July 12-14, 2026
Olympic Conference Center
Lake Placid, NY
Registration is OPEN!
This year’s theme, “Our Roots, Our Rise: Honoring Our Legacy. Growing Stronger Together,” celebrates the deep foundations of our rural schools while looking ahead to the exciting possibilities that lie before us.
Sunday, July 12
REGISTRATION OPENS AT 12:30PM
PRE-DINNER RECEPTION 5:00PM
AWARDS DINNER 6:00PM-8:00PM
AWARDS RECEPTION 8:00PM-10:00PM
CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES RUN 2PM-10PM
Conference Kickoff (2pm) — We start our conference with inspiration, connection, and a shared vision for rural education.
Kickoff Programing:
🌳Our Roots, Our Rise: Building Systems That Can Hold Truth
Erica Ebert, WFL BOCES
We move through many systems each day, and each one shapes our capacity to show up. This opening grounds us in a simple truth: systems have nervous systems. They carry energy, stress, and possibility, and they affect how we lead, connect, and respond.
In our roots, we name how regulation, co-regulation, and relational safety create the conditions for truth. When systems do not have the capacity to hold truth, they do not fail loudly, they wear down quietly through burnout, disconnection, and disengagement.
This work is not about forcing change. It is about increasing a system’s capacity to meet reality with steadiness, so truth can be held, not avoided.
Later today, Lily Talcott will take us into our rise, what becomes possible when systems are not just regulated, but connected by purpose, where equity is lived, and beloved community is something we build, together.
🌳SED Panel
🌳Jen Gafney, NYSCOSS Superintendent of the Year
🌳Ferrara Fiorenza PC Legal Presentation
🌳Our Roots, Our Rise: Building Systems That Truly Serve All
Lily Talcott, TST BOCES
What becomes possible when we tell the truth about who our systems serve – and who they do not? Building on themes of healing, regulation, and truth from Erica’s opening, we will explore how rural schools can move toward equity and excellence through hope, collaboration, and courageous reimagination. Together, we will consider how we can better fulfill public education’s promise to every child, regardless of zip code.
Afternoon Reception (5pm) — Reconnect with colleagues and spark new conversations in a relaxed setting.
Awards Dinner (6pm) — Celebrate the outstanding leaders and schools shaping the future of our communities.
Awards Reception (8pm) — Step into history at Roamers in the Olympic Conference Center, where the spirit of past Olympic triumphs sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of connection, celebration, and inspiration.
Monday, July 13
ROOTS BEFORE RISE YOGA 7:00AM
BREAKFAST 7:30AM-8:30AM
CELEBRATION OF RURAL EDUCATION LUNCHEON 11:30AM-1:00PM
OLYMPIC MUSEUM & CURLING EVENT RECEPTION 3:45PM-6:30PM
CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES RUN 8:30AM-6:30PM
Roots Before Rise: A Morning Practice for Grounded Leadership (7am) — Rise and Shine with morning yoga at the historic Olympic Conference Center, facilitated by Erica Ebert
Before the day begins, take time to reconnect with the roots that sustain strong leadership. This gentle morning yoga and mindfulness practice blends breath, movement, and reflection to support clarity, regulation, and presence. When leaders are grounded, they lead with greater compassion, steadiness, and purpose. All levels welcome. Come as you are and start the day rooted and ready to rise.
Monday Keynote, Manley Feinberg (8:30am)
Prepare for a high-energy experience that will challenge and inspire you to think bigger about leadership, resilience, and what’s possible for your schools and communities. Drawing on extraordinary stories from the world of mountain climbing, business leadership, and real-life adventure, this keynote will ignite renewed purpose, strengthen commitment, and empower rural educators to push beyond obstacles and reach their next summit together.
Breakout Sessions (10:30 AM) — Practical ideas, innovative strategies, and real-world solutions you can bring back to your district.
Celebration of Rural Education Lunch: FFA Speakers and Rural Teacher of the Year Award (11:30am) — Honor the spirit of rural education while hearing from inspiring student leaders and celebrating an exceptional educator.
Breakout Sessions (1:00 PM)
Breakout Sessions (2:30 PM)
Curling and Olympic Museum Reception (3:45pm) — Enjoy a uniquely Lake Placid evening of curling fun and exploration at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, complete with networking and memorable experiences.
Tuesday, July 14
BREAKFAST 7:30AM-8:30AM
CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES RUN 8:45AM-11:45AM
Breakout Sessions Continued (8:45am) — Final opportunities to exchange ideas, deepen connections, and leave equipped with practical strategies to carry the momentum home.
Tuesday Keynote, Jimmy Casas (10:00am)
Jimmy is an award-winning principal, best-selling author, and nationally recognized speaker, has spent over three decades inspiring educators to build strong, student-centered school cultures and lead meaningful change.
In alignment with our theme, Our Roots. Our Rise., Jimmy will focus on the rise—energizing leaders, practitioners, and advocates across rural New York State to build on their deep roots, embrace what’s possible, and lead boldly into the future of their schools and communities.
