Unlock Exceptional Leadership with ISBA’s Gold Seal Certification

Elevate your leadership potential with the Indiana School Boards Association’s Board Presidents’ Gold Seal Leadership Certification. Designed for both newly appointed and seasoned school board presidents, this new program will equip you with cutting-edge governance and leadership strategies.

From mastering effective board meetings and goal-setting for student achievement to superintendent evaluations and fiscal management, the Gold Seal program ensures you’re prepared to lead with confidence and vision. Plus, connect with peers through interactive seminars, virtual roundtables, and relaxed Coffee Chats. The recipients of the Gold Seal will be recognized at the annual Fall Conference Board Presidents’ Breakfast.

Here are the steps to complete in order to earn your Board Presidents’ Gold Seal:

1) Attend a Winter or Summer Coffee Chat

Start your morning with connection, conversation, and community at ISBA’s new Regional Coffee Chats. These informal gatherings bring school board members together across each region to share ideas, discuss current challenges, and build stronger relationships with peers while enjoying coffee and donuts.

Designed to be relaxed and accessible, Coffee Chats create space for dialogue, helpful insights, and a deeper sense of connection within your region. Whether you are a new board member or a seasoned leader, you will leave with fresh perspectives and practical takeaways to support your work.

Each ISBA Regional Director will host a Coffee Chat within their school district, and ISBA staff will be on-site to assist and answer questions.

Note: You only need to attend either the winter or summer Coffee Chats to be eligible for the Presidents' Gold Seal Certification.

Winter Coffee Chats took place in January and February 2026.

Summer Dates: August 3–14, 2026

Attendees will receive 5 EGA points for attending.

2) Attend ISBA LeaderCon’26

This seminar will equip you with the essential tools to navigate the complexities of leading your leadership team. Don't miss this opportunity to refine your skills and make a lasting impact on your district.

This event took place on Friday, February 6, 2026. The recording and materials are available for purchase, if interested.

3) Attend your region’s Spring Presidents’ Virtual Roundtable

Join fellow school board presidents for an exclusive opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the most pressing school governance issues facing your district today. Listen, share, and consider what’s working and what’s not in your school district.

Date: Wednesday, April 15 at 11:30 a.m. EST (virtual)

Attendees will receive 1 EGA point for attending.

4) Attend 1 of 4 Spring/Summer Seminars

COSSBA Annual Conference - March 13-15, 2026 in Louisville, KY
ISBA/IAPSS School Safety/Cybersecurity Seminar - May 13, 2026
ISBA June School Law Seminar - June 9, 2026
ISBA/IAPSS/IASBO Budgeting & Finance Seminar - June 18, 2026
ISBA/IAPSS Collective Bargaining Webinar - August 2026

Attendees will receive 10 EGA points per seminar for attending.

5) Attend your region’s Summer Presidents’ Virtual Roundtable

Date: Wednesday, September 16 at 11:30 a.m. EST (virtual)

Attendees will receive 1 EGA point for attending.

6) Attend Presidents' Breakfast at the Annual Fall Conference

Join us at the annual Presidents’ Breakfast/Panel Discussion and hear from a resource panel of board members -- who currently are or have served as board president. The panel will discuss key topics and field audience questions pertinent to the school board presidents’ role and responsibilities.

Participants of the leadership program will be recognized at the breakfast and have their name displayed on the award wall.

Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. EST at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis

Attendees will receive 5 EGA points for attending.

Registration opens in summer 2026