State Superintendent Ayala started her presentation at the Illinois Association of School Administrations (IASA) Conference with a conversation about "Innovation". She shared with the Administrators in attendance representing the nearly 900 school districts in Illinois, that innovation is key to preparing kids for college, career, and life. She highlighted two districts in which she visited who were exemplary examples of innovation, one of which was Olympia.
Dr. Ayala shared how she was impressed with the real world applications of engineering in Mr. Steve's 8th grade science classroom. She also shared how she enjoyed the STEM activities inside Mrs. Westphalen's high school science classroom. Dr. Ayala praised the District for their energy efficiencies, including the solar panels to reduce electric costs.
Dr. Wise would like to thank the Board of Education for supporting innovation in their School District, as well as the outstanding employees who spend countless hours preparing lessons that are engaging, empowering, exciting, and relevant.
Dr. Ayala talking about Olympia in her speech: