Prairie State Wire

Illinois State Board of Education met March 13.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 10:31 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 physically present. Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was also in attendance.

Members Present:

Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Board

Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair (left at noon)

Dr. Christine Benson, Secretary

Dr. James Anderson

Dr. Sherly Chavarria

Roger Eddy

Laura Gonzalez

Dr. Patricia Nugent

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.

Paul Zavitkovsky, assessment specialist at the Center for Urban Education Leadership at the University of Illinois Chicago, spoke about statewide assessment planning. He underscored the importance of incorporating a sufficient amount of stakeholder engagement regarding assessments for Grades 3-8. He asked that the Board develop a clear plan to gather useful recommendations from the public and share that plan with relevant groups.

Matt Raimondi, director of assessment, accountability and Multi-Systems of Support (MTSS) at Elgin U-46, spoke about assessment. He shared his concern that the structure of the ACT does not align with the Illinois Learning Standards. He advocated for selecting a test that dedicates more time to critical thinking and problem-solving, especially as the choice of assessment format influences how teachers teach in the classroom.

Cornelius Mosby, founder of Super-Self Institute, spoke about the institute. He explained that Super-Self Institute is a social-emotional learning program, and he described his passion for utilizing creative, trauma-informed practices, and teaching emotional intelligence. He gave an overview of the curriculum and programming that the Super-Self Institute has recently developed.

Laura Sullivan, director of the Eastern Illinois Education for Employment 340, spoke about Career and Technical Education (CTE). She thanked Board members for their support of CTE and introduced Spencer Fox, a senior at Effingham High School in the Health Occupations class. Mr. Fox has received 11 college credit hours and passed his Certified Nursing Assistant exam. This will give him the opportunity to work in the health care field while attending college.

Yolanda Johnson, a teacher at Quest Charter Academy in Peoria, spoke about the school’s appeal to remain open. She explained that she runs the health care pathway program, which gives students hands-on training in health care (including biomedical science, human body systems, and medical intervention). She said that Quest provides students with the knowledge and preparation to become successful in any health care profession. She urged the Board to keep the school open.

Lafelda Jones, librarian and coach at Quest Charter Academy, spoke about the charter school’s appeal. She said that the school provides small class sizes, structure, and individual attention to help students learn, emphasizing science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). She explained that teachers identify academic strengths and weaknesses to develop individualized plans for academic excellence.

Rayniah Anderson, a student at Quest Charter Academy, spoke about the charter school’s appeal. She has participated in the school Senate, the cheer team, and more, and she feels supported by school staff to communicate and grow into her own person. She advocated for future students to have these same life-changing experiences, and she invited Board members to visit the school.

Arlene Coleman, parent of two students at Quest Charter Academy, spoke about the charter school’s appeal. She shared that she had chosen the school so that her son could pursue his interest in STEM in a supportive environment for students afflicted by autism spectrum disorder, while her daughter needed a place to explore her many academic interests. Ms. Coleman highlighted the strong community, interesting classes, and cultural events, as well as her son’s growth in confidence.

Vernon Johnson, parent of a child at Quest Charter Academy, spoke about the charter school’s appeal. He shared that his daughter has received an extraordinary education at Quest, learning many life and social skills along the way. He said that the school operates in the interest of students’ success. He advocated for the Board to keep the school open, considering the quality and success of its record.

Kaleb Smith, director of Madison County CTE, spoke about CTE. He underscored the impact that CTE has on students’ lives and introduced Mikey Coleman, a CTE student at Alton High School. Mr. Coleman is interested in family and consumer sciences. CTE programming helped him discover what he wants to do in life, and he will start college this fall with the goal of becoming a family and consumer sciences teacher.

Cassie Creswell, executive director of Illinois Families for Public Schools, spoke about student data privacy and assessment contracts. She shared her concern that the College Board, which administers the SAT, sells student data to third parties. She said that this is in violation of Illinois’ student privacy law. She urged the Board to clearly prohibit data sales in any future assessment contract.

Molly Ricketts, an educator with the Illinois Tutoring Initiative, spoke about funding. She explained that the program provides high-impact tutoring and intervention services for reading, math, and social-emotional learning. She has seen it result in improved test scores, better attendance, and fewer behavior referrals. She advocated for continuing to fund this critical program, even as the pandemic subsides.

Dr. Steve Cordogan, former member of the State Assessment Review Committee, discussed switching to the ACT test. He urged the Board to consider the factors that led to the switch from the ACT to the SAT in 2015, as well as important equity considerations. He explained that Khan Academy resources for the SAT are available to help level the playing field. He advocated for increased communication and collaboration with schools.

Kim Fryman, MTSS coordinator with Norwood Elementary School District 63, spoke about the Illinois Tutoring Initiative. She said that the initiative has been crucial in her school district, providing training to tailor lessons to each student’s specific needs. Participating students have shown remarkable growth, translating into increased proficiency and confidence. She said that the Board’s support of this program is invaluable.

PRESENTATION | EFFINGHAM UNIT 40 SCHOOL DISTRICT

Andrew Johnson, superintendent of Effingham Unit 40 School District, gave a presentation about the district. He shared his love for the district and his job. He also introduced Erin Hartke, marketing and communications specialist. Mr. Johnson explained that Effingham has developed a strategic plan with a specific vision and actionable goals. The district is working hard to put it in place. He said that the staff and community at Effingham are amazing and thanked the Board members for their collaboration and leadership.

Mr. Johnson stated that the district’s mission is to engage, educate, and empower. Ms. Hartke presented a slide show with pictures of recent district highlights, including a remodeled library, an interactive outdoor space, and infrastructure updates. High schoolers also served as role models in the school community. The EHS Child and Daycare Service class had the chance to work with Effingham kindergartners, and others attended the Construction Trades Expo. The district provides free lunches to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision. It also offers the HeartbEATs Café; welcomes therapy dogs to the school; and promotes a focus on respect, positive thinking, caring, and responsibility.

