Online registration for the 2017 Joint Annual Conference opened on Monday, June 19. Registration and housing information is available on the Conference website. For the latest updates, follow the news on the Illinois School Board News Blog, and on IASB's Twitter feed and Facebook page by using the Conference hashtag, #ILjac17.

Readers of the July/August issue of The Illinois School Board Journal will discover many words of wisdom for new board members, as shared experienced board members from all over the state. Also, attorney Scott F. Uhler details what you need to know about using your personal electronic device for public business. "From rigor to reality, revisited" looks at the impact of the changes in the state rules and regulations in the number of teacher and administrator candidates in Illinois. Finally, discover the relationship-building aspects of advocacy with Cynthia Woods, who recently retired as IASB's director of advocacy.

Compiled each week during sessions of the General Assembly and as needed during off-session times, Alliance Legislative Reports summarize major legislative activities and bills of interest to school leaders. Read the latest ALR here (8/16/17).