Prairie State Wire

Illinois State Board of Education Met Aug. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL 

Chair of the Board Darren Reisberg called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.

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

Chair Reisberg asked the clerk to call the roll. A quorum was present with six members. The seventh board member, Roger Eddy, attended via webinar due to illness. Susie Morrison made a motion for Mr. Eddy to participate virtually. Dr. David Lett seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala was also in attendance. Chair Reisberg reminded everyone that masks are required and thanked everyone for being in person.

Dr. Ayala stated that there would be no items regarding masking or school district recognition during the meeting. She noted that the Illinois State Board of Education is enforcing the universal mask mandate and it is taking the requirement very seriously. She reinforced that every student deserves a safe year in-person.

Members Present:

Darren Reisberg, Chairperson

Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair

Jaime Guzman, Secretary

Dr. Christine Benson

Roger Eddy, virtually

Dr. David Lett

Susie Morrison

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

Chair Reisberg noted that typically participation is limited to three minutes per person and 30 minutes total; sometimes there is a second session. Due to the high number of participants at the meeting, Chair Reisberg shared that the Board would like to provide the opportunity for all participants to speak and reminded participants of the three-minute limit.

State Senator Darren Bailey spoke about the school mask mandate. He brought a document with 45,000 signatures from parents across the state who want a mask-optional school year for their children. Senator Bailey intends to deliver this petition to the Governor’s Office. He expressed that the entire State of Illinois deserves honesty and transparency from its Governor, and he asked which law gives the Illinois State Board of Education the authority to take power away from the locally elected school board and local communities. He believes that the Governor lacks the authority to both enforce this mandate and create new regulations.

Blaine Wilhour, a state representative in District 107 and a concerned parent, expressed his concerns with the mask mandate. He brought up the letters that Dr. Ayala sent to districts that revoked recognition and he asked where she gets this authority. He shared that Timothy Christian Schools received a letter from ISBE; he believes this is a violation of state statute. He asked what codes were used to determine deficiencies and what was the Board’s involvement with House Bill 2789. He believes that local districts need answers, and he wishes to hold ISBE accountable.

Kyle Thompson, regional superintendent for Regional Office of Education 11, talked about local control and authority. He is aware that districts are divided about masking mandates and that the tension is high, but he prefers that local districts make decisions.

Michelle Lee, a concerned parent and an elected official (she could not share where she is an elected official), spoke about a mask-optional school year. She believes that the science that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is following is wrong, and she encouraged the Illinois State Board of Education to do its research. She is particularly worried about children with disabilities and medical conditions wearing masks all day. She would like a mask-optional school year.

Eureka CUSD 140 Superintendent Bob Bardwell discussed local control. He noted that his district just had a board meeting during which more than 300 parents were concerned about the universal mask mandate. He prefers local control where districts make health decisions based on real-time data. He expressed that the debate is not about masks, but instead about top-down leadership. He asked what data ISBE is using, and he wants local districts to be invited to the decision-making table.

Ruby Johnson, a mother of seven, echoed sentiments about local districts and masking. She expressed that children did not choose to be masked all day, and it is not their responsibility to protect adults. Her local district had a plan for the upcoming school year that gave parents some control, and she would like the local districts to have their power back.

Sherri Smith, superintendent of Forrestville Valley Community Unit School District 221, talked about the Executive Order. She shared that her school was in-person all of last year and she knows that 29 districts are now on probationary status. She is worried about districts that are not following the order. She also asked why 60 days are necessary to comply.

Shawn Gurley, a parent who works with a parent support group, spoke against the mask mandate. He asked that ISBE stop threatening local districts and to trust the local communities. He shared that masks are not protective.

Seth Miller, superintendent in Westville CUSD 2, discussed the issues that Vermilion County is having with its school opening. He noted that the tension is clear in the room, but he believes that everyone’s goal should be getting youngsters back to school. He reported that people do not want to work for schools anymore and the new teachers have little experience. Also, he said that local districts do not have as strong a police presence, such as what is present at the Board meeting. He encouraged ISBE to trust local decisions.

