April 13-April 15, 2025

21c Museum Hotel Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

District Leaders Connect

These events are crafted to provide opportunities for growth, networking, and professional development.

 

Mindful Schools, Strong Communities: Building Emotional Wellness.

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What is it?

District Leaders Connect is an interactive summit designed for K-12 district leaders to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and explore innovative solutions. Through expert-led discussions and peer collaboration, attendees will gain actionable strategies to enhance emotional wellness and strengthen their school communities.

Who Can Attend?

District leaders, including but not limited to superintendents, deputy superintendents, CAOs, CIOs, CTOs, curriculum directors, and HR directors.

Member Districts: Up to 2 complimentary tickets with up to $500 flight reimbursement and 2 nights hotel stay per district.

Non-Member Districts: Up to 2 complimentary tickets per district with up to $500 flight reimbursement and 2 nights hotel stay with a small deposit.

Venue: 

21c Museum Hotel Chicago

Dinner at Giordano's for all attendees on April 13th. 

Keynote

Dr. Barbara Mullen, Rush Henrietta School District, NY Superintendent

"Healing Centered Leadership in Schools: Nurturing Adults. Growing Children."

Barbara Mullen

Lead the Charge for Mental Health in Schools

Join district leaders and national experts to explore practical strategies for supporting emotional wellness in schools. Engage in sessions, panels, and networking designed to equip you with tools to strengthen your team’s mental health and build thriving school communities.

• Insightful discussions on creating mindful, emotionally supportive school environments

• Dynamic, interactive panels with top education leaders addressing today’s challenges

• Collaborative networking opportunities to share best practices and innovative solutions with peers

Facilitators

 

PJ-Caposey
Dr. PJ Caposey, Superintendent at Oregon CUSD 220 & Meridian School District 223, IL
Heather Fuger
Heather Fuger, Head Principal at Central Lee Community School District, IA

Speakers

 

Devon Horton
Dr. Devon Horton, Superintendent of DeKalb County School District, GA
Kirk Koennecke
Kirk Koennecke,  Superintendent of Indian Hill Exempted Village School District, OH
Iranetta Wright
Iranetta Wright, Emeritus Superintendent of Cincinnati Public Schools, OH
Keith Hartbauer
Dr. Keith Hartbauer, Superintendent of Record, Brownsville, PA
Kelly Gallt
Dr. Kelley Gallt, Superintendent at Lake Zurich Community Unit School District 95, IL

Event Schedule

 

Sunday, April 13, 2025
12 PM - 2 PM
Registration
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
District Leader Mandatory Meeting, Partner Prep Mandatory Meeting, Speaker Check-In
2:00 PM - 2:10 PM
IEI Introduction
2:10 PM- 2:30 PM
Ice Breaker
2:40 PM - 3:20 PM
2-minute Drill
3:20 PM - 3:40 PM
Break
3:50 PM - 4:00 PM
2-minute Drill
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Keynote
Dr. Barbara Mullen
5:00 PM
Close out

 

5:30 PM
Matching

 

6:30 PM
Dinner at Giordano’s
Monday, April 14, 2025
7:45 AM - 8:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
Welcome
8:45 AM - 9:15 AM
IEI: Advise
Dr. Clayton Wilcox
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM
Session
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Session
10:15 AM - 10:25 AM
Break
10:25 AM - 10:55 AM
Session
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Session
11:30 AM - 12:25 PM
Lunch
12:30 PM - 2:45 PM
1:1 Meetings
4 Rounds
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Session
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Key Moments and Insights
Heather & PJ

 

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Networking Reception
6:30 PM
Dinner
On Your Own
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Welcome Back Reflections
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Roundtables
3-20 minute sessions
10:20 AM - 11:50 PM
1:1 Meetings
11:50 PM - 12:00 PM
Closing & Takeaways
Heather & PJ
 

#IEIFAMILY 

 

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21c MuseumHotel Chicago
55 E. Ontario St. 
Chicago, IL 60611