LM July 2026

Message from IASA President Dr. Jay Morrow It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your IASA President for the 2026-27 school year, my 20th and final year as superintendent. Since joining the IASA Board of Directors in 2020, I have had a front-row seat to the work IASA does for superintendents across Illinois. I have seen firsthand how IASA shows up for its members, whether that is a phone call during a difficult week, professional learning designed to help us lead, or a strong voice at the Capitol helping shape education policy that affects every one of our districts. Nowhere is that voice at the Capitol more important than on school funding. I have been in this profession long enough to remember the early days of proration — when the state fell behind on general state aid and districts absorbed the difference year after year — and I remember the fight to pass Evidence-Based Funding and put Illinois on a path toward adequacy. We have made real progress since then, and I am committed to protecting it. That is why Vision 2030 and increased funding for mandated categorical payments through IASA’s Driving Success campaign are top priorities for me this year. Districts should not have to pull dollars out of one bucket to fill another. That is the value of this association: 97 percent of public school superintendents in Illinois are IASA members. But that collective voice starts with each of us individually. I would encourage you to reach out to your local legislator, invite them into your district, and tell your story. Legislators need to hear directly from you about how their decisions affect our students and staff. Advocacy is not something we do alone, and neither is leadership. Some of the best growth I have experienced as a leader has come through the connections I have made with colleagues. I would encourage you to regularly attend region meetings, attend the IASA Annual Conference, and consider joining an IASA Professional Learning Community. These are excellent ways to build relationships with colleagues facing the same challenges you are. To close, I want to thank Dr. Scott Doerr for his outstanding leadership this past year and for his continued service to our association. In the year ahead, I look forward to working with Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark, the Board of Directors, and all of you to advance IASA’s mission. New Board Of Directors for FY2027

Thank you for the work you do every day on behalf of the children of Illinois. I am proud to serve alongside you.

Sincerely, Dr. Jay Morrow, Superintendent, United Township HSD #30 IASA President, 2026-27

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LM July 2026