Illinois State Board of Education met Sept. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 8:33 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 seven members attending physically in the Springfield Office. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala was also in attendance.
Members Present (in person):
Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Board
Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair
Dr. Christine Benson
Roger Eddy
Dr. David Lett
Susie Morrison
Dr. Nike Vieille
Members Absent:
Jaime Guzman, Secretary
PRESENTATIONS | STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL INTRODUCTIONS
Leslie Ward, principal consultant in Student Care, introduced the Student Advisory Council. Members of the Student Advisory Council introduced themselves.
Chair Isoye thanked the students for their time and expressed the Board’s anticipation for their insights in the coming year.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Chair Isoye reminded those in attendance of the Public Participation Policy and the sign-up procedures for today’s meeting.
Dora King, chair of the North Chicago District 187 Independent Authority (IA), spoke on the North Chicago School Board transition. She thanked ISBE for engaging with local leadership in conversations on this topic and expressed hopes for a transition to begin no later than 2025.
North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. discussed the North Chicago transition. He noted the improvements in the financial operations and academic achievement under the IA. He believes that rushing the transition could present issues and that a gradual approach to the transition will allow potential candidates time to prepare for the duties of the school board.
Stephine Austine, a parent in North Chicago, spoke on the transition. She advocated for ensuring that students in the district have a good school year and that any decision on the transition not disrupt that.
Tameka Wilson, a parent in North Chicago, spoke on the transition to an elected school board. She thanked ISBE for its original intervention in the district to ensure the well-being of students. She advocated for a return to an elected school board with a carefully planned transition starting in 2025. She believes this will enable enough time to resolve current affairs and effectively transfer responsibilities from the Independent Authority.
Senator Adriane Johnson, who represents District 30, spoke and advocated for a transition back to an elected school board. She believes that 2023 is too early for a return and that it is important to trust ISBE’s process. She wishes to ensure that the community is prepared and represented on the elected board, and that it continues to work for the well-being of students.
Cynthia Jackson, a resident and parent in North Chicago, spoke on the transition. She advocated for finishing the district’s five-year strategic plan, which involved community input, prior to a transition back to an elected board. She believes that changing leadership before its completion may jeopardize progress made in the district.
Michelle Trager, a parent, spoke on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Month. She shared awareness efforts and FASD interventions in other states. She advocated for ISBE to give greater consideration to FASD in accommodations for education in the interest of student well-being and educational equity.
Chair Isoye thanked the participants for their comments.
PRESENTATIONS | NORTH CHICAGO TRANSITION TO AN ELECTED BOARD DISCUSSION
Dr. Ayala provided an update on the community listening sessions done in North Chicago. She thanked ISBE staff for providing support for the district over the past 10 years. She discussed the progress that has been made, but also noted the disruptions to progress caused by the pandemic as a source of concern when considering a transition timeline.
Deputy Operational Education Officer Krish Mohip discussed his engagement with the listening sessions and provided information on the student population, the progress the district has made in financial operations, and academic achievements. He shared a summary of collected feedback: 24 comments were made in support of a 2025 transition or gradual approach, 20 comments in support of a 2023 transition, and three comments in support of no elected school board at this time. Mr. Mohip said that after action was taken by the ISBE Board, a community advisory group would be formed to shape a roadmap for the transition to be completed in January 2023.
Dr. Ayala recommended that a transition for the North Chicago School Board begin in 2025 to ensure that pandemic recovery projects are successfully completed.
Dr. Lett asked if there were any cases where a timeline might be changed after the Board’s vote. Dr. Ayala did not anticipate any circumstances in which that would occur. Legal Officer Jeremy Duffy said that the Board would have the ability to intervene but affirmed that it was
not expected to be necessary. Financial Officer Robert Wolfe noted that the Financial Oversight Panel and administrative support would remain in place with the transition.
Mr. Eddy asked if community representation would remain a priority for the IA during the transition period, and Dr. Ayala confirmed that it was. He discussed current IA members, and Dr. Ayala affirmed that they would stay on until an election, but that they could run for the elected position as well. Mr. Eddy asked if disruptions to progress were a concern that might change the timeline. Mr. Duffy said that it was a possibility but emphasized that it was not expected.
Dr. Leak asked to confirm the duration of financial oversight. Mr. Wolfe said that it would be another 10 years, with a review in five years, and that ISBE would be receiving fiscal reports from the district annually through the transition.
Chair Isoye thanked the staff for the information and Board members for the discussion.
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. 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)
C. 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)
D. Meetings between internal or external auditors and governmental audit committees, finance committees, and their equivalents, when the discussion involves internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards of the United States of America. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(29)
She further moved that Board members may invite anyone they wish to be included in this closed session.
Dr. Vieille seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
The open meeting recessed at 9:18 a.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 11:38 a.m.
SEMIANNUAL REVIEW OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
Dr. Vieille said 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 March 16, 2022; April 20, 2022; May 18, 2022; June 15, 2022; and August 17, 2022.
She moved that the State Board of Education certifies that the need for confidentiality still exists for all of the closed session minutes for March 16, 2022; April 20, 2022; May 18, 2022; June 15, 2022; and August 17, 2022, and these minutes should be approved and remain closed.
She further moved that the State Board of Education approves the destruction of all closed session verbatim recordings from March 17, 2021, and prior.
Dr. Lett seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.