Stephanie Helmuth, a parent, expressed her concerns about masking. She does not want to see her children go through a challenging school year again. One of her daughters has a disability and is struggling, and she explained that students need to see mouths in order to understand.

Lauren Sawastki, a parent of four, spoke about unmasking and local control. She believes that local districts need control, and she finds the inconsistencies to be frustrating. She would like parents and districts to have choice and authority.

Kristopher Lombardi, a 14-year-old student, echoed previous sentiments against masking. He does not believe a mask is necessary in the classroom. He shared that it is challenging socially. He also noted that he has allergies, which are challenging for him to deal with while wearing a mask.

Brent Curry, a concerned parent who serves on a school board, talked about local control. He decided to follow the Governor’s mandate. However, he is frustrated with ISBE’s leadership and wants parents to have control. He also apologized to his district and asked the Board to think about its decisions and give back local control.

Brendon Lombardi, a parent, spoke against the mask mandate. He noted that one of his children has allergies, so he is not attending school right now. He is also upset that he has to continue paying for masks. He is frustrated by the burdens and wants to file a class action lawsuit. He believes masks do not work and he said that children rarely get COVID-19.

Kathleen Ramsey, a parent, discussed masks. She expressed that the chance of getting COVID-19 is so low. She asked each Board member to have the courage to fight for their freedom. She thinks COVID-19 is an illusion. She wants the Board members to be heroes and she believes that children do not need masks.

Curt Nettle, superintendent for Clinton CUSD15, spoke about local control. His district is following the Executive Order, but he would like local control back. He stated that there is no one-size plan for the entire state, and he is frustrated that ISBE has not responded to questions he sent in an email.

Ryan Jugan, a parent, spoke against masks. He thinks that the studies and the science are not accurate, and he believes that masks do not work. He would like students to have mask breaks during school. He is aware how divided people are against masks and vaccinations.

Tonya Evans, superintendent at Central CUSD #4, reported her frustration about the mask mandate. She shared that her school had in-person instruction five days a week last year. This year, it planned to have masks recommended. She noted that now it is receiving public backlash from following the mask mandate. Her school does not have a strong police presence for protection. She would like local control again.

Brad Detering, superintendent at Salem Community High School, spoke about the mask mandate. He expressed that his district is following the mask mandate because of the current metrics. If the metrics suggest it, he would like to go back to a mask-optional school year. He prefers local control and local districts making all decisions.

Jason Jacquot, a parent from Warsaw, read a letter he wrote in response to the letter that the Superintendent sent. He found Dr. Ayala’s letter to be threatening and thought it was a form of bullying. He shared the low COVID-19 statistics in his district. He would like a response from the Board regarding his own letter.

Kevin Ross, superintendent of Marshall CUSD C-2, spoke about local control regarding COVID-19 decisions. Last year, he noted that his district had both in-person and remote learning opportunities. He prefers local control through each local district’s metrics. He believes COVID-19 should be considered in the same way local districts make decisions about snow days.

Seth Schuler from Cowden-Herrick CUSD 3Aechoed other participants’ preferences about local control. He would like community involvement in decisions. He said that public comments are increasing at Board meetings. He would like the Board to have the ability to respond to public participation. He also wants the Board and the Superintendent to stop revoking recognition status for schools that are not following the mandate.

Jessica Brunner, a parent, discussed masks. She believes she is seeing bullying at the state level through the Board’s decisions and leadership. She would like students to take mask breaks, and she is having her child attend online school. She encourages anyone who is against the mandate to reach out to officials.

Jennifer Ebner, a parent and a participant of the organization You Are Not Alone (YANA), spoke about unmasking children. She expressed that neither wearing masks nor social distancing work. She also asked who has the authority to carry out the mask mandate.

Phillip “P.J.” Caposey, superintendent of Meridian 223, talked about local control. He believes that the Board’s decision regarding masking is overreach. He shared that he is pro-mask and he is also pro-parent choice. He is frustrated that last year local districts were trusted and now they are not. He also would like local districts to be included in the conversation.

