Illinois State Board of Education met Nov. 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 10:01 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, and all attending were physically present. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala was also in attendance.
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 the sign-up procedures for today’s meeting.
India Levels, a parent with children who attended Horizon Science Academy – Belmont (HSA Belmont), spoke on the Belmont charter renewal and high school expansion. She said she and her children had always been supported by staff and administrators at Horizon and believes that they have been well prepared to succeed. She advocated for the renewal of the school’s charter.
Walter Caldwell, a teacher at HSA Belmont, spoke on the charter renewal. He spoke of the support and comfort that it had provided for his brother as a student. He believes that the school cares deeply about its students, and that children should continue to have the opportunity to attend. He advocated for the renewal and expansion of the Belmont school.
Bennett Williams, a teacher at HSA Belmont, spoke on the charter renewal. He said that Horizon provides an environment of safety and support for students. He believes that Horizon would succeed at continuing to uplift the community at the high school level if given the opportunity.
Ebony Hickman, a student at HSA Belmont, spoke on her experience in the school. She discussed the positive environment and support that she and other Belmont students received and advocated for the charter renewal.
Renita Ward, a board member at Horizon Science Academy, spoke on the Belmont campus. She mentioned the positive experiences and opportunities that her children had encountered, saying that it was a safe and supportive force in the community. She advocated for the high school expansion as a means of continuing to provide opportunities for underprivileged children beyond the K-8 level.
Michael Woodard, a student at Urban Prep Academy, spoke on the West/Downtown campus charter. He said that he had received strong support and preparation for success, saying that students were uniquely empowered in the Urban Prep environment. He shared that 100% of seniors had received college acceptances during its operation. He advocated for the continued operation of the school.
Zachary Smith, a student at Urban Prep Academy, spoke on the West/Downtown campus charter. He said that he has been strongly supported at Urban Prep, with its programs facilitating a valuable community within the school. He and other students in attendance recited a school creed.
Daryll Lacey, the principal of the Urban Prep Academy West/Downtown campus, spoke on the charter. He discussed the context and mission of the school, saying that staff and teachers were focused on providing students with a high-quality learning experience. He also discussed the post-graduation preparation opportunities available to students. He advocated for its continued operation.
Alex Connell, principal at HSA Belmont, spoke on the charter. He advocated for its renewal and the expansion into high school operations. He believes that students receive necessary support and that maintaining that presence into high school could be valuable for students.
Doretha Miller, a parent with children at Urban Prep Academy, spoke on the West/Downtown campus. She believes that the support and opportunities for her children and all students at Urban Prep are unique and valuable, and advocated for its continued operation.
Imani Roberts, a recent graduate of HSA Belmont, spoke on the school. She said she found a valuable community at the school, and that teachers there had provided valuable care and support for her education and well-being. She advocated for the high school expansion.
Jonathan Doster, director of legislative affairs at Start Early, spoke on the fiscal year 2024 Early Childhood Block Grants. He thanked the Board and staff for their work on this grant and allocation. He discussed the work in early childhood and the importance of continued funding for these programs. He believes that other stakeholders should have an opportunity to engage with details on allocation to ensure a most effective use of resources.
Paul Zavitkovsky, a policy advocate and developer with the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Urban Education Leadership, spoke on assessment. He discussed the context of recommendations for changes to the statewide assessment in the past year and believes that ISBE has been unresponsive to stakeholders in making such changes. He advocated for urgent action in order to utilize federal pandemic funding for work on assessment changes.
John Burkey, director of the Large Unit District Association, spoke on Competency-Based Education (CBE). He discussed the continued progress on the CBE pilot. He thanked ISBE staff for their work on CBE programs and the Board members for their support and interest. He expressed anticipation for continued work on these programs. Dr. Lett thanked Mr. Burkey for his work in this area, asking him to consider ways to expand CBE opportunities to districts outside of the pilot. Dr. Burkey said that teams were looking into site visits to any districts interested in CBE programming.
Brandon Lenore, director of student programs at Urban Prep Academy, spoke on the West/Downtown campus. He shared the extracurricular programs available to students, including after-school clubs, internships with community partners, and college visit opportunities. He emphasized the value of these programs and advocated for the school’s continued operation.
Dennis Lacewell, chief academic officer of Urban Prep Academy, spoke on the West/Downtown campus. He discussed Urban Prep’s role in promoting equity. He noted that while enrollment numbers were below standards, enrollment issues have been present for many schools due to the pandemic and population decline. He believes ISBE has not been equitable in its expectations for the school. He advocated for continued operation of the school and a greater window of time to remedy the enrollment situation.
