Southern Illinois News

Illinois State Board of Education met April 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 9:03 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 initially attending in person. Dr. James Anderson arrived at 9:40 a.m. 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. James Anderson (arrived at 9:40 a.m.)

Dr. Sherly Chavarria

Roger Eddy

Laura Gonzalez

Dr. Patricia Nugent

Members Absent:

Dr. Anna Grassellino

2. RECOGNITIONS | ARTS POSTER RECIPIENTS

Supervisor of Student Care Katrina Cunningham presented the 2024 Arts Poster winners. She explained that the theme was “I wonder” and that the 2024 Illinois Arts Contest was conducted in partnership with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

The winners were Lillian Wang, Grade 11, of Stevenson High School; Aisha Kochar, Grade 6, of the University of Chicago Lab Schools; Keziah Haynes, Grade 5, of Prairie Oak Elementary School; and Mia Claire Luunguyen, Grade 1, of Westchester Primary School. Chair Isoye congratulated the winners and thanked their teachers.

Rosemary Lopez-Martinez, Keziah Haynes’ teacher, said that Keziah had loved seeing her artwork recognized and that, as a teacher, she was very happy that students had the chance to voice their thoughts through the artistic process. Jill Jacobsen, Mia Claire Luunguyen’s teacher, said that her students always look forward to the contest and thought that the ceremony had been very special.

3. PRESENTATION | STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Members of the Student Advisory Council (SAC), accompanied by Principal Consultant Dr. Leslie Ward-Lamina and Executive Director of Safe and Healthy Climate Jeff Aranowski, gave a presentation on the SAC’s findings from the 2023-24 school year. Mr. Aranowski said that he had learned a great deal from the SAC and acknowledged their hard work. Dr. Ward-Lamina described how the SAC members had collaborated with the Student Care Department at ISBE to develop and share their unique perspectives. She said that this year’s council had focused on social-emotional learning, literacy, and mental health.

SAC members Emma Greenberg, Jeffrey Tong, Isaac Chang, Grace White, and Katie Heitzig discussed recommendations for social-emotional learning (SEL). They highlighted the importance of SEL in teaching students to recognize and manage their emotions, make responsible decisions, establish positive relationships, and more. They also gave an overview of legislation concerning SEL in Illinois and relevant ISBE policies. However, their research suggested that students may not feel connected to their current SEL programs, perceiving them as inapplicable to their lives and rejecting SEL due to the social stigma associated with mental health issues. The SAC recommends incorporating a student group into the revision of the SEL standards in order to improve delivery and ensure that the many advantages of an effective SEL education are provided. They said that they had been impressed by students’ ideas on how to improve their own SEL curriculum locally and that financial impact should be minimal.

SAC members Haleigh Hoffman, Naomi Saathoff, and Jarrell David discussed recommendations for literacy. Their research revealed that many elementary schoolers are falling below the proficient level, including two-thirds of fourth graders, which puts them at greater risk of not graduating from high school. The SAC recommended implementing summer reading programs in order to ensure upkeep of literacy learning and tackle declining literacy rates. The summer reading programs would include a summer book club, guided reading groups by grade level, one-on-one tutoring opportunities from student volunteers, prizes, and the chance to take school library books home over the summer. They suggested that such a program could be funded through state grants, Title I funding, and partnerships with local businesses and the community.

SAC members Charlie McCormick, Suha Khan, Ovia Sundar, Sierra VanMeter, and Emma Lopez discussed recommendations for teaching students about mental health. They explained that 70% of teens struggle with mental health, and they recommended that ISBE develop guidance to meaningfully incorporate student voices in developing age appropriate mental health programming in their schools, with specific activities and lessons. They hope that effective mental health education could reduce the social stigma surrounding the topic while cultivating a better understanding of mental health issues among students of all ages. They suggested that the development of such guidance could be funded by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Dr. Leak congratulated all the members of the SAC on their contributions. Ms. Gonzalez echoed the praise and said that the SAC members really understood some of the challenges at the heart of these issues, such as the stigma regarding mental health, and she commended them for their hard work. Mr. Eddy added his thanks and said that it is special to have student voice involved in policymaking. He said that incorporating students’ perspectives is critical. Chair Isoye also thanked the SAC members and praised the format of their presentation and the inclusion of research and financial implications for each recommendation.

