Illinois State Board of Education met Feb. 16.
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 seven members
attending, all of whom were physically present. Interim State Superintendent Krish Mohip was also in attendance.
Chair Isoye named Dr. Chris Benson as Board secretary pro tem for the meeting.
Members Present:
Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Board
Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair
Dr. Christine Benson, Secretary pro tem
Dr. James Anderson
Roger Eddy
Dr. Patricia Nugent
Dr. Nike Vieille
Members Absent:
Dr. Anna Grassellino
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Chair Isoye reminded those in attendance of the Public Participation Policy and the sign-up procedures for today’s meeting.
Cindy Bednara, a STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) educator, spoke on CTE. She discussed her experiences with CTE, having been a student in the program and now involved as an educator. She said that many individuals currently doing vocational work are nearing retirement and noted the importance of having programs to help prepare people to fill those roles. She advocated for continued support and investment into CTE.
Alexandra Phillips, a licensed clinical social worker, spoke on pandemic recovery and student well-being. She thanked those working in education for their efforts to address the mental health needs of students, particularly during the pandemic. She advocated for standardized, self-reported mental health assessments for students, and said that parents need to be included more in the decision-making processes pertaining to the issue. She also advocated for increased after-school programming to aid in recovery from pandemic learning loss.
Mainard Easley, a teacher at the Urban Prep Academy Englewood campus, spoke about the school. He believes that the school has been of great value to students and the community because it provides a stable and welcoming environment. He said that constant reevaluation has taken resources and efforts away from education opportunities. He advocated for the school’s continued operation.
Talisa McCollough, a parent with a child at the Urban Prep Academy Bronzeville campus, spoke about the school. She spoke on the care and positive influence that the staff had for their students and said that the curriculum engages with students at a higher level. She applauded the school’s consistent communications with families and the attention given to individual student achievements. She advocated for its continued operation.
Cynthia Riseman Lund, executive director of legislative affairs at the Illinois Federation of Teachers, spoke on the KIDStech contract. She said that many educators had reported a slow and disruptive experience with the system, and these issues have taken up more classroom time. She advocated for the proposed ISBE contract with the Berkeley Evaluation and Assessment Research Center to ensure that the platform has enough capacity to prevent disruptions in the system.
Dennis Lacewell, chief academic officer of Urban Prep Academies, spoke on the Urban Prep charter school appeals. He discussed the many factors that negatively affect Black children’s pursuit of education and the value that Urban Prep schools had provided to their students. He said they promote educational achievement and equity. He advocated for the continued operation of the schools.
Susan Stanton, network lead at ACT Now Illinois, spoke on 21st Century After School Grants. She advocated for ISBE to extend grants with fiscal year 2019 grantees that have expiring contracts at the end of FY 2023. She said that delays in acting on this have made planning difficult for these organizations, and that clear communication is needed for sustainability. She highlighted the value of these programs for children and advocated for continued investment from ISBE.
Lisa Brown, a parent with a child at Urban Prep - Bronzeville, spoke on the school. She talked about the opportunities that her child had to excel in the curriculum and the attention that staff provide to supporting students’ well-being. She advocated for its continued operation.
Sidney Reid, a parent with at children Urban Prep – Bronzeville, spoke on the school. She said that Urban Prep addressed the needs of young Black students in ways that Chicago Public Schools (CPS) did not. She believes that the issues the schools might have faced are present at other schools, and it is unjust to address their operations solely based on such issues. She advocated for the school’s continued operations.
Othiniel Mahone, principal of Urban Prep – Englewood, spoke on the school. He shared the achievements of the school in preparing students for colleges and careers, and discussed the successes of Urban Prep alumni. He advocated for the continued operation of the schools.
Dominick Williams, a student at Urban Prep – Bronzeville, spoke on the school. He discussed his experiences in the school and the growth that he and others have experienced and the opportunities it has provided. He believes Urban Prep is a necessary, positive part of the communities where it operates and advocated for its continued operation.
