Southern Illinois News

Illinois State Board of Education met Jan. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 9:01 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 six members physically present. Dr. Patricia Nugent attended via video conference. State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was also in attendance.

Chair Isoye stated that members would consider the participation of Dr. Nugent 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. Donna Leak moved that the State Board of Education permit the participation of Dr. Nugent via video conference. Dr. Christine Benson 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. Christine Benson, Secretary

Dr. James Anderson

Dr. Sherly Chavarria

Laura Gonzalez

Dr. Patricia Nugent

Members Absent:

Roger Eddy

Dr. Anna Grassellino

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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

Abigail Barrientos, a parent of two children who attended Horizon Science Academy Charter School -- McKinley Park (HSA McKinley Park) and vice president of the PTO there, spoke about the school. She described the tight-knit community, the caring staff, and the academic and extracurricular opportunities. She requested that the Board meet with leaders of the school to discuss the material modification, stating that her children would have benefited from the proposed high school.

Marisa Vega, community outreach and events coordinator with HSA McKinley Park, spoke about the school, explaining that it provides students from diverse Chicago neighborhoods a nurturing environment and driven faculty. She said that the school wished to move into a new building to create a true high school culture and expand enrollment. She requested the chance to speak with the Board to explain why the material modification is important.

Havilyn Aitken, a 12th grader at HSA McKinley Park, spoke about her experience at the school. She described her many activities, including participating in Model UN and robotics and developing a mental health workshop series. She said that the school was a special place with dedicated teachers but that it was running out of space. She advocated for a meeting with the Board to explain how much it would mean to have a larger building dedicated to high schoolers.

Layla Selenica, an 11th grader at HSA McKinley Park, spoke about her experience at the school. She shared that the teachers are some of the most important people in her life. She has participated in the Concept Young Scholars program, Model UN, sports, and more. She said she wanted more for the school and for future students and was excited about the possible move into a new building. She asked that the Board meet with school representatives.

Emma Salinas, an eighth grader at HSA McKinley Park, spoke about her experience at the school. She chose the school for its tight-knit community, and she has participated in the Young Scholars program, softball, and the variety show. She advocated for high schoolers to have their own building with space for technical education and job readiness programming. She requested that the Board meet with school representatives to hear their point of view.

Seat Vedziovski, principal of HSA McKinley Park, spoke about the school. He shared that the STEM-focused college prep school was a top-performing K-12 school in Illinois with a diverse student population. He stated that the material modification would allow for more after-school and technical activities, a sense of high school culture, and increased enrollment. He requested the chance to present the case directly to the Board.

Dr. Chris Murphy, chief strategic growth and communications officer with Concept Schools, spoke about the proposed material modification to HSA McKinley Park. He shared his disappointment with the decision pertaining to the request. He added that HSA McKinley Park requires more space for its existing high school and that the school has never requested extra funding or produced a negative fund balance. He asked the Board to reconsider its decision.

Niya Kelly, director of state legislative policy, equity, and transformation with Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, advocated for state funding for homeless students. She shared that her organization’s federal funding will soon run out, even as the homeless student population has grown an estimated 30% since fiscal year 2022. She suggested including transportation for students in the allowable usage of the FY 2025 funding for newcomers.

Diane Wendt Uher, a parent volunteer with the Illinois Early Literacy Coalition, spoke on the topic of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. She was pleased with the literacy plan and said that she was thrilled that the Strategic Plan centers literacy as the goal of education and that there is funding requested for implementation of the literacy plan. She recommended hiring more learning partners and full-time literacy staff and providing teacher training and rubrics.

Gerson Ramirez, senior government relations associate with Advance Illinois, spoke about the FY 2025 budget recommendations. He shared that he was happy about data-informed investments in Evidence-Based Funding (EBF), early childhood programming, the educator pipeline, whole child supports, and data and research. However, he noted that 1.3 million students live in underfunded districts and recommended an EBF increase of $550 million.

Amy Armstrong, a parent, spoke on the usage of the acronym “CWD,” or “children with disabilities.” She recommended changing the term to “students with disabilities,” as “children with disabilities” omits students who have reached the age of majority. She also suggested using the term “accessible transportation” in place of “special education transportation.” She thanked the Board members for their work.

