Archived Webinars

(4/20/2022) Mapping Your District's Equity Journey

Join members of the Illinois Council of School Attorneys Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee to discuss how to identify where you are on your equity journey and where you want to be, while planning for potholes, traffic jams, or express lanes along the way.

(2/3/2022) The Equity Journey Continuum

The Equity Journey Continuum is an informational tool to help districts view data through an equity lens to identify gaps in student achievement, opportunities, and supports.

(1/12/2022) EDI and The Language We Use

Discover how words are used and misused, how to make better word choices, and how to bring less bias and more inclusion and clarity to your words.

(2/25/2021) Living Our Mission: Our Journey in Working to Create Educational Equity in Champaign Unit 4

From the spring 2021 Illini Virtual Division Meeting

(11/19/2020) A Taste of Equity: An Educational Imperative

It takes both personal and organizational change to create educational equity in a school district. Explore how YOU can assist in creating an equitable school district for ALL students.

(8/6/2020) Are you Listening? Promoting Equity Through Student Voice at the Board Table

Latonya Simelton, Oswego SD 308 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator, and representatives from the SD 308 Board of Education will discuss their journey in magnifying student voices around equity and inclusion, and discuss steps your district can take to promote student voice at the board table.

(5/19/2022) Basics of Finance: Expenditures

Join Scott Beranek, Business Manager/CSBO from Lindop SD 92 and Katie Hannigan, Business Manager/CSBO from LaGrange Highlands SD 106 for an informative discussion of school district expenditure topics, including fund accounting, coding of expenditures, and the report of expenditures at the district level.

(5/12/2022) Basics of Finance: Revenues

Learn about the property tax cycle, Evidence-Based Funding, and other sources of revenue for school districts from Kyle Harding, Partner at Chapman and Cutler LLP; and Steve Miller, Executive Director for Business Operations at Schaumburg CCSD 54.

(8/26/2021) Budget time! What Board Members Need to Know

School boards across the state are approving district budgets for the upcoming year. What do board members need to know? What questions should be asked? How does the board monitor this work? Join Diane Robertson, former superintendent and current Illinois Association of School Administrator's Field Services Director for this timely topic.

(3/5/2021) Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts

From the spring 2021 Starved Rock Virtual Division Meeting.

(3/3/2021) Communicating with the Public about School Finances

From the spring 2021 Northwest Virtual Division Meeting

(7/13/2021) Policy Primer: An IASB Webinar

Understand your role in reviewing and adopting board policies. A school board governs using written policies. This webinar will explain the anatomy of a policy manual and provide an overview of how policies are reviewed and adopted.

(5/19/2021) IASB: Your Companion on the Journey

Welcome new board members! As you embark on your school board service journey, let IASB be your companion. In this webinar, learn what the Illinois Association of School Boards does to support member boards of education in pursuit of educational excellence.

(5/10/2022) Effective Resolutions: Your Voice for Change

Do state and federal laws frustrate your board of education’s initiatives? Join the IASB Resolutions Process and spark change for Illinois schools. In this webinar, the IASB Governmental Relations staff will discuss how your board of education can write and submit a resolution proposal and support it through the process to the Delegate Assembly. Plus, we introduce changes to the 2022 process.

(4/28/2022) When Online Critics Attack

How do you deal with social media criticism? Is it better to respond or remain silent? How do you handle an angry email? Join Brad Hughes, communications expert and former Kentucky School Boards Association staff member, as he covers these and other communications topics relevant to school board members.

(4/14/2022) Legislative Session Recap

The IASB Governmental Relations team will talk through the big issues, from the spring legislative session, that school district leadership teams need to be aware of. We will cover victories for schools, bills that will present a challenge, and how to stay engaged with the legislative process.

(3/2/2022) Designing an Effective Evaluation Process: The Board and Superintendent Partnership

Join Brian Bailey from SuperEval and a panel of superintendents and board presidents as they describe a superintendent evaluation system that includes setting clear expectations, collecting evidence, reflecting on performance, and engaging in meaningful conversations to drive professional growth and accountability.

(12/9/2021) Strategies to Protect Your District from Ransomware

Districts across the country have seen an increase in cyber and ransomware attacks. Get a basic understanding of these issues, understand the district’s action plan, and identify resources to support security efforts. Join David Schuler, Ph.D. and Tony Schlorff from THSD 214 (Arlington Heights) for this critical discussion.