Martin Rue Jr. from the YANA expressed his concerns about masking children. He believes that the board is usurping the law and he thinks that revoking status of Timothy Christian

Schools has no premise. He stated that the children of Illinois deserve better, and he would like all students to flourish this school year.

Shane Gordon from Bluford USD #318 talked about mandates. He thinks that fear is no way to govern and lead. He also shared that his local board has not been treated well as a result of supporting the mask mandate. He prefers the authority to go back to local districts.

Todd Hellrigel, superintendent of Midwest Central CUSD 191, spoke about diversity and local control. He shared that August 18 was his district’s first day of school, and it is the first time he is missing the first day. He believes that the one-size-fits-all approach in terms of masking does not work. He noted that Illinois is a diverse state with districts with different needs. He asked that the Board respect the diversity and that the Board give local districts the authority to make decisions.

Jerry Farris, interim superintendent of Flanagan-Cornell District 74, echoed opinions on local control. Although he has always appreciated the support of the Board, he prefers local control. He shared that the local districts have the lived experience of dealing with Covid-19. He also shared that the state is diverse.

Brian Kurz, superintendent at El Paso Gridley CUSD #11, discussed local control. He expressed that the state has great diversity, but diverse perspectives all need a voice, and those voices need to be heard and valued. He noted that local control is not just needed for masking, but instead all local decisions need to be led by the local districts. He is scared about what the Board will take from them next.

Jeff Hill from Morton District 709 spoke about local control. He shared that last year, his school was in-person for the entire year. He noted that this was successfully completed through the help of parents who kept their sick children at home. He is aware that local districts have done this successfully in the past and is asking for flexibility from the Board.

Jessie Liefer, a parent, talked about non-compliant school districts. She believes that the Board has no right to micromanage and has no right to threaten any district.

John Kraft, co-founder of Edgar County Watchdogs, outlined his concerns with the Public Participation Policy, He would prefer that the Board changes its policy. He does not like that participants have to sign up 30 minutes in advance. He also does not appreciate that the Board gives elected officials more priority to speak. He next shared that public participation should be a place to lodge their complaints. He also wants the Board to define defamatory language. He finally noted that cutting people off is disrespectful.

Steve Lucie spoke about education as a tax-paying farmer. He shared that he was previously on the school board for a school in Hancock County that the Board and the State Superintendent just put on probation. He talked about the successes of that particular high school. He is frustrated that the Board is taking away authority from local districts. He would like the Board to trust the people of the state who can make the right decisions.

Kirk Allen, co-founder of Edgar County Watchdogs, talked about following the science. He wants to focus on fighting against the virus and he asked where the immediate treatment is. He believes that the government does not help when people are sick and instead just requires students to stay at home. He also asked if the Board members have read the previous 26 findings of the last compliance audit.

Katherine O’Shea, a mother from Oak Lawn in District 218, spoke about the mask mandate. She asked the Board members if they questioned the letters that Dr. Ayala sent out and if it was ever discussed. She encouraged the Board to send an apology to all superintendents who received the letter that states that Dr. Ayala misinterpreted her authority and notes that local districts do have the authority.

Travis Roundcount, Mount Zion superintendent, spoke about masks. He asked why the same rules do not apply to the Governor. He noted that the Governor was not wearing a mask in a Chicago public school.

PRESENTATIONS – ESSER UPDATE 

Education Dr. Ernesto Matias and Financial Officer Robert Wolfe gave the ESSER Update. They shared information on CARES ESSER I, CRRSA ESSER II, ARP ESSER III, SEA Set Aside, and ESSER III SEA Set-Aside.

Dr. Leak asked why there was an asterisk next to the total award amount for ARP ESSER III. Mr. Wolfe noted that ISBE currently has two-thirds of the money, and the department intentionally held one-third of the money. It will be given access to those funds once the state ESSER III application is approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

Dr. Leak asked how the special ed co-op funds are being distributed. Mr. Wolfe shared that there is a total dollar amount per co-op, and it was the co-ops that provided direct services to students. The team did a weighted per people allocation that was based upon Evidence Based Funding Percentage of Adequacy. It was a differentiated dollar amount given to co ops based upon what was available to districts. It has been allocated and people have been notified to apply for the grant.

