Day 2: Sharing the Success

Day Two, the Saturday of the 2025 Joint Annual Conference, opened to the rhythm of the River Trails Middle School Steel Drum Band, and their energy continued throughout the day.

Damon West, the speaker at the Second General Session, brought the parable of a coffee bean (which turns the adversity of boiling water into something good, in this case coffee). The “coffee bean” instantly became a catchphrase for the Conference. West shares personal tales of resilience, noting that “On the other side of adversity is the best version of us” and that we all have the power for servant leadership.

West was introduced, and opening remarks presented, by Edward J. Brophy, president of Illinois ASBO.

Later in the day, the IASB member boards of education participated in the Association’s annual Delegate Assembly, which established the direction of the Association’s advocacy efforts and updated the IASB Constitution. The assembly also voted on new leadership for the coming two-year term. President Tracie Sayre (Triopia CUSD 27 in Concord) and Vice President Alva Kreutzer (THSD 214 in Arlington Heights) were elected by the membership.

Saturday was the second day of the Exhibit Trade Show, where hundreds of vendors and service providers met with thousands of school district decision-makers in a lively and productive atmosphere. The IASB Member Hub offered information, and the new Rest and Relax Lounge offered respite to all Conference attendees.

Meanwhile, participants could attend any of the dozens of Panel Sessions offered, including 34 "Share the Success" panels presented by member school districts. Spotlight Sessions were offered, featuring “Creating a #NoGhost Culture: Every Person Matters,” presented by Phil Boyte, and “Harnessing the Power of Belonging in Schools,” presented by Doug Bolton, Ph.D.