(10/28/2021) Be a Better Board: Governance Lessons to Help You Improve

Effective boards clarify purpose, connect with the community, and monitor performance, all while maintaining productive relationships with the superintendent and each other. Join members of three boards — all School Board Governance Recognition honorees — to learn more about how they lead their districts with pride. Leading the discussion will be Eric Cowan from Mt. Pulaski CUSD 23, Michael McCormick of Geneva CUSD 304, and Judith Weinstock from Glenbard THSD 87.

(9/9/2021) Board & Superintendent: Proactive and Productive

Board members and superintendents have complementary roles. Boards focus on governing and superintendents focus on running the district. We need both parties to be proactive in maintaining a productive relationship. Learn from Superintendent Bhavna Sharma-Lewis and Board President Joy Hail from Diamond Lake School District 76 as they discuss how their relationship works for the benefit of the entire district.

(8/9/2021) Approaching Advocacy

Hear from members of the Governmental Relations staff of IASB on how together we can advocate for quality public education and excellence in local school board governance. Learn about the Resolutions Process that results in Position Statements that drive IASB’s advocacy efforts. Discover the resources and support that are available to your board. You will come away from this session with tools that you can use to make your collective voices heard.

(6/23/2021) Legislative Session Recap

The IASB Governmental Relations team talk through the big issues, from the spring legislative session, that school district leadership teams need to be aware of. We cover victories for schools, bills that present a challenge, and how to stay engaged with the legislative process.

(4/29/2021) How to Write an Effective IASB Resolution

Do you ever wish you could change the law to better meet the needs of your students, staff, and community and wonder “Where do I start?”  This webinar will not only explain the IASB Resolutions process but help you realize that participation in shaping the school board message is fundamental to shaping public school policy on the statewide and national scene.

(3/25/2021) Responding to the Budgetary and Funding Impacts of Illinois

From the spring 2021 South Cook Virtual Divison Meeting

(3/11/2021) Maximizing Student Learning During COVID

From the spring 2021 Kishwaukee Virtual Divison Meeting

(3/11/2021) The First 100 Days: Welcoming Your New Board Members To the Team

Join Dr. John Bartelt and Matthew Boebel from Bloomingdale SD 13 to learn about their journey in creating an orientation process and board handbook. In addition, learn the key steps to take in the first 100 days to help new members feel welcome.

(3/9/2021) Building Equity through Individualized Student Success Plans

From the spring 2021 Shawnee Virtual Division Meeting.

(3/5/2021) The New Normal: Social and Emotional Support for Everyone

From the spring 2021 Blackhawk Virtual Division Meeting.

(3/5/2021) The Art of School Boarding with Jim Burgett

From the spring 2021 Three Rivers Virtual Division Meeting.

(3/4/2021) The Art of Painless Negotiating

Negotiations are meant to expand relationships based on trust and lead to positive communication. Join Lisa M. Harrod and Jacob Emerson from Manteno CUSD 5 as they share strategies on preparing for negotiations, the role of the administration in creating proposals for the board, and how culture and climate prep work come into play before sitting down at the table together.

(3/2/2021) Mental Health First Aid for Students

From the spring 2021 Wabash Virtual Division Meeting

(3/2/2021) Unfinished Leadership - Michael Lubelfeld, Ed.D. and Nick Polyak, Ed.D. 

From the spring 2021 West Cook Virtual Division Meeting

(2/25/2021) Parliamentary Procedure for the Novice

Is it always in order to move to table a motion to the next meeting? How do I motion to refer to a committee? What good is Robert's Rules of Order? Learn answers to these questions and more in an overview of Robert's Rules that will focus on the fundamentals necessary to run an efficient meeting.

(10/29/2020) Working Together Effectively for Improved Student Outcomes

Leadership and governance may be two of the most important needs of our time. In periods of uncertainty, communities, families, students, and staff need all the stability we can provide. Learn more about what governance research suggests is most effective, and recommit to leading with vision and collaboration for improving student achievement in your school district.

(10/22/2020) IASB Executive Search Process

Selecting a superintendent or other key administrator may be the most important responsibility a board of education undertakes. Learn the steps and review the critical aspects of the process in this webinar, designed to assist boards of education anticipating a superintendent, assistant superintendent, business manager, director, or principal change. Join IASB Executive Searches staff Thomas F. Leahy, Dave Love, Alan Molby, James Helton, Tim Buss, Patricia Sullivan-Viniard, Ed.D, and Mary Torgler on October 22 at 1 p.m. for this event.

