LM april 2021 final hi

Message From the Executive Director IASAAnnual Conference Helps Superintendents Recharge After Incredibly Challenging Year

Dr. Brent Clark

Unique Spring Session Speaking of this legislative session, we detailed more than 25 bills that impact public education being considered in the House and Senate in our most recent Capitol Watch. With seven weeks until the May 31 adjournment date, anything can happen between now and then with legislation. There are hundreds of bills still in play, new leadership and a unique set of circumstances due to the pandemic that makes this session unpredictable. The state budget is also undecided at this point with negotiations underway with how the state will spend federal relief dollars. The American Rescue Plan provides a staggering $7.5 billion for the state of Illinois. That money will need to be used to pay off short-term borrowing, spur job creation and support pandemic recovery efforts. Future Green Also part of the mix this legislative session is a push to pass HB 1472. The legislation, which was approved by the House Public Utilities Committee on Tuesday, would overhaul the clean energy landscape in Illinois, including creating the Carbon Free Schools initiative with $50 million annually to save schools up to $2.3 billion. The proposal, among other things, would give school districts priority on renewable energy credits, an initiative supported by the Future Green Energy Consortium . The renewable energy credits from the state would allow on-site solar projects to be installed at no cost to school districts. Best of luck to everyone for the remainder of the school year. IASA will continue to provide support and networking opportunities to school leaders through this challenging time.

“Celebration” from Kool and the Gang played, and Dr. Orzel tweeted a Jason Aldean GIF at noon last Thursday, officially wrapping up IASA’s 56th Annual Conference. Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received, the event fulfilled the vision the IASA Board of Directors had in February when it gave the greenlight to hold a virtual conference April 7–8. The Annual Conference provided superintendents a much-needed opportunity to connect, learn, hear inspiring messages and support each other after one of the most difficult years public educators have faced. This year, we were fortunate to have two tremendous keynote speakers in Inky Johnson and Don Yaeger. Both speakers were booked well before the COVID-19 pandemic and ended up delivering the right message at the right time for superintendents. I also hope everyone enjoyed my conversation with Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch. As a former school board member, Speaker Welch understands the critical role superintendents play in their communities and how unfunded mandates can be a burden on schools. I look forward to working with Speaker Welch this legislative session and going forward. Conference registrants can view my conversation with Speaker Welch, or any other session, on the Virtual Attendee Hub . All recordings are available for 90 days after the conference by clicking on the “All Sessions” tab and clicking on the session you wish to replay. We hope to see everyone in Springfield for IASA’s 57th Annual Conference, September 29 to October 1, 2021. We plan to hold the conference at the Bank of Springfield Center, and the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield— A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Dr. Orzel and the rest of the IASA team are already meeting and discussing how we can elevate the conference and improve the experience for members. We’re up for the challenge.

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LM April 2021

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