LM May 2017 Final

Message From the Executive Director Perseverance in tough times defines great school leaders

Dr. Brent Clark

As we turn the corner of May 1 and head towards the General Assembly homestretch, I want to quickly reflect on the recent recognition of some of our state’s highest performing superintendents that were honored by the Illinois State Board of Education at the “Superintendents of Distinction” ceremony held April 24. In the midst of the mess of Illinois government, these school leaders and hundreds of others across our state continue to protect and shield the kids from the carnage. In fact, it’s almost unexplainable how schools are achieving so much while so many districts are scratching to survive financially. The answer lies in the personal ability and commitment to power through the distress and distractions to ensure we are giving everything we possibly can to every child. Hats off to so many doing the great work of educating kids while having to literally beg state government to do its job. It’s a struggle and we’re all in it together. So, as we turn to May and the final month of the General Assembly calendar (under normal conditions, which haven’t been normal and likely won’t be normal for who knows how long), we will see kids being recognized for stellar work, kids receiving scholarships for their effort and future potential, kids graduating and starting new opportunities, and kids planning for a great summer. As school administrators, we will be focused on the long work list of summer repairs and improvements on our campuses as well as getting new faculty and staff orientated to the schools—all the while wondering in the back of our minds whether we will have enough funding from the state budget to start and finish the 2017–18

school year. Even those districts that don’t have to worry about lack of funding for the new school year still have to stare down aggressive individuals that enjoy nothing more than tormenting the local school district, apparently just for something to amuse themselves. It’s an undeniable struggle that can be paralyzing for so many individuals. Yet we persevere. That perseverance is the ability to power through near impossible situations because you have something you’re determined to achieve. In many cases, it’s making sure every kid gets a good crack at an education. We want every administrator—whether you’re in a poor or wealthy district or somewhere in between—to know that, just like you, we at the IASA are fighting for you and your kids every day. We believe in public education and strongly back those persons who have answered the call to be school leaders in the toughest of times. Hats back on …time to go back to work.

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