Illinois State Board of Education Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole met Feb. 18.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Roll Call
Committee Chair Dr. Donna Leak brought the meeting to order at 2:41 p.m. Roll call was taken. A quorum was present with six members attending in person. State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders also was in attendance.
Members Present
Committee Chair Dr. Donna Leak
Dr. Steven Isoye
Laura Gonzalez
Dr. Judy Hackett
Dr. Patricia Nugent
Dr. Jonah Rice
Members Absent
Dr. James Anderson
Staff Present
Dr. Tony Sanders, State Superintendent
Kim Clarke, Executive Assistant to the State Superintendent
Jo Ireland, Board Services Coordinator
Kristen Kennedy, Chief Legal Officer
Dr. Kimako Patterson, Chief of Staff
Tassi Maton, Chief Internal Audit Officer
Dr. Matt Seaton, Chief Financial Officer
Cynthia Lund, Chief Governmental Relations Officer
Miguel Calderon, Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Jason Helfer, Special Advisor to the State Superintendent
Dr. Michele Morris, Interim Chief Education Officer – Instruction
Jennifer Saba, Chief Education Officer – Operations
Edobor Efam, Chief Information Officer
Dr. Christine Paxson, Executive Director of Improvement & Innovation
Dr. Ronda Dawson, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Joyce Gronewold, Executive Director of Specialized Instruction
Dr. Nikki Combs, Director of School/District Improvement
Michael Gum, Director of School Business Services
2. Public Participation
There was no public participation.
3. Approval of Minutes: January 13, 2026
Dr. Rice moved that the Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole hereby approve the January 13, 2026, meeting minutes. Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
4. Superintendent’s Consent Agenda – February 19, 2026
There were no questions on the consent agenda items.
5. Upcoming March Board Action
A. Approval for Publication – Part 525 (Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate Services) Learning Partners
Director of School/District Improvement Dr. Nikki Combs discussed this item.
B. Approval for Publication – Parts 1 (Public School Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and 50 (Evaluation of Educator Licensed Employees Under Articles 24A and 34 of the School Code) Public Act 104-20 & Other Updates
Special Advisor to the State Superintendent Dr. Jason Helfer discussed this item.
C. Approval for Publication – Part 151 (School Construction Program) Prioritization Process
Director of School Business Services Michael Gum discussed this item.
6. Chairperson to Appoint Nominating Committee for Board Officers – Illinois State Board of Education Bylaws (as needed)
Dr. Isoye stated that per the Board’s bylaws, the Board “Secretary shall be elected from among, and by, the membership of the State Board of Education. A nominating committee appointed by the Board Chairperson shall recommend a slate of elective officers to the Board for its consideration. Vacancies occurring in the elected offices of the Board shall be filled by the Board at the next regular or special meeting.”
Dr. Isoye nominated Dr. Donna Leak and Dr. Patricia Nugent to serve with him on the nominating committee. He shared that the committee will discuss and bring their nominations for Secretary to the Board. He further stated that nominations will also be accepted from the floor, and an election will be held at the regular February meeting.
7. New Business: Items for the Next Agenda
Dr. Leak asked for updates regarding the accountability system and the summative designation. Dr. Sanders stated they will give a presentation at the March Board meeting. Dr. Leak requested to have a discussion at the Education Policy Planning Committee meeting in addition to the presentation at the Board meeting. Dr. Leak asked if there would be information shared out to districts upon the approval of the accountability system in April. Dr. Sanders shared that once it is approved by the Board, ISBE will share it with the federal government. He further explained ISBE will develop draft press releases, talking points, and toolkits for school district leaders and principals to aid in their explanations of their summative designations.
8. Next Meeting: March 10, 2026
Dr. Leak shared that the next meeting would be on March 10, 2026, in Moline. She noted the meeting will begin immediately following the Finance & Audit Committee of the Whole meeting.
9. Adjourn
Dr. Nugent made a motion to adjourn. Dr. Hackett seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Chair Leak adjourned the Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole meeting at 3:00 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/isbe/Board.nsf/files/DRPSV7747A13/$file/3.A%20EPP%20Minutes%20-%20February%2018%2C%202026.pdf
