AnRept2018

Executive Director’s Note:

When we look back on FY2018, I think it will be remembered as one of the better years for public education in the last decade if not several decades. Within the calendar book ends of the year, we saw the evidence- based model (EBM) for public school funding pass into state law and we saw it funded with over $650 million for the first two years of its existence. Sure there were last minute politically motivated components added to the bill that we strongly objected to, but those are just that—politically motivated—and not rooted in any evidence that they improve education. In looking at the bigger picture, our schools are stronger and better today than they were a year ago or for that matter, five or ten years ago. Looking at the work of the IASA over the past several years and seeing the incoming superintendents, I am encouraged that public education in Illinois is certainly on an upswing and the fierce dedication to

professionalism in our roles as superintendents is growing. The association itself had another successful year graduating the fourth cohort from the IASA School for Advanced Leadership (ISAL) and the second cohort from the Aspiring Superintendents Academy (ASA). Our field service directors expanded from three to four and we launched the beginning stages of our Women in Leadership strand that will become far more evident during the coming year. The work of the IASA Board of Directors kept the IASA focused on what matters most for Illinois students and their success. I appreciate their service to the association but more importantly the time given to ensure that IASA is heading in the right direction. The strength of their diverse wisdom is highly valuable to a statewide organization. As we look forward to next year, I’m anxious to see the implementation of the EBM and the various benefits to our students that it will undoubtedly bring. It is an honor to serve this fine organization and its hard working members. Thanks for all that you do to serve kids and each other. Yours for better schools,

Brent Clark, Ph.D. IASA Executive Director

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