Illinois School Board Journal January/February 2025 by IASB Publications

January/February 2025 Vol. 93 No. 1

Front Page

TThey say a picture is worth a thousand words, so instead of the usual Front Page, here’s a 6,000-word essay on the 2024 Joint Annual Conference. Praise and gratitude to Michael Hudson and Michael Johnson of Michael Hudson Photography for their work on the Conference.

2024 Conference Overview: School Leaders Are Lighting the Way for Public Education

By Kara Kienzler, Theresa Kelly Gegen, and Heath Hendren

Photography by Michael Hudson

The Joint Annual Conference event is a testament to a shared commitment to public education, and each year the Conference brings new messages meant to inspire, discover, and educate.

FEATURE ARTICLES

22 IASB Member Boards Vote at Annual Delegate Assembly

Adopted resolutions establish the advocacy priorities and legislative direction of the Association.

25 Next-Level Advocacy: Illinois Participates at COSSBA’s Federal Conference

By the IASB Governmental Relations Team

The Illinois delegation took part in 14 meaningful discussions with Congressional members and their staffs, focusing on issues that directly impact education in Illinois.

Kara Kienzler, Associate Executive Director

Theresa Kelly Gegen, Editor

Bridget Kusturin, Advertising Manager

Jennifer Nelson, Copy Editor

Katie Grant, Design and Production

Matt Schultz, Design and Layout

ILLINOIS SCHOOL BOARD JOURNAL (ISSN-0019-221X) is published every other month by the Illinois Association of School Boards, 2921 Baker Drive, Springfield, Illinois 62703-5929 (217) 528-9688. The IASB regional office is located at One Imperial Place, 1 East 22nd Street, Lombard, Illinois 60148-6120 (630) 629-3776.

The JOURNAL is supported by the dues of school boards holding active membership in the Illinois Association of School Boards. Copies are mailed to all school board members and the superintendent in each IASB member school district.

Non-member subscription rate: Domestic $20 per year. Foreign (including Canada and Mexico) $25 per year.

Periodicals Postage Paid at 2105 E Cook St. Springfield, IL 62703

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Illinois School Board Journal, 2921 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL 62703-5929.

Publication Policy

IASB believes that the domestic process functions best through frank and open discussion. Material published in the JOURNAL, therefore, often presents divergent and controversial points of view which do not necessarily represent the views or policies of IASB.

Copyright © 2025 by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), the JOURNAL is published six times a year and is distributed to its members and subscribers. Copyright in this publication, including all articles and editorial information contained in it is exclusively owned by IASB, and IASB reserves all rights to such information. IASB is a tax-exempt corporation organized in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

VIntroducing Vision 2030

Fulfilling the Promise of Public Education in Illinois

By Kimberly A. Small, J.D.

Vision 2030, a collaborative effort to set a vision for public education in Illinois was introduced at the Joint Annual Conference and to IASB members zin November and December 2024.

The Illinois Association of School Boards and our members, along with our colleagues at the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), Illinois Association of School Business Officials (Illinois ASBO), Illinois Principals Association (IPA), Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools, and Illinois Association of Regional School Superintendents (IARSS), plus the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE) and the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity (SCSDD), worked to develop this blueprint for K-12 public education over the next decade.

Vision 2030 represents the second time education stakeholders fostered collaboration and unity among education organizations across the state to create an advocacy framework for public education in Illinois. The first initiative, Vision 2020, resulted in numerous achievements, including the passage of the Evidence-Based Funding Formula, Illinois Balanced Accountability Model, and Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act.

What is Vision 2030?

Vision 2030 provides a blueprint to enhance public education through future-focused learning with shared accountability and predictable funding. This includes keeping students and schools safe, attracting and retaining high-quality educators, enhancing post-secondary success, and more effectively measuring what is working well in schools in a timely, usable manner. Future-focused learning is about reshaping our schools and classrooms and redefining student success to reflect and prepare students for all the different ways the world and economy continue to change. We have to acknowledge that students learn best, and educators teach most effectively, when they feel safe and connected to one another and to their communities. This is the single most important thing we can do to support both academic achievement and individual well-being — and it is something that must be considered in our instructional approach, curriculum, student support services, and funding, so that local districts have the resources needed to ensure school buildings are safe. This also means engaging students in thinking about their pathways to college and career sooner — as early as elementary

school (grades K-5), we must encourage and preserve time and financial resources for local curriculum innovation and programming to best meet the needs of students in our communities and, in alignment with ISBE’s strategic plan, focus on providing support for local school districts to develop new approaches to attract and retain excellent educators who have both the subject-matter expertise, compassion, cultural competency and commitment to help all students at all levels achieve their full potential.

Shared accountability means thinking beyond annual standardized tests to more fairly and effectively measure student success by considering both growth and proficiency over time. This requires some shifts in how we think about student assessments. Just like children’s physical growth, academic progress does not always happen linearly — both growth and proficiency should be measured over time within and across grade levels. We need to put individual, classroom, and school assessment data into the hands of educators and school leaders in near real-time. Timely insights from benchmark assessments — even if drawn from unofficial data — can be a powerful tool to inform teaching strategies and academic

interventions at both classroom and individual student levels. Assessments must be meaningful and relevant — this means identifying and considering all the things that matter to a student’s success in the elementary grades, as well as early indicators of college and career readiness in middle school. And, school ratings should be established based on clear performance thresholds rather than rankings that can pit schools within the same district against one another. Rather than focusing on which schools make it into the top 10%, let’s focus on publicly recognizing all schools that achieve high levels of student achievement at or above grade level — positive reinforcement that is powerful in improving educator morale, parent engagement, and community support.

Providing excellent education resources and future-focused learning opportunities for student success requires long-term predictable and sustainable funding with additional investment to support updated instructional resources and technology, keep pace with economic pressures on salaries and equipment, and maintain aging infrastructure. School districts also need the flexibility to determine how to allocate public monies to best meet the needs of their students and communities. This means that Illinois must consistently fulfill its promise of allocating a minimum of $350 million in annual Evidence-Based Funding. Critical investments in health and life safety projects should not be subject to limitation by property tax caps or require ISBE approval. We need to rethink the current levy structure to allow schools to prioritize student and staff safety, and address these urgent needs without impacting educational funding.

The Illinois pension system for public school educators needs reform. We know that changes to the current pension model must occur; at the same time it is not effective or realistic to divert local school district resources away from schools and students to shoulder this responsibility.

More than one-half (58 of 102) of Illinois school districts are located in counties that have successfully passed a School Facility Sales Tax and school districts deserve this option if they wish to pursue it — and should have the flexibility to use these dollars not just for capital projects, but also to support school safety and mental health initiatives.

IASB Board of Directors

As of December 10, 2024

PRESIDENT

Mark Harms

VICE PRESIDENT

Tracie Sayre

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Simon Kampwerth Jr.

TREASURER

Marc Tepper

ABE LINCOLN

Christopher Gordon

BLACKHAWK

Jeff Johnson

CENTRAL ILLINOIS

VALLEY

Tim Custis

CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Vacant

CORN BELT

Nick Sartoris

DUPAGE

Thomas Ruggio

EGYPTIAN

Lisa Irvin

ILLINI

Kimberly KenileyAshbrook

KASKASKIA

Linda Eades

KISHWAUKEE

Robert Geddeis

LAKE

Marc Tepper

NORTH COOK

Alva Kreutzer

NORTHWEST

Chris Buikema

SHAWNEE

Sheila Nelson

SOUTH COOK

Joyce Dickerson

SOUTHWESTERN

Heather LoBue

STARVED ROCK

Jim McCabe

THREE RIVERS

Liz Campbell

TWO RIVERS

Lisa Schwartz

WABASH VALLEY

Mandy Rieman

WEST COOK

Janice Roeder

WESTERN

Sue McCance

SERVICE

ASSOCIATES

Stephen Nelson

The vision of the Illinois Association of School Boards is excellence in local school board governance supporting quality public education.

The mission of the Illinois Association of School Boards is to Light the Way for its members by developing their competence and conﬁdence through a robust toolkit designed to build excellence in local school board governance, including

• Premier training experiences;

• Networking opportunities for mutual support;

• Valuable beneﬁts, pooled services, information, and expertise;

• Advocacy on behalf of public education; and

• A platform for a strong collective voice on common interests and concerns.