(10/1/2020) Strengthening your Core in a Time of Chaos

Gina Watts is an advocate, author, speaker, educator, and leader with a heart for service. Join Watts for a conversation designed to equip and empower leaders as they navigate challenges in the midst of crisis. An executive director with the John Maxwell Team of speakers, Watts will discuss the impact of COVID-19 as well as social unrest as it relates to systemic racism in our country.

(9/24/2020) Working Together as an Effective Board

Join Board Presidents Kathleen Conlon-Wasik, Kevin Daniels, and John Smith as they discuss the importance of working together effectively, leading to School Board Governance Recognition.

(9/3/2020) Virtual Education: Are Your Students Engaging…AND Learning?

 Join Michael English and Adam Cibulka from Forecast5 and Illinois superintendents John Langton from Addison SD 4 and Robert McBride from Lockport THSD 205 to discuss live data dashboards, connecting core student information to classroom activity data streams to track the quality of engagement in a virtual environment.

(7/23/2020) 14 Ways for School Boards to Improve School Mental Health

There is a mental health epidemic facing schools across the nation. Comprehensive school mental health systems build the foundations for schools to be able to create thriving environments and develop sustainable supports. Learn how a school board can be a vital partner.

(2/26/2020) Great Expectations: Board Member Responsibilities When Facing Community Dissent

The First Amendment, Illinois Open Meetings Act, and other rules and laws set forth important limitations on responses that boards and board members can take, even when a community member’s actions are arguably disruptive. Learn the key issues every board member should know on this important issue.

(1/10/2018) Board Members, Where in the World are your Social Media Policies?

Discover what policies/procedures apply to your social media usage and where you can find them.

(5/17/2022) PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 109: Spring Cleaning Edition

Join the PRESS Editors to do some spring cleaning of your policy manuals. We will review materials updated in response to the release of ISBE’s anaphylaxis model policy, the Health Care Right of Conscience Act, the Open Meetings Act, five-year reviews and other miscellaneous updates. Following the issue review, stay with us for an overview of customized PRESS Plus Issue.

(12/7/2021) PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 108: Keeping Your Board Up to Date

The long-awaited PRESS Issue 108 is here! Join the PRESS Editors for a two-part webinar to review new and updated material in response to the hundreds of bills passed by the 102nd General Assembly, as well as miscellaneous and five-year updates. We’ll review PRESS Issue 108 and then cover customized PRESS Plus Issue 108.

(8/25/2021) Open Meetings Act (OMA): A Deeper Discussion

Increase your understanding of OMA best practices. Having completed your required Open Meetings Act training, this webinar offers the opportunity for a deeper discussion surrounding the OMA. Topics to be covered include agendas, remote participation, public participation, exemptions for school boards to hold closed meetings, and general best practices.

(6/24/2021) PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 107: Conviction Records, SOPPA, and Summer Clean-up!

The long-awaited PRESS Issue 107 is here! Join the PRESS Editors to review new and updated material in response to PA 101-656 (use of conviction records), the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA), and more, plus five-year review updates. Then stay tuned for a look at customized PRESS Plus Issue 107.

(12/3/2020) PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 106 Housekeeping

Join the PRESS Editors on December 3, 2020 as we review additional new and updated material in response to the Education Omnibus Act, changes based on Illinois State Board of Education rules updates and guidance, and five-year review updates.

(8/19/2020) PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 105: Get Aligned With Title IX

The PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 105 feature new and updated material in response to new Title IX regulations.

(7/9/2020) PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 104: The Spring 2020 Triple Whammy!

March came in like a lion with the COVID-19 pandemic, but there were no lambs in sight this spring, creating a triple whammy of Policy Reference Manual updates in June PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 104.

(6/30/2020) PRESS Plus Frequently Asked Questions

Join us to hear the answers to frequently asked questions about how to get the most out of PRESS Plus, IASB’s customized, full-maintenance policy updating service.​

(4/9/2020) PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 103: Clean Up From the Legislative Storm

The legislative storm unleashed in the first year of the 101st General Assembly left much debris in its path, leading to a needed cleanup in March PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 103.

(11/14/2019) PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 102: In the Eye of the Legislative Storm

The legislative storm is here with PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 102, which affects the largest number of Policy Reference Manual (PRM) pages in the publication’s history.

