The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) is announcing the hiring of Gary Tipsord as its first-ever executive director. Tipsord is a longtime educator in central Illinois who now will help lead this organization representing the heads of Regional Offices of Education across the state.

Learn more about Tipsord and the organization in its release:

The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) welcomes Gary Tipsord as the association’s new and first-ever Executive Director. Tipsord brings decades of educational leadership and advocacy experience and a passion for serving students.

Jodi Scott, President of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, emphasized the importance of this new role.

“Gary Tipsord brings the leadership and education experience to help our association better serve each Regional Superintendent, school district, and student we represent," Scott said.

Tipsord recently retired after 16 years of service as the District Superintendent for LeRoy CUSD #2 where he was recognized for designing innovative student opportunities and leading with transparent communication. He has also served as a member of the Vision 2020 Team, a member of the Professional Review Panel for Evidence Based Funding, and was a Leadership Coach for the Illinois School for Advanced Leadership. Tipsord holds degrees from Illinois State University and Eastern Illinois University.

Tipsord said he is looking forward to starting the job.

“I am excited to work with the Association to effectively implement our strategic plan and promote our legislative agenda in service of the association, our school districts, our communities, and our students.” Tipsord said. He also stated that this position will allow him to use his experience to continue promoting education, “I have spent my career focusing on what is possible in public education and advancing educational innovation to better serve students. I look forward to continuing that work at the IARSS.”

The Illinois Association of Regional School Superintendents represents the Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate Service Centers in all 102 Illinois counties and exists to support those offices and the Regional Superintendents of Schools. The association works to promote quality education, to provide educational leadership, to impact public policy, and to deliver educational services effectively for the benefit of Illinois school districts, other educational entities.

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