Annual Summer Academy

31st Annual Urban Superintendents Summer Academy

July 8-11, 2026

MotorCity Hotel & Casino
2901 Grand River Ave
Detroit, Michigan 48201

Welcome & General Sessions

Where the Academy opened — orientation, coffee, and the room coming together.

Click to see a larger version Guest Orientation A facilitator opens Guest Orientation, welcoming the room to the day ahead. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Coffee & Conversation Attendees catch up over breakfast before the morning sessions begin. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Welcome Kickoff Guests settle in with coffee and pastries as orientation gets underway. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Setting the Tone A presenter welcomes the room and previews the day's programming. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version General Session Superintendents settle in for the morning keynote at MotorCity Hotel & Spa Resort. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Full House A packed room of urban superintendents tunes in during general session. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version All Eyes Forward The general session room, fully engaged with the program on screen. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery

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Sessions, Sponsors & Send-Off

Keynotes, sponsor showcases, breakout conversation, and the closing send-off.

Click to see a larger version Keynote with Character A speaker brings personality (and a memorable shirt) to his session on “The Future.” Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Meet the Sponsors The Veregy team introduces themselves and their work with school districts. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version The Unmanaged Cost ABCover presents on staff absence — the largest unmanaged cost in K-12 budgets. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Bringing Joy Back to Childhood Right at School shares its mission with conference attendees. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Taking the Stage A presenter steps up as his session gets ready to begin. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Making the Case A speaker walks the room through his presentation, pointer in hand. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Reimagining the Classroom A presenter walks through a breakout-room design concept for students. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Small-Group Breakout Superintendents break into circles for candid peer conversation. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Between Sessions Attendees reconnect near the coffee station during a break. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Welcome to the Motor City Closing remarks send USAA 2026 attendees off in true Detroit style. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery

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Sessions & Sponsors

Breakout learning, sponsor showcases, and the conversations happening in between.

Click to see a larger version Leveraging Philanthropic Partnerships Attendees settle in for a Mott Foundation session on leveraging philanthropic partnerships for education innovation. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Pathways That Align Philanthropy & Education Presenters open with introductions before diving into pathways that align philanthropy and education. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Benefit Solutions, Simplified The FFGA Benefits Solutions team — Cindy McClure, Karen Corr, and Dana Anthony — takes the stage. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version The Value & Limitations of Efficacy Metrics A presenter from Curriculum Associates unpacks what efficacy metrics can — and can't — tell districts. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Full Room, Full Attention Superintendents work through the session material at their tables. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Deep in Discussion A wide view of the room as the efficacy metrics conversation continues. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Hallway Catch-Up A cluster of attendees trade notes and coffee between sessions. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Thank You, Gold Sponsors An attendee pauses by the Gold Sponsors banner — Stantec, HUB, TCG, and Centegix among this year's supporters. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Working Session A smaller working group huddles around the table for focused discussion. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery

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Motor City Celebration

The evening reception — balloon arches, Detroit spirit, and time together.

Click to see a larger version Under the Arch Two attendees pose beneath the Motor City balloon arch on their way into the evening's festivities. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Photo-Ready All smiles at the entrance to the evening reception. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Ready for the Night An attendee shares a laugh on her way through the balloon arch. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Veronica & Dr. Jeff Goldhorn The Goldhorns pose for a photo before heading in. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Dr. Thomas & Rubye Randle Dr. Randle and his guest arrive at the evening's celebration. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Striking a Pose A playful moment captured under the balloon arch. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Dr. Nancy Lubeski & Guests Dr. Lubeski and fellow attendees pause for a group photo. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version USAA in the Motor City The conference's signature vinyl-record tee, front and center. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Reception Mixer Attendees mingle in the sunlit reception space as the evening gets underway. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Evening Connections Two attendees pose together near the reception lounge. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery
Click to see a larger version Sponsor Spotlight: LeeAnne Maronna LeeAnne Maronna joins fellow attendees for a group photo at the evening reception. Skip to end of gallery Skip to start of gallery

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USAA Headquarters

P.O. Box 461 Lake Orion, MI 48361

(248) 587-7429

[email protected]