Dr. Nugent asked Mr. Aranowski where ISBE currently is in the process of updating the SEL standards, and if the agency is considering the need to incorporate parents in the community so that they know what SEL is. Mr. Aranowski said that the agency is forming working groups and will develop the new standards in concert with relevant stakeholders and the field. He added that the Family and Community Engagement Department at ISBE may be a good avenue for taking community and family voice into consideration.

Dr. Benson noted that she had learned from a previous SAC that mental health issues can be difficult for students themselves to recognize among their peers. She said that these types of lessons are why it is so important to incorporate student voice in policymaking. She also thanked the SAC members for their contributions to a video on the importance of student voice that was presented at the 2023 National Association of School Boards of Education conference.

Dr. Chavarria thanked the SAC members for their presentations and specific, actionable recommendations. She inquired what might be changed about SEL standards in order for them to reflect students’ current reality. Isaac responded that existing SEL curriculum may provide little guidance on the digital environment and what to do when online interactions become toxic. Dr. Chavarria said that that comment resonated with her.

Dr. Leak said that she loved having student voices involved at ISBE and wanted a way to honor and incorporate the SAC’s contributions. She asked how ISBE might continue to engage with the SAC members in years to come and develop a sustainable, systematic method to capture their ideas. Dr. Sanders said that this was an important consideration and that he liked Dr. Leak’s idea of connecting with SAC alumni. He said that this year’s SAC had many ideas on how to extend the impact of the council. Chair Isoye noted that the Board will have a self-evaluation and goal-setting in September, which would be a great time to consider how to move forward with the input that the SAC provided.

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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

Illinois State Representative Kimberly du Buclet of the 5th District in Chicago introduced herself to the Board. She commended the wonderful work that ISBE does. She said that she was a member of the Windy City Chapter of the Links, a national women’s organization that works with and advocates for youth in the fields of arts, education, and more. She recognized Dr. Leak for her work with the Links.

Allison Jack, director of growth and support at the Illinois Network of Charter Schools, spoke on the topic of the Quest Charter Academy appeal. She said that the Peoria School District had set unreasonable metrics for Quest. She stated that Quest had made strong progress, with performance metrics higher than the district. She said that the district would not be able to provide all Quest students with a better option. She urged the Board to consider the non-renewal to be arbitrary and capricious.

Robert Johnson, president of the Peoria Park District, spoke on the topic of Quest Charter.

He said that Quest is a high-performing charter school, outperforming eight of 12 nearby middle schools and two of three nearby high schools. He added that 95% of Quest’s students come from low-performing schools. He told the Board that his granddaughters had attended Quest for middle school and felt that it prepared them very well for high school.

Bryanna Johnson, a teacher at Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of the school.

She explained that Quest provides a very high level of support and guidance to students, helping them create plans to make their dreams come to fruition. The school builds students’ confidence and soft skills and helps them pursue internships, college, and employment. She said that the school has above average graduation and college enrollment rates, which are 86.5% and 74%, respectively. She added that the freshman on-track rate has increased by 18% in recent years.

Adam Arenas, English as a Second Language teacher at Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of English learners. He said that 60% of dual credit students at Quest are Latino, and their parents want them to complete their education without interruption. He introduced Fernando Avalos, a dual credit student at Quest Charter Academy, who stated that the constant support and dedication from Quest teachers helped him get good grades. He added that Quest is the only high-performance school of choice in a central location in Peoria.

Taunya Jenkins, CEO of Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of choice. She said that Quest is very serious about its responsibilities in the educational process, with a staff second to none and deeply committed families. She explained that performance metrics have shown a high level of student attainment with a focus on whole child and whole family strategies, earning the school a Commendable designation. She added that Quest alumni are successful, with the school helping connect them to their next step after graduation.

Dr. Patrick Nolten, assistant superintendent for assessment and accountability at Naperville Community Unit School District 203, spoke on the topic of the high school accountability assessment. He shared his concern that only three evaluators had scored the assessment proposals. He also was concerned that the award may be given to a vendor with a lower score in the diversity category and that the ACT’s most recent validity study was conducted in 2015. He advocated for the Board to vacate the Request for Proposals (RFP) and start anew with more evaluators and considerations.

