IASA Podcast

Locally sourced food and scratch cooking. In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we talk to Matt Hickam, Regional Superintendent of ROE 30, and Greg Christian, CEO of Beyond Green Partners, about efforts to leverage a state grant to implement scratch cooking in Cobden and Murphysboro schools.

In this episode, Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois' State Superintendent, discusses how ​the Illinois State Board of Education is engaging stakeholders in the redesign of its system of assessment, accountability and statewide support. ISBE is currently conducting a Listening Tour to gather feedback. Click here to view dates and locations.

In this episode, we talk to Superintendent Dr. Kelly Gallt about how a focus on data and continuous school improvement helped the district not only recover , but accelerate students past pre-pandemic levels. Lake Zurich CUSD 95 was identified by researchers as one of the 100-plus districts nationwide performing above pre-pandemic levels in reading and math. This episode is part 2 of an 11-part series of Illinois school districts who made the list.

In this episode, we detail how IASA's upcoming Super Region workshops series can help educators build AI capacity in their school districts, streamline operations and create efficiencies. Our guests are Dr. Dawn Bridges, Dr. Bill Daggett and Thomas Hawkins. Thomas is the Content and Innovation Manager for Successful Practices Network and will be co-presenting at the workshops with Dr. Bridges.

In this episode, we talk to Superintendent Dr. Adam Ehrman about why Bourbonnais SD #53 came to be identified by researchers as one of the 100-plus districts nationwide performing above pre-pandemic levels in math and reading. This episode is Part 1 of an 11-part series of Illinois school districts who made the list.

Dr. John Gatta, CEO of the ECRA Group, discusses AI solutions for schools, specifically AI assistants. As part of an expanded partnership with IASA, ECRA has developed three AI assistants to help school districts in the areas of the Illinois School Code, Parent Questions and Human Resources.

In this episode, Dr. Dawn Bridges and Dr. Bill Daggett discuss the importance of school districts embracing AI, what to expect at the upcoming AI Super Region workshops, tangible tips that will be covered and how AI can give your teachers nights and weekends back. To learn more and register for IASA Super Region AI workshops, click here.

In this episode, IASA Field Services Directors, Dr. Vic Zimmerman and Dr. Brian Harris, share tips and strategies for superintendents heading into, during and post-Winter Break.

In September, IASA and IASB announced a new joint partnership with Munetrix + SchoolData Solutions. Hear from the company's CEO, Ginny Norton, on the capabilities of the powerful school performance analytics tool on this episode of the IASA Podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Gabrielle Rodriguez, superintendent of Central SD #104, discusses the 104 Store, a free community resource in O'Fallon. Dr. Rodriguez discusses the steps to open the pantry, including costs, the impact it's had on her community and how it's maintained.

In this episode of the IASA Podcast, Chris Grode, superintendent of Columbia CUSD #4, shares insights from his dissertation on the benefits of executive coaching programs, with a specific look at IASA's School for Advanced Leadership. Applications are now being accepted for the eighth cohort.

The Illinois Department of Revenue recently released FY25 estimates for CPPRT. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Vic Zimmerman and Robert Wolfe about what the projections mean for schools, recommendations for budgeting and if CPPRT revenues stabilize in the future.

Dr. Mike Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore SD #112, joins the IASA Podcast to discuss the various ways he utilizes AI in his district. Dr. Lubelfeld also discusses the benefits of generative AI in education and the safeguards his district implements.

The Illinois School for the Deaf is celebrating 185 years of educating and serving members of the Deaf community. We dive deep into the services offered at the school in this episode of the IASA Podcast.

What should superintendents be focusing on during the months of June, July and August? In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we talk to Dr. Brian Harris, one of IASA's newest Field Services Directors, on focus areas for district leaders in the summer.

Looking for a new way to provide entrepreneurial opportunities for students in your district? In this episode, we talk to Curt Nettles, superintendent of Clinton CUSD #15, about the CEO program. Curt shares how the program works, if there's a cost for districts and the benefits for students.

Last March, Flossmoor SD #161 purchased Yondr bags to streamline the process of having students lock up their phone during the school day. In this episode of the IASA Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Dana Smith shares why he implemented the ban at the Junior High, how it's went so far and the impact he's noticed on student learning and engagement.

Questions about the School Leader Evaluation Plan? In this episode, Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA Executive Director, and Dr. Kay Dugan, an evaluator trainer, discuss the ins and outs of the assistant principal and principal evaluator program. Plus, Dr. Jill Griffin, superintendent of Bethalto CUSD #8, shares how the pilot program is going in her district.

In this episode, we highlight Cahokia CUSD #187. The district is set to embark on a potentially transformational journey after receiving a multi-million dollar federal grant. The program provides federal support for high-need districts to implement, improve or expand their human-resources system, which must include a performance-based compensation system. Our guests are Superintendent Curtis McCall, Dr. Patrick Rice and Dr. Constance Evelyn.