Mr. Johnson explained that his school district needs more funding in order to hire additional staff and provide in-depth training. He added that Effingham was designated as a preschool desert.

Dr. Leak complimented Effingham on its Facebook page, which highlights many of the wonderful things happening in the district. She also appreciated the innovative design of the kindergarten building and seeing the young students’ presentations of their activities.

Mr. Eddy echoed her praise of the many things that the district has done for the young people of Effingham. He shared his excitement about the strategic plan and thanked Mr. Johnson. Dr. Chavarria added that she could sense the strong feeling of connection and community in the district, as well as ingenuity and innovation.

Dr. Nugent stated that the students had shown remarkable passion. Ms. Gonzalez added her thanks, saying it was wonderful to see the students act as ambassadors for their school. Dr. Sanders complimented Mr. Johnson and his team on the alignment of the curriculum and integration of the strategic plan.

CONSENT AGENDA

Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Leak noted that all Consent Agenda items had been discussed at past committee meetings.

Mr. Eddy moved that the State Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Leak 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: February 15, 2024

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the Feb. 15, 2024, meeting minutes.

Rules for Adoption

*Approval for Adoption – Part 258 (College and Career Pathway Endorsement System) New Part

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 258 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)

Waiver Applications

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 the FY25 One-Year Intergovernmental Agreement with Northern Illinois University for the Illinois Report Card, My Data Dashboard, and 21st Century Community Learning Centers

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Northern Illinois University for the continued hosting, development, enhancement, maintenance, and support of the Illinois Report Card, MyIRC, My Data Dashboard (formerly Ed360), and 21st Century Community Learning Centers for fiscal year 2024 in an amount not to exceed $2,904,712.87.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Extension for Early Childhood Team Software Solutions/Early Childhood

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award a six month extension to the current Early Childhood team to assist with the development and maintenance of existing Early Childhood projects and for knowledge transfer to the Student Information System team. The total award for the six-month extension will not exceed $400,000. The initial Request for Sealed Proposals, including renewals, was $3.464 million; with the addition of a six-month extension, the overall cost will not exceed $3.864 million.

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, 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)

D. Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21)

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

Mr. Eddy seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

The open meeting recessed at 11:55 a.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 1:25 p.m.

SEMIANNUAL REVIEW OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

Mr. Eddy stated that, pursuant to Section 2.06(d) of the Open Meetings Act, the State Board of Education has reviewed the minutes of its closed sessions for September 19 and 20, 2023; October 18, 2023; November 16, 2023; December 12 and 13, 2023; January 24, 2024; and February 15, 2024.

He moved that the State Board of Education certifies that the need for confidentiality still exists for all of the closed session minutes for September 19 and 20, 2023; October 18, 2023; November 16, 2023; December 12 and 13, 2023; January 24, 2024; and February 15, 2024. These minutes should be approved and remain closed.

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

DISCUSSION & APPROVAL | APPROVAL OF CERTIFICATION OF GRANT CCSD 110 AS IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY

Director of School Business Services Michael Gum and Chief Financial Officer Dr. Matt Seaton discussed this item. There were no questions.

Dr. Chavarria moved that the State Board of Education hereby certifies Grant Community Consolidated School District 110 to be in financial difficulty pursuant to the provisions of Section 1A-8 of the School Code due to the district’s failure to provide all financial documents required by the state superintendent in an investigation of the district’s financial condition, and to require the district to develop, adopt, and submit a financial plan within 45 days after this certification according to guidelines presented to the district by the State Board of Education.

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

DISCUSSION & APPROVAL | APPROVAL FOR PUBLICATION – PART 1 (PUBLIC SCHOOLS EVALUATION, RECOGNITION AND SUPERVISION) BULLYING DATA SUBMISSION

Executive Director of Safe and Healthy Climate Jeff Aranowski discussed this item. There were no questions.

Dr. Nugent moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.

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

DISCUSSION & APPROVAL | APPROVAL OF THE SPRING 2024 WAIVER REPORT

Chief Policy and Communications Officer Irma Snopek discussed this item. There were no questions.

Dr. Anderson moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves all waiver requests, with the exception of the alternative program waiver request from Boone-Winnebago Regional Office of Education 4. This request from Boone-Winnebago ROE is denied because it is not based on sound educational practices. This specific request will be forwarded to the General Assembly for further consideration.

Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

Dr. Sanders highlighted the recent Teacher of the Year event honoring the 15 regional winners, who will form a Teacher Advisory Group to give advice to ISBE and help create professional learning opportunities across the state. He also held a Fireside Chat with actress Goldie Hawn about mindfulness. Finally, he visited a number of school districts since the last Board meeting, including Dimmick, Clinton, Beardstown, Springfield, DeKalb, and Palatine.

Chair of the Board’s Report

Chair Isoye also recognized the regional Teachers of the Year, noting that the Those Who Excel banquet will be held on May 18. He thanked Effingham for the wonderful and memorable visit.

Member Reports

Dr. Benson stated that the principal pipeline results from Illinois have been shared with the National Association of State Boards of Education, where members were impressed by Illinois’ programming for principal, teacher, and superintendent mentoring.

INFORMATION ITEMS ISBE

Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports

Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report

ISBE Quarterly Staff Demographics Report

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Ms. Gonzalez moved to adjourn the March 13, 2024, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dr. Nugent seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 1:36 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/isbe/Board.nsf/files/D48JHW4B47AB/$file/Plenary%20Minutes%20-%20March%2013%2C%202024.pdf