April 2008

Dear Colleague,

I trust this message finds you, your school, and your students well.  As we are accustomed to saying at this time of the year, “I can’t believe the school year is almost over.”  I hope it has been filled with fun, excitement, and triumph despite all of the challenges and obstacles.  Never forget that IPA is here to support you in all of your efforts.  Do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of service to you in any way.  Please read further to get the latest updates for the Association.

The Illinois New Principal Mentoring (INPM) Program Though we got off to a late start, the INPM program is now up and running at full speed serving over 520 new principals statewide.  The IPA has been fortunate to partner with 43 Mentoring Entities (click here for a list)  who are providing direct mentoring services to new principals and their mentors.  As Program Manager, IPA has been responsible for coordinating the statewide mentoring effort, website development and maintenance (www.ilprincipalmentoring.org), providing professional development opportunities, program evaluation, and other tasks.  We are looking forward to seeing the program continue next year and beyond with the possibility of providing new principals two years of support rather than just one.  If you are interested in serving new principals as a mentor, please visit the INPM website for more details.  (http://www.ilprincipalmentoring.org./mentors/index.html)

IPA Staff Update – As I mentioned in my January report, we are currently reviewing our Field Staff structure.  Over the past couple of months, a committee of IPA Board Members and staff have been meeting and studying a possible field staff structure to begin July 1, 2008.  The dialogue has been very good as we work to create a system that will best meet member needs.  The committee will have a final recommendation for the Board at its May 6 Board Meeting.

Building Enclosure – If you’ve been in the IPA office lately, you have noticed that space is extremely tight.  To accommodate the staff needed to support our work, we have had to clear out the library to make room for two individuals in cubicles.  The best analogy I can give is that it has been like trying to find room for a school social worker to meet with students.  To address our need for space, the Board of Directors approved having the patio on the east side of the building enclosed to make room for three personnel.  The enclosure is a cost effective measure that should meet our needs for some time.  The project should take 30 to 45 days once started.

Job Search Resources – IPA has been fortunate to partner with Dave Turner, former IPA Executive Director and Professor at University of Illinois – Springfield, to develop job search resources for those looking for a new position.  The resources can be found in the Members Only section of the website and include a podcast about the job search process, a job search guidebook, example resumes, practice questions, and a transition worksheet when you find your new job.  Please contact IPA if we can be of any help as you look for a new position including resume review and contract assistance.

Legislative Session – With spring break concluded, the legislative session is now in full swing.  Though you are busy, please be sure to stay informed on legislation that will potentially be impacting you in the future.  Don’t hesitate to access the resources IPA has to offer to keep you informed and help you reach out to your legislators.  In particular, we are very concerned about the impact the downturn in the economy will have on school funding.  Some revenue projections are showing that Illinois will be $750 million short of what will be needed to cover all of the state’s bills.  This shortfall could put the final two state aid payments in jeopardy.  At the very least, it could push the payments into the next fiscal year.  Please contact your legislators to let them know that you are concerned about this issue and the impact it will have on your school.  Also, do not hesitate to contact DeJuan Kea, IPA Government/Public Relations Director, at dejuan@ilprincipals.org or me if you have any questions about legislative issues.

I hope the rest of the school year is a success for you.  Contact me anytime if there is anything I can do for you.

For the Association,

Jason