Emma Spencer, policy and communications manager with Act Now Illinois, spoke on the topic of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLCs). She advocated for young people’s access to quality and affordable after-school opportunities, which provide critical access to academic, college, career opportunities, as well as life skills, safety, and child care services. She requested more information on FY 2025 grant opportunities to support after school programs that may otherwise close.

Adam Seaney, director of the Galesburg Area Vocational Center (AVC), spoke on the topic of Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding. He said that his center serves 380 students, with a significant increase in interest for the coming school year. He said that he needs additional staff and supplies to meet the rising demand with high-quality, competitive programming. He asked the Board to commit to a $10 million annual increase for CTE.

PRESENTATIONS | ILLINOIS COMPREHENSIVE LITERACY PLAN

Dr. Erica Thieman, director of Standards and Instruction, and Kirsten Parr, project lead for Standards and Instruction, discussed the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. Dr. Thieman gave an overview of the process that led to the development of the plan, resulting in multiple drafts and two listening tours that created a great deal of public engagement. Ms. Parr detailed the recent adjustments made to the plan following the second listening tour, which included a summary added to each section along with further resources for deeper exploration, notes to serve as a reader’s guide for various stakeholder groups, and the incorporation of the seven components of literacy.

Dr. Thieman highlighted the plan’s goal to elevate literacy instruction and outcomes statewide, acting as a roadmap to equip educators and leaders with data and evidence-based strategies while maintaining local autonomy and flexibility for multilingual learners. She added that the ongoing impact of disrupted learning during the pandemic makes it essential to focus on improving literacy instruction. Finally, Dr. Thieman explained next steps, which will include developing rubrics for districts to evaluate literacy curricula, training opportunities for educators, and improved evaluation of future teachers’ preparedness to teach literacy. ISBE also will offer continual guidance and support to districts after the plan is released.

Many of the Board members thanked Dr. Thieman, Ms. Parr, and the literacy plan team for their enormous efforts and wonderful final product. Dr. Benson shared her belief that individualized teaching strategies are necessary for every student to achieve the difficult skill of literacy. She said that, while it is hard to pinpoint what the optimal reading program would be, the guidelines presented in the plan will serve the state well as a framework for evidence based instruction. She looks forward to the conversation around literacy continuing to evolve openly, allowing teachers to develop a variety of strategies to reach every student.

Ms. Gonzalez particularly appreciated the special attention to multilingual students, as well as the section on newcomers. She inquired what the training opportunities for teachers would entail. Dr. Thieman said that that aspect has yet to be finalized, but that they had used the capacity builder model in the past. This includes a four-to-six-month long training involving practical applications and problem-solving for district leadership, Regional Offices of Education, and instructional coaches.

Dr. Chavarria noted that the final version of the plan provided a very clear sense of what the classroom should look like across grade levels. She cited the need to take in as much information regarding newcomers as possible from the field moving forward. She also appreciated that the plan framed the term “research-based” as an ever-moving target requiring continuous improvement. She highlighted the importance of school and district leaders in whole-school transformations like this one, noting that changing practices takes tremendous effort. Finally, she asked if it would be necessary to update the standards for a teaching endorsement in elementary education. Dr. Thieman said that she believes that the current wording of the standards is broad enough to accommodate the new plan.

Dr. Leak noted the urgency of addressing literacy instruction, especially for children of color and homeless children. She thanked the team for not enforcing the use of a specific product or curriculum. She suggested holding webinars as soon as possible to roll out some of the workbook activities included in the literacy plan to start to engage districts right away. Dr. Thieman said that they were planning to pull out workbook sections into a separate document, pairing them with reading to go along with each one, and that they would hold webinars this spring.

Dr. Nugent asked how future educators and professors at educator preparation programs would be prepared. Dr. Thieman said that the team is collaborating on that with the Path Forward Initiative and the Educator Effectiveness Department at ISBE. Dr. Isoye thanked Dr. Thieman and Ms. Parr for their leadership on this plan and shared his excitement.

