IASA Podcast

In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we sit down with a Palos Heights School District 128 administrator to discuss the district's Screen-Free Summer initiative, a community-wide effort to get kids off devices and into enriching, hands-on experiences. From a family event drawing dozens of community partners to a summer challenge designed to keep the momentum going, Palos Heights offers a replic...

Illinois school districts are facing rising utility costs, volatile energy markets, and a flood of vendor pitches — and it can be hard to know where to turn. In this episode, IASA Director of Communications Jason Nevel sits down with Andrew Bittner, Director of the Illinois Energy Consortium Powered by Future Green, to break down what's driving energy cost increases, how collective purchasing...

IASA Associate Director of Professional Learning Dr. Dawn Bridges joins Franklin Covey consultant Dr. Candace Singh, Lake County Regional Superintendent Dr. Michael Karner, and South Cook ISC Executive Director Dr. Anthony Marinello to discuss Aligned to Lead — a 1.5-day summer workshop helping district leadership teams get focused and aligned before the school year starts. Sessions are July 20-21...

Data is only useful if you know what to do with it. In this episode, we talk with Andrew Langlois, Data Strategist for DeKalb CUSD 428, and Susie Manikas, Senior Account Executive for SchoolData.net , about how one Illinois district is turning raw data into real decisions. Seven months into their implementation, Andrew shares what's changed — and what other superintendents should know before t...

Every school district communicates with the families of current students — but what about everyone else? Retirees, young professionals, and longtime residents all have a stake in local education, even if they don't have kids in your buildings. In this episode, Craig Williams, founder of IASA Corporate Partner Journey 12, joins superintendents Dr. Jennifer Garrison of Vandalia CUSD #203 and She...

Superintendents Dr. Kristin Humphries of East Moline SchoolDistrict #37, Dr. Jay Morrow of United Township HSD #30, and Dr. Michael Ruff of Colona School District #190 joined the IASA Podcast to share how their districts partnered to build the Common Ground Wi-Fi network — a community-widemesh network covering 40 square miles in the Quad Cities region that provides internet access to all.

Argonne National Laboratory is inviting Illinois educators to the AI Education STME jam event on March 2 in Lemont. In this episode, learn what inspired Argonne to host the event, why the scientific community wants to partner with educators and what's on the agenda.

In this episode, Dr. Daryl Hogue discusses his innovative approach to college and career readiness at Riverbend CUSD #2. From a highly successful work study program to student-run businesses and paid construction internships, Dr. Hogue shares how rural districts can partner with employers to create meaningful opportunities for students.

In this episode, Emily Warnecke, IASA Chief of Staff, breaks down how EBF and mandated categoricals work together, why the gap in state reimbursements is creating real pressure on local budgets, and what superintendents can do to advocate effectively during this year's budget season. We'll also walk through the tools and resources IASA has created in the Driving Success campaign to support...

In this episode, we dive deep into why district leaders need to cultivate a future-focused school system and explore how IASA's upcoming workshop series, Leading a Future-Focused School System Through AI, can set superintendents up for success. Registration is open on the IASA website.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Nathan Schilling, superintendent of Lansing SD #158. Dr. Schilling is the co-author of a new research paper in the Journal of Educational Administration titled, "Superintendent Resilience: A Qualitative Exploration of Resilience Leadership Skills."

In this episode, IASA speaks to Dr. Nick Polyak, the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year, about successes during his 17-year tenure at Leyden CHSD #212. At the end of the podcast, we talk about the Aspiring Superintendent Academy and advice he has for new district leaders.

As part of the Illinois Vision 2030 School Safety Initiative, IASA has partnered with the Illinois Fire Service (IFSI) Institute to raise awareness of free, comprehensive crisis response and reunification training available to school districts across Illinois. In this episode, hear from JP Moore, Deputy Director of the Illinois Fire Service Institute; Mary Vogt, Superintendent of Bement CUSD #5 an...

Learn about IASA's new bi-monthly virtual meetings designed to give school district leaders bite-sized, digestible AI learning in 15 minutes or less. This podcast features the leaders of the virtual series: Dr. Nick Sutton, superintendent of Addison School District #4; Brian Bates, Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning for the Learning Technology Center; Dr. Dawn Bridges, Assoc...

With less than a month until IASA's Annual Conference, join us for an inside look at what's in store for attendees. We'll highlight key speakers, dive into the exciting breakout sessions planned, and explore why IASA selected "Pathways to the Future: Innovating for the Next Generation" as this year's conference theme. Whether you're already registered or still decidin...

In this episode, Dr. Ben Collins, superintendent of Park Ridge CCSD #64, and Jennifer Gill, superintendent of Springfield SD #186, discuss the importance of documenting progress and providing updates to your community during major school construction projects. Each superintendent has placed a strong emphasis on communications that has led to an increase in community engagement.

In this episode, we talk to Superintendent Jason Hayes about how a focus on data and continuous school improvement helped the Massac School District accelerate learning. The southern Illinois district was  ⁠identified by researchers⁠  as one of the 100-plus districts nationwide performing above pre-pandemic levels in reading and math. This episode is part 3 of an 11-part series of Illinois school...

Locally sourced food and scratch cooking. In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we talk to Matt Hickam, Regional Superintendent of ROE 30, and Greg Christian, CEO of Beyond Green Partners, about efforts to leverage a state grant to implement scratch cooking in Cobden and Murphysboro schools.

In this episode, Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois' State Superintendent, discusses how ​the Illinois State Board of Education is engaging stakeholders in the redesign of its system of assessment, accountability and statewide support. ISBE is currently conducting a Listening Tour to gather feedback. Click here to view dates and locations.

In this episode, we talk to Superintendent Dr. Kelly Gallt about how a focus on data and continuous school improvement helped the district not only recover , but accelerate students past pre-pandemic levels. Lake Zurich CUSD 95 was identified by researchers as one of the 100-plus districts nationwide performing above pre-pandemic levels in reading and math. This episode is part 2 of an 11-part ser...

In this episode, we detail how IASA’s upcoming Super Region workshops series can help educators build AI capacity in their school districts, streamline operations and create efficiencies. Our guests are Dr. Dawn Bridges, Dr. Bill Daggett and Thomas Hawkins. Thomas is the Content and Innovation Manager for Successful Practices Network and will be co-presenting at the workshops with Dr. Bridges.

In this episode, we talk to Superintendent Dr. Adam Ehrman about why Bourbonnais SD #53 came to be identified by researchers as one of the 100-plus districts nationwide performing above pre-pandemic levels in math and reading. This episode is Part 1 of an 11-part series of Illinois school districts who made the list .

Dr. John Gatta, CEO of the ECRA Group, discusses AI solutions for schools, specifically AI assistants. As part of an expanded partnership with IASA, ECRA has developed three AI assistants to help school districts in the areas of the Illinois School Code, Parent Questions and Human Resources.

In this episode, Dr. Dawn Bridges and Dr. Bill Daggett discuss the importance of school districts embracing AI, what to expect at the upcoming AI Super Region workshops, tangible tips that will be covered and how AI can give your teachers nights and weekends back. To learn more and register for IASA Super Region AI workshops, click here .

In this episode, IASA Field Services Directors, Dr. Vic Zimmerman and Dr. Brian Harris, share tips and strategies for superintendents heading into, during and post-Winter Break.