What School Boards Can Do Now

Please help fulfill the promise of public education in Illinois by placing a board resolution in support of Vision 2030 on the agenda for action at a public meeting of your board of education early in 2025. A decade ago, our ability to demonstrate statewide support for Vision 2020, with over 90% of Illinois school boards passing a similar resolution, was critical to our ability to generate legislative support for our successful effort to pass the Evidence-Based Funding formula. Vision 2020 included enhancements to teacher recruitment policies, college and career readiness initiatives, and development of the Illinois Balanced Accountability System, which establishes standards for K-12 student performance and school improvement in Illinois.

In 2025, IASB and Vision 2030 will be sharing additional resources that you can use to inform your parents, staff, and community, as well as others in your personal and professional network, about Vision 2030 and your district’s support of ensuring excellence in public K-12 education for all Illinois students and schools. Thank you for your support. Please feel free to reach out to the IASB Governmental Relations team if you have questions or need additional information. 

Kimberly A. Small, J.D., is the Executive Director of the Illinois Association of School Boards. Resources associated with this column, including the Vision 2030 Overview, the full Vision 2030 Policy Brief, and a sample Board Resolution and talking points, can be accessed via iasb.com/Journal, or directly at IllinoisVision2030.com.

IASB Administration and Sta

As of December 10, 2024

OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kimberly A. Small, Executive Director

Jeremy Duﬀ y, Deputy Executive Director

Chris Montrey, Executive Assistant HUMAN RESOURCES

Tulsi Srinivasan, Director DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION SERVICES

Maryam Brotine, Director INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Chris Lawton, Director

Patrick Shea, Assistant Manager

OFFICE OF BUSINESS SERVICES

Jennifer Feld, Chief Financial Oﬃcer and Associate Executive Director

Karen Faith, Assistant Business Manager

Camille Gillette, Specialist III

Ruth Ann Ferris, Receptionist

Sally Kimmel, Receptionist

EXECUTIVE SEARCHES

James Helton, Associate Executive Director

Carmen Ayala, Consultant

Matt Brue, Consultant

Tim Buss, Consultant

Dave Love, Consultant

Alan Molby, Consultant

Patricia Sullivan-Viniard, Consultant

Victor Zimmerman, Consultant

Mary Torgler, Admin. Assistant

OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL

Jeremy Duﬀ y, General Counsel

Maryam Brotine, Associate General Counsel

Debra Jacobson, Associate General Counsel/PRESS Editor

Megan Mikhail, Assistant General Counsel

Ummehani Faizullabhoy, Assistant Director

Michael Ifkovits, Legal Assistant

Karis Li, Legal Assistant

GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Sarah Miller, Associate Executive Director

Bobby Johnson, Director

Mike Stevens, Director

Alie Wagner, Admin. Assistant

POLICY SERVICES

Angie Powell, Associate Executive Director

Nicholas Baumann, Director

John Fines, Director

Garth Minor, Director

Tammie Ng, Director

Breanna Rabacchi, Assistant Manager

Emily Tavernor, Assistant Manager

Tayler Heidbreder, Admin. Assistant

Jennifer Robinson, Admin. Assistant

Alyssa Sutton, Specialist

OUTREACH, TRAINING & EVENTS

Lori Grant, Associate Executive Director

OUTREACH & TRAINING

Patrick Allen, Director

Arlana Bedard, Director

Kathryn Bulava, Director

Perry Hill IV, Director

Laura Martinez, Director

Natalie Williams-McMahon, Director

Yolanda Garcia, Admin. Assistant

Nancy Johnson, Admin. Assistant

Cindy Rispens, Admin. Assistant

Shantel Rotherham, Admin. Assistant

Miranda Sexton, Admin. Assistant

Gretchen Watson, Admin. Assistant TRAINING DEVELOPMENT

Sandra Kwasa, Director

Tasha Levy, Assistant Director

Rhonda Cass Mackiney, Assistant Director

Mary Ellen Buch, Admin. Assistant

Linda Zulaski, Admin. Assistant EVENTS MANAGEMENT

Carla S. Bolt, Director

Natalie Duke, Director Designee

Haylie Noltensmeier, Assistant Manager COMMUNICATIONS & PRODUCTION SERVICES

Kara Kienzler, Associate Executive Director

Theresa Kelly Gegen, Director

Heath Hendren, Director

Jennifer Nelson, Director

Isaac Warren, Director

Dara Merino, Assistant Director

Bridget Kusturin, Admin. Assistant

PRODUCTION SERVICES

Katie Grant, Director

Jeff Armbruster, Print Shop Operator/ Graphics

Matt Schultz, Graphic Designer

It’s All About the Kids

Bringing Student Board Representatives to the Table

By Lori Grant

DDecisions about policies, budgets, and long-term goals are often made by adults in school districts, but there is a growing movement to bring student board members into the decision-making process, driven by these five words: It’s all about the kids. At IASB, we have developed guidance for boards considering inclusion of student representatives at the table, as well as guidance for the students themselves.

“Being a part of the board allows me to be a voice for students and allow the big decision makers to hear that voice,” says Amulya Girada, a student representative to the Edwardsville CUSD 7 school board. “It’s extremely important to me to come about this position holistically and try to all my peer’s opinions and ideas, so the board has a full understanding of the data and current issues pertinent at school.”

The Illinois School Code allows a board of education to appoint a student to the board to serve in an advisory capacity for a term the board determines (105 ILCS 5/10-10). The student may not vote or attend any closed or “executive” session of the board. A board that desires to include a policy to appoint a student member may refer to sample PRESS policy 2:40, Board Member Qualifications, and its footnotes.

Preparing Tomorrow’s Board Members

Giving students the opportunity to experience board work could prepare them to be the next civic leaders. Including students in the governance process can give students the opportunity to advocate for their peers while experiencing local democracy in action and developing essential skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

“Having a voice for the … Board of Education has given me the opportunity to share ideas and opinions from myself, my friends, and my community while learning the intricacies of school operations,” says Michael Dierkes, a student representative to the Lockport THSD 205. “It has required me to not only think from the perspective of the student, but also of faculty, parents, and taxpayers.”

The benefit is not exclusive to the students, however. A youth presence can result in new energy at the table, and often board members are more aware of the responsibility to model ideal board behaviors and processes.

“Having students at the table reminds all our elected board members and everyone who attends the board meeting or speaks at public comment of why we are there, to support students,” says Robert McBride,

Ed.D., Superintendent of Lockport THSD 205. “Our student board members have provided the entire board with invaluable advice that has motivated the … board to make investments in school counselors, ELL teachers, facilities improvements, and courses students would like to see offered. Student board members have provided a reliable, important perspective for elected board members to routinely consider.”

The Role of Student Board Members Student board members cannot participate in closed session meetings or receive closed session materials, and though their vote is advisory-only, they can participate in much of the board’s work, including:

• Attend open meetings.

• Receive all open session materials.

• Openly express opinions and advocate for their peers.

• Be appointed to subcommittees.

• Attend other functions of the board, including professional development.

The IASB guidance, “Welcome to the School Board Table: Guidance for Student Representatives to the School Board” further explains the responsibilities and expectations for student representatives.

Overcoming Challenges to Student Representation

Some adult board members may question whether students have the maturity or experience to contribute meaningfully to governance. It is indeed an additional commitment, and the board must prepare itself to ensure its members are ready to welcome students to the table. In our IASB guidance, “Bringing Student Representatives to the School Board Table,” a readiness assessment checklist can help the board evaluate its ability to have meaningful youth representation. This can help everyone involved comprehend the adjustments necessary and measure their commitment to these changes. Examples of questions the board can ask include:

• Does the board have the time and resources to make a

commitment to effective youth representation?

• Is the board willing to adjust its culture to make meetings youth-friendly?

• Does the board’s culture promote open discussion?

• Is there time for all representatives (including young people) to speak at meetings?

Just as a board provides an orientation and mentoring process for newly elected board members, proper training and mentorship to student representatives can set them up for success. With orientation sessions on the board’s governance procedures, budgeting, and policies, students can be equipped to contribute to high-level discussions. Setting clear expectations and guidelines for student board members is important, and

students should understand their role, be prepared to represent their peers professionally, and know the boundaries of their authority. When they are properly supported, student board members can contribute significantly to decision-making.

