Online Learning
The Association offers its members learning opportunities through online courses and webinars.
You are a few clicks away from a wealth of knowledge about board work and current education topics and trends.
Essential Training
New Board Member Training Bundle
This offering sets you on the road to success and includes three courses produced by IASB. Content fulfills state-mandated training requirements for new board members.
Newly Elected Board Members
IASB Welcomes You to the Board Livestream
April 10 and April 14
Learn about IASB and all it has to offer to you and your board as you move into your new role. Two dates to choose from!
Online Courses
Online Courses are offered to satisfy state-mandated training requirements and to build your essential knowledge and skills of board work. Registration for Online Courses is required, and course fees may apply. Registrants have access to courses for one year from the time of registration. View Registration Instructions
The New Board Member Training Bundle
New content for 2025! Essential training for new school board members includes three courses: Basics of Governance, OMA, and PDLT/PERA
Open Meetings Act (OMA) Training
Covers the law as it applies to school board meetings and satisfies the training requirement for new school board members to complete within 90 days of taking the oath of office.
Professional Development Leadership Training (PDLT) and Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) Training
Fulfills the legal requirements for instruction in education and labor law, financial oversight and accountability, and fiduciary responsibilities within the first year of your first term. This course also includes content on performance evaluation – referred to as PERA; trauma-informed practices; and student outcomes.
Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) Training
This course covers the topic of Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA) and is designed for members needing this topic only.
Advanced OMA: Your Questions, Our Answers
Based on real questions from board members, delve into legal nuances, practical strategies, and techniques to navigate complex OMA requirements. Gain insights on facilitating public access, promoting transparency, handling closed sessions, documenting proceedings, and more. Elevate your understanding of OMA's impact on decision-making, public trust, and community engagement. Enhance your skills and lead with integrity.
Improving Student Outcomes for Veteran School Board Members Only
This course covers the importance of the board constantly focusing on improving student outcomes as they make decisions within the scope of the duties of a school board member.
Trauma-Informed Practices for Veteran School Board Members Only
Covers trauma-informed practices for students and staff with information that is relevant to and within the scope of the duties of a school board member.
Managing Difficult Public Comment: How to K.E.E.P. C.A.L.M.
Focuses on how boards can effectively manage difficult public comment periods during board meetings.
The Basics of Governance
Get up to speed with this essential course on board and board
member roles and responsibilities and learn how high-functioning boards make a positive impact on student learning in their districts. It is recommended that every newly-elected or appointed school board complete this training within 90 days of taking the oath of office.
Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA)
This free course provides an overview of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA). The Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA) requires all school district employees to make a report to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) if they have reasonable cause to believe that a child enrolled in the district may be an abused or neglected child. This makes all district employees what are commonly called “mandated reporters.”
Leaders Light the Way: A History of IASB
This course was developed for individuals desiring a deeper understanding of The Illinois Association of School Board’s rich history.
Leaders Light the Way: Division Leadership
This course was developed for division leaders, those who aspire to be division leaders, or any individuals desiring a deeper understanding of the Illinois Association of School Boards’ leadership structure.
Policy 101
One of the most important duties of the school board is to determine lawful school board policy. This 20 minute course is for both new and veteran board members wanting to understand/refresh their memories of the policy and school board connection.
Senate Bill 100: School Discipline Reform
Provides information for Illinois school board members regarding the role of the board in student discipline under Senate Bill 100.
Upcoming Webinars
IASB offers webinars throughout the year to inform on a range of topics, from policy and legal issues to current education topics and trends to leadership best practices. Webinars are presented live and most are recorded for later on-demand viewing.
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School Finance for Board Members: Expenditures
April 3, 2025
Gain insights into expenditures: fund allocation, effective budgeting strategies, and best practices for responsible financial oversight.
IASB Welcomes You to the Board
April 10, 2025
Prepare for the journey you are embarking on as a school board member and learn about IASB and all it offers to you and your board.
IASB Welcomes You to the Board
April 14, 2025
Prepare for the journey you are embarking on as a new school board member and learn about IASB and all it offers to you and your board.
Advocacy Ambassador April Webinar
April 25, 2025
Join the IASB Governmental Relations team at the Advocacy Ambassador's monthly webinar.
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School Finance for Board Members: Basics of the Tax Levy
May 6, 2025
Learn about the property tax levy process, including timeline, key elements, and strategies for success, plus guidance for board members.
PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 118: Spring Update
May 8, 2025
PRESS Issue 118 is arriving soon! Join the PRESS Editors to for an overview of the latest update and customized PRESS Plus Issue 118.
The First 100 Days: What New Board Members Must Know
May 15, 2025
How are things going after a month on your board member journey? Hear from a veteran board member as they share what they wish they knew in their firs...
A Guide to Joint Annual Conference Registration
May 22, 2025
Whether you are an experienced roster manager or new to the role, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the regi...
School Board Policy: What New Board Members Must Know
June 12, 2025
Participants will receive an overview of the board’s five policymaking roles: developing, updating, communicating, reviewing, and monitoring. Policy d...
Budget Time: What New Board Members Must Know
July 17, 2025
School boards across the state are approving district budgets for the upcoming year. What do new board members need to know? What questions should be...
Recordings
Recordings of IASB webinars are available for on-demand viewing, usually within a week after the live event, free of charge to Association members. Member login is required to view the recordings.
20 Results
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Roster Management for Administrative Professionals
March 27, 2025
Administrative Professionals
Dive deep into roster management and learn the ins and outs of managing your district’s roster, before and after elections and all year long. This webinar will explore accessing your roster, adding board members, concluding terms, and making changes to names, positions, and other fields. Also discussed will be best practices and timelines.