Dr. Leak also expressed that the ESSER III webinar was very helpful.

Chair Reisberg asked what a district superintendent should be expecting in the next few months. He also asked how ISBE can help the field understand what the state is providing. Dr. Matias said that there will be more communication for topics such as high-stakes testing, social-emotional learning, bridging transitions, affinity groups, and principal recruitment. Chair Reisberg agreed and encouraged the regular communication.

Dr. Leak also noted she would be happy to give feedback as a superintendent. For example, she shared that the Virtual Mentoring Program for teachers has been a great addition already and more districts need to know about this initiative. Dr. Matias also shared that his department is working with the six regional hubs and that the services can be locally utilized.

PRESENTATIONS – SCHOOL YEAR 2021- 2022 RE-OPENING UPDATE - PANEL DISCUSSION 

The panel discussion was canceled in order to allow more time for public participation.

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. 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)

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

David Lett seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

The open meeting recessed at 1:03 p.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 2:41 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA 

Dr. Ayala reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Lett moved that the State Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Benson 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: June 16, 2021

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the June 16, 2021, meeting minutes.

Rules for Initial Review

*Part 268 (After-School Grant Program) New Program

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for

Part 268 (After-School Grant Program)

Including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.

Emergency Rules

*Parts 1, 25, 28, 29, 65, 210, 226, 240, 252, and 401 COVID-19 Transition Recovery Eligibility

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed emergency rulemakings for Parts 1, 25, 28, 29, 65, 210, 226, 240, 252, and 401 to Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (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.

Rules for Adoption

*Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition, and Supervision) Computer Science Standards

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.

*Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition, and Supervision) Spanish Language Arts Standards

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.

*Part 228 (Transitional Bilingual Education) Provisional Screening for English Learners Update

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed rulemakings for Part 228 (Transitional Bilingual Education) 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.

*Part 680 (State Seal of Biliteracy) English Proficiency

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed rulemakings for Part 680 (State Seal of Biliteracy) 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.

Acceptance Items

*State of Illinois Single Audit Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2020 (tentative) 

The State Board of Education hereby accepts the state of Illinois Single Audit Report for the Year ended June 20, 2020.

Approvals

*Revised FY 2022 Board Meeting Calendar

The State Board of Education hereby approves the Revised FY 2022 Dates for the State Board of Education meetings.

UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS

Rules for Initial Review – Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Time Out/Physical Restraint

Director of Student Care Molly Uhe-Edmonds provided information on this item.

Chair Reisberg asked if the rule is approved prior to January 2021, then it is continuing to be used for the rest of the school year. Ms. Uhe-Edmonds confirmed this is correct.

Rules for Initial Review- Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Substitute Teacher Recruitment Firms

Director of Educator Effectiveness Emily Fox provided information on this item.

Chair Reisberg asked how often schools are using substitute recruiting firms. Dr. Leak shared that they are using substitutes very often and it is a serious problem right now. She also noted that it is very prevalent in the northern part of the state.

Chair Reisberg asked if the recruiting firms are spread out throughout the state. Dr. Leak said that they would not find the prevalence that is found in the northeast region in other parts of the state. She shared that the substitute teacher recruitment firms are crucial there.

Rules for Initial Review- Parts 1, 25, 28, 29, 65, 210, 226, 240, 252, and 401 Special Education Services Eligibility

Director of Special Education Barbara Moore provided information on this item. There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million- Approval of Sole Source Contract with OneGoal for Postsecondary Transitions

Dr. Jennifer Kirmes, executive director for Teaching and Learning, provided information on this item.

Mr. Guzman asked about the market analysis and asked about the specific criteria that the team looked at. Dr. Kirmes said she would be happy to share this information.

