Illinois State Board of Education met Sept. 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
ROLL CALL
Chair of the Board Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 8:30 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 physically attending. Dr. James Anderson and Dr. Anna Grassellino were absent. State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was also in attendance.
Members Present:
Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Board
Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair
Dr. Christine Benson, Secretary
Dr. Sherly Chavarria
Roger Eddy
Laura Gonzalez
Dr. Patricia Nugent
Members Absent:
Dr. James Anderson
Dr. Anna Grassellino
PRESENTATIONS | STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL INTRODUCTIONS
Chair Isoye welcomed the members of the Student Advisory Council for school year 2023-24.
Director of Student Care Dr. Brian L. Metcalf discussed the work ethic, creativity, and leadership skills of the Student Advisory Council members. He explained that the council will engage in academic research, leadership development, and team-building activities, culminating in final policy recommendations to the Board.
Each member of the 2023-24 Student Advisory Council introduced themselves and described the reasons why they wished to take part. Many members of the council named educational equity as their top priority, and several mentioned technology, career and technical education, or special education as areas of particular interest. Several students also noted their excitement to learn about and participate in the policymaking process, as well as to represent their peers and effect change in their schools and communities.
Dr. Sanders welcomed the new members of the Student Advisory Council and noted his excitement to work with them and listen to their input. Chair Isoye said he looked forward to hearing their recommendations at the end of the year.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Chair Isoye reminded those in attendance of the Public Participation Policy and the sign-up procedures for the meeting.
Tonya Frehner with Birth to Five Illinois spoke on regional community systems. She said that Birth to Five aims to provide regional infrastructure to promote equity, collaboration, and accountability, and to uplift the most vulnerable populations by giving families a voice and engaging many different sectors of the community. Ms. Frehner said that elevating community input is key to reflecting diversity instead of special interests and promoting community engagement and effective decision-making at the state level. She advocated for support for bottom-up systems change and prioritizing investment in the well-being of Illinois children and families.
Kendra Dixon with Westview Elementary in Canton spoke on the elementary education content test. She read aloud a letter written by her daughter, who was, at that moment, taking the content test. Her daughter had recently learned that she needed to pass the content test by mid-December in order to student teach in the spring and progress with her education and career. She shared some of the questions from the content test, saying that they conflict with the best practices she has been learning in school by measuring recall instead of the complex skillset required to be an effective teacher. She said that the reliance on traditional content tests could negatively impact the teacher pipeline and advocated for alternatives.
Jackie Demler, also with Westview Elementary, spoke on the elementary education content test. She said that she was a master’s degree candidate at Western Illinois University. She explained that content testing creates anxiety and stress, even for students excelling in their teaching programs, including herself. Ms. Demler noted that the time, cost, and lack of feedback after unsuccessful attempts are obstacles to licensure, and she said that the questions were sometimes unrelated to the skillset required to teach effectively. In addition, failing to pass means delaying the start of residency programs, further contributing to the educator shortage. She advocated for assisting future teachers who are close to passing the content tests and providing alternatives, especially in light of high failure rates.
Ashley Earles with Birth to Five Illinois spoke on Early Childhood Block Grant Regional Community Systems Development. She explained that Birth to Five Illinois works to bring stakeholders and communities together, collect qualitative data, share best practices for early childhood programming, and address community needs. She noted that many families in her region are not aware of available early childhood services and therefore cannot benefit from them, making Birth to Five’s role essential. The overarching goals of the organization are to strengthen community relationships and eliminate duplication and siloes in early childhood services.
Terry Stroh with Northern Kane County Regional Vocational System Education for Employment 110 spoke on Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding. He thanked the Board for its support of CTE and for providing additional funding this year. He said that CTE programs today are highly sophisticated, including computer numerical control machines (e.g., lathes and mill machines) and robotics, creating the next generation of highly skilled workers in Illinois. He advocated that the Board continue to improve CTE programming in Illinois.
