Grundy Reporter

Illinois State Board of Education met March 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

ROLL CALL Chair of the Board Darren Reisberg called the meeting to order at 10:42 a.m.

Chair Reisberg announced that the Board meeting was being audio-cast live over the internet and video recorded.

Chair Reisberg asked the clerk to call the roll. A quorum was present with seven members attending. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen I. Ayala was also in attendance.

Chair Reisberg thanked the Rockford staff for the visit. He also thanked ISBE staff for coordinating the visit.

Members Present:

Darren Reisberg, Chairperson

Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair

Jaime Guzman, Secretary

Dr. Christine Benson

Dr. David Lett

Susie Morrison

Dr. Nike Vieille

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

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

Samay Gheewala, assistant director of organizing and policy for Illinois Families for Public Schools, spoke about the proposed assessment. He shared a petition with more than 1,000 signatures that supports stopping standardized testing for K-2 students. He believes the tests have no value toward student achievement and student performance and thinks they are not reliable. He would like ISBE to show the public data that supports testing for K-2 students. He is also worried about the expansion of testing for students in Grades 3-8.

Paul Zavitkovsky, a policy advocate for the Center for Urban Education Leadership at the University of Illinois Chicago, discussed the statewide assessment. He shared a 14-page report and listed the three main recommendations. He hopes that the Board takes these recommendations seriously.

John Burkey, executive director of the Large Unit District Association (LUDA), discussed the state assessment. He thanked Dr. Ayala and Research and Evaluation Officer Dr. Brenda Dixon for getting feedback from stakeholders. He noted that LUDA crafted a proposal, and his team believes that the accountability assessment and interim assessment should be separate. He added that a one-size approach does not work in Illinois. Chair Reisberg asked if LUDA has interim assessments for students at the K-2 level. Mr. Burkey noted it is available for some districts, but not all.

Molly Allen, assistant regional superintendent at Regional Office of Education 17 in the Bloomington area, and Dr. Erika Hunt, a senior policy analyst at Illinois State University, spoke about lead hubs. They presented the learning while leading project created by ROE lead hubs. They shared that it is a supportive model that works on school improvement and added that it is also a scalable model.

Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association, discussed Part 30 Principal Preparation Rules. He believes that the current rules are not scalable and are outdated. He urged the Board to not add requirements that will cause more problems. He stressed that schools need flexibility at this time.

State Representative Rita Mayfield discussed the North Chicago Independent Authority. She noted that the authority has been in place in North Chicago since 2012 and she believes it is no longer needed. She added that only one member is a North Chicago resident and North

PRESENTATIONS | ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS WELCOMES ISBE

Chicago is the only school district in the state with an independent authority. She would like North Chicago to transition to an elected school board within two years. She noted that she filed House Bill 50-89 to start the transition and to bring the district into compliance with state statute.

Regional Superintendent Dr. Darlene Ruscitti of the DuPage Regional Office of Education discussed micro-credentials. She presented the three micro-endorsements currently offered through her ROE. She added that the micro-credentials will help measure quality across Illinois and will be equitable.

Alicia Haller, also from DuPage ROE, spoke about good news, good grants. She discussed a new $8 million grant that will support leadership for rural and high-need schools. She noted the scaling of the project and added the team saw an increase in coaching support during the pandemic.

Jim O’Connor, project director at Advance Illinois, spoke about Part 30 and 33 rules. He thanked the Board for gathering input on the rules. He would like the rules to have specific language about early childhood and bilingual learners. He added that he is looking forward to further conversations about the rules.

Cyndi Oberle-Dahm from the Southwest Area Council and Belleville Federation of Teachers Local 434 spoke about the assessment survey. She believes that the survey was sent at a bad time since it was right before the holiday break. She also thought the questions were too technical since teachers and parents are not assessment experts. She is worried about the lack of responses from the survey and added that the demographic information is not available.

Professor David Paige from Northern Illinois University discussed the Right to Read Act. He expressed his support for the act and noted that he is aware of the poor reading outcomes in the state. He believes that ineffective methods are being used currently and believes teachers need better training.

Rockford Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett and his staff shared information about their district and highlighted some of their initiatives.

Michael Phillips, chief operations officer, spoke about the usage of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds in the district.

