Illinois State Board of Education Met April 21..
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Darren Reisberg called the meeting to order at 10 a.m.
Chair Reisberg announced that the Board meeting was being audio-cast live over the internet and video recorded. He declared that an in-person meeting is not practical or prudent because of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and that made a physical presence for the meeting unfeasible.
Chair Reisberg asked the clerk to call the roll. A quorum was present with eight members attending via webinar. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala was also in attendance.
Members Present:
Darren Reisberg, Chairperson
Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair
Jaime Guzman, Secretary
Dr. Christine Benson
Roger Eddy
Dr. David Lett
Susie Morrison
Jacqueline Robbins
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Chair of the Board Reisberg reminded those in attendance of the Public Participation Policy and the sign-up procedures for today’s remote meeting.
Dr. Susan Homes and Dr. Jason Leahy from the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) spoke on some of the successes the IPA and ISBE have had with the Ed Leaders Network (ELN), such as increased usership, increased course completion, a growing course catalog, the offering of webinars, and the publishing of micro-credentials. They thanked ISBE for its collaboration.
Mr. Reisberg asked if the network could offer resources to local leadership that would guide them in their use of the incoming Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. Dr. Leahy said that the ELN could certainly provide a space for idea formation and collaboration. Mr. Eddy expressed support for this idea. Several Board members praised the work of the ELN as well as Dr. Homes and Dr. Leahy for their leadership.
William Hrabe, on behalf of the Special Education Advocacy Coalition of Chicago (SPEACC), raised concerns about the implementation of ISBE’s corrective action plan in response to public inquiry. He explained the need to expand the role of the ISBE monitor overseeing the Chicago Public Schools’ special education program. SPEACC submitted a letter to the Board requesting that the monitoring period be at least two years longer, and for two monitors be hired and maintained throughout the monitoring period.
Dr. Leak asked when the Board would be getting an update on this from staff. Dr. Ayala said that it would come in a future board update.
RESOLUTION - JACQUELINE ROBBINS, ISBE BOARD MEMBER
Mr. Reisberg and the Board honored Ms. Robbins by speaking of the ways in which she has contributed to education and thanking her for her service to the Board. Ms. Robbins expressed gratitude and appreciation for her time with her fellow members and for all the work that they and the agency staff does.
Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves the resolution for Jacqueline Robbins.
Dr. Benson seconded, and it passed with a seven-member majority roll call vote. Ms. Robbins abstained.
RECOGNITIONS
Molly Uhe-Edmonds, director of Student Care, announced the winners for the 2021 Arts Contest.
- Arts Poster Recipient - High School Division and Overall Contest Winner: Bella Wiehle, West Chicago Community High School, West Chicago Community High School District 94. Art teacher is David Exner.
- Arts Poster Recipient - Middle School Division: Genevieve Harmount, Gurrie Middle School, La Grange School District 105. Art teacher is Alexa Motto.
- Arts Poster Recipient - Elementary School Division: Vanessa Andrade, Jefferson Elementary School, Berwyn North School District 98. Art teacher is Jennifer Giemza.
- Arts Poster Recipient - Early Learning School Division: Journey Boaz, Ottawa Elementary School, Ottawa School District 141. Art teacher is Jessica Presnak.
PRESENTATIONS - 2020-21 STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL PRESENTATION
Ms. Uhe-Edmonds introduced members of the ISBE Student Advisory Council (SAC), who provided the Board with their recommendations.
The SAC members thanked Dr. Ayala and the Board and they presented next steps regarding how the agency might respond to post-COVID-19 achievement gaps; create a diversity, equity, and inclusion framework; ensure the safety and emotional well-being of students; and address the teacher shortage and rethink recruitment for a more diverse teacher population that better reflects student population.
Their presentation included the following:
• Overview of each specific focus area
• SAC subgroup recommendation(s)
• ISBE Strategic Goal alignment;
• Research, surveys, literature reviews, speakers, and/or panel discussions used to formulate the recommendations
• Student impact
• Financial impact
Mr. Eddy noted the amount of potential that their virtual tutoring idea has, acknowledged the limitation of connectivity they listed, and asked if they have found any data on how many students in Illinois would not be able to access virtual tutoring. The SAC members said that they did find that data in their research but didn’t have it readily available. They noted that the number of students without connectivity has decreased dramatically over the course of the pandemic and that Illinois is continuing to work toward 100% access, so this challenge will hopefully be overcome within a few years.
Dr. Leak found the council’s ideas in regard to diversifying the teacher population very interesting and asked if there is any legislative support for partnerships with historically black colleges and universities. The council noted that Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch liked this idea when it was presented to him, but no official steps have been taken.
Dr. Leak asked about their ideas regarding ethnic studies for the state and whether the revised social standards fulfill their vision or if they would imagine another bank of resources being offered. The council members explained that they would imagine a bank of resources being assembled by students for teachers in order to have assurance that students are being taught what they would like to know. Some teachers may be more willing to listen to their students than their colleagues. Also, ideally, the cultural awareness would extend to all subjects rather than being confined to social studies.
