LM March 2021_lg

Message From the Executive Director Annual Conference Remains Best Opportunity to Connect; Funding EBF is Needed NowAsMuch As Ever

Dr. Brent Clark

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, IASA, the IASA Board of Directors and the IASA COVID-19 Transition Team have stressed the need for superintendents to support each other through unprecedented challenges. That’s ultimately what propelled the decision to hold the 56th IASA Annual Conference virtually April 7–8. Even in a virtual format, the conference remains the best opportunity for school administrators to come together in one place to connect, network and learn from each other. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to make time on your calendar and register for the IASA Annual Conference. We are working tirelessly to provide an engaging, fast- moving and uplifting experience that maximizes the virtual experience for all attendees. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to hear best practices from your peers and get recharged by our keynote speakers, Inky Johnson and Don Yaeger. Plus, we have scheduled a one-on-one conversation with House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch on what could be coming for K–12 education and State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala will share a welcoming message on Day 2. Check out the Annual Conference layout on pages 5–10 to see a more detailed breakdown of sessions and speakers. Fund theFormula I also want to bring your attention to the return of our Making a Difference series on page 22. We started the feature in August 2018 and now have heard from 85 superintendents about how Evidence-Based Funding has benefitted their districts. What’s clear from these most recent profiles is how much EBF helped school districts manage new challenges caused by the pandemic, and why a sustained investment into the formula is needed now as much as ever. The

additional school nurses, social workers and reading and math interventionists that were hired as a result of EBF have been critical in helping school districts navigate immense challenges this past year. Properly funding the formula over time will be essential in addressing new obstacles that will manifest in the future and help level the playing field so districts across the state can move closer to their adequacy targets. We once again plan to share this series with the General Assembly and governor’s office. Hopefully, it serves as a reminder that another year of flat funding is the wrong path, even with an influx of federal funds. Assessments TBD Lastly, we continue to have a dialogue with the Illinois State Board of Education on providing districts with flexibility on standardized assessments. At this time, ISBE says it continues to work with the U.S. Department of Education to determine how to move forward, but it plans to apply for the maximum possible flexibility for accountability, including seeking the available waivers for summative designations and the 95 percent assessment participation requirement. In her most recent weekly message, State Superintendent Ayala noted there will be an opportunity for public comment. There is no doubt in my mind the decision to require a standardized assessment is not in the best interest of students. Like we have the past year, this will be another time where it will be critical to consult your peers and support each other. To close on a positive note, the weather is warming up and many educators have received their vaccine. It feels like the worst is behind us and some of the normal things we previously enjoyed can return to our lives. Once again, thank you for your leadership and dedication this past year. Illinois school leaders truly stepped up. See you virtually April 7–8!

3 LM March 2021