LM Oct 2025

October 2025 Leadership Matters

Conference Showcase and Recap in Pictures

The Transformative Power of Community Schools

Job Bank: New Custom Application Available

4

Education conferences are a tremendous opportunity to learn about innovative strategies and best practices in schools. However, it’s not always possible to attend every session you want. In this feature in Leadership Matters, IASA highlights five conference breakout sessions you may have missed. CONFERENCE SHOWCASE

19 20 24 22

ACT Now: Community Schools in Illinois

8 IASA 61st Annual

Conference in Pictures

Legal Corner—Register for Workshops Professional Learning Catalog: Upcoming Opportunites

14 Job Bank: New Custom Application Available

CoSN National Data Privacy Report

16 Elevation Education:

26

2 more leaders highlighted

ISBE Accountability Listening Tour

Volume 13, Issue 8 October 2025 Leadership Matters 24238

2648 Beechler Court Springfield, IL 62703-7305 217.753.2213 800 Woodfield Road, Ste. F109 Schaumburg, IL 60173-4717 847.466.5075

Jason Nevel Director of Communications jnevel@iasaedu.org

Brandon Turley Graphic Designer bturley@iasaedu.org

1200 West Main Street Marion, IL 62959-1138 618.364.0501

www.iasaedu.org

Scan here with your phone’s QR code reader to get the IASA APP— Don’t have a QR reader? Go to or and search for IllinoisASA.

2

Message From the Executive Director Navigating Complexity Together: IASA’s Commitment to School Leaders

Dr. Brent Clark

Before Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat took the stage at the IASA Annual Conference, attendees watched a video inspired by the Mission Impossible franchise. The connection was fitting: Peoria SD #150 kicked off their school year with the theme “Making the Impossible, Possible”—acknowledging that the stakes for today’s educators have never been higher. Isn’t that the truth. Between the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, growing demands for social-emotional support, persistent safety concerns, and students’ evolving expectations for how they learn, school leaders must adapt and evolve. To navigate that complexity, school leaders can’t work in a vacuum. Fortunately, Illinois is home to superintendents at the forefront of innovation and collaboration, and those talents were on full display at IASA’s Annual Conference. Last month, more than 30 district leaders opened their playbooks during breakout sessions, sharing strategies and insights to help meet these complex challenges head on. Because no one can attend them all, we’re bringing some key takeaways to you in our Conference Showcase feature, beginning on page 4. Learn how Glenbrook High School Dist. 225 is leveraging technology to improve emergency response, how Joliet Twp HSD #204 is creating internship opportunities for students, how Warrensburg-Latham CUSD #11 is embracing student leadership, how Bluford Unit School

District #318 is retaining teachers, and how Canton Union SD #66 is building Professional Learning Communities. These sessions are a sampling and not an exhaustive list. To learn more about other breakout sessions, visit the IASA Annual Conference app, where presentation slides are attached to each session. Of course, IASA’s Annual Conference isn’t the only significant checkpoint in the year for superintendents to come together and learn. This year’s Joint Annual Conference in Chicago is scheduled for November 21-23. The event is the perfect opportunity to learn from experts on critical topics including school finance, community engagement, educational equity and advocacy, safety and security, collective bargaining, and more. Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers and gain insights that will shape your work for the year ahead. Whether at conferences, through resources, or in everyday collaboration, tools are available to help Illinois superintendents adapt and evolve—making what seems impossible, possible.

3 LM October 2025

conference showcase

Just

Tips You

IASA Annual Conference in Springfield

Can Use

Education conferences are a tremendous opportunity to learn about innovative strategies and best practices in schools. However, it’s not always possible to attend every session you want. In this feature in Leadership Matters, IASA highlights conference breakout sessions you may have missed. The article is not intended to offer a comprehensive review of each presentation, but rather provide you with 3-7 tangible tips from the presentation that you can use in your district.