Heidi Dettman, executive director of assessment, discussed social-emotional learning and foundational literacy in Rockford.

Dr. Greg Brown, chief financial officer, discussed Evidence-Based Funding decisions and shared a student-based budget that included grants.

Morgan Gallagher, chief of Rockford Public Schools, spoke about innovation and standards of practice.

Jason Barthel, chief information officer, spoke about accessibility of technology in Rockford. He talked about 1:1 devices and home connectivity.

Earl Dotson Jr., chief communications officer, discussed the district’s 205 VIBE platform, which was launched in 2018. He noted that it includes blog posts, videos, news, and podcasts. He also talked about the security systems at Rockford Public Schools.

Dr. Tiffany Brunson, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, spoke about student voices and support for staff.

Matt Zediker, chief human resources officer, discussed recruitment and shared pathways for professional learning. He also shared the peer assistance and review approach.

Yashekia Goldsmith, deputy general counsel, spoke about the Rockford Public Schools Legal Department and its approaches to increasing the school board’s involvement.

DISCUSSION | LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Amanda Elliott presented on this item. She noted that there are three weeks left in the legislative session, the budget is moving along, the House appropriations meeting was a few weeks ago, and there is a Senate hearing on March 17. She stressed that now is not the time for new mandates.

She noted that the team is tracking 81 bills, including SB 3900 (Right to Read Act), HB 5285/SB 3986 (Too Young to Test), HB 5060/SB 3983 (teacher tenure), HB 4365 (residential placement), and HB 5089 (North Chicago elected school board). She added that new bills continue to be filed and she will continue to update the Board.

Dr. Lett asked if the team anticipates finishing the session by its expected date of April 8. The answer was yes.

Ms. Morrison asked about substitute teacher requirements. Ms. Elliott shared that to get the full substitute license, a bachelor’s degree is required. Ms. Morrison asked if there have been conversations regarding removing the bachelor’s degree requirement, and Ms. Elliott noted that this has not been discussed.

DISCUSSION | NORTH CHICAGO INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY

State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala, Financial Officer Robert Wolfe, and Education Officer Dr. Ernesto Matias presented on this item. They discussed the factors to consider and shared a financial profile designation and an academic profile. They shared North Chicago’s strategic plan.

Dora King, chairwoman of the independent authority, discussed North Chicago’s successes and shared concerns about transitioning to an elected school board too quickly. Superintendent John Price agreed that it is important to not rush this process and discussed criteria, such as the strategic plan and maintaining financial stability. He recommends appointing two more independent authority members to help with the transition. He believes that finishing this work by 2023 is too soon.

Dr. Ayala agreed that community engagement is critical in this process. She thinks it is important to provide Board member development so individuals know what it means to serve on a school board.

Dr. Lett asked if Representative Mayfield is their representative and if her position is in conflict with that of Mrs. King and Superintendent Price. The answer to both questions was yes. Dr. Lett asked if financial and academic oversight can be decoupled, and the answer was yes.

Dr. Lett noted that financial oversight for five years may be too much and asked if the team could alter it to two or three years. Mr. Wolfe noted the financial oversight is in place for another 10 years and the Board requested the need for a FOP to be reviewed during the fifth year. Dr. Lett asked if Mrs. King and Superintendent Price have had conversations with

Representative Mayfield and was curious as to why this conflict exists. They noted no conversations have been had.

Dr. Leak asked about contract negotiations and how many unions are in the district. The answer was one. Dr. Leak asked if the current contract ends in 2024, and the answer was yes. Dr. Leak noted that a considerable amount of support will be needed for Board members, and Mrs. King agreed.

Representative Mayfield noted that it is time to move forward and there have been conversations about job security. She noted that there is an amendment for House Bill 50- 89 that came from a conversation from Superintendent Price and Mrs. King. She said that the only request was to keep Mrs. King in her current role.

Chair Reisberg supports the transition back to an elected school board but wonders about the speed needed for that to occur. He believes the team needs to set a date. He agrees with the 2025 date so that there is more time for community engagement.

Dr. Leak asked about the amendment Representative Mayfield alluded to. Superintendent Price noted that the original language stated the three slots on the IA would be chosen randomly. He noted there was concern about the random process so the new amendment states that the chair will remain as a position appointed by the State Superintendent and the three other positions will be set up for election.

