Prairie State Wire

Illinois State Board of Education met Dec. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Dr. Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m.

Chair Isoye announced that the Board meeting was being audio-cast live over the internet and video recorded.

Chair Isoye asked the clerk to call the roll. A quorum was present with eight members attending. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala was also in attendance.

Seven members attended in person. Dr. Nike Vieille was unable to attend in person, and Susie Morrison moved for the Board to permit Dr. Vieille to participate in the meeting via phone. Dr. Donna Leak seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

Members Present:

Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Board

Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair

Jaime Guzman, Secretary

Dr. Christine Benson

Roger Eddy

Dr. David Lett

Susie Morrison

Dr. Nike Vieille

Members Absent:

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Chair Isoye reminded those in attendance of the Public Participation Policy and sign-up procedures.

Serdar Kartal, regional superintendent for Concept Schools in Illinois, spoke on the Horizon Science Academy Charter School – Belmont (HSA Belmont) renewal. He shared his appreciation for the superintendent’s recommendation to renew and expand Belmont operations to the high school. He shared some of the school’s achievements in student outcomes, which he said was evident of the staff’s efforts in education and parents’ support. He looks forward to continuing to serve students.

Bennet Williams, a teacher at HSA Belmont, spoke on the charter renewal. He discussed the sense of community that the school has cultivated for students across the West Side of Chicago. He thanked the Board members for their support and applauded the students who shared their perspective at the November Board meeting.

Barb Cohen, a policy analyst with the Legal Council for Health Justice, spoke on literacy. She thanked ISBE for the organization of the Literacy Summit and the opportunities it provided for individuals working to improve literacy in Illinois. She advocated for ISBE to maintain momentum in leadership on improving literacy education.

Dr. Christopher Murphy, chief strategic growth officer for Concept Schools, spoke on the HAS Belmont charter renewal. He advocated for the Board to support the renewal and expansion to high school operations, noting the value for families. He shared details on current plans for the expansion. He noted the achievements of HSA Belmont and other Concept Schools and anticipates their continued service to students.

Jenny LaBash, a teacher at Proviso Township High School District 209, spoke on the district administration. She said that funding had been increased, but expenditures on students and instruction had decreased. She cited particular issues with expenditure transparency that she has seen in the district. She believes the district has not been responsible with spending and advocated for greater accountability in the district.

Meredith Kroot, co-coordinator of Chicago Public Schools Family Dyslexia Collaborative, spoke on literacy. She shared statistics on literacy in Illinois and shared cases of improved literacy education. She advocated for ISBE to take further action on literacy.

Carissa Gillespie, a teacher and community member in Proviso District 209, spoke on concerns in the district. She said that she had been suspended for reporting concerns with the administration. She advocated for an ISBE investigation into the issues within the district and for the protection of teachers’ rights. She noted that ISBE resources can be difficult to navigate for teachers and parents and suggested more clear information about reporting resources.

Nicole O’Connor, a counselor and community member in Proviso District 209, spoke on concerns in the district. She said that district leadership has neglected responsibilities in the district. She cited many initiatives in the district that have not been maintained by current district leadership, worsening the experience for students and teachers.

RESOLUTION | EVELYN MEEKS, 2022 THOMAS LAY BURROUGHS AWARD RECIPIENT PRESENTATION | COGFA REVENUE ESTIMATES

Mr. Guzman presented the resolution honoring Evelyn Meeks, Harlem Unit School District 122 board member, for her achievements in uplifting staff and students and promoting equity in the district.

He moved for the Board to approve the resolution. Dr. Leak seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

Chair Isoye congratulated Ms. Meeks.

Clayton Klenke, executive director of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA), introduced this presentation by discussing COGFA’s role as a nonpartisan research entity in service of the General Assembly.

Ben Varner, chief economist for COGFA, provided a general overview of recent national economic trends, noting impacts from the COVID-10 pandemic. He discussed an expectation for a decline in inflation next year, attributed in part to federal monetary policy. He noted an expected continued decline in manufacturing but said that the service sector remains relatively strong economically. He shared that national job loss from the onset of the pandemic had rebounded relatively quickly, but that it has begun to slow down. He said that Illinois has not fully recovered from job loss, but that unemployment has been near historic lows.

