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I have been honored and proud to represent school superintendents from all over
our state this past year as the President of the Illinois Association of School
Administrators (IASA). The work of a superintendent is very challenging, and has
become even more difficult each year as we continue to encounter state and
federal uncertainty, budgetary issues, and an environment less and less
supportive of public education.
Against that backdrop and despite daunting odds, Illinois superintendents have
continued to provide great leadership for their school districts. It was my privilege
in November at the Joint Annual Conference to introduce Dr. Judy Hackett of the Northwest
Suburban Special Education Organization as the 2016 Illinois Superintendent of the Year.
Another highlight was recognition of 22 Superintendents of Distinction from the IASA Regions. As I
remarked at the awards luncheon in April, these are men and women who lead in an exceptional
manner and serve as role models for their colleagues. Their list of accomplishments covers the
entire state -- and represents just a fraction of the great work that happens every day in every
region of Illinois.
Also, the third class of the two-year IASA School for Advanced Leadership (ISAL) cohort graduated
in May, bringing to 73 the total number of Illinois superintendents who have gone above and
beyond to prepare themselves to meet the challenges of the superintendency today. I have been
informed that ISAL IV, which is scheduled to begin in January of 2017, has a waiting list. That is
real commitment to the profession and, more importantly, to the districts and communities the ISAL
fellows serve.
As superintendents, you wear many hats, from the CEO role to being in charge of academics,
buildings and grounds, food services, transportation and finance, to name just a few. But no role is
more important than being advocates for the boys and girls who depend on you to provide them
with great educational opportunities. They need you not to give up on them, and to keep pushing to
meet their needs in an ever-changing and ultra-competitive world.
It has been my pleasure to serve you as your president this past year. Thank you for all that you do
for the children of this state.
Yours for better schools,
Dr. Jane L. Westerhold
IASA President and Superintendent of Des Plaines CCSD #62
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE