MDE Back to School Conference 2026

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (CDT)

Minneapolis Marriott NW

7025 Northland Drive North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428-1506
United States

Kick Off the School Year with Energy & Insight!

Gather your leadership team and join colleagues from across Minnesota as we launch into a new school year — together.

As summer winds down and planning ramps up, there’s no better way to prepare for the year ahead than with a day dedicated to learning, collaboration, and fresh perspective.

We’re excited to welcome you to the Annual MDE Back to School Conference, where you’ll:

✅ Participate in timely, relevant breakout sessions designed for district leadership teams
✅ Receive important legislative and policy updates impacting your work
✅ Hear directly from state education leaders about priorities and expectations for the year ahead

This is your opportunity to connect, align your team, and set a strong, strategic tone for the new school year. Come ready to engage, collaborate, and leave energized for the work ahead.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received on or before July 27, 2026 will receive a refund minus a $75 cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued after this date.

Agenda

August 4
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM	Registration & Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM	General Session Join us in the Northland Ballroom as we open the conference with remarks from Commissioner Willie Jett and MASA Executive Director Matt Hillmann. The Governor is also expected to join us, schedule permitting.
9:15 AM - 2:00 PM	Resource Tables Available Visit with MDE staff from various departments at resource tables in the Northland Foyer. Attendees are encouraged to stop by, ask questions, and connect with department representatives.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM	Breakout Sessions Choose from a variety of breakout sessions led by MDE staff, held in multiple rooms and focused on timely, relevant topics for district leaders.
10:35 AM - 11:35 AM	Breakout Sessions Choose from a variety of breakout sessions led by MDE staff, held in multiple rooms and focused on timely, relevant topics for district leaders.
11:35 AM - 12:30 PM	Lunch & Resource Table Exploration Enjoy lunch while connecting with colleagues and exploring MDE resource tables in the Northland Foyer. Take this time to ask questions and engage with department staff.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM	Breakout Sessions Choose from a variety of breakout sessions led by MDE staff, held in multiple rooms and focused on timely, relevant topics for district leaders.
1:45 PM - 3:00 PM	General Session: Legislative Panel Close the day with a panel of education and policy leaders who bring deep expertise from the Capitol. Panelists will share insights on the legislative landscape, reflect on recent developments, and discuss what lies ahead for Minnesota schools.

Attendees (258)

Anthony Aafedt Superintendent Wabasso Public Schools

Dr. Bill E Adams Superintendent Willmar Public Schools

Dr. Scott E. Alger Executive Director of Human Resources Orono Public Schools

Dr. Tonya D Allen Assistant Superintendent Intermediate School District 287

Staci Allmaras Director of School and Youth Engagement Lakes Country Service Cooperative

Dr. Andrew M Almos Superintendent Elk River Area School District

Nick Amb Superintendent Grygla School District

Alisha Anderson Educational Impact Manager Reading Corps and Math Corps Tutoring

Daniel G Anderson Superintendent Maple River Schools

Heather Anderson Principal Minneota Public Schools

Minda L Anderson Assistant Superintendent Big Lake Public School District

Gina Ausmus Pine City Public Schools

Kevin E Babcock Superintendent Tri-City United Schools

Jennifer M. Babiash Director of Teaching & Learning White Bear Lake Area Schools

Drew Baillargeoa Step Academy

Andrew J Beaton Assistant Superintendent North Saint Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District

Julie Beddow-Schubert Superintendent Benson Public Schools

Chris C Bellmont Assistant Superintendent Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District

Brett A Benson Superintendent Lake Crystal-Wellcome-Memorial Schools

Jamie J Bente Superintendent Faribault Public Schools

Bradley D Bergstrom Superintendent Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools

Jeff E Bertrang Bertrang Consulting

Dan R Blankenship Superintendent/Principal Butterfield-Odin Schools

Dr. Val Rae M Boe Superintendent NE Metro Intermediate School District 916

Jamie M Boelter Superintendent New London-Spicer School District

Michael P Bolsoni Superintendent Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Schools

Anthony Bonds Assistant Superintendent Duluth Public Schools

Jill Bourman Executive Director of Technology Anoka Hennepin School District

Becky J Brodeur Senior Director of Teaching & Learning Robbinsdale Area Schools

Tracy A Brovold Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Lakeville Area Public Schools

Rob Brown Client Executive Nexus Solutions

Isis Buchanan Executive Director of Special Programs Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District

Janell R Bullard Superintendent Paynesville Area Schools

Greg Burman Dean of Students St. James Public School District

Susan M Burris Superintendent Litchfield Public Schools

Eric Butche Superintendent Moose Lake Community School

Vern L Capelle Superintendent Upsala Area Schools

Dr. Michael D Cary Superintendent Cloquet Public Schools

Ranae M Case Evenson Superintendent Jordan Public Schools

Dr. Tamara A Champa Superintendent Owatonna Public Schools

Jennifer Cherry Chief Human Resources Officer Anoka Hennepin School District

Greg Cole Superintendent Anoka Hennepin School District

Robin D Courrier Superintendent Nicollet Public School District

Rochelle M Cox Assistant Superintendent Fridley Public Schools

Scott G Croonquist Executive Director Association of Metropolitan School Districts

Mindy Crowley Education Specialist Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc.

