Galesburg Reporter

Illinois State Board of Education met May 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 10:01 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, all of whom were physically present. State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was also in attendance.

Members Present:

Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Board

Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair

Dr. Christine Benson, Secretary

Dr. James Anderson

Roger Eddy

Dr. Patricia Nugent

Members Absent:

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.

Dr. Mark Klaisner, president of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS), discussed collaboration with ISBE. He expressed excitement to work with ISBE and the Board and offered support for state initiatives, noting that IARSS works directly with districts and within schools.

Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association (IPA), spoke on IPA grant programs. He gave an overview of the Ed Leaders Network, noting newly online offerings for the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey and microcredential training. Dr. Susan Homes, deputy executive director for professional learning at IPA, spoke on successes of the New Principal Mentoring program. Dr. Leahy discussed the Principal Recruitment program, noting successes in improved racial and geographic diversity among program participants. Dr. Homes discussed IL-EMPOWER partnerships and improved outcomes in participating schools.

Sarah Hartwick, vice president for education and workforce policy at the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, spoke on Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding. She spoke on economic benefits from CTE programs, the work of her organization in promoting CTE programming in schools, and some barriers to its work as a result of lack of funding. She

noted labor needs of companies and advocated for increased CTE funding to support those needs.

Nick Casey, director of the OKAW Area Vocational Center (AVC) at Vandalia High School, spoke on CTE funding. He discussed the work of the AVC and noted that it had been receiving level funding since 2020 but faced increased costs annually. He advocated for increased investment in CTE and a state budget line item for AVCs.

Betsy Vandercook, a member of Network 49, spoke on Horizon Science Academy Belmont Charter School (HSA Belmont). She discussed the existing capacity of schools in the neighborhood and concerns with the operations of the Concept Schools organization. She advocated for ISBE to prevent the expansion of the HSA Belmont campus.

Sara Gronkiewicz-Doran, a parent with children in Chicago Public Schools, spoke on HSA Belmont. She spoke on the quality of schools in her community and expressed concerns about disruptions that could come with the expansion of the HSA Belmont campus. She advocated to prevent the expansion of the HSA Belmont campus.

Abby Boen, program director at Project Success of Vermilion County, spoke on 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funding. She discussed the services provided by the organization and the positive impact it has had on the community. She shared a letter written by a student to legislators advocating for support for 21st CCLCs. She said that only one of three of their partner school districts had reached out to discuss continued programming. She advocated for renewed state support to fund the fiscal year 2019 21st CCLC cohort.

Cassie Creswell, president of Illinois Families for Public Schools, spoke on HSA Belmont. She discussed the limitations that currently apply to opening new charter schools and said that the expansion of the HSA Belmont campus should not have been approved given these conditions. She advocated for ISBE to prevent the expansion of HSA Belmont.

Jennifer Jones, a board member of United Northwest Side, spoke on HSA Belmont. She discussed the local restrictions on the opening of new charter schools and noted concerns with the operations of Concept Schools. She said that Horizon Science Academy schools in Chicago did not meet district academic standards. She advocated to prevent the expansion of HSA Belmont.

Emma Spencer, policy and communications manager of ACT Now Illinois, spoke on 21st CCLC funding. She discussed the loss of funding and the impacts on programming. She said that even with support from districts, affected after-school programs would not be able to provide programming to the same standard. She said that districts intending to take over programming responsibilities would not be able to provide services of the same quality that current organizations did. She advocated for renewed state support of 21st CCLC funding.

Erika Bridges, a parent with children in Cook County School District 130, spoke on safety violations and investigation procedure in her district. She expressed concern that an investigation into school safety violations and bullying was not efficiently conducted and advocated for its review. She expressed concerns about disciplinary procedures and believes educators need greater preparation to address student mental health and well-being effectively.

Hunter Clark, a student attending at OKAW AVC, spoke on CTE funding. He spoke on the opportunities he had found in vocational programming and a greater fulfilment he found compared to traditional school courses. He said programming had been a great preparation for a future career path.