Mr. Varner shared employment levels and earnings in Illinois, which saw gains in 2022 and will likely help increase revenue. He shared metrics and organizations involved with forecasting and said that sources suggest a strong chance of a recession in the near future, though how severe is less certain.

Eric Noggle, revenue unit manager at COGFA, discussed the revenue expectations for general funds. He noted the higher growth of revenue in fiscal year 2023 compared to 2022 so far. He cited increases stemming from personal income tax, corporate income tax, and sales tax. He said that federal revenues were down, but that sources expected those earnings to rebound.

He discussed estimates for upcoming revenue, currently at $51 billion, up $4.9 billion from previous estimates, but only $259 million higher than final FY 2022 revenue. He discussed the general uncertainty from local and global factors, which has informed a more conservative approach to estimates. He cited potential factors that could lead to a decline of income tax revenue in the future but said that they would likely not affect estimates for the next year.

Mr. Noggle concluded by saying that COGFA expects revenue to more than meet the budget, but that the forecasted high surpluses for FY 2023 will likely not be present in future years.

Mr. Eddy asked about the sustainability for revenue sources. Mr. Noggle noted that a recession would be a point of concern for sales tax revenue, likely preceding an economic slowdown in other areas. Mr. Eddy asked about utilizing the surplus for funding in the future. Mr. Noggle said that it is possible, but the exact nature of saving would depend on choices by the governor and General Assembly.

Mr. Eddy asked if funding was sustainable for requested budget increases. Mr. Noggle said that there was uncertainty about how revenue would be affected for the coming months, but that one should expect to meet similar levels to FY 2023 funding as a baseline. Mr. Eddy asked if FY 2024 revenues would meet current budget expectations. Mr. Varner said that the current budget level would likely be met, but it was less certain that it could continually meet any increases.

Mr. Eddy asked if the estimates accounted for inflation. Mr. Varner said that the estimates represented nominal dollars, and not comparative values. He noted that the amount of sales had remained relatively constant, but sales tax revenue had increased due to inflationary price increases. Mr. Eddy asked how a reduction in inflation might impact sales tax revenue, and Mr. Varner said that it would likely stay at a similar level.

Dr. Benson asked if the Comptroller’s Office would contribute to “rainy day” funding. Mr. Noggle said that they had done so with surplus in previous years and would likely do so with an FY 2023 surplus. Mr. Varner discussed some savings sources and bond repayments that might also see contributions. Mr. Noggle discussed pros and cons of having one-time surpluses over sustained revenue increases, and Chair Benson noted that school districts faced similar questions with one-time pandemic funding.

Mr. Eddy asked about the unemployment fund. Mr. Varner said it was a possible investment, but that the governor would need to negotiate with the General Assembly. Mr. Eddy asked about where the state currently had bonds, and Mr. Noggle provided information on a few projects.

Dr. Leak asked about notable one-time increases for revenue sources. Mr. Noggle highlighted a federal reimbursement for pandemic-related expenditures and a refund funding spike.

Chair Isoye thanked the presenters for the information.

PRESENTATION | FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET

Financial Officer Robert Wolfe presented this item. He shared recommendations and enacted levels for the budget from previous years. He highlighted the increases to Evidence-Based Funding (EBF), early childhood education (ECE), and Mandated Categorical (MCAT) spending. He also noted the synchroneity between ISBE’s requested increases and COGFA estimates, and that the Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy Report from the Governor’s Office has provided a five-year projection with an estimate of a budget increase each year.

Mr. Wolfe provided an overview of requests from public budget hearings, notably in EBF, ECE, and Career and Technical Education (CTE). He also noted requests from Regional Offices of Education (ROEs), focused on increasing their general services and bus driver trainings.

Mr. Wolfe discussed a request from the Finance and Audit Committee for proration levels for MCATs to match the estimated levels from the previous year and said that this would have an estimated cost of $119 million. He said that this, combined with the highlighted major requests for increases, was about $589 million. He also discussed the request for a nominal increase to CTE funding, potentially focused on addressing inflation or consumer price index (CPI) adjustments.

