New IASB In-District Workshop: Conflict Resolution
The IASB Conflict Resolution Workshop is a highly customized, issue-specific session focused on addressing conflicts stemming from actions of members of the board and/or governance team. This workshop strives to inform the board-collective of issues or conflicts, promote collaboration toward resolution, and develop practices to minimize the impact of future internal challenges. The workshop will focus on seeking resolutions from a board governance perspective, grounded in the IASB Foundational Principles of Effective Governance. This collaborative approach to conflict resolution encourages open dialogue and helps governance team members work together more effectively toward shared goals. Contact an IASB Director of Outreach & Training to learn more and to schedule an in-district workshop. 

Finance and Election Data Updated
IASB tracks election results from referenda throughout the state each election cycle and maintains statistics of school finance referenda for building bond issues, school tax rate propositions, and county facility sales tax questions. The charts track historic data and have been updated to include the results from the March 17, 2026, General Primary Election.

Listen Up: IASB Offers Podcasts
Inside IASB is a podcast series dedicated to informing and encouraging Illinois school board members through interviews with IASB staff and board members from across the state. New episodes are published every other Wednesday. Listeners are encouraged to follow the podcast on their preferred podcast platform, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, or RSS feed. The latest installment of Inside IASB is How and Why the Board Employs a Superintendent.

 Conference Registration Opens June 1
Board members and all school leaders are invited to the 2026 Joint Annual Conference, November 20-22 in Chicago, where innovation, leadership, and real-world solutions come together to move Illinois schools forward. Registration for this year’s event will open on Monday, June 1. A webinar, A Guide to Joint Annual Conference Registration, will take place on May 21 at noon. IASB staff will demonstrate the registration process and provide tips and instructions for individuals registering members of their district.

Register Now for the 2026 Board Presidents' Academy
Registration is open for the 2026 Board Presidents’ Academy, which offers a full day of professional development for current and aspiring school board presidents and vice presidents. Registration is $199 and includes breakfast and lunch, plus a complimentary copy of Coming to Order: A Guide to Successful School Board Meetings. Registration is open and details are available at the Board Presidents' Academy webpage.

Applications Are Available for School Board Governance Recognition
IASB’s School Board Governance Recognition program acknowledges school boards that learn and practice effective governance behaviors as identified in IASB's Foundational Principles of Effective Governance through participation in and support for board development programs and events, with a focus on full board development and participation. Review the application submission guidelines and prepare your materials for your board of education’s Governance Recognition Application. The submission deadline for the award is August 1. Learn more about the program on the School Board Governance Recognition webpage. 

Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award Nominations
Nomination forms for the 2026 Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award(Opens in a new window) are now available. Named in memory of longtime IASB Administrative Assistant Holly Jack, the annual award is given to one administrative professional who exhibits a passion for public education and goes beyond the expectations of their position. The deadline to submit application forms and nomination letters is September 15.