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August 2022 LeadershipMatters

Leading with Passion, Purpose and Perspective

Annual Conference 58th SEPT. 28-30, 2022

Q AASA Lighthouse District: Harvard CUSD #50 A

Cost Effective Ways to Enhance School Safety

Annual Conference 58th

Learn more about this year’s keynote speakers, breakout session schedule, early-bird academies, Ignite presentations, Women in Leadership and more in our six-page conference spread. ANNUAL CONFERENCE SEPT. 28–30, 2022

AASA Lighthouse District: Harvard CUSD #50

School Safety Webinar Recordings

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IASA Legal Corner

16 Cost Effective Ways to Enhance School Safety

Elevating Education

New Superintendents FY23

18 Membership Directory Deadline Approaching!

Sept.1,2022

ISBE Accountability Webinars

Volume 10, Issue 7 August 2022 LeadershipMatters 22183 Jason Nevel Director of Social Media and Publications jnevel@iasaedu.org

2648 Beechler Court Springfield, IL 62703-7305 217.753.2213 800 Woodfield Road, Ste. F109 Schaumburg, IL 60173-4717 847.466.5075

Marjorie Gladish Graphic Designer mgladish@iasaedu.org

1200 West Main Street Marion, IL 62959-1138 618.364.0501

www.iasaedu.org

Scan here with your phone’s QR code reader to get the IASA APP— Don’t have a QR reader? Go to or and search for IllinoisASA.

Message From the Executive Director IASA’s 58th Annual ConferenceWill Feature Top-Notch Speakers and Illinois Superintendents

Dr. Brent Clark

On August 4, Damon West shared his inspiring message with arguably the top college football program in the country and my personal favorite team—the Alabama Crimson Tide. Forty-seven days from now, he will be in Springfield captivating school administrators with his story of redemption, grit and determination. Without question, the talent of keynote speakers at IASA’s 58th Annual Conference is top notch. West will headline the Second General Session and Chris Singleton will be the keynote speaker at the First General Session. Chris has also spoken to audiences across the country, sharing his powerful story about how love is stronger than hate. On page 8, you can learn more about Damon and Chris in our conference spread. However, the IASA Annual Conference is also about highlighting our own members— and we have a talented group of superintendents taking the stage this year. Dr. Steve Webb leads Goreville CUSD #1. He was named the 2022 Illinois Superintendent of the Year. However, anybody who knows Dr. Webb recognizes his passion for school safety. In the Fourth General Session, Dr. Webb will share his insights on emergency preparedness and motivating ourselves to better understand today in order to teach for tomorrow. In the Closing General Session, we once again welcome three Illinois superintendents to the main stage. The speakers will be Dr. Jenna Woodland, Superintendent of Evergreen Park ESD #124; Adam Dean, Superintendent of Triopia CUSD #27; Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Superintendent of Peoria SD #150. Each will share insights into their personal journey and leave you with an inspiring message about leadership.

Registration is now open! I look forward to seeing everyone in Springfield for three days of connecting, learning and getting recharged for the school year. Speaking of school, many districts across the state welcomed students back and others are preparing to open their doors soon. By and large, this school year will look and feel the most normal since buildings were closed in March 2020. However, the challenges facing districts continue to be elevated. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning and many students, especially from low-income households, have fallen behind and need extra academic support. I’m encouraged by the innovation happening across the state to address these challenges and can’t wait to learn more at the Annual Conference and at region meetings. One option to consider to address the lost instructional time is Renaissance, an IASA Gold Level Corporate Partner. At the most recent Board of Directors meeting, Renaissance gave a presentation focused on foundational literacy skills. The presentation was well received by the Board, and we made the decision to bring it to a wider audience by hosting a free webinar on August 29 at 9 a.m. The webinar, presented by Dr. Gene Kerns, will review new research from Renaissance that sheds more light on the total journey of literacy acquisition. Click Here to register. Have a great school year and don’t forget to register for the IASA Annual Conference.

Roll Tide!

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Q A

Q U E S T I O N S

A N S W E R S

Recognized as ‘Lighthouse District’ for Dual Language Program Harvard CUSD #50

InMay, theSchool SuperintendentsAssociation (AASA) announcedHarvardSchool District 50as a“Lighthouse” system, servingasamodel to transformAmerica’seducationsystem. Harvard CUSD50’sDual Languageprogramwas selected for designationbyapanel of independent education leaders fromacross the country. This story isaneditedand condensedversion of an IASAPodcastwithDr. CoreyTafoyaon howtheDual Languageprogramprepares students tobe future-ready, but alsoenhances their social, emotional and cognitiveskills. Clickhere to listen to thepodcast.

Harvard District 50 actually borders Wisconsin, and we’re south of the Lake Geneva area. We have a vibrant community that makes for a great place to live, learn and work. Let’sbeginbysayinga littlebit about yourself andyour school district? Howmanystudentsdoyouserve, and what areyour demographics? We have 2,750 students, but we have seen pretty significant fluctuations in the pandemic. Our Hispanic population is our biggest population. We are a minority-majority district by quite a substantial margin. Our English Learner population ranges from 30 to 40 percent, but it has been on an uptick. Our dual language program serves about 57 percent of our students.

