Prairie State Wire

Illinois State Board of Education met Feb. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the 

board:

ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 9 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 physically present. Dr. Donna Leak and Dr. Sherly Chavarria attended via video conference. State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was also in attendance.

Chair Isoye stated that members would consider the participation via video conference of Dr. Leak due to employment purposes and Dr. Chavarria due to unexpected child care obligations. In accordance with the bylaws of the Illinois State Board of Education, the Board may permit a member to participate by other means if they cannot physically attend a meeting because of employment purposes or unexpected child care obligations.

Laura Gonzalez moved that the State Board of Education permit the participation of Dr. Leak via video conference. Dr. Nugent seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Dr. Anna Grassellino then moved that the State Board of Education permit the participation of Dr. Chavarria via video conference. Dr. Benson seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

Members Present:

Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Board

Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair (virtual)

Dr. Christine Benson, Secretary

Dr. James Anderson

Dr. Sherly Chavarria (virtual)

Roger Eddy

Laura Gonzalez

Dr. Anna Grassellino

Dr. Patricia Nugent

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.

Shelley Hamlin, chairman of AFSCME Local 2811 and member of the Assessment Department at ISBE, spoke on the topic of AFSCME contract negotiations. She spoke to the difficulty of making ends meet for her family on her salary. She added that wages for AFSCME employees have not kept pace with market rates or with IFSOE wages. She advocated for salary increases to reflect AFSCME workers’ dedication and important contributions to ISBE.

Joe Jay, staff representative with AFSCME Local 2811, spoke on the topic of AFSCME contract negotiations. He shared that a wage study from before the pandemic found that AFSCME wages were 20-25% below market average, and although wages were subsequently raised, the pandemic brought on so much inflation that a more recent wage study found wages to be equally far below the average of comparable state jobs. He advocated for fair compensation, noting that a lifetime of service to ISBE should be rewarded.

Ken Springer, president of the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development, spoke on Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding. He explained that labor force shortages are a major barrier to Illinois economic growth, especially in rural areas like his, which has lost a quarter of the labor pool since 2000. He said that rising enrollment figures for

CTE programming are promising but that there’s a long way to go to make up the labor capacity. He thanked the Board for recommending additional CTE funding in the fiscal year 2025 budget and encouraged increasing CTE funding in the future, as well.

Sharleen Eby, a parent of Chicago Public School students, spoke on the topic of Montessori teacher licensure. She explained that Montessori certification teaches educators how to tailor the learning experience to children of all ages in their class. She shared that 11 states have created pathways for Montessori-certified teachers to teach in public schools, taking into consideration the rigorous student teaching component and at least 32 credit hours. She advocated for pathways for Montessori teachers to obtain a teaching license in Illinois.

Reena Morgan, president of the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools, spoke on the topic of Montessori teacher licensure. She shared her belief that the Montessori methodology should be available to more families. However, Montessori-trained teachers must often complete duplicative work to get their Professional Educator License (PEL), despite the fact that Montessori licensure takes several years and is equivalent to a master’s degree. She advocated for pathways to PELs for these teachers, especially given the teacher shortage.

Lisa Kambich, director of schools at North Shore Montessori Schools, spoke on the topic of teacher credentials. She discussed how Montessori teachers fit into the goal of providing excellent education for children and families to grow in Illinois. She thanked the Board members for their consideration and advocated for creating a pathway to state licensure for Montessori teachers.

PRESENTATION | CTE: CONNECTING THE FUTURE OF LEARNING AND WORK

Director of CTE Marci Johnson, accompanied by students from around the state, gave a presentation on CTE. She explained that CTE students in Illinois had advocated for a stronger connection to ISBE, which led to the creation of the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Board. Ms. Johnson introduced a number of members of the CTSO Board and asked them questions about their perspectives on CTE.

Emily Won of Barrington High School shared that CTE programming had helped her discover her passion for journalism and helped other students to find opportunities. As a result, she hopes to pursue public policy. Ms. Won described CTE as an interdisciplinary and transformative experience and she shared her hope to increase access to CTE across the state. Massillon Boyd Jr. of West Aurora High School said that CTE courses have helped him learn about teamwork and given him inspiration to follow his dream of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon. Madyson Carlyle of Collinsville High School explained that she had taken a variety of CTE courses, from culinary arts and early education to engineering, and ultimately decided to pursue aerospace engineering.

Darrell Lillard, also of Collinsville High School, has met supportive teachers through CTE who helped him explore new topics, pursue his passion for architectural design, and develop leadership skills. Maya Moneze of West Aurora High School explained how CTE classes help students identify their passions and the steps necessary to pursue them, including offering college visits. She hopes to pursue special education. Kate Harris of Collinsville High School has always wanted to be a Disney imagineer, and CTE revealed her love of engineering and gave her more self-confidence and experience with public speaking. Trinity Muszynski of Lockport Township High School shared that CTE had helped her learn about mechanical engineering and land an internship with Caterpillar Inc.

Ms. Gonzalez said it was wonderful to listen to the students’ perspectives and thanked them for their time. Mr. Eddy said that this was an impressive, well-spoken group of students. Dr. Benson agreed that student voice is vital and said that the expansion into new technology has been wonderful to see. Dr. Leak noted that young people today look at the world differently than other generations, so as a state, it is particularly important to capture student stories and perspectives.

Dr. Anderson asked which universities in Illinois place an emphasis on CTE. Ms. Johnson said that there were only a few universities but that many community colleges offer a great deal of CTE programming. Dr. Nugent and Ms. Johnson both said that it would be wonderful to develop a plan to support universities in that area. Dr. Jason Helfer, chief education officer -- instruction, added that there are many pathways for people to receive CTE licensure that do not involve a four-year university, such as 2,000 or 8,000 hours of work experience. Mr. Eddy said that many CTE students are interested in certificates or two-year degrees in specific skills after graduating high school, and that many community colleges work with labor unions to continue education through apprenticeships.