Tim Condron, superintendent of Mattoon CUSD 2, spoke on CTE funding. He discussed the value of CTE programs in his district. He noted the positive outcomes from increased investment in early childhood education and said that a similar investment for CTE could have similar positive outcomes. He discussed the value of preparing students more directly for the workforce and the economic needs of local communities. He advocated for greater prioritization for CTE funding in the budget.

PRESENTATIONS | STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Supervisor of Student Care Erin Saxton-Snodgrass introduced the presentation and the Student Advisory Council (SAC) to the Board. She said that the students had focused on bullying prevention and noted that the application to join next year’s SAC was open.

Jenna Jiang, a student at Eldorado High School, introduced the members of SAC. Ranyia Cox, a student at East St. Louis Senior High School, discussed the function and goals of the SAC.

Suha Khan, a student at Plainfield North High School, discussed their focus on bullying prevention, aligned with state legislation on bullying reduction plans. Ms. Cox spoke on the work of the SAC and its intersection with the ISBE Strategic Plan. Kaylee Horn, a student at Carrier Mills-Stonefort High School, shared information on student mental health and bullying prevention policies.

Ms. Khan said that SAC recommended the implementation of restorative practices, such as peace/listening circles, to both reduce bullying and improve students’ mental health overall. Ms. Cox said that student leadership in the implementation of these programs was a way to encourage broader student engagement. Ms. Jiang noted that the costs of these programs would be minimal for districts and that state and federal funding opportunities for enhancements to bullying prevention programs were available to districts.

Ms. Saxton-Snodgrass concluded, thanking students for their work and expressing excitement for SAC efforts in the coming year.

Dr. Leak shared her appreciation for the work of SAC members and her excitement to engage with them on these issues. She noted that her district had been exploring peace circles as an option and that having a student perspective on these programs was valuable for administrators.

Dr. Benson said that as chair of the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), there had been work to include students further on the national level and that committees would be opening for student participation later in the year.

Mr. Eddy thanked students for their insight. He asked about the SAC application process. Ms. Saxton-Snodgrass gave an overview of the application process and the expectations associated with the position. Mr. Eddy asked about the number of students who applied. Ms. Saxton-Snodgrass said that there were about 100 applications for 26 seats, with expectations for the number of applicants to increase for the next year.

Dr. Sanders thanked the students for their leadership at the state level and encouraged them to share their ideas directly with their school and district leaders.

Chair Isoye shared his thanks for the students’ time and effort and congratulated them on the end of the year. Chair Isoye asked about how widespread restorative practices were in districts. Ms. Saxton-Snodgrass said that formal data on these practices had not been collected, but about half of the districts and schools of SAC members have provided some form of restorative programming. She said that Student Care was working on resources for schools to scale up restorative practices.

PRESENTATIONS | FISCAL YEAR 2023 SCHOOL DISTRICT FINANCIAL PROFILE

Director of School Business Services Michael Gum and Chief Financial Officer Dr. Matt Seaton presented on this topic.

Mr. Gum provided an overview of the Annual Financial Profile (AFR) and district designations. He said that 772 districts had received the highest financial rating, continuing a steady increase from previous years.

Mr. Gum said that data showed the most well-funded districts had the most cash on hand, but that districts across all tiers had seen an increase in cash reserves since 2016. He said that Evidence-Based Funding had aided in improving those outcomes. He shared that most districts under the financial watch designation had not yet submitted an AFR to ISBE, noting that in many cases audit delays from lack of capacity had presented challenges. He said that most were expected to submit information by mid-June.

Mr. Gum said that districts overall were in good financial condition. Dr. Seaton noted that for districts with pending audits, the increased complexity pertaining to federal funds had been a barrier for auditing firms completing their work.

Dr. Sanders asked about reporting deadlines for ISBE. Mr. Gum said that there was no statutory obligation or associated date for the AFR, but that it has been a standard part of agency practice.

