Leadership Matters - April 2013

LeRoy’s ‘State of the Schools’ dinner whets appetite By Michael Chamness IASA Director of Communications “Where’s the beef?” Remember those Wendy’s TV ads that became a national catchphrase? price tag on the communication it generates with our community. It’s about laying a foundation,” said Morrell, who probably qualifies as an expert to talk about return on investment considering his day job is that of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). “I remember being invited to attend this dinner before I became a school board member. I thought I’d check it out; I came away saying ‘Wow! There’s something good going on here.’ LeRoy Superintendent Gary Tipsord briefs crowd of more than 100 during his “State of the Schools” presentation.

Well, in LeRoy citizens show up for the annual “State of the Schools” dinner not only for the rib eye steaks (pork chops and chicken also are on the menu), but also for the real meat of the evening -- an overview of what is going on in their school district. An idea that LeRoy Superintendent Gary Tipsord initiated six years ago, the “State of the Schools” dinner attracted a crowd of more than 100 that filled the school cafeteria on a recent snowy Friday night. John Morrell, a member of the LeRoy Community Unit School District 2 School Board, said the value of the evening far exceeded the free meal offered by the school district. “We may have spent $500 tops, but you can’t put a

“A school district is an anchor in a small community,” added Morrell, who moved his family to the McLean County community of about 3,500 six years ago and was elected to the school board two years ago. “For people to give up a Friday night means they are involved.” The attendees also included a visiting school superintendent, Jon Kilgore of Pontiac Township District 90, who along with a teacher and parent drove (Continued on page 10)

9