LM Sept.2019

Message From the Executive Director Strategy-Setting Time in Full Swing; Join Us for IASA’s 55th Annual Conference

Dr. Brent Clark

It’s September, so that means planning and strategy- setting time for IASA is in full swing. Around this time every year, the Governmental Relations and Advocacy, Professional Development and Membership and Communications committees, as well as our Region Presidents and Board of Directors, convene to discuss ways to meet the needs in the field and move the association forward. I greatly appreciate the input and feedback IASA members provide to make our association stronger and help superintendents become even better leaders. Later this month (September 25–27), I hope to see everyone at IASA’s 55th Annual Conference. The annual conference is always a great time to connect with others and learn from educational leaders about innovative practices and important public education issues. This year, we again have an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, Ignite presenters and breakout sessions geared toward assisting you in your mission to provide the best educational environment for students. In this issue of Leadership Matters, we have a breakdown of the 20-plus breakout sessions, keynote speakers, pre-session activities and Ignite presenters. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to register for the annual conference.

I was rejuvenated by how school leaders across Illinois once again made the first day of school extra special for students. Also in this issue, we highlight some of that work with stories about Diamond Lake SD #76 and Bunker Hill CUSD #8. Along with those stories is a highlight video featuring all the back-to-school photos and videos schools submitted to IASA. We will show that video at the conference as a reminder that maximum educational success for students is at the center of everything we do. To close, I want to address some questions about the capital construction program. Legislation passed in the spring charges a new task force with developing the criteria used in determining how the grant program will be implemented. By law, the task force will issue guidance by March 1. I assume the grant application period will open in June or July 2020, with the idea of having numerous groundbreaking ceremonies before the November election. In the meantime, if your school district has capital needs you will want to get everything prepared at the local level so you’re ready to submit a more comprehensive application to the Capital Development Board early next summer. The state will be looking for a local match on these projects. Thank you for all you do, and I hope to see you in Springfield soon.

Annual Conference 55th

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LM September 2019