Matt Raimondi, director of assessment and accountability at School District U-46, spoke on the topic of the high school assessment. He shared his concerns about if Illinois were to adopt the ACT, and he said that the outdated nature of the test was not considered in the RFP process. He added that the RFP only called for three raters, one of whom had very different opinions than the other two, leading to inconsistent results. He urged the Board to consider rescoring so that one person will not unduly influence the outcome. He also suggested a different test, such as the National Assessment of Education Progress mathematics test, which could provide a more nuanced approach to testing math.

5. CLOSED SESSION

Dr. Chavarria moved that the State Board of Education go into closed session for the following exception items:

A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.

However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with this Act. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)

B. 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)

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

Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

The open meeting recessed at 10:17 a.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 10:44 a.m.

6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no further public participation.

7. CONSENT AGENDA

Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda. He explained that item 7.E Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Release and Award a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)-RFP for the fiscal year 2025 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, would need to be pulled from the consent agenda for separate consideration as Board member Gonzalez needed to abstain.

Regarding item 7.D, Contracts and Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Notices of Funding Opportunity/Requests for Proposals for Principal Recruitment Program, Dr. Chavarria noted that although 59 people graduated from the program in spring 2023, only two have been retained as principals. She said that it is important to understand why the conversion rate was so low, noting that Illinois is recognized for its high standards for principal preparation programs.

Dr. Leak added that the Consent Agenda items had all been discussed previously in committees. She moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves items A., B., C., D., F., G., H., I., J., and K. on the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Nugent seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The following motions were approved by action taken in the Consent Agenda motion:

Approval of Minutes

Plenary Minutes: March 13, 2024

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the March 13, 2024, meeting minutes.

Rules for Initial Review

*Approval for Publication – Part 226 (Special Education) Various Changes

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 226 (Special Education), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.

*Approval for Publication – Part 401 (Special Education Facilities Under Section 14-7.02 of the School Code) Various Changes

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 401 (Special Education Facilities under Section 14-7.02 of the School Code), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.  

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Notices of Funding Opportunity/Requests for Proposals for Principal Recruitment Program

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release the Principal Recruitment NOFO/RFP and award funds to successful applicants. The initial term of the grant will begin July 1, 2024, and extend through June 30, 2025. There will be two one-year renewals contingent upon a sufficient appropriation and satisfactory performance in each preceding grant year. The estimated total cost will not exceed $1.8 million in FY 2025. The State Board of Education further authorizes the state superintendent to execute grant agreements within defined parameters to any entity eligible to receive more than $1 million for a single award or over the life of the grant.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Contract Extension for School District Improvement/Finance Project Team

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award a six month contract extension to the current School/District Improvement and Finance project team (one business analyst, one developer) to maintain current systems and processes integral to compliance with federal mandates and to the performance of district-facing collection and reporting systems. The total award for the six-month extension will not exceed $176,000. The initial Request for Sealed Proposals (RFSP), including renewals, was $3.83 million; with the addition of a six-month extension, the overall cost will not exceed $4.006 million.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Southern Illinois University Carbondale for the Behavior Assessment Training Project

The State Board of Education hereby approves the state superintendent to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Southern Illinois University Carbondale in the amount of $2.5 million for FY 2025 for the Behavior Assessment Training Project, with an option for two renewals.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Migrant Education Coordination Intergovernmental Agreement

The State Board of Education hereby approves a Migrant Education Coordination intergovernmental agreement with Northern Illinois University in the amount of $3,860,458 for the period of Sept. 1, 2024 through Aug. 31, 2028.

Approvals

*Approval of Cut Scores for Redesigned Learning Behavior Specialist II: Technology Specialist Content Exam

The State Board of Education hereby approves cut score recommendations for the Learning Behavior Specialist II: Technology Specialist (296) content exam.