Sylvia Rogel with The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning spoke on the Computer Science Equity Grant. She discussed the need to provide equitable opportunities for English learners to develop broad literacy skills, which includes computer science. She noted that 13.7% of public school students in Illinois are English learners, underscoring the importance of offering computer science curriculum designed for English learner success. She advocated for changes to rules that currently make nonprofits like The Center ineligible for Computer Science Equity Grant funding for projects to make computer science programming equitable for English learners.
Amber Peters with Elgin Partnership for Early Learning spoke on early childhood Birth to Five Illinois funding. She shared that only 24% of children in her community come to school with the necessary readiness skills. This statistic is worrisome because the majority of brain development occurs very early on in life. She discussed the partnership with Birth to Five Illinois, which allowed her region to hire community members to provide crucial, localized support and host events to reach families, improving awareness and access. She advocated for investing early on through early childhood programs that will yield benefits throughout the future.
Brian Mentzer with Belleville Township High School spoke on CTE funding. He said that his district lacked the necessary resources to provide high-quality CTE programming in the early 2000s. Over the last decade, however, his community has reallocated local resources to equip a facility to provide trade-based educational offerings, leading to direct employment opportunities for hundreds of students each year. Noting that his region will spend an additional $3.5 million of local money to expand the CTE program, he advocated for increasing state funding by $10 million to support districts in providing essential CTE services.
Michael Karner with Lake County Regional Office of Education spoke on Birth to Five early childhood supports and funding. He said that Birth to Five Illinois has helped Lake County make enormous strides with regard to early childhood services, including conducting a regional needs assessment, engaging with the community, and developing an action plan that incorporated a great deal of feedback. He praised the organization’s collaborative efforts to lessen the “silo effect” and build trust between the community and early childhood partners. He noted that more districts in the region have applied to the Early Childhood Block Grant as a result of Birth to Five Involvement.
Jay Smith with St. George CCSD 258 spoke on Birth to Five supports and funding. He said that Birth to Five Illinois had been an essential partner in collaborating with the school administration and families, identifying Request for Proposals (RFP) and grant opportunities, and collecting crucial data that led to the district being awarded a Preschool for All Grant.
Kenneth Springer with the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development spoke on CTE funding. He said that CTE programs with state-of-the-art equipment are crucial for building regional economies and maintaining a strong supply of workers. He explained that the ongoing skilled worker shortages forces employers to turn down contracts, hurting local gross domestic product and tax revenue. Strong CTE programs are vital to attract and retain companies that provide welding, health science, food processing, and construction services. He noted that Galesburg has seen record CTE enrollment after investing in a new educational center, and he advocated for further state funding for CTE.
James Duggan with Bourbonnais Elementary District 53 spoke on Birth to Five supports and funding. He advocated for listening to the recommendations put forth by Birth to Five Illinois, explaining that the organization had been deeply involved in collaborating with his community to support families and child mental health. He also shared his experience with a special education teacher in his district who is a wonderful instructor but who has not yet been able to pass the content test. He advocated for alternative pathways to licensure for teachers.
McLain Schaefer with Mattoon CUSD 2 spoke on CTE funding. He advocated for an additional $10 million in funding for CTE, especially for small, rural schools that often consistently miss out on CTE opportunities. He highlighted the importance of dedicating state funding to rectify these issues of equity and access. He thanked Board members for their commitment to the students of Illinois and asked them to strengthen their support of CTE.
Michelle Trager, a parent, spoke on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Awareness Month. She told the Board that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are a leading cause of developmental delays in the United States, with one in 20 students affected – on average, one per classroom. She said that most of these students are undiagnosed and not given special education services as they often have strong verbal skills and IQ scores in the typical range. However, they are more likely to experience behavioral difficulties and deficits in memory and executive function, resulting in anger and acting out. She advocated for training for teachers and a neuro-behavioral approach to identifying students with FASD and designing accommodations.