Dr. Sanders asked about the days-cash-on-hand as a metric. Dr. Seaton said that it was calculated based on educational and other operational funds. He noted that the on-hand total might factor in sources that might be a part of districts’ saving plans over a longer period for capital projects, and that the metric might suggest a higher reserve than districts would estimate. Dr. Sanders encouraged district leaders to communicate with ISBE financial staff if they had questions about the measurement.

Dr. Nugent asked about the monitoring of districts that shifted between tiers in their funding level, and Mr. Gum confirmed that there are ISBE staff dedicated to financial monitoring.

Dr. Leak asked for the Board to be updated when pending audits are completed, and Dr. Seaton said that the information could be provided, and that they might update how district AFRs are reported in future years. Dr. Leak emphasized the auditing challenges faced by districts and discussed the importance of how the framing of reports can impact districts. Mr. Gum noted that districts would have an accurate understanding of their financial standing as part of the AFR submission process.

Chair Isoye echoed the request for an update when available and thanked staff for the information.

PRESENTATIONS | LITERACY PLAN UPDATE

Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Jennifer Kirmes provided this update.

Dr. Kirmes gave an overview of past and present work on literacy, including a summit on literacy hosted by ISBE in October 2022. She highlighted the key points on literacy education, including quality materials and curriculum and professional development for teachers on these issues. She introduced ISBE staff working on literacy and shared that a writing team with educators and other literacy experts had been selected to help draft a comprehensive statewide plan for literacy.

Dr. Kirmes said that they had determined the plan would be primarily focused on educators and teacher preparation, which would go on to inform future ISBE work on literacy. She noted that legislators, parents, advocates, and community groups will also utilize guidance in the plan to guide their work.

Dr. Kirmes said that the group had a working definition of literacy and an outline for the plan but noted that both were undergoing development. She shared the intended timeline for plan development, with time for public feedback and engagement. She said that a first draft would be presented at the June Board meeting and a finalized literacy plan would be implemented starting January 2024, which aligned with legislation being discussed in the General Assembly.

Mr. Eddy asked about definitions for high-quality instructional material and expressed concern about how certain definitions might mandate the usage of educational materials from a limited set of providers. Dr. Kirmes said that need for high-quality material was a common theme from educator feedback at the literacy summit, and that tools existed to help districts make individual determinations about which curricular materials were best suited for their schools. She said that the definition of “high quality” in this instance was centered on materials that supported goals for student outcomes.

Mr. Eddy asked about teacher preparation programs in relation to literacy planning. Dr. Kirmes said that standards existed as a baseline for educators involved in literacy development, and that a focus of current work was ensuring that those standards were being fully realized in teacher candidate development. She said that staff wanted to work with programs to ensure that teacher candidates were fully prepared to meet student literacy needs. Mr. Eddy

discussed the importance of ensuring that these standards were embedded in programs. Dr. Kirmes said that preparation programs are just one aspect of a comprehensive plan, and that professional development for current teachers was also a part of the work. Mr. Eddy agreed and thanked staff for their work on this issue.

Dr. Benson said that the pillars of literacy were agreeable and that many districts had insufficient resources to meet their desired goals for professional development. She expressed the importance of ensuring that the work was a plan and not a single program, and that students had access to the best offerings available for their individual literacy needs.

Dr. Nugent asked if the plan would include a timeline for teacher preparation programs, and if the plan was building on existing student learning standards. Dr. Kirmes confirmed that it was built on student learning standards. Dr. Nugent asked about any potential changes to licensure examinations, and she also discussed the intersection of literacy and social emotional learning (SEL) practices. Dr. Kirmes said that there was room in plan for student well-being and that SEL was one a component of that as part of broader system of supports in schools.

Dr. Leak discussed the importance of progress monitoring for educators and district fidelity checks to ensure that best practices were being used for students. She also noted that the ability of families to support literacy development was something that varied depending on individual resources and economic circumstances, and that this should be considered in plan development. She also expressed the importance of thoroughly exploring the research informing plan decisions, particularly ensuring that it accounted for inequities. Dr. Kirmes agreed.

