Southern Illinois News

Illinois State Board of Education met May 15.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

1. ROLL CALL

Chair of the Board Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 9:02 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 in person. 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

2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, superintendent of Peoria Public Schools (PPS), spoke on the topic of Quest Charter Academy. She said that Quest’s failure to meet statutory and contractual requirements led to the revocation of its charter. She stated that Peoria Public Schools offers an unparalleled learning experience, including career pathways, dual enrollment, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Dr. Anni Reinking, vice president of the Peoria Board of Education, spoke on the topic of Quest Charter Academy. She said that students at Quest have not been served at the standard that the Peoria Board of Education set. While not an easy decision, she said that the revocation was data-driven, based on the law and Quest’s failure to meet eight of 11 performance goals. She requested that the Board deny Quest’s appeal.

Chance Smith, a graduating senior in Peoria Public Schools, spoke on his experience as a student. He shared his plans to pursue mechanical engineering in college. Mr. Smith has been a top student in the manufacturing program and worked at Caterpillar during high school. He said that Advanced Placement and dual credit courses are offered at every public high school in Peoria.

Markaylah Cremer, a sophomore in Peoria Public Schools, spoke on the topic of Quest Charter Academy. Ms. Cremer is earning a high school diploma alongside an associate’s degree and has learned about graphic design and illustration. She said that teachers in PPS have provided a great deal of support, with many programs available to help students find their next steps after graduation.

Melissa Maldonado, policy analyst at Start Early, spoke on the topic of the upward amendment for the early childhood regional community systems development project.

She said that she looks forward to strengthening connections between the state, regional councils, and local collaboratives. However, she has concerns about allocating funds away from preschool expansion and workforce development. She recommended utilizing funding streams from sister agencies to share the cost burden.

Vernon Johnson, parent of a student at Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of the charter school. He said that Quest has achieved a Commendable designation at the high school and middle school levels, which only four of 13 middle schools and one of three high schools in PPS have accomplished. He said that District 150 did not meet the academic, social, or emotional needs of his son. He advocated for collaboration between PPS and Quest and asked the Board to keep the school open.

Christian Davis, parent of a student at Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She attested to the positive impact Quest had on her child through smaller classes and hands-on learning. If Quest closes, she would like her child to attend a better performing school in Peoria, specifically Reservoir Gifted, which was not on the list of options provided by the district. She asked if the testing deadline for that school would be extended and said that no plan has been shared yet.

Yolanda Johnson, a teacher at Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She said that Quest has proven to be in the best interest of students and has made reasonable progress toward performance goals. She said that she loves teaching at Quest, where small classes allow all students to feel heard. She asked the Board to save teachers’ jobs and keep the charter school open.

Rayniah Johnson, a student at Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She explained that if Quest closes, she will attend Richwoods High School instead. Her mother called the school and was unable to have Ms. Johnson placed in the IB program because the deadline had already passed. Ms. Johnson said that, without participating in the IB program, she would not have an education at the level of Quest. She urged the Board to provide a suitable transition plan for students.

Adam Arenas, an English as a second language teacher at Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of the charter school. He shared two examples of Latino students who had benefited greatly from Quest, which had provided the social, emotional, and academic supports that they were lacking in public school. Both students are now high schoolers enrolled in dual credit at Quest, having found academic success and a support system there.

Bryanna Johnson, a teacher at Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She said that PPS and Quest staff have always agreed that student opportunities and growth are more important than proficiency. She said that Quest teachers ensure that students see real growth and feel supported by their teachers, allowing students to develop their self-advocacy skills and identities. She added that Peoria only has three public high schools, which are located in places more convenient for wealthier students. She said that Quest is in the best interest of its students.

Jennifer Clark, parent of a student at Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She said that her son has forged strong relationships with friends and teachers and participates in many extracurriculars. She wants her son to stay at Quest, explaining that she actively chose to keep him out of the local public school. She said that PPS should meet the same standards at all of its own schools as it has set for Quest. She asked the Board to keep Quest open.

Adele Brown, parent of a student at Bronzeville Academy Charter School, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She said that the school has gone above and beyond for their students to prepare them for high school and beyond. Bronzeville taught her daughter to become a stronger individual, and Ms. Brown credits Bronzeville for her daughter’s aspiration to become a surgeon. She said that the school is a family to students and parents alike.

