Illinois State Board of Education met April 20

By Philip Gonzales

Jun 3, 2022

Illinois State Board of Education met April 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Darren Reisberg called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m.

Chair Reisberg announced that the Board meeting was being audio-cast live over the internet and video recorded.

Chair Reisberg asked the clerk to call the roll. A quorum was present with eight members attending via webinar. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala was also in attendance.

Members Present:

Darren Reisberg, Chairperson

Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair

Jaime Guzman, Secretary

Dr. Christine Benson

Roger Eddy

Dr. David Lett

Susie Morrison

Dr. Nike Vieille

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Chair of the Board Reisberg reminded those in attendance of the Public Participation Policy and the sign-up procedures for today’s meeting.

Kerensta Blacken, a parent, discussed quarantine, testing, and local control. She shared that her daughter was legally quarantined and recovered from COVID-19. She wanted an antibody test for her daughter but was not given one. She would like ISBE to be honest and transparent regarding Freedom of Information Act requests and hopes ISBE can build back trust with the community.

Cassandre Creswell, president of Illinois Families for Public Schools, discussed assessment in early childhood. She noted that she worked on the “Too Young to Test” bill. She believes that testing worsens educational outcomes and is not an equitable practice. She hopes that ISBE follows best practices and gives schools resources.

Shannon Adcock, president of Awake Illinois, spoke about advocacy. She shared her frustration with government overreach and would like ISBE to work with the community. She is worried about the mental health of students and would like parents to have the authority regarding their children’s health. She shared Awake Illinois’ Parents Bill of Rights.

Curt Nettles, superintendent from CUSD No.15 in Clinton, discussed local control. He would like ISBE and superintendents to work together. He hopes that ISBE takes into consideration what all districts need and pushes back against legislation, when necessary.

Superintendent Kyle Thompson of Regional Office of Education 11 in Charleston discussed masturbation and oral sex. He noted that school districts will soon ask for the sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity of students. He believes that middle and elementary students are too young to learn about masturbation and oral sex. He added that teachers are leaving the profession because of politically charged topics, and many students are leaving public schools.

Josh McBroom, a parent from Naperville, spoke about COVID-19 policies. He stated that parents are paying attention to ISBE’s decisions. He added that he will hold ISBE accountable for their decisions regarding COVID-19.

Robert Bardwell, superintendent for Eureka CUSD 140, discussed local control and local decision-making. He shared that he will continue to advocate for local control and believes that political agendas in the classroom are not effective. He would like teachers to focus on teaching students how to read, write, and solve problems.

Mark Weyemuller from the Chicago area spoke about education. He reminded Board members that they work for the taxpayer. He noted that Chicago is struggling, and remote learning was not effective. He discussed a mask-optional approach, talked about unfunded mandates, and would like 401(k) plans to be instituted for all educators and lower taxes in Illinois.

Barb Cohen, a policy analyst for the Legal Council for Health Justice, spoke about the literacy conference. She is excited that ISBE will host such a conference later this year. She noted that reading proficiency in Illinois is not strong and hopes that ISBE will promote best evidence-based practices.

Shannon Hammond, an assistant professor at National Louis University, discussed the literacy summit. She shared that many Illinois students are illiterate, especially students of color and students with disabilities. She believes that ISBE needs to prioritize literacy at this time and hopes that -- with input from stakeholders -- a system can be built that makes sure all teachers can teach effective literacy instruction.

Steve Lucie, a taxpayer from Basco, spoke about education. He is frustrated that ISBE is not listening to the community. He added that many teachers are leaving the profession and going to other states. He believes that taxpayers should have a voice and that ISBE needs to respond to the community.

Michelle McDaniels, a parent from Chicago, discussed Brittany’s Law. She noted that her daughter has not received her certificate of completion although she finished her requirements in 2015. She added that Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has a long history of non-compliance regarding many laws, especially with students with disabilities.

Jessica Hockett, a taxpayer from Wheaton, spoke about ISBE’s Sept. 7, 2021, resolution in support of in-person learning and current guidance. She believes that the resolution was inaccurately interpreted. She would like ISBE to be transparent with districts regarding the authority districts actually have.

Zac Chatterton, superintendent from Farmington Central CUSD 265, discussed state assessments. He noted that he looked at the performance indicators and believes the team must measure student growth. He hopes that ISBE takes the time to analyze new assessments and makes sure stakeholders are a part of the conversation.

Tom Philion, dean of education at Roosevelt University, spoke about changes to Part 25 rules. He is grateful for the partnership with ISBE and believes the rules improved because of public comment. He encouraged the Board to approve the rules since they provide more flexibility and offer field experience.

Marie Donovan, a professor of early childhood from Chicago, discussed the Part 25 rules. Consent Agenda item C approval. She hopes the Board votes to approve the Part 25 rules changes. She added that she is happy with the two critical changes that were discussed with ISBE staff.

Antonia Potenza, a retired professor of early childhood at Roosevelt University, spoke about changes to rules in Section 25.620 and Section 25.96. She also expressed her appreciation for the changes and hopes the Board approves the rules.

Christine Palmieri of the Special Education Advocates Coalition of Chicago discussed the Student Specific Correction Action deadline extension pertaining to CPS. She noted that around 40% of individuals have made claims for remedy and added that the claim window ends on April 30. She believes that ISBE needs to provide remedies to as many people as possible. Legal Officer Jeremy Duffy clarified that there will be an extension.

RECOGNITIONS

Molly Uhe-Edmonds, director of Student Care at ISBE, announced the winners for the 2022 Arts Contest. They included:

A. Arts Poster Recipient - High School Division: Vidipta Roy, Adlai E Stevenson High School. Art teacher is Patrick Fairchild.

B. Arts Poster Recipient - Middle School Division and Overall Winner: Elizabeth Ramirez, Old Orchard Junior High School. Art teacher is Nicolina Mandile-Egan.

C. Arts Poster Recipient - Elementary School Division: Daleia Muhammad-Walker, Flossmoor Hill Elementary School. Art Teacher is Cheriff Kemp.

D. Arts Poster Recipient - Early Learning School Division: Diana Lepak, Westchester Primary School. Art teacher is Jill Jacobson.

PRESENTATIONS | STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Ms. Uhe-Edmonds introduced members of the Student Advisory Council (SAC). SAC members shared an overview of their 2021-22 events. They next discussed their recommendations regarding student safety and emotional well-being and a reduction of exclusionary discipline.

Chair Reisberg asked if students have heard about the safe to health service. Two students noted that their school uses the service, while another student noted her school does not use the service but would like to talk to her administration about it becoming an option.

Dr. Leak asked what grade level the team is targeting for their data collection. Members shared that they were originally focusing on high school students, but they also realized it makes sense to start at a younger age like third grade so that mental health is not stigmatized early on.

Chair Reisberg liked that the recommendation is an actionable item. He asked what the next steps are regarding the item. Dr. Ayala noted that ISBE staff members work with the University of Illinois on the 5Essentials Survey. She shared that the addition should be possible since the survey is already in place.

Mr. Guzman loved the council’s suggestion for a peer jury. He asked if there is a model that the team can use and if there are other approaches that are also restorative. A SAC member noted models are established at some high schools and universities. He added that the framework would not be mandatory for all districts since each district has different needs.

Mr. Eddy noted that student safety can be compromised if other students are doing unsafe things, but the goal is to not exclude any students. He asked if the council has any thoughts about types of situations and behaviors that would make someone be excluded. One SAC member noted the council was looking at alternative environments to keep students safe, such as remote options. Mr. Eddy emphasized that it is harder to help students if schools exclude them.

Dr. Benson added that she loves discussing the council’s findings with her peers at the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) and emphasized that the students’ work is appreciated at a national level.

Dr. Leak appreciated the council’s actionable items. She is happy that the members looked through the ISBE Strategic Plan and took the time to make connections and tackle major issues. She added that she is proud of the students and their hard work.

The SAC members shared their future plans and highlights from being on the council.

PRESENTATIONS | SCHOOL DISTRICT FINANCIAL PROFILE

Financial Officer Robert Wolfe presented on the School District Financial Profile. He discussed a rule change and its effect on the statewide administrative costs per pupil.

Dr. Lett asked about Annual Financial Reports and districts that did not submit theirs. Mr. Wolfe noted the team has been in contact with districts and is sending letters to those districts.

PRESENTATIONS | ASSESSMENT STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT- FINAL REPORT

Research and Evaluation Officer Dr. Brenda Dixon and Brian Gong, senior associate at the Center for Assessment, discussed the final report of the assessment stakeholder engagement. They discussed their goal, the feedback activities, the focus group composition, the results, the main themes, and gave a summary of the recommendations. Dr. Ayala also noted the next steps.

Ms. Morrison thanked ISBE staff and the Center of Assessment. She is glad the team took the time to engage with stakeholders. She noted a few themes that stood out to her, including taking the time to get the approach right, engaging with others, reducing the testing time, and giving timely test results to teachers. She asked if ISBE will financially support the development and administration of interim assessments for districts in need. Dr. Ayala noted this is something the team will have to explore in order to make sure it is a financially sustainable initiative.

Mr. Eddy is glad that the public had the opportunity to discuss opinions on the assessment. He suggested identifying two or three recommendations for ISBE staff to work on. Dr. Ayala noted that some of the recommendations are already in place contractually, and she agrees with Mr. Eddy’s points on prioritizing.

Mr. Eddy asked how much flexibility there is to allow for an adaptive design. Dr. Ayala noted that Smart Balance was an adaptative design.

Dr. Leak is looking forward to analyzing the recommendations. She agrees that the team must prioritize and wants ISBE to ask what it would like the outcome of the assessment to be.

Dr. Ayala mentioned that she would like to clarify state mandates and local decisions to the public through stronger definitions. Mr. Eddy added that local districts feel like they must use assessments to receive data.

Ms. Morrison noted that looking at the curriculum and sequences could also provide good data that is appropriate for local districts. Dr. Leak added that the state assessment should be shorter since schools are taking away instruction time from students.

Mr. Guzman shared that one principal he spoke to knew what the test results were going to be on the end-of-year tests because of interim assessments. He would like there to be fewer burdens on districts.

Ms. Morrison hopes that ISBE will help review interim assessments and validate school leaders. She would like the assessments to align with Illinois Learning Standards.

DISCUSSION LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Amanda Elliott gave a legislative update. She noted that last year 40 mandates passed and this year only 19 mandates passed. She added that the team was looking at ways to approach mandates, perhaps through opting out. She shared that ISBE’s positions are filed publicly on the General Assembly website.

Dr. Leak suggested creating a website link that would have to be continually updated since bills are constantly changing during the legislative session. She would like ISBE’s positions to be as transparent as possible.

Mr. Eddy noted that the public should know that citizens can testify and have their voices heard during the session. Dr. Leak noted that written testimonies are helpful, and maybe one superintendent could attend and share the testimony orally.

Ms. Morrison emphasized that many individuals do not know ISBE’s position on the bills. Dr. Leak noted that the Illinois Association of School Administrators provides some information. Chair Reisberg mentioned that there could be senior advisory committees that meet with Dr. Ayala and then share information with other superintendents.

DISCUSSION | FY2023 BUDGET UPDATE

Mr. Wolfe gave an update on the fiscal year 2023 budget.

Dr. Benson thanked Mr. Wolfe for the proration information. Mr. Wolfe also clarified the $87 million supplemental for FY 2022 for Mr. Eddy.

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 of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee 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)

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

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

The open meeting recessed at 1:15 p.m. to go into closed session at 1:20 p.m. The open meeting reconvened at 3:33 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA

Dr. Ayala reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.

Ms. Morrison moved that the State Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Benson 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: March 16, 2022

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the March 16, 2022 meeting minutes.

Approval for Publication

* Approval for Publication – Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and Part 207 (Absenteeism and Truancy Policy) New Part

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for:

Parts 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and 207 (Absenteeism and Truancy Policy) Including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.

Approval for Adoption

*Approval for Adoption – Part 25 (Educator Licensure)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 25 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.

*Approval for Adoption - Part 35 (Mentoring Program for New Principals)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 35 to JCAR for second notice.

*Approval for Adoption – Part 65 (New Teacher Induction and Mentoring)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 65 to JCAR for second notice.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of IGA with West 40 Intermediate Service Center #2 for ARP EANS (EANS II) Vouchering and Services

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into an IGA with West 40 Intermediate Service Center No. 2 for an amount not to exceed $83,246,346 for the purposes of vouchering services to nonpublic schools under EANS II.

West 40 will be paid a maximum of $416,232, per federal regulations.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of the One-Year Intergovernmental Agreement with Northern Illinois University for the Illinois Report Card, My Data Dashboard (formerly Ed360), and 21st Century Learning Center

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 and the My Illinois Interactive Report Card for fiscal year 2023 in an amount not to exceed $2.565 million.

DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL | CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION- APPROVAL OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND II GRANT WITH ILLINOIS NETWORK OF CHILD CARE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL AGENCIES- SPANISH LANGUAGE EARLY CHILDHOOD ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGN

Dr. Leak asked where the funding will come from. Dr. Ayala noted it is GEERS Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funding.

Dr. Benson moved that the State Board of Education approve Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund II Grant with Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies - Spanish Language Early Childhood Enrollment Campaign.

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into a grant agreement with the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. The grant will begin on April 20, 2022, and end on June 30, 2023. The maximum grant total will not exceed $1.6 million.

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

UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS

Approval for Publication- Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Dr. Matias and Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Erica Thieman provided written information to the Board on this item.