The 2026 OAESD Annual Spring Conference will bring together Oregon’s ESD leaders—including superintendents, board members, program directors, and other leaders—for two days of connection, collaboration, and shared learning.
This year’s theme, “Better Together: Aligning for Impact,” reflects our collective commitment to working in harmony to serve students and communities across Oregon. Join us in May as we explore ways to align our efforts, strengthen partnerships, and elevate the impact of education service districts on students statewide.
Great news! In light of tight budgets, we are holding the conference registration fee at $475 for early registration until April 12th, 2026. Feel free to email us for registration information!
Be sure and save the date! May 13-15th, 2026
Keynote Speaker: Paul Schmitz
Paul Schmitz is a nationally recognized leader in collective leadership and collaborative impact. As Senior Advisor at the Collective Impact Forum and CEO of Leading Inside Out, Paul works with organizations and communities to align leadership, culture, and strategy for greater social impact.
An author, speaker, and longtime advocate for community-driven change, Paul brings decades of experience advancing leadership development, equity, and civic engagement at the local and national levels. His keynote will challenge ESD leaders to think differently about shared leadership—and how working better together leads to lasting results.
Featured Speaker: Dr. Charlene Williams
Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education, brings more than 30 years of experience and a deep commitment to advancing equity, belonging, and student success across Oregon. Since her appointment in 2023, she has taken a hands-on approach to strengthening academic excellence, wellness, and accountability for all scholars.
A passionate advocate for historically underserved students, Dr. Williams is leading bold, statewide efforts to reimagine student success through aligned systems, transparent practices, and meaningful partnerships with districts and ESDs. Her work underscores the power of coherence and collaboration in creating impactful outcomes for Oregon’s students.
OAESD. We truly are, Better Together!
Thank you to our valued sponsors and exhibitors:
Questions? Feel free to reach out to our planning team at: OAESD@lblesd.k12.or.us