25+ Years of Leadership, Legacy, and Learning
Renew and refresh at ALAS!
The Ashland Leadership Academy Seminars (ALAS) is a Professional Learning Retreat designed exclusively for K-12 Administrative Leaders and Emerging Leaders. Join colleagues from over 40 K-12 districts for engaging seminars, legal analysis by Ennis Britton Co., L.P.A., legislative updates and plenty of opportunities to relax, network and have some fun! Available for 3 Graduate Credits or 36 Contact Hours from Ashland University.
ALAS is brought to you by the Telego Center for Educational Improvement and the Department of Professional Development Services at Ashland University.
ALAS 2027: Building Schools That Thrive
Dates: Jan. 8-9,and Feb. 5-6
Location: Sheraton Suites, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
(Virtual Attendance option also available).
Tentative Schedule
ALAS 2027 meets at Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, with a virtual attendance option. Each weekend focuses on timely, practical topics for school leaders. Registrants will receive a detailed agenda and virtual access links about a week before each weekend.
| Date | Planned schedule |
|---|---|
| Friday, Jan. 8 |
In-person arrival and lunch: 11:30 a.m.–noon. Virtual attendees log in by 12:15 p.m. Programming runs from 12:30 p.m. through dinner and evening presentations, ending by 8:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, Jan. 9 |
Breakfast and networking: 8–9 a.m. Virtual attendees log in by 8:45 a.m. Programming ends by 4 p.m. |
| Friday, Feb. 5 |
In-person arrival and lunch: 11:30 a.m.–noon. Virtual attendees log in by 12:15 p.m. Programming runs from 12:30 p.m. through dinner and evening presentations, ending by 8:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, Feb. 6 |
Breakfast and networking: 8–9 a.m. Virtual attendees log in by 8:45 a.m. Programming ends by 3 p.m. |
Don't Miss our 2027 Programming!
Building Schools That Thrive — Dr. Peter Dry
Dr. Peter Dry delivered a virtual presentation at last year's ALAS and left a lasting impression on our Ohio school leaders. Based on the feedback we received, the feeling was mutual and Peter has committed to come back this year!
Since then, Dr. Dry has released a new book that aligns closely with the goals and learning experiences we hope to achieve at ALAS 2027. (You need only look at the Amazon reviews for this book to see how professional educators and leaders have responded this amazing work!)
Dr. Peter Dry’s Building Schools That Thrive: A Modern Framework for Every Level of School Leadership offers a practical, people‑centered approach to school leadership that blends decades of global experience with actionable strategies for creating cultures where both people and performance flourish.
Not only will Dr. Dry attend in person for both weekends to work with and inspire ALAS leaders, but he will also spend time working with our Planning Committee to help ensure ALAS 2027 delivers the most relevant, practical, and actionable content possible.
A copy of this book is included with your ALAS Registration. Pick up your book on Jan. 8 at the Sheraton Suites or let us know if you're attending virtually, or if you'd like it mailed ahead of time. Please allow 1-2 weeks for it to arrive.
Author 's Background
Dr. Peter Dry is a leadership consultant, educator, and founder of The PDL Group, with over 30 years of experience across five continents. He has worked as a senior school leader, leadership and team coach, and specialist in developing leaders at all levels, especially middle leaders, to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
He has a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Masters in Educational Management, certificates from Harvard Graduate School of Education, a certificate in International School Leadership and teaching and leadership experience in six countries. He is a certified Gallup Strengths coach and Appreciative Facilitator. Peter provides practical and effective solutions to team development, leadership and the mindset required to develop an outstanding organization.
Peter’s ability to lead change in organizations around the world has resulted in new and innovative practices in leadership and education proving his ability to create vision and translate it into practice.
Register for ALAS 2027
Registration includes both weekends—January 8–9 and February 5–6, 2027—and a copy of Peter Dry’s Building Schools That Thrive.
Choose your attendance format, graduate credit option, and payment method below. Each attendee must register individually, even when a district is paying. The registration system requires each person’s identifying information to process registration and billing.
K–12 Administrative Leaders
Choose In-person or Virtual attendance and either Workshop Only or Workshop + 3 Graduate Credits. To register, click on the section under District Pay or Self Pay that matches who will pay.
- District Pay: Complete registration in the District Pay section that matches your attendance format (In Person or Virtual) and credit option (Workshop Only or Workshop + 3 Graduate Credits). All District Pay sections show a $0 registration fee; no payment is required online. Ashland University will invoice your district for the applicable fees listed below.
- Self Pay: Pay online with a debit or credit card. We no longer accept paper checks from individuals.
CLICK ON THE SECTION LINK BELOW TO REGISTER!
| Attendance and credit option | Fee | District Pay Section | Self Pay Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person – Workshop Only | $925 | P27D | P27S |
| In-person – Workshop + 3 Graduate Credits | $1,525 | P27DG | P27SG |
| Virtual – Workshop Only | $750 | V27D | V27S |
| Virtual – Workshop + 3 Graduate Credits | $1,350 | V27DG | V27SG |
| 3 Graduate Credits Only | $600 | GC27S |
Split Pays
(District covers workshop, Grad Credit is Self-Pay)
Please complete two separate registrations:
- Register for the Workshop
Complete registration in District Pay — Workshop Only for in-person attendance (P27D) or virtual attendance (V27D). The registration fee will show $0. Ashland University will invoice your district for the workshop fee. - Register for Graduate Credit
Choose Graduate Credit Only — Self Pay (GC27S) and pay the $600 fee for 3 graduate credits with your debit or credit card.