Dr. Leak echoed Mr. Eddy’s concerns about how providers might market their educational materials in relation to the literacy plan.

Dr. Kirmes discussed next steps. She noted that the draft presented to the Board in June would still be a product of the early work, but that feedback from members would be greatly appreciated throughout the process.

Mr. Eddy asked about how legislation in development might impact the plan. Dr. Kirmes said staff in her department had been working with Legislative Affairs to track this. She said that requirements as part of a bill on literacy aligned with current ISBE work on the plan, and that it also considered expectations for resources to be developed as part of plan implementation.

Mr. Eddy shared appreciation for those who had worked on planning and legislation, and Dr. Kirmes agreed.

Dr. Nugent discussed the importance of math education as part of literacy.

Chair Isoye thanked Board members for discussion. He also thanked staff for their efforts and expressed anticipation for the work to come.

CLOSED SESSION

Dr. Nugent 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)

C. 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 Board members may invite anyone they wish to be included in this closed session.

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

The open meeting recessed to go into closed session at 11:52 a.m. The open meeting reconvened at 12:27 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA

Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda, noting that items have been discussed at previous meetings.

Dr. Leak thanked staff for their presentation on the network of mental health programs statewide at the May Education Policy Planning Committee meeting and encouraged staff to publicize the information to the field. Dr. Nugent said that she would follow up on her engagements with a NASBE mental health initiative at the next committee meeting.

Dr. Leak noted that the updated Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework did not impose any unfunded mandates for districts.

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

Mr. Eddy seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.

The following motions were approved by action taken in the Consent Agenda motion:

Approval of Minutes

Plenary Minutes: April 19, 2023

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the April 19, 2023, meeting minutes.

Rules for Adoption

*Approval for Adoption – Part 151 (School Construction Program)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Part 151 to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for second notice. The Board further authorizes the state superintendent 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 – Parts 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and 555 (Children’s Mental Health Initiative Grants)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and Part 555 (Children’s Mental Health Initiative Grants), 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 Intergovernmental Agreement with ROE 9 to administer Learning Technology Center

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to renew the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Champaign and Ford Counties Regional Office of Education 9 (ROE 9) to administer the Learning Technology Center for FY 2024 for an amount not to exceed $1,778,180.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Member Initiative Grant to Virtual Learning Systems

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award a sole source grant using federal funds for FY 2023 and FY 2024 in an amount not to exceed $1.5

million to Virtual Learning Systems Inc. to enhance instructional resources on African American history and provide access to such resources to all Illinois teachers.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health for the Execution of a Project AWARE 2.0 Grant

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health in the amount of $5,000 for FY 2023 for the execution of a Project AWARE 2.0 grant as funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This IGA will allow for three additional renewals, for a four-year total of $92,834.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with ROE 40 for the Execution of a Project AWARE 2.0 Grant

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Regional Office of Education 40 in the amount of $200,000 for FY 2023 for the execution of a Project AWARE 2.0 grant as funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This IGA will allow for three additional renewals, for a four-year total of $2.198 million.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with West 40 for the Execution of a Project AWARE 2.0 Grant

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to execute an intergovernmental agreement with the West 40 Intermediate Service Center in the amount of $500,000 for FY 2023 for the execution of a Project AWARE 2.0 grant as funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This IGA will allow for three additional renewals, for a four-year total of $4,162,967.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Southern Illinois University for the Execution of a Mental Health Services Provider Grant 

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Southern Illinois University in the amount of $500,000 for FY 2023 for the execution of a School-Based Mental Health Services grant as funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This IGA will allow for four additional renewals, for a five-year total of $5.26 million.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with University of Illinois Springfield

