LM Summer2020_hi

Sullivan Group consisted of 30 to 50 (attendance varied) superintendents in east central Illinois. The group had two rules: you had to be a superintendent to attend and anything said at the meeting had to stay in the meeting. The Sullivan superintendent was the host and moderator. I was like a rookie on a sports team. I listened to the older superintendents discuss current issues and learned how to deal with similar problems. I learned a tremendous amount during those meetings. Then, around the turn of the century, I noticed entering superintendents did not take part in these “Sullivan

share ideas and discuss possible solutions. And, in addition, Ralph always asks the participants during these Zoom meetings how each of the superintendents are doing mentally and physically. Never did I imagine that my current role with IASA would end with a pandemic crisis that included quarantining at my home, providing online professional development, becoming a Zoom expert and trying to understand why this country still has a racial divide. As I now sprint toward the finish line, the summative message that I would like to leave with you as I complete my 13-year tenure with IASA is:

Take the time to listen to your colleagues, learn from them, and, in the process, take time to care for yourself, both physically and mentally. Now, I am confidently passing the baton to Dr. Courtney Orzel as the new Associate Director of Professional Development and beginning my retirement. I know I’m better suited today than I was 13 years ago for peace and quiet, but I don’t want to shut off the faucet completely. Remember, I’m only an email rvoltz@mac.com or phone call 217–741–0466 away.

type” groups. As technology had become more a part of the superintendent’s life, those early in their career superintendents tended to stay in their offices and relied on finding their answers online. Recently, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the need to look for answers quickly accelerated. As an example of how leaders are reaching out for help now is illustrated by participation in the Zoom meetings IASA Field Services Directors Ralph Grimm and Diane Robertson are leading. They host weekly meetings for superintendents in their regions to discuss current issues,

17 LM Summer 2020