PRESENTATIONS | STRATEGIC PLAN

Chief of Staff Dr. Kimako Patterson, Chief Education Officer – Instruction Dr. Jason Helfer, Executive Director of Improvement and Innovation Jennifer Saba, and Director of School/District Improvement Christine Paxson discussed the Strategic Plan for 2024-2027. Dr. Patterson gave an overview of how the Strategic Plan had been developed, with ISBE leaders meeting for multiple instructional retreats, where they considered how the agency could make meaningful progress in areas of high importance.

The major overarching goals of the plan include equity, student learning, supportive learning conditions, and elevating educators. Under the umbrella of each of these larger goals, the agency identified multiple specific objectives, as well as strategies for how they could be reached and tangible outcomes to measure success. For example, under the category of elevating educators, ISBE plans to work with institutions of higher education to improve training in literacy instruction for future teachers. This will involve developing Communities of Practice in collaboration with educator preparation programs (EPPs), as well as conducting a program evaluation of how closely EPP curriculum aligns to literacy preparation standards. Additionally, the ISBE team plans to focus the lens of equity on everything it produces.

Dr. Sanders explained that the plan is meant to be comprehensive and provide alignment and consistency across departments and student outcomes throughout the state. He shared that these goals were not new but that the team had come up with new strategies to realize them, noting the major agency effort that had gone into developing these exciting objectives. He also shared plans for ISBE employees from across the agency to sign up to work toward specific goals, which is part of the succession and internal leadership plan.

Dr. Chavarria asked what results the team expected to see if the stated objectives are met. Dr. Patterson said that the hope is to provide resources to schools based on their specific needs in an inclusive and equitable way, with the new CTE formula change as an example of this. Dr. Sanders also cited the Stronger Connections Grant, which ISBE designed specifically to help support newcomers by building out applications in a way that promotes equity.

Dr. Chavarria asked what the team had in mind for the continuous improvement model and its impact on student outcomes. Dr. Paxson highlighted the importance of a system in which teachers work collaboratively toward a common vision and mission, noting that the current implementation of school improvement in the field varies greatly. Dr. Sanders added that he hopes to provide a baseline across the state so that all schools will be engaged in a continuous cycle of improvement. Dr. Chavarria agreed, saying that this effort speaks to the role that ISBE can play in strengthening practices for how schools identify areas to work on and how.

Dr. Leak recommended defining concrete action plans for each team to work toward the objectives with clear, measurable results, such as a goal of serving a given number of districts. Dr. Chavarria noted that the outcomes of Goals 2.4 (budget systems) and 2.5 (infrastructure investment) are very important to the field. She also suggested that there might be policy opportunities in the future to supplement the goal of bolstering the teacher pipeline. Dr. Nugent thanked the ISBE team for all the work they had done.

Dr. Isoye said that this plan shows how effective strategic planning can be over the long-term, which is crucial in a state as large and diverse as Illinois. He cited the progress since the first Strategic Plan, with many lessons learned and greater focus trained on important issues such as equitable and effective systems, sharing information, and improving ISBE as an agency.

CLOSED SESSION Dr. Anderson 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. 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)

Dr. Leak 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 11:40 a.m.

CONSENT AGENDA

Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda and noted that these items had all been previously discussed in Committee meetings.

Dr. Chavarria moved that the State Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda.

Ms. Gonzalez 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: December 13, 2023

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the December 13, 2023, meeting minutes.

Rules for Adoption

*Approval for Adoption – Part 680 (State Seal of Biliteracy)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 680 to Joint Committee on 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.

*Approval for Adoption – Part 700 (Computer Science Equity Grant Program)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 700 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.

Rules for Initial Review

*Approval for Publication – Part 256 (Career and Technical Education) Funding Formula

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for:  Part 256 (Career and Technical Education), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Invitation for Bid – Software Solutions & School and District Improvement – One Project Manager, One Business Analyst, and Two Developers

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release and award an Invitation for Bid to the successful offeror to procure the services of one project manager, one business analyst, and two developers to assist in the development and maintenance of existing and future applications as they pertain to projects related to School and District Improvement. The initial term of the contract will begin July 1, 2024, and extend through June 30, 2027. There will be one possible two-year renewal contingent upon sufficient appropriation and satisfactory contractor performance in each preceding contract year. The estimated contract total costs, including renewal, will not exceed $3.83 million.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Invitation for Bid – Software Solutions & Special Education Systems – One Business Analyst, One Developer

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release and award an Invitation for Bid to the successful offeror to procure the services of one business analyst and one developer to assist in the development and maintenance of existing and future applications as they pertain to the collection and organization of the state’s special education data. The initial term of the contract will begin July 1, 2024, and extend through June 30, 2027. There will be one possible two-year renewal contingent upon sufficient appropriation and satisfactory contractor performance in each preceding contract year. The estimated contract total costs, including renewal, will not exceed $1.89 million.

