5
Being a part of the IASA
Board for the past eight
years and serving as
president this year have
been highlights of my professional career. I’ve had
the privilege of meeting superintendents from all
over the state this year and, although the
circumstances in our individual districts may be quite
diverse, our mission, vision and commitment to the
students, staff members, and communities we serve
are more similar than not.
On April 24, I presided over my last IASA Board
of Directors meeting as President. It was a good
meeting as always with spirited discussion on a
variety of topics. We recognized four
superintendents who are leaving the Board this
year, including retirees Dr. Jo Campbell from the
Western Region and Diane Robertson from the Two
Rivers Region. We also said goodbye to Kaskaskia
Region’s Chad Allison, who took a job in another
part of the state, and to Past President Dave
Messersmith. Collectively, these individuals
volunteered their time and talents on the Board for
22 years, and they leave a legacy of solid
contributions.
While there is no doubt that those individuals
leaving the Board will be sorely missed – both on a
personal and professional level – the Board will
continue to be strong, united and productive. For as
we said goodbye to some of our colleagues, we
welcomed five new Board members, all eager to
begin their Board service. They include Dr. Scott
Doerr from the Kaskaskia Region, Paula Hawley
from the Two Rivers Region, Dr. Jonathan Heerboth
from the Western Region, Ron Jacobs from the
Blackhawk Region, and Cliff McClure from the Corn
Belt Region.
The strength of the Board lies in the diversity of
its members, the wide range of perspectives they
bring, and their commitment to our profession. It’s
bigger than its individual members, and the culture
is one of respect, collegiality, professionalism, and
action.
I am especially proud of some of this year’s
accomplishments which include deploying our three
Field Services Directors to provide support and
mentoring for local superintendents, taking the initial
steps toward implementation of the Visioning 20/20
project, continuing the growth of
our professional development
offerings, and expanding our
communication
vehicles
including
Leadership Matters
.
While our challenges as
superintendents have never
been greater, our professional
organization has never been
stronger. I thank Dr. Brent
Clark for providing another year
of exceptional leadership for
IASA and for assembling an
incomparable executive staff in
Sara Boucek, Diane Hendren,
Rich Voltz, and Mike Chamness
as well as Cherry Middleton and
her talented office staff. I thank Dave Messersmith
for his service as Past President this year, and I
wish Dr. Steve Webb good luck as he begins his
presidency on July 1. With the assistance of his
team – President-Elect Scott Kuffle, Treasurer Dr.
Jane Westerhold, and Secretary Dr. Patrick Martin, I
am confident that IASA will continue on the path
toward becoming the premier provider of
superintendent training, coaching, mentoring, and
professional development.
Message from the IASA President
By Dr. Kathryn Robbins
IASA President
“
The strength of the Board lies in the
diversity of its members, the wide range of
perspectives they bring, and their
commitment to our profession. It’s bigger
than its individual members, and the culture
is one of respect, collegiality,
professionalism, and action
.”
