Leadership Matters - June 2013

Message from the IASA President

Being a part of the IASA Board for the past eight years and serving as president this year have By Dr. Kathryn Robbins IASA President

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

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

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

“ 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 .”

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

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.

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