Looking Ahead to 2027

Save the Date!

Monday, September 27 – Wednesday, September 29, 2027
Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort

We look forward to bringing school leaders together again in 2027
for another meaningful opportunity to learn, connect, reflect, and recharge.

“The September School Leadership Conference on Bay Lake was, hands down, my favorite professional development activity as a principal.
The people, the beautiful surroundings, the pacing and variety of programming, and the timing after a busy start to a school
year were exactly what I needed. It was a fun, refreshing, and relaxing way to connect and learn.”
Jason Wenschlag, Former Upper School Principal, Minnehaha Academy – Minneapolis

As a first-time attendee, it was valuable to interact with leaders I had yet to meet. Moreover, it was affirming to learn other leaders are experiencing the same challenges I am.

The time to reflect, recharge and renew connections with friends and fellow leaders is priceless!!

MINNDEPENDENT School leadership Conference is my one absolutely don’t miss conference of the year!

Thank you for the opportunity to step out of my own building for a few days to work on being a better leader. Having the opportunity to network, workshop, and problem solve with other leaders while also getting top-notch professional development is why I’ll be coming back. Thank you for the opportunity to get better.

“The September School Leadership Conference on Bay Lake was, hands down, my favorite professional development activity as a principal. The people, the beautiful surroundings, the pacing and variety of programming, and the timing after a busy start to a school year were exactly what I needed. It was a fun, refreshing, and relaxing way to connect and learn.” – Jason Wenschlag, Former Upper School Principal, Minnehaha Academy – Minneapolis

Your Content Goes Here, Your Content Goes Here

2026 SLC Group Photo cropped with border

2026 Conference Highlights

The 2026 School Leadership Conference brought together school leaders from across Minnesota for three days of learning, connection and renewal.

65 school leaders
6.75 CEUs
3 days of learning and connection
Expert speakers and practical leadership strategies

What School Leaders Are Saying

“This is such a valuable conference – I make it a priority to attend each year. The info and support from Minndependent is top notch!” Nikki Giel, Elementary School Principal, St. Hubert Catholic School – Chanhassen

“It was a fun event, timed perfectly for a quick getaway after the start of the school year. An extra boost! Thank you!” Valerie Olson, Head of School, St. Croix Montessori School – Stillwater

“Thank you, Minndependent team, for carefully and thoughtfully sharing relevant details with independent schools across MN. Your attention to the details and hospitality was incredible. Thank you!” Lisa Zipp, St. Michael Catholic School – Saint Michael

“Thanks, Tim and team! Ya’ll always do an excellent job at the conference. It’s a great mix of PD, policy updates, and time to relax and/or network.” Dean Stier, Principal, Central Minnesota Christian School – Prinsburg

“This was a lovely conference, and I valued time away to “retreat” and be filled. Thank you for hosting, it was wonderful.” Conference Attendee

“I came into this from twenty years in transportation, where I attended more industry conferences than I can count. Most of them are transactional. People show up to be seen, to sell something, or to check a box, and you can feel it in the room within an hour. This was not that. What struck me was the people. These are folks who genuinely love what they do, who carry their schools and their families with real weight, and who are kind to each other while doing it. That is not something you can put on an agenda. You can program sessions and you can book speakers, but you cannot manufacture a room full of people who actually care, and this room had one. I would tell you that is the thing to protect above everything else. Formats can change, topics will come and go, but the culture in that room is the reason people will come back. Guard it as it grows. Thank you for the work behind this. It was worth the time, and I do not say that often.” Sam Rodriguez, Head of School, Christian Heritage Academy – Lakeville

“I am very grateful for the hard work put into making the event so helpful and meaningful. It’s my favorite conference of the year!” Joel Landskroener, Executive Director, Mayer Lutheran Middle and High School – Mayer