As the new school year kicks off, Dave Daughton, government relations director for School Administrators of Iowa, provides a quick rundown of critical legislative updates affecting Iowa schools.

In this legislative episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Daughton breaks down key compliance requirements and points to essential resources for Iowa educators:

Senate File 2428 (Student Behavior Bill): Insights from recent discussions, the joint SAI, Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB) and Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) town hall, and navigating implementation guidance.

House File 2676 (Physical Activity and Fitness Testing): Requirements for physical fitness testing covering first through 12th grades.

Senate File 369 (Civics Test Mandate): Updates on administering the required civics test for students in ninth through 12th grades, including senior-plus students.

Catch up in this short three-minute podcast.

In this episode of SAI’s Legal Vortex, host Legal Services Director Matt Carver breaks down Senate File 2428 (the Behavior Bill) and what it means for Iowa superintendents and principals.

From defining non-violent and violent disruptions to handling student removals, IEP requirements, and Oversight Review Committees, Matt provides practical legal insights to help school administrators navigate these new expectations.

Tune into this 28-minute podcast to ensure your building policies align with statutory changes and the Iowa Department of Education guidance.

Before the emails, the meetings, and the demands of the day begin, take six minutes to pause, breathe, and center yourself. Designed specifically for school administrators and educational leaders, this short guided reflection invites you to set aside the pressure of having all the answers and reconnect with your purpose.

Through gentle breathing exercises, mindful reflection, and empowering affirmations, you’ll release perfectionism and embrace a mindset grounded in curiosity, compassion, and courage. Remember: leadership isn’t about solving everything in a single moment—it’s about the small, intentional choices we make every day.

Tune in, take a deep breath, and start your day ready to lead with vision and heart.

In this episode of It’s Been Said, guest host Dana Schon turns the tables on SAI’s retiring Executive Director, Lisa Remy, to discuss her four-year leadership journey. Lisa reflects on the transition from school superintendent to executive director, comparing the experience to both a sunny day at the beach and a winding kayaking trip. She shares heartfelt thoughts on the resilience of Iowa's school leaders, the importance of collaboration, and the painstaking care that goes into supporting SAI's members. Finally, Lisa shares a few laughs about family-like dynamics in the office and reveals what she’s most looking forward to in retirement. Enjoy this thoughtful 28-minute conversation with Dr. Remy.

As school administrators, navigating the unique complexities of school leadership can often feel isolating. In this episode of It's Been SAId, we dive deep into the critical role that SAI’s structured mentorship program plays in supporting, developing, and retaining principals, assistant principals, and superintendents across Iowa. Featuring an insightful panel discussion, the episode brings together mentors and mentees who have gone through the program to share their firsthand experiences and reflections.

Key Takeaways for Iowa Administrators:

The Power of Intentional Matching: Discover how SAI purposefully pairs early-career administrators with mentors based on role, district size, and geographic region to ensure relevant, actionable guidance.

A Confidential Safe Space: Learn how the mentor-mentee relationship creates a trusted environment to process complex end-of-year challenges, manage leadership anxiety, and combat professional isolation.

A Two-Way Street for Growth: This conversation highlights how mentorship isn't just a benefit for rookies—it actively rejuvenates experienced Iowa leaders, sharpens their coaching skills, and strengthens our statewide leadership community.

Whether you are a veteran leader looking to give back or a new administrator seeking a trusted sounding board, this 45-minute episode reinforces why an intentional culture of support is vital for the future of education.

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This May 1st episode covers week sixteen.

In this episode of the It’s Been Said podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning for the School Administrators of Iowa, examines why leaders should intentionally slow down. Schon discusses how a "rushed busyness" can become a harmful norm, potentially leading to physical health issues like increased heart rates and diminished analytical thinking in the prefrontal cortex. By sharing personal reflections on the "snowball effect" of rushing through a morning routine—from the shower to eating a granola bar in the car—Schon encourages listeners to reclaim their time through small, mindful practices. She suggests that by slowing down in simple tasks like washing one's face or listening to colleagues without immediately jumping in with advice, leaders can reduce stress and achieve a higher quality of life. Slow down and thoughtfully reflect on this 10-minute podcast.

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, School Administrators of Iowa Executive Director Lisa Remy speaks with three Iowa school leaders about the benefits of membership in national professional organizations. The guests—Brent Jorth (AASA), Cindy Barwick (NASSP), and Dana Nally (NAESP)—highlight how these organizations provide a broader perspective beyond the state level.

Key benefits discussed include:

Broadened perspectives: Administrators connect with nationwide colleagues to share potential solutions for common challenges.

National advocacy: Organizations offer a voice in Washington, D.C., to influence federal legislation and funding.

Professional resources: Members access high-quality development through national conferences and specialized publications.

Leadership and support: National groups offer expanded leadership roles and complement the localized support provided by state associations like SAI.

The leaders conclude that national membership is a vital tool for professional growth and effective advocacy, ultimately benefiting Iowa's students and communities. Hear from three exceptional Iowa leaders in this 40-minute podcast.

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This April 24th episode covers week fifteen.

In this special-edition Legal Vortex of the It's Been SAId podcast, Matt Carver, SAI's legal services director, discusses the complex topic of liability for school districts and their employees. Carver balances legal caution with reassurance, detailing the protections provided by Iowa law that allow educators to focus on students rather than the fear of litigation.

The discussion covers:

The Iowa Municipal Tort Claims Act: This act provides immunity for districts in areas such as discretionary functions, including curriculum choices and levels of supervision.

Recreational Activity Immunity: Districts generally have protection when students are injured during typical sports or playground activities, provided the equipment meets recognized standards.

Employee Protections: Carver explains Iowa Code 670.8, which requires districts to defend employees acting in good faith and protects them from personal liability in most circumstances.

Liability Triggers: The podcast highlights real-world examples where districts have faced liability, including significant lapses in supervision, failure to communicate attendance issues to parents, or negligent hiring practices.

Reassuring Staff: Carver encourages administrators to settle the nerves of their teams, noting that while injuries are an inevitable part of the school experience, the law provides broad protection for those acting reasonably.

Listen and learn a lot in this 23-minute episode.