2026 Rural Schools Association of NYS Annual Summer Conference

About

This year’s theme, “Our Roots, Our Rise: Honoring Our Legacy. Growing Stronger Together,” celebrates the deep foundations of our rural schools while looking ahead to the exciting possibilities that lie before us.

Conference Kickoff (2pm) — We start our conference with inspiration, connection, and a shared vision for rural education.

Kickoff Programing:

Our Roots, Our Rise: Building Systems That Can Hold Truth
Erica Ebert, WFL BOCES
We move through many systems each day, and each one shapes our capacity to show up. This opening grounds us in a simple truth: systems have nervous systems. They carry energy, stress, and possibility, and they affect how we lead, connect, and respond.

In our roots, we name how regulation, co-regulation, and relational safety create the conditions for truth. When systems do not have the capacity to hold truth, they do not fail loudly, they wear down quietly through burnout, disconnection, and disengagement.

This work is not about forcing change. It is about increasing a system’s capacity to meet reality with steadiness, so truth can be held, not avoided.

Later today, Lily Talcott will take us into our rise, what becomes possible when systems are not just regulated, but connected by purpose, where equity is lived, and beloved community is something we build, together.

SED Panel

Jen Gafney, NYSCOSS Superintendent of the Year

Ferrara Fiorenza PC Legal Presentation

Our Roots, Our Rise: Building Systems That Truly Serve All
Lily Talcott, TST BOCES
What becomes possible when we tell the truth about who our systems serve – and who they do not? Building on themes of healing, regulation, and truth from Erica’s opening, we will explore how rural schools can move toward equity and excellence through hope, collaboration, and courageous reimagination. Together, we will consider how we can better fulfill public education’s promise to every child, regardless of zip code.

**This event is for registered attendees only, and is not open to the public.