Scholarship Winners Speak A conversation with the 2011 ASBO International Annual Meeting Scholarship Recipients "I LEARNED SOME THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO HELP MY DISTRICT." Charles DiMartino Dir./Finance Thornton Fractional Twp. HSD 215 Tell me about your experience of receiving the scholarship and attending the ASBO International Conference. The conference was great. I made some contacts there that I scheduled meetings with for when I came home. I learned some things that are going to help my district. What were the highlights for you? Anything that stood out? There were a few sessions that dealt specifically with some questions I had in my district, including HRAs and how they can be used, and the evaluation of teachers. This is a big thing now and we are looking to how to keep track of all the components. The keynote speakers were good and inspiring! And I realized that Dr. Jacoby was a musician. Could you have attended otherwise? No, I would have been completely out of the question. I never considered it. It’s far and expensive. But now, I’m thinking I will try and go to next one. I now understand the value of going. Would you recommend others to attend? Yes I would recommend it– I think its worth the investment. "ONLY FINANCIALLY POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF A GENEROUS GIFT." Dr. Christina K. Leahy Superintendent Miller CCSD 210 Tell me about your experience of receiving the scholarship and attending the ASBO International Conference. It was a much appreciated opportunity. It was something our small district was absolutely unable to fund. Out of state travel is we can’t really afford, especially in the current economic climate. The benefit for me was gaining a more global perspective, both nationally and internationally. The opportunity to gain a network of connections was much appreciated. What were the highlights for you? Anything that stood out? Where do I begin? Personally I think the greatest part was the breakout sessions. I could increase my knowledge, and the topics were timely and time well spent. General sessions are always inspiring, but for me the real professional growth happens in the breakout sessions. Any thoughts on the ASBO Hospitalities? It was wonderful time for networking. I attended the president’s reception and the “meet the candidates” evening – both were wonderful in terms of structure and atmosphere. I formed deepened relationship with colleagues from Illinois and was able to meet people from other states and get the chance to see what they are doing. Would you consider attending next year? If it was in Chicago, I would go. For me, this trip was only financially possible because of a generous gift. "I KNEW THE FOUNDATION EXISTED, NOW I SEE THE BENEFIT!" Nathan Fretz Business Manager New Berlin CUSD 16 Tell me about your experience of receiving the scholarship and attending the ASBO International Conference. I really enjoyed the experience. It is one that I probably wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t had help with the expenses. Just attending at all was a thrill. There were great speakers and workshops as well. What were the highlights for you? Anything that stood out? I really enjoyed the first general session speaker. I thought it was really well done. I loved Seattle, it was my first visit there. I come from a very school district so I didn’t have a lot of common with others as far as responsibilities go. It was interesting to see how larger districts are operated. It and the issues faced by other states as well. Would you consider attending next year? I would say the scholarship was the determining factor with all the budget constraints but I would absolutely go again. Had you heard about the Foundation? I knew the Foundation existed, but now I see the benefit!