Matt Kelley, executive director of Kankakee Area Career Center, spoke on the topic of Career and Technical Education (CTE). He explained that CTE allows students to prepare for the workforce, engage in exploratory learning, and a get head start on their careers. He said that CTE programming aligns students’ academics with promising career prospects. He urged the Board to keep in mind the opportunities that CTE offers.

Jeff Adkins-Dutro, teacher and president of the Peoria Foundation of Teachers, spoke on the topic of Quest Charter Academy. He discussed the many advantages that Peoria Public Schools has provided to his children, such as the IB program, dual credit, CTE programming, music, the arts, and more, meeting the needs of all his children. He added that teachers at PPS are prepared to support Quest students returning to the district.

Mike Murphy, president of the Peoria Board of Education, spoke on the topic of Quest Charter Academy. He said that Quest repeatedly failed to meet academic performance goals and has not met the statutory requirement for certified staff since school year 2017- 18. He said that the district has given Quest 14 years to establish itself, and past renewals were based on assurances that staffing issues would be remedied. He asked the Board to deny Quest’s appeal.

Simcha Baker-Dixon, principal of Bronzeville Academy Charter School, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She described the reasons students left the local public schools, such as academic concerns, bullying, and special education needs that were not met. Bronzeville provides stability and opportunities for self-discovery and growth. She said that if Bronzeville closes, many students will be displaced and may struggle to find their footing. She discussed the three-year lease granted to Bronzeville by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and asked the Board not to close the school.

Vincent Payne, assistant principal at Bronzeville Academy Charter School, spoke on the topic of the charter school. He said that Bronzeville had been left without a home when its financing fell through, preventing the purchase of a building. However, it has recently found a new location at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition. He asked that the Board maintain the three-year renewal it had granted in February.

Shanette Gaston, teacher at Bronzeville Academy Charter School, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She asked the Board to allow Bronzeville to continue to operate, which she said is essential for the well-being of its students and community. She said that the school is the students’ home away from home, providing social-emotional development and helping students build relationships and support systems. She asked the Board to keep Bronzeville open and prioritize the needs of its students.

Leslie Turner, teacher at Bronzeville Academy Charter School, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She said that she cares deeply about her students, many of whom are from historically marginalized groups. She added that Bronzeville has worked tirelessly with students, helping them to persevere and overcome trauma. She said that learning has not stopped because of Bronzeville’s need to relocate. She urged the Board not to cut off the fruit of their labor by closing the school.

Camare Hudgins, student at Bronzeville Academy Charter School, spoke on the topic of student acknowledgement. He described how Bronzeville has been like a second home, with sports activities, weekend events uplifting the community, and a sense of belonging among students. His academic accomplishments were celebrated recently with the gift of a bicycle. He thanked his teachers for their dedication and asked the Board to allow Bronzeville to continue to operate.

Yusef Jackson, chief operating officer of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, spoke on the topic of Bronzeville Academy Charter School. He said that his organization has already begun to convert its office space into a school for Bronzeville, working hand-in-hand with administrators to submit a material modification agreement and guarantee a three-year lease. He stated that the conditions for renewal have now been met, although the deadlines for the paperwork have not. He asked the Board to allow Bronzeville to continue to operate.

Linda Hawkins, manager for business development at OSF HealthCare, spoke on the topic of CTE funding. She said that Galesburg Area Vocational Center offers a health occupations program that provides students with basic skills, patient care in theory and practice, and more, opening the door to a variety of health care careers. Students receive 40 hours of supervised training in medical situations and are more likely to stay in communities and fill needed jobs. She thanked the Board for its continued support of CTE.

Fred Evans, athletic director at Bronzeville Academy Charter School, spoke on the topic of the relocation of Bronzeville Academy Charter School to Rainbow PUSH. He said that Bronzeville has provided students with much-needed academic and social consistency. He asked the Board to keep Bronzeville Academy Charter School open.

The Reverend Dr. Janette Wilson, national executive director at PUSH for Excellence, spoke on the topic of Bronzeville Academy Charter School. As a former Chicago Public Schools (CPS) administrator, she said that she has not found the camaraderie, counseling, and support she sees at Bronzeville in any CPS schools. She described the close bonds between students, teachers, and parents, as well as the value of the STEM education Bronzeville provides. She urged the Board to maintain the charter for Bronzeville Academy.

Angela Farwig, vice president of public policy, advocacy, and research at Illinois Action for Children, spoke on the topic of the early childhood regional community systems development project. She discussed the importance of parent and community voice in early childhood services, which the regional councils have an opportunity to elevate. She hopes that the new department of early childhood will better support and align these services and the community. However, she said that siloes should be avoided.

Alvin Boutte, head of school at Bronzeville Academy Charter School, spoke on the topic of the charter school. He described the issues that Bronzeville faced in finding a permanent location after financing fell through. However, he said that the Rainbow PUSH Coalition had provided Bronzeville with a new location, one that would not require renovations in order to operate during the coming school year. The lack of a campus was the reason for rescinding approval, so he asked the Board to reconsider.

Tyinnia Jenkins, parent of a child at Bronzeville Academy Charter School, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She described the significant academic and social support that teachers at Bronzeville had provided to her son, who has an Individualized Education Program. She explained that attending Bronzeville helped her son grow by discovering karate, which provided discipline and structure She does not believe there is a better institution for her son to attend. She urged the Board to uphold the charter agreement with Bronzeville.

Sharett Gentle, parent and employee at Bronzeville Academy, spoke on the topic of the charter school. Ms. Gentle and her son had found a home at Bronzeville and was enrolled in karate and music, which helped him grow and become emotionally stable. She noted that Bronzeville had been given a Commendable designation. She said that closing Bronzeville would have a significant impact on students, their education, and the community. She asked the Board to renew the charter.

Louis Raymond, attorney at Raymond Law Group, spoke on the topic of Bronzeville Charter Academy. He said that he has worked at the school and is a member of Operation PUSH. He added that Bronzeville Academy has been a good member of the Bronzeville neighborhood community, and that its students are respectful, kind, and are receiving a quality education. He asked that the Board allow Bronzeville to continue to operate.

Lafelda Jones, librarian at Quest Charter Academy, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She described a school environment in which educators are dedicated to treating students with respect and doing what is best for them, day or night. She advocated for finding common ground in order to act in the best interest of the students and consider how they would rebound from a school closure. She shared that many students have come to her and said they do not want to leave Quest.

Reverend Jesse Jackson, founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, spoke on the topic of Bronzeville Academy Charter School. He described the supportive climate and culture at the school, acknowledging parents and teachers for their involvement in supporting students at a high level. He also praised those students at the school who go above and beyond. He thanked the Board members and asked them to keep the charter school open.

Rebecca Parker, director of special education at Bronzeville Academy Charter School, spoke on the topic of the charter school. She said that the school prides itself on tailoring programming to meet students’ needs and had scored 100% compliance on the LEA determination matrix report for the past two years. She shared her concern regarding the impact of a closure on Bronzeville students, citing lasting negative effects on students from school closures. She asked that the Board vote to keep the school open.

3. CLOSED SESSION

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

A. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, 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)

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

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

The open meeting recessed at 10:34 a.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 10:52 a.m.

4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

There was no further public participation.

5. CONSENT AGENDA

Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda. There was no discussion.

Ms. Gonzalez moved that the State Board of Education hereby approves 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: April 17, 2024

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the April 17, 2024, meeting minutes.

Approval for Adoption

*Approval for Adoption – Part 256 (Career and Technical Education)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 256 to the 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.  

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement with Illinois State University to Administer the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to renew the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University to administer the Illinois National Board Professional Preparation and Support System (subject to appropriation).  The IGA will run from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, for $298,000, and the total contract will not exceed $4,649,406.    

6. DECISION ON QUEST CHARTER ACADEMY APPEAL

Dr. Chavarria moved that the State Board of Education hereby rejects the hearing officer’s determination that the Peoria Public School District 150 Board of Education acted arbitrarily and capriciously in its decision to non-renew the charter of Quest Charter Academy given evidence that Quest committed a material violation of the conditions, standards, and procedures set forth in its charter agreement and failed to comply with the requirements set forth in the Charter Schools Law. The State Board hereby denies Quest Charter Academy’s appeal of the decision by the Peoria Public School District 150 Board of Education to non-renew Quest’s charter and charter school agreement.