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. Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2)
C. 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)
D. 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)
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 by a unanimous roll call vote.
The open meeting recessed to go into closed session at 9:28 a.m. The open meeting reconvened at 10 a.m.
SEMIANNUAL REVIEW OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
Dr. Chavarria said that pursuant to Section 2.06(d) of the Open Meetings Act, the State Board of Education had reviewed the minutes of its closed sessions for March 15, 2023; April 19, 2023; May 17, 2023; June 21, 2023; and August 16, 2023.
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 15, 2023; April 19, 2023; May 17, 2023; June 21, 2023; and August 16, 2023. These minutes should be approved and remain closed.
Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
CONSENT AGENDA
Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.
Chair Isoye noted that all of these items had been discussed in committee meetings and thanked ISBE staff for all the additional information they had provided regarding these items.
Dr. Leak mentioned that she was glad that the Board would be voting that day on the approval to release and award a Request for Sealed Proposals (RFSP) for ISBE to enter a competitive bid for the administration of Illinois high school accountability assessments.
Mr. Eddy noted that he had previously inquired about the use of the funds toward the approval to release and award an RFSP for Early Childhood Block Grant Regional Community Systems Development. He thanked the advocates who had come forward in support and others who had sent in information and data, particularly Dr. Jason Helfer.
Dr. Leak thanked ISBE staff for responding to the Board’s requests for additional data and explanations; she said that this was essential for making an informed decision.
Ms. Gonzalez moved that the State Board of Education approves the Consent Agenda.
Dr. Leak seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
The following motions were approved by action taken in the Consent Agenda motion:
Approval of Minutes
Plenary Minutes: August 16, 2023
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the August 16, 2023, meeting minutes.
Rules for Initial Review
*Approval for Publication – Part 680 (State Seal of Biliteracy) Assessment Updates
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 680 (State Seal of Biliteracy), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.
*Approval for Publication – Part 700 (Computer Science Equity Grant Program) New Part The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 700 (Computer Science Equity Grant Program), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.
Rules for Adoption
*Approval for Adoption – Parts 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and 555 (Children’s Mental Health Initiative Grants) Driver Education Standards
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Parts 1 and 555 to the Joint Committee for Administrative Rules (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.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Release and Award of the Request for Sealed Proposals for Student Information System Contractual Team
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release and award an RFSP to procure the services of one project manager, one business analyst, one data analyst, one developer/architect, five programmer analysts, and one technical writer/help desk support to assist in the development and maintenance of existing and future data systems as they pertain to the collection and organization of the state’s Student Information System. The initial term of the contract will begin upon execution and extend through June 30, 2027. There will be three possible two-year renewals contingent upon sufficient appropriation and satisfactory contractor performance in each preceding contract year. The estimated contract total costs, including renewals, will not exceed $23,999,873.75.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Sole Source Grant to After School Matters
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award a sole source grant to After School Matters to provide a network of out-of-school opportunities in an amount not to exceed $5 million.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Sole Source Grant to Illinois State University for its National Board Resource Center for National Board Certified Teachers
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to approve a fiscal year 2024 grant for $4.5 million to the National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University for the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Release FY 2024 Teach for America Grant
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to approve a fiscal year 2024 grant for $2 million to Teach for America to recruit and train racially diverse teachers in Illinois.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Sole Source Grant to the Southwest Organizing Project Parent Mentor Program
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release a grant not to exceed the amount of $14 million to the Southwest Organizing Project for the Parent Mentor Program. The grant term will be July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of FY 2024 Autism Learning and Support Project Upward Amendment and Extension to FY 2026
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to approve an upward amendment to the Autism Learning and Supports Project to $1,239,899 in FY 2024 and extend level funding of $1,239,899 for two additional fiscal years through FY 2026.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of FY 2024 Illinois Assistive Technology Device Loan and Evaluation Project Upward Amendment
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to increase the Illinois Assistive Technology Loan and Evaluation Project by $110,524 for FY 2024.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of FY 2024 Philip J. Rock Center and School Upward Amendment
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to upward amend funding for Philip J. Rock Center and School by $880,200 for FY 2024 to align with the 2024 Illinois State Budget.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Release and Award an RFSP for ISBE to Enter a Competitive Bid for the Administration of the Illinois High School Accountability Assessments
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release and award an RFSP to identify a vendor to administer high school accountability assessments for a period of three years, with a three-year renewal option. The total value of the contract for FY 2025 through FY 2030 will not exceed $48,406,088.51.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Request for Proposals – IDEA, Part B Preschool Discretionary Grant Project – STAR NET
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes awarding an upward amendment for the remaining two years of the current grant cycle for all six regions of the Support and Technical Assistance Regional Network (STAR NET) in the amount of $293,550 per year, with $48,925 awarded to each region to cover cost increases in FY 2024 and FY 2025.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Request for Sealed Proposals for Early Childhood Block Grant Regional Community Systems Development
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release and award an RFSP whereby one or more eligible entities will receive a contract to provide Early Childhood Regional Community Systems Development for Illinois.