Dr. Leak clarified that these items have been reviewed and discussed in previous Board and committee meetings.
Dr. Lett 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: August 17, 2022
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the August 17, 2022 meeting minutes.
Rules for Adoption
*Approval for Adoption - Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Public Acts 101-643; 102-411; 102-584
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemakings for Part 1 to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for second notice.
*Approval for Adoption – Part 24 (Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards for All Illinois Educators)
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemakings for Part 24 to JCAR for second notice.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval to Award a Sole Source Grant to the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Operation of the Mobile Museum of Tolerance
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award a sole source grant for $1 million to the Simon Wiesenthal Center to operate the Mobile Museum of Tolerance in fiscal year 2023.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval to Award a Sole Source Grant to the Peoria Public School District 150 for Fine Arts and Other Programs
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award a sole source grant to Peoria School District 150 to enhance fine arts programming, for a total award over one year not to exceed $5.5 million.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval to Release and Award an Invitation for Bid for ISBE to Enter into a Competitive Bid for Illinois Standards-aligned Assessment Content to Administer the Illinois Assessment of Readiness in Grades 3 through 8
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release an Invitation for Bids for Illinois standards-aligned assessment content to meet all state and federal requirements for the Illinois operational summative accountability assessments in reading/language arts and mathematics for Grades 3 through 8, allowing ISBE to enter into a two-year contract with a five-year renewal option in an amount not to exceed $42 million.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of Sole Source Grant to After School Matters
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award an After School Matters Grant in the amount of $4 million in fiscal year 2023. *Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Eastern Illinois Area Special Education to Execute the Specific Learning Disability Support Project
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into a new intergovernmental agreement with Eastern Illinois Area Special Education for a three year contract to execute the Specific Learning Disability Support Project with a total cost not to exceed $7.5 million and funded by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part B Discretionary Grant dollars.
Approvals
*Approval of the Fall 2022 Waiver Report
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the Fall 2022 Waiver Report.
DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL | APPROVAL OF NORTH CHICAGO TRANSITION TO AN ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD
Ms. Morrison moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the election of three members to the North Chicago School Board beginning with the local elections to be held in 2025 and for the remaining four members of the board to be elected in the subsequent elections in accordance with state law. She further moved that the state superintendent shall continue to appoint the chairperson of the Independent Authority and the remaining members of the Independent Authority until such time as seven members have been duly elected to serve on the board.
Dr. Leak seconded this motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL | APPROVAL OF THE REVISIONS TO THE RESOLUTION IN FURTHER SUPPORT OF IN-PERSON LEARNING
Mr. Duffy discussed the revisions to the resolution, focusing on permitting but no longer requiring remote learning opportunities for students excluded from attendance due to COVID.
Mr. Eddy asked if this required school districts to take any new actions, and Mr. Duffy said it did not.
Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves the resolution supporting in-person learning.
Dr. Vieille seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS
Approval for Publication – Part 25 (Educator Licensure) Public Acts 102-702; 102-710; 102- 713, 102-717; 102-852
Emily Fox, director of Educator Effectiveness, discussed this item.
There were no questions on this item.
Approval for Publication - Part 670 (Tutoring Services) New Part
Dr. Erica Thieman, director of Standards and Instruction, discussed this item. There were no questions on this item.
Contracts & Grants over $1 Million - Approval of the Release and Award of the FY2023 Elementary and Secondary Relief Digital Equity Formula Grant
Dr. Thieman discussed this item.
Mr. Eddy asked how many districts were expected to receive funding from this, and Dr. Thieman responded around 300, but would follow up with more detailed data. Mr. Eddy asked about records on which districts had met their technology needs; Dr. Thieman said that a recent survey on this topic had 92% of districts responding.
Dr. Leak expressed an interest in ensuring that professional development resources and infrastructure for support were available for educators to ensure that devices are properly utilized for learning in classrooms. Dr. Thieman agreed and said she could follow up with details about the current work on technology implementation with other state agencies.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Sole Source Grant to Community Education Network – It Takes a Village Family of Schools
Carisa Hurley-Davis, director of Early Childhood, and Nakisha Hobbs, CEO of It Takes a Village (ITAV) Schools, discussed the organization and the proposed grant.
Mr. Eddy asked how many program sites were affected by funding changes that this grant is addressing; Ms. Hurley-Davis responded that six ITAV sites were affected.
Ms. Eddy asked about plans for sustainability of funding beyond the year of the grant; Ms. Hurley-Davis said she could follow up with updates on planning.
DISCUSSION ITEM | NATIONAL
National Association of State Boards of Education Materials Review
Chair Isoye shared the notes for these materials.
ASSOCIATION OF STATE BOARDS OF EDUCATION MATERIALS REVIEW
Dr. Leak shared her excitement for the National Association of State Boards of Education’s upcoming conference, and the opportunities for various boards to come together and discuss approaches to their goals in education. Dr. Benson affirmed the value found in participation for Board members.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements
There were no announcements.
Chair of the Board’s Report
Chair Isoye expressed his excitement to work with ISBE.
Member Reports
There were no announcements.
INFORMATION ITEMS ISBE
Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports
Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report
ISBE Quarterly Staff Demographics Report
MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Eddy moved that the State Board of Education adjourn the September 21, 2022 Board meeting.
Ms. Morrison seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 12:03 p.m.
https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/202209-Agenda-and-Minutes.pdf
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