It’s been SAId: Conversations on Leadership

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with three leaders from Danville Community Schools. 
“From Consequences to Connection,” shines a light on how Danville reimagined in-school suspension—not as a place for punishment, but as an opportunity for growth.
The conversation covers what it takes to move from a traditional discipline model to one centered on restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and authentic accountability. Pat Wallace, Danville Superintendent, Jaci Thornburg, JH/HS Principal, and Liz Long, Curriculum Director and Dean of Students have led this shift in their own district and have seen powerful results—more than 80% of students who go through the process never return to in-school suspension. 
Enjoy this in-depth 48-minute podcast conversation!
Access Danville's Restorative Action Plan

Listen to Matt's October edition of Legal Vortex where he addresses the sensitive topic of employee investigations. Specifically, what should you do if you are investigating an employee who may have an unreported diagnosis or disability? He provides guidance on what questions to ask how to prioritize the safety of students, staff, and the employee.
Matt covers a lot of ground in this 19-minute podcast.

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning with SAI, shares how you can discover how learning to say “no” can strengthen your leadership, protect your energy, and sharpen your focus on what matters most. Learn more in this 15-minute podcast.

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, associate executive director of professional learning with SAI, shares two words that can transform how you approach determining your next steps. Learn what these two simple words are in this 10-minute podcast!

In this episode of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Lisa Remy and Al Neppl, SAI's associate professional learning director, preview the new AI chatbot SAI plans to provide as a new member benefit: Your Teacher Evaluation Partner.
This AI tool is being created with one goal in mind—making the evaluation process more meaningful, efficient, and supportive for administrators and teachers alike. 
Listen to this 30-minute podcast to learn more about the chatbot and how it can help you as an administrator.

Listen to Matt's September edition of Legal Vortex where he delves into the timely discussion on employee speech in light of recent national, politically-charged events. He provides advice on what type of speech may result in a recommendation to a board of education for employee termination.
Carver also covers the overall considerations a district must make when an employee has said, posted, or written something that may cause concern. Listen now!

In this special edition of the It's Been SAId podcast, Dr. Dana Schon, professional learning director with SAI, shares why she doesn't like the phrase "work/life balance" and encourages listeners to instead consider finding a leadership life fit. 
Listen now and hear why words matter!

In this episode of It’s Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with SAI Associate Professional Learning Director Dr. Dana Schon.
Together they introduce the new Superintendent's Collaborative professional learning opportunity and share how it can help school leaders grow and connect. You'll also hear from Dr. Jennifer Perry Cheatham who will facilitate the kick-off event in October.

Revitalize your routine and embrace the day ahead! This podcast was created for SAI's 50th annual conference attendees. However, you can start any day with this short wellness wakeup session. Thanks to Jen Woodley with the Iowa Association of School Boards for leading this session. She serves as IASB's Associate Executive Director, Communications & Events.
Enjoy!
 

In this episode of It’s Been SAId, Dr. Lisa Remy talks with Davenport West High School Associate Principal Matthew Hassig.
They explore a topic that has the possibility of changing the game for school administrators: how artificial intelligence can transform your daily work.
From streamlining communication and automating repetitive tasks to using data-driven insights for stronger decision-making—AI isn't just a futuristic concept anymore. It's here, it's practical, and it's capable of freeing up your time so you can focus on what truly matters: leading strategically and supporting your school community.