Approvals
*Approval of State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board Attendance and Continued Service Review
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to approve the continued service of State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board members Dr. Malik Henfield and Dr. Brandon Hentze.
CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION – APPROVAL OF FY 2024 CONTINUATION SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
There were no questions.
Mr. Eddy moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release FY 2024 Continuation School Improvement Grant allocations in excess of $1 million from Title I, Part A, Section 1003 funds to the following five school districts: Cahokia CUSD 187, Peoria SD 150, Springfield SD 186, CCSD 168, and Country Club Hills SD 160.
Dr. Benson seconded the motion. It passed by a roll call vote, with Dr. Leak abstaining and all other members voting in favor.
APPROVAL OF FALL 2023 WAIVER REPORT
Mr. Eddy inquired about waivers that were returned and asked if they had ultimately been approved. Dr. Sanders mentioned that some district administrators had continued to move forward with the waivers, even though it was not necessary for this year. He said that ISBE had clarified this change. Mr. Eddy suggested codifying summarily approved waivers in the future to decrease administrative burden for districts. Dr. Sanders said that ISBE would pursue this during the next legislative session.
Dr. Nugent moved that the State Board of Education hereby approve all waiver requests.
Mr. Eddy seconded the motion. It passed by a roll call vote, with Chair Isoye abstaining and all other members voting in favor.
DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL | CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION – APPROVAL TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE GRANT TO SEMIANNUAL REVIEW OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
Director of School Business Services Michael Gum discussed this item.
Dr. Benson asked if there would be follow-up reporting on money spent. Mr. Gum said this would be a requirement of the grant.
Mr. Eddy moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award a sole source grant to Regional Office of Education 48 for costs associated with operational expenses. The total award over one year will not exceed $5.5 million.
Dr. Leak seconded the motion. It passed by a roll call vote, with Dr. Nugent abstaining and all other members voting in favor.
UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS
Approval for Publication – Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) Requirements for the Use of Isolated Time Out, Time Out, and Physical Restraint
Dr. Metcalf discussed this item.
Mr. Eddy asked why the ceiling height of a classroom must be the same as surrounding rooms to be used for time out, inquiring about classrooms that might have a dropped ceiling. Dr. Metcalf said that this specification sought to prevent students from being put in closets for time out. Mr. Eddy said that perhaps the provision requiring sufficient space for both a student and an adult would address this concern, without needing to be overly prescriptive regarding ceilings. Mr. Eddy and Dr. Leak mentioned the requirements for an acceptable door, with Dr. Leak asking if older doors with a vent panel at the bottom would be unacceptable since they are not of solid core construction. Dr. Metcalf said these doors would not be appropriate, since an adult cannot look through the vent to monitor a student. Dr. Leak noted the wording, “if the door includes a viewing panel,” indicating that a viewing panel might not be mandatory. Dr. Metcalf said that he would take these comments into account.