Louise Dechovitz, co-founder of the Illinois Literacy Coalition, spoke on the ISBE Literacy Summit. She thanked ISBE for the organizational efforts for the summit and believed that the opportunities for participants to share their perspectives in discussion were productive. She advocated for continued leadership from the Board on improving literacy in Illinois.
Joffrey Bywater, principal of the Urban Prep Academy - Bronzeville campus, shared the achievements of Urban Prep in both college preparation and providing a safe and welcoming environment. He discussed the importance of community partnerships and unique programming in facilitating their goal. He advocated for consideration of Urban Prep’s appeal and the continued operation of the West/Downtown campus.
Erika Lindley, a research specialist with the Illinois Education Association, spoke on assessment. She advocated for ISBE to act on recommendations from the Center for Assessment, as well as continuing to partner with the Center in future work.
Bricen Ward, a student at Urban Prep Academy, spoke on the school. He discussed the empowering environment that the school provided for its students and the sense of pride he felt for the school.
Dominick Williams, a student at Urban Prep Academy, spoke on the school. He discussed the positive environment he had found in the school. He cited the 100% college acceptance rate for students and advocated for the continued operation of the school to give other students the opportunity to benefit from its programs.
Jamari Christmas, a student at Urban Prep Academy, spoke on the school. He discussed his experience, sharing his observations about the learning environment and the preparatory opportunities the school had provided. He advocated for its continued operation.
Josiah Jackson, a student at Urban Prep Academy, spoke on the school. He discussed the opportunities available through Urban Prep programming and the encouragement he had received to pursue them. He highlighted the partnership with the Urban Alliance Foundation.
Samay Gheewala, assistant director of organizing and policy at Illinois Families for Public Schools, spoke on assessment. He advocated for the Board to act urgently on recommendations from the Center for Assessment. He highlighted the recommendations to decrease reporting time for results, shorten the Illinois Assessment of Readiness, and consider implementing an adaptive design.
Betty Brown, a board member of Horizon Science Academy – Belmont, spoke on the charter. She discussed the successes the school has had with students and advocated for a consideration of the high school expansion.
Chair Isoye thanked participants for their comments.
Financial Officer Robert Wolfe introduced the presentations, sharing that regular progress updates are a part of the oversight plans for the districts.
PRESENTATIONS | EAST ST. LOUIS & NORTH CHICAGO UPDATES ON STRATEGIC PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 101-643
East St. Louis School District 189
East St. Louis School District 189 Superintendent Arthur R. Culver presented the district’s progress report. He shared the school’s mission and vision, which is focused on supporting students by providing the foundation to thrive in the world after graduation. He shared the guiding goals in its strategic plan.
He discussed the progress on its goal of academic excellence. He shared that five of nine schools in the district were Commendable in the assessment designation and that three schools were close to the threshold for the Commendable designation. He noted that learning loss from the pandemic had impacted student’s academic progress in the district, especially
students with special needs. He shared the achievement growth rate in math and reading scores for the district was outpacing comparable districts, trending in a positive direction. The district expects to reach its achievement goals for school year 2025-26.
He shared the district’s goal of a safe and healthy environment. He discussed its crisis response teams that respond to students and families, and social-emotional health resources available for students in schools and at home. He shared the opportunities they provided for student input and screening for social-emotional needs.
He shared the district’s goal to have a committed, highly effective staff. He discussed the district’s teacher shortage, as well as efforts to compensate for vacancies. He shared student enrollment data, noting that enrollment was projected to continue an overall decline, but that enrollment had increased this school year.
He discussed the district’s capital and facility needs, citing a need for funding for improvements to school security and environment. He said that he was working with other area superintendents to develop a county sales tax referendum to increase funding. He discussed the increases in revenue from the Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax (CPPRT) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding. He noted that the district does not anticipate CPPRT revenue to remain as high in the future and that expenses were trending upward, with cost increases not anticipated in original projections.
He discussed some proposed reductions for meeting a projected end funding balance and noted the need to prioritize maintenance of funding for many programs. He noted that plans for balancing proposed cuts were in the works and that exact changes would be dependent on students’ academic and social-emotional needs.
He thanked ISBE for its continued partnership and said that the district will work hard to target budget changes without compromising student growth.
Mr. Eddy asked about the current tax rate, and Mr. Culver responded that it was 8.56%. Mr. Eddy asked about the county sales tax referendum, and Mr. Culver responded that a previously proposed plan would have yielded the district $36 million. Mr. Eddy noted the limitations on use for that funding, and Mr. Culver responded that it could address growing needs for capital projects.
