LM July 2026

Q: IASA: Can you share some examples of break out sessions this year and talk about how IASA selects proposals? DB: We get hundreds of submissions, so it’s challenging to make those choices. We’re always looking for relevant learning and ways we can learn from each other. I believe the knowledge is in the room, so we focus on hearing from our own superintendents first. Examples this year include leadership lessons on connections and politics in the superintendency, elevating teacher leadership, blueprints for success around AI and personalized learning, safety beyond reunification plans and ag programs. We’re also launching Super Pals — for superintendents who are also building principals. Our goal is that every attendee can build a con ference experience meaningful for their district, whether they’re rural, urban or suburban. Q: IASA: Any final thoughts? DB: The conference is about connecting — and reconnecting — to our why. Leadership can be incredibly rewarding, but also very isolating. There’s something powerful about being in a room with hundreds of colleagues who under stand the challenges, celebrate the success es and are committed to moving forward. This year, the 250th birthday of America is that moment. Public education is important. I truly believe people will leave this conference inspired, equipped and excited about the future of education in Illinois. Illinois is one of the trailblazing states in public education and the superintendency — we do it better than anyone. I can’t wait to welcome everyone.

IASA: Ignite will return. Can you give everyone a rundown of presenters and what to expect? DB: Ignites are unlike anything else at the con ference. You have five minutes and 20 slides that automatically advance. The theme is “Enlighten us, but make it quick.” I’ve worked with each of our seven presenters. Topics this year range from supporting EL learners to funding gaps around mandated categoricals, from what it means to have more than a seat at the table to sunsetting the superintendency, to giving more kids access to advanced-level courses. It’s a quick way to get a lot of information in an energetic way, and it’s become one of our favorite traditions. Q: Q: IASA: The conference has become a major touchpoint for different professional learning opportunities. It’s where we bring groups DB: Yes. We’ve partnered with Argonne National Labs for something new — a double breakout session called the AI Jam, an immersive experience around STEM and AI. It starts Thursday at 2 p.m. and goes until 3:45 p.m., with only 150 seats. We’re also bringing back our Rural Roundtable, and this year we’ve split the state into four regions, each with its own leader, so the cohort can focus regionally throughout the year. We are launching our Sunsetting the Superin tendency cohort—a free five-session series for su perintendents finalizing their last five-year contract who are thinking about succession planning.We’re also expanding our AI work, which will build toward a bigger initiative next March. This conference is really the starting point of the school year and the launch ing point for opportunities across the state. speaker. Sometimes the best lessons about leadership, culture, organizational change and high-perform ing teams come from other sectors. together and where we launch new initiatives. Is that the plan this year?

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LM July 2026