IASA Podcast

Illinois school districts are facing rising utility costs, volatile energy markets, and a flood of vendor pitches — and it can be hard to know where to turn. In this episode, IASA Director of Communications Jason Nevel sits down with Andrew Bittner, Director of the Illinois Energy Consortium Powered by Future Green, to break down what's driving energy cost increases, how collective purchasing protects districts, and how the IEC's no-cost program helps cut through the noise and create a clear path forward.

IASA Associate Director of Professional Learning Dr. Dawn Bridges joins Franklin Covey consultant Dr. Candace Singh, Lake County Regional Superintendent Dr. Michael Karner, and South Cook ISC Executive Director Dr. Anthony Marinello to discuss Aligned to Lead — a 1.5-day summer workshop helping district leadership teams get focused and aligned before the school year starts. Sessions are July 20-21 in South Cook and July 23-24 in Lake County. Register at iasa.org.

Data is only useful if you know what to do with it. In this episode, we talk with Andrew Langlois, Data Strategist for DeKalb CUSD 428, and Susie Manikas, Senior Account Executive for SchoolData.net, about how one Illinois district is turning raw data into real decisions. Seven months into their implementation, Andrew shares what's changed — and what other superintendents should know before they start.

Every school district communicates with the families of current students — but what about everyone else? Retirees, young professionals, and longtime residents all have a stake in local education, even if they don't have kids in your buildings. In this episode, Craig Williams, founder of IASA Corporate Partner Journey 12, joins superintendents Dr. Jennifer Garrison of Vandalia CUSD #203 and Sherri Smith of Forrestville Valley CUSD #221 to discuss how a strategic storytelling partner can help districts reach their whole community — through print, video, podcasts, and more. If you've ever wondered how to build trust beyond your existing parent base, this episode is for you.

Superintendents Dr. Kristin Humphries of East Moline SchoolDistrict #37, Dr. Jay Morrow of United Township HSD #30, and Dr. Michael Ruff of Colona School District #190 joined the IASA Podcast to share how their districts partnered to build the Common Ground Wi-Fi network — a community-widemesh network covering 40 square miles in the Quad Cities region that provides internet access to all.

Argonne National Laboratory is inviting Illinois educators to the AI Education STME jam event on March 2 in Lemont. In this episode, learn what inspired Argonne to host the event, why the scientific community wants to partner with educators and what's on the agenda.

In this episode, Dr. Daryl Hogue discusses his innovative approach to college and career readiness at Riverbend CUSD #2. From a highly successful work study program to student-run businesses and paid construction internships, Dr. Hogue shares how rural districts can partner with employers to create meaningful opportunities for students.

In this episode, Emily Warnecke, IASA Chief of Staff, breaks down how EBF and mandated categoricals work together, why the gap in state reimbursements is creating real pressure on local budgets, and what superintendents can do to advocate effectively during this year's budget season. We'll also walk through the tools and resources IASA has created in the Driving Success campaign to support your advocacy efforts with legislators and community stakeholders.

In this episode, we dive deep into why district leaders need to cultivate a future-focused school system and explore how IASA's upcoming workshop series, Leading a Future-Focused School System Through AI, can set superintendents up for success. Registration is open on the IASA website.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Nathan Schilling, superintendent of Lansing SD #158. Dr. Schilling is the co-author of a new research paper in the Journal of Educational Administration titled, "Superintendent Resilience: A Qualitative Exploration of Resilience Leadership Skills."

In this episode, IASA speaks to Dr. Nick Polyak, the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year, about successes during his 17-year tenure at Leyden CHSD #212. At the end of the podcast, we talk about the Aspiring Superintendent Academy and advice he has for new district leaders.

As part of the Illinois Vision 2030 School Safety Initiative, IASA has partnered with the Illinois Fire Service (IFSI) Institute to raise awareness of free, comprehensive crisis response and reunification training available to school districts across Illinois. In this episode, hear from JP Moore, Deputy Director of the Illinois Fire Service Institute; Mary Vogt, Superintendent of Bement CUSD #5 and Dr. Dawn Bridges about what this training consists of, why it is important and the benefit it can have with your community and staff.

Learn about IASA's new bi-monthly virtual meetings designed to give school district leaders bite-sized, digestible AI learning in 15 minutes or less. This podcast features the leaders of the virtual series: Dr. Nick Sutton, superintendent of Addison School District #4; Brian Bates, Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning for the Learning Technology Center; Dr. Dawn Bridges, Associate Director of Professional Learning for IASA

With less than a month until IASA's Annual Conference, join us for an inside look at what's in store for attendees. We'll highlight key speakers, dive into the exciting breakout sessions planned, and explore why IASA selected "Pathways to the Future: Innovating for the Next Generation" as this year's conference theme. Whether you're already registered or still deciding, this episode will help you make the most of your conference experience and understand how the event connects to the future of our industry.

In this episode, Dr. Ben Collins, superintendent of Park Ridge CCSD #64, and Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Springfield SD #186, discuss the importance of documenting progress and providing updates to your community during major school construction projects. Each superintendent has placed a strong emphasis on communications that has led to an increase in community engagement.

In this episode, we talk to Superintendent Jason Hayes about how a focus on data and continuous school improvement helped the Massac School District accelerate learning. The southern Illinois district 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 3 of an 11-part series of Illinois school districts who made the ⁠list⁠.

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.