Weekly yoga classes, self-care challenges, feeding frenzies, staff surveys, spirit wear days and the promotion of pop-and-sub are among the ways Sparta CUSD #140 has reduced burnout, promoted mindfulness and improved culture this past school year. Dr. Gabe Schwemmer, superintendent of Sparta CUSD #140, joins the IASA Podcast to discuss strategies superintendents can implement to keep your staff's batteries charged and excited to come to work each day. 

Cindi DeCola, a partner with Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick & Kohn LLP, joins the IASA Podcast to discuss what work after COVID-19 could look like for schools. DeCola shares her thoughts on employees wanting to continue to work from home, collective bargaining issues in the future, expanded sick leave, potential demands for safe working conditions and much more in an informative podcast for any school administrator. 

This podcast is a follow up to a webinar recorded with Dr. Victor Simon of Gower SD #62 on Point of Care Testing and CLIA Waiver process. In this episode, Dr. Simon is joined by Dr. Paul O'Malley, superintendent of Butler SD #53. Both districts are currently utilizing COVID-19 point of care rapid antibody and point of care rapid antigen tests on-site that are carried out by district staff with some early success. Hear from each superintendent about how the process has gone in their districts, what hurdles they have had to overcome, how much testing has cost and how their have communities responded. 

Dr. Carol Kelley, superintendent of Oak Park ESD #97, is in a similar position many superintendents face. Her district began the year remotely and is now facing intense pressure from the community to provide in-person learning. In Part 3 of our series, Dr. Kelley discusses her district's journey this year and how she tries to remain calm while she navigates protests and pushback. In addition, Dr. Kelley discusses Oak Park ESD #97's efforts to promote and focus on equity and inclusiveness in its policies and practices. 

Need to brush up on the rules around dismissal of tenured and non-tenured staff? Have legal questions about principal evaluations? What about progressive discipline? This podcast is a must listen for superintendents wanting to strengthen, or refresh, their knowledge on essential employment laws and considerations in Illinois. Our guests are Franczek P.C.  attorneys Dana Fattore Crumley and Shelli Anderson.  

We continue our multi-part series of speaking to superintendents across the state about successes and challenges they have faced in their districts during this unprecedented year. 

In Part 2, Dr. Courtney Orzel speaks to Mike Sutton, superintendent of Highland CUSD #5. Mr. Sutton's district began the school year five days per week in person. In this episode, he discusses why he arrived at that decision, the importance of communication and how his district navigated positive COVID tests. 

More than ever, superintendents need to support  and learn from each other about what has worked and what hasn't. In a multi-part podcast series, IASA Associate Director of Professional Development Dr. Courtney Orzel speaks to superintendents from across the state about the experiences and lessons they have learned through this unprecedented school year. 

Part 1 is a conversation with Dr. Mary Henderson, superintendent of Roselle SD #12. The K-8 district in Dupage County opened the 2020-21 school year five days per week in person. Dr. Henderson discusses her decision to open in person, successes and challenges so far, lessons she has learned and shares tips she's learned to manage stress. 

Everyday, superintendents are trying to navigate new problems in the era of COVID-19 that it's hard to think long term. In this episode, IASA's Associate Director of Professional Development, Dr. Courtney Orzel, speaks to Dr. Hank Thiele, superintendent of CHSD #99, about the strains COVID-19 has caused on school districts and how superintendents need to begin to think long term how they can help heal a fragmented system. 

If  you have legal questions related to student privacy, special education, grading and more, this podcast is a must listen. Our guest is Courtney Stillman, a partner with Hauser, Izzo, Petrarca, Gleason & Stillman, LLC. This podcast is the second in IASA's initiative to expand legal services to members. 

Riverton CUSD #14 recently had the start of the 2020-21 school year upended when someone tested positive for COVID-19, just three days into the new year. In this episode, we speak to Dr. Brad Polanin, the district's superintendent, about how his district responded to the positive test, lessons he learned from the experience and how he plans to move forward.