Dr. Leak seconded the motion.

Mr. Eddy noted there are important differences between the State Board authorizing a charter and a local school district authorizing a charter. In the case of a school district, he stated that the district makes an agreement with the charter to operate under certain conditions and subject to state law. If a district revokes that charter, that decision can be appealed to the State Board. In the case of Quest Charter Academy, the hearing officer appointed by ISBE recommended that the school remain open. However, Mr. Eddy described the two-prong legal test that ISBE must use to grant an appeal. The charter must be both in compliance with the law and in the best interest of the students it is designed to serve, according to 105 ILCS 5/27A-9. He stated that Quest Charter Academy is not in compliance with the 75% legal requirement for certified instructional staff. The statute is clear that the Board cannot grant the appeal because of this, regardless of whether the school is in the best interest of the students.

Dr. Chavarria stated that there have been many compelling stories about the transformative impact that Quest has had on students. She stated that this decision does not question the validity of those experiences. However, Board members must comply with the law, which is clear and narrow in this case. She reiterated that the standard for granting an appeal of a local decision is different than the standard for the renewal of a state-authorized charter school. With a heavy heart, Dr. Chavarria said she must consider that the school has not complied with the charter school law. She turned towards the Peoria Public School superintendent and representatives in the audience and asked that they uphold Quest students’ requests to participate in International Baccalaureate and gifted programs in Peoria.

Ms. Gonzalez echoed that this was a very difficult decision. As a teacher, she said that she could feel the passion that students and teachers had for Quest. She believes that Quest students should not be penalized because of decisions made at the district or state level. She emphasized that no Quest student eligible for gifted programs should be prevented from enrolling on the basis of a time constraint. She added that these students deserve the same rights as public school students.

Dr. Leak commented that, although the praise for Quest in terms of individual support and family orientation has come through loud and clear over the past few months, the Board must acknowledge local school districts and their right to act in what they feel is the best interest of their district. Peoria Public Schools felt that Quest was not moving in the direction it had wanted. Dr. Leak said that she knows that the district is invested in all students in Peoria, with many public school students in the district realizing impressive achievements. She stated that the Board’s vote is about all of Peoria’s students – not just those at Quest – and that as a member of the Board, her greatest responsibility is making sure that all students are cared for. She charged District 150 with ensuring that Quest students are cared for and not set aside.

Mr. Eddy referenced a question posed in public participation: Why can’t we both thrive? He stated that he believes that Quest students can indeed thrive in District 150 and that they will receive the support they need. Chair Isoye echoed the sentiments of Board members who spoke. He asked that Dr. Kherat, superintendent of Peoria Public Schools, work with families to find a suitable school for each Quest student.

The motion passed with a roll call vote, with Dr. Nugent abstaining and all others voting in favor.

7. CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION – APPROVAL OF THE FY 2025 CONTINUATION SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GRANTS

Dr. Benson moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award fiscal year 2025 Continuation School Improvement Grant allocations in excess of $1 million from Title I, Part A, Section 1003 funds to the following 15 school districts: Chicago Public Schools District 299, Rockford SD 205, SD U-46, Peoria SD 150, Cahokia CUSD 187, Decatur SD 61, Springfield SD 186, Waukegan CUSD 60, Urbana SD 116, Zion ESD 6, Champaign CUSD 4, Country Club Hills SD 160, Granite City CUSD 9, Dolton SD 149, and Harvey SD 152.

Mr. Eddy seconded the motion. Dr. Leak noted that she would abstain as her district receives School Improvement funds. The motion passed with a roll call vote, with all others voting in favor.

8.A DISCUSSION & APPROVAL | APPROVAL OF THE REMAINING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO NON PUBLIC SCHOOLS (ARP EANS) FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNIDNG FOR EANS FINAL REALLOCATION GRANT

Director of ROE/ISC Derreck Langwith discussed this item. There were no questions.

Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to amend an existing IGA with West 40 Intermediate Service Center No. 2 to administer the EANS Final Reallocation Grant beginning on the date of execution of the IGA amendment and expiring on Sept. 30, 2024. The amount of this amendment shall not exceed $8,128,156.68, of which not more than $400,000 may be retained by West 40 for its administrative fees.

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

8.B CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION – APPROVAL OF THE REMAINING AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO NON PUBLIC SCHOOLS (ARP EANS) FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDING FOR EANS FINAL REALLOCATION GRANT

Director of Early Childhood Development Carisa Hurley Davis discussed this item. There were no questions.

Dr. Benson moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to approve an increase in the amount of $2,845,407 to the previously approved amount of $90 million. The new total of this contract will not exceed $92,845,407.24 over the term of this contract.

Dr. Nugent seconded the motion. Dr. Leak noted for the public that these items are discussed extensively before being voted on. The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

8.C APPROVAL OF RESCISSION AND NON RENEWAL DECISION FOR BRONZEVILLE ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL

Director of Charter Schools David Turovetz, Principal Consultant for Charter Schools Dr. Timothy Craddock, and Executive Director of Improvement and Innovation Jennifer Saba discussed this item.

Dr. Sanders asked Mr. Turovetz to describe the process by which ISBE came to the recommendation to rescind and non-renew. Mr. Turovetz explained that Bronzeville’s initial application had not included a relocation request. However, during ISBE’s visits, it came to the agency’s attention that Bronzeville was being forced to relocate. As a result, ISBE met with Bronzeville multiple times, as well as the financing agency, the Illinois Facilities Fund (IFF), to discuss certain conditions that were to be met and the closing date for the purchase of a new building, which was supposed to come at the beginning of 2024. However, IFF required a secondary lender to mitigate risk, which required a second approval process. Bronzeville and the lenders had assured ISBE that they were confident that the property would be closed on in March of 2024. ISBE also set other conditions for renewal regarding academics, management, and teacher licensure, as well as requiring an appropriate contingency plan. By early April, ISBE reached out to both lenders, who expressed concerns with the conditions imposed under the renewal, which included a shortened term and a change in management. It soon became apparent that the lenders would not be able to approve a loan, giving ISBE no choice but to seek the Board’s approval to rescind the renewal.

Dr. Chavarria stated that public comment had indicated that a material modification had already been submitted. Mr. Turovetz said that ISBE has only received a letter, not a signed lease or a formal application to relocate to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition property. Dr. Chavarria asked what the agency’s plan is to ensure that Bronzeville students have a successful transition to other schools. Mr. Turovetz said that ISBE is currently in discussions with Chicago Public Schools, which will map students to neighborhood schools where they could automatically enroll, as well as other options, including charter schools, that could meet families’ needs. He added that CPS understands the tight timeframe and are committed to working with ISBE to give families every possible option. ISBE will draft procedures for this process and present them to the Board, providing regular updates. Dr. Chavarria remarked that, in ISBE’s role as charter authorizer, the agency needs to play an active role in ensuring that students have good schools to attend in the fall. She requested a plan, as well as monthly updates.

Dr. Nugent noted that ISBE also had requested a plan to improve school performance from Bronzeville and inquired if the agency had received that plan yet. Mr. Turovetz said no but mentioned that the deadline for that plan was a little later than some of the other requirements. He stated that the primary issue leading to rescission was the difficulty in securing a permanent facility and drafting an adequate comprehensive contingency plan.

Mr. Eddy noted that a material modification request is normally submitted in October of the preceding school year. He asked if ISBE had received anything since the February meeting that would meet the standards of a material modification request. Mr. Turovetz said no, stating that the agency had been under the impression that the purchase of property would move forward.

Chair Isoye asked the agency to keep the Board informed about progress towards placing students in new schools.

Dr. Nugent moved that the State Board of Education hereby rescinds its Feb. 15, 2024, conditional renewal of the charter for Bronzeville Academy Charter School due to the school’s failure to meet the preterm conditions by the deadlines set forth in the renewal decision. The State Board of Education further votes to non-renew its charter agreement with Bronzeville for the reasons outlined herein, with such non-renewal effective at the end of the 2023-24 school year. The State Board of Education further authorizes the state superintendent to commence negotiations with Bronzeville to wind down operations to ensure a smooth transition for all students and staff.

