March/April 2024

Cover Stories

• In Practice: Advocacy Resources for Illinois School Board Members

  Compiled by Theresa Kelly Gegen and the IASB Governmental Relations Team

  The Illinois Association of School Boards, led by the Governmental Relations team, assists members in their advocacy efforts. School board members in Illinois have an essential voice to be heard in the legislative process.

• Perspectives on Advocacy

  By Theresa Kelly Gegen with Sarah Miller

  IASB Associate Executive Director Sarah Miller shares perspectives on advocacy in the public education sphere.From the March/April 2024 IASB Journal. 

• Commentary: Advocacy Empowers School Board Members

  By Shawn Killackey

  Through advocacy, we can do more. From the March/April 2024 IASB Journal. 

• From Moonshots to Mandates, Legislative Leaders Share Their Thoughts

  By Barbara Hobrock

  The four Illinois legislative leaders discuss working with school board members on questions of public policy. From the March/April 2024 IASB Journal. 

• Interview with Senator Tom Bennett

  By Barbara Hobrock

  Senator Tom Bennett of Illinois’ 53rd District is a former school board member. 

Feature Articles

• Be Collaborative: Crucial Characteristics of Leaders of Integrity Part III

  By Don Parker

  The series highlights four crucial characteristics of leaders of integrity: courageous, ethical, collaborative, an aaction-oriented. From the March/April 2024 IASB Journal. 

Regular Features

• Front Page

  By Theresa Kelly Gegen

  School board members have different backgrounds, experiences, occupations, and demographics and bring a variety of opinions, viewpoints, and priorities.

• From the Field: What Did You Say?

  By Reatha Owen

  We communicate every day of our lives, whether it be spoken, written, or through body language. Why is it so important?

• Boards & Superintendents: Setting Your New Superintendent Up for Success 

  By Vic Zimmerman 

  The transition from one superintendent to the next one plays a big part in the success of the new superintendent and the newly created board/superintendent relationship.