Lead with Impact: Strategic Series on Culture, Retention & Excellence | January 29, 2026 - June 2, 2026
Strengthen your district’s foundation for success with this three-part professional learning series by Studer Education. Designed for district and school leaders, this experience provides proven strategies to elevate culture, boost retention and build systems that sustain excellence. Move beyond quick fixes and build a thriving, resilient learning environment through strategic, research-based practices.
Sessions 1 & 2: Building Excellence—Two Days of Intensive Studer Education Training – January 29, 2026 & February 26, 2026
Studer Education’s intensive, two-day training will focus on hardwiring excellence into your daily operations and developing a strategy-first approach to human capital—the essential foundation for a positive climate.
Learn how to:
- Hardwire excellence and clarity into daily leadership practices.
- Strengthen trust, morale and engagement through meaningful feedback loops.
- Implement strategic systems that attract, develop and retain top talent.
- Foster a culture of psychological safety and purpose that drives academic success.
Led by Dr. Deanna Ashby of Studer Education, this series helps leaders align directly with their district’s strategic goals to create thriving schools where educators feel valued—and students excel.
Session 3: innovate Keynote & Follow-Up – June 2, 2026
Elevate your experience with access to an inspiring and relevant keynote speaker during the innovate conference, followed by a dedicated breakout session to ensure learning transitions into concrete action. The follow-up session after the innovate conference keynote is designed to help you synthesize the keynote's message with the Studer principles, translating inspiration into a personalized, strategic implementation plan for your district's culture and climate goals.
Dr. Deanna D. Ashby’s five years as a superintendent built a strong belief in education and her mission in the field. Working in public schools for 29 years, she has come to consider education a calling that has a positive impact on the community. That’s obvious through her emphasis on Team Hopkins – One Team, One Mission, One Community.Deanna (De De) has served as a high school business and marketing teacher, guidance counselor, elementary and high school principal and district administrator in Hopkins County Schools. She served as an educational consultant on the Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers board, member of the Commissioner of Education Superintendent Advisory Committee, a mentor for Kentucky Women in Educational Leadership and a member of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators New Superintendent Onboarding Program. Dr. Ashby currently serves alongside other nationally recognized leaders, and current and former superintendents as lead educator, content expert and mentor for the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program®.
Dr. Mary Hendricks-Harris brings over three decades of experience in public education, including roles as teacher, director, assistant superintendent and superintendent. She led a district that received five National Blue Ribbon School awards in just three years. Her leadership is grounded in research-based frameworks and a deep understanding of continuous improvement practices. Mary is a sought-after facilitator, coach and speaker on topics such as PLCs, psychological safety and leading through change. Known for her engaging style and practical tools, she empowers leaders to translate vision into action. Dr. Hendricks-Harris holds a doctorate in educational leadership and has a strong track record of helping teams improve both culture and academic outcomes.
For additional information about this event, please contact Brian Lankheit blankheit@edplus.org.
Cancellations made more than 10 business days before the event start date will incur a 20% cancellation fee.
Cancellations made 10 business days or less are not eligible for a refund.
If an event is cancelled due to inclement weather or low enrollment, a full refund will be issued.
No-shows will be billed in full.
The cancellation policy applies to all forms of payment including Learning Service Credits.