Dr. Chavarria asked if the ISBE website showed progress toward targets for isolated restraint and time out. Dr. Metcalf said that ISBE was currently working on setting these measurable targets and hoped to allow schools to compare their own data with statewide data. Dr. Chavarria asked how parents might find information on time out by school. Dr. Metcalf said that there is an annual statewide report with this information by demographic group, but that there is no current way for parents to access this information by school.
Mr. Eddy asked if there would be a memo with all the public comments; Dr. Metcalf said that this would be provided. Chair Isoye noted that these rules would be discussed further in committees next month. Mr. Eddy thanked Dr. Metcalf and the work group for the rule updates.
Approval for Publication – Part 258 (College and Career Pathway Endorsement System) New Part
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Jennifer Kirmes discussed this item. There were no questions.
Approval for Publication - Parts 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision), 25 (Educator Licensure), 27 (Standards for Endorsements in Specific Teaching Fields), 50 (Evaluation of Educator Licensed Employees Under Articles 24A and 34 of the School Code), and 51 (Dismissal of Tenured Teachers under Article 34 of the School Code) Various Changes
Director of Educator Effectiveness Emily Fox discussed this item and the next.
Mr. Eddy confirmed that these were all statutory changes aimed at dealing with the ongoing teacher shortage, including substitute teachers. He asked if these changes would be permanent. Ms. Fox said that it depends; for example, the removal of the edTPA requirement would remain in place until September 2025 while ISBE convenes a task force for a more permanent change, and the extension of the short-term substitute teaching licenses could be further extended in the future, if needed.
Dr. Leak asked about the change to Public Act 103-085, regarding evaluation, and asked if this modification would be in perpetuity. Ms. Fox said that she would check and follow up.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Release and Award a Request for Sealed Proposals for Illinois Licensure Testing System
Mr. Eddy asked who the current provider is. Ms. Fox said that it was Pearson.
Dr. Chavarria asked how the new contract would address concerns raised earlier in public comment. Ms. Fox said that each test would be re-examined for bias and alignment to standards. Dr. Nugent asked if the structure of the test and the type of questions asked could be examined as well. Ms. Fox said that ISBE could specify the level of detailed analysis with which each question would be examined and the level of approval that ISBE would have. Dr. Chavarria asked about flexible testing options; Ms. Fox said that these options are currently being explored for candidates who score very close to the threshold, potentially allowing these candidates to retake just the part that they failed. Dr. Nugent asked if candidates would have to fail a certain number of times first; Ms. Fox said that the agency could make that decision with feedback from the Board. Dr. Nugent said that not all teaching candidates take the test seriously the first time and cautioned against measures that would encourage that approach.
Dr. Leak asked if this RFSP includes the elementary content test; Ms. Fox confirmed this. Mr. Eddy asked to confirm that the content tests are required by statute; Ms. Fox answered affirmatively. Dr. Nugent mentioned the free practice test now available for the early childhood content test as a possible way for ISBE to assist teaching candidates in other content areas.
Based on the sample questions submitted during public comment, Dr. Leak suggested a review of whether these questions measured the skillsets that are truly important for teachers. Dr. Nugent noted that the submitted questions were all memorization questions, stating that teachers could review information as needed for their lessons without needing it all on immediate recall. Dr. Benson agreed. Dr. Leak said that pedagogical skills should be prioritized over rote memorization, and Dr. Nugent agreed, stating that it’s more important for teachers to understand the concepts.
Ms. Gonzalez asked about the reporting groups that have lower pass rates on content tests, especially Hispanic and African American candidates, and recommended that ISBE analyze the data regarding which types of questions present particular challenges to these group, underscoring the importance of having those students as educators.