In the end, it’s all about the kids. With proper preparation and processes in place, the inclusion of students in public school governance can be mutually beneficial for the adults and the students at the board table. 

Lori Grant is Associate Executive Director for Outreach, Training & Events with IASB. Resources associated with this column, including the guidance document “Bringing Student Representatives to the Board Table,” can be accessed via iasb.com/Journal.

IASB•IASA•IASBO

Joint Annual Conference

November 22-24, 2024 • Chicago

Lighting the Way

2024 Conference Overview

School Leaders Are Lighting the Way for Public Education

By Kara Kienzler, Theresa Kelly Gegen, and Heath Hendren

by Michael Hudson Photography

IIn its 91st year, the IASB/IASA/IASBO Joint Annual Conference brought together school officials and educators on behalf of more than 80% of Illinois public schools. For attendees and participating organizations, the annual event is a testament to our shared commitment to public education – from the familiar honors and awards, relevant panel sessions, and bustling exhibit floor. But each year, the Conference also brings new messages to inspire, new vendors to discover, and new peers to learn from. The inclusion of student features underscored the importance of student success.

Hosted by the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators, and Illinois Association of School Business Officials, the IASB/IASA/IASBO Joint Annual

Conference is one of the nation’s largest state education conferences and a premier training event for Illinois school board members, administrators, and business officials.

“Once again, this event brings us together for the latest innovations in education, real examples of success in districts throughout the state, and a vast array of topics and trends in schools ... Not to mention connections for advocacy, leadership, and support from your Associations.”

—

Mark Harms, IASB President

There were 694 Illinois public school districts represented at the 2024 Conference. Overall attendance, including exhibiting vendors and guests, topped 9,000.

Photography

Of the approximately 5,000 registrations, 20% were attending the Conference for the first time.

Timely Topics and District Successes Highlighted

Over 100 offerings on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday presented content in one-hour Panel Sessions. Topical tracks were assigned to each session helped attendees narrow selections. A finance and funding track offered panel sessions for beginners, as well as deeper dives into audits, TIFs, levies, and budgets. Matters of school law were discussed in many panels, including collective bargaining, free speech, social media, and student discipline. Other topics presented included crisis management; educational equity; governance, leadership, and accountability; governmental relations; rural district issues; social-emotional learning; and student learning and achievement. Current topics and trends school boards are discussing, such as AI and electric school buses, were also noticed.

Panel Sessions are presented by subject matter experts, many of whom are peers. There were 31 “Share the Success” panels presented by 34 Illinois school districts highlighting successful and proven programs and processes. Presenters share recent discoveries, lessons learned, and innovations succeeding in their schools, allowing attendees to gain insight and information that may be helpful for their districts.

Inspiring Messages

The three General Sessions featured four speakers, each engaging attendees in extraordinary ways and delivering messages of hope, trust, change, and resiliency.

Focused Learning

Friday Focus Workshops offered in-depth training and education to over 1,000 school board members about their roles and responsibilities. Full-and half-day sessions provided knowledge, skills, and insights for school board members on student voice, superintendent evaluation, equity, school finance, safety and security, and more.

Learning opportunities were available for more than 300 district staff who perform the duties of school board secretary or administrative assistant. Additional sessions and seminars for business officials, administrators, and school attorneys were held with the Conference.

More than 130 attendees started their learning weekend a day early with the Illinois Association of School Boards’ Equity Immersion event, themed “Foster Belonging.” The day included learning and inspiration, connecting participants with educational leaders passionate about equity in education and learning strategies to cultivate belonging and elevate student outcomes.

Celebrating Students

Illinois students and their talents were featured throughout the Joint Annual Conference. Amplifying the purpose of leadership and learning, student participation puts a spotlight on the primary goal of why school leaders attend the annual training — to provide quality education opportunities for all students.

Thank you to the 2024 Share the Success presenting districts:

Addison SD 4

Arlington Heights SD 25

Ball-Chatham CUSD 5

Cicero SD 99

Comm Cons SD 46 (Grayslake)

Community HSD 117 (Lake Villa)

Crystal Lake CCSD 47

East Maine SD 63

Effingham CUSD 40

Fremont SD 79

Galesburg CUSD 205

Glenview SD 34

Herrin CUSD 4

Hononegah CHSD 207

Huntley Community SD 158

Indian Prairie CUSD 204

Lake Zurich CUSD 95

Meridian CUSD 223 (Stillman Valley)

Mokena SD 159

Mount Prospect SD 57

New Berlin CUSD 16

Niles Township District for Special Education 807

North Boone CUSD 200

Peoria School District 150

Pleasant Valley SD 62

Rantoul City SD 137

Rochester CUSD 3A

THSD 214 (Arlington Heights)

Triad CUSD 2 (Troy)

Vienna HSD 13-3

Waukegan CUSD 60

West Chicago SD 33

Woodridge SD 68

Worth SD 127

Leadership and Dedication Recognized at the 2024

Joint Annual Conference

Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award

Kate Ringger, administrative assistant to the superintendent and board secretary for the El Paso Gridley CUSD 11 Board of Education, was named the winner of the 2024 Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award. The annual award recognizes administrative professionals and board secretaries for performance, initiative, innovation, passion, staff development, and dedication to the district, community, and students. Ringger was recognized for her achievement on November 22 during the opening session of the Administrative Professionals’ Program.

2025 Illinois Superintendent of the Year

The Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) presented the award for the 2025 Illinois Superintendent of the Year.

Peoria SD 150 Superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Ed.D., was selected by an independent panel that cited her 29 years as an educator and her ability to tackle challenges while finding innovative solutions that meet the needs of all district students. IASA noted the work of Desmoulin-Kherat in addressing the educator shortage, developing community services through the district Wraparound Center, strengthening ties with Caterpillar to yield employment opportunities for graduates,

and improving students’ academic performance.

“I am truly honored to accept this award, a tribute that truly belongs to the entire team at Peoria Public Schools,” said Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, Ed.D., who has served as Superintendent of Peoria SD 150 for the past 10 years.

“No significant achievement is the work of a single individual, and this award is no exception. Our journey may be demanding, but it is undeniably rewarding, bringing life-changing benefits to our children. What sets our district apart is our perspective on problems – we view them as opportunities, tirelessly striving to devise solutions to the most complex challenges.”

Ronald E. Everett

Distinguished Service Award

Lyndl Schuster, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent for Business Services/CSBO for River Trails SD 26, was the recipient of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (Illinois ASBO) Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals for their diligence, superior performance, and achievement in service to the school business public.

In nominating Schuster for the award, colleagues cited her humble nature, world-travel experiences, and passion for sustainability and green, renewable energy. “Her personal passion has been brought into the district, and I think it has been wonderful,” said Tracy Hillman, Administrative Accountant at River Trails SD 26, when speaking about the numerous green, sustainable projects Schuster has been able to accomplish for the district.

Thomas Lay Burroughs Award for Outstanding School Board Member

Also during the Third General Session, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) presented the Thomas Lay Burroughs Award for Outstanding School Board Member. The Burroughs Award recognizes school board members who demonstrate achievements including enhancing student learning, narrowing achievement gaps, promoting educational excellence, broadening educational

opportunities for underserved students, and addressing major challenges resulting in more equitable outcomes for students.

Adina Hoover, M.D. of Westmont CUSD 201 was named the 2024 Burroughs Award winner. Hoover started on the board in 2020 and currently serves as Westmont CUSD 201 Board President.

In presenting Hoover with the Award, ISBE Board Chair Steven Isoye, Ed.D., spoke of Hoover’s leadership and equity work, referring to her as a change agent and advocate who “never takes her eyes off the prize” when it comes to ensuring all district students receive a quality education.

“Dr. Hoover exemplifies the gold standard of leadership,” said Dr. Isoye. “From her work as a pediatric ER doctor to her tireless effort on behalf of CUSD 201, she has dedicated herself to improving the lives of young people in her community. Illinois is fortunate to have Dr. Hoover and countless other school board members that volunteer their time in service of our students.”

