IASB-ISBE Advisory Group Invitation
IASB members are invited to meet with Dr. Tony Sanders, State Superintendent, and ISBE staff for an hour-long session to discuss topics proposed by local boards. The next meeting will be in-person, at the IASB office in Springfield on May 12 at 10:30 a.m. If you are interested in participating, please email Jody Burtnett, IASB Executive Assistant.

IASB Resource Library Available in Community
The IASB Community members-only online platform now offers members access to Association resources, including the IASB Board Governance Policies and the IASB Constitution and Position Statements. Look for the "IASB Resource Library" under "Browse" in the site navigation. IASB Community provides access to an online group of peers, using a platform convenient for networking, seeking, sharing, and connecting with fellow IASB members.

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. 

IASB Presents a New Workshop for Superintendent Transitions
The Illinois Association of School Boards has added a new in-district workshop, Board Readiness for Its Superintendent Transition, offering valuable insights and resources to help boards of education take a proactive approach as they prepare for an incoming superintendent. This workshop presents 14 areas boards should consider as the district transitions from one superintendent to another. Each area requires careful planning and leads to a structured way to prepare for a change in district leadership. Board Readiness for Its Superintendent Transition is one of many in-district workshops that IASB has developed for the school board and superintendent leadership team. Contact an IASB Director of Outreach & Training to schedule a workshop.

2026 Joint Annual Conference Scholarships
IASB will again offer the Joint Annual Conference Scholarship Program in 2026. The scholarships cover the Joint Annual Conference registration fee ($560), a daily meal allotment, and an allowable expense reimbursement for transportation and incidentals. Districts will be responsible for costs associated with housing. Board members who have never previously attended the Conference, or districts that have not recently sent any members of their board of education to Conference, are encouraged to apply. The deadline for completing the online application is April 15. The 2026 Joint Annual Conference will take place November 20-22 in Chicago.

Latest Journal Looks at Legacies and Learning Spaces
The March/April issue of the Illinois School Board Journal presents the latest thinking on new and reimagined learning environments. Featured articles examine how healthy, high-performing schools optimize the physical environment, the importance of honoring legacy while modernizing facilities, and how to keep schools child-centered while meeting 21st-century academic requirements. Other highlights include successful advocacy, preparing for a superintendent transition, sustainability efforts to reinforce public trust, and an update on IASB’s member-driven strategic plan.

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.

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.

Tasha Levy Memorial Scholarship
The Joint Annual Conference Tasha Levy Administrative Professionals Scholarship was created to honor the life and legacy of Tasha Levy, whose kindness, dedication, and warmth had a profound impact on her colleagues and the members she served at IASB. Applicants are encouraged to reflect on the values Tasha held dear — kindness, growth, and impacting the lives of others, and how they plan to carry those values forward in their work and communities. The online application will be available on April 1 and the deadline to complete applications is April 30. 

Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award Nominations
Nomination forms for the 2026 Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award 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.

Upcoming Events
The IASB Events Calendar is your source for upcoming Association events, including webinars, Division Meetings, and more. 

IASB Welcomes Two to Events Management Staff
Two individuals joined the IASB Events Management team in March. 

Ashley Hall joins IASB as the Assistant Director for Events Management, based in the Springfield office. Hall holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Aurora University with a minor in Professional Sales. She joins IASB after serving as a Career and Completion Coach at Richland Community College, where she led campus and community-wide engagement initiatives and developed strategic institutional partnerships across the state. With over 15 years of experience spanning both the service industry and higher education, Hall specializes in coordinating high-volume events, managing complex logistics, and building stakeholder relations. She will be supporting the IASB with the strategic planning and operational execution of the Joint Annual Conference and other member initiatives.

Heather Peloquin joins IASB as Assistant Manager for Exhibits and Events in the Events Management Department. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She has spent over 17 years in operations supporting a non-profit educational consulting organization. Based in the Lombard office, Peloquin’s primary responsibilities include supporting and collaborating with exhibitors for the Joint Annual Conference and working with the Events Management Department on other initiatives.