Ms. Morrison asked what it means to have direct curriculum support for students. Dr. Kirmes mentioned it is a three-year program, with two years in high school. She shared there are specific learning goals connected to postsecondary readiness, such as career goals, post secondary process, and understanding financial aid letters. She noted it is an equity initiative of high-quality postsecondary planning that will meet each student’s unique needs. She said that is often taught by a teacher or a teacher and counselor, and the systems would be sustainable beyond the contracts.

Ms. Morrison noted that it would be led by teachers already in the high schools, and no new personnel would be needed. Dr. Kirmes confirmed this is correct.

Ms. Morrison asked if there will be equity of opportunity for all high schools in all regions in the state. The answer was yes.

Dr. Benson asked if the culturally relevant work refers to the logistical steps to go to college. Dr. Kirmes said it refers to the process and also the soft skills like time management, preparation for the new environment, and non-cognitive skills.

Dr. Leak asked if there has been communication with districts yet. The answer was no, since Board approval is needed. Then the procurement process must occur. Dr. Leak followed up by asking if there will be assistance in implementing the program. Dr. Kirmes shared that this is why it is a two-year request because it will give districts time to implement the project. Dr. Leak suggested that buy-in is needed in the first year, since the adjustments could take a lot of time. Dr. Leak asked if Dr. Kirmes could share the models from Chicago, New York, and Houston, and Dr. Kirmes said she would be happy to share the models and sample materials.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million- Approval of ESSER II Bridging/Transitions- Early Childhood Jump Start Kindergarten and First Grade

Director of Early Childhood Carisa Hurley provided information for this item. There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million- Approval of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund II Grant with Illinois Action for Children

Executive Director of Programs Oriana Wilson provided information on this item. There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million- Approval of FY 2022 Title I, Part A, Section 1003 School Improvement Grant Allocations

Dr. Dana Kinley, executive director for Systems of Support, provided information on this item. There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million- Approval of YouthBuild Illinois Grant Shayla Grantham, supervisor in the Wellness department, provided information on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million- FY22 Digital Equity Formula Grants Dr. Erica Thieman, director of Standards and Instruction, provided information on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million- Request for Approval to Release an RFSP & Award of contracts for the Next Generation of IL-EMPOWER Learning Partners

Director of ESSA/IL-EMPOWER Christine Paxson provided information on this item.

Ms. Morrison suggested that the team focus on evidence-based measures to get the best partners into the schools.

Dr. Leak asked how long the new procurement would be. It was noted that it would be a five year contract.

Approval of the Extension of the Oversight Panels for North Chicago and East St. Louis

Mr. Wolfe provided information on this item.

Dr. Lett asked about the matrixes, what it would take to lead the oversight panel, and the agency man-hours annually given to this oversight. Mr. Wolfe shared that this was provided in the update and noted the five metrics with the Board, which includes financial stability, administrative leadership, governance of the district, teaching and learning, and labor relations.

Ms. Morrison is curious to know what the metrics are and when the oversight needs to dissolve. She also asked why the team chose a 10-year oversight plan instead of a five-year plan. Mr. Wolfe noted that the oversight can go up to 10 years, but there are opportunities to dissolve it before then. Mr. Wolfe also noted that the districts financially are in better positions than before. Ms. Morrison asked if the districts report to the Board in November. Mr. Wolfe confirmed that they report to the Board in November 2022.

Approval of the Fall 2021 Waiver Report

Barbara Hobrock, Principal Consultant of Legislative Affairs, provided information on this report.

Dr. Ayala asked if Ms. Hobrock could categorize the waivers. Ms. Hobrock shared that the majority of the waivers are non-resident tuition waivers, administrative costs, and physical education.

Chair Reisberg asked if any trends have been seen during the pandemic. Ms. Hobrock noted that she just received her first pandemic-related waiver the day before the Board meeting, and she is expecting more soon.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

September Board Retreat Planning

Dr. Ayala shared the items on which she would like the Board’s input on during the retreat, including the Strategic Plan, the equity journey continuum, a conversation about research questions, an assessment update for Requests for Sealed Proposals (RFSPs), and the annual planning for the Board calendar.