Seconds Matter: Leveraging Technology to Improve Emergency Response

2 Develop your system so those responsible for emergency command, investigation, and communications are aware of the alarm activation as quickly as possible. Automatize the process so that success is not contingent on one or two people. Use redundant communications tools. 3 Conduct internal tabletop exercises with key personnel, such as administrators, custodians, communications staff, and the school nurse, to clarify the current state of your emergency response, from alarm activation to parent noti fication. Aside from maintaining preparedness, it serves as a launch point for future learning and improvement. 4 Conduct training with your emergency responders, from tabletops to walk-throughs to full-scale exercises. Ensure that school and district leaders at all levels have the oppor tunity to meet the first responder command team, so that relationships are established before an emergency occurs. This training is not just a formality—it’s a crucial step in preparing leaders and staff to handle emergencies with confidence and competence. 5 Create systems for simultaneous communications so that the right people get the right information. For example, the administration needs a higher level of information to prepare for investigations, relocations, and communica tions with stakeholders. Security personnel likely do not need this information but may need to communicate with each other regarding a student’s or staff needs. Identifying communications channels in advance will expedite your response.

Since childhood, we’ve been trained to respond urgently to emergencies. Whether it’s a fire, tornado, or intruder, we know seconds matter for survival. For school districts, timeliness doesn’t stop once everyone is safe. Returning to normalcy as quickly as possible maximizes learning through reduced lost time and supports the emotional well-being of students, staff, and families. By reacting consistently, compassionately, and quickly, perceptions of school and district competence and credibility will grow. Panelists: Dr. Charles Johns, Superintendent Emeritus; Dr. RJ Gravel, Superintendent — Glenbrook High School District #225 1 Before emergencies occur, conduct a systems audit: Determine if your pre-recorded messages can be add ed to your PA and easily activated as needed. Assess whether your fire alarm and door access system can send just-in-time notifications to staff when the systems are activated. Investigate if your two-way radio system is accessible to your first responders and can be accessed by administrators when they are away from campus. If possible, incorporate a unified automated integration system, such as Singlewire Software, that links alarm activation with your communications tools.

4

LM October 2025

st in case you missed it...

This session explores how one region successfully pi loted an innovative internship program for high school students that removed barriers for both employers and students. Learn about the strategic approach that enabled rapid expansion of opportunities within just two school years, creating meaningful partnerships between business and education. Discover practical strategies for identifying and eliminating common obstacles while developing sustainable internship initiatives that benefit all stakeholders. Presenters: Dr. Karla Guseman, Superintendent; Kris tine Schlismann, Director of Community and Alumni Relations — Joliet Twp HSD #204; Kayla Sorensen, Director of Investor Relations for Will County Center for Economic Development 1 Internship Program Growth & Impact: Launched two years ago in partnership with Joliet Township High School and now in its third year, the Will Internships Reimagined: Bridging Business and Education are invaluable. Including the communications team early in the response gives them more time to custom ize the templates and ensure accurate dissemination. 7 With every alarm activation, especially accidental activa tions or medical transports from a classroom, conduct an after-action review and consider how to maximize safety and expedite internal and external communications. 6 Media management and parent communications can begin before the incident occurs. Pre-written communi cations templates (such as those provided by the IASA)

County Summer Internship Program has expanded across multiple districts and employer partners. It con nects students with paid, career-aligned internships, strengthens workforce development, and builds lasting bridges between education and industry, creating a sustainable model for student success and community growth. This initiative aims to retain young talent in the community by offering paid internships that align with students’ career interests and educational pathways. 2 Structured and Supportive Internship Framework: Workshop attendees learned about the clear guide lines established for employers and students, a detailed timeline from recruitment to celebration, and built-in mentorship and professional development opportunities. The internship process is well-orga nized, with a clear timeline from position submission in November to internship completion and celebration in August. This structure ensures smooth coordination between schools, students, and employers, making it easy to participate and plan ahead. 3 Employer and School Collaboration: School districts support students with résumé building and interview preparation while the Will County CED manages application logistics, making it easy for employers to participate. Attendees learned practical strategies for recruiting internship partners, including aligned messaging, marketing tactics, and hosting multiple recruitment events to build strong community engagement. 4 Internships & Public Relations: Internships serve as a public relations asset, showcasing student success and celebrating partnerships through events like intern showcases and recruitment breakfasts. The program promotes community pride and visibility, encouraging students to live, work, and lead within their hometowns.

