More than 11-hundred school board members and superintendents from across the state will gather in Des Moines this week for the 71st annual convention of the Iowa Association of School Boards. Lou Ann Gvist is helping to organize the three-day event, which opens today (Wednesday).

Gvist says, “We serve the school board members from around the state and this is their opportunity to come together under one roof to learn together to improve their governance and leadership skills for the students that they serve.” Three top-notch keynote speakers are lined up, one for each day of the conference, while attendees will be able to seek out a list of helpful workshops.

“We have 10 in-depth workshops on Wednesday and we have our board president workshop on Friday,” Gvist says. “On Wednesday, we’ll focus on school finance and things like what rural schools can do to collaborate for success and how board teams can positively impact school district culture.” Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds will also be speaking to the group, which is gathering at the Iowa Events Center. Learn more at: www.ia-sb.org.

(Radio Iowa)