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

9. DISCUSSION | GRANT CCSD 110 UPDATE

Chief Financial Officer Dr. Matt Seaton and Director of School Business Services Michael Gum provided an update on Grant CCSD 110.

Dr. Seaton said that he had visited Grant recently and felt that the district had made progress. Mr. Gum said that the district had submitted its initial financial plan in April, within the deadline. However, ISBE did not feel that it met the acceptable standard, with the plan showing the district in worse shape at the end of the plan than it is currently.

ISBE requested a revised plan and received one on May 10. The district is still in contract negotiations, so further updates to the plan also will be necessary. Additionally, there are certain items that ISBE feels are inaccurate, and those will need to be addressed in the future. However, Mr. Gum stated that the plan is substantially approvable by the State Board of Education.

Mr. Gum also discussed several important areas that the plan addresses. First is financial reporting, and the district plans to cross-train employees on reporting requirements and ask the middle school secretary to keep a calendar of deadlines designating who is responsible for each. The Grant Board of Education also will have a copy, and assistant principals will take over some functions to allow the Grant superintendent to focus more on financial reporting. Second is internal controls, and personnel records have been moved out of the bookkeeper’s office so that the bookkeeper can reconcile the bank statements in a timely manner. The district reports that it has hired an outside firm to work on its FY 2023 bank reconciliations. Third is grant management. The district still needs to catch up on current year expenditure reporting, but it has managed to get expenditure reporting caught up on several grants, which has allowed more grants to become available, although Title grants remain frozen. Some of the grant duties will be assigned to assistant principals.

The district also has the goal of eliminating financial deficits, including short-term borrowing, and using working cash bonds instead. Grant projects a $3.8 million operating fund balance by the end of the fiscal year, which it projects decreasing to $1.7 million by 2027. However, ISBE is unsure of the accuracy of these projections, as they may not reflect the working cash bonds being issued that year.

Mr. Gum explained that this plan gives ISBE a way to monitor the district’s performance in multiple categories on a monthly basis, with a big-picture update taking place each quarter. He added that fixing internal controls and finishing reconciliations will greatly improve and steady the district’s financial condition, so ISBE’s primary focus will be on monitoring and updating projections as more information comes to light.

Dr. Seaton said that there are still areas of concern with the plan; however, he believes it is substantially approvable. ISBE is in the process of reviewing supporting documentation for the plan, and there will need to be a plan amendment following contract bargaining. However, ISBE hopes to get the ball rolling as quickly as possible and ask the Board to approve the plan in June, keeping in mind that there will still be fine-tuning to do.

Dr. Benson asked how big the district is. Dr. Seaton said that there are around 500 students in Grant CCSD 110, with an overall budget between $3 million and $4 million. Mr. Eddy asked what the district’s most recent financial designation was and what its next designation would be. Mr. Gum said that it would move from the warning list to the watchlist this year.

Ms. Gonzalez asked how the middle school secretary’s workload would be affected. Dr. Seaton said that ISBE had not gotten into a detailed analysis of the workflow yet. However, an RFC with a strong background in internal controls would help the district implement the changes effectively.

Dr. Sanders referenced the drawing down of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds and other grant money. Dr. Seaton said that the agency has conducted a considerable amount of one-on-one work with the district, and while it still needs to catch up on certain reports, the ESSER III and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act grants have been submitted and approved. The Title funds will remain frozen until the district can catch up on reporting requirements, but significant improvement has been achieved.

10. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

Dr. Sanders congratulated National Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) award winner Mario Diaz Albarran of Lincoln Elementary in Palatine. He said that he looks forward to honoring Illinois Teacher of the Year Dr. Rachael Mahmood at the Teacher of the Year Banquet. He added that he had visited schools in Carbondale, Charleston, and Mattoon. He mentioned that Illinois will be transitioning to the ACT for the state assessment as a result of the procurement process, which looked at technical specifications, commitment to diversity, and price. The scoring between the two vendors was very close in the first two categories, and the decision ultimately came down to the price. He said that ISBE would keep the Board updated throughout this transition.