When accepting the award, Hoover cited recent accomplishments by the district, including implementation of equity practices, three of the four district schools earning exemplary summative designation on the 2024 Illinois Report Card, winning the Gold Circle of Quality Award for the early childhood center, the most improved junior high school in the state, and being the first Illinois

high school to receive Platinum status by the 2024 AP School Honor Roll.

“We want to do something! There is no time for the status quo,” said Dr. Hoover in her acceptance speech. “We believe in a mission centered on the advancement of our students. We cannot stop working until every child, every student can reach their maximum potential.”

Exhibition Educational Environments

Awards for impactful school design were presented during the opening General Session of Conference. The Exhibition of Educational Environments recognizes outstanding examples of school design and planning. Criteria considered for each project include challenges met, design, energy use reduction, safety, and how well each facility meets the educational needs of students.

Two projects were named Award of Distinction winners.

Earning the top honor was FGM Architects for work with Frankfort CCSD 157C on the Chelsea Intermediate School Addition and Renovation project. Also taking the top award was Wight & Company for the planning and design of the New Trier High School East Academic and Athletic Addition, New Trier THSD 203.

Twenty-seven school projects were submitted for the competition and on display for Conference attendees to view. 

Speakers Celebrate with Sound

The three General Sessions at the 2024 Joint Annual Conference featured four speakers, each engaging attendees in extraordinary ways and delivering messages of hope, trust, change, and resiliency.

First General Session

At the First General Session, the ceremonial opening of the Joint Annual Conference, attendees celebrated with the sounds of the arrival of keynote speaker Mickey Smith Jr. Known as an educator, encourager, and musician, Smith is a seven-time Teacher of the Year and recipient of the 2020 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. He inspires children and adults through a unique motivational mixture of music and message. An international keynote speaker and presenter, Smith also continues to serve as a full-time teacher at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Smith’s Friday afternoon presentation energized the Conference’s opening day by alternating exuberant tunes from his ever-present saxophone, a joyful call-and-response number with the audience, and a heartfelt reminder to the education community that “what you do matters.” Smith encouraged the Conference attendees with a theme of “keep on going” and noted that “Trust opens the door to relationships … which open the door to influence.”

After sharing enchanting and impactful stories of his childhood and teaching career, and how they brought about the concept of VIC, “vision, intentionality, consistency,” Smith closed with an elevating saxophone rendition of the power ballad “I Will Always Love You.”

Second General Session

David Horsager, CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute and a

global authority on building hightrust teams and organizations, addressed the gathering. Horsager is the inventor of the Enterprise Trust Index ™, Director of Global Study with The Trust Outlook®, and bestselling author of The Trust Edge, The Daily Edge, Trust Matters, and Trusted Leader. Horsager’s decades of trust work have served as a catalyst for trust awareness and development across the globe.

From that, one might expect a humdrum lecture on trust, but Horsager’s Saturday morning delivery was anything but dull. Horsager interwove personal family stories with the professional trust and leadership conversation that he has developed. He defined trust as “a confidence belief in a person, product, or organization” and notes that trust takes “an enormous amount of work.”

Horsager works with organizations in building trust with their

constituents and communities, noting that when trust increases, everything good follows. Specifically in education, he referred to studies which indicate that trust leads to increased learning, safety, connections, engagement, peace, and job satisfaction or retention. Horsager’s message includes crafting messages that are “MRA” (memorable, repeatable, and actionable).

Third General Session

Attendees who stayed until the end of the 2024 event were treated to a lively lesson in promoting, provoking, and embracing positive change by the stand-up comedy duo better known as Superintendents Michael Lubelfeld, Ed.D., and Nick Polyak, Ed.D., of North Shore SD 112 and Leyden CHSD 212, respectively.

Pulling from years of experience in education and from their books including Unlearning Leader: Leading for Tomorrow’s Schools Today and The Unfinished Leader: A School Leadership Framework for Growth & Development, Polyak and Lubelfeld entertained and encouraged the audience, from the sounds of Katrina and the Waves, to the wisdom of Brene Brown, to the exciting innovations taking place in their own school districts.

Noting that “It starts with a mindset,” Polyak and Lubelfeld noted that “We are all unfinished,” and discussed the lenses of unfinished leaders: Empathy, equity, adaptability, development, and communication. They encouraged the attendees to “Stop fearing change,” and further to “Create conditions that allow our organizations to embrace change.” 

Equity Immersion Fosters Belonging

Student voices were a common thread throughout the 2024 Joint Annual Conference including — and especially — at the third annual Equity Immersion. The event “fostered belonging,” by bringing together poignant and inspiring keynoters, practical information from organizations, and the entertaining and unforgettable voices of the High Five Choir from New Trier THSD 203.

Directed by Susan E. Vaughan, the High Five Choir blends, through music, students of all abilities from general and special education populations. Even after enduring a longer-than-expected bus ride through a mid-November snow, the group inspired with its camaraderie and entertained with its wonderful music. The High Five Choir is an inspiration for

music-lovers and equity promoters alike, on the power of this work.

The opening keynote was presented by 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year Briana Morales. In her conversation on Pain, Power, Purpose: The Power of Us, Morales shared moments from her career dedicated to working with youth furthest from justice in an alternative setting. Morales spoke of three of her students and the meaningful relationships she had with them that changed their lives and prompted her to become more than a teacher, but also a champion, for her students. Morales’ journey is a testimony of turning pain into power to reveal our purpose.

In a later panel session, Morales discussed her nonprofit, (Sister) Hood of Hope, Inc., which empowers girls of color by empowering through the community

of sisterhood. This and other panel-style presentations offered opportunities for growth in equity concepts. Attendees could hear about the journey of Belleville SD 118 to create a strong sense of belonging and inclusion in the school community, and from the Illinois Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents on support of multi-lingual and migrant students. A discussion of “Elevating Student Outcomes with Equitable Dual-Credit Access” took place with panelists from across the state. The Center for Adoption Support and Education teamed with iCARE4 Adoptive and Foster Families to share information on services for adoption, foster, and kinship communities.

Closing keynote speaker Ralph L. Simpson, Ed.D., the Deputy

Superintendent of Administrative Services for Clayton County Public Schools in Georgia, spoke to persistence and resiliency in relating his path from not-so-successful student, to work in the justice system, to working as a public school administrator and public school leader. Through focuses on restorative practices, trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and prioritizing mental health, Simpson shared experiences in leadership. He offered background on his belief in empowering educators and encouraging “reach before you teach,” to offer understanding of the key components that contribute to creating a nurturing and supportive educational environment.

Over 130 public school leaders attended the 2024 Equity Immersion, presented by IASB. 

Illinois Students Took Center Stage

The 2024 Joint Annual Conference included several student features that emphasized the importance of student success.

Musical talents were front and center for Conference attendees, as five districts sent student music groups to perform. In partnership with the Illinois Music Educators

Association, the following groups showcased their music skills:

• New Trier THSD 203 High Five Choir

• Kaneland CUSD 302 High School Madrigal Singers

• Homewood Flossmoor CHSD 233 High School Viking Jazz Ensemble

• Leyden CHSD 212 High School Chamber Singers

• Joliet SD 86 Mariachi Ensemble

More than 40 pieces of Illinois student artwork were also on display courtesy of the Illinois Art Education Association. The various types of art were featured around the

Conference ballroom foyer of the Hyatt Regency headquarters hotel, allowing thousands of attendees to view the pieces.

In addition to the visual and performing arts, there were opportunities for students to participate in Conference events.

For the second year, student board members and representatives joined school board members for the highly-rated Friday Focus Workshop, “Breaking Down the Walls: Bringing Student Voice to the Board Table.” The workshop included a breakout session where the participants connected with fellow student leaders from across the state, as school board members developed governance best

practices to give students a voice at the table. After the workshop, the student leaders were able to attend the opening General Session of the Conference.

Each year the Illinois FFA sends a representative to Conference to participate in the Saturday Delegate Assembly and observe the parliamentary process. The student representative shared remarks with delegates about their parliamentary experience through FFA and the beneficial impact the FFA has on public schools and their surrounding communities. JROTC students also have active participation at Conference. Led by 1st Sargent Charles Powell, the Danville High School JROTC presented the colors during the First General Session. 