Approvals

*Approval for Adoption – Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan

The State Board of Education hereby approves the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan to guide and unify literacy efforts across the state. Its purpose is to offer clarity and direction, enabling stakeholders to prioritize and coordinate their initiatives effectively, ultimately improving literacy outcomes for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The plan is a legislative requirement of Public Act 103-0402 and was developed in consultation with education stakeholders.

*Acceptance Item – State of Illinois Single Audit Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2022

The State Board of Education hereby accepts the Office of the Auditor General’s State of Illinois Single Audit Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2022, as it relates to ISBE.

CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION – DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF FY 2024 CONTINUATION SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

Director of School/District Improvement Dr. Christine Paxson discussed this item. There were no questions.

Ms. Gonzalez 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 eight school districts: Waukegan CUSD 60, North Chicago SD 187, Belvidere CUSD 100, Pekin PSD 108, Dolton SD 149, Urbana SD 116, Champaign CUSD 4, and Joliet PSD 86.

Dr. Benson seconded the motion, and it passed by a roll call vote, with Dr. Leak abstaining and all others voting in favor.

APPROVAL OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN

There were no further questions on the Strategic Plan.

Dr. Anderson moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves the 2024-2027 ISBE Strategic Plan, with the amendment to Goal 2.5.1 replacing the word “audit” with “assessment.”

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

APPROVAL OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 SUPERINTENDENT’S BUDGET RECOMMENDATION

Chief Financial Officer Dr. Matt Seaton discussed this item. He also clarified that CTE funding under the new formula is not to be used for capital projects.

Dr. Nugent asked which sources of funding exist for CTE programs to purchase capital equipment. Dr. Seaton said that there are $50,000 school maintenance grants and that ISBE has provided guidance on other mechanisms of school capital funding that fall outside of ISBE authority. However, he said that there are limited options at the moment for schools to access capital funding, stating that schools may need to find the funding locally.

Dr. Leak asked if the Freedom Schools member initiative would be included again this year. Chief Education Officer – Operations Krish Mohip said that that had been a one-time allocation in 2022 and that those funds could be spent down until Dec. 31, 2024. Dr. Seaton added that there were no new appropriations for that purpose in the works.

Dr. Chavarria expressed appreciation for the budget process, including the summaries of feedback from the field and the in-depth discussion of mandated categoricals. She also appreciated continued support for Evidence-Based Funding.

Additionally, Dr. Chavarria encouraged continued transparency behind the decision-making regarding which programs funded by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief dollars would be continued or not. She asked about the timeline for 21st CCLC grants to be released. Dr. Seaton said that the FY 2025 grant applications are expected to open this spring and should be available in the fall of 2024. Dr. Chavarria highlighted the importance of continuity of services.

Chair Isoye thanked Dr. Seaton and his team for their efforts and the clarity they had provided on which programs will be recommended for funding and which will not.

Dr. Benson moved that the State Board of Education hereby recommends an FY 2025 General Funds appropriation of $11,017,844,800. She further moved that the Illinois State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to make changes to the “Other State Funds” and “Federal Funds” recommendations outlined in Exhibit B or for new funding opportunities, as appropriate, until the budget has been enacted.

Dr. Anderson seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

There were no announcements.

Chair of the Board’s Report

There were no announcements.

Member Reports

There were no announcements.

INFORMATION ITEMS

ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Dr. Leak moved to adjourn the Jan. 24, 2024, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dr. Anderson seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 11:58 a.m.

Dr. Christine Benson Dr. Steven Isoye Board Secretary Chair of the Board

https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/20240124-Agenda.pdf