Communications Corner: Discover the New IASB Support Network
By Kara Kienzler
School board members are volunteers who want what is best for their community and the education of students; it’s important for them to have a support network. Fortunately, technology makes it possible to network online.
The new IASB Community, which opened on July 1 and is growing every day, meets the mission of the Association in many ways, especially by offering its members a new networking opportunity for mutual support and the sharing of valuable benefits, information, and expertise.
IASB Community is an online hub offering school board members the opportunity to seek support, exchange ideas and resources, and find inspiration among their peers. The communities available bring together members within geographic regions — IASB’s 21 divisions — and roles, such as board presidents and division leadership roles.
This platform is a unique opportunity to connect and learn from others, bringing together members who make up the Association’s strong collective voice.
There are also dedicated communities for administrative professionals and school attorneys that support boards of education and Service Associates who provide districts with valuable services and expertise.
Features of IASB Community include a personalized news feed similar to what you will find on other social media networks like Facebook, making it easy to stay updated. A library enables community members to browse and access resource files and links shared by others. Discussion threads have been an engaging feature of the IASB Community since its launch in July. This is where members can post, follow, reply, and recommend.
You might be wondering if posters in the new IASB Community must be mindful of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. The answer is yes. Members are responsible for their own compliance with OMA requirements. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applies as well, although the sharing of general information regarding best practices or education issues, or simply sharing news of your district’s successes, would likely not be subject to FOIA. Members with questions about specific postings should contact their board attorney.
You might also be wondering what some of the discussions are like. They have ranged from warm welcomes and cheers for the new platform to questions about how boards deal with specific policy issues. One Resolutions Chair offered to be a resource for division members with questions about the IASB Resolutions Process. Another board member informed members of legislation signed that changes filing dates for the next school board election. A board president is interested in how others handle board retreats. Another is interested in board policy related to district operating reserves.
Conversations like these can generate ideas to be tailored to a district’s specific needs and how school board members can learn about new strategies and solutions.
To see what the discussions are like, log in to community.iasb.com and see for yourself! The Member Profile username and password that you use at IASB.com also work for the IASB Community.
You don’t have to jump into the conversation, although you can if you wish. If you prefer to start by observing, you might find that someone else’s reply gives you the information you were looking for, or you might just be curious to see what others are discussing. The next steps would be to follow and react to discussions, and eventually start your own. Your participation can make a difference and contribute to the shared learning experience.
What you get out of the community tool depends on what you put into it, so make it a habit to check your community or communities regularly. You never know when something might pique your interest or if you have insights you can share with someone looking for support. The email digest members receive will recap community conversations from the week. This is an easy way to keep tabs on activity. Be on the lookout for this email on Saturday mornings.
Whether you want to ask for feedback on an idea, share insights, or seek a sample resource to share with your board, IASB Community can be a tool. What topics are trending in your district that you want to be prepared to address? If you consider yourself an experienced board member, what are some tips you could offer to newer board members in your division? Use your community to share and showcase your expertise. Board members are great models for lifelong learning. Building relationships with others who share the same aspirations supports personal growth.
IASB events like Division Meetings and the Joint Annual Conference provide excellent in-person networking opportunities. Think of IASB Community as the in-between. Was there a topic you wanted to learn more about? How about a model you want to share with others in your same role? Is there an individual member you wish to follow up with? IASB Community can make those connections happen.
Kara Kienzler is IASB’s Associate Executive Director for Communications & Production Services.