Illinois public school superintendents have a new voice

Posted on December 22, 2023
Former LeRoy superintendent Gary Tipsord is the new executive director of the Illinois Association of Regional School Superintendents. (Photo courtesy IARSS)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Public school superintendents in Illinois have a new voice, but it’s one familiar to McLean County.

Former LeRoy superintendent Gary Tipsord is the new executive director of the Illinois Association of Regional School Superintendents. It’s essentially a new position; Tipsord says previously the organization’s leader has worn the lobbying hat as well.

Tipsord said in a statement, “I am excited to work with the Association to effectively implement our strategic plan and promote our legislative agenda in service of the association, our school districts, our communities, and our students.” Tipsord said. He also stated that this position will allow him to use his experience to continue promoting education, “I have spent my career focusing on what is possible in public education and advancing educational innovation to better serve students. I look forward to continuing that work at the IARSS.”

His request for state lawmakers: “Simply be aware” of the consequences of the laws you are considering.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…