IASB News for February 2026
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Date PostedFebruary 26, 2026
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CategoryNews
Advocacy Day is March 24
Join fellow Illinois school board members on Tuesday, March 24, for IASB Advocacy Day at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield. This one-day event brings board members together to advocate for public education, connect directly with legislators, and share your district’s story. Registration has been extended through March 4.
Speakers at the event will include Deputy Governor for Education Martin Torres, House Leader Jay Hoffman, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, Senate Education Chair Meg Loughran Cappel, and House Education Chair Michelle Mussman.
The $50 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, and a day of policy briefings, advocacy skill-building, and meetings at the State Capitol, plus virtual advocacy prep sessions in advance to help you feel confident and prepared. Attendees will earn 15 Board Leader Recognition points.
Court Decisions Updated
IASB maintains a page of Recent Court and Agency Decisions Involving Board Work, which was updated with cases from December 2025 and January 2026. IASB's Office of General Counsel prepares these summaries, chosen from the Illinois Supreme and Appellate courts, federal court, agencies, the Illinois Public Access Counselor, and other tribunals issuing decisions of interest to, or that may affect, the work of Illinois school boards.
Board Presidents’ Academy Returns in June 2026
IASB will be presenting the Board President’s Academy on June 13 in Naperville and June 20 in Champaign. The 2026 Board Presidents’ Academy offers a full day of professional development for current and aspiring school board presidents and vice presidents. This year’s guest speaker is PJ Caposey, Ed. D., Superintendent of Oregon CUSD 220, who will present on The Power to Shape Futures: Leadership, Pressure, and Accountability. Caposey will address the dual nature of leadership — the honor and weight that it carries and the responsibility it demands. Registration is open. The registration fee is $199 and includes breakfast and lunch, plus a complimentary copy of Coming to Order: A Guide to Successful School Board Meetings. Participants will earn 10 Board Leader Recognition points
Administrative Professionals Lunch & Learns
IASB is offering two opportunities for in-person professional development designed specifically for Administrative Professionals. These sessions will take place in Springfield on April 10 and in Lombard on April 24, both from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Each event will include networking and lunch, followed by an in-depth look at FOIA. Registration cost is $50 and includes lunch. Contact Shantel Rotherham with questions.
Workshops for Your Board
A new in-district workshop is available for IASB members. Drawing from the bestseller Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott, this workshop will help your board address the uncomfortable truths that are stifling progress by cultivating transparent dialogue that sparks change. By mastering the art of fierce conversations and authentic discussions, school boards will see improved governance, stronger relationships, and greater overall fulfillment. Fierce Conversations is a type of Board Self-Evaluation. Contact an IASB Director of Outreach & Training for information and to schedule.
WELL Summit
The WELL Summit for 2026 will take place March 19–20, 2026 in East Peoria. WELL stands for “Women in Education Leading and Learning.” This event, presented by the Illinois Principals Association in partnership with 18 statewide organizations, is designed to empower, connect, inspire, support, celebrate and develop women in education. Visit the WELL Summit webpage to learn more.
IASB’s Division Meetings Are Underway
The first round of 2026 IASB Division Meetings is taking place through April. These events occur twice annually in each of IASB’s 21 regional divisions, and offer networking, professional development, peer recognition, and resources. Visit the IASB Division Meetings page for the most current info, to learn more, and to register.
Join fellow Illinois school board members on Tuesday, March 24, for IASB Advocacy Day at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield. This one-day event brings board members together to advocate for public education, connect directly with legislators, and share your district’s story. Registration has been extended through March 4.
Speakers at the event will include Deputy Governor for Education Martin Torres, House Leader Jay Hoffman, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, Senate Education Chair Meg Loughran Cappel, and House Education Chair Michelle Mussman.
The $50 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, and a day of policy briefings, advocacy skill-building, and meetings at the State Capitol, plus virtual advocacy prep sessions in advance to help you feel confident and prepared. Attendees will earn 15 Board Leader Recognition points.
Court Decisions Updated
IASB maintains a page of Recent Court and Agency Decisions Involving Board Work, which was updated with cases from December 2025 and January 2026. IASB's Office of General Counsel prepares these summaries, chosen from the Illinois Supreme and Appellate courts, federal court, agencies, the Illinois Public Access Counselor, and other tribunals issuing decisions of interest to, or that may affect, the work of Illinois school boards.
Board Presidents’ Academy Returns in June 2026
IASB will be presenting the Board President’s Academy on June 13 in Naperville and June 20 in Champaign. The 2026 Board Presidents’ Academy offers a full day of professional development for current and aspiring school board presidents and vice presidents. This year’s guest speaker is PJ Caposey, Ed. D., Superintendent of Oregon CUSD 220, who will present on The Power to Shape Futures: Leadership, Pressure, and Accountability. Caposey will address the dual nature of leadership — the honor and weight that it carries and the responsibility it demands. Registration is open. The registration fee is $199 and includes breakfast and lunch, plus a complimentary copy of Coming to Order: A Guide to Successful School Board Meetings. Participants will earn 10 Board Leader Recognition points
Administrative Professionals Lunch & Learns
IASB is offering two opportunities for in-person professional development designed specifically for Administrative Professionals. These sessions will take place in Springfield on April 10 and in Lombard on April 24, both from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Each event will include networking and lunch, followed by an in-depth look at FOIA. Registration cost is $50 and includes lunch. Contact Shantel Rotherham with questions.
Workshops for Your Board
A new in-district workshop is available for IASB members. Drawing from the bestseller Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott, this workshop will help your board address the uncomfortable truths that are stifling progress by cultivating transparent dialogue that sparks change. By mastering the art of fierce conversations and authentic discussions, school boards will see improved governance, stronger relationships, and greater overall fulfillment. Fierce Conversations is a type of Board Self-Evaluation. Contact an IASB Director of Outreach & Training for information and to schedule.
WELL Summit
The WELL Summit for 2026 will take place March 19–20, 2026 in East Peoria. WELL stands for “Women in Education Leading and Learning.” This event, presented by the Illinois Principals Association in partnership with 18 statewide organizations, is designed to empower, connect, inspire, support, celebrate and develop women in education. Visit the WELL Summit webpage to learn more.
IASB’s Division Meetings Are Underway
The first round of 2026 IASB Division Meetings is taking place through April. These events occur twice annually in each of IASB’s 21 regional divisions, and offer networking, professional development, peer recognition, and resources. Visit the IASB Division Meetings page for the most current info, to learn more, and to register.
