Association Continues Work on Member-Driven Strategic Plan
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Date PostedJanuary 22, 2026
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CategoryNews
The first phase of IASB’s initiative to develop a member-driven strategic plan is nearing completion as the planning team seeks deeper engagement through member segment focus groups.
Last fall, Illinois school board members were asked to complete an online survey to assess member needs. IASB’s strategic planning consultants also conducted a series of partner interviews, an environmental scan of leadership, and a staff feedback session.
Board member focus groups will meet virtually next month to gather richer insights from diverse member segments. The five focus groups are: division leaders, large districts, medium-sized districts, small/rural school districts, and high percentage free and reduced lunch districts.
Following data collection and feedback, strategic planning consultants will meet with a core planning team comprised of IASB staff and members to review the findings and begin shaping strategic priorities. Work sessions are scheduled for this spring.
The goal of this strategic initiative is to develop a plan to be implemented late summer for the start of IASB's 2027 fiscal year.
“We want to develop a strategic plan that aligns with the needs of our member boards and supports IASB’s mission,” said IASB Executive Director Kimberly A. Small, J.D. “Inviting school board members into the planning process will help the Association prioritize programs, services, and investments that are most relevant and impactful.”
The core planning team includes board members Elizabeth Fox Anvick (Bloomington SD 87), Wenda Hunt (Palatine CCSD 15), Jeffrey Johnson (Kewanee CUSD 229), Sue Kerr (School District U-46), Alva Kreutzer (THSD 214), Heather LoBue (O'Fallon THSD 203), Kevin McAllister (Cairo USD 1), Amanda McMillen (Naperville CUSD 203), Rodney Phelps (Galesburg CUSD 205), Tracie Sayre (Triopia CUSD 27), Marc Tepper (Kildeer-Countryside CCSD 96), Wilbur Tillman (Dolton SD 149), Matt Titus (Charleston CUSD 1), Chris Trzeciak (Homer CCSD 33C), Chad Weaver (Hutsonville CUSD 1); and IASB staff members Kimberly Small, Jeremy Duffy, Lori Grant, and Kara Kienzler.
Last fall, Illinois school board members were asked to complete an online survey to assess member needs. IASB’s strategic planning consultants also conducted a series of partner interviews, an environmental scan of leadership, and a staff feedback session.
Board member focus groups will meet virtually next month to gather richer insights from diverse member segments. The five focus groups are: division leaders, large districts, medium-sized districts, small/rural school districts, and high percentage free and reduced lunch districts.
Following data collection and feedback, strategic planning consultants will meet with a core planning team comprised of IASB staff and members to review the findings and begin shaping strategic priorities. Work sessions are scheduled for this spring.
The goal of this strategic initiative is to develop a plan to be implemented late summer for the start of IASB's 2027 fiscal year.
“We want to develop a strategic plan that aligns with the needs of our member boards and supports IASB’s mission,” said IASB Executive Director Kimberly A. Small, J.D. “Inviting school board members into the planning process will help the Association prioritize programs, services, and investments that are most relevant and impactful.”
The core planning team includes board members Elizabeth Fox Anvick (Bloomington SD 87), Wenda Hunt (Palatine CCSD 15), Jeffrey Johnson (Kewanee CUSD 229), Sue Kerr (School District U-46), Alva Kreutzer (THSD 214), Heather LoBue (O'Fallon THSD 203), Kevin McAllister (Cairo USD 1), Amanda McMillen (Naperville CUSD 203), Rodney Phelps (Galesburg CUSD 205), Tracie Sayre (Triopia CUSD 27), Marc Tepper (Kildeer-Countryside CCSD 96), Wilbur Tillman (Dolton SD 149), Matt Titus (Charleston CUSD 1), Chris Trzeciak (Homer CCSD 33C), Chad Weaver (Hutsonville CUSD 1); and IASB staff members Kimberly Small, Jeremy Duffy, Lori Grant, and Kara Kienzler.