Dr. Leak suggested making the council’s work into a resource for educators, as the story they have built is impactful. Ms. Uhe-Edmonds agreed and said that staff are putting forth this effort.
Dr. Benson expressed appreciation for the students’ point that cultural awareness should permeate curriculum in all classes. She also let the students know that their work was recently acknowledged by staff member Cara Wiley, director of Wellness, during a nationally broadcast webinar. Dr. Ayala expressed a great amount of pride in the council members and their extensive, impactful work. Chair Reisberg echoed their praise and expressed appreciation for the SAC’s alignment to the agency’s current focuses.
PRESENTATIONS - SCHOOL DISTRICT FINANCIAL PROFILE
Financial Officer Robert Wolfe provided background information on financial profiles, a longitudinal history of schools that have been in financial recognition, averages of the number of days districts in various tiers have cash on hand, and a list of districts on Watch status paired with information about how staff are working with them.
Chair Reisberg asked if the influx of federal dollars will have an impact on schools’ financial statuses for some period of time. Mr. Wolfe said that this would be a possibility and outlined some of the potential effects.
PRESENTATIONS - ESSER UPDATE
Mr. Wolfe provided a summary of COVID-19 relief fund allocations and a summary of how the State Education Agency (SEA) ESSER I set-aside funds were utilized. Dr. Ayala provided an outline of how the SEA ESSER II set-aside funds are being utilized. They also provided an outline of how they anticipate spending ESSER III dollars.
Dr. Leak asked if it would be possible to use ESSER III money to provide additional funding to cooperatives. Mr. Wolfe pointed to two sources of ESSER funds that would have supported co-ops, depending on their agreements with districts. Dr. Leak explained that the agreements between districts and co-ops were written pre-pandemic and the agency should have conversations about how the co-ops could receive additional, necessary support at the state level. Mr. Eddy asked if there is a way for the agency to know whether or not districts funneled money toward co-ops. Mr. Wolfe said that there is a section of their grant application that would reflect that. Chair Reisberg noted the support being provided to co-ops while simultaneously echoing Mr. Eddy and Dr. Leak’s desire for the staff to discuss other opportunities for the Board and agency to provide more.
Dr. Ayala summarized the intended uses of the funds, and Chair Reisberg highlighted the significance of the decisions being made.
CLOSED SESSION
Dr. Benson 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 of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee 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. Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2)
C. 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)
She further moved that Board members may invite anyone they wish to be included in this closed session.
Ms. Robbins seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
The open meeting recessed at 12:27 p.m. to go into closed session at 12:45 p.m. The open meeting reconvened at 1:30 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
Dr. Ayala reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.
Mr. Guzman moved that the State Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.
Ms. Robbins seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
The following motions were approved by action taken in the Consent Agenda motion:
Approval of Minutes
Plenary Minutes: March 17, 2021
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the March 18, 2021, meeting minutes.
Rules for Initial Review
Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Computer Science Standards
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for:
Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision)
Including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.
Part 228 (Transitional Bilingual Education) Provisional Screening for English Learners
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for:
Part 228 (Transitional Bilingual Education)
Including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.
Rules for Adoption
Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) KIDS Assessment/Unlicensed Personnel During a Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed rulemakings for Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) to JCAR for second notice.
Further, the Board authorizes the State Superintendent of Education 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
Approval of Learning Technology Center Intergovernmental Agreement Renewal
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to enter into a one year intergovernmental agreement with the Champaign and Ford Counties Regional Office of Education #9 through June 30, 2022, not to exceed $1,778,180, subject to appropriations. This intergovernmental agreement will be for the administration and management of the Illinois Learning Technology Center.
Approval of the Notices of Funding Opportunity/Requests for Proposals for E-rate State Matching Grant Program
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to release Notices of Funding Opportunities/Requests for Proposals and award grants to eligible school districts for the E-rate State Matching Grant Program in FY 2022. The estimated cost of the grants will not exceed the appropriation for the program.
Approval of Truants’ Alternative and Optional Education Program Grant Notice of Funding Opportunities/Request for Proposals
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to release the Truants’ Alternative and Optional Education Program FY 2022 NOFO/RFP and award funds to successful applicants. The initial term of the grant will begin July 1, 2021 and extend through June 30, 2022. There will be two one-year renewals contingent upon a sufficient appropriation and satisfactory performance in each preceding grant year. The estimated total cost, including cohort renewals, will not exceed $11.5 million in FY 2022.
The State Board of Education further authorizes the State Superintendent to execute grant agreements within defined parameters to any entity eligible to receive more than $1 million for a single award or over the life of the grant.
Request to Release a Request for Proposals (RFP) Early Childhood Block Grant (ECBG) Prevention Initiative (PI) Training and Technical Assistance: Birth to Three Years The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to release and award a Request for Proposals whereby one entity will receive the grant to provide professional learning opportunities (training, technical assistance, coaching, mental health consultation, and learning communities) to Early Childhood Block Grant Prevention Initiative Programs.
Approval to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to enter into a one year intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, not to exceed $5 million. This IGA will support broadband infrastructure improvements in school districts.
