LM October 2015

Conference Candids-Day 3

IASA Board Member Dr. Dan Oest (top left), superintendent of Richmond-Burton District 157, offered a proposed change to the IASA bylaws to change the association’s dues structure. The motion was approved by voice vote of the membership. Also, IASA Treasurer Dr. Sheila-Harrison Williams (bottom left), superintendent of Hazel Crest District 152 ½ , presented the Treasurer’s Report, which also was approved. IASA Past President Scott Kuffel (bottom right) was recognized for his service to the association during the course of the past year. The Geneseo superintendent talked about the different lenses that people use when it comes to public education. "There is the lens of scarcity and the lens of abundance," Kuffel said. "Many of us are cynical about the scarcity we face. But never lose sight of the talents, treasures, hearts and humility that is abundant in this room."

IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark (top right) delivered the IASA State of the Association address as part of the IASA Annual Meeting held in conjunction with the conference. He highlighted key events and accomplishments from the past year. He also predicted that public education might be the focus of the spring 2016 session of the General Assembly, with such issues as a property tax freeze and/or a cost shift and perhaps even another attempt at pension reform among the potential topics. Of course, the budget remains the top legislative priority and we are hopeful of continuing the momentum behind turning the Vision 20/20 proposals into law. Two of those items – reciprocity and the Illinois Balanced Accountability Measure – were signed into law this past summer.

15