Mr. Wolfe shared information on historic and requested funding for programs sponsored through member initiatives. He noted that decreases in requests in this area could potentially be used to offset funding increases in other areas.

Dr. Leak asked about more information on how many students had utilized Educators Rising, a funded member initiative, and Mr. Wolfe said it could be provided.

Mr. Eddy asked if member initiatives might draw on funding to other projects. Mr. Wolfe said that it can but said that if the Board chooses not to renew initiatives, previous allocations could go back into other projects. Mr. Eddy asked if investments into the evidence-based model have been sustainable, and Mr. Wolfe said they had been. Mr. Eddy asked about how sustainable additional increases to the evidence-based model might be into the future, and Mr. Wolfe responded that the single-year revenue gains might not be sufficient, but that sustainability could come from reallocation toward or within the education budget.

Mr. Eddy expressed support for an increase in CTE funding, noting the benefits from the program. He also noted many potential programs outside of conventional programs that could fall under the terms of career and technical preparation. Dr. Lett asked about the timeframe that CTE had gone without notable increases, and Mr. Wolfe said it was close to two decades. He also noted a need for the reassessment of the CTE funding formula. Dr. Benson said that this would be a difficult process. Mr. Wolfe noted that previous efforts had focused on maintaining a base level of funding while making new funding more equitable to prevent any individuals losing funding from formula implementation.

Mr. Eddy asked about the CPI increases. Mr. Wolfe said that it would be approximately 7% from the previous year, and about $40 million since the last CTE funding increase. Mr. Eddy said that doing more than the 7% would be important for continued investment in CTE. Dr. Benson noted that CTE has been well-established and showing good results.

Ms. Morrison asked to confirm that the state funding level of CTE had met the minimum federal matching. Mr. Wolfe said that it had, and that federal funding also had not increased. Ms. Morrison agreed that a funding increase was not unreasonable but said that an outlined intent for increased funds would be important.

Chair Isoye asked the Board about providing a recommendation on CTE funding to staff. Dr. Lett asked how much the 7% increase would be, and Mr. Wolfe said approximately $2.6 million. Chair Isoye noted from previous discussion that increases to the base before a formula adjustment would mean a greater baseline of funding to hold. Dr. Benson discussed the uncertain repercussions for formula adjustment if there was a sizable increase and the need to take time to research the adjustment. Ms. Morrison asked staff to gather more information on the scope of CTE, noting that the General Assembly would also likely want evidence before an increase.

Chair Isoye suggested sticking with the CPI adjustment increase for the upcoming budget recommendation. Mr. Eddy emphasized that ISBE should more seriously research changes for funding for next year. Ms. Morrison noted that ISBE had program data, and research on program outcomes should not take a full year. Dr. Benson noted that the Board could formally act to ensure research is done in a timely fashion. Mr. Eddy echoed earlier points, but said that he supported the CPI increase. Ms. Morrison emphasized the value of Board action.

Dr. Lett also noted that since funding has remained flat, program growth has not been incentivized and may not present results in line with its potential. He advocated for a careful implementation of the formula, potentially collaborating with the General Assembly to make proper determinations. Ms. Morrison also noted external evaluation data which could inform this process.

Chair Isoye asked that the Finance and Audit Committee continue to work with staff on this project. Chair Isoye thanked Mr. Wolfe for the information, and thanked Board members for their comments and discussion.

Due to time constraints, this item was delayed to a future meeting.

PRESENTATION | STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE – ENHANCEMENTS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CLOSED SESSION

Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education go into closed session for the following exception items:

A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with this Act. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)

B. Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11)

C. Meetings between internal or external auditors and governmental audit committees, finance committees, and their equivalents, when the discussion involves internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards of the United States of America. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(29)

She further moved that Board members may invite anyone they wish to be included in this closed session.

Dr. Benson seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

The open meeting recessed at 12:06 p.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 2:36 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA

Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Leak noted that Consent Agenda items have been discussed at previous meetings.

Mr. Eddy asked to confirm that the Belmont charter item contains the high school expansion, and staff confirmed that it did.

Ms. Morrison moved that the State Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.

