The mission of the Illinois Association of School Boards is excellence in local school governance and support of public education.

Therefore:

1. Boards of education will possess the means to understand, adopt and sustain effective school district governance.

1.1 Boards of Education will focus their leadership on student achievement.

1.2 Boards of Education will build a community-based vision for their district and will make decisions, address problems and concerns, and communicate a district culture consistent with that vision.

1.3 Board members will demonstrate the qualities and skills of leadership including the following:

• understanding the role of the board and the role of the superintendent.
• consensus building.
• interpreting and using data to monitor progress toward vision and compliance with policy.
• communication skills (listening, public speaking, etc.)

In order to achieve these ENDS, IASB will:

1. develop and provide standards and resources supporting effective school district governance;
2. develop and provide a comprehensive training program to support effective school district governance;
3. develop and implement on-going evaluation of its standards, resources and training programs and their effectiveness.

2. Boards of education and board members will become advocates for legislation that benefits Illinois school districts.

In order to achieve this END, IASB will:

1. focus lobbying efforts on position statements.
2. develop information and strategies to assist boards of education and board members in their efforts to lobby for positive educational funding reform.

3. Boards of education and board members will promote public awareness of the value of public education.

3.1 Boards of Education and board members recognize and communicate that public education is vital to a democracy.

3.2 Boards of Education and board members engage in proactive public relations efforts to inform the public regarding the successes and challenges of public schools.

4. Effective school district governance will be enhanced through pro-active, partnering relationships with state and national organizations, associations and government.