CONTINUED ON...Page 6

5 LM October 2025

Building Leaders and Connections: The Lasting Impact of a Student Leadership Program conference showcase

continued...

on topics of need, such as preparing for final exams, balancing extracurriculars and academics at high school, facing adversity, etc. 3 To increase the effectiveness and comfort level of Link Crew student leaders and our freshmen, we incorpo rate periodic social events for all of them to gather as a larger community. Typically, they will plan for social events for a holiday (ie. holiday cookie decorating), an athletic competition (ie. student tailgate), and more. These events gather our leaders and freshmen in op portunities that do not normally occur naturally. Again, the student leaders facilitate these social gatherings. 4 To keep our Link Crew student leaders goal oriented and engaged, we promote their participation in the Annual Student Link Crew Conference for their own professional development. This conference is for Link Crew student leaders across the state to engage with one another, hear from speakers, get exposure to new practices to strengthen the overall program, and pro vide yet another leadership opportunity for our student leaders. 5 Lastly, when preparing for the IASA Annual Confer ence presentation, the staff and I included the Link Crew student leaders. They took the lead in presenting the content of the presentation; the staff and I were simply present to support the students. They were presented with the task of taking this concept and de termining how to share it with the key decision makers of a district to promote student leadership, facilitate freshmen success in transitioning to high school, and overall improving the climate and culture of a building. This was a task they took very seriously and WL is beyond proud of them for presenting this at IASA.

This presentation provides participants with the knowledge of a research-based model for a freshman mentoring program, including transformative outcomes and strategies to implement your own comprehensive transition program. Learn how student leadership initiatives create lasting connections, develop emerging leaders, and positively impact school culture at multiple levels. Hear directly from staff and students who have been impacted by the program and discover how these approaches can transform your building culture and student engagement. Presenters: Cheryl Warner, Superintendent; Erik Johansen, High School Teacher; Adriane Moody, High School Counselor; Allison Nolen, High School Principal — Warrensburg-Latham CUSD #11 1 One of the best methods in helping us to be success ful in growing our Link Crew Program and promoting student leadership was to use our daily 25 minute Uni versal Time schedule as a time in which all Link Crew student leaders meet with one of the certified staff Link Crew Sponsors. This daily time is spent on engaging in formal mentor training for the student leaders, getting consistent feedback from the leaders on the climate & culture in the building, and planning for extension activities of the program. 2 Besides the Orientation 2.0 that is designed specifically for team building between Link Crew student leaders and the incoming freshmen, our program integrates follow up extension opportunities. Student leaders plan push-in lessons they facilitate with our freshmen based

6

.

Discover how Canton Union SD #66 leveraged Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to foster innovation and drive meaningful school improvement. This session will explore how collaborative teams used data-driven decision-making, targeted instructional strategies, and continuous reflection to enhance student outcomes. Participants will gain insights into successful PLC structures, real-world examples of impactful change, and practical strategies to implement in their own schools. Join us to learn how PLCs can be a powerful tool for creating a culture of continuous growth and innovation. Presenters: Tad DeRenzy, Superintendent; Julie Tarvin, Assistant Superintendent — Canton Union SD #66 1 To drive the work of developing PLCs, the district needed to make fundamental structural changes. Canton Union SD #66 built time in its schedule for 25 minutes daily for teacher collaboration across all buildings 2 Canton Union SD #66 leveraged outside expertise to build leadership capacity. The district partnered with Solution Tree and coaches spent one week onsite and observed teams, meetings and learning in action. The coaches met with principals for one month after the visit and delivered a comprehensive analysis. That process led to the creation of specific goals and action plans to move the work forward. 3 The district developed Four Pillars of Student Success: Collaboration, Problem Solving, Creative Thinking and Innovation. The district’s new mission and vision includes Lego education, Makerspace Spaces, Imagination Station and Project Lead the Way. Innovate to Elevate: Driving School Improvement Through Creative Solutions

Leadership Impact on Teacher Retention

Effective leadership is crucial for fostering supportive school environments, and its impact on teacher retention cannot be overstated. This session explores the direct correlation between leadership styles and teacher well-being, job satisfaction, and ultimately, decisions to remain in the profession. Learn actionable strategies for cultivating positive school culture, reducing teacher turnover, and building a stable, highly effective teaching staff through supportive leadership practices. Presenters: Dr. Adam Cross, Superintendent of Bluford Unit School District #318; Dr. Gary Kelly, Assistant Professor of Practice at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and IASA Field Services Director 1 Assess your Organizational Culture - This is your organi zation’s beliefs, values, and expectations that create your school environment. Check the vital signs of your school and know where you are, where you want to be, and how you are going to get there. Through this assessment, school leaders can start building and creating a culture of success for students/staff. Start with students in mind for every decision and path forward. 2 Be Adaptive - There are many leadership styles that are effective, such as being a relational or servant leader, but ultimately, leaders have to resemble a chameleon and be adaptive/flexible to the many situations we are challenged each day. One approach/style is not always effective for each situation or stakeholder. 3 Be the Leader You Needed as a Teacher - Always remember where your journey started and help your teachers and staff by providing collaboration, support, respect, and effective communication. Build authentic relationships with your stakeholders and be intentional about the work you do every day. Teachers need quality leadership just as we need quality teachers.

