Dr. Nancy Blair, ISAL Facilitator (from left); Dr. Gary Zabilka, ISAL Facilitator; District 128 Supt. Merryl Brownlow; Dr. Patrick Halloran, ISAL Coach. (Supplied photo)
Palos SD128 Supt. Brownlow completes Leadership Academy, named ISAL Fellow
Dr. Merryl Brownlow, superintendent of Palos Heights SD 128, has earned the unique distinction of being named an ISAL Fellow after completing the IASA School for Advanced Leadership academy, an 18-month program designed to elevate superintendent’s leadership skills and impact student achievement.
Brownlow received her diploma during a graduation ceremony held June 17 at the Illinois Association of School Administrator’s headquarters in Springfield. Brownlow joins the list of 150 Illinois superintendents to be named an ISAL Fellow since the academy’s inception in 2010. She was among 26 superintendents to graduate Friday from the cohort.
According to Brownlow, her experience in ISAL has been critical in helping guide Palos Heights SD 128 through an intensive strategic-planning process.
“The ISAL experience was personally and professionally life changing,” said Brownlow. “I have emerged as a wiser person and stronger leader. I am applying many of the leadership concepts learned to my life and my work, positively impacting everyone around me.”
ISAL was developed and is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), the statewide organization that represents public school superintendents and administrators.
The mission of ISAL is to provide experiences that build exemplary leadership, knowledge and skill sets essential for ensuring successful student achievement at the local level. As part of the academy, each superintendent develops a personal and professional growth plan, as well as a district plan for student achievement that includes conducting a comprehensive needs assessment. Each of the ISAL participants are assigned a veteran superintendent as a coach.
“In the midst of an immensely challenging stretch, I commend each of these superintendents for not being content and wanting to push themselves to become an even stronger leader,” said Dr. Brent Clark, IASA Executive Director. “The IASA School for Advanced Leadership academy is providing a return on investment that is making a difference in public education.”
Brownlow has been an educator for 30 years and superintendent of Palos Heights SD 128 for three years.
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