19006 AnnRept2019

Message from the President:

This past year serving as president of the Illinois Association of School Administrators has truly been an honor for me. One of my goals as president was to travel to as many IASA region meetings as possible and visit with the great leaders from all over this state. Those visits reinforced to me that our school children are truly in great hands. I continue to be amazed by the leadership superintendents show and how so many of you are difference makers in your communities.

As president, I was also more involved with the annual conference in September. I think we had one of our best conferences ever, highlighted by three inspiring keynote speakers, Dr. Rick Rigsby, Sue Enquist and Dr. Tony Smith. I know my colleague Timothy Schurman at Chadwick-Milledgeville CUSD #399 hasn’t forgotten the famous Chuck Noll quote, but in case you have, here it is again: “Champions are champions not because they do anything extraordinary but because they do the ordinary things better than anyone else.” This past year was also special for me because I got a closer look at how this association works tirelessly on legislative issues, professional development, legal services and responding to any concerns we have in the field. If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to call someone at IASA. I promise they will listen and help. Finally, this school year is my 18th and final as superintendent. Looking back over the past 30 years, it’s amazing how fast time flies by. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have had the opportunity to serve as a leader in several school districts and create new opportunities and options for students. I hope none of you ever take this opportunity for granted because there isn’t a more rewarding job than leading a school district. It has been my pleasure to serve you as your president this past year. My thanks to you for all that you do for the children of the great state of Illinois.

Yours for better schools,

Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams IASA President

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