2025 AESD Annual Conference

How to Register

Please contact Shayna Burmeister, AESD Administrative Specialist or your local ESD’s executive assistant for more information.

Lodging & Venue

The Centennial Hotel by Davenport

303 West North River Drive
Spokane, WA 99201

Located in the heart of downtown and just steps from the Spokane River and Centennial Trail, The Centennial by Davenport Hotels is focused on providing you unique and memorable experiences. The closest hotel to the Spokane Arena, you’ll also find yourself within walking distance to the Convention Center, U-District, downtown shops and restaurants. Here, your stay will be surrounded by a contemporary aesthetic paired with Pacific Northwest flair – an ideal home base for all your (and your dog’s) Spokane adventures.

Discounted rooms will be available for conference attendees. More information coming soon about the Group Block.

Presenters

Chris Reykdal, State Education Updates
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.

Joan Wade, National Education Updates
AESA Executive Director

Joan Wade, Ed.D. is a life-long educator with over 30 years of service in public education. She began serving as the Executive Director for the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), on July 1, 2016. Dr. Wade began her career as a library media specialist in Montello, Wisconsin. After attending graduate school, she served in various administrative capacities in Wisconsin school districts including as Technology Coordinator for Portage Community School District, and Distance Learning Director for CESA 5.

Henry Strom​​, Pre-Conference Learning Session
OSPI Office of Native Education Executive Director

Henry Strom is the Executive Director of the Office of Native Education which provides assistance to school districts in meeting the educational needs of American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) students. ONE serves as a liaison between OSPI and school districts, tribal governments, State-Tribal Education Compact schools (STECs), tribal schools, Native communities, parent/guardians of Native children, and other groups and individuals.

Sponsors