Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has released the agenda for its upcoming board retreat and regular business meeting, scheduled for September 18 and 19 in Springfield. The retreat will begin at noon on September 18, followed by the regular meeting at 9 a.m. on September 19.

For those interested in public participation, an online form will be available starting at 10:30 a.m. on September 18 and from 7:30 a.m. on September 19 until the meetings commence. Participants can choose to speak either in person or via phone by dialing 571-317-3112 with access code 919-127-637.

The ISBE ensures that all meetings are accessible to individuals with disabilities and offers equitable opportunities for public engagement. For special accommodations, including language translation services, contact Carolina Fabian, ISBE’s Director of Family and Community Engagement, at cfabian@isbe.net or call 312-965-1723. Alternatively, ISBE can be reached via TTY/TDD at 217-782-1900.

The agenda includes a closed session to discuss employment matters and potential litigation as per state regulations (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and (11)). The board will also engage in self-evaluation discussions and strategic planning during the retreat.

On September 19, following routine items like roll call and public participation opportunities, the board will review closed session minutes semiannually. The Superintendent's Report will cover several consent agenda items such as approval of previous meeting minutes and new exam cut scores.

Discussion topics include contracts over $1 million, with specific mention of awarding a sole source grant to Regional Office of Education 48 for operational expenses. Reports from the Superintendent, senior staff, and committee chair appointments are also on the schedule.

The meeting will conclude with various reports including monthly fiscal updates and Freedom of Information Act reports before adjournment.