WASPA 2025 HR Foundations Academy
Registration: Open Now
July 9th - July 10th, 2025
Holiday Inn at the American Center in Madison, WI
In your first or second year of HR or aspiring to work in HR? Looking for a refresh on foundational topics in HR specific to schools? Join us for this must-attend Academy geared towards new HR Administrators and Support Staff. Learn or refresh on HR basics and tips and tricks of the trade from veteran HR Directors and Attorneys. Join us in Madison July 9th and 10th for the HR Foundations Academy. Connect with other school HR professionals and learn from experts in the field. We know HR is more demanding and complicated to administer than ever before. Gain critical knowledge that all HR positions should have and find solutions to your issues!
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, July 9th
7:15 am - 8:00 am | Breakfast & Registration
8:00 am - 8:15 am | Welcome & Introductions
8:15 am - 8:30 am | WASPA Resources, presented by WASPA Executive Director, Michelle Golden
8:30 am - 9:45 am | Best Practices to Recruit and Hire High Quality Staff
Speakers: Sarah Zelazoski, Chief of Talent, Wauwautosa School District. Pam Casey, Assistant Superintendent for HR and Marlee Johnson, HR Specialist, Elmbrook Schools.
Session Description: Navigate the challenging hiring environment with proven strategies from experienced Directors to attract and secure talent for your school district
9:45 am - 10:00 am | BREAK
10:00 am - 11:00 am | Creating an Engaging Onboarding Experience
Session Speaker: Julie Grotophorst, Director of HR, Greendale School District
Session Description: Ensure that new hires feel welcomed and supported as they integrate into your school district team by transforming your onboarding process into a powerful tool for retention and engagement.
11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Protecting Students & Staff: Conducting and Updating Background Checks
Session Speaker: Chrissy Hamiel, Attorney, VP of Attolles
Session Description: Safeguard your school community with crucial insights into conducting and updating background checks of staff and volunteers.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Lunch
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | An Introduction to the Alphabet Soup of Leaves: FMLA, ADA, USERRA and More
Session Speaker: Mark Kapocius, Attorney, von Briesen & Roper
Session Description: Learn the basics and Demystify the complexities of FMLA, ADA, USERRA, and other leave policies to ensure compliance and support your staff effectively
2:00 pm - 3:15 pm | Break
2:15 pm - 3:00 pm | Top Tips & Tricks to Survive and Thrive as an HR Director
Session Speaker: Shana Lewis, Founder and Partner, Renning, Lewis, & Lacy
Session Description: Gain practical insights and actionable advice to navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes of being an HR Director in a school district.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Ask the Experts: Attorney & HR Director Q&A
Session Speakers: Chrissy Hamiel, Attorney. Shana Lewis, Attorney. Sarah Zelazoski, Chief of Talent, Wauwautosa School District. Pam Casey, Assistant Superintendent for HR, Elmbrook Schools.
Session Description: Get your burning questions answered and gain valuable insights directly from legal and HR experts in this interactive Q&A session
4:00 pm - 4:15 pm | Adjourn Day 1
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | Networking Social To Be Announced!
Thursday, July 10th
7:15 am - 8:00 am | Breakfast & Registration
8:00 am - 9:00 am | Annual HR Calendar: Creating a Sustainable Work Flor for Your Department
Session Speaker: Nate Jaeger, Director of HR, Deforest Area School District
Session Description: Plan your annual HR workflow and stay ahead of key deadlines with a guide to creating and utilizing an effective annual HR calendar.
9:00 am - 9:45 am | My Teacher Did What? How to Conduct an Employee Investigation
Session Speaker: Andrea Voelker, Attorney, Chief HR Office, Hudson School District
Session Description: Learn the essential steps and best practices for conducting thorough and fair employee investigations.
9:45 am - 10:00 am | Break
10:00 am - 11:00 am | What I Wish I Knew When I Started: Experiences from New HR Directors
Session Speakers: Sarah Denure, Director of HR, Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District. Kimberly Hartwig, Director of HR, Unified School District of De Pere. Tracy Coleman, Director of HR, Marinette School District.
Session Description: Benefit from the real-world experiences and lessons learned by fellow new HR Directors, gaining invaluable insights to navigate your first years in the role.
10:30 am - 10:45 am | BREAK
11:00 am - 12:00 pm | DPI Licensing Overview
Session Speaker: Ariana Baker & Julie Hagen, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Session Description: Learn about the essential requirements and processes of DPI licensing to ensure your staff meets all necessary qualifications.
12:00 pm - 12:20 pm | Conference Conclusion and Door Prize Drawings
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