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.
How to Register
- Paying for yourself? Register online using the appropriate Self Pay section below. You’ll pay by debit or credit card when you register. Paper checks are no longer accepted.
- Having your district pay? Fill out the ALAS 2027 District Registration form. If your district needs a W-9 from Ashland University, has a purchase order to submit, or has questions, please email Michelle D’Ambrosio at mdambros@ashland.edu.
Splitting Payment?
If your district will pay for the workshop and you will pay for graduate credit:
- Fill out the ALAS 2027 District Registration form
AND - Register yourself online for Graduate Credit Only — Self Pay (GC27S) and pay the $600 graduate credit fee.
Both steps are required. Graduate Credit Only does not include workshop registration.
District Group Discount
Bring four leaders and receive a fifth workshop registration free! Discount will be applied manually to the invoice. Graduate credit fees are additional and are not included in the discount.
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.
Rates & Links
K–12 Administrative Leaders
| Attendance and credit option | Cost | Pay Online (Self Pay) Section |
|---|---|---|
| In Person — Workshop Only | $925 | P27S |
| In Person — Workshop + 3 Graduate Credits | $1,525 | P27SG |
| Virtual — Workshop Only | $750 | V27S |
| Virtual — Workshop + 3 Graduate Credits | $1,350 | V27SG |
Emerging Leaders
Attend both weekends in person or virtually for $200. Graduate credit is not included.
This rate is available to K–12 leaders enrolled in an administrative licensure program at Ashland University. Leaders enrolled at another institution are also eligible when attending with a district group participating in ALAS.
Paying yourself? Register online using the appropriate Self Pay section.
Having your district pay? Email Michelle for registration and invoicing.
| Attendance format | Cost | Pay Online (Self Pay) Section |
|---|---|---|
| In Person | $200 | EP27S |
| Virtual | $200 | EV27S |
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
The Ashland Leadership Academy Seminars (ALAS) is a professional learning retreat for K–12 administrative and emerging leaders. Established in 2001, it brings together leaders from more than 40 Ohio school districts to learn from and support one another.
In-person attendance offers the fullest retreat experience, while live virtual attendance is available for leaders who cannot travel. Both formats include engaging seminars, legal analysis by Ennis Britton Co., L.P.A., and legislative updates. In-person participants also have opportunities to relax and connect with colleagues. Participants may earn three Ashland University graduate credits or 36 contact hours.
ALAS is presented by Ashland University’s Telego Center for Educational Improvement and Professional Learning Services.
The 2027 theme is Building Schools That Thrive and takes place over two weekends:
- January 8–9
- February 5–6
In-person sessions are at Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Virtual attendance is also available.
We shape each weekend around timely, practical topics for school leaders. Registered participants will receive a detailed agenda about a week before each weekend. The planned start and end times are:
- Friday, Jan. 8, 2027: In-person arrival and lunch in the ballroom, 11:30 a.m.–noon. Virtual participants should log in by 12:15 p.m. Programming begins at 12:30 p.m. and concludes after dinner and evening presentations, no later than 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027: Breakfast and networking, 8–9 a.m. Virtual participants should log in by 8:45 a.m. Programming concludes by 4 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 5, 2027: In-person arrival and lunch in the ballroom, 11:30 a.m.–noon. Virtual participants should log in by 12:15 p.m. Programming begins at 12:30 p.m. and concludes after dinner and evening presentations, no later than 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 6: Breakfast and networking, 8–9 a.m. Virtual participants should log in by 8:45 a.m. Programming concludes by 3 p.m.
Licensed administrators have the option to earn three graduate credits in Leadership Development from Ashland University. A 36-contact-hour certificate is also available upon request.
| Registration option | Cost for both weekends |
|---|---|
| In person, workshop only | $925 |
| Virtual, workshop only | $750 |
| Three graduate credits | $600 |
| In person, workshop and graduate credit | $1,525 |
| Virtual, workshop and graduate credit | $1,350 |
| Emerging Leaders, in person or virtual (workshop only) | $200 |
Registration includes both weekends of seminars and a copy of Dr. Peter Dry’s Building Schools That Thrive. Meals are included for participants attending in person.
Yes! District teams often return year after year for the chance to work together away from daily distractions and enjoy time together, too.
GROUP DISCOUNT: Bring four district leaders, and the fifth leader’s workshop* registration is FREE—a savings of $925 in person or $750 virtually.
*Graduate credit is charged separately and cannot be discounted.
Email Michelle D’Ambrosio at mdambros@ashland.edu.
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?