Mr. Eddy seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

The following motions were approved by action taken in the Consent Agenda motion:

Approval of Minutes

*Plenary Minutes: November 17, 2022

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the November 17, 2022, meeting minutes.

Rules for Approval

*Approval for Adoption – Part 226 (Special Education)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 226 to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for second notice. Further, the Board authorizes the state superintendent to make such technical and non-substantive changes as the state superintendent may deem necessary in response to suggestions or objections of JCAR.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the remaining Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) Federal Stimulus funding for EANS Reallocation Grant

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to amend an existing intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with West 40 Intermediate Service Center #2 to administer the EANS Reallocation Grant program beginning on the date of execution of the IGA amendment and expiring on Sept. 30, 2023. The amount of this amendment shall not exceed $46,604,700.26, of which not more than $850,000 may be retained by West 40 for its administrative fees.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Senate Resolution 774 – Performance Evaluation Report Act

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the superintendent to approve an award to American Institutes for Research to complete a statewide evaluation of the Performance Evaluation Report Act. The contract amount will not exceed $2,777,112.97. The contract term is upon execution through June 30, 2024. There are no renewals.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Preschool Development Grant Birth – 5, Year 3 - National Louis University

The State Board hereby authorizes the superintendent to approve an extension to the grant for National Louis University to deliver programming as part of the Preschool Development Grant Birth-5 -- Year 3. The three-month extension is from Jan. 1 - March 31, 2023, and aligns with the federally approved PDG B-5 no-cost extension. The maximum total will not exceed the previously approved $1,924,656 over the grant period.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Preschool Development Grant Birth – 5 3- Month Extension for the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

The State Board authorizes the state superintendent to extend the grant agreement with the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies for three months in order to deliver programming as part of the Preschool Development Grant Birth-5 during the no-cost extension request period of Jan. 1 - March 31, 2023. The maximum amount of this grant will not exceed $9,748,540.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of upward amendment and end date of the Contractual Monitoring Expansion – Monitoring of Federal and State grants The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to increase the current contract for the contractual monitoring expansion for the nine of our most financially material districts.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of upward amendment of the Contractual Monitoring Expansion – City of Chicago School District 299

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to increase the current contract for the contractual monitoring expansion for the City of Chicago School District 299.

Approvals

*Approval of Renewal Decision for Elgin Math and Science Academy Charter School

The State Board of Education hereby approves the renewal of the charter for Elgin Math and Science Academy (EMSA) Charter School for a five-year term at a funding level of 100 percent of the Per Capita Tuition Charge of the resident district and also approves an increase in EMSA’s enrollment cap to 504 students total. The State Board further authorizes the state superintendent and legal officer to commence negotiations with the Elgin Charter School Initiative to determine all other terms of the charter renewal agreement.

*Approval of Renewal Decision for Horizon Science Academy Charter School – McKinley Park

The State Board of Education hereby approves the renewal of the charter for Horizon Science Academy Charter School – McKinley Park for a five-year term at a funding level of 100 percent of the Per Capita Tuition Charge of the resident district. The State Board further authorizes the state superintendent and legal officer to commence negotiations with Concept Schools to determine all other terms of the charter renewal agreement.

*Approval of Renewal Decision for Horizon Science Academy Charter School – Belmont

The State Board of Education hereby approves the renewal of the charter for Horizon Science Academy Charter School – Belmont (HSA Belmont) for a five-year term subject to the conditions outlined herein, at a funding level of 100 percent of the Per Capita Tuition Charge of the resident district. Additionally, HSA Belmont’s request to serve Grades 7-12 at a second building at 5212 W. Agatite Ave., Chicago, and to increase its enrollment cap to 1,125 students is approved starting with the 2023-24 school year. The State Board further authorizes the state superintendent and legal officer to commence negotiations with Concept Schools to determine all other terms of the charter renewal agreement.

CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION – APPROVAL OF THE 1003 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

Mr. Eddy asked to confirm that this motion did not involve the approval of school improvement partners. Dr. Ayala confirmed that this was the case, noting that the Board had voted to approve the search process for program partners in September, and that internal and external evaluators had conducted their own research to determine qualified partners. Mr. Eddy said that this process did not involve the Board, including disapproval of any partners. Dr. Ayala said that the review process was conducted by both ISBE staff and external evaluators, but that most were ISBE staff. Director of ESSA/IL-EMPOWER Dr. Christine Paxson confirmed this, and also said that some IL-EMPOWER grantee school districts familiar with service providers were also involved in evaluations.