IASB Member Boards Vote at Annual Delegate Assembly

TThe Illinois Association of School Boards held its annual Delegate Assembly on November 23, 2024, in conjunction with the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago. Member boards of education voted on resolutions submitted by the membership. Adopted resolutions establish the advocacy priorities and legislative direction

of the Association. 429 delegates were present to vote.

Representatives from IASB member school boards considered topics of dual language learning, charter school funding, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) accountability, and more. The assembly also elected President Mark Harms (Flanagan-Cornell

USD 74) and Vice President Tracie Sayre (Triopia CUSD 27) to their second terms in office.

Six resolutions were approved via delegate vote:

• A measure that would support the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy as attainment of world language requirements passed.

• A resolution that would support applying the standards of the Evidence-Based Funding formula to state-authorized charter schools passed.

• A measure that would advocate for TIF process reforms passed.

• A proposal to support creation of a statewide database for the Employment History Review requirement of Faith’s Law passed.

• A resolution that would support the option of a unified health plan for school districts to participate in, through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services passed.

• An amendment to an existing position statement on Election

Day school closures, that school districts should not be mandated to close on Election Day if none of the buildings used by students within the district serve as polling places passed.

The Delegate Assembly voted to not reconsider three appealed proposals: One that would support legislation towards requiring a policy regarding the use of student-owned wireless communications devices; one supporting developing a state-funded Office of Inspector General to investigate allegations of waste, fraud, or other, against local public schools; and another supporting a requirement that school board candidates have a criminal background check before they submit their petition.

An amendment to the IASB Constitution, clarifying parliamentary procedure, was adopted.

During the IASB Resolutions Process, each resolution is proposed from the membership and reviewed by a 21-member Resolutions Committee. Its recommendations are brought before the Delegate Assembly for discussion and vote. A FAQ on the process and the 2024 Resolutions Committee Report are available on the IASB Advocacy website.

Indispensable Law References

Illinois School Law Survey 18th Edition

Includes access to a dynamic digital version that is keyword-searchable!

$65 IASB Members / $80 Retail

Companion Resource:

2024 Illinois School Code and Related Laws

New 2-volume set! Includes the School Code and additional statutes pertinent to Illinois public schools. Purchase includes one set of print books only. No supplement.

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Order online and preview a list of content covered: www.iasb.com/bookstore

Next-Level Advocacy

Illinois Participates at COSSBA’s Federal Conference

By the IASB Governmental Relations Team

IIASB participated in the Consortium of State School Boards Association’s Federal Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., with over 30 school board members. The Governmental Relations team facilitated essential discussions with Senator Tammy Duckworth, staff members for Senator Dick Durbin, and numerous other Congressional Representatives.

“Hearing firsthand from lawmakers and staffers about their current work on policies that impact education and funding both educated and empowered us to better articulate our needs during our visits to legislators,” said attendee Allison Fosdick, a

school board member from Indian Prairie CUSD 204. “And above all, fighting for our students at the federal level was invigorating and gave us as school board members the opportunity to share how federal policies impact districts at the local level. It was truly time well spent.”

IASB is a member of COSSBA, a non-partisan national alliance dedicated to sharing resources and information that support, promote, and strengthen state school boards associations throughout the United States. In total, 14 meaningful discussions took place September 8-10, 2024, with Congressional members and their staffs, focusing on issues that directly impact education

in Illinois. Key topics discussed included:

• A Sensible Bipartisan Approach to Funding the Federal Government: This initiative is critical for ensuring that Illinois schools receive the necessary financial resources to operate effectively. A stable federal budget is essential for local districts to plan and allocate funds for various educational programs.

• Support for the IDEA Full Funding Act (S. 2217/H.R. 4519): This act aims to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is crucial for Illinois schools. Full funding

would alleviate some financial burdens on districts, allowing them to provide better services and resources for students with disabilities.

• Support for Child Nutrition and Rural Broadband Programs in the Farm Bill Reauthorization: These programs directly affect student well-being and educational equity in Illinois. By ensuring access to nutritious meals and reliable internet, we can support the learning environment for all students, especially those in rural areas.

• Support for the E-Rate Program and Cybersecurity Measures for K-12 Schools: As technology becomes increasingly integrated

to complete assignments and engage in online learning outside of school. However, a recent 5th Circuit case jeopardizes the ability to use federal funding for expanding internet access, putting critical initiatives at risk. Ensuring continued support for the E-Rate Program is crucial for Illinois schools to bridge the digital divide, enhance educational opportunities, and safeguard against cyber threats in an increasingly connected world.

• Mental Health Supports for K-12 Public Education: Mental health is a growing concern in Illinois schools. By advocating for increased mental health resources and programs, we can

4, Cicero SD 99, Country Club Hills SD 160, Flanagan-Cornell Unit District 74, Homewood-Flossmoor CHSD 233, Indian Prairie School CUSD 204 (Naperville), J Sterling Morton HSD 201 (Cicero), Kildeer-Countryside CCSD 96, Meridian CUSD 223 (Stillman Valley), Naperville CUSD 203, Rockford SD 205, Round Lake CUSD 116, Schaumburg CCSD 54, and Triopia CUSD 27 (Concord). IASB President Mark Harms and Vice President Tracie Sayre were among the board members attending. The delegation also included the IASB Governmental Relations team, Executive Director Kimberly A. Small, J.D., and Associate Executive Director Jeremy Duffy, J.D.

into education, robust cybersecurity protocols are critical for protecting sensitive student data and ensuring a safe digital learning environment. A key issue raised by Illinois school board members is the need for reliable internet access at home and on school buses, particularly for rural districts where connectivity is often limited. This access is vital for students

foster a healthier school environment and support the well-being of students and staff alike.

• Child Nutrition Programs: Access to healthy meals is vital for student success. Supporting these programs helps ensure that all Illinois students have the nourishment they need to learn and thrive.

Participating districts from Illinois included Champaign CUSD

“The information shared during the conference was informative, thought-provoking, and inspiring. Visiting the United States Capitol and given the opportunity to express gratitude for the work our legislators are doing, while expressing the needs of our school districts was most fulfilling,” said Denise Pearson, board member for Rockford SD 205.

In addition to connecting with Duckworth and Durbin, the Illinois

delegation met with the members and staffs of Representatives Nikki Budzinski, Bill Foster, Jesús G. “Chuy” García, Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Darin LaHood, Mary Miller, Mike Quigley, Jan Schakowsky Brad Schneider, Eric Sorensen, and Lauren Underwood.

“The COSSBA conference exceeded my expectations, said José Rivera, board member at Kildeer-Countryside CCSD 96. “Each speaker and panel enlightened me, a first-year board member, on the federal laws, political issues, and demographic trends relevant to our education system. I also was pleasantly surprised that the IASB team was able to secure meetings with all my legislators even though it was Congress’ first day back from

its break. Finally, I appreciate the opportunity to meet board members from across Illinois and the country to learn about approaches and solutions to our common issues. I will be attending next year!” The 2025 COSSBA Federal Advocacy Conference will take place from September 7-9, 2025, in Washington, D.C. More information will be available by May 2025, and IASB encourages

members to attend and to advocate for the future of education in Illinois.

The IASB Governmental Relations team is led by Sarah Miller, Associate Executive Director, with Bobby Johnson and Mike Stevens, Directors, and Alie Wagner, Administrative Assistant. Former Director Barbara Holbrook also contributed. Visit COSSBA.org and iasb. com/Advocacy for more information.

Amplifying Student Board Voices

By Anna Gonzales

SStudent board representatives hold a unique opportunity to not only provide a youthful perspective on critical issues but also to grow as leaders within their school communities. Their impact, however, depends on how visible and engaged they are in this role. When staff and board members take intentional steps to ensure student representatives are seen, heard, and recognized as leaders, they amplify the voices of young changemakers. By doing so, they help these students emerge as confident individuals ready to shape the future.

Introducing Them to the Community

The journey to leadership for student board representatives begins with a proper introduction

to the school community. In West Aurora SD 129 (SD129), the induction process starts each May, when new student board representatives take the oath of office. This initial meeting is not only ceremonial but also the first opportunity to establish them as visible leaders. The district’s community affairs department plays a critical role in this, gathering biographical details, candid photos, and professional headshots. Their profiles are shared via email, social media, and the website, while their headshots are prominently displayed in the boardroom entry, ensuring that students, parents, community members, and board meeting attendees can immediately recognize and connect with the new representatives.