In this episode, we talk to Dan Stecken, superintendent of Seneca Twp HSD #160. Dan has organized a new opportunity to help school leaders avoid burnout, the Stressed Leaders Retreat. Learn about what the event entails, when it is and how it can rejuvenate you professionally. Visit the Stressed Leaders Retreat website to learn more.

In 2023, NWEA released a study that describes high-quality teaching practices in place in Schiller Park SD #81. In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we speak to Schiller Park's Superintendent, Dr. Kimberly Boryszewski, about instructional strategies that are driving student improvement.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Education expanded school-level reporting requirements by mandating that all states participate in the School-Level Finance Survey (SLFS). In this episode, we talk to Luke Corry at ISBE about everything superintendents and school business officials need to know about the new financial reporting requirement.

In this episode, we go behind the curtain of IASA's Aspiring Superintendent Academy. Hear from two graduates - Dr. Tiffany Brunson and Travis Titsworth - about how the experience helped them make the transition to the superintendency. Also, Dr. Nick Polyak breaks down what participants can expect and explains how the academy aims to demystify the superintendency. Click Here to apply.

In this episode, superintendent Dr. Robert McBride discusses how the school district initially responded to the ceiling collapse, ongoing restoration efforts, the importance of communications and how the district managed to continue school for freshmen students impacted by the incident.

In this episode, we speak to Brian Dukes, superintendent of Earlville CUSD #9, about the return on investment his district is getting from offering students and families full-day pre-K and daycare. Earlville is a small, rural district in the Starved Rock region.

In our latest episode, we discuss the need for schools to be proactive about indoor air quality. Our guest Jeffry Faust, Vice President of Environmental Consultants, discusses air pollutants, mold, radon and the potential of the state mandating testing.

With a finite amount of dollars in the budget, many superintendents wrestle with investing in a communications staff. In this episode, we talk to Steve Wilder, superintendent of Sycamore CUSD #427, and Lauren Holtz, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, about why having a strong communications department is worth every penny.

October 18 marked the first meeting for the Vision 2030 Working Group. The statewide group of educators will collaborate to develop a new long-range blueprint for public education in Illinois. Long before there was Vision 2030, there was Vision 20/20. In this episode, we speak to Ralph Grimm about how groundbreaking Vision 20/20 was and what the major accomplishments were.

Being a superintendent can be a difficult, lonely position -- if you let it be. In this episode, Jason Grey and Dr. Alex Kashner share how building a strong support network can assist you in navigating the ever-changing job of the school superintendent. Jason is superintendent at Riley CCSD #18 and Dr. Kashner is superintendent at Eastland CUSD #308.

In this episode, hear from Andy Johnson, superintendent at Effingham CUSD #40, and Jeff Abell, superintendent at Griggsville-Perry CUSD #4, about how IASA Compliance Plus is benefitting their districts. In addition, Robert Wolfe shares how he's helped districts with everything from transportation, EBF reports, bid proposals and indirect costs. Furthermore, Robert discusses a new resource he and Cheryl Graff created that is exclusively for IASA Compliance Plus participants.

We once again go beyond the test scores and learn how Evidence-Based Funding is Making a Difference in Lansing SD #158. Our guest is the school district's superintendent, Dr. Nathan Schilling. In this episode, Dr. Schilling shares how EBF has helped the district expand supports for students. In addition, Dr. Schilling details how the Property Tax Relief Grant has helped the district abate $11 million over five years.

We once again go beyond the test scores and look at how Evidence-Based Funding is Making a Difference in schools. Our guest this episode is Todd Dugan, superintendent of Bunker Hill CUSD #8. Todd shares how EBF brought stability to his district, helped improve facilities and opened up new learning pathways for students.

How can something like a new playground make a big impact on school climate and culture? In this episode, we speak to Dr. Merryl Brownlow, superintendent of Palos Heights #128, on the palpable effect a new inclusive playground is already having on the district.

Want to know more about this year's keynote speakers? Learn how IASA picks breakout sessions? And gain practical tips to maximize your conference experience? This podcast is all about IASA's 59th Annual Conference, Sept. 27-29 in Springfield. Our guests are Dr. Roger Alvey, IASA President, and Dr. Courtney Orzel, Associate Director of Professional Development.

Check out Part 2 of our EBF Making a Difference series. In this episode, we learning how Evidence-Based Funding is helping Midwest Central CUSD #191 bring back programs cut during proration of General State Aid and invest in recruiting and retaining teachers.

IASA's series on how Evidence-Based Funding is helping Illinois students returns in podcast form. In this episode, learn how the state's investment has helped Big Hollow SD #38 gain its footing financially and add more academic and behavior supports for students.

IASA has expanded our team to launch IASA Compliance Plus, a pilot program for the 2023-24 school year designed to help districts save time on compliance matters. In this episode, hear from IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark, IASA General Counsel and the two people picked to facilitate this initiative, Cheryl Graff and Robert Wolfe. Cheryl is a retired regional superintendent and Robert retired after serving as Chief Financial Officer of ISBE. Visit the IASA website to learn more and apply.