Mr. Eddy asked about reductions due to decreased student enrollment. Mr. Culver said that the district had closed six facilities, cut 700 staff members, and that fifth grade students had been moved to middle school buildings. He said that consolidation of middle schools was possible in the near future.
Mr. Eddy asked what percentage of annual spending the originally proposed end-of-year balance of $31 million would represent. Mr. Wolfe said it would represent a fund balance-to revenue ratio of 30%. Mr. Eddy asked what it would be with $11 million -- the fund balance without any budget cuts -- and Mr. Wolfe said it would be roughly half of the base ratio. Mr. Eddy asked about what percentage of operation costs are related to personnel. Mr. Culver said it was around 75%.
Mr. Eddy and Mr. Culver discussed other potential funding sources and expectations about changes to housing in the future. Mr. Eddy asked more about personnel costs, and Mr. Culver responded that expected costs were factored into plans.
Dr. Lett asked about the impact of Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) compared to the previous system of state aid for the district, and Mr. Culver said the district had received around $6 million more. Mr. Culver noted that the district was able to include intervention funds under EBF, and this allowed the district to do a better job of financial planning.
Ms. Morrison said that the challenges facing the district prior to state intervention were extreme, and that it could only be expected that addressing them would take time. She applauded Mr. Culver for his dedicated effort over the past 12 years.
Dr. Leak emphasized this, noting that the Board’s most recent visit to the district had shown a quality learning environment that is not always visible in data. She asked about assessment participation. Jennifer Brumback, chief academic officer for SD 189, said that in 2021 it was mandated for students, but only 65% of students took the test. Many students were at home, and even now students are slowly returning to the district.
Dr. Leak asked for details on the support designations for their schools. Keisa Garrett, chief of schools for SD 189, said that four of the five Commendable schools had shifted there from Targeted or Comprehensive in the past year. Dr. Leak emphasized the value of this achievement, particularly in pandemic recovery.
Dr. Leak asked about one recommendation for reductions and how that related to teacher shortages. Mr. Culver said that reductions in costs were expected to come partially through teacher attrition. Dr. Leak asked about proposed reductions with curricular mandates, and Mr. Culver responded that there were no plans to cut funds for curricular updates.
Dr. Leak applauded the district’s achievements. Dr. Benson emphasized this and hoped that its situation would be a testament to the value of quality resources for districts in need.
North Chicago School District 187
North Chicago School District 187 Superintendent Dr. John Price and Gregory Volan, director of Finance and Operations for the district, presented on progress of its financial and strategic plans. Dr. Price introduced the presentation and shared his excitement for the trajectory of the district.
Mr. Volan shared that the district was ahead of projections for financial progress. He noted the projections for end-of-year balances showed a steady decrease, with regular investments in capital projects. He shared other information about increases in revenue and EBF tier funding. He noted the significant increase in CPPRT revenue, as well as other key trends in District Intervention Funding, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER)
funding, and impact aid status. He discussed increases in expenditures for both staff (increases in staffing rates and teacher pay) and non-personnel costs (an increase consistent with Illinois’ minimum wage).
Dr. Lett asked about an increase in costs after 2021. Mr. Volan said that there were reduced expenditures that year due to the pandemic, with limited in-person learning and its associated costs.
Mr. Volan noted that enrollment was originally projected to decrease, but that it had stabilized in recent years. He shared that revenue and expenditure updates differed from their initial projections. He shared the district’s current updated financial forecast, showing a consistent break-even projection. He noted that after FY 2023, the district planned to shift much of its EBF from capital projects to operations. He shared expected future challenges, highlighting a slower growth of revenue, continued capital needs drawing funds away from operations, and the loss of impact aid.
Dr. Lett asked to confirm the limited bonding capacity of the district, and Mr. Volan said that the district was above the debt limit when considering alternate revenue source bonds. Dr. Lett asked how long the terms of the bonds were, and Mr. Volan responded that the terms were until 2035.
Mr. Eddy asked about funding adequacy. Mr. Volan said that the district was at 79%, down from 81% the previous school year.
Mr. Guzman asked about ESSER-funded positions. Dr. Price said that some hires were social-emotional learning positions focused on increased student needs in the pandemic, and others were facilities assistants.
Mr. Eddy asked about the district’s annual budget. Mr. Volan responded it had a $65 million operating budget and a total of $80 million, including debt and capital projects.