Want a presentation from a breakout session? Find it on IASA Annual Conference App.

7 LM October 2025

Conference Recap in Pictures

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 61 st Pathways to the Future Innovating for the Next Generation

IASA continued its 61-year tradition of bringing education leaders together September 24-26 in Springfield. The three-day event opened with Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat sharing powerful lessons for creating lasting change in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape. Thomas Murray delivered an engaging Second General Session, followed by seven dynamic Ignite presentations. The conference concluded with Dr. Tony Sanders providing a comprehensive ISBE update and three superintendents sharing personal and inspirational stories during the IASA Member Showcase. Take a look back at some of the best moments from the conference in the photo collage below.

DR. TERESA LANCE

DR. SHARON DESMOULIN-KHERAT

DR. SCOTT DOERR PRESIDENT

DR. TONY SANDERS

DR.JOHNNIE THOMAS

11 LM October 2025

To Our Conference Supporters Thank You

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 61 st

Innovating for the Next Generation Pathways to the Future

Legacy Sponsors

Premier Sponsors

15 LM October 2025

12

CLICK HERE!

IASA has created three short instructional videos to help employers understand how to create a custom application, manage sections and fields, and create a job posting with a custom application. Questions about Custom Job Applications?

*Click Play Button to Access Videos

Additional Questions? Email IASA or call 217-753-2213

Education Elevat g

Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle McLean County USD #5

Dr. Jason Harper Rochelle Twp HSD #212 and Rochelle CCSD #231

Who: Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle, Superintendent What: Stabilized district finances and avoided significant cuts through a property tax referendum; Helped pass a one-cent countywide sales tax in McLean County; Created a culture of equity through the formation of District Equity Leadership Team; Leading the process to expand programs and update facilities

Who: Dr. Jason Harper, Superintendent What: Served as a dual superintendent of two school districts, which has resulted in increased alignment and financial stabilization; Expanded Dual Language Immersion program; Increased dual credit opportunities for students; Offered tuition reimbursements to strengthen

Where: McLean County USD #5, Corn Belt Region When: Superintendent of McLean County USD #5 for six years; 15th year total as superintendent. Who: Long before Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle became superintendent of McLean County USD #5, she learned a fundamental lesson as a special education teacher: equity must be intentional. “I have always looked at policies and practices through an equity lens,” Dr. Kendrick-Weikle said. “Who is being included and whose voice is not represented that we need to consider. That can range from ensuring all playgrounds are accessible to examining what students are enrolling in upper-level classes. It’s fundamental to our decision making.” Dr. Kendrick-Weikle formed a District Equity Leadership Team to create an environment where all educators understand the district’s common focus on equity work. That shared understanding of equity has shaped the district’s most critical decisions, including its long-term revenue strategy. Dr. Kendrick-Weikle recognized that without adequate funding, the district couldn’t provide

the district’s Grow Your Own program. Where: Rochelle Twp HSD #212 and Rochelle CCSD #231, Northwest Region When: Superintendent of Rochelle Twp HSD #212 for nine years and superintendent of Rochelle CCSD #231 for eight years. Why: When Dr. Jason Harper joined Rochelle Twp HSD #212, overseeing two school districts wasn’t part of the job description. Nine years later, the dual concept has become a cornerstone of a unique partnership between Rochelle Twp HSD #212 and Rochelle CCSD #231 that has helped the two districts address financial concerns, improve alignment and create more opportunities for students. “We talk a lot about three duals: dual district, dual language and dual credit,” Dr. Harper said. “As it turned out, becoming a dual district was a driving force in improved outcomes in the other two categories.”

16

LM October 2025

Education Elevat g

Kendrick-Weikle ... cont’d.