By making purposeful introductions, districts can foster recognition and encourage engagement between student representatives and the broader community they serve. The first impression made in these initial steps is crucial to how students will be perceived. They’re not just being introduced as individuals, but as future leaders and contributors. This moment sets the tone for the expectations and relationships that follow, creating a foundation for engagement that will extend far beyond their term on the board.

Building Their Visibility

There are several ways districts can be intentional about promoting student board member visibility. In SD129, efforts to build visibility have included encouraging student representatives to attend school, district, and extracurricular activities, following the example set by Board of Education members. Equipped with name tags that make them easily identifiable, their participation in these events reinforces their roles as visible and approachable leaders among their peers. Name tags serve not only as a practical tool but as a symbol of accessibility, allowing students to interact with their peers and community members. The presence of

student board representatives at these events also helps establish their role as part of the fabric of the school and community, signaling to all involved that they are respected voices, valued by both the student body and the larger community.

Another way SD129 enhances student board members’ visibility is by featuring them in the annual State of the District video address, where they present key information using a teleprompter. This opportunity not only raises their public profile but also helps them develop valuable public speaking and leadership skills. It provides a rare platform for students to practice articulating complex ideas in a professional environment, building their confidence in the process. Additionally, SD129 engages student board representatives in its podcast, hosted by the superintendent, where these students share their experiences, ideas, and goals with the broader community.

Collectively, these varied efforts help position student board representatives as influential contributors who play an active role in their school community’s success. These initiatives also serve as a model for how to integrate young voices into public life, preparing student leaders for the responsibilities they’ll take on in future roles.

Giving Them a Voice

Giving student board representatives a voice is a crucial part of their role, both in board meetings and in the media. In SD129, the student board representatives

are given the floor during each meeting, providing an invaluable opportunity to contribute their insights. This year, the student representatives have expanded their role by including the voices of their peers through recorded interviews. These interviews, replayed during board meetings, allow student board representatives to represent their peers more effectively, ensuring that a wider range of student perspectives is heard. In these interviews, students have the opportunity to voice opinions on school issues that affect them directly, from classroom experiences to extracurricular activities, providing a platform for their perspectives to be heard by decision-makers.

In addition to active participation in board meetings, SD129 encourages student representatives to engage with the media when appropriate, an often-overlooked task for young leaders. Rather than shielding them from media attention, they are provided with guidance on how to handle interviews, all while encouraging their authentic voices to shine through. This experience not only enhances their leadership capabilities but also provides them with valuable skills for navigating public communication, which will serve

them in their future professional lives.

Empowering student board representatives not only strengthens their confidence but also fosters a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and achievements students experience today within their communities. By encouraging them to speak openly and confidently, students are able to shape the narrative about their needs and desires within the school district, helping to build more effective and responsive policies.

Being Open to Their Ideas

Finally, supporting student board representatives means being receptive to their ideas. In SD129, a culture is fostered where student representatives are empowered to bring their suggestions to the table. This year, a student board representative, who has been involved in the high school’s broadcast club, proposed collaborating with a former board president to provide live play-by-play commentary for some home football games. The result was a dynamic and engaging experience for audiences, blending the historical perspective of the former board president with the youthful energy and insight of the student representative. This collaboration not only enriched the game-day experience but also demonstrated the value of embracing student ideas and allowing them to lead in unique and meaningful ways. When students are given the freedom to propose and execute their own initiatives, it

Columns are submitted by members of the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association

demonstrates trust in their judgment and abilities. This sense of ownership motivates them to take their roles seriously and fosters a stronger connection to the communities they serve. By remaining open to their initiatives, student representatives are encouraged to take ownership of their roles and make meaningful, lasting contributions to their schools and communities. This collaborative approach allows students to be seen not just as participants, but as active leaders, shaping the school environment in ways that are both innovative and impactful.

Amplifying student board voices requires more than simply giving them a seat at the table. It involves a deliberate effort to introduce student board members as leaders, build their visibility, provide platforms for their voices, and empower them to take charge of their roles. In West Aurora SD 129, student representatives are supported in becoming not only heard but also seen and respected as leaders. Through these intentional efforts, the district fosters a new

generation of confident, innovative thinkers who are poised to lead in their future careers and communities.

Ultimately, fostering student leadership within school districts serves a greater purpose than

just preparing students for board meetings. It prepares them for lives of purpose and service, helping to develop leaders who are not only capable but passionate about making a difference in their communities. The skills, confidence, and sense of responsibility that student board representatives gain from their experiences are vital to the development of tomorrow’s leaders. These opportunities not only prepare students for future leadership roles but instill a sense of civic duty and social responsibility that will carry with them throughout their lives.

Anna Gonzales is Director of Community Affairs at West Aurora SD 129.

Service Associates Directory

Appraisal Services

INDUSTRIAL APPRAISAL COMPANY

Building and ﬁxed asset appraisals for insurance and accounting purposes. Oak Brook (630) 575-0280

Architects/Engineers

ARCON ASSOCIATES, INC.

Full service ﬁrm specializing in educational facilities with services that include architecture, construction management, roof and masonry consulting, landscape architecture, and environmental consulting. Lombard (630) 495-1900; www.arconassoc.com; sjmattes@arconassoc.com

BERG ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, LTD.

Consulting engineers. Schaumburg (847) 352-4500

BLDD ARCHITECTS, INC.

Architectural and engineering services for schools. Decatur (217) 429-5105; Champaign (217) 356-9606; Bloomington (309) 828-5025; Chicago (312) 829-1987 www.bldd.com

CORDOGAN CLARK & ASSOCIATES

Architects and engineers. Aurora (630) 896-4678; www.cordoganclark.com; Tpowers@cordoganclark.com

DEWBERRY ARCHITECTS INC.

Architects, planners, landscape architecture, and engineers. Peoria (309) 282-8000; Elgin (847) 695-5840

DLA ARCHITECTS, LTD.

Architects specializing in preK-12 educational design, including a full range of architectural services, assessments, planning, feasibility studies, new construction, additions, remodeling, O&M and owner’s rep services. Itasca (847) 742-4063; www.dla-ltd.com; info@dla-ltd.com

DLR GROUP

Educational facility design and master planning. Chicago (312) 382-9980; dlrgroup.com; mengelhardt@dlrgoup.com

ERIKSSON ENGINEERING ASSOCIATES, LTD.

Site Planning/Studies, Civil Engineering, Tra c/Transportation, Landscape Architecture. Grayslake (847) 223-4804; Chicago (312) 463-0551; Mokena (708) 614-9720

FARNSWORTH GROUP, INC.

Architectural and engineering professional services. Normal (309) 633-8436

FGM ARCHITECTS, INC.

Architects. Chicago (312) 942-8461; Oak Brook (630) 574-8300; O’Fallon (618) 624-3364; St. Louis (314) 439-1601; Milwaukee, Wisconsin (414) 346-7282 www.fgmarchitects.com

GREENASSOCIATES, INC.

Architecture/construction services. Deerﬁeld (847) 317-0852; Itasca, (847) 317-0852; Springﬁeld

HEALY BENDER PATTON & BEEN

ARCHITECTS

Architects/Planners. Naperville (630) 904-4300; www.healybender.com; dpatton@healybender.com

HURST-ROSCHE, INC.

Architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design. Hillsboro (217) 532-3959; East St. Louis (618) 398-0890; Marion (618) 998-0075; Springﬁeld (217) 679-1671; www.hurst-rosche.com

JMA ARCHITECTS

Full service professional design ﬁrm specializing in K-12 educational design, construction management, strategic/master planning, health/life safety compliance, building commissioning, and interior space design.South Holland (708) 339-3900; www.jmaarchitects.com; allison@jmaarchitects.com

JP ARCHITECTS, LTD.

Architectural Services

Oak Lawn

KLUBER ARCHITECTS + ENGINEERS

Building design professionals specializing in architecture, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and ﬁre protection engineers. Aurora (630) 406-1213

LARSON & DARBY GROUP

Architecture, engineering, interior design, and technology. Rockford (815) 484-0739; www.larsondarby.com; snelson@larsondarby.com

LEGAT ARCHITECTS, INC.