For the second day of the retreat, Dr. Ayala noted that the team would like to invite the Student Advisory Council virtually and there would be an update on the Perkins V status. She asked the Board members if there are other items they should add.

Dr. Leak asked if there could be a team-building activity, especially since Mr. Guzman and Mr. Eddy joined the Board during the pandemic. Dr. Ayala said she would look into it.

Chair Reisberg discussed timing, and he would prefer if staff did not have to stay for two nights. He suggested that the first day could start at noon.

Dr. Leak asked if there is going to be a reception on Sept. 14. The answer was yes.

Dr. Ayala asked what time the second day should start. The team confirmed 8:30 a.m.

Dr. Leak asked for information on the reception. Dr. Ayala said she will share this information shortly.

FY 22 Budget Development Process

Mr. Wolfe shared that there will be three budget hearings in October, with one in-person in Springfield on Oct. 1, and two virtual hearings on Oct. 14 and 21. He noted the format includes one person per organization and an online selection system for written testimonies will be utilized.

Chair Reisberg thanked the Finance and Audit Committee for its work.

Public Participation Policy Discussion

Chair Reisberg expressed that there is an opportunity to discuss changes to public participation. He noted that there are advantages access-wise for virtual participation. Now that Board meetings are in-person again, he wondered if the Board wanted to expand policy for participation both in-person and virtually. Chair Reisberg confirmed that this conversation is just in regard to public participation.

Board Services Coordinator Kirsten Parr shared that during this Board meeting, Board members heard 37 people in-person. There were 19 people they did not hear from who might have been expecting a virtual option.

Chair Reisberg also added that the Board can restrict the amount of time for public participation, such as devoting one-hour total to public participation.

Assistant Legal Counsel Colette McCarty noted that the Board would need to change the by laws if it decides to make any changes to its Public Participation Policy.

Mr. Guzman was in favor of providing more access but asked if the Board should reduce the time or provide fewer slots. He thinks that something would have to give in order to make sure it is possible.

Dr. Leak added that the wintertime can make it difficult to travel, so virtual options could provide more access.

Ms. Morrison also brought up logistical concerns and wondered if the in-person participants who traveled far might be upset if a virtual speaker is chosen over them. Dr. Leak added that perhaps in-person participants should have priority to speak since they might have traveled far to participate.

Chair Reisberg suggested that Ms. Parr reach out to the National Association of State Boards of Education executives to see if other organizations and states have modified their Public Participation Policies.

Dr. Leak also expressed that she likes when public participation is grouped by topic.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

Dr. Ayala recognized Dr. Jason Helfer’s recent award. The Award Committee of the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA) selected Dr. Helfer as recipient of the IAEA’s Distinguished Service to Art Education from Outside the Field Award. It was noted that Dr. Helfer’s contributions to expanding art, design, and media education in Illinois are notable and exemplary. The IAEA Board, along with ISBE, is grateful for Dr. Helfer’s contributions. Dr. Helfer’s contributions impact statewide members and the 2.1 million students those members serve each week.

Dr. Ayala also shared the exciting news that Marcia Johnson was selected for a seat on the Council Representing Illinois on CompTIA. CompTIA is the newly formed National Career and Technical Education Advisory Council. This council focuses on a national dialogue on accelerating career pathways in technology.

Chair of the Board’s Report

Chair Reisberg shared that he is now participating in more in-person events. For example, he presented for the Edgar Fellows with State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas. He also

presented at the Hunt Institute. He hopes to do more in-person events and travel across the state. He noted that Macomb is still on the agenda for the Board meeting in October.

Member Reports

Dr. Leak shared that she was on a panel about principal impacts at the Wallace Institute. Dr. Benson was also at the event and said that Dr. Leak did an excellent job.

Mr. Guzman added that he is a member of the Whole Child Task Force, which is focusing on equitable supportive environments. Members are developing definitions and a report is expected in February.

INFORMATION ITEMS

ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports

Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Guzman moved that the State Board of Education adjourn the Aug. 18 Board meeting.

Dr. Lett seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 3:49 p.m.

https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/Agenda-Minutes-08182021.pdf