2024 AESD Annual Conference

The 2024 conference has been collaboratively designed by this year’s host ESD (North Central ESD) and the AESD Executive Board. We are excited to welcome ESD Board Members and staff to Chelan in April where we will network and learn together. This year’s theme, Engage | Empower | Elevate, is the foundation for our fabulous keynote presenters and breakout sessions! Hope to see you in April!

Click here to check out highlights from the 2023 conference or visit the AESD website!

Friday, April 5

8:00am – 12:00pm

How to Register

For registration and lodging information, please contact Shayna Burmeister, AESD Administrative Specialist or your local ESD’s executive assistant:

Lodging & Venue

Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan

104 W Woodin Ave
Chelan, WA 98816

Campbell’s Resort on Lake Chelan has been Washington state’s favorite family getaway resort since 1901. 170 lakeside guest rooms and 1800’ of private beach adorn the resort’s eight acre site situated on Chelan’s historic downtown waterfront.

Discounted rooms are available for conference attendees. To make a room reservation, call Campbell’s at 800-553-8225 and reference the Group Block #: 738006 – AESD Annual Conference.

Presenters

Angela Jones, Director, Washington State Initiative

Dr. Angela Jones leads the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s efforts to create sustainable and positive impact for students, families, and communities in Washington State. With more than 25 years of passionate engagement, service, and leadership in Washington’s public education systems, she applies her experience in leading systemic change and a strong belief in community sustainability and generational growth through access to education.

Before joining the foundation in 2021, Angela held roles as the CEO of Washington STEM and various leadership roles at Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Spokane Public Schools, and the Wapato School District that included Vice President of Student Affairs, Vice President of University Advancement, Chief of Staff, and Director of Employment and Conciliation Services.

Angela received her J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law, as well as a Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. She holds a master’s degree in communications from Eastern Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in English/Language Arts with an initial teaching certificate from Washington State University.

Angela is a co-founder and managing partner of the Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington’s only Black created and led philanthropic organization designed to ignite Black health, generational wealth, and well-being. She also serves as a Gonzaga University Trustee, on the board of the Edmonds Teachers of Color Foundation and the Washington State University Student Affairs Advisory Committee.

Shandy Abrahamson, OSPI Tribal Engagement Specialist

Shandy Abrahamson serves as the Tribal Engagement Specialist in the Office of Native Education at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) since 2020. Prior to her work with OSPI she was the director of Tribal Relations at WEnatchee Valley College and a Program Manager with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

Chris Reykdal, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Chris Reykdal was born and raised in Snohomish, Washington, as the youngest of eight children. He has served as a high school history teacher, local school board member, state legislator, and budget and policy executive for our state’s community and technical college system. Reykdal has dedicated his entire career to public education, and he is currently serving in his first term as the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He and his wife, Kim, live in historic Tumwater with their two children, Carter and Kennedy.

John Bass​, AESA Chief Operating Officer

John has been a leader with the national Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) since 2015. He currently serves as AESA’s Chief Operating Officer in support of Educational Service Agencies across the country, including Washington’s Educational Service Districts and statewide association. John has 40 years of experience in public education. Prior to AESA he worked with the Region 16 Educational Service Center in Amarillo, Texas for 20 years, including as their executive director for 13 years. He has also served as a superintendent of schools for two Texas school districts: Plemons-Stinnett-Phillips CISD and Mart ISD; and as a high school principal, secondary math teacher, football coach, and girls’ basketball coach.

Sponsors

We are extremely grateful to all of our sponsors for their support and participation!