Leadership Matters - October 2014

Getting to know your IASA Governmental Relations and Advocacy Committee Members

Favorite movie: Remember the Titans Favorite book: Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy Favorite musical artist: Walk off the Earth – (Check them out on YouTube!)

Supt. Brent O’Daniell, Two Rivers Region School district: Virginia CUSD #64 One thing you would like people to know about your school district: We are celebrating the completion of a new Jr/Sr. high school, and we have a strong, committed supportive community. Years as educator: 18 High school: Woodlawn High School Colleges or Universities: BA from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, MO; Masters and Specialists from Eastern Illinois University Cohort Program in Mt. Vernon Family: Wife of 19 years Stacie, Daughter Lauren -HS senior, Son Brendan-HS Sophomore. Favorite hobby: Golfing and hunting with my son, watching movies with my daughter, and following both of their careers in baseball, softball, football, volleyball and basketball. (Whew!)

One thing people probably would be surprised to know about you: I have won multiple cooking

competitions, including chili, pulled pork and ribs. Biggest concern about public education: We are so busy trying to redact all the negative publicity from outside entities, we cannot focus on the great successes we see daily. Most encouraging thing about public education: Vision 20/20. Super excited to jump on board with this movement and change the perception and environment of public education!! over the country (California, Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee). It makes for a challenge to get them all together, but I talk to each of them almost every day with the exception of my son who serves in the military. Favorite hobby: Running the family farm Favorite movie: Anne of Green Gables Favorite book: The Bible Favorite musical artist: Alabama One thing people probably would be surprised to know about you: I am a bee keeper. Biggest concern about public education: The constant barrage of government mandates and decisions that have resulted in the public school system to be the “poster child” for what doesn’t work. Most encouraging thing about public education: It is still the great equalizer! Our doors are always open and we educate all who cross the threshold -- and I hope that never changes. I am of the belief that we are charged with the responsibility of raising up the children of today and equipping them with the necessary skills to make them proud and productive citizens of this great nation.

Supt. Lea Damisch, NW Region Name: Lea Damisch School district: Marengo Union Elementary CSD # 165

One thing you would like people to know about your school district: There is a very strong connection to the community and a genuine sense of pride in valuing the need for public education. Years as educator: 17 years

High school: Marian Central Catholic H.S. Colleges or Universities : BS Business Administration/Mathematics from MacMurray College; MBA from Allstate University; MA from Trinity University; MA in Educational Leadership- Aurora University; CAS from Western Illinois University; IASA School for Advanced Leadership (ISAL). Family : Married for 30 years. I have seven children, three grandchildren — with the fourth one to arrive in November. My oldest grandson is in first grade in my school district. Three of my children live in Marengo, while my other four live all

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