LM Summer 2024

Message From the Executive Director Helping IASA Members Feel More Prepared, Supported and Informed in FY 25

Dr. Brent Clark

IASA kicked off a new fiscal year on a high note last week by welcoming 70 new district leaders to the field at the 2024 IASA New Superintendents Conference. It’s a fun experiment every year to ask a poll question at the kickoff about how you’re feeling and then re-ask the question on Day 2. The responses reflect one of the reasons why IASA hosts the event each year. People begin the conference saying they are anxious, tired and terrified. On Day 2, the responses lean more positive, with participants noting they are more prepared, supported and informed. As the association looks ahead in FY 25, our hope at IASA is to offer high-level support and services that make members across our state feel like the respondents did on Day 2. A key part of that equation is adding Dr. Dawn Bridges as our new Associate Director of Professional Learning. Dr. Bridges comes to IASA with three decades of experience in both the public and private sectors as well as helping schools in suburban, urban and rural settings. She is a staunch advocate for ALL students and is already exploring enhancements for IASA members through increased opportunities for site visits and continuous professional learning events. We’re also hoping to provide better support with the addition of two new Field Services Directors in Dr. Brian Harris and Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams as well as two Directors of Academic Empowerment through a partnership with ISBE. Dr. Gary Zabilka, our longest serving FSD, has stepped into a new role as Coordinator of Transitions and Connections. On the legislative front, IASA will be supporting and informing our members through the rollout of the Vision 2030 platform at the Joint Annual Conference in November.

The advocacy framework seeks to propel Illinois forward in designing a system that better serves the needs of diverse learners, attracts new people to the profession, redefines student success and continues the state toward long-term sustainable funding. Your help will once again be needed. We will need to build a groundswell of support through advocacy and the passage of Board Resolutions, which send a powerful message to legislators that the principles laid out in Vision 2030 are what educators stand for. The network of support and connections with your peers that IASA provides will also be critical as we head into a highly consequential presidential election. Being able to learn from your peers and communicate your district’s successes will be essential in maintaining support from your community and Board. Finally, in less than three months, IASA will host our 60th Annual Conference in Springfield. The event is always the perfect opportunity to network, learn about innovative programs and hear from inspiring speakers. Check out page 8 to learn more about this year’s keynote speakers. Lodging and registration will open in early August. To close, IASA remains committed to helping our members become more prepared, supported and informed by offering high-quality support and services. If there is ever a service you wish the association provided, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you. Thank you for your support and enjoy the rest of summer.

3 LM Summer 2024