Approvals
Approval of Teachers’ Retirement System’s Supplemental Savings Plan
The State Board of Education hereby approves the resolution allowing participation in the TRS 457(b) Deferred Compensation Supplemental Savings Plan.
Acceptance Items
School District Financial Profile
The State Board of Education hereby accepts the 2021 Financial Profile based upon the FY 2020 audited financial statements presented by school districts.
CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION - APPROVAL OF IL EMPOWER LEARNING PARTNER CONTRACT RENEWALS
Ms. Robbins moved the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to renew fiscal year 2022 approved learning partner “no-cost” contracts with respective total values exceeding $1 million for the following vendors:
• Academy of Urban School Leadership (AUSL)
• American Institutes for Research (AIR)
• Atlantic Research Partners
• Consortium for Educational Change (CEC)
• District Management Group (DMG)
• Education Consulting Research Analytic Group (ECRA)
• Ed Direction
• Illinois Association of Regional State Superintendents (IARSS)
• Illinois MTSS Network (IL-MTSS-N at ROE 47)
• Silver Strong & Associates LLC
• Urban Learning and Leadership Center (ULLC)
Dr. Lett seconded, and it passed with a seven-member majority roll call vote. Dr. Leak abstained.
CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION - APPROVAL OF DISCRETIONARY GRANT TO ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS FOR NEW SUPERINTENDENT MENTORING
Dr. Lett moved the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to renew a discretionary grant for New Superintendent Mentoring with the Illinois Association of School Administrators in the amount of $350,000 for fiscal year 2022. The term of the grant will begin July 1, 2021 and extend through June 30, 2022.
Dr. Benson seconded, and it passed with a seven-member majority roll call vote. Dr. Leak abstained.
UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS
Rules for Initial Review - Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) FAFSA and History Instruction
Dr. Jennifer Kirmes, executive director of Teaching and Learning, provided information on this item.
Rules for Initial Review - Parts 20 (Standards for Endorsements in Elementary Education), 26 (Standards for Endorsements in Early Childhood Education and in Elementary Education), 28 (Standards for Endorsements in Special Education) Updated Standards
Emily Fox, director of Educator Effectiveness, provided information on this item.
There was a discussion about national standards and how the state adheres to them.
Rules for Initial Review - Parts 401 (Special Education Facilities under Section 14-7.02 of the School Code) and 405 (Payments to Certain Facilities under Section 14-7.05 of the School Code) Changes in Approval Status/Procedural Requirements, Satisfactory Proof, and Quarterly Attendance Reports
Barbara Moore, director of Special Education, provided information on this.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of the One-Year Intergovernmental Agreement with Northern Illinois University for the Illinois Report Card, Ed360, and 21st Century Learning Center
Dr. Brenda Dixon, Research and Evaluation officer, provided information on this item.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of the Two-Year Intergovernmental Agreement with University of California - Berkeley Evaluation and Assessment Research Center (UCBEAR) for the administration of the KIDS survey assessment
Dr. Sean Clayton, director of Assessment, provided information on this item.
Dr. Leak asked if there is intent to roll in a new kindergarten assessment. Dr. Ayala said that the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) assessment will be evaluated in regard to how it fits into the entire assessment system, which is relevant to the next item on the agenda.
Chair Reisberg highlighted the desire to look into in-state options for the future.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of RFSP for the implementation of an improved state assessment
Dr. Ayala, Dr. Dixon, and Dr. Clayton provided information on this item.
Dr. Leak emphasized the importance of the standards for this assessment having relevance to the standards for the SAT.
Ms. Morrison noted the fact that the learning standards put in place in 2010 were to be evaluated after 10 years.
Mr. Eddy discussed semantics of the memo and contract as well as commitment to vendors with Dr. Ayala and Dr. Dixon.
Approval of State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB) Appointees Ms. Fox provided information on this item.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Legislative Update
Hector Rodriguez, director of Government Relations, presented this update. Friday, April 23 is the deadline for the chambers to get their legislation out. The House advanced 600 bills out of committee and onto the floor. He outlined some of the conversations staff had with legislators about their bills. He reported that ISBE’s proposals are on track. He reported that ISBE’s FY 2022 Budget recommendation has been presented to both the Senate and the House. The agency also worked with the Governor’s Office to provide briefings on ESSER funds to the legislature. Lastly, he said that standards outreach Is being finalized.
Mr. Eddy raised concerns about lack of connectivity in response to Senate Bill 2088. Mr. Rodriguez and Amanda Elliott, executive director of Legislative Affairs, listed some of the step being taken to address these concerns.
Dr. Lett asked why ISBE is taking a neutral stance on SB 1832. Ms. Elliott, and Dr. Ayala provided an explanation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements
Dr. Ayala announced that senior level management will begin transitioning back to the office the first week of May.
Chair of the Board’s Report
Chair Reisberg announced the cancellation of the June 15 Board meeting. The June meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
There was also a discussion about the Board having an in-person meeting in June or August.
Member Reports
There were no announcements.
INFORMATION ITEMS
ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports
Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report
MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Eddy moved that the State Board of Education adjourn the April 21 Board meeting.
Dr. Lett seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.
https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/Agenda-Minutes-042121.pdf
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