*Approval of Appointees to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the appointments of the following nominees to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board: Jessica Kibblewhite, middle school English language arts and social science teacher at the National Teachers Academy, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), as a teacher representative of the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT); Monica Rojas, elementary teacher at Johnnie Colemon Academy, CPS, as a teacher representative of the IFT; Mari Garvonado, special education teacher at Rutledge Hall, Lincolnwood, as a teacher representative of the IFT; Nicole Gas, teacher of multilingual learners at Northbrook Junior High, Northbrook, as a teacher representative of the IFT; Danny Kim, director of Talent Acquisition at CPS, as an administrator representative of CPS; and Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle, superintendent, McLean County Unit District No. 5, Normal, as an administrator representative of the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

*Acceptance of the Illinois State Board of Education Financial Audit for the Year Ended June 30, 2023

The State Board of Education hereby accepts the Office of the Auditor General’s Illinois State Board of Education Financial Audit for the Year Ended June 30, 2023.

Chair Isoye stated that the following item had been pulled out of the Consent Agenda and would be voted on separately: 7.E Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Release and Award a NOFO/RFP for the FY 2025 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant.

Dr. Anderson moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent of education to approve the release of a NOFO/RFP and to award 21st CCLC grants during FY 2025. Grants will be awarded to one or more public or private joint applicant entities eligible for the funds for a three-year award period not to exceed $35 million over the three years.

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

8. APPROVAL OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES

Dr. Nugent moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves the agreement between the Illinois State Board of Education and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Mr. Eddy seconded the motion, and Dr. Nugent stated that this item had been discussed throughout the negotiation process in closed session. Dr. Leak added that the agreement had been ratified. Dr. Sanders thanked both bargaining teams for their time. The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

9.A DISCUSSION & APPROVAL | APPROVAL FOR IMPLEMENTATION (EMERGENCY RULES) AND APPROVAL FOR PUBLICATION (PROPOSED RULES) – PART 1 (PUBLIC SCHOOLS EVALUATION, RECOGNITION AND SUPERVISION) EPINEPHRINE; OPIOID ANTAGONISTS; ASTHMA MEDICATION

Director of Wellness Kim Barnes-Cummins discussed this item. There were no questions. Dr. Leak stated that this item had been discussed in the previous day’s committee meeting.

Ms. Gonzalez moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes filing with the Office of the Secretary of State the emergency rulemaking for Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision); and the State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.

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

9.B DISCUSSION & APPROVAL | CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION – APPROVAL TO INCREASE THE NOT-TO EXCEED PRICING BASED ON OFFEROR PRICING PROPOSALS IN RESPONSE TO THE REQUEST FOR SEALED PROPOSALS FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY ASSESSMENTS

Director of Assessment Angela Foxall discussed this item.

Dr. Nugent asked about the rating process. Dr. Sanders said that Kristen Kennedy, chief legal officer at ISBE, could provide a memo for the Board as the procurement protest period was still ongoing. Dr. Chavarria asked to confirm that the action under consideration would increase the not-to-exceed amount but would have no bearing on deciding which vendor would be awarded the contract. Dr. Sanders confirmed this.

Mr. Eddy moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes an increase to the previously approved amount to align with the awarded offeror’s best and final pricing proposal in response to the RFSP. The term of the contract is six years with a three-year initial term and option for three one-year renewals. The total amount of the contract will not exceed $53.07 million.

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

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

Dr. Sanders reported that he had traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Council of Chief State School Officers Legislative Conference. He had met with Senator Richard Durbin and discussed education at the White House with a senior adviser to President Joe Biden and officials from the US Department of Education. He visited several schools in Bellwood, Palatine, Hinsdale, and LaSalle-Peru. He added that many ISBE staff members had visited school districts across the state and are using the hashtag #OutAndAboutWithISBE to share those experiences on social media. He thanked the Board members who joined him the day before at the Illinois House Appropriations Hearing.

Chair of the Board’s Report

Chair Isoye also thanked Board members and ISBE staff who prepared for and attended the Illinois House Appropriations Hearing on April 16.

Member Reports

Dr. Leak added that ISBE staff had done a wonderful job answering representatives’ questions at the hearing. Dr. Nugent said that she truly appreciated being a member of the Board and the support from everyone at ISBE, including Facility Management employee Mark Young, who had driven the Board members to and from the hearing. She said it is wonderful to feel such a sense of community among Board members, teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, students, and so many more.

11. INFORMATION ITEMS

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

12. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Dr. Benson moved to adjourn the April 17, 2024, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dr. Leak seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 11:06 a.m.

https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/041724-Agenda.pdf