Mr. Eddy noted the overall pass rate, 86.2%, and asked how many individual tests there are. Ms. Fox said that there were 88. Mr. Eddy asked about pass rates for each individual content test and if this data exists by ethnicity. Ms. Fox confirmed that this data is available. Dr. Sanders said that there was ongoing internal analysis of this data, and he said that he would like to present this analysis to the Board.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of Sole Source Grant to the Illinois Principals Association
Director of School/District Improvement Dr. Christine Paxson discussed this item.
Dr. Leak asked how the first cohort in FY 2021 had progressed and if those schools had moved out of the Comprehensive category. Dr. Paxson said more progress information for FY 2023 would be available soon, and that she could add a Board update with improvement information for FY 2022.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Release a Request for Sealed Proposals for Early Childhood Block Grant: Prevention Initiative (Birth to Age 3 Years) Monitoring Project
Director of Early Childhood Development Carisa Hurley Davis discussed this item and the following two.
Dr. Leak asked if this item was solely for monitoring purposes. Ms. Hurley Davis confirmed that this was the case. Mr. Eddy asked if this item would be used to monitor 25% of the Prevention Initiative programs. Ms. Hurley Davis said that this funding would indeed be used for programmatic monitoring, which occurs in addition to fiscal monitoring.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval to Release a Request for Proposals for Early Childhood Block Grant Prevention Initiative Training and Technical Assistance: Birth to Three Years
Dr. Benson thanked Ms. Hurley Davis for the informative links provided in the memo.
Dr. Leak asked if this grant would increase the number of partners allowed access to the technical support. Ms. Hurley Davis said that additional program grants had just been awarded, so new programs would be able to access this training and technical assistance. Dr. Leak asked if this assistance would be available to all participating Prevention Initiative programs. Ms. Hurley Davis said that this would be the case.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Release and Award a Request for Proposals for FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity/RFP Early Childhood Block Grant Prevention Initiative 0-3, Preschool for All 3-5, and Preschool for All Expansion Years 3-5
Mr. Eddy asked to confirm that, out of the total allocation of $673 million, 25% would be set aside for Prevention Initiatives 0-3, and Ms. Hurley Davis confirmed this.
Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval to Release a Request for Sealed Proposals and Award to the Successful Offeror(s) a Contract to Administer a Statewide Survey of Learning Conditions
Director of Wellness Kim Barnes-Cummins discussed this item. Mr. Eddy asked if this item referred to the 5 Essentials Survey. Ms. Barnes-Cummins confirmed that this was the case. Dr. Leak asked if the current contract would end in June; Ms. Barnes-Cummins confirmed this.
Approval of Appointee to State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board
Director of Educator Effectiveness Emily Fox discussed this item. There were no questions.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS
Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements
Dr. Sanders said it was good to have school back in session, and he thanked ISBE staff for their efforts. He mentioned that he had participated in the governor’s visit to Matteson and field visits to Springfield, Peoria, and Rockfield. He also noted a new, eagerly anticipated ISBE program for agency employees to shadow school employees in similar positions. He noted the upcoming Simon Sinek Fireside Chat and encouraged Board members to listen in. Finally, he thanked the Board members for their engagement in self-evaluation the day before.
Chair of the Board’s Report
Chair Isoye thanked ISBE staff for supporting the Board members during the Board retreat.
Member Reports
Dr. Benson mentioned the upcoming National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) conference and highlighted Board members’ involvement with the organization, including Dr. Leak, who serves on NASBE and engages year-round with workshops and conferences, and Mr. Eddy, who will be presenting at the upcoming NASBE conference. She thanked the Board members for sharing their time and talents and encouraged them to make use of the organization. Dr. Leak recognized Dr. Benson as the president of NASBE, which she said was particularly remarkable as ISBE is new to the organization.
INFORMATION ITEMS
ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports
Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report
ISBE Quarterly Staff Demographics Report
MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT
Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education adjourn the September 20, 2023, meeting.
Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 11:09 a.m.
https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/20230920-Minutes.pdf
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