Architectural and educational planners who specialize in creating e ective student learning environments. Gurnee (847) 622-3535; Oak Brook (630) 990-3535; Chicago (312) 258-9595; www.legat.com; jboyce@legat.com

IASB Service Associates are businesses which o er school-related products and services and which have earned favorable reputations for quality and integrity. Only after careful screening is a business ﬁrm invited to become a Service Associate.

To learn more about IASB Service Associates membership, visit www.iasb.com or contact IASB at bkusturin@iasb.com

PCM+DESIGN ARCHITECTS

Provide a full range of architectural services including facility and feasibility studies, architectural design, construction consulting, and related services. East Peoria (309) 694-5012; www.PCMPLUSD.com; whelmick@pcmplusd.com

PERFORMANCE SERVICES, INC.

An integrated design and delivery engineering company serving the design and construction facility needs of K-12 schools. Schaumburg (847) 466-7220

PERKINS&WILL

Architecture, educational planning, programing, master planning, re-referendum services. Chicago (312) 755-0770 mark.jolicoeur@perkinswill.com; aimee.eckmann@perkinswill.com; rick.young@perkinswill.com

RICHARD L. JOHNSON ASSOCIATES, INC.

Architecture, educational planning. Rockford (815) 398-1231; www.rljarch.com

STR PARTNERS

Architectural, interior design, planning, cost estimating, and building enclosure/ rooﬁng consulting. Chicago (312) 464-1444

STUDIOGC ARCHITECTURE + INTERIORS

StudioGC is passionate community-minded partner, committed to creating imaginative and well-designed facilities. StudioGC o ers innovative planning, programming, architectural, interior design, and cost estimates. Chicago (312) 253-3400

TERRA ENGINEERING, LTD.

TERRA is a Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) ﬁrm certiﬁed with the City of Chicago and Illinois CMS systems, providing transportation and tra c engineering; municipal, structural, electrical, and construction engineering; site development and landscape architecture; recreation and athletic facility and land use planning; land surveying; and GIS services. Chicago.

TRIA ARCHITECTURE

An architectural planning and interior design ﬁrm that provides services primarily to school districts in the Chicagoland area with an emphasis on service to their clients, and their communities. Burr Ridge (630) 455-4500; www.triaarchitecture.com

WIGHT & CO.

A fully integrated design, engineering, and construction ﬁrm that partners with education leaders to create progressive, inspiring, and sustainable learning environments, while helping to manage risk and provide accountability in the delivery of work. Darien (630) 969-7000

WOLD ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS

Specializing in Pre-K-12 educational design including master planning, sustainable design, architecture, mechanical and electrical engineering, quality review, cost estimation and management. Palatine (847) 241-6100

Building Construction

BOLLER CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

Construction Manager and General Contractor specializing in building and renovating schools.

Waukegan (847) 662-5566

BYRNE & JONES SPORTS CONSTRUCTION

Turnkey Construction of all outdoor athletics facilities, including synthetic turf and natural grass ﬁelds, running tracks and tennis courts. Bridgeton, Missouri

CORE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES OF IL., INC.

Professional construction management, design-build, and general contracting services. Peoria (309) 404-4700; COREconstruction.com; mikaylavincent@coreconstruction.com

F. H. PASCHEN

A general/construction manager with extensive experience in new construction and renovation of educational and institutional facilities in the public/private sectors. Chicago (773) 444-1525; www.fhpaschen.com; aizzi@fhpaschen.com

FREDERICK QUINN CORPORATION

Construction management and general contracting. Addison (630) 628-8500

HOLLAND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC.

Full service construction management and general contracting ﬁrm specializing in education facilities. Swansea (618) 277-8870

IHC CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES LLC

IHC Construction Companies LLC is a full-service construction management ﬁrm that delivers new construction, additions, and renovations for School District clients on-time and within budget. Elgin (847) 742-1516

INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTORS, INC. (ICI)

An award-winning construction management ﬁrm specializing in K-12 facilities. Our ﬁrm is currently partnering with eight Illinois School Districts on capital improvement projects. Oakbrook Terrace (630) 641-6852

NICHOLAS & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Construction management, general contracting, design and build. Mt. Prospect (847) 394-6200 info@nicholasquality.com; nickjr@nicholasquality.com

PEPPER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Construction management and general contracting services. Barrington (847) 381-2760; www.pepperconstruction; LTritsch@pepperconstruction.com

POETTKER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

Specializing in construction management, design/build, construction consulting services, and energy solutions for education clients. Breese (618) 526-7213; www.poettkerconstruction.com

RUSSELL CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.

Russell provides successful, knowledgeable construction management and contracting services in the PreK-12 market from concept to completion and continuing care for your facility needs. Davenport, Iowa (563) 459-4600; www.russellco.com; sbaumann@russellco.com

SERVPRO TEAM WOLFE

Servpro Team Wolfe specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial properties after a ﬁre, smoke or water damage. Assist schools in developing a recovery plan to put things back to preloss condition quickly and e ectively.

E ngham (314) 502-1337

S.M. WILSON & CO.

Provides construction management and general construction services to education, healthcare, commercial, retail, and industrial clients. St. Louis (314) 645-9595; www.smwilson.com; kristyn.newbern@smwilson.com; amanda.bohnert@smwilson.com

TRANE

HVAC company specializing in design, build, and retroﬁt. Willowbrook (636) 305-3600

Computer Software, Supplies, Services

COMMON GOAL SYSTEMS, INC.

We o er cloud-based software solutions for student information management, student registration, state reporting, ﬁnancial management and payroll, parent communication, scheduling, gradebooks, report cards, and more. Des Plaines (630) 592-4200; www.common-goal.com

COMPUTER INFORMATION

CONCEPTS, INC.

Inﬁnite Campus student information System and Finance Suite, and Tableau Data Visualization/Analytics. Greeley, Colorado (312) 995-3342

EDMENTUM

We provide fully digital curriculum and assessment tools for educators to utilize in K-12 classrooms to establish blended and personalized environments and advance student learning. Bloomington, Minnesota (952) 832-1570

Consulting

EOSULLIVAN CONSULTING

Illinois-based EOSullivan Consulting has developed a proven process the helps school districts with community engagement, survey research, messaging, informational campaigns and referendums. Libertyville (815) 353-1991

SCHOOLS OF ILLINOIS PUBLIC COOPERATIVE

SIPC is a non-proﬁt procurement co-op for Illinois schools. Membership is free and at-will. SIPC negotiates best pricing on behalf of members for building and grounds management, operations, maintenance, improvements, janitorial, energy projects, waste management. Carbondale.

Environmental Services

ALPHA CONTROLS & SERVICES, LLC

We deliver energy cost justiﬁed solutions that make the learning environment comfortable, secure, and e cient. Rockford, Springﬁeld, Champaign (815) 227-4000; www.alpaacs.com; brentb@alphaacs.com

ENERGY SYSTEMS GROUP

A comprehensive energy services and performance contracting company providing energy, facility and ﬁnancial solutions. Itasca (630) 773-7201; jcohn@esg.email

ENGIE SERVICES U.S.

Turnkey partnership programs that enable K12 school districts in Illinois to modernize their facilities; increase safety, security and e ciency; reduce operations costs; and maximize the lifespan of critical assets. Chicago (312) 498-7792; sharon.uslan@engie.com

GRP MECHANICAL CO., INC.

Renovating buildings through energy savings performance contracting to provide the best learning environment. HVAC, plumbing, windows, doors, and mechanical services. Bethalto (618) 779-0050

IDEAL ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, INC.

Asbestos and environmental services. Bloomington (309) 828-4259

ILLINOIS ENERGY CONSORTIUM

Sells electricity and natural gas to school districts, colleges, and universities. DeKalb (815) 753-9083; www.ILLec.org; hwallace@iasbo.org

RADON DETECTION SPECIALISTS

Radon measurements in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as all DCFS licensed spaces. We service the entire state of Illinois. Westmont (630) 325-4443 or (800) 244-4242

VEREGY

Dedicated to assisting K-12 education meet the challenge of providing healthy, safe, and educational appropriate learning environments.