Dr. Price shared that the district’s academic goals had seen mixed progress. He noted that achievement had dropped significantly since the pandemic, but that the district had maintained hopes of achieving slated goals. Dr. Price noted that K-5 students had seen reduced individual growth, but that middle school students had seen some increases.
Dr. Leak asked if the district tracked post-high school decisions from students, and Dr. Price said that it did. The tracking has been becoming more formalized in recent years. He noted an interest in tracking college completion rates over just entrance rates.
Dr. Price shared that the share of the district’s high school freshmen on track to graduate had increased, and that the high school graduation rate had increased, shifting the school from Comprehensive to Commendable. He noted that Hispanic students had seen higher growth in graduation rates than Black students, but that the district was continuing to pursue their goals for equity.
Dr. Leak asked about the district’s approaches to disaggregating data for assessment, and Dr. Price said that the district was disaggregating for the SAT and PSAT.
Dr. Price said that the district remained committed to its revised strategic goals, but that some were delayed in implementation and some primary areas of focus were taking precedent. He shared information on teacher recruitment and retention, noting that the district was in competition with many wealthier districts in the region. But he said that the district had continued to make progress in these areas.
Dr. Leak asked how achievement data disaggregation was done at the elementary level, indicating that she was interested in race and income. Dr. Price said that the district had been tracking growth with NWEA math scores. He shared the focus on promoting equity for students across race and across different language programs, and that the district had been tracking growth for students over time.
Dr. Vieille asked about staff targeted for retention. Dr. Price said that the district worked with principals and accomplishment data to determine which teachers were determined to be “irreplaceable” in schools. He said that the district considers ways to invest in these teachers over time. Dr. Vieille asked about efforts to minimize the possibility of teachers being overworked, and Dr. Price noted the efforts that were being made in both recruitment and in environmental quality.
Mr. Eddy asked about the district’s bond levels, and how much indebtedness was associated with facilities improvements. Mr. Volan said that he was not sure, but that the source of the district surpassing its debt limits was the issuance of the $35 million alternate revenue source bond in 2010. He said that the district currently had $30 million in outstanding debt.
Ms. Morrison thanked the staff for the update, and for their efforts in facing challenges.
Dr. Leak asked about accountability designation shifts. Dr. Price said the high school moved from Comprehensive to Commendable, the middle school moved from Comprehensive to Targeted, and two elementary schools moved from Targeted to Comprehensive.
Chair Isoye thanked both districts for their presentations, noting the incredible efforts that administrators had made to improve their districts’ achievements.
CLOSED SESSION
Dr. Vieille 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)
Dr. Vieille 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 with a roll call vote, with seven in favor. Dr. Lett was absent for the vote.
The open meeting recessed at 12:50 p.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 4:03 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS | 2022 ILLINOIS REPORT CARD OVERVIEW
Due to time limitations, this item was not presented.
DISCUSSION | FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET
Due to time limitations, this discussion was delayed to the next meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.
Ms. Morrison asked for clarifying information on types and timelines of Early Childhood grants. Board members agreed, and staff said that they would provide follow-up information.
Ms. Morrison moved that the State Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.
Dr. Vieille 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: October 19, 2022
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the October 19, 2022, meeting minutes.
Rules for Initial Review
*Approval for Publication – Part 269 (Freedom Schools Grant Program) New Part
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 269.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Invitation for Bid for Contractual Monitoring Expansion
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release and award an Invitation for Bids and award a contract to the successful offeror to perform monitoring activities at nine of our most financially material districts. The term will begin January 1, 2023, and extend through December 31, 2025. The estimated cost of the total contractual period will not exceed $1.5 million, subject to appropriation.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Release and Award of FY 2024 Request for Proposals Early Childhood Block Grant - Prevention Initiative 0-3, Preschool for All 3-5, and Preschool for All Expansion Years 3-5 and extension of FY 2023 current grantees of Early Childhood Block Grant - Prevention Initiative 0-3, Preschool for All 3-5, and Preschool for All Expansion Years 3-5
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award a two-year extension of the FY 2018 cohort of Early Childhood Block Grant awards and the release and award of a FY 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity/Request for Proposals for new and/or expanding Prevention Initiative 0-3, Preschool for All 3-5, and Preschool for All 3-5 Expansion. The initial term of the new and/or expanding grants will begin July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, with a one-year renewal. Both the two-year extension and new and/or expanding awards end dates align with the end of the FY 2023 new awards.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Preschool for All/Preschool for All Expansion Monitoring
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release and award a Request for Sealed Proposals for the Preschool Monitoring for Quality and Compliance Project. The contract is for five years and will not exceed $9.5 million. The initial term of the grant will begin July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. Funding in subsequent years is contingent upon sufficient funding in the agency appropriation.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Request for Sealed Proposals for Early Childhood Community Systems Development
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release and award an FY 2024 Request for Sealed Proposals for Early Childhood Community Systems Development. The amount will not exceed $7 million for the five-year period. The initial term will begin July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. Funding in subsequent years is contingent upon sufficient funding in the agency appropriation each year.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Request for Proposals for Early Childhood Block Grant: Preschool for All/Preschool for All Expansion Training and Technical Assistance: Three to Five Years
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release and award a Request for Proposal for Preschool for All/ Preschool for All Expansion Training and Technical Assistance: Three to Five Years. The amount of this grant will not exceed $1.9 million in any fiscal year and will not exceed $5.7 million over the three-year term of the grant
DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL | CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION – APPROVAL OF THE 1003 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
The Board delayed this item for consideration at a later meeting.
DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL | URBAN PREP ACADEMIES – WEST/DOWNTOWN CAMPUS CHARTER REVOCATION
David Turovetz, director of the Charter Schools Department, presented the recommendation.
Mr. Guzman asked Mr. Turovetz to describe the plan of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for the Urban Prep campuses whose charters had been revoked. Mr. Turovetz said that CPS had affirmed that it intended to maintain the model of Urban Prep schools, and that the 51 students currently at the Downtown campus would have priority in placement at these schools Mr. Guzman emphasized the need for ISBE and all parties to support students during this transition. He said this was a sad decision.
Mr. Guzman moved that the State Board of Education revokes its charter agreement with Urban Prep Academies for the operation of the Urban Prep – West/Downtown campus, with such revocation effective at the end of the 2022-23 school year. He further moved that the State Board of Education authorize the state superintendent to commence negotiations with Urban Prep Academies to wind down operations at the West/Downtown campus to ensure a smooth transition for all students and staff.
Mr. Eddy seconded the motion, and affirmed Mr. Guzman’s comments on supporting students during the transition.
Dr. Leak expressed her disagreement with the revocation decision, recognizing the value and unique opportunity that the school provided for young African American men, but she acknowledged the issues of sustainability for the model.
The motion passed by roll call vote. Seven members voted in favor, and Dr. Leak abstained.
UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the remaining Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) Federal Stimulus funding for EANS Reallocation Grant Derrick Langwith, director of ROE/ISC, discussed this item. There were no questions from Board members.
Contracts & Grants over $1 Million – Approval of Senate Resolution 774 – Performance Evaluation Reform Act
Dr. Jason Helfer, deputy instructional education officer, discussed this item. There were no questions from Board members.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Preschool Development Grant Birth – 5, Year 3 - National Louis University
Carisa Hurley Davis, director of Early Childhood, discussed this item. There were no questions, but Dr. Leak noted that these items were discussed at length during committee meetings.
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 Ms. Hurley-Davis discussed this item. There were no questions.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of upward amendment and end date of the Contractual Monitoring Expansion – Monitoring of Federal and State grants Enkzhul Lee, director of Federal and State Monitoring, discussed this item. There were no questions.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of upward amendment of the Contractual Monitoring Expansion – City of Chicago School District 299
Ms. Lee discussed this item. There were no questions.
Approval of Renewal Decision for Elgin Math and Science Academy Charter School
Approval of Renewal Decision for Horizon Science Academy – McKinley Park Charter School
Approval of Renewal Decision for Horizon Science Academy – Belmont Charter School Mr. Turovetz discussed the charter school items. He noted that external and internal review teams had provided their evaluations and recommendations, and the Charter Schools Department was finalizing its recommendations for the Board.
Mr. Eddy discussed the value of charter schools to their neighborhoods, as expressed during public participation. He discussed the importance of finding ways to continue to support these schools.
Dr. Leak emphasized this, noting the value of hearing from students and young people to better understand the student experience in the present day.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements
Dr. Ayala shared that she had recently received the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Woman of Valor Award, and shared reflections on her career in education. She announced that she would be retiring, with January 31, 2023, as her last day serving as state superintendent. She thanked the Board and staff for all their support.
Chair of the Board’s Report
Chair Isoye applauded Dr. Ayala for all of her work in education, emphasizing her role in promoting equity across the state.
Member Reports
Board members shared their appreciation for Dr. Ayala’s achievements in education, particularly during her time as state superintendent, and congratulated her on her retirement.
INFORMATION ITEMS
ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report
MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Lett moved to adjourn the November 17, 2022, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.
Dr. Leak seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/20221117-agenda-minutes.pdf
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