24340 AnnRept 2025 - FINAL v2

• ISAL: Originally launched in 2010, IASA’s School for Advanced Leadership is unlike any professional development experience available to superintendents in Illinois because it integrates personal and professional growth plans with the cultivation of lifelong relationships. At this point in time, seven ISAL classes and a total of 175 ISAL fellows have successfully completed the two-year cohorts. The eighth cohort kicked off its first session in January 2025. ISAL is facilitated by Curt Nettles and Sandye Brown. It will continue through May 2026. • LEVEL UP LEADERSHIP: IASA’s Level UP Leadership program is a cohort experience designed to provide Assistant Superintendents and other Central Office administrators with experiences that build exemplary leadership, knowledge, and skill sets essential for ensuring successful student learning at the local level while providing an opportunity to connect with, and learn from, other leaders with similar positions across the state of Illinois. The second cohort kicked off in December 2024, featuring 19 participants. • ELEVATE: This premier professional development opportunity was designed by female superintendents for their peers. The first cohort launched in February 2023 with eight sessions and 24 participants. Due to strong interest in continuing the experience, Elevate has evolved into a professional learning community where existing members can remain engaged while new superintendents join. • REIMAGINING RURAL LEADERSHIP: This cohort helps rural educators learn future-focused practices, connect with peers statewide, and tour innovative schools. The program features two in-person and six virtual sessions for easier participation. 68 educators have graduated from two completed cohorts. • FOUNDATION IN LEADERSHIP AND VISION: This foundational course supports building-level and central office administrators charting their path to district leadership. The hybrid program introduces core competencies and mindsets essential for

7 Whenever issues of interest or importance happen at the State Capitol, the IASA will provide members with an analysis regarding what legislative proposals mean, potential impacts and what counter-proposals might emerge. The Capitol Watch reports are timely, delivered electronically and only available to IASA members. In addition, IASA unveiled an online Bill Tracker/Analysis tool in 2022 that is exclusive to IASA membership. aspiring superintendents, focusing on vision building, equity-centered decision-making, and personal resilience through the School Leader Paradigm framework. Using continuous inquiry cycles, the course guides emerging leaders on their journey toward the superintendency. Aspiring Superintendent Academy This four-day intensive hones administrators’ leadership knowledge and skills while providing insight into the modern superintendency. Since launching in July 2016, 313 educators have graduated from this academy, with 37 more enrolled for 2025. Over 100 participants have been hired as superintendents within five years of completing the program. Legal Support and Services The IASA Legal Support Program works in concert with and independently from the AASA legal assistance program. At no additional cost, IASA member superintendents can contact IASA’s in-house general counsel, Chad Watkins, for legal consultation regarding contracts and assistance in job-related legal actions or proceedings. There are also instances where IASA members can obtain private counsel through a formula-driven financial reimbursement of private attorney fees. To help members navigate complex legal issues, IASA hosts virtual legal workshops led by experienced school attorneys. In FY 2025, IASA hosted 24 legal workshops. Legislative Advocacy As a statewide association, IASA is a united voice for superintendents in the Illinois General Assembly. We work tirelessly to advocate for legislation that will improve education in our state and benefit our members. IASA employs a Chief of Staff, Emily Warnecke, to advocate full time on behalf of members.

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