2026 ISBC Symposium: Strengthening Leadership, Culture, and Student Success
Sponsored by ISBC
Attend in person at the Northern Hotel, Billings
Thursday, August 6, 2026 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
No Fee to Attend!
This symposium will bring together school board trustees, district leaders, educators, and tribal education advocates from across Montana to explore strategies that strengthen leadership, improve student outcomes, honor Native culture and language, and support thriving school communities.
Session Lineup:
Building Strong Foundations: Early Literacy, Community Partnerships & Student Success - Caitlin Jensen, Callie Parr, Shelby Whelan, Zero to Five Montana
Montana's Early Literacy Targeted Intervention Program has created new opportunities for school districts to support children before kindergarten through innovative partnerships and coordinated early learning systems. This interactive session will explore how districts can leverage state early literacy investments, available funding, and programs like Jumpstart to expand early childhood programming while building strong partnerships with families, tribal communities, and local early childhood providers. Presenters will share lessons from successful school-community partnerships across Montana, highlight the work of the Montana Early Childhood Tribal Coalition, and discuss practical strategies for strengthening communication, collaboration, and culturally responsive transitions into kindergarten. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and resources to expand early learning opportunities, strengthen community partnerships, and improve literacy, school readiness, and long-term success for Native students and all learners.
Bridging Communities: Collaborative Strategies for Stronger Student Outcomes - Lona Carter - Lona Carter, Student Support Services & Systems Expert and Joelle Johnson, Director of Behavioral Health, Helena Indian Alliance
Montana schools are facing increasing student behavioral and mental health needs that require strong partnerships between schools, families, and communities. This session will explore practical, community-driven strategies for expanding access to behavioral health services, strengthening social-emotional supports, and creating positive school climates where all students can thrive. Drawing on successful approaches from Montana school districts, presenters will share actionable practices in trauma-informed education, restorative approaches, culturally responsive discipline, and collaborative partnerships that reduce barriers to care, promote belonging, and improve student outcomes. Participants will leave with practical ideas to strengthen student wellness and support safe, thriving school communities.
Governance, Leadership & Trustee Development – Debra Silk, MTSBA
Strong governance is the foundation of effective school systems. This session focuses on the roles and responsibilities of school board trustees, emphasizing leadership development, ethical decision-making, and building cohesive, high-functioning boards. Participants will explore the qualities of effective leaders, strategies for navigating difficult decisions, and the importance of maintaining a clear focus on student outcomes. The session will also address the demands of board service, including managing conflict and community pressure. Attendees will leave with tools to strengthen their leadership capacity and improve board effectiveness.
Strategic Planning & School Improvement – Andy Sever and Emily Dean, MTSBA
Effective strategic planning is essential for school districts seeking to improve outcomes for students. This session will guide participants through the process of developing, implementing, and sustaining a strategic plan that aligns with district goals and community priorities. Attendees will learn how to use data to identify needs, set measurable objectives, and monitor progress over time. The session will provide a guide to aligning a school district strategic plan and the state required Integrated Strategic Action Plan.
Closing Opportunity Gaps Through Equitable School Funding – Debra Silk and Lindsay Ford, MTSBA
This session will explore how Montana's changing demographics, economy, and legislative landscape are shaping the future of public education. Debra Silk will provide an overview of the CAMPS school funding proposal as provided to the School Funding Interim Commission, examining how it seeks to create a more equitable and sustainable, self-executing funding system that better supports school districts, tribal communities, and students with the greatest needs. Lindsay Ford will focus on the critical role of school board trustees and school leaders in the legislative process, sharing practical strategies for building relationships with policymakers, engaging in grassroots advocacy, and effectively communicating local school district priorities. Together, presenters will demonstrate how equitable funding and informed advocacy work hand in hand to strengthen public education and improve outcomes for all Montana students.
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About ISBC
The purpose of the Indian School Board Caucus (ISBC) is fourfold and is directed by an ISBC member-elected board (the annual meeting is held at MCEL each year):
- Serves as a statewide forum within the Montana School Boards Association ("MTSBA") to address and meet the unique needs of American Indian children in the public educational school systems.
- Advises and provides guidance to the MTSBA on matters relating to local reservation school boards and off-reservation school boards serving American Indian students.
- Promotes and enhances relationships and understanding between reservation public schools and non-American Indian schools, recognizing our cultural differences and needs.
- Creates and sustains a means whereby school board members serving American Indian Students can actively participate in the dialogue of educational issues in cooperation with MTSBA.
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Disclaimer: Montana School Boards Association (MTSBA) has designed these materials to provide helpful information regarding topics and best practices on issues concerning the administration and governance of Montana K-12 public schools. These materials are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. MTSBA does not intend nor should these materials be construed to constitute the rendering of any legal advice. Should the recipient of these materials desire legal advice on any of the topics or information contained herein, MTSBA recommends that the recipient make a specific request for legal advice.S6