Inside IASB

Episodes

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  Streamlining School Code: What the Mandate Reduction Report Means for Local School Boards 28.10.2026 26m

  In this episode, IASB Governmental Relations Director Jennifer Ciok and IASB Board Member and Northwest Division Director Chris Buikema unpack the School Code Mandate Reduction Council’s final report submitted to the General Assembly. Learn how the Council evaluated nearly 1,000 state mandates, key recommendations for eliminating and consolidating operational burdens, and how local school board members can help drive these changes into law.
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  What to Expect at the 2026 Joint Annual Conference 14.10.2026 24m

  In this episode, Associate Executive Director of Outreach, Training & Events Lori Grant shares an insider's guide to navigating the 2026 Joint Annual Conference in Chicago. Learn how to streamline your experience, get around the venues, and make the most of your time at Illinois’ premier public education training event.
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  New In-District Workshop: Doing Right by All Students 30.09.2026 17m

  In this episode, Director of Training Development Sandra Kwasa and Associate General Counsel and Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Services Maryam Brotine discuss the Doing Right by All Students in-district workshop, designed for school board members.
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  New In-District Workshop: Conflict Resolution 16.09.2026 34m

  In this episode, Director of Outreach & Training Perry Hill IV, Ph.D., discusses the new Conflict Resolution In-District workshop, a training opportunity designed to help school boards address internal conflicts collaboratively, strengthen governance practices, and build habits that minimize future challenges.
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  Student Voice at Mount Prospect SD 57 02.09.2026 28m

  Board president Corrin Bennett‑Kill shares how District 57 is centering student voice through advisory councils and student board members, and what the district is learning along the way.
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  Leadership, Learning, & Connections: IASB Board Presidents' Academy 19.08.2026 13m

  In this episode, we sit down with Jaime Barraza, Board President of Township High School District 113, and discuss his experience at this year's Board Presidents’ Academy event, the value of connecting with fellow board leaders from across Illinois, and the key insights they're taking back to their district.
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  A Year in Review with Kimberly Small 05.08.2026 21m

  In this episode, we reflect on Executive Director Kimberly Small’s third year of leadership at the Illinois Association of School Boards, exploring lessons learned, challenges overcome, member-driven priorities, and the forward-looking vision shaping public education across the state.
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  Beyond the Buzz: Making Sense of AI in Schools 22.07.2026 27m

  Chris Lawton, Director of Information Technology, joins the podcast as we explore what artificial intelligence really means for schools, breaking down key concepts, addressing common misconceptions, and discussing the opportunities and risks educators and leaders need to understand.
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  How and Why the Board Takes Responsibility for Itself 08.07.2026 15m

  In this episode, Katie Bulava, Director of Outreach & Training, discusses what it truly means for a school board to take responsibility for itself, from understanding governance roles and avoiding micromanagement to fostering respectful disagreement and unified decision-making.
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  Inside the 2026 Session: Schools, Policy, and Advocacy 24.06.2026 26m

  A conversation with IASB Director of Governmental Relations Sarah Miller, breaking down the latest Illinois General Assembly session, from school cell phone policy and AI/biometric legislation to the state budget, and how IASB advocated for local school boards every step of the way.
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  How and Why the Board Monitors District Performance 10.06.2026 21m

  In this episode, Sandra Kwasa, Director of Training Development, discusses how school boards effectively monitor district performance, ensure accountability, and use data wisely to drive meaningful improvements in student outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
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  Leadership Legacy: A Multigenerational Story of Service 27.05.2026 25m

  Donna Craft Cain of DuPage HSD 88 and her daughter, Deborah Cain of SD 45 (DuPage County), share a heartfelt conversation about multigenerational public service, reflecting on their family’s legacy of school board leadership and women in law, and on how community values are passed across generations.
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  How and Why the Board Delegates Authority 13.05.2026 26m

  In this episode, Laura Martinez, Director of Outreach & Training, joins the podcast as we explore how and why effective school boards delegate authority, and what real delegation looks like beyond policy manuals.
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  New In-District Workshop: Board Readiness for a Superintendent Transition 29.04.2026 23m

  In this episode, Perry Hill IV, Ph.D., joins the podcast to discuss a new in-district workshop, designed to address why board readiness is essential, but often overlooked, in superintendent transitions. Hill shares how boards can align expectations, customize onboarding, balance continuity, and change to set their next superintendent up for success.
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  How and Why the Board Employs a Superintendent 15.04.2026 28m

  Joined by Perry Hill IV, Ph.D., Director of Outreach & Training, this episode examines the roles, responsibilities, and boundaries that support a healthy board/superintendent relationship.
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  Climbing the Ladder: How Division Leadership Works 01.04.2026 17m

  In this episode, IASB Vice President Alva Kreutzer shares how division leadership opens doors to growth and real impact for school board members.
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  How and Why the Board Connects With the Community 18.03.2026 15m

  In this episode, we continue our series on the IASB’s Foundational Principles of Effective Governance by exploring the second principle, with Justin Caldwell, Director of Outreach & Training, as our guest.
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  Fierce Conversations: A New In-District Workshop 04.03.2026 14m

  Justin Caldwell, Director of Outreach & Training, digs into what “fierce conversations” really mean for school boards and why honest, skillful dialogue is essential for strong governance. We explore common communication pitfalls, how boards can tell when they’re avoiding needed discussions, and how districts can bring this workshop to their team.
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  How and Why Does the Board Clarify the District Purpose? 18.02.2026 22m

  Patrick Allen, Director of Outreach & Training at IASB, shares insight on the first of six Foundational Principles of Effective Governance.
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  Introducing: Gabriella Gabehart 04.02.2026 12m

  In this episode, we welcome Gabriella Gabehart, the newest member of IASB’s Communications and Production Services team and our new Assistant Manager of Marketing and Publications.