It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — March 13, 2026

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This March 13th episode covers week nine.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — March 6, 2026

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This March 6th episode covers week eight.

Leadership Life Fit: Protecting and Refueling Your Cognitive Energy

In this special edition episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, SAI's associate executive director of professional learning, explores the hidden drain on a leader's most valuable resource: cognitive energy.
Using the relatable metaphor of a web browser cluttered with dozens of open tabs, Schon illustrates how unresolved tasks, lingering worries, and unrealistic self-expectations act as "mental tabs" that leak energy throughout the day. She challenges the traditional narrative of the "always-on" leader, encouraging listeners to "close the tabs" by setting boundaries and reframing their internal stories to achieve a better leadership life fit.
Learn practical strategies to "close unneeded tabs" in this nine-minute podcast.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — Feb. 27, 2026

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This Feb. 27th episode covers week seven.

A New Chapter for SAI

In this special episode of It’s been SAId, Executive Director Dr. Lisa Remy sits down with her successor, Dr. Brad Buck, to discuss the upcoming leadership transition at the School Administrators of Iowa. Dr. Buck, the current Waukee superintendent and long-time SAI member, will take the helm this summer.
Key highlights from their conversation include:
The "Spark" for Change: Brad shares the personal realization that led him to pivot from district leadership to leading the professional association.
Navigating Leadership: Strategies for maintaining a non-partisan, student-centered focus in a polarized political climate.
Vision for the Future: Brad outlines his first-year goals, focusing on building credibility with diverse constituents and advancing SAI’s mission to recruit and retain high-quality educational leaders.
Personal Insights: A look at the books and hobbies that shape Brad’s leadership style and help him recharge.
Dr. Remy expresses her confidence in the transition, noting the peace she feels leaving SAI in the hands of a leader who deeply understands the organization’s mission. Listen and learn more about Dr. Buck in this 25-minute podcast.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — Feb. 20, 2026

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This Feb. 20th episode covers week six.

Legal Vortex: Teacher Contracts and Licensure — A Legal Guide for Iowa Administrators

As districts navigate the second semester of the 2026 school year, Legal Services Director Matt Carver provides guidance on teacher licensure, performance remediation, and the complexities of employment termination in this latest edition of the It's Been SAId podcast.
The conversation focuses on the critical legal procedures involved in managing teacher performance and contracts under Iowa law. Carver emphasizes that while legal pathways like intensive assistance are designed for remediation, administrators must be vigilant about statutory deadlines and procedural rights to protect the district and ensure fair treatment of staff.
Listen and learn what will help you navigate these next few months in this 24-minute podcast.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — Feb. 6, 2026

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This Feb. 6th episode covers week four.

Leadership Life Fit: Overcoming the Overthinking Trap

In this special edition of the It’s Been Said podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning with SAI, dives into a challenge familiar to many leaders: overthinking. From the "rethinking" that derails a morning workout to the complex rumination that follows a difficult conversation with staff or parents, Dana explores how overanalyzing can lead to decision fatigue, stress, and burnout.
What You’ll Learn:
The Anatomy of Overthinking: How second-guessing and over-complicating "wicked problems" can stall progress and create skepticism within your school culture.
The Energy Toll: Why decision fatigue makes us more susceptible to overthinking and how it impacts your "Leadership Life Fit."
5 Practical Strategies for Clarity: * Selective Input: Managing your consumption of news and social media to reduce anxiety.
The 10-10-10 Test: A mental framework to right-size problems based on their long-term impact.
Routinization: Conserving mental energy by automating daily decisions.
Trusting Your Gut: Reconnecting with your intuition and the powerful "neural network" of your digestive tract.
The 80/20 Rule: Recognizing when a task is "well done" rather than "perfectly done" to reclaim your time.
Join Dana as she shares how to stop spinning your wheels and start making productive, confident decisions that move your vision forward in this 15-minute podcast.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — Jan 30, 2026

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This Jan. 30 episode covers week three.