St. Louis (636) 230-0843; Chicago (773) 633-0691; veregy.com; bsmith@veregy.com

Financial Services

BERNARDI SECURITIES, INC.

Municipal bond specialty firm; o ers a full range of school bond underwriting services, including capital needs financing and debt refinancing. O’Fallon (618) 206-4180; Peru (815) 587-8972; Chicago (312) 281-2014; jvezzetti@bernardisecurities.com

BMO

BMO's experienced specialists can help you build a sound strategy to help close budget gaps, manage day-to-day cash ﬂow and maximize your resources. Chicago (312) 461-7895

GORENZ AND ASSOCIATES, LTD.

Auditing and ﬁnancial consulting. Peoria (309) 685-7621

ICE MILLER, LLP

Nationally recognized bond counsel services. Chicago (312) 726-7127

KINGS FINANCIAL CONSULTING, INC.

Municipal bond ﬁnancial advisory service including all types of school bonds; school referenda, county school sales tax; tax revenue forecasts/projections. Monticello (217) 762-4578

SPEER FINANCIAL, INC.

Financial planning and bond issue services. Chicago (312) 346-3700; www.speerfinancial.com; dphillips@speerfinancial.com; rmckenzie@speerfinancial.com

STIFEL

Full service securities ﬁrm providing investment banking and advisory services including strategic ﬁnancial planning; bond underwriting; referendum and legislative assistance. Edwardsville (800) 230-5151; noblea@stifel.com

WINTRUST FINANCIAL

Financial services holding company engaging in community banking, wealth management, commercial insurance premium ﬁnancing, and mortgage origination. Rosemont (630) 560-2120

Human Resource Consulting

ACCURATE BIOMETRICS

Live scan ﬁngerprinting for Illinois and FBI background checks. Live scan system sales and placement. Managed services for data security and compliance. Itasca.

BUSHUE HUMAN RESOURCES, INC.

Human resource, safety and risk management, and insurance consulting. E ngham (217) 342-3042; www.bushuehr.com; steve@bushuehr.com

Insurance

THE SANDNER GROUP

Insurance program management, marketing & claims services for workers’ compensation, property & liability. Chicago (800) 654-9504

O ce Equipment

EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENTS BY FRANK COONEY COMPANY, INC. Furniture for educational environments. Wood Dale (630) 694-8800; www.frankcooney.com; gregory@frankcooney.com

Other

ECRA GROUP

Superintendent searches, board and superintendent workshops. Arlington Heights (847) 318-0072

MILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK AND STONE, P.L.C.

Miller Canﬁeld acts as bond counsel, disclosure counsel and underwriter's counsel to a broad range of entities across Illinois. Chicago

Milestones

In Memoriam

Darrell Dean Althide, 78, died October 17, 2024. He was a past member of the Warsaw CUSD 316 Board of Education.

Harris Boeker, 96, died October 4, 2024. He had served as a member of the Chandlerville Board of Education in Cass County.

Boyd L. Boyer, 90, died October 20, 2024. He had served on the school board for Pearl City CUSD 200.

W.E. “Junior” Catey, 91, died November 13, 2024. He was a graduate of and former board member for Cumberland CUSD 77.

John Thomas Cherry, 93, died October 20, 2024. A member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, he was a teacher and coach at Carbondale Community High School and a board member at Unity Point SD 140.

Gilbert Duane Cisney, 83, died October 23, 2024. He had served on the school board for Hildalgo School in Jasper County.

Merilyn Daniels, 92, died October 13, 2024. Deeply committed to her community, at the time of her passing she was a member of the Wood Dale SD 7 Board of Education, and had been for 47 years. She was the longest-serving board member in DuPage County and a founding member of the Wood Dale Foundation for Education Excellence.

Dennis Paul Hamilton, 73, died October 30, 2024. A longtime first responder in the Utica and Oglesby communities, he had served on the board for Utica Schools in LaSalle County.

Paul Horman, 95, died November 22, 2024. He served on the Massac CUSD 1 school board for over 20 years and took considerable pride in his time with IASB at the state level.

William H. “Tad” Hutton, 88, died November 9, 2024. He had served on the school board for Cumberland CUSD 77.

Calvin Jackson, 89, died November 18, 2024. He served as a superintendent and later as a lobbyist with Illinois ASBO and was instrumental in the formation of the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance.

Louis King, 96, died November 18, 2024. He was a past member of the Creston CCSD 161 Board of Education.

Robin Klosterman, 73, died October 28, 2024. She had served on the school board for Effingham CUSD 40.

Richard Knecht, 85, died November 18, 2024. He had served on the Lowpoint-Washburn CUSD 21 school board.

David Lorenzen, 92, died October 11, 2024. He was a member of the Chrisman Board of Education in Edgar County.

Phillip McAlearney, 89, died November 18, 2024. He was a school principal and later a member of the board for Farmington Central CUSD 265.

Gloria McNett, 92, died November 8, 2024. She was a school board member for over 20 years, serving on the boards of education for Washington SD 52 and Washington CUSD 308.

John J. Meyer, 93, died November 19, 2024. He had served on the school board for Rutland CCSD 230.

Chris C. Miller, 77, died November 17, 2024. He was a past member of the Eureka CUSD 140 Board of Education.

Ralph Noe, 93, died August 14, 2024. He served on the school board for Riverview CCSD 2 in East Peoria from 1991 to 1999.

Richard B. “Dick” Pott, 96, died October 6, 2024. He had served on the school board for J. Sterling Morton HSD 201.

Margaret “Marge” Reavis, 71, died October 29, 2024. She was a past member of the IASB staff in the Business Services office.

Raymond Edward Richard, 97, died October 12, 2024. Recognized as a “Lexington Legend,” he served as a member of the Lexington CUSD 7 school board.

Ellis Stabler, 94, died November 11, 2024. He was a member of the board for Neponset Schools in Henry County.

Larry L. Summers, 79, died October 9, 2024. He was a former member and president of the Waverly CUSD 6 school board.

Shirley D. Sweet, 90, died November 5, 2024. She had served on the Durand CUSD 322 Board of Education.

Wayne William Weeke, 88, died November 6, 2024. He served on the school board for Signal Hill SD 181 and was past president of the National Association of Candy Distributors. 

IASB accepts and appreciates contributions to the Milestones section of the Illinois School Board Journal. Please send the information to communications@iasb.com.

“Schools taking on the work of teaching Indigenous histories must understand how schools have historically been tools for violence, land theft, and assimilation against Native students and communities. … A reparative response to this history involves telling honest, difficult histories. And it also involves lifting up histories of Native people who, in the context of school violence, found ways to create or safeguard affirming spaces for all learners.

“While Teaching for Native American Heritage Month, Remember the Troubling Role of Schools in Indigenous History,” by Meredith L. McCoy/Made by History, Time Magazine, November 25, 2024

The new [Vision 2030] makes recommendations on several aspects of public education, such as improving schools’ focus on college and career

readiness, enhancing student safety and well-being, and attracting and retaining a diverse educator workforce — all subjects that are routinely at the center of most discussions about education policy. But the groups also argue in the new report that it’s time to take a new look at the whole system of outcomes-based accountability for schools, something that has been a central focus of public education since the 1990s. They say the current system of grading schools based largely on standardized test scores fails to give an accurate picture of how well students are doing or what schools need to do to improve.”

“The next school reform push in Illinois: testing and accountability: Local officials say grading systems need fresh overhaul,” by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois, November 27, 2024

“Forty-seven Chicagoans, including 10 in District 10, tried to run for school board. But just four made it on the ballot … What played out in District 10 ... mirrored the dynamics and drama of the historic race across the city. On one hand, the election was a joyful, uplifting exercise in representation … On the other, the messiness of democracy was on full display, with reductive, misleading soundbites and big cash flowing into the races. It was tough for newcomer candidates without institutional backing or personal wealth to join the race, ... what, if anything, needs to be changed before voters pick school board members again in 2026?”

“Ballot challenges, big money, information gaps: How Chicago’s first school board elections played out,” by Mila Koumpilova, Chalkbeat Chicago, November 15, 2024

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