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It starts with the demographics of our community. We have a very large population of people whose primary home language is Spanish. In researching this, we recognized there are a lot of other districts in our area with dual language programs. That’s been here in our district for 14 years. What ours does is serve as a way to help our students that come to us with either no English proficiency or just a little. We strive to have the best model of how language acquisition happens. We have a two-way immersion program. Half the day is designed at the lower grades for our students to receive their content in Spanish and half the day they receive it in English. It’s really a wonderful model, and the benefit is there is so much understanding. Our native English-speaking families see the value in learning a second language. It bridges gaps culturally. What aresomeof thekeyelementsof Harvard’sDual Languageprogramthat make it unique? I readyour district focusesonestablishing relationshipswith familiesevenbefore school starts.Why is that important? We’re very cognizant that, at all times, we see parents as a vital partner to what we’re doing. We want to be very open and direct about the things that we’re doing, so they see the value too. The dual-language program requires a little bit more investment, especially with those monolingual families whose home language is English because they’re putting their child who has very little exposure to the Spanish language in a school environment where half the instruction is going to be in a different language. When parents understand the value, I think that open lines of communication. Let’sget intomoreof themechanics ofwhat theschool day looks like for students in theDual LanguageProgram. We are a unit district. All the way into our pre-K, we have instruction that’s designed on this 50/50 model, where content instruction is coming in English half the time and in Spanish the other half. We have, in most situations, teaching pairs. You have to decide where your content is going to occur and what language you’re expecting to do social

That’s one of the ties to AASA’s Project 2025— being student centered and future driven. The reason I got my very first teaching job is because I spoke Spanish. That’s something that we know happens to people repeatedly. Their Spanish- speaking ability provides them opportunities that they may have never seen before. It just makes you that much more marketable. Canyoudiscuss the collegeand career readiness component of your district’s Dual Languageprogram? Regardless if you are choosing to have a dual language program or not, I think it’s a vital equity piece to understand that almost every big textbook company has dual language options. These students need materials, and they are eager to learn. They don’t have a learning disability. They just have a language deficit at this point. Whatever you’re doing to satisfy them intellectually is really vital. I always encourage people, regardless of if they have dual language or not, to ask the vendors about different options. That’s really a great asset for your students, and it helps make them feel their education matters. It lets them know they’re here and they’re important to you. These students do not have a cognitive deficit. They are super intelligent people. We need to make sure that we really are offering them structural materials that can meet them in their language needs until we can grow them in the English area. Doyouhaveanyadvice for educatorson what curriculumtouse? I will always have science in English, and I’m always going to have social studies in Spanish, for example. The kids really kind of understand that. However, they have language arts in both languages each and every day. That’s a critical part of that. One of the tricks is to make sure the curriculum is really tidy. There is a demand when you’re having a double block of language arts every day. There’s really a lot to think about in terms of how you design the curriculum and what languages are covered for which content areas. studies in or science in or math in. We have to have a language acquisition plan. Once you really lay that out, students get used to the pattern that

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Harvard ... cont’d.

No question. You really have to build a culture of understanding. We emphasize that our Spanish speaking students are not coming to us with a deficit. Let’s look at this as a strength model. Didyouhave to change themindset of your staff to implement aprogramof this scale? Doyouhaveanyadvice for your peers onattractingenoughbilingual teachers tosupport English learners? That’s the money question. In this environment, it’s tough enough to find teachers of any form. We have designed and found some tricks over time. We are associated with the Embassy of Spain. They’ve had a continuation of a visiting teacher program that we’ve been involved with for many years. We also have started a program where we do our own recruiting in Puerto Rico. We are also starting to build more associations with the universities down there because the educators come with American citizenship. There’s not really a visa issue, so it’s not as complicated other than the licensing. We also are working with Greenheart, which typically you think of as an exchange student program, but they also have a teacher placement program.

One of the ways we track this is our Seal of Biliteracy recipients. This last school year, over 30 of our graduates earned that Seal of Biliteracy. The year before it was 15, so we nearly doubled the amount of students. We really are seeing the fruits of the labor at those lower grades, where they’re developing those strong literacy skills. Doyouhavedata to calculate the impact theprogramishaving? Any final thoughtsabout advice for your peers interested in implementinga programlike this? We really have to grow our own. We’ll have our one teacher this fall that was actually a graduate of our district and part of our dual language program. You are always on your toes looking out for candidates. Just making sure you understand how this fits within your community because everyone’s demographics and everyone’s situation looks a little different. We have a saying here that we use a lot—when we know better, we should do better.

Got Great School Videos? Send your school videos with a short description to jnevel@iasaedu.org. We want to highlight what’s going on in your school districts on our magazine’s Videos from the Districts page.

Monthly e-magazine of LeadershipMatters

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Focus Your Time and Energy on Students

Updated Software Available for Purchase

2022–23 Senate Bill 7 Performance Rankings Tool software improves efficiency by generating reports needed to comply with SB 7 and related laws.

