LM Nov-Dec_2023

Message From the Executive Director Taking a Closer Look at Vision 2030, Bus2Grid and IASA Spotlights Series

Dr. Brent Clark

Please email Bus2Grid@future-green.org or call 815-200 8721 as soon as possible so we can start preparing your application. They’re happy to help with any questions. IASA Spotlights School Safety On Dec. 12, IASA is once again turning the spotlight on school safety with another free webinar for IASA members. Dr. Roger Alvey, superintendent of Illini Bluffs CUSD #327, and Dr. Steve Webb, superintendent of Goreville CUSD #1, recently toured Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida as part of their service on the Illinois Homeland Security Advisory Council. Dr. Alvey and Dr. Webb will discuss key takeaways from the tour, including missed red flags, a failed response from law enforcement, the importance of threat assessments and other school safety tips. The webinar is scheduled for 2 p.m. Click here to register. Happy Holidays To close, I want to express my appreciation for your efforts in making this academic year fulfilling and influential for students throughout our state. Recognizing the crucial need for districts to offer additional support, educators have admirably responded, aiding students in finding their way back on track. Continue the excellent work, and take some well- deserved time off with your families and loved ones during the Winter Break. Happy holidays from your IASA team.

Educators and school board members across our state have the opportunity to shape the Vision 2030 platform by completing the Illinois Vision 2030 survey, emailed to IASA Active Members and partnering organizations last week. The data collected from the survey will be shared with the Vision 2030 Workgroup and integrated into the development of a new advocacy framework for public education in Illinois. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to complete the survey and share your feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of Illinois’ public education system. It’s important we gather feedback from a wide and diverse pool of educators. The survey is being administered by our project design partner, and the results will be broken down regionally to paint a better picture locally of what educators in your area value and want to see improved in public policy. The Vision 2030 timeline moves fast, with the next Workgroup meeting set for January 24. The goal is to approve a final policy document in July 2024. Thank you to everyone who has lended their voice to this monumental effort. IEC Bus to Grid Program Also last week, IASA members received an email from me encouraging districts to take advantage of a federal grant program to help districts electrify school buses, install emergency energy storage backup and add solar energy production. IEC Powered by Future Green’s Bus2Grid program can help you handle the heavy lifting of your application. Last year, we won over $15 million from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools Grant for Illinois school districts, and I’d like every eligible school district to participate in this grant opportunity.

3 LM Holidays 2023