Leading Together For the Future
This 2+ day forum is an energizing, skill-building, and unifying experience designed specially for Board members and school leaders to learn together, alongside fellow Trustees from leading internationally-oriented schools across Latin America.
Facilitated by internationally-acclaimed and trusted school advisors and leaders, Homa Tavangar and Jim Best, with a special session on using AI for Boards and Leaders from futurist and educational strategist Kathleen Naglee, the program is interactive, collaborative, and addresses the real needs and challenges of modern school governance. This 2-day forum is a highly-regarded and continually updated program, and schools are strongly encouraged to attend in teams (including the Head of School, school leadership team, and Board members or Trustees) to maximize the benefits.
February 20 - 21, 2026
Target Audience
Any school in Latin America that has a governing Board is welcome to participate.
We strongly encourage schools to attend in teams including Head of School/ Director/ Superintendent, additional members of the school leadership team, and Board Members/ Governors/Trustees.
Topics
Schools are facing rapid change and growing complexity, and boards must be prepared to lead with flexibility, vision, and strong governance. This year’s sessions aim to provide board members with the tools and strategies to stay effective and ready for the future.
The agenda includes the following topics:
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Future of Education - What does it look like and are you prepared?
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Big Questions - What should the Board be asking and thinking about to remain relevant in an ever-changing landscape?
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Responding to Challenges and Crises - How can schools prepare for the unimaginable?
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Building a Culture of Governance - Building Governance Skills to Support Highly Effective Board Work
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Understanding and utilizing fiduciary, strategic and generative thinking effectively.
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Effective agenda-setting, Head of School evaluation, and goal-setting, among other practical tools.
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Using AI to advance the work of the Board.
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A special session dedicated to more effective service from Board Chairs, and a more productive partnership between the Chair and Head of School.
Note that sessions will be conducted in English, though Homa and Jim are both conversational in Spanish.
Agenda
The conference will be held on February 20 and 21, 2026, with a special pre-conference workshop on Thursday, February 19, designed exclusively for Board Chairs and Heads of School. A welcome cocktail reception will be offered to all attendees.
Thursday, February 19 : Workshop Head of School (optional)
4:00 – 6:30 pm : Special Board Chair and Head of School workshop at the Movich Hotel
7:00 pm – Welcome cocktail reception and hors d’Oeuvres at the hotel
Friday, February 20 : School Governance Forum
8:00 am – 5:00 pm : All-Day Workshop and interactive sessions at Marymount School.
7:00 pm : Sunset Dinner at Puerto Colombia
Saturday, February 21 : School Governance Forum
8:00 am – 1:00 pm – All-Day Workshop and interactive sessions at Marymount School.
2:00 pm : Optional city tour of Barranquilla
Location and Host Barranquilla, Colombia
The School Governance Forum: Leading Together for the Future is being generously hosted by the Marymount School in Barranquilla, Colombia.
The Marymount campus is located in the outskirts of the city, on a sprawling campus, where participants will be welcomed to tour some of the recent innovations on campus. Marymount Barranquilla is the first school in Colombia to pilot the Melbourne Metrics program and is a member of the inaugural group of Global Impact Diploma schools, among other international affiliations and innovations.
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About Barranquilla
Known as the "Golden Gate of Colombia," Barranquilla blends the charm of coastal traditions with the energy of a modern metropolis. Famous for its world-renowned Carnival, lively rhythms, and irresistible cuisine, our city invites visitors to experience the vibrant spirit and warm hospitality that make it one of Colombia’s most captivating destinations.
Plaza de la Aduana
The Plaza de la Aduana is one of Barranquilla’s landmarks. Once the city’s customs house, it is now a cultural and historical space that connects the city to its port heritage.
Malecón del Río
The Malecón del Río is one of the most vibrant places to visit. Along the Magdalena River, it offers a modern space to walk, enjoy the breeze, and connect with cultural life.
Museo del Carnaval
The Carnival Museum is dedicated to the city’s most iconic celebration. Through costumes, masks, music, and interactive exhibits, it tells the story and cultural meaning of this UNESCO-recognized festivity. It is a place where tradition and creativity meet, allowing visitors to experience the magic of Carnival all year round.
Museo del Carnaval
The Carnival is the city’s ultimate cultural expression and one of the most vibrant festivals in Latin America. For four days, the streets come alive with parades, dance troupes, music, and traditions that blend African, Indigenous, and European heritage in a one-of-a-kind celebration.
Declared an Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the Carnival is not only a dazzling spectacle of color and joy, but also a reflection of identity, creativity, and tradition. More than a festivity, it is the chance to experience the Caribbean spirit at its fullest.
Typical Foods
Mojarra frita
Patacón
Arepa de huevo
Cocadas
Accommodation
Movich Buro 51
Our contact person in the hotel is:
Julián Orozco
Key Account Manager
Mail: reservas@movichhotels.com
Phone: +575 331-9999 ext. 286
Cell phonel: (+57) 316 740 0233
Calle 94 # 51B-43 Movich Buró 51
Barranquilla-Colombia
Other Options:
Costs
$800 USD per participant. Fee includes luncheons, snacks, coffee/tea throughout the day, internal (event-related) transportation, and a special sunset dinner on the coast on Friday.
$75 USD per person for Thursday session (only available for Board Chairs and Heads of School).
Note: Space is limited. We encourage you to sign-up in teams, and registration will take place on a first-come, first-served basis.
Special Rates:
$100 off registration if completed before December 10.
Group discount: When four participants from the same school register, the fifth participant attends for free.
