It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This Jan. 30 episode covers week three.

In this latest episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, host Dr. Lisa Remy takes an in-depth look at the multifaceted world of the School Business Official (SBO)—a position that serves as the financial and operational backbone of a school district. While balancing the budget is a primary duty, the SBO is also a strategic leader tasked with long-range financial planning, data analytics, and operation...

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This Jan. 23 episode covers week two.

How prepared is your district for a surprise visit from law enforcement? SAI’s Legal Services Director Matt Carver discusses the legal "must-dos" for interviewing and detaining students or employees on campus. Key highlights: Step-by-step guidance on interacting with local and federal officers. The truth about ICE raids and their current impact on schools. Protective measures for both your staff a...

As the Iowa legislature begins its 2026 session, SAI Government Relations Director will provide weekly updates. This January 16th episode covers the first week of the session.

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning with SAI, discusses the myth behind multitasking and productivity. In this 13-minute episode (which you should listen to while not multitasking!), she covers why multitasking negatively impacts your output and offers resources to help you reframe your time management. Enjoy...

Ready to transform your district leadership experience? Being a district leader who supports school site leaders is rewarding, but incredibly demanding. If you've been doing this complex work in isolation, it's time to find your community! We're launching a District Leadership Masterminds Group designed to provide a supportive, empowered space where you can genuinely grow.  Listen to this three-mi...

SAI Legal Services Director Matt Carver is usually on the other line supporting administrators through a critical legal situation. But in this year-end episode of Legal Vortex, he sets aside the complex legal challenges to share his genuine appreciation for Iowa's public education leaders. Tune in for a thoughtful, 16-minute celebration of the positive aspects and attributes that often go unrecogn...

In this special edition Legislative Update with SAI Government Relations Director Dave Daughton, several key topics are addressed in this five-minute podcast. He provides a concise pre-session briefing as the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session approaches. The latest REC report shows an encouraging upward revision for FY27 revenue estimates. Daughton briefly covers the recent legislative special electio...

In the latest episode of the It’s Been SAId podcast, host Dr. Lisa Remy focuses on the question: What skills do Iowa employers really need? She welcomes Iowa Business Council (IBC) President Joe Murphy to discuss this timely topic.  Together they dive into the IBC’s newly released "Professional Proficiencies" (Communication, Resiliency, Organizational Mindset, and Tolerance for Ambiguity). Learn h...

In the first podcast version of his monthly update, SAI's Government Relations Director Dave Daughton updates listeners on preparation for the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session. Listen to learn what you need to know in this seven-minute podcast.

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning with SAI, delves into the nature of rest, and in particular, our body's rhythms related to productivity and rest. Dana defines what ultradian rhythm is and the importance of being in tune with our rhythm so we can incorporate needed rest breaks throughout the day. She emphas...

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with Superintendent Scott Grimes with the Ames Community School District.  Together they discuss the background and implementation of this learning model and the intended long-term outcomes. The core goal of creating a unified pathway for career exploration that begins at age four differentiates Ames from most school districts.  Le...

Listen to Matt's November edition of Legal Vortex where he addresses decision-making as it pertains to a student’s education. He covers examples related to joint legal custody, step-parents, grandparents, and/or other significant others involved in a student’s life. He also discusses court-ordered guardianship and homeless student caregiving authorization situations. You will glean helpful advice...

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with three leaders from Danville Community Schools.  “From Consequences to Connection,” shines a light on how Danville reimagined in-school suspension—not as a place for punishment, but as an opportunity for growth. The conversation covers what it takes to move from a traditional discipline model to one centered on restorative prac...

Listen to Matt's October edition of Legal Vortex where he addresses the sensitive topic of employee investigations. Specifically, what should you do if you are investigating an employee who may have an unreported diagnosis or disability? He provides guidance on what questions to ask how to prioritize the safety of students, staff, and the employee. Matt covers a lot of ground in this 19-minute pod...

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning with SAI, shares how you can discover how learning to say “no” can strengthen your leadership, protect your energy, and sharpen your focus on what matters most. Learn more in this 15-minute podcast.

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning with SAI, shares two words that can transform how you approach determining your next steps. Learn what these two simple words are in this 10-minute podcast!

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Lisa Remy and Al Neppl, SAI's associate professional learning director, preview the new AI chatbot SAI plans to provide as a new member benefit: Your Teacher Evaluation Partner. This AI tool is being created with one goal in mind—making the evaluation process more meaningful, efficient, and supportive for administrators and teachers alike.  Listen...

Listen to Matt's September edition of Legal Vortex where he delves into the timely discussion on employee speech in light of recent national, politically-charged events. He provides advice on what type of speech may result in a recommendation to a board of education for employee termination. Carver also covers the overall considerations a district must make when an employee has said, posted, or wr...

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, professional learning director with SAI, shares why she doesn't like the phrase "work/life balance" and encourages listeners to instead consider finding a leadership life fit.  Listen now and hear why words matter!

In this episode of It’s Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with SAI Associate Professional Learning Director Dr. Dana Schon. Together they introduce the new Superintendent's Collaborative professional learning opportunity and share how it can help school leaders grow and connect. You'll also hear from Dr. Jennifer Perry Cheatham who will facilitate the kick-off event in October.

Revitalize your routine and embrace the day ahead! This podcast was created for SAI's 50th annual conference attendees. However, you can start any day with this short wellness wakeup session. Thanks to Jen Woodley with the Iowa Association of School Boards for leading this session. She serves as IASB's Associate Executive Director, Communications & Events. Enjoy!  

In this episode of It’s Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with Davenport West High School Associate Principal Matthew Hassig. They explore a topic that has the possibility of changing the game for school administrators: how artificial intelligence can transform your daily work. From streamlining communication and automating repetitive tasks to using data-driven insights for stronger decision-making—A...

In this episode of It’s Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with North Polk Community School District Superintendent Michael Kline. They explore a topic that’s foundational to the success of any school system: educator wellness. Over the past two years, North Polk CSD has made intentional, sustained efforts to support the well-being of all staff—recognizing that when educators feel their best, they can...