LM October 2020_lg

Message From the Executive Director Superintendents Have A Lot To Be ProudOf Through First Quarter

Dr. Brent Clark

I recognize each of you remain under tremendous pressure, no matter what form of learning is underway. I hope you have a support network and have discovered a way to practice self-care. You’re going to need it to get you through the next three quarters. Meanwhile, IASA remains committed to supporting school leaders every step of the way. If you have any suggestions for how we can improve services to members, do not hesitate to let us know. We are here to help. Lastly, in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, I wrote superintendents have an opportunity to be a voice for change and a healing presence in our communities. IASA recently shared a new opportunity to help school leaders implement more culturally responsive practices in their districts. The free, virtual workshops, “What’s Race Got to Do With it: What Teachers and Leaders Need to Know About Equity at Work,” are being led by two tremendous educators, Dr. Donna Leak and Dr. Sonya Whitaker. I encourage you to look closer at the ad I linked to and consider registering for the workshops. It’s a great opportunity to add value to the work that already exists or is beginning in your district. Take care, and I wish you the best. Yours for better schools,

Throughout this pandemic, IASA has tried to support superintendents in numerous ways, including actionable tools, professional development and words of encouragement. It’s interesting looking back on those words of encouragement as we near the end of the first quarter of school. In the summer issue of Leadership Matters I wrote, “We always find solutions. A way to dodge punches, escape the corner, be nimble and return to sound footing.” There’s no scoreboard or winners during a pandemic. But I believe superintendents have a lot to be proud of as we near the end of the first quarter of school. Across Illinois, school leaders have been nimble, escaped corners and sought creative solutions to complex problems. Plus, you have been a voice of reason when divisiveness surrounds you. It’s truly been arduous and difficult work (and yes, unprecedented, as you have heard so many times). Despite there not being a prescription of how to proceed with conducting education—whether remote, hybrid or in-person—each of you took a diagnosis of the communities you serve and found a way to deliver students a quality education. Of course, there have been setbacks, positive cases and issues with internet connectivity. But I would say, by and large, the mitigation efforts in schools have worked and the innovation and rapid expansion of technology under remote learning has been impressive.

3 LM October 2020