Dr. Klaisner Elected IARSS President, Selected for Leadership Academy

Dr. Mark Klaisner leads West40 and champions students and educators across west suburban Cook County with purpose and compassion — and he will once again represent Illinois and the nation after being elected president of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools and being selected to continue his leadership journey in the 2025-26 AESA Leadership Academy.

The Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) is an organization that represents all 851 school districts, 4,000 schools, and 1.8 million students across the state.

Klaisner previously served as IARSS president from 2019-2023.

“It is a tremendous honor to have been elected president of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendent of Schools again,” Klaisner said. “I am proud to be a member of this organization that helps keep students and schools safe while setting the direction for the future. I will use the relationships we have built to collaborate with other leaders to ensure the best possible future for education in the state of Illinois.”

In addition to his leadership in Illinois, Dr. Klaisner will be part of the AESA Leadership Academy. This marks his second consecutive year in this distinguished, yearlong leadership development program for executive leaders of educational service agencies.

AESA, the Association of Educational Service Agencies, brings together leaders from across the country to share best practices and build connections to strengthen education at every level.

“My recent opportunities to travel and connect with other educators have taught me how much we can share and learn from one another. With that in mind, it is a true honor to be chosen to be part of the AESA Leadership Academy and international cohort for the 2025-26 school year,” Klaisner said. “I am committed to contributing to leadership learning across the United States and around our world. I look forward to this year-long adventure, as it provides opportunities for service and learning.”

According to the AESA, its Leadership Academy equips ESA CEOs and senior leaders with the tools, insights, and networks needed to lead effectively in today’s complex educational landscape and features a unique blend of in-person and virtual learning, peer engagement, and a global study tour to Portugal and Spain in April 2026.