Example: For in-person attendance, select P27D for the $925 district-paid workshop and GC27S for your $600 graduate credit payment.
Graduate Credit Only does not include workshop registration. Complete both registrations if you are splitting payment.
Emerging Leaders
The $200 Emerging Leaders rate is available to K–12 leaders currently enrolled in an administrative licensure program at Ashland University. Leaders enrolled at another institution are also eligible if they are attending with a district group already participating in ALAS.
Attend both weekends in person or virtually for $200—more than $500 off the regular workshop rate! Graduate credit is not included.
Choose your attendance format, then select District Pay or Self Pay. For District Pay, complete registration in the appropriate Emerging Leaders section. The registration fee will show $0, and Ashland University will invoice your district for the $200 fee.
CLICK ON THE SECTION LINK BELOW TO REGISTER!
| Attendance Type | Fee | District Pay Section | Self Pay Section |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person | $200 | EP27D | EP27S |
| Virtual | $200 | EV27D | EV27S |
District Group Discount
Bring 4, get the 5th workshop free. Register five leaders from your district and receive one free workshop registration. Graduate credit fees are additional and are not included in the discount.
To arrange group billing, the district representative handling payment should email Michelle D’Ambrosio at mdambros@ashland.edu with the name and email address of each attendee.
Each attendee must complete registration in the District Pay section matching their attendance format and credit option. The registration fee will show $0, and Ashland University will invoice the district with the applicable group discount. Sending the group list does not register attendees.
Need Help?
Check out our ALAS Registration Tutorial or contact Michelle D’Ambrosio, Manager, Telego Center for Innovation in Workforce & Education, at mdambros@ashland.edu or 419-289-5376.
Attending ALAS in Person?
Book Your Hotel Room Now!
Stay at the Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls and take advantage of Ashland University’s special group rate of $140 per night. Reserve your room now for each ALAS weekend and keep these booking deadlines in mind!
*Our group rate also applies to Thursday night if you’d like to arrive early. Each ALAS weekend begins Friday at 11:30 a.m., and concludes Saturday afternoon.
Hotel reservations are not included in your ALAS registration.
January 8–9, 2027
Booking deadline: Monday, December 7, 2026
February 5–6, 2027
Booking deadline: Monday, January 4, 2027
"What a refreshing escape! The hotel provided the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Comfortable rooms, delicious food, and a spacious ballroom made my stay truly enjoyable. It was exactly what I needed."
"This conference couldn't have come at a better time. The theme of the book and the insightful presentations addressed crucial issues in education today. The legal discussions added valuable perspectives, giving me new insights to navigate challenges in my district."
"ALAS continues to exceed my expectations, and connecting with fellow educators and sharing experiences is always a highlight! The presentations are informative, and I appreciate the practical ideas I can implement in my work. The legislative updates were invaluable for managing our district effectively."
Frequently Asked Questions
Share with your team and colleagues in other districts!
Sponsorship Opportunities
About ALAS
Now in its 26th year, the Ashland Leadership Academy Seminars (ALAS) is a premier professional retreat for K–12 education leaders across Ohio. Held at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls—with a virtual option—ALAS offers powerful insights from top education leaders, meaningful peer collaboration, and a refreshing break from the demands of daily leadership.
Why Sponsor ALAS?
Partnering with ALAS connects your organization with influential decision-makers in education. Our sponsorship packages are designed to boost your visibility and foster meaningful engagement with school leaders.
Leadership Sponsor – $1,500
- Logo, name, and link featured on the ALAS website before, during, and for six months after the event
- 5-minute live presentation (in-person or virtual) to the full audience between daytime sessions. We will work with you to coordinate the best time for you. this year's dates are Jan. 8-9, and Feb. 5-6.
- Logo displayed during sessions and link shared with attendees.
Legacy Sponsor – $2,000
All Leadership Sponsor benefits, plus:
- Featured in an ALAS social media post (cross-posted to Ashland University’s main channels)
- Opportunity to give your 5-minute presentation during the evening festivities on Jan. 8 or Feb. 5 (limited availability, but maximum engagement)
- Invitation to the join us for the evening reception and networking.
If your business or organization would like to become an ALAS sponsor, please contact Michelle D'Ambrosio, Manager, Telego Center for Educational Improvement, at mdambros@ashland.edu or submit the ALAS sponsorship form.
Join our Planning Committee!
Help shape content and keep this powerful leadership experience fresh and relevant to the challenges school districts are facing. Fill out this Planning Committee Interest Form and we'll be in touch!
- Time Commitment is minimal but impactful!
We meet once in the summer to brainstorm theme and book study ideas, as well as workshop content. After that, we touch base via email throughout the Fall (and if needed, one more meeting). - Spread the Word and Engage!
Our committee members also are crucial in getting other leaders to attend ALAS each year. Being invited by a colleague is always more effective than general marketing, and who knows best about the value of ALAS than those who've been there?