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ISBE Superintendents-OnlySupport Line
The newly-established Superintendents-Only Support (SOS) Line enables superintendents to contact ISBE executive
staff immediately with a question or concern, of if they need a partner to work through matters concerning their
schools, staff and students. Contact ISBE if you have not received the phone number.
The IASA has been named an ISBE IL-EMPOWER
Network Partner. IL-EMPOWER provides customized
supports to help underperforming and lowest
performing schools identify local needs and build on
strengths for improvement. Through the Illinois State
Board of Education, schools now have access to an
Illinois’ statewide system of support, IL-EMPOWER.
This program empowers schools to conduct equity
infused needs assessment using the Illinois Quality
Framework that originated through Vision 20/20 to
determine opportunities for growth in specific areas:
Governance and Management, Curriculum and
Instruction, and Climate and Culture.
IASA will be assisting districts in the areas of
1) Governance and Management, and 2) Curriculum
and Instruction. IASA has joined a select group of
partners that have been pre-approved to be part of the
IL-EMPOWER statewide system of supports designed
to improve student learning and capacity development
to leverage schools’ strengths to meet student needs.
This program empowers schools with greater choice
and collaboration that is informed by local data and
resources. School districts as part of the IL-EMPOWER
Network create or enhance their improvement plan to
build capacity, leadership and resources to improve
student outcomes.
Contact Dr. Richard Voltz at with
any questions on this program.
The Illinois State Board of Education conducted a webinar for
administrators led by State Superintendent Tony Smith on
August 7 in preparation for the 2018–19 school year.
Smith spoke about the resources available to administrators
as they launch into the new school year and shared details
about exciting new tools. Smith was joined by Dr. Alicia
Geddis, superintendent of Danville SD #118, Jonathan Tallman,
superintendent of Red Bud CSD #132 and Dr. David Schuler,
superintendent of Township HSD #214.
Geddis spoke about how to reach each student by recognizing
challenges and creating strategies. Her district begins the
school year by answering the question “why?” to help
staff refocus.
Tallman made suggestions for improving educator morale,
including personalization with staff and students and
maintaining those positive relationships throughout the
school year.
Meanwhile, Schuler encouraged districts to share their success
stories and described his district’s focus on putting the joy back
in teaching.
You can listen to the webinar by clicking
ISBE is offering more webinars. Here are some key dates to
keep in mind. Or, to learn more about what each session
includes, click
• Assessments Update—Aug. 24, 10–11 a.m.
• 2018 Report Card and Beyond!—Aug. 29, 2–3 p.m.
Back-to-SchoolWebinar for
AdministratorsNowAvailable
IASANamed IL-EMPOWER
NetworkPartner
AASA National Conference on Education
February 14–16
2019
Registration and housing is now open!
Visit to register. The preferred hotel for the Illinois
delegation is the JW Marriott LA Live.
Superintendent of the Year Reception
A reception honoring the 2019 Illinois Superintendent of the Year is
planned for Friday, February 15, 2019 from 5:30 to 7pm at The Nest at
WP24 (The Ritz-Carlton).
LOS ANGELES, CA
SAVE THE DATE!
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