It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

In this episode of It’s Been Said, guest host Dana Schon turns the tables on SAI’s retiring Executive Director, Lisa Remy, to discuss her four-year leadership journey. Lisa reflects on the transition from school superintendent to executive director, comparing the experience to both a sunny day at the beach and a winding kayaking trip. She shares heartfelt thoughts on the resilience of Iowa's school leaders, the importance of collaboration, and the painstaking care that goes into supporting SAI's members. Finally, Lisa shares a few laughs about family-like dynamics in the office and reveals what she’s most looking forward to in retirement. Enjoy this thoughtful 28-minute conversation with Dr. Remy.

As school administrators, navigating the unique complexities of school leadership can often feel isolating. In this episode of It's Been SAId, we dive deep into the critical role that SAI’s structured mentorship program plays in supporting, developing, and retaining principals, assistant principals, and superintendents across Iowa. Featuring an insightful panel discussion, the episode brings together mentors and mentees who have gone through the program to share their firsthand experiences and reflections.
Key Takeaways for Iowa Administrators:
The Power of Intentional Matching: Discover how SAI purposefully pairs early-career administrators with mentors based on role, district size, and geographic region to ensure relevant, actionable guidance.
A Confidential Safe Space: Learn how the mentor-mentee relationship creates a trusted environment to process complex end-of-year challenges, manage leadership anxiety, and combat professional isolation.
A Two-Way Street for Growth: This conversation highlights how mentorship isn't just a benefit for rookies—it actively rejuvenates experienced Iowa leaders, sharpens their coaching skills, and strengthens our statewide leadership community.
Whether you are a veteran leader looking to give back or a new administrator seeking a trusted sounding board, this 45-minute episode reinforces why an intentional culture of support is vital for the future of education.

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This May 1st episode covers week sixteen.

In this episode of the It’s Been Said podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning for the School Administrators of Iowa, examines why leaders should intentionally slow down. Schon discusses how a "rushed busyness" can become a harmful norm, potentially leading to physical health issues like increased heart rates and diminished analytical thinking in the prefrontal cortex. By sharing personal reflections on the "snowball effect" of rushing through a morning routine—from the shower to eating a granola bar in the car—Schon encourages listeners to reclaim their time through small, mindful practices. She suggests that by slowing down in simple tasks like washing one's face or listening to colleagues without immediately jumping in with advice, leaders can reduce stress and achieve a higher quality of life. Slow down and thoughtfully reflect on this 10-minute podcast.

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, School Administrators of Iowa Executive Director Lisa Remy speaks with three Iowa school leaders about the benefits of membership in national professional organizations. The guests—Brent Jorth (AASA), Cindy Barwick (NASSP), and Dana Nally (NAESP)—highlight how these organizations provide a broader perspective beyond the state level.
Key benefits discussed include:
Broadened perspectives: Administrators connect with nationwide colleagues to share potential solutions for common challenges.
National advocacy: Organizations offer a voice in Washington, D.C., to influence federal legislation and funding.
Professional resources: Members access high-quality development through national conferences and specialized publications.
Leadership and support: National groups offer expanded leadership roles and complement the localized support provided by state associations like SAI.
The leaders conclude that national membership is a vital tool for professional growth and effective advocacy, ultimately benefiting Iowa's students and communities. Hear from three exceptional Iowa leaders in this 40-minute podcast.

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This April 24th episode covers week fifteen.

In this special-edition Legal Vortex of the It's Been SAId podcast, Matt Carver, SAI's legal services director, discusses the complex topic of liability for school districts and their employees. Carver balances legal caution with reassurance, detailing the protections provided by Iowa law that allow educators to focus on students rather than the fear of litigation.
The discussion covers:
The Iowa Municipal Tort Claims Act: This act provides immunity for districts in areas such as discretionary functions, including curriculum choices and levels of supervision.
Recreational Activity Immunity: Districts generally have protection when students are injured during typical sports or playground activities, provided the equipment meets recognized standards.
Employee Protections: Carver explains Iowa Code 670.8, which requires districts to defend employees acting in good faith and protects them from personal liability in most circumstances.
Liability Triggers: The podcast highlights real-world examples where districts have faced liability, including significant lapses in supervision, failure to communicate attendance issues to parents, or negligent hiring practices.
Reassuring Staff: Carver encourages administrators to settle the nerves of their teams, noting that while injuries are an inevitable part of the school experience, the law provides broad protection for those acting reasonably.
Listen and learn a lot in this 23-minute episode.

SAI’s Government Relations Director Dave Daughton provides weekly updates on the 2026 Iowa legislative session. This April 17th episode covers week fourteen.

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

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.