In May, the Illinois Department of Revenue released a memo that indicated school districts, and other government bodies, would see a reduction in Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax funding. On the IASA Podcast, we spoke to Dr. Vic Zimmerman, IASA Field Services Director, about this announcement and what it means for school districts trying to budget for FY 24.

Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders joins IASA for a quick podcast about ISBE extending the application deadline for the Early Childhood Block Grant to June 30. Also, we ask Dr. Sanders about his new leadership team and the role they will fill.

CEP is an alternative to collecting, approving, and verifying household eligibility applications for free and reduced price eligible​ students in high poverty local educational agencies (LEAs) for schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.​ In this episode, IASA speaks to Roxanne Ramage, ISBE's Nutrition Principal Consultant, about the advantages the federal program offers to school districts. More information about CEP can be found at https://www.isbe.net/cep or requested via email at cnp@isbe.net​

IASA is accepting applications for our newest cohort - Reimagining Rural Leadership. In this podcast, hear from cohort organizers about why you should apply, what each session will entail, what guest speakers to expect, how a cohort learning experience can help you grow professionally and personally and much more! Our guests are Dr. Courtney Orzel, Todd Dugan, Dr. Jennifer Garrison and Larry Lovel.

Madeline McCune and Emily Warnecke join the IASA Podcast to provide a legislative update on where things stand. Ms. McCune and Mrs. Warnecke discuss unfunded mandates, curriculum mandates, literacy initiatives, the teacher shortage and more. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.

In honor of Women's History Month, IASA asked the group of female leaders who helped launch Women in Leadership in Illinois. This podcast features a lively an inspiring discussion about the history of WIL, misconceptions about the initiative, barriers women face entering the superintendency and why it's important that Illinois continues to grow the number of female leaders. Guests are Dr. Courtney Orzel, Sara Boucek, Dr. Carrie Hruby, Dr. Crystal Johnson-Maden, Dr. Bhavna Sharma-Lewis and Julie Kraemer. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.

In honor of February being Black History Month, IASA invited Dr. Sonya Whitaker on the podcast to discuss a variety of issues around equity and diversity in public education. Dr. Whitaker is the Deputy Superintendent of Schools at Dolton School District 148 and serves as National Education Policy Director for PUSH Excel. In this podcast, we discuss her work at PUSH Excel; the teacher shortage and increasing the pool of black teachers and educators; tips for school leaders on maximizing Black History Monty; polarized politics in school board races and much more! The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.

Like many districts, Oakwood CUSD #76 struggled attracting substitute teachers. Earlier this month, district hosted its first ever Aspiring Substitute Academy to recruit and educate people from the community about what it takes to become a substitute teacher. In this episode, Oakwood's superintendent, Larry Maynard, discusses the substitute teacher shortage, what the academy entailed and how big of a boost the district has already seen in its applicant pool. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.

IASA interviews Dr. Lisa Leali, superintendent of Lake Bluff ESD #65, about her new book, Leading through Chaos: Ten Strategies for School Leaders during Crises. In the interview, Dr. Leali discusses why she wrote the book and shares different strategies for school leaders. The book is available for purchase here. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.

Registration is now open for Elevate, IASA's new cohort for female superintendents. In this episode, Dr. Courtney Orzel, Dr. Carrie Hruby and Dr. Crystal Johnson-Maden share why they designed this first of its kind professional development opportunity for female superintendents in Illinois. In addition, the three leaders share what will occur in each session, how the cohort will elevate your leadership capacity, how WIL has helped them grow personally and professionally and what makes Elevate unique from other Women in Leadership opportunities. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.

A major component of leadership is creating a transition plan to ensure the district can function well going forward after you leave, whether that be from retirement, transferring or a separation agreement. In this episode, Dr. Vic Zimmerman shares advice and insights into his experience of passing the superintendency baton when he retired from Monticello CUSD #25. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.

In May, Township HSD #214 was named a Lighthouse District by AASA for its career pathways program. In this episode, IASA speaks to Superintendent Dr. David Schuler about the district's journey and how school leaders can strengthen career exploration for students in their districts. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.

In May, Naperville CUSD #203 was one of 13 districts across the country named as a Lighthouse District by AASA for its emphasis on social-emotional learning. In this podcast, Dan Bridges shares why Naperville CUSD #203 doesn't approach SEL as another program on top of a crowded plate, but rather the district approaches SEL as the plate. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.

Earlier this year, Evanston/Skokie School District 65 received the Golden Apple from the National School Public Relations Association for its “outstanding communication and engagement efforts.” In this podcast, Superintendent Dr. Devon Horton and Melissa Messinger, executive director of communications, discuss how an effective communications plan was pivotal in the passage of new student assignment plan. In addition, Dr. Horton and Messinger offer tips about programs and platforms the district uses to engage the community. The IASA Podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity.