Illinois State Board of Education met Dec. 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
1. Roll Call
Chair of the Board Dr. Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 9:02 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 five members attending in person. Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders also was in attendance.
Dr. Isoye stated that members would consider the participation of Dr. Sherly Chavarria via video conference due to employment purposes. 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.
Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education hereby permit the participation of Dr. Sherly Chavarria via video conference. Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
Next Dr. Isoye stated that members would consider the participation of Dr. Jonah Rice via video conference due to a family emergency. 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 a family emergency.
Dr. Hackett moved that the State Board of Education hereby permit the participation of Dr. Jonah Rice via video conference. Dr. Nugent 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
Dr. Sherly Chavarria, Secretary (virtual)
Laura Gonzalez
Dr. Judy Hackett
Dr. Patricia Nugent
Dr. Jonah Rice (virtual)
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
Dr. Kimako Patterson, Chief of Staff
Kristen Kennedy, Chief Legal Officer
Dr. Michele Morris, Interim Chief Education Officer – Instruction
Jennifer Saba, Chief Education Officer – Operations
Dr. Matt Seaton, Chief Financial Officer
Edobor Efam, Chief Information Officer
Tassi Maton, Chief Internal Audit Officer
Irma Snopek, Chief Policy and Communications Officer
Miguel Calderon, Chief Operating Officer
Lindsay Record, Interim Director of Public Relations
Ronda Dawson, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Joyce Gronewold, Executive Director of Specialized Instruction
Dr. Christine Paxson, Executive Director of Improvement & Innovation
Dr. Tiffany Burnett, Executive Director of Safe & Healthy Climate
Crystal Strohkirch, Interim Director of Educator Effectiveness
Kirsten Parr, Director of Standards & Instruction
David Turovetz, Director of Charter Schools
Andrew Krupin, Director of Funding and Disbursements
Michael Gum, Director of School Business Services
Eileen Turanchik, Director of Budget & Financial Management
Jeffrey Judge, Director of Wellness & Student Care
Lisa Armonda, Interim Executive Director of Legislative Affairs
Hector Rodriguez, Co-Director of Government Relations
Samantha White, Co-Director of Government Relations
2. Public Participation
Chair Isoye reminded those in attendance of the Public Participation Policy and the sign-up procedures for today’s meeting.
Brad Cole, CEO of the Illinois Municipal League, shared information regarding interactive resource guides for teachers to share interesting content and information about local, state, and national government.
Anthony Daniels-Halisi, CEO of Betty Shabazz International Charter School, advocated for the Board to approve the recommendation to renew the charter of Betty Shabazz International Charter School.
Jelani Saadiq, director of Government Relations at Advance Illinois, expressed his appreciation for the ISBE staff and Board for their dedication shown throughout the accountability redesign process. He shared that he would like for ISBE to increase transparency for families and communities and to keep equity at the center of the system.
Amanda Nagel, principal of ACE Amandla Charter High School, spoke about the school’s commitment to work in partnership with ISBE to ensure students have access to their school. She provided letters of support and petitions on the charter renewal for the Board to review.
Joan Archie, president of the board of directors of ACE Amandla Charter High School, acknowledged the recommendation for the charter renewal and stated they are committed to meeting the conditions and objectives outlined in the renewal agreement. She asked the Board to vote to renew the charter.
Jessica Handy with Stand for Children thanked the Board and staff for their work on the accountability framework. She asked that the high school indicator package include freshmen on track, readiness, attention to proficiency and growth, and graduation rate.
Allison Jack, director of advocacy at the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, spoke to affirm the Board’s decision to renew ACE Amandla Charter School and Betty Shabazz Charter School. She asked the Board to consider longer renewal terms.
Josh Kaufmann, senior executive director at Teach Plus Illinois, thanked the Board and staff for their work on the accountability redesign. He spoke about several areas where he thinks there is room for growth regarding the school improvement component.
Naty Rodriguez asked the Board to grant LEARN’s charter appeal. She spoke about how these schools bring hope, stability, and opportunity to the community.
Hal Woods, chief of policy at Kids First Chicago, shared several priorities that he thinks are essential to strengthening the accountability redesign. He encouraged ISBE to continue creating opportunities for stakeholders to give their input.
Dulce Sanchez, a parent of a student at LEARN Charter Schools, expressed their gratitude for the LEARN 10 community in North Chicago and asked the Board to help them get the renewal.
Greg White, CEO of LEARN Charter School Network, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to appeal District 187’s decision to close the charter school and looks forward to working with ISBE to resolve this matter.
Barry Tyler, from the Chicago Public Education Fund, urged ISBE to publish clear analysis showing how schools would be rated under the new accountability system and to ensure this information is communicated so that all stakeholders can understand.
Nakia Thurmond, principal of Barbara A. Sizemore Academy, shared her support for renewing the charter of Betty Shabazz International Charter School for the maximum term allowable. She expressed her appreciation for the support, oversight, and partnership with ISBE’s charter school department.
Juletta Ellis, director of the South Central Illinois Regional Workforce Training and Innovation Center, spoke about the programs they offered and advocated for continued support for CTE funding.
Dr. Isoye thanked everyone for being there and participating in public comment. He shared that if anyone had additional comments, they could email their comments to Board Services Coordinator Jo Ireland so that it could be added to the record.
3. Resolution | Dora King, 2025 Thomas Lay Burroughs Award Recipient
Dr. Nugent read a resolution honoring Dora King, the 2025 Thomas Lay Burroughs Award recipient. Dr. Nugent moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves the resolution for Dora King. Dr. Hackett seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
Board members thanked Ms. King for her service to the school board. Ms. King gave thanks to the Board for this award. She introduced her family members and Superintendent of North Chicago School District Dr. John Price who were present with her to receive this award.
4. Presentations
A. COGFA Revenue Estimates
The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) Executive Director Clayton Klenke, Revenue Unit Manager Eric Noggle, and Chief Economist Ben Varner presented on current economic conditions and revenue performance in Illinois.
Mr. Klenke did a brief introduction noting that COGFA is a legislative support service agency serving the members of the General Assembly, and they serve as the research, economic forecasting, and pension analysis support agency for the legislative branch. He shared that the presentation will highlight recent economic performance in Illinois and nationally and then will focus on future economic performance and some early forecasting information for fiscal year 2027.
Mr. Varner gave an overview of the state of the economy at both the U.S. and Illinois level. He noted that 2025 had been dominated by the changes in economic trade policy and tax policy at the federal level. He stated that economic policy uncertainty went to an all-time high in April related to the new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. He shared information about inflation and unemployment rates and noted the government shutdown for several weeks affected payrolls and unemployment rates but a bounce back is anticipated next month. He noted that overall younger workers are having difficulty finding jobs in recent months. Mr. Varner discussed how rates for 30-year and 10-year mortgages are still pretty high despite cutting short-term rates. He finished up this section discussing economic forecasts for 2025 and 2026, including the consensus forecast.
Mr. Noggle discussed state general revenue funds for FY 2026. He shared that the vast majority of revenues that come into the state of Illinois are from income taxes with about $28.4 billion in personal income taxes and around $5.2 billion in corporate income taxes, with sales tax revenues bringing in just under $11 billion. He discussed how the state has a growing reliance on income taxes, and while the income tax revenues have done quite well, if there is a recession, this could be a problem for the future. Mr. Noggle noted that if interest rates continue to ease, there is a hope that an increase in home and auto sales provide additional growth in the future for sales tax revenues.
Dr. Sanders thanked them for providing the great background information as ISBE begins the budget development process. Board members expressed their thanks as well.
B. FY 2027 Budget
Chief Financial Officer Dr. Matt Seaton, Director of Budget & Financial Management Eileen Turanchik, and Director of Funding and Disbursements Andrew Krupin presented on the FY 2027 budget development.
Dr. Sanders thanked the team for putting all the time and effort and energy into the budget development process, not only the team sitting at the table but the entire ISBE staff. Dr. Seaton thanked the COGFA team for coming and presenting and providing information that is used for the budget development.
Ms. Turanchik showed the history of how the Board’s recommended increases compare with the enacted amounts across several major funding areas over the past four fiscal years. She noted variation between the Board’s recommended increases, with several years falling below the recommendation. She walked through the estimated annual K-12 funding increases from the Illinois Economic and Fiscal Policy reports.
Ms. Turanchik then shared information from the FY 2027 budget hearings, with 164 attendees, 87 speakers, and 938 submitted requests. Across all programs, the total amount requested was $748 million in new funding. The highest number of requests for additional general funds was for transportation, regular and vocational; evidence-based funding; affinity groups; career and technical education; and Truants’
Alternative and Optional Education programs.
Mr. Krupin discussed the mandated categorical (MCAT) programs and reviewed the preliminary FY 2027 projections. He noted the preliminary numbers identify a need for an additional $151.5 million in FY 2027 to maintain the current proration level for FY 2026. He shared an additional slide identifying appropriation levels necessary to reach the Board’s historically targeted proration level since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, showing a need for an additional $559 million. In that total, $152 million is attributable to the increase in claim costs and $407 million is attributable to closing the proration gap.
Ms. Turanchik gave a quick overview of member initiatives, which are typically not included in the Board recommendation but are legislative priorities added through the legislative process. She concluded with an overview of the budget process going forward, focusing on next steps of the superintendent’s budget recommendation in January 2026 and the compilation of ISBE’s budget book in February 2026. The Governor will deliver his budget address in February, the legislature will pass the budget in spring 2026, and the Governor is expected to sign the budget in spring/summer 2026 to be enacted in July 2026.
Dr. Sanders noted some of the pressures that the state is going to be facing as it enters this year’s budget. The first is mandated categoricals and the costs necessary to keep districts whole as they transport students and provide special education services. In addition, there are conditions outside of education — such as the Big Beautiful Bill, changes to SNAP for families, and changes to the Affordable Care Act — that could reduce discretionary spending on the part of families. He noted that the budget proposal for an increase in education funding is coming at a time when there’s a lot of other fiscal pressures on state government. ISBE staff is keeping that in mind as they prepare the official budget recommendation for the Board in January 2026.
5. Closed Session
Dr. Chavarria 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)).
She further moved that Board members may invite anyone they wish to be included in this closed session. Dr. Nugent seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
The open meeting recessed at 11:04 a.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 11:34 a.m.
6. Public Participation
There was no further public participation.
7. Consent Agenda
Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the consent agenda.
Ms. Gonzalez moved that the State Board of Education hereby approve the consent agenda. Dr. Nugent seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
The following motions were approved by action taken in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes
*Plenary Minutes: November 20, 2025
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the November 20, 2025, meeting minutes.
Approvals
* Approval for Publication – Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Social Emotional Learning Standards
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.
*Approval for Publication – Part 20 (Standards for Endorsements in Elementary Education) Extended Timeline & Updated Link; Part 25 (Educator Licensure) Yearly Updates
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemakings for: Parts 20 (Standards for Endorsements in Elementary Education) and 25 (Educator Licensure), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.
*Approval of Appointees to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board (SEPLB)
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the appointments of the following nominees to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board:
• Kate Connor, faculty, Truman College, as a representative of public community colleges located in this state.
• April Darringer, assistant professor/coordinator of early childhood, John Wood Community College, as a representative of public community colleges located in this state.
• April Zawlocki, professor of education, College of DuPage, as a representative of public community colleges located in this state.
*Approval for Publication – Part 252 (Driver Education) Enrollment Definition
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 252 (Driver Education), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.
*Approval for Publication – Part 705 (School District Reorganization Feasibility Study Grant Program) Creation of Program
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 705 (School District Reorganization Feasibility Study Grant Program), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.
*Approval of Grant CCSD 110 Revised Financial Plan
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the revised financial plan submitted by Grant CCSD 110.
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the School Business Services Department to monitor the district’s implementation of its financial plan. The department will review the district’s operations, obtain budgetary data and financial statements, require the district to produce reports, have access to any other information in the possession of the district that it deems relevant, and issue recommendations or directives within its powers to the district to assist in compliance with the financial plan.
*Approval for Adoption – Part 600 (Enrollment of and Payment for Nonresident Students at the Philip J. Rock Center and School) Per Diem Rates and Reports
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 600 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.
8. Approval of Renewal Decision for Betty Shabazz International Charter School
Dr. Hackett moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves the renewal of the charter for Betty Shabazz International 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 600 students, contingent upon Betty Shabazz meeting the pre-term and contractual conditions outlined herein. The State Board further authorizes the state superintendent and legal officer to commence negotiations with Betty Shabazz International Charter School to determine all other terms of the charter renewal agreement.
Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
Dr. Leak stated that she is very much a proponent of all public education and not an opponent of charter schools, however she must draw the line in the fact that the funding method that it is set up through School Code and legislation is simply not fair to the local school districts. In addition, she stated that if the state is going to authorize a charter school and own that charter school, then there should be a line item in the budget that is separate from the local school district. She noted for the record that she is abstaining from the vote.
The motion passed with six roll call votes. Dr. Leak abstained from the vote.
9. Approval of Renewal Decision for ACE Amandla Charter High School
Dr. Rice moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves the renewal of the charter for ACE Amandla Charter High School for a two-year term at a funding level of 100% of the Per Capita Tuition Charge of the resident district, with an enrollment cap of 385 students, contingent upon ACE Amandla meeting the pre-term and contractual conditions outlined herein. The State Board further authorizes the state superintendent and legal officer to commence negotiations with ACE Amandla Charter High School to determine all other terms of the charter renewal agreement.
Dr. Nugent seconded. The motion passed with six roll call votes. Dr. Leak abstained from the vote. 10. Discussion & Approval
A. Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Ratification of the Release of a Request for Sealed Proposals and Award of a Contract to a Vendor for the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Statewide Evaluation
Dr. Isoye reminded the public there was a discussion on this item during the previous day’s Finance & Audit Committee of the Whole meeting.
Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education hereby ratifies and approves the release of the Request for Sealed Proposals and award of a contract for a statewide evaluation of 21st CCLC grant activities to the Education Development Center, in an amount not to exceed $1,347,911 over the four-year contract period.
Dr. Nugent seconded, and the motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
B. Approval of the Spring Session Legislative Agenda
Dr. Isoye reminded everyone that this item was discussed during the previous day’s Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole meeting.
Dr. Nugent moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves the following agency-initiated proposals for the 2026 spring legislative session: Chronic Absenteeism Expulsions, School Code Omnibus, Foreign Language Credit, School Code Cleanup, State-Authorized Charter Schools, State Charter Appeal Process.
Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion.
Irma Snopek, chief policy and communications officer, highlighted that there is one item in the cleanup bill that they might not have mentioned specifically, but there will be additional cleanup language for the teacher licensure provision. There were concerns from different management groups about reciprocity, and this drafted language would correct that.
Dr. Leak noted there was discussion in the previous day’s Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole meeting about advocating for updating “foreign language” to “world language.” Ms. Snopek said that this language is in the cleanup bill, as well.
The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
11. Announcements and Reports
Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements
Dr. Sanders thanked the Board members for attending the Triple I conference after the November Board meeting. He gave a shoutout to the Student Advisory Council members for presenting at the conference. He thanked ISBE staff members who attended and presented at the conference. He shared they announced the Thomas Lay Burroughs Award winner there, and the Illinois Association of School Administrators selected Nick Polyak for Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Sanders addressed comments from public participation about the accountability redesign. He noted that he wants one system that meets both federal and state guidelines with a criterion reference system that has clear performance expectations that all can understand. He shared that regardless of what metrics the accountability system uses, they want to make sure districts have actionable data, whether it’s on the accountability system or not. He wants to dispel rumors that if it’s not on the accountability system it doesn’t matter. He reiterated for the public that the revised version of the accountability redesign would be published mid-January 2026 with an additional series of public feedback sessions through February 25. They will bring back the revised version to the Board in March for review and approval in April.
Dr. Sanders thanked Ms. Gonzalez for her opening remarks at the Multilingual Illinois Statewide Conference. He shared that he spoke at the Lake County superintendents meeting and visited the Laremont School with Dr. Hackett as part of the Special Education District of Lake County.
Dr. Sanders thanked Ms. Snopek for her service at ISBE, as she is departing to work for the Department of Human Services. Ms. Snopek shared it had been a privilege to serve the students of Illinois, and she is incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished at ISBE and is deeply grateful for the friendships and partnerships she’s made along the way.
There were no senior staff announcements.
Chair of the Board’s Report
Dr. Isoye shared that he and Dr. Rice attended the Shawnee Region superintendent’s monthly meeting at John A. Logan College in Carterville. In addition, he attended and gave a welcome message at the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) Conference in Chicago. He thanked them for a great conference and thanked the leaders of the Illinois Alliance of Black School Educators who made sure someone from the ISBE Board was invited. Dr. Isoye, on behalf of Dr. Sanders and the Board, wished everyone well in the schools and the agency over the holiday season during the winter break.
Member Reports
Ms. Gonzalez thanked Dr. Sanders for visiting Indian Prairie School District. She noted a highlight from the tour was the students engaging in sharing information on what is going on in the schools.
Ms. Gonzalez thanked the Illinois Resource Center and fellow educators for all of the hard work on making the Multilingual Illinois Conference so successful.
Dr. Hackett thanked Dr. Sanders for speaking at the Lake County superintendents meeting and noted that it meant so much to the schools and community for him to visit and spend time with the children.
Dr. Leak thanked Ms. Snopek for all she has meant to the agency and to her personally. She shared that Ms. Gonzalez spoke beautifully at the multilingual conference. She thanked her for being vulnerable and sharing her story about being a non-English speaking child and her story resonated with the entire audience and was powerful.
Dr. Leak shared that she served on a panel at the NABSE conference and talked about the research base on the Evidence-Based Funding model in Illinois.
Dr. Nugent expressed appreciation for being able to attend the Triple I conference. She shared that she made a connection with the Rural Education Advisory Council and will be attending future meetings to lend a voice for the rural communities.
Board members wished everyone happy holidays and a happy new year.
12. Information Items
ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports
Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report
13. Motion for Adjournment
Chair Isoye stated that the next Board meeting will be held on January 14, 2026, in Springfield. Dr. Chavarria moved to adjourn the December 17, 2025, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.
Dr. Hackett seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 12:20 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/isbe/Board.nsf/files/DPX22E000D71/$file/DRAFT%20Plenary%20Minutes%20-%20December%2017%2C%202025.pdf
