By Sue Carrescia, IAASE President

“In most places in the country, voting is looked upon as a right and a duty, but in Chicago it’s a sport.”
– Dick Gregory

This amusing quote reminds me of our choices and the decisions we make about how we make our voices heard. Illinois came through its state primary elections with candidates readying themselves for further stumping prior to November elections. We at IAASE are asking you to look at your mail and send in your vote for our offices of President-Elect and Secretary. We need you to raise your voices. To be heard, vote for the candidate who will best represent you and your ideals.

Voting is a shared responsibility and a shared right. Voting is another example of how we can pull our organization up and make ourselves more visible to each other and to educators throughout Illinois. At this time of budget tightening and fiscal restraints, we are reminded to stay focused on our plan—providing services for all students in their least restrictive environment. Our legislators are being asked to do more with less and need our support. Let’s give them reminders of what is right for Illinois’ students. Remember to stay in touch with those who are running for office, with those who are currently in office, and with those who have been supporters of special education. Now is when they need to hear from us loudly.

Along the way, you are encouraged to take time and energy for personal renewal. Our Winter Conference was one such time for renewing and refreshing. I hope you were able to attend. If not, please review the handouts posted on our website. Check the website frequently for updates, board minutes, committee reports, handouts and notices of upcoming workshops.

I look forward to seeing you at our next board meeting in March or in Collinsville for our Spring Conference. Jimmy and the Program Committee have assembled another all-star performance for us and it is shaping up to be a great end of the year bash!

See you soon,
Sue Carrescia
suscarr@niles219.org