Theophile Ntandja, a student at Urban Prep – Bronzeville, spoke on the school. He discussed the growth he experienced at the school and said that the positive influence it provided was not present in the environments of CPS. He advocated for its continued operation.
Levi Turner, a student at an Urban Prep school, spoke on his experience. He discussed the opportunities that he found in his experience at the school and the attention provided to students’ achievement and well-being. He advocated for its continued operation.
Geoffrey Bywater, principal of Urban Prep – Bronzeville, spoke on the school. He said that the school strives to meet the needs of students where they are. He talked about the staff and resources that are provided to students. He believes the opportunities that Urban Prep schools provide are the best available to many students in their communities and advocated for their continued operation.
Devin Bufford, a student at Urban Prep – Englewood, spoke on the school. He talked about the academic, social, and emotional growth that students experience and the sense of belonging that students feel in the schools. He advocated for its continued operation.
PRESENTATION/ DISCUSSION | CTE: CONNECTING THE FUTURE OF LEARNING AND WORK
Chair Isoye thanked participants for their comments. He clarified that action on the Urban Prep appeals was not taking place at this meeting.
Dr. Leak thanked speakers for the dedication that they have shown Urban Prep and its students. She said that, regardless of the outcome on the decision on the Urban Prep Academies appeal, the Board members need to continually include advocacy for Black and Brown students in their work.
Director of CTE and Innovation Marci Johnson led this presentation.
Ms. Johnson started by providing an overview of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Illinois. She shared that there are seven different areas of potential focus for students, noting that CTE differs from traditional vocational education by incorporating more academic skills.
Ms. Johnson said that 44% of all high school students in the state have participated in CTE programming, with many in that cohort taking a strong focus on CTE. She shared that the number of schools offering CTE had remained stable overtime, but that the number of program offerings had grown in recent years. She noted a slight decrease in CTE participation during the pandemic, but that participation had been relatively stable. She shared that federal funding for CTE had been increasing in recent years, and that state funding had been stable after an increase with the CTE Career Pathways Grant starting in 2020.
Ms. Johnson discussed the College and Career Pathway Endorsements and the opportunities that districts have to validate and verify endorsements for students. She said that the number of students receiving endorsements had grown significantly in the past few years, from five endorsements in 2020 to 296 in 2022. Ms. Johnson highlighted CTE programs focused on preparing future teachers.
Dr. Leak asked about how endorsements have been utilized across the state and which areas had seen greater numbers. Ms. Johnson said that districts can work with universities and community colleges when applying for the grant, and said that some greater participation had been a result of districts collaborating on the initiative. She said she was interested in increasing participation in areas where endorsements have not been as evident.
Dr. Leak asked about participation demographics, and Ms. Johnson said she could follow up with that information.
Jenna Feldmann, a student in Collinsville Community Unit School District 10, and Katie Bach, a student in Mt. Vernon Township High School District 210, spoke on their experiences with CTE, saying it had enabled them to interact with people working in career fields of interest. Ms. Johnson asked the students how CTE differed from other academic experiences. Ms. Bach said that she had grown as a public speaker and developed a stronger sense of identity. Ms. Feldmann said that the hands-on experience provided a more impactful learning experience.
Peyton Shelton, a student in Johnston City Community Unit School District 1, and Peyton Beeles, a student in Collinsville CUSD 10, spoke on their experiences with CTE. Ms. Johnson asked them to discuss CTE educators. Ms. Shelton described the dedication that teachers have had in guiding students as they navigate school and potential careers, and that she was inspired by her teacher to pursue education. Mr. Beeles discussed opportunities for leadership and the broader perspective on the world that CTE teachers had provided.
Emily Won, a student in Barrington Community Unit School District 220, and Mikayla Harris, a student in Mt. Pulaski Community Unit School District 23, spoke on their experiences with CTE. Ms. Johnson asked how CTE had prepared them for life after high school, and what more schools could do to help students prepare. Ms. Harris said that students enter high school with a lot of uncertainty and having this program earlier might give a sense of focus. Ms. Won concurred that earlier programming could be beneficial and said that CTE helps students understand what careers they might not want to pursue, in addition to careers of interest.