Harper ... cont’d. Those three duals now define the identity of two districts serving a combined 2,400 students in northwestern Illinois. Dr. Harper and a handful of central office staff serve as dual employees for both districts. The payoff of the increased alignment, facilitated by an intergovernmental agreement, is most apparent in the Dual Language Immersion Program, which brings together native English and Spanish-speaking students for high-quality academic instruction delivered in both languages.The Hispanic population in each district is more than 40 percent. More than half of incoming students are placed or choose to enroll in Rochelle’s dual language immersion program. A badge of honor came last year when the district saw its highest total of students, 24, earn the prestigious Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, which certifies high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. “Dual Language has become one of our greatest strengths in serving Rochelle’s diverse community,” Dr. Harper said. “That seamless pathway from preschool through graduation gives our students advantages that will serve them for life.” The third pillar—dual credit—has seen equally impressive growth. Over the last three years, the number of students graduating with 12 or more semester hours worth of college credits has doubled thanks to strong partnerships with Kishwaukee Community College and Northern Illinois University. The expansion reflects the districts’ commitment to providing students with tangible pathways to postsecondary success while reducing the financial burden of higher education. A highlight of that effort is the district’s Grow Your Own Program, where students committed to becoming future teachers are eligible for tuition reimbursements. “Nine years ago, I couldn’t have imagined where this partnership would take us,” Dr. Harper said. “But seeing our students graduate bilingual, with college credits already earned, and ready to give back to their community—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

equitable opportunities—from accessible facilities to manageable class sizes to expanded programming. “We have eight portable units with 16 classrooms because we’re out of space in our main facilities,” Dr. Kendrick-Weikle said. “We need sensory rooms, additional special education staff, more interventionists and coaches—and the space to support them all. Lowering class sizes is the goal, but we can’t do it without adequate facilities.” Over the past two and a half years, McLean County USD #5 has passed a property tax referendum and championed a one-cent countywide sales tax—historic achievements that directly address equity concerns. The sales tax is also contributing to school safety, with revenue helping fund additional School Resource Officer positions, as well as abating taxes for bonds passed in 2008. The equity work extends beyond facilities. Students in McLean County USD #5 can now earn an Associate’s Degree in computer science before graduation. The district’s Grow Your Own teacher pipeline program has expanded, more female students are enrolling in STEM classes, and extracurricular opportunities have grown to serve more diverse interests. “We were facing significant cuts to extracurriculars and programs that students depend on,” Dr. Kendrick-Weikle said. “Now we have a bright future ahead—one that will continue to be guided by equity, ensuring every student has access to the opportunities they deserve.”

Want to

Nominate Someone? Contact Jason Nevel at jnevel@iasaedu.org

17

LM October 2025

2025–2026 Moon Scholarship Program

Are you a superintendent or an aspiring superintendent?

Are you pursuing graduate study to become the best superintendent you can be?

Do you know there are scholarships available through the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) to help offset the costs of your coursework?

Did You Know? Individuals interested in donating to the Moon Scholarship Program can write a personal check for $25 made out to SAFE. IASA regions can also donate to SAFE. Donation amounts are determined locally.

Established in 1993 in memory of Dr. James V. Moon, a former superintendent at Morton High School District, the James V. and Dorothy B. Moon Scholarship program is committed to improving the education and qualifications of school administrators. Since its inception, 148 scholarships totaling over $345,094 have been awarded to current or aspiring superintendents. Practicing school administrators in Illinois qualify if they are college graduates pursuing an advanced degree in educational administration at an accredited college or university. Several scholarships ($2,500 minimum each) are awarded each year and are paid directly to the college or university to cover tuition, fees and/or textbook expenses. For more information on the application and awards process, click here or contact Jodi Gillespie at 217–753–2213 or email at jgillespie@iasaedu.org.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, January 17, 2025

School Administrators Foundation for Education

18 LM October 2025

The Transformative Power of Community Schools in Illinois Build Stronger Schools with the Community Schools Model Story Submitted By ACT Now

