Communications Corner: Recharged

By Kara Kienzler
Journal | January/February 2022 
 
If there was one word I heard over and over from school board members and staff when describing the 2021 IASB/IASA/IASBO Joint Annual Conference, it was “energy.” So much positive energy.
 
I experienced it myself as I walked down the Grand Hall Foyer of the Hyatt Regency on Day 1 of the Conference. So many smiling eyes. School board members, administrators, and other professionals gathered and were eager to learn and share their experiences from the last two years. This enthusiasm carried through each day of the Conference. 
 
If you attended the Conference on November 19-21 in person, I can only hope you experienced a similar recharge. Thank you to all the education leaders and staff who made the 2021 Joint Annual Conference not only a successful learning event, but a safe one.  
 
The last day of the Joint Annual Conference is typically the day the IASB Board of Directors meets to reorganize under new leadership, and 2021 was no exception. Simon Kampwerth Jr. of Peru ESD 124 was elected IASB President. Mark Harms of Flanagan-Cornell USD 74 is the Association’s new Vice President. Thomas Neeley of Morton CUSD 709 now undertakes the role of Immediate Past President. I hope you will join me in thanking Joanne Osmond, IASB President for 2018 and 2019, for her service.  
 
Promoting effective school board governance is our mission. As the Association continues Lighting The Way in the new year, watch for more learning and leadership development opportunities in-person and online as well as multiple formats for content delivery. IASB will host a collective bargaining virtual event in January. A revised book about what school board members should know before bargaining is now available from IASB. Collective Bargaining and the Illinois School Board Member, now in its fourth edition, provides practical insights into school labor relations in the context of Illinois law. It is meant to be read before you bargain. The book is available to purchase in physical book format, or it can be purchased in a digital .ePub file format for reading on electronic reading devices. You can find this title and keep up with other information and updates from the Association at iasb.com.
 
In 2022, IASB staff remain committed to continuous improvement in programs and services offered to local boards of education. We will survey members this spring to gauge satisfaction levels. Understanding the changing needs of members and member districts, whether it be information, training, networking, or direct services, will guide our work.  
 
IASB is here to support you with resources and information for you to effectively advocate for your schools, for success for every child, and for the future of public education.
 
Kara Kienzler is IASB’s Associate Executive Director for Communications and Production Services.