This roundtable will help us collectively brainstorm how to build living plans that foster ownership and measurable progress, while tackling the toughest leadership questions: when is change truly right, and when is the boldest move to shake things up—or to stand firm and execute relentlessly?
Behavior & Belonging: Restoring Order & Connection in K–12 Classrooms
Post-pandemic classrooms are seeing a rise in behavioral challenges and disengagement, calling for systems that go beyond discipline to rebuild connection. This workshop explores how districts, such as CUSD 200, are using MTSS frameworks, restorative practices, and data-driven interventions to foster belonging and create consistent, supportive environments for every student.
Reviving the Educator Pipeline: Recruiting & Retaining the Next Generation
The future of education depends on rebuilding the teacher pipeline. Learn innovative strategies to attract, develop, and sustain top talent in an increasingly competitive workforce.
Vanquishing the Financial Squeeze: Creative Strategies for Fiscal Stability & Innovation
With federal relief funds ending and budgets tightening, districts must innovate to survive. Let us explore how creative funding models, budget deficit reduction plans, and strategic partnerships can ensure programs remain sustainable.
Keynote Speaker
A dynamic roster of keynote speakers drives innovation at our congress events. Discover thought leaders and game-changers whose invaluable insights foster growth and excellence in each of our delegates.
Hancock County Schools, Mississippi
Speakers
Decatur Public Schools District #61, Illinois
West Memphis Schools, Arkansas
Clark County Public Schools, Kentucky
Columbus Public Schools, Nebraska
Batavia Public School District 101, Illinois
Franklin County Schools, Kentucky
Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, Arkansas
Siloam Springs School District, Arkansas
Eastern Carver County Public Schools, Minnesota
The Schedule
Event Registration
Opening Keynote
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Afternoon Refreshments and Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings/Roundtable Discussions/Workshops
Free Time
Welcome Drinks and Dinner
Networking Breakfast
Morning Keynote/Panel Session
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Morning Refreshments and Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Workshops/Roundtable Discussions
Networking Luncheon
Roundtables/Business Meetings/Workshops
Afternoon Refreshments and Networking
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Leadership Talk
Free Time
Networking Drinks and Dinner
Morning Refreshments and Networking
Workshops/Roundtable Discussions
Brunch
Strategy Sessions/Business Meetings
Closing Session
Our Commitments to You
Maximized Networking Opportunities
A personal, customized itinerary
Exclusive qualified attendance
return on time and objective
Delegate Testimonials
This was my first time attending the National Superintendents Forum. It was a great way to broaden my perspective from just North Carolina to nationwide.
The conversations were rich with an opportunity to both share and receive best practices that are working across the country. Thank you for including me and I can’t wait for the next forum.
RTM has helped myself and our district to seek new innovative programs, etc. Our partnership has promoted opportunity for our students, staff and community to grow!! There is strength in numbers, the amount of contacts / resources I have been able to build through these events with RTM have been very beneficial for me and our district and the future of our kiddos!!
Great conference that was designed perfectly for quality networking between superintendents from different regions of the country and business partners that bring wonderful opportunities for young people.