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into a new intergovernmental agreement with the University of Illinois Springfield for funds be used to provide school districts on the Top 20% Exclusionary Discipline list with resources and supports to reduce suspension and expulsions. Funds will also be used to train school resource officers on rules and regulations pertaining to 23 Illinois Administrative Code 1.280 (student discipline) and 1.285 (the use of physical restraint/time out/isolated time out). This request is for the state superintendent to allow an IGA to be entered into on July 1, 2023, and last until June 30, 2024. The amount of this agreement shall not exceed $1 million.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with Illinois State University Center for Intensive Behavioral Supports for the execution of the RTO Training and Supports Program

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into a renewal intergovernmental agreement with the Center for Intensive Behavioral Supports at Illinois State University for a training and supports program to reduce the use of restraint and time out. The renewal contract will extend from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and the amount will not exceed $933,729.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with the National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University to Administer the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Program

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to renew the intergovernmental agreement with Illinois State University to administer the Illinois Teaching

Excellence program for FY 2024. The cost shall not exceed $298,000 for the one-year renewal period.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Sole Source Contract with Illinois Education Association to Administer the Virtual Coaching and Mentoring Program 

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award a sole source contract not to exceed $7 million to the Illinois Education Association to administer the Virtual Coaching and Mentoring program during FY 2024.

Approvals

*Approval of State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board Appointees 

The State Board of Education hereby appoints the following nominees to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board: Crystal Foles, Malik Henfield, Christy Hooser, Tom Philion, Kimberly Radostits, Kristen Ryan, and Arturo Senteno.

*Adoption of the PaCE Framework

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the adoption of the Postsecondary and Career Expectations Framework, which districts may use as a model for their implementation of the framework.

*Acceptance Item – Fiscal Year 2022 Financial Audit Report

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, 2022.

DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Discussion and Approval of Contract Award for Facilitation of the State's Accountability Technical Advisory Committee 

Deputy Instructional Education Officer Dr. Jason Helfer discussed this item.

Dr. Leak expressed her appreciation for an opportunity for the Technical Advisory Committee and State Assessment Review Committee to collaborate further. Dr. Sanders agreed, noting that Illinois Balanced Accountability Measure Committee would also be involved in work

Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to award and contract with the responsive bidder to a competitive procurement for the facilitation of the state’s accountability Technical Advisory Committee for an amount not to exceed $1,013,848.94 over the three-year term of the contract.

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

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of the Release and Award of the Request for Sealed Proposals for Student Information Systems Contractual Team

Supervisor of Software Solutions Donna Schroeder discussed this item.

Dr. Leak asked about the differential between the new total and the previously approved amount. Ms. Schroeder said that her department had originally planned for a slight increase to the rate from previous years, but that firms that had placed bids exceeding that total.

Dr. Benson moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to increase the February 16, 2023, authorization of $19.45 million by $2,746,500 for a revised total of $22,196,500 to award a contract to acquire the services of one project manager, one business analyst, one data analyst, one developer/architect, five developers, and one technical writer to assist in the development and maintenance of extant and future data systems as they pertain to the collection and organization of the ISBE Student Information System. The initial term of the contract will begin upon execution and extend through June 30, 2027. There will be three possible two-year renewals contingent upon sufficient appropriation and satisfactory contractor performance in each preceding contract year. The contract total costs, including renewals, will not exceed $22,196,500.

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

UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of FY 2024 Continuation School Improvement Grants

Director of ESSA/IL-EMPOWER Dr. Christine Paxson discussed this item. There were no questions from Board members.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement with ROE 40 for the Execution of a School-Based Mental Health Services Grant

Director of Wellness Kim Barnes-Cummins discussed this item.

Mr. Eddy asked to confirm the total funding for the districts served. Ms. Barnes-Cummins said that it was about $12 million for 16 school districts, confirming that it was about $2.8 million per fiscal year. Mr. Eddy asked about the decisions behind funding distribution. Ms. Barnes Cummins said that the team looked at income levels in the community, exclusionary discipline usage, and existing capacity for mental health services within schools. Mr. Eddy asked for more information on the districts served by this grant, and Ms. Barnes-Cummins said she could follow up with information.

Dr. Leak asked staff to highlight the geographic spread of the schools as part of the follow-up information, and echoed the request for information on why these districts were chosen.

