It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

Dr. Lisa Remy talks with our very own Government Relations Director Dave Daughton. Together, they discuss the 2025 legislative session and what districts should consider as they prepare for the 2025-26 school year.

In this episode of It’s Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with Tom Keating and Erin Gerlich. Tom serves as the executive director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association and Erin is the executive director of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. Together, they provide their unique perspectives on the complex topic of the classification system. Learn how the IHSAA and IGHSAU actively partner...

In this episode of It’s Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with Olwein Community School District Superintendent Josh Ehn. He serves on the SAI Representative Council and has his referee certification. Josh has been active in reaching out to the Boards of Control to bring to light the negative effects a classification system can have on the competitive nature of sports. Together, Lisa and Josh discuss...

In this episode of It’s Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with SAI's Associate Professional Learning Director Al Neppl. His role oversees the annual conference, which is held each August. SAI will celebrate its 50th conference August 5-6, 2025. Listen to what members can expect at this milestone event.

In this episode of It’s Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy welcomes SAI Professional Learning Director Dr. Dana Schon as a co-host. Together, they talk with Ankeny Community School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Darin Haack.  Remy and Schon are two of four Iowa administrators who offer SAI's leadership coaching. Haack recently went through the individualized program with one of the other coaches. The...

In this episode of It's Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy talks to PTO Answers Founder Christina Hidek who provides helpful insight and advice on how schools can develop thriving partnerships with their PTOs or PTAs. Hidek shares pitfalls some schools face and how to overcome them to build a stronger community.

In this episode of It's Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with three leaders from Winterset Community Schools. Director of Teaching and Learning Corey St. John, Coordinator of Student Services Kendra Alexandra, and Winterset Junior High Principal Josh Sussman share the philosophy and tactics they use to see an improvement in student and staff attendance.

In this episode, SAI Executive Dr. Lisa Remy talks with Rick Shupbach, founder of the CATCHLIFE30 program. Rick shares why he started CATCHLIFE30 in 2015 and why he's chosen to focus much of his efforts around supporting administrators. He also explains the five areas of focus and how the program can help an individual wherever they are on their health journey.

In this episode, SAI Executive Director Dr. Lisa Remy talks with Laine Buck, the newest member to the SAI team. Buck recently replaced Tracy Harms who served as the communications director for over two decades. Learn about Laine's background and how she came to this role at SAI. She shares her goals regarding the role and provides timely suggestions for administrators as they embark on a new schoo...

In this episode, SAI Executive Director Dr. Lisa Remy talks with Dr. Ian Roberts, Des Moines Public Schools superintendent and former Olympian. Dr. Roberts shares his unique perspective on leadership, combining the intensity of athletic competition with the complexities of education. Learn how his journey from special education teacher to superintendent has shaped his empathetic leadership style....

This episode features a conversation between SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy and 2024 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year Jason Groendyke from Sheldon, who offers insights on effective planning, data-driven decision-making, and fostering a positive school culture. Listeners can expect key takeaways on The importance of early planning — starting the planning process for the next school year in s...

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy as she gains an insightful look into College Community's comprehensive system of supports for students from Laura Medberry, the district's executive director of learning supports. This episode showcases the district's comprehensive and collaborative approach to supporting the holistic well-being of students, involving community partnerships, trauma-informed pr...

Tragic. Sudden. Terrible. Words to describe a moment when death or tragedy strikes your school. But what should you do next? Often, we are unprepared for these events because we've never thought about them in advance. Join SAI President and Union High School Principal Jason Toenges as he provides real-life stories and considerations if you are ever faced with a death or tragedy in your building or...

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy as she discusses the mental wellness continuum of supports implemented by the Harlan School District with Superintendent Jenny Barnett. This conversation will not only explore Harlan's successful strategies, but also equip you with valuable tips on finding additional resources to bolster student mental health in your own community. Learn more about creating a...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Al Neppl, the incoming Associate Professional Learning Director at SAI! In this episode of "It's been SAId: Conversations on leadership," you'll hear: Al's unique insights from working in both small and large school districts. His passionate perspective on the transformative power of professional learning. Exciting plans for the future as he connects wit...

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy as she talks with Adel-De Soto-Minburn Superintendent Greg Dufoe about how the district embraced the 4 Disciplines of Execution to create breakthrough results. Listen now to learn more about the 4 Disciplines—focus, leverage, engagement, and accountability—and how they might reset your school improvement process.

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy as she talks with the association's Government Relations Director Dave Daughton. In this episode, Dave shares Why education advocacy is important How administrators can effectively communicate the needs of their schools to policymakers and legislators Key strategies for building community support and involvement in advocating for public education Advice on how...

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy and Maria Lantz of Ottumwa as they delve into the importance of collaboration in cultivating a culture that embraces social and emotional learning in schools and districts. During their conversation, Maria discussed key components of a sustainable SEL program, emphasizing the need for adults to actively engage in social and emotional learning themselves. She a...

Hear from High School Principal Kristen Souza and Instructional Coach Sam Pohl from PCM about their rural high school's journey in implementing Restorative Justice and the reasons it was started.  Restorative Justice helps strengthen relationships and build community while resolving problems that have caused harm or damaged relationships. RJ focuses on accountability and healing over punishment. I...

This episode features Ethan Wiechmann from Cedar Falls CAPS and Justin Wagner from Woodbine’s IGNITE Pathways . Justin and Ethan shared their districts’ work including providing individualized learning plans, preparing students with relevant skills for the workforce, and helping students find their purpose and passion.  Additionally, they discussed the importance of having a strong "why" in educat...

In this podcast, Kris Byam , registered apprenticeship liaison with Iowa Workforce Development, and SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy explore the benefits of creating as many learning options as possible for students. It's about bringing learning to life for students and creating on-ramps and off-ramps based on their interests. Students need to build good employability skills of  collaboration comm...

In this edition, SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy talks with Principal Ryan Marzen about Perry Elementary School's successful Computer Science Professional Development program. The program has helped over 15 teachers earn computer science endorsements. It has helped to nurture a passion for technology among students and promote innovative thinking. The school has been able to provide state-of-the-...

For the 10th episode of the “It’s been SAId” podcast, host SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy is excited this month to welcome Elementary Principal of the Year Dana Nally from Bedford, Middle Level Principal of the Year Toby Young from MMCRU and Secondary Principal of the Year Jake Feldmann from Western Dubuque. Listen as they share challenges they’ve faced and overcome, how they involve student and...

Join us for this episode of It's been SAId as SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy chats with Central Office Administrator of the Year Chad Lang of Glenwood. They discuss the importance of evolving and adapting to prepare students for life outside the school doors. They also talk about technology in the classroom, an innovation center matching what's offered in schools with what jobs require, programs...

Join SAI Executive Director Lisa Remy as she talks with 2023 Iowa Fine Arts Administrator of the Year Doug Jiskoot of West Lyon about supporting the arts in schools and the way his district celebrates students in all extracurriculars. Hear how students in his school have achieved through the success room and how you can be reminded of the students you've influenced even years later.