School District Leaders in Digital Innovation, Technology and Industry Partnerships Gather in Illinois at AASA’s Transformational Leadership Consortium Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
James Minichello
703-774-6953
jminichello@aasa.org

Leyden Community High School District 212 to Serve as Host District

Alexandria, Va. – March 9, 2023 – School system leaders championing areas of innovation, creativity and technology are gathering at Leyden Community High School District 212 in Franklin Park, Ill., March 12-14, as part of AASA, The School Superintendents Association’s Transformational Leadership Consortium.

The purpose of the consortium is to support school district administrators as they scale successful models in support of engaging, effective learning experiences using transformative practices and educational and community partnerships to be the leading national voices for innovation in our nation’s public schools.

“Experiences like these Transformational Leadership Consortium meetings are critical because they provide opportunities for superintendents, other administrators, principals and central office personnel to see innovative ideas right before their eyes and understand the concepts of why these ideas are successful,” said Nick Polyak, superintendent, Leyden Community High School District 212, and lead superintendent of the consortium. “What’s more, our attendees will be able to learn how to adapt these ideas for their own districts for the benefit of their students and learning communities. Leyden is proud to serve as host site of the Transformational Leadership Consortium spring meeting.”

With a propensity for innovation, Leyden Schools was one of the first three districts in the country to bring in Chromebooks and Google apps in 2012. The district was one of the first three in Illinois to run virtual snow days before the pandemic. As an illustration of student voice in action, two students sit on the board of education each year.

“We live in an age of rapid technological advancements, and it is exciting to think about what the future holds for us, our students and societies across the globe. The AASA Transformational Leadership Consortium provides school system leaders with ample opportunities to do just that—discuss and explore the innovations that are taking place in our classrooms,” said David R. Schuler, executive director, AASA. “As we continue to work to meet the growing demands of our students, the collaboration, networking and fact-finding that will be generated at our spring 2023 meeting will only bolster the potential for the school districts represented. I commend Nick Polyak and his team for serving as the hosts.”

Critical themes throughout the meeting will include:

• Educate/Enrich/Empower Students and Communities
• Leyden Co.lab Interdisciplinary Project-Based Freshman Program
• Teatro Leyden: Bilingual Theater Program
• Career Pathway Spark Presentations
• Additional visit to new Washington Elementary School in Schiller Park School District 8

Leyden is a comprehensive high school district located in the near western suburbs of Chicago. Comprised of two schools serving approximately 3,500 students, Leyden proudly features specialty classes including co.lab (interdisciplinary courses for freshman), academy, industrial tech, college seminar, advanced placement, career programming; a bilingual theatre program; in-house services including transportation, foods and security departments; strong community partnerships; renovated facilities at both campuses; and an on-site daycare center for the children of employees.

Leyden’s mission to educate, enrich and empower, and its motto, Doing What’s Best for the Kids, drives every decision. Students enjoy an exceptional educational experience, with opportunities to explore every passion and pursuit.

Visit the AASA website for additional information about the Transformational Leadership Consortium. Superintendents and other educators can also contact Mort Sherman, senior associate executive director, Leadership Network, at msherman@aasa.org, or Debbie Magee, director, Leadership Network, at dmagee@aasa.org.

Click here to view the photo gallery from the AASA 2022 Transformational Leadership Consortium fall meeting, held at Coxsackie-Athens Central School District in Coxsackie, N.Y.

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About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.