24340 AnnRept 2025 - FINAL v2

IASA Membership Benefits

By the Numbers IASA currently serves 97 percent of superintendents in Illinois and has seen an influx of assistant superintendents and central office staff wanting to become Active IASA members. Total membership numbers have remained steady. IASA currently serves over 1,700 total members, including over 400 retired members, school service members and full time professors. The IASA welcomed 72 new superintendents for the 2024-25 school year. While two of these individuals transferred from another state, 70 rose through the ranks of the Illinois public school system. In FY 25, there were 57 superintendent retirements and 11 transfers. Overview of Services IASA is the state’s premier advocacy organization for school administrators. Our mission statement is to support school leaders in the pursuit of educational excellence through continued school improvement. IASA specific membership benefits include legal support, networking opportunities, mentoring services, professional development, communications assistance, legislative advocacy and resources. However, we also are proud to offer personal services for each member. These services, though well known by the members, are not reported in any specific detail in order to protect the confidentiality of those members who access these services. For example, the executive director and administrative team are just a phone call away to assist members who need guidance in matters ranging from issues of school administration and communications issues to matters concerning individual employment contracts. Professional Development IASA is deeply committed to strengthening the work of superintendents and preparing future leaders. Under the direction of Associate Director of Professional Development Dr. Bridges, we offer personalized and on demand professional development to individual school districts or IASA regions. Contaact Dr. Bridges to see how IASA can meet your professional development needs. In addition, IASA offers a full slate of administrator academies and workshops. Each session is led by an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner. We also

offer evaluator academies to fulfill state requirements and academies focused on strengthening leadership skills. Other academy topics include collective bargaining, health life safety compliance and school safety. During FY 2025, IASA produced 188 academies, workshops, conferences, webinars and other presentations, serving more than 3,743 educators. Field Services Directors IASA Field Services Directors Ralph Grimm, Diane Robertson, Dr. Gary Kelly, Dr. Vic Zimmerman, Dr. Sheila-Harrison Williams and Dr. Brian Harris provide a wide array of services, ranging from mentoring new superintendents to providing group and one-on-one assistance to superintendents. The IASA Field Services Directors also assist superintendents with resources, training and relevant member services. To access a detailed state map of assigned Field Service Director areas, click here. IASA Mentoring Program During 2024–25 school year, IASA provided mentors to over 70 new superintendents and more than 185 second- and third year superintendents. We are pleased to provide first year superintendents with this service at no cost. New Superintendents Conference The IASA New Superintendents’ Conference was attended by 63 superintendents in July of 2024. The event is complimentary and is a perfect opportunity to connect with other first-year superintendents, gather vital information and build a support network for your first year on the job. Professional Development Cohorts IASA’s cohort model offers the best opportunity to network, build close relationships with peers, hear from high level education speakers and grow both personally and professionally. In FY 2025, we continued the IASA School for Advanced Leadership (ISAL), Level Up Leadership, Elevate Women in Leadership and Reimagining Rural Leadership. In addition, IASA launched a new cohort for aspiring leaders, Foundations in Leadership and Vision.

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