WiRSA Conference 2026 ”Celebrating Innovation and Resilience”
WiRSA Keynotes 2026!
Thursday Keynote - Matt Kirchner!
Attendees will leave with practical ideas for leading in the AI era, including aligning classroom learning to real-world industry demand, maximizing limited resources through smarter systems, and positioning rural schools as engines of both student success and long-term community vitality.
Friday Keynote - Mike McGowan!
In the school system, working with parents and children who are struggling with trauma is challenging. Families often maintain an unhealthy status quo, are protective and resist change. Research indicates that children experiencing numerous Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma can, and do, survive and thrive when their environment is supportive.
WiRSA Conference Room Reservations - OPEN NOW!
Rate: $101.00 Single Occupancy State Rate - $124.00 Double Occupancy State Rate
Guests can book their reservations online 24 hours a day by using the following link: Holiday Inn Express: WiRSA Conference 2026
Making reservations over the phone, please call 715-344-0200 and press #1. When making reservations, please reference the group name, WiRSA Conference 2026, or the Group Block Code: WIR.
Group rate will be available until 09/28/2026 (or until the block is full). Remaining rooms in your will be released for general reservations at the hotel's prevailing daily rate, which may be higher than your group rate.
BOOK YOUR ROOM TODAY!
WiRSA Conference Registration- OPEN NOW!
Thursday, October 29 & Friday, October 30, 2026
Welcome Reception
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - 6:00 p.m.
Stevens Point Convention Center - Stevens Point, WI
A conference for administrators, board members, teachers, CESA employees, higher education professionals, public library administrators, elected officials, and citizens passionate about rural school and community issues.
WiRSA Conference - CALL FOR PROPOSALS
“Celebrating Innovation & Resilience” focuses on how rural schools thrive by responding to challenges and limitations with creative solutions. Breakout sessions will align with one of the following tracks:
Resource Management & Collaboration: Strategies for utilizing limited resources; managing budgets; addressing declining enrollment; and responding to community needs, such as school-sponsored child care or health care/mental health partnerships.
Technology & Future Readiness: Focusing on emerging technologies, preparing students for a workforce shaped by AI, and leveraging AI tools for school leaders.
Educational Pathways & Programs: Highlighting innovative educational programs and effective classroom practices, including Academic and Career Planning (ACP), high school pathways, dual credit options, and the development of partnerships with higher education and businesses.
Proposals are due by Friday, June 26, 2026
Auction Items for Scholarships
To raise additional money for student scholarships for our member schools. We will have both a silent auction and a live auction. If you are able to support our scholarships with an auction item, it would be greatly appreciated.
Here is the Google Form Link for auction items.
Things may change, so I allow for responses to change/edit if needed. Just keep the link after you have submitted the auction information.