Keys for Innovative Transformation Summit
About the Event
Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Rudder Tower, Room 601
Light Breakfast and lunch provided.
Summit Agenda
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RegistrationRudder Tower, Room 601
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Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tony Watlington, Superintendent of Philadelphia Schools
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Breakout Sessions 1 & 2Rudder Tower, Room 501 and Room 510
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Breakout Sessions 3 & 4Rudder Tower, Room 501 and Room 510
Event Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr.
Dr. Tony B. Watlington Sr. was appointed superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, the nation’s 8th largest school district with nearly 200,000 students, on April 1, 2022 and was sworn in on June 16, 2022. A collaborative and results-oriented leader, Dr. Watlington began his tenure by launching an aggressive Entry Plan composed of 3 phases. Phase one included a listening and learning tour with 90 sessions in his first 100 days, phase 2 included a Transition Team composed of 100 diverse Philadelphians and K-12 national experts who issued a formal report with short and long-term recommendations, and phase 3 includes the development of an aggressive 5-year strategic planning process to position the school district to become the fastest improving large, urban school district in the country.
Over the past two years under Superintendent Watlington’s leadership, student attendance increased by 3,500 students, the percentage of 3rd grade students scoring proficient or advanced in reading increased by 6.2%-points, the percentage of 3rd-8th grade students scoring proficient or advanced in math increased by 5.5%-points, the number of dropouts decreased by 1,400, the 4-year graduation rate increased by 6.3 percentage points, and for the first time in a decade, the district increased its student enrollment by 1,841 students.
Dr. Watlington began his career as a history teacher in Guilford County, NC in 1994 and was named district Teacher-of-the-Year in 1998. A life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Dr. Watlington has received many awards and honors including being named as “Superintendent of the Year” in December 2024 by District Administration Leadership Institute (DALI), for his leadership in accelerating academic achievement among one of the largest out of the country’s 14,000 school systems. He was also honored as the North Carolina PTA Administrator of the Year in 2014, and he received the Communities-in-Schools (CIS) Champion’s Cup and Business Leaders Movers and Shakers Award.
Outside of his academic work, his interests include spending time with his family, volunteering in his community, CrossFit training and running 5K races, traveling to historic sites, learning to play his guitar, good food and conversation, and he enjoys an occasional basketball game with his 3 sons, Tony Jr., Aaron, and Caleb.
Breakout Speakers
Andrew Peters
Andrew Peters serves as Superintendent of Buena Vista Independent School District in West Texas. With a background in rural education leadership, he focuses on expanding opportunity for students through innovation and community collaboration. Peters is an advocate for Public-Private Partnerships that connect classrooms with local businesses, higher education, and industry, creating pathways to certifications, internships, and post-secondary success. Partnerships have been created that serve teachers, parents and students in PK – High School His work emphasizes accountability, efficiency, and relationships strengthening both schools and communities. He has spoken on sustainable rural partnerships to school boards and community leaders across the state.
Misti Dakroub
Dr. Mistie Dakroub, a Texas public school leader, has a career spanning nearly three decades and a journey that includes several rural districts. Her passion for mentorship and instructional improvement led her to administration. She launched a district child care to support teacher recruitment and retention, increased CTE pathways, and developed the district’s Teacher Incentive Allotment plan. Dr. Dakroub’s academic credentials reflect a lifelong commitment to learning. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s from Texas Tech University, and earned her Doctor of Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Dr. Dakroub continues to champion opportunities for every child by empowering educators across Texas.
Adrian Johnson
Dr. Adrian Johnson is Superintendent of Hearne ISD and a proven leader in improving student outcomes in districts serving high percentages of underserved students. With more than 40 years in education, he has served as teacher, principal, superintendent, and Associate Commissioner for Accreditation at the Texas Education Agency. Under his leadership, Hearne ISD earned a “B” academic rating and TEA Accredited status. Named Region 6 Superintendent of the Year (2025–26), Dr. Johnson is also a sought-after speaker and active member of TASA and AASA. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Baylor University.
Event Contact
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