IASA Podcast

With IASA's 62nd Annual Conference just around the corner, Dr. Dawn Bridges joins the podcast for a behind-the-scenes preview of what's in store September 30 through October 2 in Springfield. She unpacks this year's theme, "Founding Principles to Future Possibilities: America at 250 - Leading Education's Next Chapter," and shares what school leaders can expect from a keynote lineup that includes 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year Dr. Nick Polyak, ISBE Chief of Staff Dr. Kimako Patterson, and three superintendent keynotes — plus a hint at a mystery speaker joining the Second General Session. Dr. Bridges also walks through this year's Ignite lineup, the professional learning connections happening across the three days, and how IASA selects the breakout sessions attendees will experience.

In this episode of the IASA Podcast, we sit down with a Palos Heights School District 128 administrator to discuss the district's Screen-Free Summer initiative, a community-wide effort to get kids off devices and into enriching, hands-on experiences. From a family event drawing dozens of community partners to a summer challenge designed to keep the momentum going, Palos Heights offers a replicable model for districts looking to promote student wellness beyond the classroom — and a timely conversation as statewide cell phone legislation moves through Springfield.

Illinois school districts are facing rising utility costs, volatile energy markets, and a flood of vendor pitches — and it can be hard to know where to turn. In this episode, IASA Director of Communications Jason Nevel sits down with Andrew Bittner, Director of the Illinois Energy Consortium Powered by Future Green, to break down what's driving energy cost increases, how collective purchasing protects districts, and how the IEC's no-cost program helps cut through the noise and create a clear path forward.

IASA Associate Director of Professional Learning Dr. Dawn Bridges joins Franklin Covey consultant Dr. Candace Singh, Lake County Regional Superintendent Dr. Michael Karner, and South Cook ISC Executive Director Dr. Anthony Marinello to discuss Aligned to Lead — a 1.5-day summer workshop helping district leadership teams get focused and aligned before the school year starts. Sessions are July 20-21 in South Cook and July 23-24 in Lake County. Register at iasa.org.

What does it take to align a leadership team before the school year starts — and why does it matter so much? In this episode, IASA Associate Director of Professional Learning Dr. Dawn Bridges is joined by Dr. Candace Singh, Franklin Covey Education leadership coach and consultant; Dr. Michael Karner, Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools; and Dr. Anthony Marinello, Executive Director of the South Cook Intermediate Service Center. Together, they make the case for Aligned to Lead — a new 1.5-day summer workshop offered in partnership with IASA, FranklinCovey, and two regional education agencies. The conversation covers Franklin Covey's four essential roles of leadership, why initiative fatigue is one of the biggest obstacles district leaders face, and how coming together as a team in July can set the tone for an entire school year. Sessions are offered at South Cook ISC 4 on July 20-21 and Lake County ROE on July 23-24. Registration is open at iasa.org.

Data is only useful if you know what to do with it. In this episode, we talk with Andrew Langlois, Data Strategist for DeKalb CUSD 428, and Susie Manikas, Senior Account Executive for SchoolData.net, about how one Illinois district is turning raw data into real decisions. Seven months into their implementation, Andrew shares what's changed — and what other superintendents should know before they start.

Every school district communicates with the families of current students — but what about everyone else? Retirees, young professionals, and longtime residents all have a stake in local education, even if they don't have kids in your buildings. In this episode, Craig Williams, founder of IASA Corporate Partner Journey 12, joins superintendents Dr. Jennifer Garrison of Vandalia CUSD #203 and Sherri Smith of Forrestville Valley CUSD #221 to discuss how a strategic storytelling partner can help districts reach their whole community — through print, video, podcasts, and more. If you've ever wondered how to build trust beyond your existing parent base, this episode is for you.

Superintendents Dr. Kristin Humphries of East Moline SchoolDistrict #37, Dr. Jay Morrow of United Township HSD #30, and Dr. Michael Ruff of Colona School District #190 joined the IASA Podcast to share how their districts partnered to build the Common Ground Wi-Fi network — a community-widemesh network covering 40 square miles in the Quad Cities region that provides internet access to all.

Argonne National Laboratory is inviting Illinois educators to the AI Education STME jam event on March 2 in Lemont. In this episode, learn what inspired Argonne to host the event, why the scientific community wants to partner with educators and what's on the agenda.

In this episode, Dr. Daryl Hogue discusses his innovative approach to college and career readiness at Riverbend CUSD #2. From a highly successful work study program to student-run businesses and paid construction internships, Dr. Hogue shares how rural districts can partner with employers to create meaningful opportunities for students.