School districts face enormous challenges this year. Compliance with Senate Bill 7 doesn’t have to be an obstacle. IASA’s Senate Bill 7 Performance Rankings Tool improves efficiency in your district by generating reports needed to comply with Senate Bill 7 and other related laws, freeing you up to focus your time and energy more on supporting your students and staff. The program provides districts a method of managing district positions aligned to local qualifications, teacher’s credentials and performance ratings. It’s proven, affordable and used by districts across the state.

http://www.iasasurveys.org Affordable The annual licensing fee is $300 for members and $600 for non-members. Find the access request form at: What’s new? The 2022–2023 file has been enhanced in response to user ideas and is ready for you to purchase and download. Updates include: • Two file types: Windows and Mac users. • Enhanced support for Mac users. • New tutorial video. • Expanded number of evaluation ratings available in the program. • Direct email support for transferring data.

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Please note that previous versions of the IASA Senate Bill 7 Performance Rankings File are no longer supported. Also, the service method for the 2022–2023 software will be via email only.

This software was originally reviewed by the Senate Bill 7 teams from the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) and the Illinois Education Association (IEA). The 2022–2023 version of this software builds on the knowledge gained from hundreds of users.

Leading with Passion, Purpose

Featured Keynotes: This Year’s Can’t-Miss Keynote Speakers Will Energize and Inspire You! Annual Conference 58th

Registration is now open for IASA’s 58th Annual Conference set for September 28—30, 2022, in Springfield! This year’s theme is “Leading With Passion, Purpose and Perspective.” Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to network with peers and grow your leadership skills. This

OPENING GENERAL SESSION Wed. 4pm

Chris is a former professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs and an inspirational speaker. Singleton’s mother, Sharonda Coleman Singleton, was murdered along with eight other victims at Mother Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina on June 17, 2015, by a white supremacist. Singleton inspired his city and the nation

Chris Singleton

FOURTH GENERAL SESSION Thurs. 3pm Dr. Steve Webb, the 2021 National Safe School Leadership Award Winner and author of Education in a Violent World, will share his insights on emergency preparedness and motivating ourselves to better understand today in order to teach for tomorrow. Dr. Webb, the 2022 Illinois Superintendent of the Year, who has been a school administrator for three decades, is a board-certified School Resource Officer and Workplace Violence and Threat Assessment Specialist. He currently serves as superintendent/SRO of Goreville CUSD #1. by forgiving the man who murdered his mother and stating that, “Love is stronger than hate.” In his keynote address, Singleton will explain the differences between listening to argue your point versus listening to understand perspectives. Whether they agree with their counterparts or not, the audience will surely be equipped with a different perspective on privilege, racism and key takeaways they can use in their everyday life to be more empathetic. Sponsored by:

Dr. Steve Webb Superintendent Goreville CUSD #1

Sponsored by:

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At the BOS Center and the President Abraham Lincoln—Springfield, A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

and Perspective

IN SPRINGFIELD SEPT. 28-30, 2022

year’s lineup features dynamic keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, Ignite presentations, Women in Leadership and other opportunities to connect, learn and support each other. Plus, visit the exhibit hall to get a quick look at the latest

products and services available to Illinois school districts. Attendees include school superintendents, assistant superintendents, state agency staff and college professors of educational administration.

SECOND GENERAL SESSION Thurs. 9:15am

THIRD GENERAL SESSION Thurs. 12:30pm

Damon West is a college professor, nationally known keynote speaker and best-selling author of The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change . In college, West

This thought-provoking session is back by popular demand! This general session includes a series of presenters giving 5-minute presentations on a variety of topics using 15-20 slides. The slogan for Ignite presentations is “Enlighten us, but make it quick!” The line-up for this year’s Ignite session looks equally wide-ranging and impressive.

Damon West

was a Division I starting quarterback until he suffered a career-ending injury. To cope with the disappointment, he turned to hard drugs. In 2009, West was sentenced to 65 years in prison for robberies he committed to support his habit. While incarcerated, he had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith and a miraculous second chance at life, West emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. Today, West lives a life of recovery and inspires audiences with his story of redemption, grit and determination. Sponsored by:

Sponsored by:

Tweeting? When tweeting about the IASA Annual Conference

be sure to use the hashtag: #IASA2022

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Leading with Passion, Purpose

Featured Keynotes: This Year’s Can’t-Miss Keynote Speakers Will Energize and Inspire You! Annual Conference 58th

CLOSING GENERAL SESSION Fri. 10am

Dr. Jenna Woodland

Adam Dean Superintendent Triopia CUSD #27

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat Superintendent Peoria SD #150