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School Finance for Board Members: Revenue
March 6, 2025
Finance
Explore the key funding sources, including federal, state, and local contributions, and how these impact budgeting and financial planning
New Board Member Orientation: The First 90 Days
February 6, 2025
Governance
Learn the role of the board and superintendent in welcoming your newest trustees with an effective orientation process.
Interfund Loans and Transfers: What Boards Need to Know
November 12, 2024
Finance
Get an overview of interfund loans and transfers, what boards need to know, and pitfalls to avoid.
PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 117: Fall Legislative Updates
November 7, 2024
Policy
Review materials updated in response to bills passed during the second half of the 103rd General Assembly.
AI: What It Is and Why It Matters
September 10, 2024
Governance
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to understand artificial intelligence (AI). In this webinar, learn what AI is, how it works, and why everyone seems to be talking about it. We’ll also explore programs like Chat GPT and discuss their ethical and safety concerns.
IASB's Administrative Procedure Project
August 29, 2024
Policy
IASB is excited to provide an overview of its Administrative Procedures Project service, aimed at supporting school districts throughout Illinois in customizing an up-to-date administrative procedures manual that is aligned with the district’s local board policy manual. We will delve into the details, discuss eligibility requirements, and answer your questions. Watching this webinar is required before signing a contract to begin this service.
PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 116: The Tortured Title IX Process Department
August 15, 2024
Policy
Join the PRESS Editors as they review materials updated in response to the 2024 Title IX regulations. Following the issue review, stay with us for an overview of the customized PRESS Plus Issue 116.
Implementing an Effective Superintendent Evaluation Process
August 8, 2024
Governance
The board employs and evaluates one person - the Superintendent. A strong evaluation process can promote the growth of school leaders, demonstrate a system of accountability, and strengthen the board/superintendent relationship. Join Brian Bailey, Ph.D. from SuperEval and a Superintendent/Board President team as they share their journey in creating a successful evaluation structure.
Identifying, Recruiting, and Mentoring New Board Members
July 25, 2024
Governance
A responsibility of every current school board is to ensure future boards are ready to lead, so the work of governing education in your community is achieved with continuity and effectiveness. Identifying, recruiting, and mentoring future board members is an important part of the board's work. Join members of the IASB team to learn the process for identifying and recruiting prospective school board candidates, and mentoring them through candidacy and beyond.
PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 115: Soaking Up the Summer Updates
June 13, 2024
Policy
Join the PRESS Editors to review materials updated in response to school library grant rules, criminal history record information security requirements, five-year reviews, and miscellaneous updates. Following the Issue review, stay with us for an overview of customized PRESS Plus Issue 115.
Welcoming Your New Superintendent: The Board's Role
June 6, 2024
Governance
You've hired a new superintendent, now what? The transition from one superintendent to the next plays a big part in the success of the new superintendent and the newly created board/superintendent team. Join IASB staff to learn how to set your new superintendent up for success.
Equity Starts at the Top
April 30, 2024
Equity
Learn how Illinois school boards are driving their visions of equity and inclusion, and how they navigate challenges and still celebrate progress. IASB will share how the Association is prepared to assist members with workshops, webinars, and resources no matter where you are on your Equity Journey.
PRESS and PRESS Plus Issue 114: Spring Policy Planting for Summer Blooms
April 9, 2024
Policy
Join the PRESS Editors to review materials updated in response to bills that become effective during Summer 2024, bills passed during the 2023 veto session of the 103rd General Assembly, miscellaneous updates, and five-year review updates. Following the issue review, stay with us for an overview of customized PRESS Plus Issue 114.
Data Literacy III: Illinois Report Card Deep Dive and Questions Answered
March 28, 2024
Governance
In Part III of our Data Literacy series, get a fresh look at the new features and data visualizations of the Illinois Report Card. Join Rae Clementz, Executive Director of Data, Accountability and Assessment, and Maureen Font, Director of Data Strategies and Analytics from the Illinois State Board of Education as they take a deeper dive and share new elements of the Report Card, followed by a time for you to ask your data questions.
Data Literacy II: Understanding Summative Designations
March 14, 2024
Governance
Exemplary, Commendable, Targeted, Comprehensive, Intensive. These summative designations on the Illinois Report Card help families and communities understand how well schools are serving all students. In Part II of our Data Literacy series, learn about the key metrics, performance indicators, and methods used to determine the Annual Summative Designation for each school.
Strategic Planning: The Board’s Role and Lessons Learned
February 1, 2024
Governance
Whether you call it setting district goals, strategic planning, or mission work, school boards clarify the district’s purpose. Join the Mount Pulaski CUSD 23 superintendent and board team as they share the district’s strategic planning journey, how they involved the community, and how the board can be active in the process while still maintaining a “balcony level” governance role.
Teacher Retention: A Success Story
January 25, 2024
Governance
Are you eager to discover the secret behind retaining teachers? Hear from members of the Schaumburg School District 54 administrative and school board team to learn the steps and strategies they have taken to build a positive, collaborative culture that keeps teachers returning year after year.
Parliamentary Procedures Unboxed: A Beginner's Toolkit for Productive Meetings
October 12, 2023
Governance
New Board Members
Ready to turbocharge your meetings and drive impactful decisions? This webinar will equip you with the ultimate toolkit for mastering parliamentary procedure. Unveil the mystery behind meeting protocols, get a grip on motion magic, and learn the art of sparking dynamic discussions.
Clearing Up Committee Confusion
August 3, 2023
Governance
Join IASB Assistant General Counsel Debra Jacobson and Field Services Director Laura Martinez in this interactive session to gain clarity about board committees and how they work. Differentiate board and superintendent committees, identify the roles of committees in governance, and comply with the Open Meetings Act. Gain practical strategies for formation, responsibilities, and collaboration.