In recent years, Illinois has emerged as a leader in implementing the Community Schools model, a transformative approach to education that reimagines the role of schools in addressing systemic barriers to student success. Unlike traditional models that focus primarily on academics, Community Schools serve as neighborhood hubs that integrate education with critical supports like healthcare, mental health services, enrichment programs, and family engagement. In Illinois, ACT Now Illinois stewards the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) model across the state. Built on four foundational pillars, integrated student supports, active family and community engagement, expanded learning opportunities, and collaborative leadership practices, the model provides a framework for schools to become centers of community life. What sets this model apart is its holistic approach. Through culturally sustaining learning and high-quality professional development, ACT Now ensures that schools are equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students. These keystone practices help educators create inclusive environments while continuously improving their strategies for teaching and engagement. Superintendent of Abingdon Avon School District, Bill Walters shared that “Community Schools has opened many doors in both of our communities in regards to understanding what our community wants from us as a school district. The needs assessment revealed a great deal of information that we simply wouldn’t have known had we not administered it to our staff, students and stakeholders.” ACT Now currently has 32 FSCS School Partners in 17 districts across the state. Community Schools have the flexibility to meet the individual needs of each of their communities. At DuQuoin CUSD #300, FSCS funding

has allowed the district to expand career pathways in the high school, provide opportunities to attend cultural events, and ensure all students have access to before and afterschool programming. Superintendent Diana Rea shared that when DuQuoin was impacted by a tornado, “the Community School grant allowed us to immediately help meet urgent needs by providing meals, clothing, and support for families as they rebuilt. These experiences show how Community Schools allow us to educate, support, and uplift not only students, but our entire community.” As Illinois continues to confront educational inequities, continued investment in Community Schools is not just beneficial, it’s essential. These schools address the root causes of achievement gaps by aligning resources, empowering families, and fostering collective responsibility. With the support of ACT Now and state leaders, Illinois has the opportunity to build a scalable, sustainable model that uplifts entire communities—one school at a time.

Interested in transforming your school into a Community School? Contact Lesley Rivers, Director of Community Schools, at rivers@actnowillinois.org.

19 LM October 2025

IASA Offering Legal Workshops Through December: Register Today

IASA is proud to help superintendents deepen their knowledge and understanding of pertinent legal matters. Our legal workshop series continues through December with 7 remaining sessions on important legal matters. Feel free to register for multiple legal workshops. One you receive the confirmation email from Zoom, be sure to add the event to your calendar, so the link is easier to access on the day of the workshop. In need of professional development hours? We have you covered. IASA is now offering up to 2 PD hours per session for participants who complete the workshop. You must attend the entire legal workshop and complete the Sign In and Sign Out Forms to receive an Evidence of Completion Form.

PD Hours Now Offered! (live attendance only)

IASA Legal Workshops are being recorded. The recordings will be posted on the IASA website in the legal services section. To access the recordings, you will need to login to the website. See the list of law firms, dates and session titles on the opposite page. If there are any additional topics you would like to see covered, do not hesitate to contact Chad Watkins, IASA General Counsel. We hope you can join us online and get advice on complex legal issues.

20 LM October 2025

November 13, 2025 • 10 a.m.–Noon

November 4, 2025 • 10 a.m.–Noon

Special Education Legal Updates for School Administrators Attorney: Aimee LeBlanc

Being Accommodating in the Face of Disruption Attorney: Eric Bernard

Register Here

Register Here

December 1, 2025 • 10 a.m.–Noon

November 17, 2025 • 10 a.m.–Noon

Intro to Collective Bargaining Attorney: Caleb Mundorf

Advanced Collective Bargaining Attorney: Caleb Mundorf

Register Here

Register Here

December 11, 2025 • 10 a.m.–Noon

December 2, 2025 • 10 a.m.–Noon

“Who Gets to Know?” Maintaining Student Records and Confidentiality Attorney: Maureen Lemon

Testing Boundaries: First Amendment Audits and Their Impact on Public Institutions

Attorney: Catie Locallo

Register Here

Register Here

Can’t attend?

Recordings are available to IASA members on the IASA website.

21 LM October 2025

Professional Learning Elevating Our Profession—Together Dr. Dawn Bridges IASA Associate Director of Professional Learning

school board presidents—both men and women—who are leading boldly and collaboratively in today’s complex educational landscape. Through stories of partnership and perseverance, they’ll explore what it means to lead with empathy, resilience, and a shared vision. Attendees will leave with practical insights on how to foster trust, elevate one another, and make values-driven decisions when it matters most. It’s free and open to all. Please pre-register to help us plan accordingly. IASA is also sponsoring seven breakout sessions. Topics this year include: • Strategic Planning that Works: Vision, Action, Results • What Will Spring 2026 Bring for School Finance? • Superintendent Employment Contracts • AI in Education: Urgency, Impact, and Leadership • What Your Superintendent Wants to Tell You, But Can’t • From the Boardroom to the Jobsite: Lessons in Public Construction • Setting Your New Superintendent Up for Success Join us in Chicago to continue the conversations and connections that strengthen our collective work - and remind us why, together, Illinois superintendents continue to lead the way!