Superintendent Evergreen Park ESD #124

Dr. Jenna Woodland is in her second year as superintendent of Evergreen Park ESD #124. Her first year of the superintendency was filled with challenges, but by focusing on her purpose, and persisting through the problems she faced, she emerged on the other side better, stronger and more able to continue leading her district with passion. Adam Dean is the superintendent of Triopia CUSD #27. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear about how a once in a lifetime trip to Augusta National, home of the world famous Master’s Golf Tournament, led to an inspiring revelation about finding your true purpose in the superintendency. Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat believes that superintendents are leaders of education—not managers of systems. Learn how Peoria SD #150 is reimaging public education, from a Wraparound Center (one-stop shop services), to job training programs for students, to a Grow Your Own Teaching Initiative, Districtwide Modified School Calendar to attaining a high school diploma and an Associate Degree simultaneously. Her presentation will focus on how educators can think outside the box. Don’t miss your opportunity to visit the Exhibition Area on the Main Floorand get a quick look at the latest products and services available to Illinois school districts. Coffee breaks will be available inside the hall. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and is complimentary for all conference attendees. Additionally, joining IPAC has never been more convenient than right here at the IASA Conference. For those who wish to join forces to make IPAC a strong voice for public education, we will accept a check or credit card for payment of dues at the IASA Exhibit Booth on Thursday.

EXHIBIT HALL OPEN Thurs 9am-4pm

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At the BOS Center and the President Abraham Lincoln—Springfield, A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

and Perspective

IN SPRINGFIELD SEPT. 28-30, 2022

PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS Wednesday

EARLY BIRD ACADEMY Registration Information The cost is $200 per academy. Sign- in wi l l begin at 8 a.m. and the courses are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The registration fee includes the cost of materials, lunch and entry of AA credit or PD Hours. Cancel lation refunds wi l l be granted if the IASA Office receives the cancel lation notice seven days prior to the event. If notice is received less than seven days prior to the event, the registration fee wi l l be forfeited. Please register for Early Bird Academies through the Conference registration l ink, opposite page.

EARLY BIRD ACADEMIES Wed. 8am Leadership Requirements for

Moving from Good to Great AA #481 Dr. Gary Zabilka, IASA Field Services Director, retired superintendent,

What is the difference and what does it take to move an institution from good to great? The focus of this course is on leadership and behavioral characteristics that enable leaders to identify and accompl ish their goals of moving from Good to Great. For their Appl ication & Dissemination project, participants wi l l complete the Good to Great Diagnostic Tool , “Where are you on your Journey from Good to Great?” This diagnostic tool wi l l lead participants to assess themselves in leadership and their school or school district on the basis of the major tenets of the book: Discipl ined People, Discipl ined Thought, Discipl ined Action, and Bui lding Greatness to Last. Power of Positive Leadership AA #3730 Dr. Kelly Stewart, Certified Power of Positive Leadership trainer, retired superintendent

11 LM August 2022 This academy wi l l provide Administrators, Board Members and Association (Union) Members with an in-depth overview of the concepts included in the Interest-Based Bargaining method that can be used as problem- solving techniques as wel l . Specifical ly, the course provides participants information on the three main components of Interest-Based Bargaining: Training, “Communication Lab” and Bargaining. The specific steps of Interest-Based Bargaining wi l l be explained as wel l as several techniques and strategies that can be used to faci l itate the Interest-Based Approach. Participants wi l l : Develop in-depth working knowledge of the five steps that should be fol lowed, and of the techniques that are commonly used, in an interest-based approach; Practice using the techniques identified above with the appropriate step in the Interest-Based Approach in simulated bargaining or problem-solving scenarios; Develop an action plan based on a template provided that addresses a potential bargaining issue or solves an existing problem. continued... The research is clear. Being a positive leader is not just a nice way to lead. It ’s the way to lead if you want to bui ld a great culture, unite your organization in the face of change and adversity, develop a connected and committed team and achieve superior goals. Great leaders understand that to succeed, you succeed with people—and this training shows you how. You’l l learn ski l ls to enhance your leadership capabi l ity and leave with a practical action plan (“a Positive Leadership Manifesto”) to bring out the best in yourself and your team. Whi le leaders always need to display positive leadership, in our current situation it is crucial ! Problem Solving & Collective Bargaining Using an Interest-Based Approach AA #3782 Patrick Durley, District Support Officer for ROE #17 and retired Regional Superintendent, ROE #33 Ralph Grimm, IASA Field Services Director, retired superintendent

MORE PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS Wednesday

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP Wed. 1pm

President Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom

We invite al l superintendents in I l l inois to celebrate women in leadership and explore the topic Facing Fear and Creating Confidence—Living Your Best Life Every Day. This year’s session wi l l explore the role that confidence holds for strong, poised leaders. Participants wi l l receive two highly recommended books as they engage in dynamic, reflective and engaging conversations with other leaders across the state. You won’t want to miss a BIG announcement scheduled to be shared during this session that wi l l ELEVATE women leaders across I l l inois. Join us for an afternoon of networking, connecting and celebration! Sponsored by:

IASA WELCOMING RECEPTION Wed. 6-7:30pm Come join us as we celebrate at the IASA Welcoming Reception in the BOS Center Main Hall . This event will give you time to reconnect with your colleagues from around the state and meet the IASA staff.