(4/25/2019) From Distress to Success: Policies and Practices to Foster Student Mental Health and Well Being

Former Illinois state superintendent, author, and nationally recognized speaker Glenn “Max” McGee will explore existing beliefs about students’ mental health, examine “distressors” students are faced with, and propose changes in policies and practices that act to support student mental health

(9/2/2021) Handling Hostile Questions While Standing Your Ground

Given the open nature of school board meetings and the contentious issues addressed, knowing how to handle hostile questions and comments in the horseshoe is a key success skill for board members. This skill is about treating the question and questioner with respect and thus earning respect as a leader. The skill makes it easier for others to hear your perspective, without changing or softening your point of view. This session will introduce a method for handling hostile questions and invite members to practice handling hostile questions in break-out groups. Jim Bolton, a consultant, trainer, and executive coach from Ridge Training, will present.

(8/9/2021) Approaching Advocacy

Hear from members of the Governmental Relations staff of IASB on how together we can advocate for quality public education and excellence in local school board governance. Learn about the Resolutions Process that results in Position Statements that drive IASB’s advocacy efforts. Discover the resources and support that are available to your board. You will come away from this session with tools that you can use to make your collective voices heard.

(8/5/2021) Working Through Conflict and Gridlock

Conflict is defined as “competing needs accompanied by high emotion.” When people are flooded by emotions they become defensive, triggering defensiveness in others. Learn to de-escalate negativity and emotional gridlock that block the ability to address the important needs underlying strong points of view. Jim Bolton, a consultant, trainer, and executive coach from Ridge Training, will present.

(7/20/2021) Emotional Regulation: How to Stay Centered in The Storm

Stress pushes us to primitive parts of our brain, focused on survival instead of essential problem-solving skills for decision-making. Understanding emotional regulation will help board members function in meetings and guide understanding of student dysregulation and the importance of emotional regulation in schools. Presented by Licensed Clinical Psychologist Doug Bolton, Ph.D.

(7/6/2021) Building Mutual Understanding, Trust, and Respect Through Listening

Listening is the master skill underlying all communication. Intentional listening enhances board members’ understanding of the needs and goals of different viewpoints and improves relationships with stakeholders. Learn the skills required to be a better listener and to listen effectively when it counts. Jim Bolton, a consultant, trainer, and executive coach from Ridge Training, will present.

(6/1/2021) Communicating with Candor

High-stakes conversations have “candor moments,” when we feel strongly but can’t articulate it. In such moments, some people “bail out,” overwhelmed or shut down. Others “bruise” (metaphorically) by being harsh or overly assertive. Learn a third way, the way of candor, for respectful and open conversation. Jim Bolton, a consultant, trainer, and executive coach from Ridge Training, will present.

(5/10/2021) Introduction to Social and Emotional Leadership Skills

Join us for the first in a series of leadership webinars for Illinois school board members. Learn the social and emotional dynamics that underlie success and the skills that can help you be more effective in your role. In any learning community, student social and emotional learning begins with the adults, and it is essential that school boards understand SEL and how it applies. Doug Bolton, Ph.D. and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, is our presenter.

(3/31/2022) Student Voices on K-12 Education in Illinois

Each year a group of students is chosen from around the state to be student advisors to the Illinois State Board of Education. Join representatives of the Student Advisory Council as they share perspectives on topics such as the state response to COVID 19; achievement gaps; the diversity, equity, and inclusion framework; the teacher shortage; and the safety and emotional well-being of students.

(9/2/2021) What is Critical Race Theory?

Join Adrienne D. Dixson, Ph.D., from the University of Illinois, for a presentation on Critical Race Theory. What are the origins? What is it, and how is it different from what we teach in K-12 education?

(7/29/2021) Youth Suicide in Illinois: Data, Strategy, and Action for Prevention

Focusing on school systems in Illinois, join Northwestern University Professor Maryann Mason, Ph.D., and a panel of advocates for a discussion of youth suicide and how schools can work to prevent it.

(5/20/2021) Learning and Looking Ahead: Lessons from Three District Superintendents

This past year required strong, steady educational leadership as well as an eye toward opportunities. Join Illinois Superintendents Kathy Clark (Johnson City CUSD 1), Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat (Peoria SD 150) and Kevin Russell (Downers Grove GSD 58) for a discussion of lessons learned this year and how these lessons will inform the opening of school in the fall.

(5/6/2021) Safe2Help Illinois: Seek Help Before Harm

Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence, or other threats to school safety. This program is not intended to suspend, expel, or punish students but to get students to “Seek Help Before Harm.” Join Don Kauerauf, Chair of the Illinois Terrorism Taskforce (ITTF) to learn more about this program and how it can assist students in your district.