I think this new award was an awesome idea. There are a lot of service associates who put a lot of time into Illinois ASBO to make it easier for school people to do their job.

Q: Why is it so important to recognize Service Associate partners for their service to schools?
A: It’s important to recognize the Service Associates as a way to thank them for volunteering their time. We all try to help school people do their jobs better and more efficiently, guide the newer business officials and support everyone through the very difficult work of running a school. There is always new advice or a new approach that helps even experienced business officials to “stay out of trouble.” We want to work with them but it goes above and beyond a business approach. We donate time because we genuinely want to help them do their job easier, better and more efficiently.

Giving goes beyond a business opportunity, it is a way to give back to the community out of a genuine desire to make schools better. Good schools are good for all of us and Service Associates help Illinois ASBO make schools better.

Q: What advice would you give to Service Associates that aspire to follow in your footsteps?
A: Go to the committees. Volunteer for the speeches. You are going to meet a lot of great people and learn a lot of good things. It makes your job more fun because you get to know the school district and Service Associate members as people.

I first started to get involved as a new attorney. Lory Slutzky, a senior attorney, asked me to speak. Through that, I became more aware of committees. I joined Purchasing PDC and then the later the Planning and Construction PDC. I realized that by going to committee meetings, I got to know people and found out what is really on the mind of school people. I learn what they are looking for to help them solve problems, to educate them and get their questions answered.

It is really about all of us together doing group problem solving and putting our minds together. School district members, Service Associates and the Illinois ASBO staff are like a three-legged stool.

Q: Your thoughts on the mission and/or work of the Illinois ASBO Foundation?
A: I would think given the current financial strains, the Foundation’s role in helping new people enter the school business field is important. People just starting out don’t always have access to the kind of funding that used to be available. It could make the difference between someone coming up in the ranks or not, and making the schools a better system.

It takes a lot of work, money and time to get into this profession. Any extra goes a long way. Schools may no longer offer that benefit and younger administrators may have less opportunity. The Foundation support helps with the tough choices.

Help the Foundation continue to recognize outstanding Illinois ASBO members like Ken Florey. Become a Donor Today!

See an interview with Emmert Dannenberg, 2012 Distinguished Service Award recipient
See an interview with Gary Stanley, 2012 Lighthouse Award recipient