BACK

80 S TO THE

Sponsored by:

PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION Thurs. 9-11pm

Join IASA President Dr. Kevin Blankenship and your colleagues in the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel Ballroom for an 80s themed reception. This fun event will give you another opportunity to reconnect with your colleagues from around the state as well as visit with old friends.

Entertainment by:

Sponsored by:

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BREAKOUT SESSIONS Thursday & Friday

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 8:30–9:30am

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 8:00–9:00am • Why Solar? Why Electric Buses? Why Now?— Tim Farquer, Haj Young and Kyle Loyd • A Strategic Process for Discovering and Cultivating Talent—Dr. Kel ly Anne Gal lt, Angela Stal l ion, Jul ia Becich and Brooke Crowley • Tackl ing Unfinished Learning Via Targeted Tutoring & Support—Dr. Josh Reitz, Fred Laudadio and Jacquie Duginske • Chal lenges of Being a New Superintendent in a Rural District—Charley Cass, Eric Helbig and Tammy Beckham • A Time for Change - Overview of District 65’s Change Management Pol icy and Procedures— Dr. Devon Horton • Using Superintendent Evaluation to Reflect District Goals and Professional Growth—Dan Cox and Dr. Christie Magoul ias • Culture Wars and Curriculum Objections—Dr. Hank Thiele and Dana Fattore Crumley • Embracing the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Journey—Dr. Kristal Shelvin 1:45 - 2:45pm • Col lective Bargaining Trends and Strategies— Barney Mundorf and Dr. Kel ly Carpenter • Grow Your Own Leader(s)—Dr. Jim McKay and Dr. Michael Karner • How a Simple Nudge Led to Better Student Outcomes—Dr. Dave Palzet and Dr. Jennifer Ban • Communication is Key—Dr. Nick Polyak and Dr. Mike Lubelfeld • Teacher Shortage? Fixing the Problem. Local ly!— Joshua Stafford, Brooke May, Kathy Anderson and Juan Jose Gonzalez • Becoming YOU—Dr. Gabriel le Schwemmer • Leading Through Chaos: 10 Strategies for New School Leaders in Charge During Crises— Dr. Lisa Leal i • Innovating to Improve Achievement: The Rockford Haskel l Elementary Story—Dr. Ehren Jarrett and Loree Leathers

• Sunsetting Your Superintendency: What You Need to Know Before You Retire—Chad Watkins, Dr. Vic Zimmerman and retired superintendents • Leading Change with a District: Portrait of a Graduate—Dr. David Larson, Josh Chambers and Mel issa Creech • Supporting and Bui lding Educator Capacity with Micro-Credentials—Dr. Victoria Hansen, Dr. Mark A. Klaisner and Suzy Dees • Col laborative Intervention for Students Impacted by Trauma—Tracy Forck, Cathy Trimble and Casey Ahmad • Board Member Orientation: A New Path Forward—Dr. Jon Bartelt • When Wi l l You Be Good Enough? You Already Are!—Dr. Tim Arnold • Adjusting the Pace of the Leadership Journey—

Dr. Mary Gorr and Dr. Judy Hackett • Leading During Tumultuous Times— Dr. Wes Olson

Sponsored by:

oin J Us!

SEPT. 28-30, 2022 Annual Conference 58th

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Looking for the Perfect Candidate? IASA’s Illinois Education Job Bank SM can help you. Every day, thousands of job seekers visit the IASA Illinois Education Job Bank looking for openings at school districts across Illinois. Avoid national sites that cost more and are not tailored to Illinois educators. The IASA Illinois Education Job Bank SM is trusted by superintendents across the state and makes finding qualified applicants to fill permanent, interim, part or full-time vacancies easy. • Set up the RSS feed option to automatically post your district’s vacancy to your district website • The Job Bank SM is set up to automatically send an email notice to your ROE when a position is posted • Easily flag your favorite applicants • Create job posting templates to save you time in the future

If you have any questions about the IASA Job Bank SM or new feature criteria, contact Ashleigh Knudson at 217–753–2213.

illinoiseducationjobbank.org

Threat Assessments: Understanding the Nuts and Bolts

Integrating Communications With First Responders and Stakeholders IASA Webinar first aired Tuesday, August 2, 9 a.m., 2022. In the event of a crisis, it’s critical for school administrators to be able to communicate with first responders directly. Watch this webinar recording to learn how CrisisGo can improve response times by including first responders, connect all stakeholders together on a single platform and make crisis communications easy for all level of technology users.

IASA Webinar first aired Monday, August 1, 2 p.m., 2022. Superintendents are under increased pressure to keep students safe. Watch this webinar recording featuring Dr. Steve Webb. Dr. Webb is the 2021 National Safe School Leadership Award Win- ner, board certified Workplace Violence and Threat Assessment Specialist, and author of the book Education in a Violent World. In the webinar, Dr. Webb outlines current challenges to school safety practices and the steps necessary to conduct basic be- havior threat assessments in schools. This webinar will cover the nuts and bolts of what superintendents need to know in regard to behavior threat assessments.

Watch Recording

View Slideshow

Fact Sheet: Using ESSER Funds for CrisisGo

Note: The pdf slideshow is over 500 mb and will need to be downloaded to view.