Mr. Eddy asked if it was the same districts each year across the four years of the program. Ms. Barnes-Cummins confirmed this was the intention in the interest of sustaining services for a longer period.

Dr. Benson asked if this was related to a program with Lurie’s Children Hospital, and Ms. Barnes-Cummins said it was separate.

Dr. Nugent asked how sustainability was considered. Ms. Barnes-Cummins said that if districts identified that major needs had been addressed by grant-supported services, they could look to local allocations or other federal and state funding opportunities to support them at the end of the grant period.

Mr. Eddy asked to confirm that the grant was federally funded, and Ms. Barnes-Cummins confirmed this was the case. Mr. Eddy appreciated the work to communicate with districts the need to plan for sustainability after the end of the grant period.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

Dr. Sanders discussed his meetings across the state, including with all Board members. He thanked them for their time and thanked the Illinois Association of School Administrators for hosting meetings across regions with administrators. He also discussed events with the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO), educator of the year celebrations, and the Bilingual Parents Summit.

Dr. Sanders had interim Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Jen Saba and Director of Government Relations Hector Rodriguez provide a legislative update.

Ms. Saba noted the timeline for the legislative session. She said that ISBE initiatives for school code cleanup and computer science had passed both houses and was pending signature from the governor, and that the licensure bill was on track to pass.

Ms. Saba said that staff had been involved in negotiations on bills relating to teacher training, literacy, addressing racism, and full-day kindergarten. She said negotiations were still underway for a bill requiring schools to provide kosher and halal meals. She said that increased costs associated with this provision would not be federally reimbursed and it would require ISBE enter a master contract with a provider, and that these were sources of staff concern.

She also said that staff continued to be involved in budget discussions and providing feedback on other bills as requested by legislators.

Mr. Eddy asked about discussions on the full-day kindergarten. Ms. Saba said that staff had worked to include a task force for considerations about capacity and capital for full-day programs as part of the bill, with room for waivers and extended deadlines for implementation as determined necessary.

Mr. Eddy asked about costs coverage for the proposed kosher and halal meal requirement since the increased cost would not be federally reimbursed. Ms. Saba said that either the school district or the state would be expected to meet the difference. Mr. Eddy asked if the department had an estimate for the expected cost increase. Ms. Saba said that it was still variable pending any finalization, but that it could range between $21 million and $38 million. She also noted that language to include all dietary needs was being considered, which would have a substantially greater cost.

Mr. Eddy asked about expected changes to revenue, namely the Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax. Ms. Saba said that staff were not involved in discussions on revenue changes.

Dr. Sanders thanked staff for the information and their work with the legislature. Mr. Eddy noted that the Board had previously done work to reduce the burden of waivers for districts, and thanked staff for their continued work to maintain that focus.

Chair of the Board’s Report

Chair Isoye thanked staff for all their work on the legislative front and for maintaining a focus on student needs through the process.

He discussed his presence in the field, including accompanying Dr. Sanders on many of his visits. He shared appreciation for the work of IASBO to encourage district planning for the end of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding. He encouraged Board members to attend events across the field, highlighting the value of engaging with educators, administrators, parents, and students.

Chair Isoye mentioned a conversation with Kara Caforio, president of the Elmhurst CUSD 205 Board of Education, and shared his appreciation for the chance to engage with her on various issues.

He congratulated educators, staff, administrators, and students for reaching the end of the school year and extended well wishes to graduating students.

Member Reports

Dr. Leak thanked Dr. Sanders for his work conducting visits across the state. She highlighted the excitement in her district and community for his visit to CCSD 168. She said that she was working on the planning team for the NASBE conference and encouraged members to share their topics of interest for their conference.

Dr. Benson shared that NASBE also hosted workshops for new board members and encouraged eligible Board members to take advantage.

INFORMATION ITEMS 

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

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Eddy moved to adjourn the May 17, 2023, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.

Dr. Leak seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 1:09 p.m.

https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/20230517-Agenda-Minutes.pdf