SAI Report

• The agenda was updated to reflect a new item: Conference Room Technology Update. 
• Nov. 13 meeting minutes approved.
• Executive Director Lisa Remy discussed a proposed update to the technology in the large conference room. Buck, Neppl, and Schon added additional information about the planned room changes, technology updates, and the reasoning behind the changes. There were questions and discussion with the committee. Remy did mention that the current quote is $35,000 and the building expenses line item would not be enough to cover the cost due to other needed improvements and some of the cost would need to come from our reserves. Committee members decided it was a timely upgrade and that members would benefit from the change.
• Remy provided highlights from the three SAI District Meetings held in December at Prairie Lakes, Green Hills, and Central Rivers. She also attended the Green Hills Superintendent meeting and presented legislative priorities alongside SAI Government Relations Director Dave Daughton.
• Remy also shared additional meetings she attended over the past month, including Johnston Community School District’s Legislative Showcare, the Urban Education Network meeting, and IASB’s conference.
• Finance Director Debbie Wrenn shared the Financials Report.
• Professional Learning Director Dr. Dana Schon updated the committee on several role-alike statewide mentoring meetings held virtually in November. She also announced that SAI is excited to host a Summer Leadership Accelerator this June in partnership with FranklinCovey.
• Schon also highlighted several virtual events available to members in January and February. She wrapped up her report by sharing that she recently attended a Leader in Me Symposium, IASB’s conference, and the Running the Store conference.
• Associate Professional Learning Director Al Neppl discussed the upcoming 50th Annual Conference to be held Aug. 5-7, 2025. He announced the theme: “50 Years of Learning, Inspiration, and Innovation.” He also announced the speakers for pre-conference, keynotes, and several thought leaders. He reminded the committee that SAI is still seeking proposals to identify sessions for the Promising Practices series.
• Communications Director Laine Buck shared that Marion Independent School District Technology Director Peggy Murphy was selected as SAI’s Central Office Administrator of the Year. She also provided an update on the remaining Administrator of the Year categories. Buck provided a summary of registrations for the three December SAI District meetings. She added that she presented a mini-communications workshop at the Central Rivers meeting. Buck said an all-call was sent for candidates interested in running for SAI vice president and explained the timeline. She wrapped up her report by highlighting the most recent It’s Been SAId podcast.
• Legal Services Director Matt Carver shared that he’s received numerous phone calls regarding residency or good cause exceptions now that the March 1 open enrollment deadline is back in place. He summarized the guidance he’s been giving administrators. Carver finalized his report with an IPERS update.
• Government Relations Director Dave Daughton shared his report that listed names for the Education Committee Chair and some of the representatives on the House Committee for Education. He noted the names will continue to be updated. He also provided an update on the current task force/committees and what they are working on prior to the Jan. 13 start of session. He reminded the committee of the upcoming legislative topics that plan to be addressed. He concluded his report by sharing about some of his recent visits across the state and reminding members about Day on the Hill Jan. 27-28.

Each school year, members of the SAI team travel to visit with administrators whose districts are associated with each AEA. Union High School Principal Jason Toenges believes these meetings are worth the effort to attend. 

“SAI District Meetings are a great way to locally learn and connect
with other education leaders and the staff at SAI. I always know that
I will be able to reconnect with other principals in the area as well
as learn about the important work of SAI whether it be professional
development, legislative updates, or legal matters,” said Toenges.

Complimentary lunches are provided for each meeting. Registration is
required to prepare for adequate seating and meals. View dates below to mark your calendar and register for when SAI will be visiting your area.

January

• Heartland
• Keystone

February

• Mississippi Bend
• Grant Wood

March

• Great Prairie
• Northwest

Planning for SAI Conference 2025 is well underway! A significant part of the SAI Conference experience is our Promising Practices Series through which we spotlight success stories and lessons learned in local districts across Iowa. 

Once again, we are calling for proposals for Promising Practices. We invite you to take a moment to reflect on what’s going well, what lessons you’ve learned, and what would be of value to your colleagues. Then, we ask you to consider sharing your leadership with colleagues through a conference session. 

Learn more about the process through these Submission Guidelines and plan to submit a proposal.

Principals who have primary supervisory responsibilities for any combination of grades PK-8 and are members of SAI and NAESP are eligible to run.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities are to fulfill duties mandated by the NAESP bylaws; policy, affiliation agreements, or Delegate Assembly rules and procedures the respective board recommends; and SAI Rep. Council, in collaboration with SAI’s Executive Committee and executive director as an SAI liaison. Read NAESP Bylaws >

Timeline

Jan. 25: Deadline to email application.

Feb. 12: Representative Council narrow list, if needed.

March 12: Executive Committee selects representative.

Learn more online >