Noting that the discussion was not directly related to the grants for approval, Mr. Eddy asked to confirm that ROEs were among partners not approved and the reasoning behind that decision. Dr. Ayala said that staff could follow up with detailed information to the Board. Ms. Morrison asked if any individual provider has funding that exceeded $1 million, and Dr. Paxson said that no providers had more than that amount.

Mr. Eddy moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release FY 2023 IL-EMPOWER Planning Grant awards with respective total values exceeding $1 million over the four-year term of the grant to eligible Local Education Agencies from Title I, Part A, Section 1003 School Improvement funds.

Dr. Benson seconded the motion, and it passed by a roll call vote. Six members voted in favor, and Dr. Leak and Dr. Vieille abstained.

DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL | APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Amanda Elliott and Director of Government Relations Hector Rodriguez discussed this item. Ms. Elliott introduced it, noting the interest that members of the General Assembly have always taken in education.

Mr. Rodriguez discussed the details of the proposed agenda. He first discussed the agenda for changes to licensure.

Dr. Benson asked to confirm that proposed licensure changes were intended for long-term implementation, and Mr. Rodriguez confirmed they were.

Mr. Eddy appreciated the ease for school districts that this created by reducing waiver applications and encouraging staff to look at other waiver processes that could be minimized through policy. He also appreciated the flexibility the changes granted to allow more teachers in classrooms.

Mr. Rodriguez discussed the agenda for computer science programs.

Dr. Leak asked about the funding allocation necessary for the discussed programs, and staff said they could get back with details, but that an appropriation would likely be needed. Dr. Leak asked if this would require more competitive grants issued by ISBE. Dr. Ayala said it was possible, but that funding for these projects could also come from a formula grant.

Mr. Rodriguez discussed plans for cleanup of the School Code.

Dr. Leak asked how alignment of funding processes for charter schools with EBF might impact school districts. Mr. Wolfe discussed changes and said it was unlikely that the districts would be significantly affected. Dr. Leak asked for more information and expressed interest in ensuring that district funding was not disrupted. Staff said they could investigate it further.

Mr. Eddy asked about a proposal for ISBE’s exemption from collecting information on students’ sexual orientation. Ms. Elliott explained some student privacy and safety concerns associated with the Public Act that had mandated major programs to collect that information. She discussed other uncertainties created by the mandate, and that staff had worked with bill sponsors and stakeholders to determine ways to address concerns. She explained that the proposal instead focused on utilizing existing, anonymous student survey data to generate requested school climate reports.

Dr. Ayala acknowledged Ms. Elliott’s work in coordination and collaboration across a wide set of stakeholders to best meet students’ needs and thanked her for all the contributions she has made in her work at ISBE.

Dr. Benson moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the following legislative proposals to move forward as agency-initiated proposals for the 2023 spring legislative session: licensure, computer science, and School Code cleanup.

Ms. Morrison seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS

Approval for Publication – Part 151 (School Construction Program)

Michael Gum, director of School Business Services, discussed this item.

There were no questions.

Approval of Amendment to ESSA Accountability Exit Criteria

Director of Accountability Rae Clementz discussed this item.

Dr. Leak noted an interest in providing clear communications for districts about potential outcomes from the determination process, and Ms. Clementz said that she could provide details on their communications.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

There were no announcements.

Chair of the Board’s Report

There were no announcements.

Member Reports

Dr. Lett asked what work ISBE had done to address concerns about Proviso District 209 that had been expressed in public comment. Dr. Ayala said that staff had conducted site visits and would be providing a report soon, and that the district had been sent a letter of notice.

INFORMATION ITEMS ISBE

Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports

Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report

ISBE Quarterly Staff Demographics Report

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Dr. Lett moved to adjourn the December 14, 2022, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.

Mr. Guzman seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 3:18 p.m.

https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/20221214-Agenda-Minutes.pdf