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Cost-Effective Ways to Enhance School Safety Examples of School Safety Improvements That Can Be Implemented at Little or No Cost

By Dr. Roger Alvey, superintendent of Illini Bluffs Unit District #327

There are two words that school superintendents love to hear—cheap and free. When it comes to school safety and security, it is critical that school administrators take the time to implement relatively easy and inexpensive safety measures in an all-hazards approach to school safety. Although Illini Bluffs Unit District #327 has invested significant money in high dollar items—such as a new phone system, a new public announcement system, a new camera system, new exterior doors and a new fire alarm system—there are many things that have been completed that are more budget- friendly. Here are some examples of low-hanging fruit that are either free or relatively inexpensive to implement, in an effort to improve upon the overall safety plan and to further instill a culture of school safety. Policies, Procedures, and Drills 1. Conduct your own site safety assessment. Something is better than nothing. You don’t have to pay significant money to outside sources when you can do rudimentary things yourself. Use a multi-disciplinary approach to identify and evaluate physical security. 2. Lock all outside doors and reinforce a “no propping” policy. This is a simple but effective concept. 3. Enhance fire drills by periodically implementing injectables. For example, blocking off selected exits to see how students and staff react, or “kidnap” a student (an employee’s child works best when you give the employee notice) to see if the staff recognizes the student’s absence. 4. Practice a reverse evacuation for fire drills. Sometimes, conditions outside might be more dangerous than inside. Likewise, practice a delayed evacuation. Teach staff members situational awareness. Stop, look, and listen. Is there smoke? Are there flames? Are there strange noises?

5. Bus evacuation drills: engage students in the decision- making process. WIN: What’s Important Now? Ask students how they would react to a fire in the back, in the front or if the bus were turned on its side. Do they know about roof hatches? Do they know about egress windows and how they operate? Do all staff participate in drills, besides drivers, recognizing that buses are used for extracurricular activities and field trips? 6. Active Shooter Drills: Unannounced active shooter drills are no longer allowed under Illinois law, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create a scenario that engages students and staff in the WIN philosophy. Open individual classroom doors during a lockdown and present scenarios to students and staff in each room. Ask them what would you do if smoke started to come under your door? How would you go about breaking the window, if necessary, to escape? What might cause you to have to exit the room? In advance of this session, be sure to coordinate with local first responders so that they don’t think it is an actual event and respond with weapons drawn, which could pose a danger. 7. Single point of entry: Do you require all visitors, including students, to enter through a single location for easier monitoring? 8. Substitute teachers: Do you conduct annual training with subs on safety protocols and procedures? Do you inform veteran teachers when subs are present in the event of an emergency? Building Exterior 1. Physical access control: Do office staff have a direct line of sight to the entry door? Do they have a direct line of sight to a video/camera monitor? Do you have a monitor in the receptionist area that shows camera views from across the building or complex? 2. Proper visitor management and control is imperative to maintaining a safe environment. Do visitors sign in and sign out? Do they provide identification? Is

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contact information collected? Are visitors escorted? Are packages, purses and bags subject to search? Are temporary ID badges provided and worn visibly? 3. Landscaping: Are sightlines maximized by trimming or removing plants so that they are less than 2 feet tall within 6 feet of walkways? Less than 3 feet tall between 6-12 feet away from walkways? Are bushes trimmed to less than 6 inches below windowsills? Have thorny bushes and shrubs been used to discourage access? Are trees planted far enough away from buildings to avoid being used to access upper floors or the roof? Have trees been “limbed up” at least 7 feet from grade? 4. Security lighting deters illegal activity, encourages positive behavior, increases use of space, reduces fear, aids in the identification of intruders and increases natural surveillance. How often are nighttime lighting audits being done to identify dark or dimly lit areas? Are exterior fixtures numbered to easily communicate non-functional lights to maintenance staff? Does local law enforcement routinely patrol the grounds at night? 5. Have all exterior doors been numbered consecutively around the building, inside and outside, using reflective numbers at least 6 inches high? Have key retention devices been installed at main entrances to allow for access by first responders? 6. Glazing/windows: Have objects such as large rocks, located outside, been removed to avoid smash and grab behavior? Has laminated film been applied to windows at main entrances? Do windows have shades to use during lockdowns to reduce visibility? Have all classrooms with exterior windows been numbered to provide an easy determination of location by first responders? 7. Do wayfinding and signage complement access control and natural surveillance? Are signs present throughout the complex clearly identifying entry points and entry procedures? 8. Are parking lots free from plant growth that limits visibility? Are pedestrian walkways clearly striped and signed? Is traffic forced to remote parts of the lot? Building Interior 1. Does the vestibule have a layered entry forcing visitors to go through at least two sets of locked doors? 2. Are signs present throughout the interior of the complex identifying individual classrooms as well as directional signs to offices, restrooms, and common areas? 3. Are employees inside the building taught to confront visitors who don’t have visible badges? Are employees taught to escort them to the office?