Brandon Nygard, a student in Collinsville CUSD 10, and Yash Sharma, a student in Warren Township District 121, spoke on their experiences with CTE. Ms. Johnson asked about the greatest takeaways on CTE. Mr. Nygard said that CTE provided opportunities he would not otherwise have, and that it allows students to pursue potential career interests more seriously. He also highlighted the community found in CTE programming. Mr. Sharma highlighted the transdisciplinary nature of CTE programming, and how it prepares students to explore the multi-faceted nature of pursuing a career.
Dr. Leak thanked presenters for sharing a full perspective on CTE, including participating students. Mr. Eddy shared that he was impressed with the variety of opportunities that CTE provides and said that the Board should continue to work to ensure a proper funding allocation for CTE. Dr. Benson noted how much CTE had grown.
Mr. Mohip said he was excited to hear about the positive experience the students shared and asked them to continue to promote these programs with their peers. He thanked students for sharing their perspective, noting the value provided by their insight on these programs as direct participants.
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)
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)
SUPERINTENDENT’S CONTRACT
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 11:29 a.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 1:24 p.m.
Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education, pursuant to Article 1A-4 of the Illinois School Code (Powers and Duties of the Board), hereby approve the performance-based contract of Dr. Tony Sanders, effective February 23, 2023, which includes the duties, powers, and responsibilities of the state superintendent as well as the goals and indicators of student performance and academic improvement used to measure the performance and effectiveness of the state superintendent, at an annual salary of $300,000 and with related benefits. She further moved that the Board authorizes its chairperson and/or his designee, with the advice of the Board’s general counsel, to execute such a performance-based contract.
Dr. Anderson seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
Chair Isoye congratulated Dr. Sanders and thanked Elgin School District U-46 for its work to allow for his transition from the district to ISBE.
CONSENT AGENDA Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.
Dr. Leak noted that the Board had reviewed items prior to this meeting.
Dr. Benson moved that the State Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.
Dr. Nugent 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: January 18, 2023
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the January 18, 2023, meeting minutes.
*Plenary Minutes: January 31, 2022
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the January 31, 2023, meeting minutes.
Rules for Adoption
*Approval for Adoption – Part 25 (Educator Licensure)
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 25 to the 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.
*Approval for Adoption – Part 670 (Tutoring Services)
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 670 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
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Agency Technology Infrastructure
Refresh
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into a contract to procure replacement data center infrastructure to increase ISBE storage capacity
DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL
and compute resource performance, and to protect ISBE assets via cloud-based backups. The total contract amount will not exceed $3.4 million.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Contract with Berkeley Evaluation and Assessment Research Center at the University of California for KIDStech The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into a five-year intergovernmental agreement with the Berkeley Evaluation and Assessment Research Center at the University of California for the provision of KIDStech and continued maintenance. The initial term of the contract will begin upon execution of a contract. The estimated contract total costs for the five-year period will not exceed $3,112,793.87.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund II Grant with Erikson Institute
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to amend and extend the current grant agreement with Erikson Institute. The term of the grant is July 1, 2021, until September 30, 2023. The maximum grant total will not exceed $1,694,058 over the term of the grant.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund II Grant with Illinois Network of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to extend the grant agreement and increase funding by $159,837 with the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. The term of the grant began on July 1, 2021, and ends on September 30, 2023. The maximum contract total will not exceed $12,488,779.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Release and Award of the Request for Sealed Proposals for Student Information Systems Contractual Team The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release a Request for Sealed Proposals (RFSP) to procure the services of one project manager, one business analyst, one data analyst, one developer/architect, five programmer analysts, and one technical writer/help desk resource support to assist in the development and maintenance of existing and future data systems as they pertain to the collection and organization of the agency’s Student Information System. The initial term of the contract will begin July 1, 2023, and extend through June 30, 2027. There will be three possible two year renewals contingent upon sufficient appropriation and satisfactory contractor performance in each preceding contract year. The estimated contract total costs, including renewals, will not exceed $19.45 million.
