Studer Education’s Annual K12 Leadership Events

Destination High Performance

Virtual: April 15-17, 2025 Chicago: July 22-23, 2025

Committing to high performance is what’s right in education.

Our Destination High Performance (DHP) events celebrate the incredible work of transformational leaders who are shaping the future of education. These events focus on how leaders drive continuous improvement, foster innovation, and elevate education practices through ongoing leadership development and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Studer Education’s Annual K12 Leadership Events

Destination High Peformance

Virtual: April 15-17, 2025 Chicago: July 22-23, 2025

Committing to high performance is what’s right in education.

Our Destination High Performance (DHP) events celebrate the incredible work of transformational leaders who are shaping the future of education. These events focus on how leaders drive continuous improvement, foster innovation, and elevate education practices through ongoing leadership development and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Featured 2024 Speakers

Shay James

Workshop: Effective Communication Tools and Tactics
Superintendent North Clackamas School District, OR

Shelly Viramontez

Panel: Building First Choice School Districts

Superintendent
Campbell Union School District, CA

Sean Dorsey

Everyone is a Leader: Building a Sense of Urgency Around Improvement
Superintendent Manitou Springs School District, CO

Ed Manansala

Keynote: Education Excellence Fireside Chat & Superintendent’s Panel
County Superintendent of Schools El Dorado County Office of Education, CA
DHP Virtual

Virtual Event • April 15-17, 2025

Creating a Culture of Excellence from Leadership to the Classroom

The Destination High Performance virtual event is a dynamic three-day virtual event designed to inspire and empower education leaders at every level. With a robust agenda featuring thought-provoking keynotes, masterclasses, and interactive panels, attendees will explore critical topics such as driving student excellence through leadership influence, hardwiring daily practices for success, and applying the PDSA cycle to achieve high-performance outcomes. Each day focuses on a unique theme—Organizational Excellence, Internal Service Excellence, and Leadership Excellence—culminating in facilitated networking sessions to deepen connections and share insights. Join us to get actionable strategies for creating cultures of excellence, and leave equipped to elevate your organization and foster success for all.

Agenda at a Glance

*All session times are listed in Central Time (CT).

DAY 1

10AM • Keynote
The Influence Leaders Have on Student Excellence
Dr. Charlotte Boling, Leader Coach • Studer Education

10:35AM • Mini Masterclass
Hardwiring Daily Huddles to Drive Student Success
Dr. Christi Barrett, Superintendent • Hemet Unified School District, CA

Learn how structured daily huddles can transform communication, alignment, and student achievement.

11:05AM • Mini Masterclass
PDSA Cycles Applied to Drive High Performing Math Achievement
Patches Calhoun, Elementary Principal • Oxford School District, MS

Discover how continuous improvement cycles can create sustainable student growth and performance.

11:35AM • Panel
Why Organizational Excellence is Key to Student Excellence
Dr. Jennifer Lowery, Superintendent • Tea Area School District, SD
Bradley Roberson, Superintendent • Oxford School District, MS
David Shimer, Superintendent • Burton School District, CA

12:15PM
Virtual Learning Community Conversations

DAY 2

2PM • Keynote
Serving Our People with “Customer Care”
Dr. Deanna Ashby, Leader Coach • Studer Education

2:30PM • Mini Masterclass
Positive Effects on Students by Moving Operational Results Up

Explore how improving operational systems leads to better student experiences and outcomes.

3PM • Mini Masterclass
Making the Complex Simple: Process Improvement
Dr. Pat Greco, Senior Director of Thought Leadership • Studer Education
Dr. Jennifer Martin, Assistant Superintendent of Improvement and Analytics • Hemet Unified School District, CA

Learn how to streamline complex processes to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and impact.

3:30PM • Mini Masterclass
Rounding with Those We Serve to Achieve Outcomes
Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum, Superintendent • San Benito High School District, CA

Discover how leader rounding strengthens relationships, builds trust, and drives meaningful results.