Guide to Illinois Safety Drill Act Do you know what’s required in the Illinois School Safety Drill Act? This guide, compiled by Dr. Roger Alvey, is an easy-to-understand breakdown of the Act and what superintendents need to know. Click Here to view.

Social-Emotional Issues for Students/Training for Adults

1. Beyond conducting drills and hardening the facility, perhaps the most important aspect of school safety is developing relationships with students. Have you put pictures of your students on lockers, had faculty and staff walk by, and then place check marks on the photos signifying that they have a close relationship with individual kids? This is a great way to identify students who would benefit from specialized support. 2. Have you conducted a mental health awareness day in your school focusing on wellness, self-care and sensory activities? This could incorporate therapy dogs, art activities, self-care jeopardy, physical activity and more. 3. Have you invited law enforcement into the school on institute days to train staff on safety issues? Has law enforcement conducted hands-on training with staff in regards to situational awareness? Do you encourage officers to stop by the school during the school day simply to provide a presence and to engage informally with students? 4. Do you have a behavioral threat assessment team? Does it include faculty, staff, social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, administrators and first responders? Does the team meet regularly? Does it meet pre-emptively or only after an incident has occurred? School Safety Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank Students will not learn optimally unless they feel safe and secure in their environment. Addressing school safety issues does not have to break the bank. Although time is an investment, kids are the greatest investment by far. How much are you willing to invest?

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I L L I N O I S A S S O C I A T I O N O F

Membership Drive 2023

REMINDER: Renew or Join IASA Today

If you plan to be a paid IASAmember for FY2023, contact Misti Murphy at 217–753–2213 or mmurphy@iasaedu.org by September 1, 2022. TO ALL MEMBERS:  Want to be in the October membership directory? We must have FY2023 dues payment or message of intent to pay dues by September 1, 2022. An online registration site is now live that streamlines the process and ensures you continue to have access to IASAservices and receive emails with timely information. IASAActive Membership is available to individuals contributing to the Teacher’s Retirement System who are employed in Illinois as a school administrator, an administrative staff member of the Illinois State Board of Education, an administrative staff member of the IllinoisAssociation of School Boards (provided such person has previously worked as a school administrator), a superintendent/assistant superintendent of a regional office of education or an educational cooperative of school systems. Click Here to Renew Your Membership or Join IASA: https://www.iasaedu.org/Page/163

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S C H O O L A D M I N I S T R A T O R S

Active IASA Membership Does Have Its Advantages:

Legal Services and Support At no additional cost, members can contact IASA’s in- house general counsel for legal consultation regarding superintendent contracts and assistance in job-related legal actions or proceedings. Members also have access to free legal workshops that cover timely topics and important matters. Mentoring IASA employs six retired superintendents that provide mentoring services and one-on-one assistance to first, second and third-year superintendents. Our Field Services Directors are available 24/7 to answer your calls and support you in your new leadership role. Networking The superintendency does not have to be a lonely job! IASA connects you with your peers and helps you build your network, so you don’t have to face immense challenges alone. Academies and Workshops Need help crafting a budget, preparing a tax levy, evaluating staff or improving your or your team’s leadership skills? IASA has you covered. IASA members have access to essential academies and workshops led by knowledgeable and experienced practitioners. On-Demand Professional Development IASA is deeply committed to personalized and on-demand professional development. Opportunities include Institute Presentations, Administrative Team Academies, Custom Workshops and Leadership Coaching. We’re here to support the professional development needs of our members across the state.

Legislative Advocacy IASA membership strengthens the voice of superintendents at the Illinois statehouse. We work tirelessly to advocate for legislation that will improve education in our state and benefit our members. Through IASA membership, you have access to a Bill Tracker/ Analysis tool on the IASA website and receive legislative updates via Capitol Watch. Also, our legislative team is always available to answer your questions. Communications Support When a crisis hits, call IASA’s communications team any time for assistance with media statements or letters to parents. We can craft a message that informs your community, calms fears and helps you manage a difficult situation. Template letters can be found on the IASA website. Publications and Resources IASA members receive a task calendar that helps keep you on track with deadlines, reports and responsibilities of the superintendency. IASA members also stay current on education news with our daily newsletter, Eye on Education, and receive a monthly magazine, Leadership Matters. Premier Superintendent Conferences IASA’s Annual Conference is designed by Illinois superintendents for Illinois superintendents. Join your peers for three days of networking, learning and hearing from nationally known speakers. Our New Superintendents Conference covers everything you need to know to hit

the ground running as a superintendent. Return Of Dues Program

A payment proportionate to the amount of dues paid during the past 10 consecutive years is made to a member’s beneficiary upon an active member’s death.

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The Sheer Rock Face and the Mountain: The Complete Story of Literacy Acquisition with

Webinar LITERACY

Free Webinar Scheduled for August 29: Register Today! While foundational literacy skills have been an area of intense research, far less attention has been focused on late elementary school and beyond. This webinar will review new research from Renaissance that sheds more light on the total journey of literacy acquisition. Join us on August 29 at 9 a.m. for a one hour webinar to learn about “the sheer rock face and the mountain,” Presenter: Gene M. Kerns Dr. Kerns is a third-generation educator with more than 20 years of teaching and administrative experi- ence. He currently serves as Chief Academic Officer of Renaissance, and he is the author of three books including Literacy Reframed.

and how to access free tools and information that can support educators at every level in deftly guiding students through this journey.

