Illinois State Board of Education Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole met Jan. 13.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Roll Call
Committee Chair Dr. Donna Leak brought the meeting to order at 3:13 p.m. Roll call was taken. A quorum was present with five members attending in person. State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders also was in attendance.
Dr. Leak stated that members would consider the participation of Dr. Sherly Chavarria via video conference due to employment purposes. In accordance with the bylaws of the Illinois State Board of Education, the Board may permit a member to participate by other means if they cannot physically attend a meeting because of employment purposes.
Dr. Nugent moved that the State Board of Education hereby permit the participation of Dr. Sherly Chavarria via video conference. Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
Members Present
Committee Chair Dr. Donna Leak
Dr. Steven Isoye
Dr. Sherly Chavarria (virtual)
Laura Gonzalez
Dr. Judy Hackett
Dr. Patricia Nugent
Members Absent
Dr. James Anderson
Dr. Jonah Rice
Staff Present
Dr. Tony Sanders, State Superintendent
Kim Clarke, Executive Assistant to the State Superintendent
Jo Ireland, Board Services Coordinator
Kristen Kennedy, Chief Legal Officer
Dr. Kimako Patterson, Chief of Staff
Dr. Matt Seaton, Chief Financial Officer
Edobor Efam, Chief Information Officer
Tassi Maton, Chief Internal Audit Officer
Dr. Michele Morris, Interim Chief Education Officer – Instruction
Jennifer Saba, Chief Education Officer – Operations
Miguel Calderon, Chief Operating Officer
Lisa Armonda, Interim Executive Director of Legislative Affairs
Samantha White, Co-Director of Government Relations
Alicia Route, Principal Consultant of Legislative Affairs
2. Public Participation
There was no public participation.
3. Approval of Minutes: December 16, 2025
Ms. Gonzalez moved that the Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole hereby approve the December 16, 2025, meeting minutes. Dr. Hackett seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote.
4. Presentation | Illinois Dual Language Guidance Plan
Executive Director of Specialized Instruction Joyce Gronewold and Director of Multilingual/Language Development Joanne Clyde presented this item.
Dr. Nugent expressed appreciation for the scaffolding of the key components for developing, establishing, and sustaining this system.
Ms. Gonzalez stated that it takes a lot of professional development and training on both the administration and the educators to implement a dual language program. She asked what it looks like after this guidance is provided. Ms. Clyde stated that one of the goals of the dual language document is to include tools and worksheets to help districts guide their thinking and planning for each component. She further shared that they are working with various professional development organizations, along with the ISBE team, on providing professional guidance through bilingual directors’ meetings and conferences.
5. Upcoming February Board Action
A. Approval of the Spring 2026 Waiver Report
Interim Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Lisa Armonda, Co-Director of Government Relations Samantha White, and Principal Consultant of Legislative Affairs Alicia Route discussed this item.
B. Approval of the FY 2027 Board Meeting Calendar
Board Services Coordinator Jo Ireland discussed this item.
6. New Business: Items for the Next Agenda
Dr. Leak asked for updates regarding the accountability system and the summative designation.
7. Next Meeting: February 18, 2026
Dr. Leak shared that the next meeting would be on February 18, 2026, in Springfield. She noted that it will be on a Wednesday instead of the typical Tuesday.
8. Adjourn
Dr. Hackett made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion, and it passed by a unanimous roll call vote. Chair Leak adjourned the Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole meeting at 3:37 p.m.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/isbe/Board.nsf/files/DR2PDL6420A1/$file/EPP%20Minutes%20-%20January%2013%2C%202026.pdf
