It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — April 10, 2026

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This April 10th episode covers week thirteen.

Leadership Life Fit: Rethinking Meetings for Team Success

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning for School Administrators of Iowa, discusses how poorly structured meetings can negatively impact the well-being and productivity of school leaders. She emphasizes the importance of defining the purpose and expectations of meetings to improve "leadership life fit".
🎙️ Episode Resources: Redefining the "Meeting"
Lousy meetings aren't just a waste of time—they are a drain on team intelligence. In this episode, inspired by Dan Rockwell’s insights, we break down how to stop the "pretend listening" and transform your gatherings into engines of productivity.
🔗 Featured Frameworks & Readings
Dan Rockwell’s Blog: 5 Ways to Redefine Meetings – Exploring why meetings fail and how to fix them.
The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni: Lencioni Resources – Dive deeper into why team cohesiveness is the #1 driver of organizational health.
Multipliers by Liz Wiseman: The Wiseman Group – Learn how to amplify your team’s talent rather than diminishing it.
🛠️ Strategies for Engagement
The 2 Cents Worth Strategy: A simple, physical way to ensure everyone is heard. Each member gets two "pennies" per round; once spent, they listen until the circle completes.
The 6 Hats Strategy: A tool for testing assumptions and getting 360-degree perspective on any proposal. Learn more about the 6 Hats here.
Team Agreements Process: Don't leave your meeting culture to chance. Use this Team Agreements Resource to co-create your shared standards.
💡 Key Takeaways: 5 New Definitions for Your Team
To change the culture, you must change the definition. A meeting should be:
A Growth Hub: Where intelligence expands and relationships actually strengthen.
A Talent Maximizer: Where leaders focus on drawing out the best in others.
A No-Monologue Zone: Where the "two cents" rule keeps the floor open for all.
A Testing Ground: Where assumptions are challenged (not just confirmed).
A Multi-Directional Web: Where the conversation flows between everyone, not just back and forth to the leader.
Dana’s Final Note: "The best way to capture the team’s shared definition and conception of 'meeting' is through a formal agreements process. If you don't define the rules of engagement, the loudest voice in the room will do it for you."
Listen and glean practical meeting ideas in this 12-minute podcast.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — April 3, 2026

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This April 3rd episode covers week twelve.

Leadership Life Fit: The Gratitude Challenge — Moving from Practice to Identity

In this special episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning Dr. Dana Schon explores the transformative power of gratitude. Moving beyond the "work-life balance" cliché toward the concept of "life fit," Dr. Schon shares five practical strategies to cultivate daily appreciation: the color of the day, the green light strategy, the "first person you see" method, notes of appreciation, and gratitude journaling.
The conversation delves deeper into "lived gratitude," distinguishing it from mere habitual practice. She challenges leaders to integrate gratitude into their very identity, helping them navigate stress and find joy even in difficult circumstances. The episode concludes with a practical challenge: open your contacts and send a message of appreciation to someone today. Find one practice you'd like to implement by listening to this 18-minute podcast.

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — March 27, 2026

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

A Legacy of Leadership: Lessons from Three Retiring Superintendents

In this reflective episode of It’s been SAId, Executive Director Lisa Remy hosts a roundtable discussion with retiring Iowa superintendents: Pella's Greg Ebeling, West Lyon's Shawn Kreman, and Burlington's Robert Scott.
As they prepare to conclude their careers in June 2026, these veteran leaders look back on the dramatic evolution of school district leadership—from navigating increased public visibility to managing the growing complexity of modern education. The conversation dives deep into the realities of the "relentless" nature of the job, offering a rare glimpse into their most challenging moments, the skills that matter most in today's climate, and the essential strategies for building trust with boards and communities.
Whether you are an aspiring administrator or a seasoned educator, this episode serves as a powerful masterclass in resilience, legacy, and the enduring hope that drives Iowa’s educational leaders. Listen to the wisdom and reflection from these three great leaders in this 45-minute podcast

Legislative Update with Dave Daughton — March 20, 2026

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

Legal Vortex: Dealing with End-of-Year Decisions — Retentions, Commencements, and Student Behavior

In this episode of the It’s Been Said Podcast, SAI Legal Services Director Matt Carver discusses some common end-of-year legal issues that school administrators face. These issues include:
Dealing with student behavior and reminding staff to remain calm and professional.
Navigating requests to exclude parents or family members from end-of-year celebrations.
Addressing requests to use alternative names during graduation ceremonies.
Managing student dress code for commencement ceremonies, especially regarding cultural or religious attire.
Clarifying the legal rights of parents and school districts regarding student retention and advancement.
Prepare for your next 10 weeks of classes by listening to this 15 minute podcast.

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.