PRESS Issue 122 Now Available
Boards and others that subscribe to PRESS-Policy Reference Education Subscription Service may now find their June PRESS Issue 122, Update Memo, and Committee Worksheets at PRESS Online. PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 122 features updated material in response to the Equal Access Act, five-year reviews, and other legal developments. Members can access PRESS Online at www.iasb.com through their Member Profile. Boards that subscribe to PRESS Plus will receive a separate email regarding the customized Issue 122 draft updates available at their individual sites. Boards that subscribe to PRESS Plus do not need to download policy-related updates and materials from PRESS Online. A webinar, PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 122: Summertime Policy Updates, will be held on July 9 from Noon to 1 p.m.

School Board Governance Recognition Submissions Due August 1
The IASB "School Board Governance Recognition" program acknowledges school boards that learn and practice effective governance behaviors by participating in and supporting board development programs and events. The focus of this program is on full board development and participation. The submission deadline for the award is August 1.

Board Leader Recognition Program Continues
In the Board Leader Recognition Program, IASB recognizes school board members for the time and effort they devote to learning and leadership activities offered by the Association, and for their service to the public education community. Individuals who earn Board Leader Recognition status are recognized at IASB Division Meetings. All IASB school board members are automatically enrolled in the program when added to the district roster and registered for IASB events and activities.

Holly Jack Award Nominations Due September 15
Nominations for the 2026 Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award are due by 5 p.m. on September 15. The award honors the memory of longtime IASB administrative assistant, Holly Jack and her contributions, and recognizes the extraordinary work and service provided by administrative professionals who support their local boards of education.

School Design Project Entries Accepted Through July 10
The Exhibition of Educational Environments, sponsored by the IASB Service Associates, is an annual competition for outstanding school design projects. Entry deadline is July 10. Submissions must be made by the project’s architect firm. Details and entry information are available on the IASB website. Please reach out to Bridget Kusturin if you have any questions.

IASB Announces Three Staff Additions
The Illinois Association of School Boards welcomes three individuals to the team, representing Human Resources, Executive Searches, and Outreach & Training.

Tasha Lovelace has joined IASB as the Director of Human Resources. She brings over 10 years of HR leadership experience, including six years as an independent consultant. She completed her college education in the Minneapolis area, where she developed a strong foundation for her career in human resources and organizational leadership. Her recent roles include serving as a Human Resources Manager for a senior living facility and as a Human Resources Director for a nonprofit organization supporting girls throughout Central Illinois. Lovelace is passionate about helping organizations build strong teams, foster positive workplace cultures, and achieve people-focused goals. Lovelace will lead the Association's Human Resources functions, reporting to Deputy Executive Director & General Counsel Jeremy Duffy. Her primary office location will be in Springfield.

Beth Sagett-Flores, Ed.D., joins IASB as an Executive Search Consultant in the Lombard office. She holds a doctorate in Educational Administration from Illinois State University and has more than 35 years of experience in public education. Prior to joining IASB, she served as Superintendent of Golf SD 67, Director of Human Resources for Evanston/Skokie SD 65, and principal in both District 65 and Chicago Public Schools. She also serves as an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership Program at National Louis University. As an Executive Search Consultant, Sagett-Flores will partner with boards of education to recruit and select outstanding district leaders and facilitate superintendent search processes throughout Illinois.

Susan Stibal has joined IASB as Director of Outreach & Training, working from the Lombard office and primarily with the Kishwaukee, Northwest, and Lake divisions. She comes to the Association with over 15 years in educational sales, specializing in classroom furniture, school/safety supplies, and curriculum across Illinois and other states. With a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bradley University, Susan also spent over 20 years of combined public service on the school board of West Chicago SD 33 and the City of West Chicago Plan Commission/Zoning Board. Originally from Bartlett, Stibal is eager to apply her expertise to help build stronger school boards and to better our communities.

IASB Summer Schedule
The Illinois Association of School Boards offices in Springfield and Lombard will be closed on the following days, observing the Association’s traditional summer schedule: Friday, July 3 in honor of Independence Day, and Fridays, July 10, 17, and 24.