I have always believed the success of any education conference comes down to one thing… the people. The people who take the time to share their work. The quality of our speakers and breakout presenters has always been what makes the IASA Annual Conference such a powerful, must-attend event. Year after year, Illinois superintendents step forward as innovators, problem-solvers, and thought leaders—building systems of support for students and creating ecosystems where teachers want to teach and students want to learn. I want to give a special thanks to this year’s breakout session presenters, Ignite speakers, and our three superintendent spotlights who closed the conference with courage, vulnerability, and inspiration. Your stories and insights will ripple far beyond Springfield—sparking new ideas, challenging assumptions, and inspiring leaders across Illinois to think differently, act boldly, and lead with purpose. The impact of sharing your expertise extends beyond a single event. If you’re interested in delivering an Ignite presentation or being featured in the IASA Member Showcase, please reach out to me anytime. For breakout presentations, we’re opening the application process early in 2026—be on the

lookout for an email this winter. As we reflect on the success of the Annual Conference, our focus turns to what’s next. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Chicago for the Joint Annual Conference, November 21-23. IASA will once again host a Women in

Leadership session on Friday morning. This year’s session will feature a dynamic panel of female superintendents and

22 LM October 2025

2025 Professional Learning

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES IASA’s new digital Professional Learning Catalog is a resource that doesn’t just list programs but maps out an ecosystem of growth for the modern district learner. Take a look and consider jumping into a pathway!

Professional Learning Catalog 2025 - 26

CLICK HERE

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

• AA 1801: Gathering Evidence During Observations and Conferencing Using the Danielson Model • AA 3782: Problem Solving & Collective Bargaining Using an Interest Based Approach • AA 3972: An Administrator’s Guide to Achieving School Code Compliance • AA 3000: Illinois Performance Evaluation Retraining - Student Growth • Bonds 101 Workshop • AA 4144: Introduction to AI for District Leaders • AA 4114: Using Student Growth Data from Diverse Populations in Teacher Performance Evaluations • Leading at the Speed of Trust Workshop (New opportunity CLICK HERE to register) Plus, don’t forget to register for The Next Wave of AI That Will Impact Schools . Three workshops scheduled. Each session offered will cover the same content. Participants only need to register for one date in which they wish to attend

February 24, 2026 ISU Alumni Center Normal, IL

March 3, 2026 Universal Technical Institute Lisle, IL.

February 26, 2026 ROE 50 Belleville, IL.

23 LM October 2025

Earlier this year CoSN released its 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report. This report is based on the results of a wide-ranging survey of school district leaders. The focus of the survey is to gain an understanding of the expertise of school leaders when it comes to the data privacy practices they lead within their school systems. C o SN 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report

Report

Story submitted by

The CoSN 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report is divided into two main sections and provides a clear understanding of how school districts are managing the critically important tasks that come with effectively safeguarding student data. Information on the following topics is included in the CoSN 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report: • Maturity of Privacy Practices • Existing Supports • Additional Support Needs • Barriers to Improvement • Benefits of the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program Access to download both sections of the CoSN 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report is readily available at Student Data Privacy Guidelines & Tools | CoSN Privacy Resources Update to C o SN AI Resources The CoSN K-12 Generative AI Checklist (published in partnership with the Council of Great City Schools) now includes an additional section focused on Academic AI Literacy Readiness. The addition to this free CoSN resource provides school leaders with a list of 22 questions to use to determine where their AI implementation stands when it comes to the seven areas listed below: • AI Curriculum Integration • Teacher Professional Development in AI • Ethical AI Use and Policy/Guidance Development • Evaluating AI Impact • AI Accessibility and Equity • Operational Automation Access to the complete CoSN K-12 Generative AI Checklist is provided at Gen AI Readiness Checklist - Master V1_2.pdf C o SN Membership If you, your school or district would like more information about joining CoSN or getting more involved with CoSN, please contact membership@cosn.org.