Chair of the Board’s Report

Chair Isoye attended the Summit for Bilingual Parents along with several Board members. He thanked the agency for the Teacher Appreciation Week shoutouts. He recognized all teachers, staff, administrators, and board members for their work for the students of Illinois. He congratulated members of the class of 2024 and wished them well.

Member Reports

Dr. Nugent discussed the Summit for Bilingual Parents and acknowledged the hard work of ISBE Director of Multilingual/Language Development Joanne Clyde and Josie Yanguas and Lynn Osheff of the Illinois Resource Center. She congratulated Ms. Gonzalez on her keynote welcome speech. Dr. Nugent also highlighted the wonderful session by Katharine Bensinger of ParenTeach on promoting wellness and academic achievement, underscoring the importance of social-emotional learning. Ms. Gonzalez said that she was struck by the extent of the involvement with the bilingual community in Illinois. She said she was honored to deliver the keynote welcome, explaining that her mother had been an English learner, and Ms. Gonzalez had seen her mother’s struggles in this regard become her strength. She said that parents don’t always realize the impact they can have on their child’s education, and this summit helps facilitate empowerment through education by giving parents important information that they can use to help their children. She added that it was wonderful to see former students of hers become leaders in their own school districts.

Dr. Nugent stated that that day’s votes on charter schools had been very difficult and weighed heavily on her heart. She shared her concern regarding the displacement of students from charter schools, suggesting that ISBE develop a formal method to follow up and ensure these students end up in schools where they will thrive. She posed the question: Who is watching out to make sure that these students are given the support they need in the transition? Dr. Sanders said that he would have follow-up conversations within the agency to ensure that Quest and Bronzeville students would be placed in good schools and to consider longer-term rule changes as well. Dr. Nugent said that she believed this would be a necessary step and stated that too many charters have had to close.

Mr. Eddy discussed the intent of the Charter School Law originally passed in 1996, which was to identify best practices – even if they were outside of the regular policies of the authorizing public school – and then replicate those results across the whole district. He said he would like to see a list of all the best practices that have been identified from the state’s charter schools, and he agreed that it is heart-wrenching to close schools. However, he commented that students in the whole community are challenged by many of the same issues. The true goal is for all students throughout the whole state to have the exceptional opportunities born out of charter schools. He stated that ISBE is bound by the law and obligated to uphold the law, even when it may disagree. Dr. Nugent agreed but said that it is the responsibility of Board members as advocates to reflect on whether there ought to be changes to the law. Mr. Eddy agreed and remarked that, for example, changing the wording from “and” to “or” in the two-pronged approach relevant to Quest’s appeal decision might have fundamentally changed the Board’s discussion.

Dr. Leak added that the original charter law was passed to provide school districts an incubator of sorts, not to establish charter schools long term. She said that over the years, the original intent of that law has fallen to the wayside, with the result of local school districts being pitted against their charters. She reiterated that, if a state authorizes a charter, the local school district has no say over the charter or the money withheld to fund it. She noted that the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is funded directly by the state, and perhaps the state should provide funding for all state-authorized charter schools rather than taking it from the local district. She added that it is difficult to determine whether a charter school is better for students than the local public school, making the original intent of the law important. She stated that taking full responsibility for funding and staffing are crucial for ISBE to take over a charter school that the district has voted to non-renew.

Mr. Eddy said that charters were supposed to be a collaborative effort with local school districts, but sadly competition has replaced collaboration. He stated that all students could thrive in the type of collaborative environment intended by the original charter law.

Dr. Chavarria said that ISBE cannot lose sight of the question of how to ensure that young people do not become collateral damage of policy implementation.

Dr. Nugent and Chair Isoye thanked everyone for this discussion. Chair Isoye said he was very thankful to work alongside such thoughtful Board members.

Dr. Leak reminded everyone that the National Association of State Boards of Education conference is coming up in October 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. She stated that she is on the conference committee, and its members are requesting that Mr. Eddy present again at this year’s conference on the role of state board members in relation to state legislators.

11. INFORMATION ITEMS ISBE

Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports

Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report

12. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Eddy moved to adjourn the May 15, 2024, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dr. Nugent seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 12:06 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/isbe/Board.nsf/files/D5VJMQ4DB155/$file/DRAFT%20Plenary%20Minutes%20-%20May%2015%2C%202024.pdf