LM Summer 2025

Directors for FY2026

Message from Dr. Scott Doerr, President

I am honored to begin my tenure as IASA President, following a journey that started over a decade ago. Connie Woods, then our Kaskaskia Region representative, would share Board of Directors updates that opened my eyes to IASA’s broader impact and revealed both the common ground superintendents share and the distinct challenges we each face. Those insights planted a seed that grew over the years. When the opportunity to serve on the IASA Board opened in 2013, I was ready to jump at it — a decision that has shaped my entire 17-year career as superintendent of Nokomis CUSD #22, a preK 12 district of approximately 600 students in Montgomery County. Being active in IASA has pushed me to connect with peers across the state. As a result, I have formed friendships and gained a better understanding of complex issues by serving in various roles, including in my current capacity on the IASA IWAS Task Force Subcommittee. If you’re not already, I encourage you to branch out and serve on an IASA Committee. Hearing from other superintendents and making those connections will broaden your perspective and strengthen your leadership. Looking ahead, I am excited for the opportunity to be a voice for superintendents across our state. One of my main focuses

will be on advocacy and building momentum around the Vision 2030 initiative. To date, more than 500 school districts, regional offices of education, vocational centers, and special education cooperatives have adopted resolutions of support. It’s critical to keep building on that total and send a strong message to the Illinois General Assembly that educators across Illinois are united in their support of Vision 2030. If your district has already adopted a resolution but hasn’t reported it through the Illinois Vision 2030 website , please take a moment to complete the online form to notify us. If you haven’t yet adopted a resolution, please consider placing the resolution for adoption on your next board agenda. The Vision 2030 framework addresses the critical challenges of keeping students and schools safe, attracting and retaining high-quality educators, enhancing post-secondary success, and implementing more effective, timely measurement of what’s working in our schools. Just as Mrs.Woods’ updates at those early Region Meetings once inspired me to get more involved, I hope to inspire continued engagement and collaboration among all of us. Have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to connecting with you at the IASA Annual Conference in Springfield, September 24-26.

7 LM Summer 2025