24 LM October 2025

News In Brief

Illinois Blue Ribbon Schools The Governor’s Blue Ribbon School Award program honors public and private K-12 schools with exemplary academic performance. The U.S. Department of Education established the Blue Ribbon Schools program in 1982 to recognize exemplary public and nonpublic schools based on student achievement measures. Illinois will continue the recognition using the same criteria -- including assessment results, student subgroup performance, and accountability status. In 2025, Illinois honored 28 schools with the Governor’s Blue Ribbon School recognition -- 15 public schools and 13 nonpublic schools. All honorees will be recognized at a special event at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield in the spring of 2026.

2025 Public School Honorees

Bourbonnais – Liberty Intermediate School, Bourbonnais SD 53 Burr Ridge – Pleasantdale Middle School, Pleasantdale SD 107 Chicago – Prescott Elementary School, Chicago Public Schools 299 Clarendon Hills – Clarendon Hills Middle School, Hinsdale CCSD 181 Clarendon Hills – Walker Elementary School, Hinsdale CCSD 181 Frankfort - Lincoln-Way East High School, Lincoln Way CHSD 210 Hickory Hills – Glen Oaks Elementary School, North Palos SD 117 La Grange Highlands – Highlands Elementary School, LaGrange Highlands SD 106

La Grange – Lyons Township High School, Lyons Township HSD 204 Lake Zurich – Sarah Adams Elementary School, Lake Zurich CUSD 95 Lisle – Kennedy Junior High School, Naperville CUSD 203 Mascoutah – Mascoutah Middle School, Mascoutah CUD 19 Northfield – Sunset Ridge Elementary School, Sunset Ridge SD 29

Palatine – William Fremd High School, Township HSD 211 Warren – Warren Elementary School, Warren CUSD 205

The Hidden Liability in Schools: Educator Misconduct Multimillion-dollar settlements. Eroded community trust. Preventable tragedies. Educator sexual misconduct is a growing crisis that Illinois school districts can no longer afford to ignore. Join James Woodard, Managing Director of WCSIT*ISDA, for an essential discussion on protecting students and mitigating one of the most serious liabilities facing schools today. Discover the true scope and cost of educator misconduct, learn to recognize early warning signs and risk factors, and gain actionable strategies to shift from crisis response to proactive risk management. Protect your students. Safeguard your district. Register today.

When: Thursday, Oct. 30 - 2-3 pm

ISDLAF+ Monthly Update Click here to view the most current ISDLAF+ rates, economic indicators and general economic news brief. To obtain additional information regarding this IASA sponsored service, contact Audra Braski, Senior Vice President, LGIP Director at 630–657–6422, or email: audra.braski@ptma.com. Website: www.ptma.com.

25 LM October 2025

Make Your Voice Heard: ISBE Listening Tour on Accountability Redesign

The Illinois State Board of Education is launching a statewide Listening Tour to gather feedback from the field as it works to redesign Illinois’ school accountability system. This is an important opportunity for district leaders to share their perspectives directly with ISBE as they seek to create a system that is more objective, informative, and useful for driving continuous improvement. According to ISBE, the proposed redesign aims to address three major issues with the current model: • Mislabeling schools: When 70% of schools are labeled “commendable,” it prevents the state from targeting resources where they are needed most. • Grading on a curve: The current system is normed rather than criterion-based, meaning the “goal posts” move each year. • Sorting, not supporting: The current design sorts schools into categories but doesn’t provide guidance or strategies for improvement. As a reminder, our Illinois Vision 2030 platform outlines several priorities that align directly with this work: • Revise the summative designation process to use fixed performance standards rather than comparative rankings. • Rebalance growth and proficiency in accountability scoring so that growth carries more weight for students below proficiency. • Expand college and career readiness indicators to include whole-child success measures in grades 3–8, while reducing the overemphasis on chronic absenteeism as a stand-alone metric.

The Listening Tour sessions will offer a first look at ISBE’s proposed changes and give district leaders a chance to influence the next iteration of Illinois’ accountability system.

We encourage all superintendents to attend one of the upcoming Listening Tour sessions and share feedback that reflects these Vision 2030 priorities. • Click here for the full schedule and registration details. Your voice is critical in ensuring the next accountability system accurately reflects the success and needs of Illinois schools and students. Thank you for your continued advocacy and leadership! Sincerely, Your Friends at IASA

26 LM October 2025