Conference closing with Heather Zellers (11:30am)
Full Conference Breakout Sessions
Shift the Lift: Building Sustainable Mental Health Systems in Rural Schools Through Shared Services and Workforce Pathways – Seneca Falls Central School District
Regionalization: Advancing Equity and Excellence Through Collaboration – Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services
Bridging Classroom and Community Learning: A Replicable Model for Rural Elementary School Success – Cornell Cooperative Extension
Shared Leadership in Action: Advancing Equity and Efficiency Through Strategic Collaboration – Newfield Central School District
School-Family-Community: A Rural Model for Turning Community Roots into Student Rise – Sullivan West Central School District
#CoolTools4School – Mexico Central School District
Prepare for NY Inspires with Equitable and Standards-Based Grading – Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services
Expanding Mental Health in Rural School Communities with the School Mental Health Resource and Training (SMHRT) Center – Mental Health Association in New York State
Keystone Pathways & Cougar Cafe: Reimagining Rural Graduation Through Purpose-Driven Learning – Cassadaga Valley Central School District
NY Kids: Supporting Rural Schools with Teacher Recruitment and Retention – Lessons from Rural Positive Outliers – University at Albany
Tapping Into Opportunity: A Mobile Maple Lab Model for Cross-Curricular Rural Education – Lowville Academy and Central School
Career Academy: Fuel Your Passion, Ignite Your Future – Groton Central School District
Standing on Strong Ground: Growing Leadership Capacity Through Regional Collaboration – Wayland-Cohocton Central School District
Rooted Leadership: Staying Human in Rural Systems – Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES
The Dover Medical Society: A Healthy Way to Change Lives – Dover UFSD
An Alternative Pathway to Success: Agriculture and Alternative Education Come Together to Benefit Students – Marion Central Schools
- Better Together: A Hopeful Approach to Regional Change – ONC BOCES, Gilboa-Conesville CSD, Jefferson CSD, South Kortright CSD, and Roxbury CSD
- From Preparedness to Recovery – A Collaborative Approach to Extreme Weather on K–12 School Campuses-C2AE
- Relevancy for all New York Students-College Board
- Level Up: Fixing the Communication Systems Frustrating Your Families-Apptegy
- Technology with Purpose: Building Human-Centered, Measurable Instructional Systems in the Age of AI-ThinkTech
- Using Technology and Innovation to Improve School Operations and Support Student Success in Rural Districts-Trane
Sunday | Awards Reception
Join us as we proudly honor this year’s award recipients. Celebrate the remarkable educators, leaders, and schools making a lasting impact on rural communities while enjoying refreshments, meaningful connections, and the inspiring atmosphere of an Olympic venue. Share in the moment, congratulate our honorees, and help us kick off the conference with an evening dedicated to recognition, pride, and celebration — with additional details to be announced soon.
Monday | Curling and Olympic Museum Reception
Curling
Step onto the ice to learn the basics of curling, test your skills, and enjoy a lively evening of networking with colleagues. Teams and coordinated curling attire are welcome! More information coming soon.
OPT-IN REQUIRED FOR CURLING
You must opt-in to this event in advance during the registration process. Additional fees do not apply, however, it is important that you register in advance as this event is sure to fill up quickly.
Olympic Museum
A must-see attraction in Lake Placid, the Lake Placid Olympic Museum showcases interactive exhibits and one of North America’s largest collections of Winter Olympic artifacts, celebrating the village’s legacy as a two-time Olympic host.
Registration is OPEN!
https://registration.socio.events/e/rsasummerconference2026
– Sunday Dinner
– Monday Breakfast
– Monday Lunch
– Tuesday Breakfast
Programmed morning, afternoon, and evening receptions will include light snacks and beverages.
All meals and receptions listed are included in the registration fee.
Secure your registration and accommodations early, as space for this event is limited and expected to fill quickly.
QUESTIONS?
Registration will be coordinated through FEH BOCES. If you need assistance, please contact: rsaconference@fehb.org
If you have questions regarding lodging and hotel reservations, please contact conventionres@lakeplacid.com
For general inquiries, please contact RSA Director of Communications and Planning, Andrea Durmiaki, at adurmiaki@rsany.org
Most lodging opportunities in our block have sold out. In order to receive the room rates for RSA room blocks, you must reserve a room directly with the hotel.
Grand Adirondack Hotel
*Parking at this location is by Valet only, available 24/7 at $24 per day, per vehicle
518-523-1818
Call directly and be sure to tell the front desk you are reserving on behalf of RSA to receive the discounted room rate.
With attendees traveling from all corners of New York State and beyond, we suggest planning your travel ahead by referencing the Lake Placid Travelers Guide here.
Vendors and Sponsorship
Please contact Scott Bischoping at sbischoping@rsany.org.
In partnership
A special thanks to our 2026 Conference Planning Committee:
Helen Arco
Linda Competillo
Jesse Harper
Peggy Parsons
Lily Talcott
Cindy Walter
Sponsored By
