The Illinois Association of Title I Directors began in 1980 in Little Rock, Arkansas.  While attending the National Title I Regional Workshop for Parent Involvement on June 11 - 13, nine directors of large Title I projects met informally to discuss the possibility of forming a large district director's organization.

Of particular interest to the group was political action, since there was a federal movement at that time to eliminate Title I and other grants.  The original Planning Committee consisted of:

Gene Alston (Alton)

Joe Burnett (Kankakee)

Gilbert Deimel (Springfield)

Edna Horne (Rantoul)

Jeanne A. Nelson (Peoria)

W. Frank Perry (Chicago)

Marge Stillwell (Champaign)

Mary Williams (Mattoon)

Agnita Wright (Decatur)

An invitation was extended to all directors of a $100,000 or greater project to attend a meeting on September 23, 1980.  At that meeting it was decided to form the organization, Association of Title I Directors in Illinois.   A second meeting was held on November 21, 1980, and officers were elected in late December.  On January 30, 1981, Gil Deimel presided at the first official meeting of the Association.  By-Laws were adopted on April 8, 1981, and membership was opened to any director interested in joining.   

IATD Presidents

1981 - 83.............Gil Deimel, Springfield

1983 - 85..............Jeanne Nelson, Peoria

1985 - 87..............Dennis Butts

1987 - 89..............Steve Oelklaus, Quincy

1989 - 91..............Phyllis Archambeau, Rockford

1991 - 93..............Dan Heintz, Maywood

1993 - 95..............Bev Guzy, Oak Lawn

1995 - 97..............Pat Walkup, Rock Island

1997 - 2001.........Gary Hartlieb, Murphysboro

2001 - 2005.........  Carolyn Blackwell, Springfield    

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