ISDLAF+MonthlyUpdate Click here to view the most current ISDLAF+ rates, economic indicators and general economic news brief. To obtain additional information regarding this IASA sponsored service, contact Fenil J. Patel, Senior Vice President, Investment Services/ ISDLAF+ at 630–657–6437, or email: fpatel@pmanetwork.com. Website: www.pmanetwork.com.

Did You Know? Scholarships are available through IASA to help offset the costs of pursuing an advanced degree in educational administration? Click Here to learn more about the James V. and Dorothy B. Moon Scholarship Program.

School Administrators Foundation for Education

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LegalCorner

Chad Watkins IASA Associate Director/General Counsel

To help school leaders navigate uncertain times, IASA has partnered with leading law firms throughout Illinois to provide districts with critical guidance during the 2022–23 school year. In every issue of Leadership Matters, the IASA Legal Corner will showcase an article written by attorneys who specialize in legal matters related to education. It is our hope you find the content insightful, timely and helpful in addressing the critical matters you face.

This month, Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick & Kohn LLP writes about the Family Medical and Leave Act, commonly known as FMLA. The authors are Ellen Rothenberg and Barbara Erickson. As a reminder, the articles are provided for informational purposes only, and you are advised to contact your district counsel for legal advice. Click on the link below to access the article.

Merely Discouraging Employee fromTaking Leave May Violate the FMLA

In Ziccarelli v. Dart, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (which has jurisdiction over federal claims brought in Illinois) held that the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) was violated when Mr. Ziccarelli’s employer threatened him with discipline if he used any more leave pursuant to the FMLA. The employee worked for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department for almost 30 years and, over the course of his employment, used FMLA several times. In September

2016, the employee called his employer’s FMLA manager, who allegedly told him, “[Y]ou’ve taken serious amounts of FMLA…don’t take any more FMLA. If you do so, you will be disciplined.” The employee retired soon after that conversation, stating that he feared dismissal. He then filed a lawsuit. Initially, the lower court ruled in favor of the motion for summary judgment filed by the employer.... (continue reading)...

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Education Elevat g We continue our series highlighting tremendous educators across Illinois who have given their time and energy to ele- vating the superintendency and public education as a whole. Each month, we will feature two educators who are going the extra mile and truly making a difference beyond their school districts and local communities. While we are aware of many of the contributions administrators are making, we are open to any suggestions for someone to feature next month. To make a recommendation, contact Jason Nevel, IASA Director of Social Media and Publications, at jnevel@iasaedu.org or by calling 217–753–2213. Dr. Nick Polyak Leyden CHSD#212 Dr. JenniferGarrison Vandalia CUSD#203

Who: Dr. Jennifer Garrison, superintendent

Who: Dr. Nick Polyak, superintendent What: IASA and AASA Aspiring Superintendent Academy; IASA Global Service Project; AASA Transformational Leadership Consortium; Co-author of three education leadership books; Co-founder of #Suptchat Where: Leyden CHSD #212, Cook West When: Superintendent of Leyden CHSD

What: Vandalia One Leadership Community; COVID-19 Learning Rejuvenation; Evidence-Based Funding advocacy; IASA COVID-19 Transition Team Where: Vandalia CUSD #203, Kaskaskia Region

When: Former superintendent of Vandalia CUSD #203 for five years. Superintendent of Sandoval CUSD #501 for nine years Why: Throughout her educational career, Dr. Jennifer Garrison has always emphasized the importance of family, unity and integrity. “Our ‘Why’ at Vandalia is about family and the need to support each other in good times and bad times,” Dr. Garrison said. “We also talk a lot about ‘Vandal Values,’ and the importance of following the Golden Rule—treat others as you would want to be treated.” As superintendent of Vandalia CUSD #203, Dr. Garrison launched the Vandalia One Leadership Community initiative. Initially, Vandalia One started as an effort to bring the school and community together through the launch of a food pantry for students in need. However, the concept has evolved to include an educational pathways program and a marketing campaign that highlights student success stories.

#212 for 10 years. Former superintendent at IL Valley Central USD #321 for four years Why: At the end of his first day on the job 14 years ago as superintendent of IL Valley Central USD #321, Dr. Polyak remembered getting a call from his wife. “She asked when I would be home for dinner. I said I didn’t know whether everyone was waiting for me to leave, or I was waiting for them to leave,” Dr. Polyak joked. “I certainly wasn’t asking anyone what time I was supposed to go home!” Throughout his career, Dr. Polyak has focused on helping educators make the transition to the superintendency and creating opportunities for current superintendents to become stronger leaders. With the help of Dr. Mike Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore SD #112, Dr. Polyak launched the IASA Aspiring Superintendent Academy seven years ago. The week-long

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