Approvals
*Approval of Cut Score Recommendations for Redeveloped Licensure Tests - Teacher of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing; Early Childhood Special Education; LBS II: Behavior Intervention Specialist; LBS II: Curriculum Adaptation Specialist; LBS II: Multiple Disabilities Specialist; and LBS II: Transition Specialist
The State Board of Education hereby approves cut score recommendations for the Phase Six content exams, Teacher of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing; Early Childhood Special Education; LBS II: Behavior Intervention Specialist; LBS II: Curriculum Adaptation Specialist; LBS II: Multiple Disabilities Specialist; and LBS II: Transition Specialist.
*Approval of Spring 2023 Waiver Report
The State Board of Education hereby approves submission of the Spring 2023 Waiver Report to the General Assembly.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Release and Award of the Request for Sealed Proposals for Teacher Marketing Campaign Director of Communications Jaclyn Matthews discussed this item.
Dr. Leak asked to confirm that this was a three-year proposal. Deputy Instructional Education Officer Dr. Jason Helfer confirmed this was the case. Dr. Leak asked about the funding obligation timeline for the proposal. Dr. Helfer said that a recent federal change had allowed for an extended liquidation period past a previous limit.
ELECTION OF BOARD OFFICERS – ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION BYLAWS ARTICLE IV(A)3
UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Dr. Nugent moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release an RFSP and award a contract to a vendor to develop and execute a multimedia, statewide teacher marketing, communications, and advertising campaign to support the recruitment of future teachers. The contract will not exceed $6 million and contains no renewals. The term of the contract is from execution through September 30, 2024.
Dr. Vieille seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
Dr. Benson nominated Dr. Leak to serve as vice chair, and Dr. Anderson seconded the nomination. Mr. Eddy moved to close the nominations, and Dr. Nugent seconded the motion. Dr. Leak was elected vice chair by a unanimous voice vote.
Mr. Eddy nominated Dr. Benson to serve as secretary, and Dr. Vieille seconded the nomination. Dr. Leak moved to close the nominations, and Dr. Nugent seconded the motion. Dr. Benson was elected Board secretary by a unanimous voice vote.
Chair Isoye said that discussion of these items would be moved to the upcoming committee meetings due to time constraints.
Dr. Leak asked about the possibility of a special Board meeting for discussion on the charter school appeals. Chair Isoye said that discussion could occur at both committee meetings, as needed.
Approval for Publication – Part 256 (Career and Technical Education)
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Sole Source Grant to Illinois Association of School Administrators for New Superintendent Mentoring
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Release of Truants’ Alternative & Optional Education Programs Grant
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Amend Intergovernmental Agreement with Illinois Board of Higher Education to support High-Impact Tutoring
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Release and Award of the Request for Sealed Proposals for Two SharePoint Developers – ISBE Web and ISBE Connects
Discussion of Charter School Appeals
Approval of Material Modification of Charter Agreement with ACE Amandla Charter School
Approval of Material Modification of Charter Agreement with Betty Shabazz International Charter School
Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements
There were no announcements.
Chair of the Board’s Report
Chair Isoye reappointed Dr. Benson as the chair of the Finance and Audit Committee and named Mr. Eddy and Dr. Anderson as members.
Chair Isoye appointed Dr. Vieille as the chair of the Education Policy Planning Committee and named Dr. Leak, Dr. Grassellino, and Dr. Nugent as members.
Member Reports
Mr. Eddy thanked Mr. Mohip for his service as interim state superintendent. Mr. Mohip thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve in the role.
INFORMATION ITEMS ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report
MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Anderson moved to adjourn the February 16, 2023, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.
Dr. Vieille seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/isbe/Board.nsf/files/CPSQTH69A0F2/$file/07.A%20Plenary%20Minutes%20February%2016%202023.pdf
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