LM Summer 2024

Directors for FY2025

Welcome Message from Dr. Anthony Scarsella, President

I have been fortunate to serve Palos School District 118 for the past 17 years as an administrator. In June, I completed my 10th year as its superintendent. As I reflect upon the last 10 years, I’m heartened by the many successes we’ve celebrated in District 118. Since becoming superintendent, we’ve passed two successful referendums, won a National Blue Ribbon Award, achieved Exemplary School designations from ISBE all while enjoying strong support from families and the community. Our students have surpassed pre-pandemic achievement in both reading and math, even as student needs continue to grow at an unprecedented pace. I share these successes not to brag about my own leadership. I owe these accomplishments to so many who have supported me along the way. Growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, I was fortunate to have a family that instilled in me the importance of education at a young age. I had a mentor, the late Dr. Joesph Dubec, who encouraged me to earn my doctorate and pursue the superintendency, ultimately succeeding him at District 118. These people saw something in me I didn’t necessarily see in myself. I would have never been a superintendent if it were not for them. I also owe my success to my colleagues. The superintendents in the High School District 230 feeder group—Bob Nolting, Jeff Stawick, John Bryk, Mark Fleming and Dan Callaghan. Merryl Brownlow at Palos Heights School District 128, with whom I serve the Palos Heights community. Jeannie Stachowiak, the recently retired superintendent of North Palos School District 117, who I have learned so much from these past 10 years. And, lastly, all my current and past friends in the IASA Cook South region. These superintendents make up my network of support; a network so strong I have yet to confront a challenge they haven’t helped me overcome. IASA has played a crucial role in my professional support system, so it’s a privilege to serve as IASA President for FY 25. The opportunity to serve as a representative for superintendents across Illinois is both an honor and a responsibility that I approach with utmost seriousness and appreciation. The supports IASA offers has been incredibly impactful on my career, especially my participation in the IASA School for Advanced Leadership—a program that I encourage all superintendents to consider

whether you’re new to the position or nearing retirement. The Annual Conference in September has provided me with great learning opportunities and a place to catch up with friends. The online legal seminars have been outstanding, and who doesn’t like free legal advice? Our IASA advocates in the General Assembly give me a voice in Springfield I might not otherwise have. If you haven’t taken advantage of the many supports IASA offers superintendents, I encourage you to consider doing so. I promise you it is worth your valuable time. During my year as President of the IASA Board of Directors, my focus will be on making sure every superintendent has an equally strong network of support as I do. This job is too difficult to do alone. Only our colleagues know and fully understand the demands both professionally and personally our positions place on us and our families. With each other’s support, we can ensure our collective success and the success of the students we proudly serve. I have heard many times that the superintendency is a lonely place. I plan on spending the next 12 months dispelling that myth. I firmly believe it is only as lonely as you make it. There are over 800 of us in Illinois ready and willing to lend support, all you have to do is ask. And, when you’re building or expanding your network of support, don’t limit yourself to just those serving in your region. I have had the great pleasure and honor of serving on the IASA Board of Directors with some of the most outstanding leaders from all regions of the state. We have so much more in common than you might think, first and foremost the kids we serve. To close, I will admit I never thought being IASA President was in the cards. I didn’t seek the position and am completely humbled to have been chosen. I promise to spend my short time as President doing everything I can to support you and all our colleagues across the state. I wish everyone a very safe and joyous summer and look forward to meeting you at the various IASA events this year!

11 LM Summer 2024