Galesburg Reporter

Illinois State Board of Education Finance and Audit Committee met Feb. 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

I. Roll Call

Chairperson Jane Quinlan brought the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m. Roll call was taken, and a quorum was present with three members.

Members Present

Chairperson Jane Quinlan

Dr. Christine Benson

Dr. David Lett (via phone)

Staff

Dr. Carmen I. Ayala, State Superintendent

Kim Clarke, Interim Board Services Coordinator

Scott Harry, Director, Budget

Tassi Maton, Internal Audit Officer

Jeremy Mehochko, Director, Project Management

Melissa Oller, Operations Officer

Robert Wolfe, Financial Officer

II. Public Participation

No public participation at this time.

III. Approval of Minutes: January 25, 2020

Dr. Benson made the motion for the Finance and Audit Committee to approve the Jan. 25, 2020, meeting minutes. Dr. Lett seconded the motion, and it passed by voice vote.

IV. FY21 Budget Recommendation

Mr. Wolfe and Mr. Harry gave an update on the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Recommendation as it pertains to the Governor’s Budget Recommendation. Mr. Harry gave an update on the mandated categoricals in the Budget Recommendation.

Dr. Ayala reported that the agency requested funds for this fiscal year to support the Student Care Department, and this is under review at the Governor’s Office. She also reported that the agency is collaborating with its partner legal firm to review the onslaught of documentation and data received pertaining to reporting for seclusion and restraint until the Governor’s Office approves funding for supplemental staffing.

Mr. Wolfe gave an update on Evidence-Based Funding reserves and appropriations.

The committee discussed whether its members should be present at the Senate and House Appropriations hearings on March 24, 2020, and legislative processes pertaining to the budget.

The committee reflected on ways to improve the Budget Recommendation process for the Board and agency staff for FY 2022, focusing on streamlining the budget hearing process and aligning its execution to the Strategic Plan. The committee discussed holding four budget hearings for FY 2022.

V. Review of March Board Agenda Items

Dr. Ayala gave an overview of the items to be included in the March Board Agenda.

A. Financial Recognition

Mr. Wolfe gave an update on the results of the Financial Recognition and Financial Profile scores.

B. Competitive Grant Schedule

Dr. Ayala briefly outlined upcoming competitive grants.

VI. Current Audits and Forthcoming Reports

A. FY 2018 Finding Follow-Up Status

Ms. Maton gave an update on the agency’s progress addressing the findings from the FY 2018 audit reports.

B. FY 2019 Audit Report

Ms. Maton gave an update of the FY 2019 audit report and progress toward its completion.

VII. New Business: Items for the next agenda

Dr. Ayala and the committee discussed the following topics for the next agenda, which will be discussed at future Board meetings:

• Approval of Community Partnerships for Student Health and Well-Being Request for Proposals (RFP)

• Approval of After School Programs (non-LEA) RFP

• Approval of 21st Century Community Learning Centers Statewide Evaluation Request for Sealed Proposals

• Approval of the Notice of Funding Opportunity/Request for Proposals for E-rate State Matching Grant Program

• Approval of New Meridian ELA and Math Content Contract

• Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with the University of Kansas Center for Research-Dynamic Learning Maps

• Approval of Renewal of Intergovernmental Agreement for Illinois Interactive Report Card

Chairperson Quinlan noted that the committee should continue to discuss the Budget Recommendations as progress is made with the Governor’s Office.

Dr. Ayala noted that the committee should discuss agency policies and procedures, including the agency work remote policy, equivalent earned time (comp time), and budget hearing public participation timelines.

Mr. Wolfe stated that the committee could discuss the Special Education Revenue Expenditures and Receipts Report, if desired.

VIII. Next Meeting: April 7, 2020 

IX. Adjournment

Dr. Lett made a motion to adjourn. Dr. Benson seconded the motion, and it passed by roll call vote.

Chairperson Quinlan adjourned the committee at 10:54 a.m.

https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/Finance-Audit-Committee-Meeting-Minutes-02252020.pdf