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Dr. Brent Clark
September is planning and strategy setting time for IASA. Each
week during the month of September, committees have been
gathering to review activities from the past year and develop
strategy for the new fiscal year. Those committees include:
the Governmental Relations and Advocacy Committee,
Professional Development Committee, Region Presidents and
the Membership and Communications Committee. As well, the
IASA Board of Directors will meet on September 25 ahead of
the IASA Annual Conference.
I certainly appreciate all IASA members who take time out
of their busy schedule to participate in committee meetings
throughout the year. Our committee members truly provide
relevant insight and make sure IASA is headed in the
right direction.
Through your efforts and essential vision, we remain
committed to providing all members with the benefits needed
to be successful school leaders.
To learn more about our achievements and planning process,
I invite you to attend the IASA Annual Meeting at the IASA
Annual Conference on Wednesday, September 26, at 4
p.m. You will hear my state-of-the-association report and
Treasurer’s report by IASA Treasurer Dr. Victor Zimmerman.
Dr. Rick Rigsby, an award winning journalist and author of
“Lessons of a Third Grade Dropout” will follow as the keynote
opening general session speaker.
Our annual meeting is the official kick-off to the 54th IASA
Annual Conference in Springfield, September 26–28. Don’t
miss the opportunity to enhance your own strategies for
success and network with more than 400 superintendents
who are pre-registered and committed to attending this year’s
conference. We have an impressive line-up including our
closing general session speakers: legendary UCLA softball
coach Sue Enquist and Illinois State School Superintendent
Tony Smith plus a multitude of breakout sessions sure to
empower you with great ideas. We will also hold an Ask the
IASA Staff session on Thursday afternoon.
Another special program at this year’s conference, IASA
Women in Leadership kicks off September 26 at 1 p.m. Read
more in this issue about the important work the planning
committee has done to develop this program for IASA female
JoinUsat the IASAAnnual
ConferenceonSept. 26-28
Message From the Executive Director
superintendents. Female superintendents will also not want
to miss the October
1 in Glen Ellyn, October 4 in Springfield and October 22 in
Mt. Vernon. This is just one example of how IASA continues
to deliver unique programs and professional development
initiatives for a cross-sector of all our members.
In addition, we are finishing up on delivering the ESSA/ECRA
dashboard academies/workshops in all 21 regions over the
past two months. We are excited to see the dashboards and
district stories come to life and look forward to sharing the
impressive work being done by various districts through a
new ECRA-sponsored website to be unveiled soon. For those
attending the conference, we want to remind you that ECRA
will be available during the conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.,
Thursday, September 27 to answer any questions you may
have regarding the new dashboard. This is a great opportunity
for you to receive personalized support, get your questions
answered and receive guidance on creating your district
dashboard.
Labor Day traditionally begins the closing stretch for the
November 6 election. You almost can’t miss being bombarded
by campaign messages in this fall season. As we enter the final
days of the campaign, be prepared for a more attack strategy
as both gubernatorial candidates campaign for the state’s
highest office. This year’s Illinois governor’s race is set to be
the costliest in U.S. history.
After the election, we will face the fall veto session in
November. With more lame duck legislators than ever before,
we have to keep a watchful eye out for controversial issues
to pass.
Watch your email for details about the new IASA sponsored
Future Green Energy Consortium that will launch shortly. This
brand-new, one-of-a-kind renewable electric power solution
program is designed to save school districts money on their
electric supply costs. This is a joint initiative of IASA, Illinois
Association of School Boards and the Illinois Association of
School Business Officials.
I look forward to seeing you next week at the IASA conference!