Michelle M Cuka Director of Student Support Services Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

Malcolme Currie Step Academy

Blair Patricia Curtis Special Services Coordinator Fridley Public Schools

Latanya Daniels Superintendent Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District

Liam Dawson Superintendent St. James Public School District

Dr. Kristin L Dehmer Assistant Superintendent, Business and Administrative Services Moorhead Area Public Schools

Dan F. Deitte Superintendent Hutchinson Public Schools

Pat Devine Superintendent Princeton Public Schools

Brian R Dietz Superintendent Chisago Lakes School District

Josie Dingmann Superintendent Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Public Schools

Marcy A Doud Superintendent Intermediate School District 287

Barbara J Duffrin Superintendent Mahtomedi Public Schools

Dr. Dan L Edwards Superintendent Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Schools

Kevin L Enerson Superintendent ROCORI Public Schools

Jeremy J Erler Superintendent Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton School

Hope A Fagerland Assistant Superintendent St. Anthony-New Brighton School District

Dr. Michael L Favor Superintendent Intermediate School District 917

David Fjeldheim Superintendent Bertha-Hewitt Public Schools

Dr. Kristine F Flesher Superintendent Orono Public Schools

Mandy J Fletcher Superintendent Blue Earth Area Schools

Stephen Flisk Assistant Superintendent Osseo Area Schools

Dr. Anjie M Flowers General Counsel & Executive Director of Human Resources Minnetonka Public Schools

Chris Forrest Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Anoka Hennepin School District

Ann-Marie Foucault Superintendent St. Michael-Albertville School District

Andrew Fougner Superintendent Red Lake County Central ISD 2906

Jamie L Frank Superintendent Windom Area Schools

Michael Fugazzi St. James Public School District

Dr. Brian M Gersich Superintendent Waconia Public Schools

Beth J Giese Superintendent Kasson-Mantorville Schools

Alison C Gillespie Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning White Bear Lake Area Schools

Sandy A Giorgi Director of Teaching & Learning, PreK-12 Lakeville Area Public Schools

Louisa M Glenetske Superintendent Osakis Public Schools

Walter Gnewikow Superintendent La Crescent Hokah School District

Dr. Tim E. Godfrey Superintendent Red Rock Central Schools

Tony Greene Superintendent Red Lake Falls Schools

Matt D. Grose Superintendent Grand Rapids School District

Tiffany Gustin Director of Management and Insurance Trust Services MN School Boards Association

Tracy Habisch-Ahlin Director of Strategic Communications Robbinsdale Area Schools

Celi Haga Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Strategic Communications Eastern Carver County Schools

Scott S Hare Executive Director of Student Support Services Anoka Hennepin School District

Dr. Jason R Harris Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Education St. Cloud Area School District

Eugene D Harthan Retired

Mike Harvey Superintendent Mabel Canton School

Gregory Hexum Superintendent Esko Public Schools

Kim R. Hiel Superintendent Osseo Area Schools

Dr. Carlondrea D Hines Superintendent St. Louis Park Public Schools

Andrew J Hodges Director of Teaching and Learning Hastings Public Schools

Chris Hoehn Executive Director MASPA

Erin K Hoffman Executive Director West Central Education District

Jaimie Howe Director of Elementary Education Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District

Dr. Eric M Hudspith Superintendent Waseca Public Schools

Shannon J Hunstad Superintendent Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District

Sarah Hunter Chief Academic Officer Anoka Hennepin School District

Craig A Ihrke Superintendent Caledonia Area Public Schools

John-Paul R Jacobson Superintendent Forest Lake Area Schools

Thomas A. Jerome Superintendent Roseau School District

Adam J Johnson Superintendent New York Mills School District

Brad A Johnson Interim Superintendent Wadena-Deer Creek Schools

Cherie L Johnson Executive Director Goodhue County Ed. District

Darin E Johnson Executive Director of School Management Mounds View Public Schools

Guy Johnson Superintendent Stewartville Public Schools

Trent Johnson Principal Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Public Schools

Craig Junker President, Totino-Grace High School Totino-Grace High School

Elida Kane Director of K-12 Academic Programs Minnetonka Public Schools

Dean J Kapsner Superintendent Isle Public Schools

Shaun Karson Principal Wright Technical Center

Dr. Wayne A. Kazmierczak Superintendent White Bear Lake Area Schools

David J Kerkvliet Superintendent Sebeka Public School

Gina M Kleive Superintendent Lake Superior School District

Sarah Kloeckl Elementary Principal Pine City Public Schools

Ryan J Korolewski Assistant Director Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative

Ryan T Krominga Superintendent Pillager Public Schools

Jennifer Krueger Director of Special Education Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District

Gary Kuphal Retired Retiree

Dr. Ryan A Laager Superintendent Belle Plaine Public Schools

Amy R LaDue Associate Superintendent Minnetonka Public Schools

Dr. David W Law Superintendent Minnetonka Public Schools

Gary Lee Deputy Executive Director MN School Board Association

Todd R Lee Superintendent Swanville Public Schools

Chris D Lennox Superintendent Mounds View Public Schools

Wayne LePard Superintendent Royalton Public School District

Tara Lere Superintendent South Koochiching Rainy River Public Schools

Brenda S Lewis Superintendent Fridley Public Schools

Stephanie Lorsung Pine City Public Schools

Dr. Brandon L Lowe Data and Assessment Coordinator Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District

Daniel R Ludvigson Superintendent Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Public Schools

Brandon M Lunak Superintendent Moorhead Area Public Schools

Luke Lutterman Superintendent Triton Public Schools

Timothy E Lutz Superintendent Red Lake School District

John C Magas Superintendent Duluth Public Schools

Jennifer Mahan-Deitte Superintendent ACGC Schools

Nate H Manaen Assistant Superintendent Eastern Carver County Schools

Michael S Mangan Director Houston Public Schools

Alexis Mann Student New World Learning Solutions

Steve Massey Interim Superintendent St. Anthony-New Brighton School District

Angi McAndrews Superintendent Houston Public Schools

Diane M McCarron Retiree

John McDonald Retired Superintendent Retired Superintendent

Kristil McDonald Retired Administrator Retired Administrator

Bob McDowell Assistant Superintendent Robbinsdale Area Schools

Sarah J McGuire Executive Director Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative

Anne E. McInerney Director of Federal Programs Saint Paul Public Schools

Kevin McKeever Superintendent Tri-County Public Schools

Michael Meihak Superintendent NRHEG Public Schools

Eric J Melbye Superintendent Bloomington Public Schools ISD 271

Arthur Meyer Superintendent/PK-4 Principal Rothsay Public Schools

James Miklausich Assistant Superintendent Shakopee Public Schools

Dr. Chris E Mills Superintendent Thief River Falls School District

Peyton Mills Superintendent Renville County West School District School District

Scott J Monson Superintendent Minneota Public Schools

Shane M Monson Superintendent Morris Area Schools

Keri Murphy Elementary Principal St. James Public School District

Megan C Myers Superintendent Parkers Prairie Public Schools

Carla F Nolan Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Becker Public School District

Jamie L Nord Assistant Superintendent Elk River Area School District

Amy M. Notch Director of Teaching and Learning ROCORI Public Schools

Brian Nutter Executive Director Wright Technical Center

Bondo Nyembwe Assistant Superintendent Richfield Public Schools

David E Oehrlein Superintendent Holdingford Public School District

Amy O'Hern Executive Director of Human Resources Robbinsdale Area Schools

Joel Olson Coordinator Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative

Dr. Peter L. Olson-Skog Superintendent West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan Area Schools

Kristi R Oscarson Wanzek Student Support Supervisor Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District

Lisa Ouren Director of Student Support Services White Bear Lake Area Schools

David E Pace Superintendent Greenway Public School District

Anthony M Padrnos Executive Director of Technology Osseo Area Schools

Joey M-H Page Superintendent Austin Public Schools

Sara T Paul Superintendent North Branch Area Public Schools

Dr. Trish M Perry Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Alexandria Public Schools

Lynn Pham Director of Equity and Communications N. St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District

Shelly L. Pierson Evans Executive Director North Shore Community School

Kristina M Pope Special Education Supervisor Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District

Daniel W Posthumus Superintendent Foley Public Schools

Timothy E Prom Superintendent Annandale Public School District

Dr. Laurie A Putnam Superintendent St. Cloud Area School District

Melissa A Radeke Superintendent Lester Prairie School District

Charles R Rankin Superintendent Brainerd Public Schools

Dr. Erin B. Rathke Superintendent Eastern Carver County Schools

Steve Razidlo Business Development Rep K-12 Widseth

Mark W Redemske Albany Area Schools

Dr. Mike T Redmond Superintendent Shakopee Public Schools

Russell Reetz Principal White Bear Lake Area Schools

Pat W. Rendle Superintendent Deer River Schools

Cori L Reynolds Superintendent Martin County West Schools

Dr. Jeffery P Ridlehoover Superintendent Rockford Area Schools

Mark E Ristau Superintendent Medford Public Schools

Kari T Rock Assistant Superintendent Elk River Area School District

Dr. Megan L Rogholt Director of Teaching & Learning Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools

Tim Rohweder Superintendent Proctor Public Schools

Donna M Roper Executive Director of Research, Evaluation and Assessment and Information Management Systems St. Cloud Area School District

Dr. Aaron M Ruhland Executive Director of Learning & Accountability Orono Public Schools

Kori Ryan Director of Services SpEd Forms

Jeff M Sampson Superintendent Cannon Falls Public Schools

Jesus Sandoval Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District

Rick L Sansted Superintendent Alexandria Public Schools

Paul D Scanlon Executive Director Step Academy

Dr. Melissa R Schaller Executive Director of Student Services Intermediate School District 917

Chad Schmidt Director of Teaching and Learning Mahtomedi Public Schools

Dr. Jeremy P Schmidt Superintendent Becker Public School District

Mark J. Schmitz Executive Director Resource Training & Solutions

Kirk Schneidawind Executive Director MN School Board Association

Lynae Schoen Partner Wold Architects and Engineers

Michael D Scott Director of Teaching & Learning Hutchinson Public Schools

Brenton Shavers Director of Educational Equity and Achievement White Bear Lake Area Schools

Aaron E Sinclair Director of School Leadership Sourcewell

Jim Skelly Executive Director of Communication and Public Relations Anoka Hennepin School District

Laura Spanier High School Principal Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Public Schools

Tricia E St. Michaels Assistant Superintendent North Saint Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District

Dr. Teri A. Staloch Superintendent Robbinsdale Area Schools

Dr. Stacie L Stanley Superintendent Saint Paul Public Schools

Megan Stecher Director of Secondary Education Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District

Laura Stelter Executive Director Arcadia Charter School

Dr. Cindy R Stolp Superintendent Pine City Public Schools

Stacy Stratmoen Director of Finance Dawson-Boyd Public Schools

Bill Strom PT Superintendent Ellsworth Public School District

Kristie K Sullivan Superintendent Breckenridge Public School

Chris D Swenson Superintendent Monticello Public School District

Janet Swiecichowski Director of Communications Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Schools

Scott M Thielman Superintendent Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools

Michael J Thomas Superintendent Hopkins Public Schools

Jeff Thompson Chief Operations Officer Anoka Hennepin School District

Amy Tollefson Assistant Superintendent Osseo Area Schools

Erin A. Toninato Executive Director MN Administrators for Special Education

David S. Treichel Director of Teaching & Learning North Branch Area Public Schools

Michelle Trelstad Executive Director of Community Education Anoka Hennepin School District

Tim D Truebenbach Superintendent Big Lake Public School District

Christine L. Tucci Osorio Superintendent North Saint Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District

Tim Tydlacka Superintendent Bird Island-Olivia-Lake Lillian Public Schools

Dr. Steven P Unowsky Superintendent Richfield Public Schools

Scott J Vedbraaten Superintendent Browerville Public Schools

Rae M. Villebrun Superintendent Nashwauk-Keewatin School District

Jason J Vold Superintendent Onamia Schools

Andy J Vollmuth Superintendent New Prague Area Schools

Jim M Wagner Superintendent Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools

Nate Walbruch Superintendent Byron Public Schools

Dr. Patrick M. Walsh Retiree Retiree

Holly L Ward Superintendent Dawson-Boyd Public Schools

Whitney Weber Assistant Director of Special Education St. Michael-Albertville School District

Dr. Kristine J. Wehrkamp Herman Superintendent Hastings Public Schools

Autumn Welcome Principal MASSP

Kevin J Wellen Superintendent Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Schools

Heather Whatley Minnesota Partnership Manager Edmentum

Erik J Widvey Superintendent Kimball Area Public Schools

Terrence T. Wilding Superintendent MN State Academies

Anthony L. Williams Executive Director of Community Education, Athletics and Activities Robbinsdale Area Schools

Dr. Kevin J Witherspoon Executive Director of Student Services Intermediate School District 287

Stefanie A Youngberg Superintendent East Central Public Schools

Kiarra Zackery Executive Director of Equity, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Intermediate School District 287

Dr. Annette M Ziegler Assistant Superintendent Secondary Schools Anoka Hennepin School District

3 Other Registered Attendees

We are pleased to offer a special group rate for attendees of the MDE Back to School Conference, taking place August 4, 2026.
Stay at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest for the exclusive rate of $169 per night.

This rate is available until Monday, July 13, 2026, or until the room block is full.

Click here to book your room at the conference hotel!

Featured State Leaders

Hear directly from leaders shaping education across Minnesota:

Commissioner Willie Jett
Minnesota Department of Education

Matt Hillmann
Executive Director, MASA

Afternoon Legislative Panel

Gain insight from experienced education and policy leaders as they reflect on the legislative session and what lies ahead for Minnesota schools.