Division Meetings Begin in September
IASB Division Meetings provide opportunities to connect and learn with other board members and to discuss current issues impacting public education. The next round of Division Meetings will take place in September and October and will feature presentations on the implementation of artificial intelligence in schools, AI-related risk management, rural education challenges, advocacy efforts, and more. Visit the Division Meetings page to view the schedule and register.

IASB Board of Directors Approves Five-Year Strategic Plan
The IASB Board of Directors has reviewed and adopted the Strategic Plan 2027-2032. Key initiatives include enhancing members' digital technology experience and strengthening advocacy efforts. The plan also advances a member engagement strategy tailored to different district types and board member interests and roles, while maintaining the Association's regional division meeting and governance structures. The new Strategic Plan is the result of a months-long process in which IASB sought members' insights to analyze opportunities, evaluate needs, and prioritize the plan’s major components. The result is a five-year plan, guided by IASB’s vision and mission.

Watch for the Resolutions Committee Report in September
The IASB Resolutions Process for 2026 continues. The Resolutions Committee met in early August and made recommendations on the proposed resolutions. The Resolutions Committee Report will be published in early September, sent to each member district, and posted on the IASB website. The report includes a summary, the Committee’s recommendation, and the voting rationale for each resolution. The Delegate Assembly will meet on November 21 in Chicago in conjunction with the Joint Annual Conference to vote on the Committee’s recommendations. Each IASB member district is entitled to one voting delegate at the meeting. More information will be available in early September.

News and Information for Elections & Candidates
School board candidates can start circulating nominating petitions for signatures for the April 6, 2027, Consolidated Election as of August 25. The filing period is November 16-23, 2026.

IASB is planning a series of webinars starting in mid-September for interested candidates with topics covering the role of the school board, petition circulation and filing, and what candidates need to know about the Statement of Economic Interest. Details on those will be available via the IASB School Board Elections page, which offers resources and materials to assist school board candidates with navigating the election process and understanding the duties and responsibilities of an effective school leader.

Introducing Storytellers
The Storytellers Library, now available in the IASB Community, features recorded stories from school board members sharing their experiences, motivations for service, and commitment to public education advocacy. Visit the IASB Storytellers webpage to listen to member stories and learn how to share your own.

Countdown to Conference
The Online Planner for the 2026 Joint Annual Conference is available now. Find out what’s new at the Joint Annual Conference by visiting the Conference webpage or reading the latest in Conference news. The Joint Annual Conference will take place November 20-22, 2026. Registration is open, and early-bird rates continue until October 15.