Dr. Sanders reiterated some of the common themes raised by the students, such as the importance of connections with supportive teachers, engaging hands-on experiences, the rigor of CTE programming, and confidence and leadership abilities. Dr. Isoye said that it is incumbent upon ISBE to improve ways to find educators to teach CTE courses, which ties into the agency goal of elevating educators.

CLOSED SESSION Mr. Eddy 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. Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2)

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

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

Dr. Anderson seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

The open meeting recessed at 10 a.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 10:57 a.m.

CONSENT AGENDA

Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.

Mr. Eddy noted that all of these Consent Agenda items have all been discussed and vetted at previous meetings. Dr. Leak thanked Mr. Eddy for noting that.

Regarding the item titled “Approval of Renewal Decision for Bronzeville Academy Charter School,” Dr. Leak said that she strongly recommends pushing for further legislation related to the funding of charter schools governed by ISBE. She stated that local school districts ought to be in control of their own funding, and she is concerned that local school districts may not be able to decide whether they can afford a charter school operating within their district. She urged increased local control on this issue.

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

Mr. Eddy 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: January 24, 2024

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the Jan. 24, 2024, meeting minutes.

Rules for Adoption

*Approval for Adoption – Parts 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision), 25 (Educator Licensure), 27 (Standards for Endorsements in Specific Teaching Fields), 50 (Evaluation of Educator Licensed Employees under Articles 24A and 34 of the School Code), & 51 (Dismissal of Tenured Teachers under Article 24 and Dismissal of Tenured Teachers and Principals under Article 34 of the School Code) Various Changes

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Parts 1, 25, 27, 50, and 51 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 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Requirements for the Use of Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint 

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 1 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 Truants' Alternative and Optional Education Program Grant Notice of Funding Opportunities – Request for Proposals

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release the Truants’ Alternative and Optional Education Program FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity/Request for Proposal and award funds to successful applicants. The initial term of the grant will begin July 1, 2024, and extend through June 30, 2025. There will be two one year renewals contingent upon a sufficient appropriation and satisfactory performance in each preceding grant year. The estimated total cost, including cohort renewals, will not exceed $11.5 million in FY 2025. The State Board of Education further authorizes the state superintendent to execute grant agreements within defined parameters to any entity eligible to receive more than $1 million for a single award or over the life of the grant.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Amendment to Migrant Education Coordination Intergovernmental Agreement

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to upwardly amend the current Migrant Education Coordination intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Northern Illinois University in the amount of $570,125 to begin the implementation of a state wide Migrant Education Program (MEP) recruitment plan and to begin a revision of MEP math and reading curriculum.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Technology Support & Infrastructure ISBE Technology Infrastructure Hardware Term Expansion

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into a contract to extend the usable term of ISBE’s Apex Private Cloud, Apex Backup Services, PowerScale and Pro-Managed Services for an additional three years. The total contract amount will not exceed $3.7 million

Approvals

*Approval of Spring 2024 Waiver Report

The State Board of Education hereby approves all waiver requests.

*Approval of Renewal Decision for Bronzeville Academy Charter School

The State Board of Education hereby approves the renewal of the charter for Bronzeville Academy Charter School for a three-year term at a funding level of 100% of the Per Capita Tuition Charge of the resident district, with an enrollment cap of 465 students, contingent upon Bronzeville meeting the preterm and contractual conditions outlined herein. Additionally, Bronzeville’s request to relocate to 1000 E. 47th Street, Chicago, is approved starting with the

2024-25 school year. The State Board further authorizes the state superintendent and legal officer to commence negotiations with Bronzeville to determine all other terms of the charter renewal agreement.

*Approval of the FY 2025 Board Meeting Calendar

The State Board of Education hereby approves the FY 2025 dates for State Board of Education meetings.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

Dr. Sanders thanked the ISBE team for its efforts on the Strategic Plan and the FY 2025 budget recommendation. He said that he had visited several schools in the past month and had learned a lot from the students. Among the places he visited were Maine Township, O’Fallon, Prairie du Rocher, East St. Louis, Carbondale, Red Bud, the Lake Zurich Young Adults’ Center, and LEARN Charter in Waukegan. He also made several speaking engagements, including the Lake County Superintendents’ Association.

Chair of the Board’s Report

Chair Isoye thanked Dr. Sanders for letting him join him on the school visits to southern Illinois. He added that he had spoken at the recent Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators conference and had attended the Milken Educator Award ceremony in honor of Chicago Public Schools teacher Comfort Agboola, who was the sole honoree from Illinois this year. He thanked the Communications Department.

Member Reports

Dr. Leak said that she had recently attended a National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) meeting, where tentative plans were made for the 2024 conference from Oct. 23-25 in Louisville, Kentucky. She thanked Mr. Eddy for his wonderful session at the last NASBE conference. She also said that she was currently attending the School Superintendents Association conference in San Diego, where she has heard glowing reviews regarding Dr. Sanders’ school visits. Dr. Benson made note of a helpful overview from the Communications Department on the history of principalship in Illinois. Chair Isoye encouraged everyone to read through the newly released ISBE budget book.

INFORMATION ITEMS

ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports

Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Dr. Leak moved to adjourn the Feb. 15, 2024, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.

Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/isbe/Board.nsf/files/D2VQFX6878AD/$file/Plenary%20Minutes%20-%20February%2015%2C%202024.pdf