4PM
Virtual Learning Community Conversations

DAY 3

10AM • Keynote
Connecting the Dots & Answering Questions
Dr. Janet Pilcher, Founder & President • Studer Education

10:35AM • Mini Masterclass
How the Organizational Excellence Framework Guides Leadership Development
Dr. Ryan Carpenter, Superintendent • Estacada School District, OR

Uncover how a structured framework for excellence accelerates leadership growth and effectiveness.

11:05AM • Mini Masterclass
Addressing Misalignment of Leaders
Dr. Matt Hillmann, Superintendent • Northfield Public Schools, MN

Learn strategies to identify and correct leadership misalignment to improve team cohesion and performance.

11:35AM • Panel
Why Developing Leaders is Non-negotiable
Ira Porchia, Superintendent • Tulare City School District, CA
Dr. Catherine Wang, Superintendent • Glencoe School District 35, IL

12:10PM • Keynote
Leadership Development is Non-negotiable

DHP Chicago

DHP Chicago • July 22-23, 2025

Our aim for every student, employee, and family we serve.

DHP K12 Leadership Event Collage Banner

Join us at Destination High Performance Chicago, where education leaders come together to learn, connect, and drive real results. High-performing schools succeed by delivering rigorous learning and exceptional service—but excellence isn’t achieved alone.

This event offers inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and networking with like-minded professionals, all focused on equipping you with the tools and strategies to elevate your impact.

Bring your team and gain fresh insights, practical solutions, and renewed inspiration to strengthen your commitment to students, staff, and families.

Early Bird Registration

Don’t miss your chance to save! Register now for Destination High Performance Chicago and lock in exclusive early bird discounts. Bring your team and take advantage of special rates for groups and partners. But hurry—early bird pricing ends May 5, 2025!

Over a Decade of Actionable and Impactful Experience Shared from the Stage

Aligning for Impact and Student Success in Meade County Schools

As a fifth-year partner with Studer Education, Meade County Schools continues to refine its systems, strengthen trust, and create meaningful learning opportunities for students and staff. Through a commitment to transparency, strategic hiring, and data-driven improvement, the district exemplifies what’s possible when leadership is focused on getting better at getting better.

Daily Huddles, Student Voice, and Engagement: How Hemet Unified School District is Driving Student and Staff Success

Hemet Unified School District is proving that strategic focus and intentional leadership drive real results. Under Dr. Christi Barrett’s leadership, the district has made significant strides in behavior, attendance, and employee engagement—improving suspension rates, boosting attendance with mentorship programs, and strengthening staff connections through hardwired feedback loops.

Building Bridges: A Superintendent’s Journey to Create a Community-Driven Strategic Plan

At our annual education leadership conference, What's Right in Education, Dr. Candace Pelt, Superintendent of Central Linn School District in Halsey, Oregon, shared insights into her transformative leadership and strategic planning approach. Emphasizing the power of strategic planning, Dr. Pelt highlights its role as a roadmap guiding decision-making and ensuring alignment with community values.

Together we are creating great places to work, learn, and succeed.

Be part of a community dedicated to making a difference in education. Subscribe to Studer Education Insights for exclusive content, expert resources, and the latest strategies delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s keep improving—together.

Together we are creating great places to work, learn, and succeed.

Be part of a community dedicated to making a difference in education. Subscribe to Studer Education Insights for exclusive content, expert resources, and the latest strategies delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s keep improving—together.

Event Rewind

While you wait for the next DHP K12 event, take a look back at previous keynotes, featured breakout sessions, leader panels, and more from the stage.

Improving the Employee Experience in Schools:

Improving Strategic Alignment of the District:

Systematizing Improvement with Continuous Improvement Practices:

From the Stage to the Podcast

The Accelerate Your Performance podcast features interviews with leaders and educators who have shared the stories behind their success at our K12 leadership events. Listen as they discuss how their districts are improving workplace culture, retaining their people, and getting the best outcomes for all students.

You are what’s right for education.

Join our community. Subscribe to Studer Education to get access to exclusive content, resources, event invites, and networking opportunities.

Mr. Rob Clayton accepting the 'Difference Maker Award' at the 2024 What's Right in Education alongside Dr. Janet Pilcher and Dr. Deanna Ashby.

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