Dr. Lett noted that five years of oversight seems like too much time. He agrees that a finish line and end date is needed.

Mrs. King clarified that two North Chicago residents are independent authority members.

Ms. Morrison noted that there is definitely cause for celebration for the progress in North Chicago. She feels like the 2023 timeline is too short. She agrees that the team needs a timeline for the transition.

Chair Reisberg thanked Representative Mayfield, Superintendent Price, and Mrs. King. He noted that conversations regarding North Chicago will continue.

DISCUSSION | ASSESSMENT SURVEY UPDATE

Dr. Dixon and Dr. Brian Gong from the Center for Assessment presented on this item. Dr. Gong discussed the goals and purposes, the feedback process, survey results, focus group results, and next steps.

Dr. Ayala emphasized that there were more than 5,000 individuals that responded to the survey. She added that survey respondents had the chance to add recommendations.

Chair Reisberg asked Dr. Gong if there were responses that surprised him. Chair Reisberg noted he was surprised that some people were in support of keeping the same number of items on the assessment. Dr. Gong noted that some people want the test to be informative, and if it is too short, it will not be of good quality.

Dr. Ayala noted that since the beginning of the conversation, ISBE took the position that any K-2 assessment would be optional. It was confirmed that 60% of districts are using interim assessments at the K-2 level.

Dr. Ayala noted that staff will present more information to the Board regarding the assessment during its April meeting.

Chair Morrison noted her takeaways. She believes there cannot be a single assessment that satisfies the federal need for accountability and an assessment that helps teachers on a timely basis. She emphasized that assessments must be aligned to learning standards. She also believes in formative assessments that will assist teachers and knows that some districts are doing that already. She wonders if there is a way for the agency to support local assessments. She also wants to make sure that their investment is sustainable.

Mr. Guzman thanked the staff for their engagement. He believes it is valuable to get that feedback.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Guzman 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 of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee 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. Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21)

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

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

The open meeting recessed at 2:36 p.m. to go into closed session at 2:44 p.m. The open meeting reconvened at 4:32 p.m.

SEMIANNUAL REVIEW OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

Dr. Benson moved that pursuant to Section 2.06(d) of the Open Meetings Act, the State Board of Education has reviewed the minutes of its closed sessions for September 15, 2021; October 19, 2021; November 18, 2021; December 15, 2021; January 19, 2022; and February 17, 2022.

He also moved that the State Board of Education certifies that the need for confidentiality still exists for the closed session minutes for September 15, 2021; October 19, 2021; November 18, 2021; December 15, 2021; January 19, 2022; and February 17, 2022.

Further, the State Board of Education approves the destruction of all closed session verbatim recordings from September 16, 2020, and prior.

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

CONSENT AGENDA

Dr. Ayala reviewed the items under the Consent Agenda.

Dr. Vieille moved that the State Board of Education approve 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: February 17, 2022

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the February 17, 2022 meeting minutes.

Rules for Adoption

*Rules for Adoption – Parts 23 (Standards for School Support Personnel Endorsements), 27 (Standards for Endorsements in Specific Teaching Fields), and 50 (Evaluation of Educator Licensed Employees under Articles 24A and 34 of the School Code)

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to submit the proposed rulemaking for Parts 23, 27, and 50 to 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 to enter Intergovernmental Agreement with Illinois Student Assistance Commission

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to enter into an intergovernmental agreement for $1.5 million with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The term of the agreement shall be from the date of execution through Sept. 30, 2023.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Truants’ Alternative and Optional Education Program Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity/Request for Proposals The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to release the Truants’ Alternative and Optional Education Program FY 2023 NOFO/RFP and the TAOEP Professional Development NOFO/RFP FY 2023 and award funds to successful applicants. The initial term of the grant will begin July 1, 2022 and extend through June 30, 2023. There will be two one-year renewals contingent upon a sufficient appropriation and satisfactory performance in each preceding grant year. The estimated total cost, including cohort renewals, will not exceed $11.5 million in FY 2023.

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 to enter into a new five-year Intergovernmental Agreement with the University of Wisconsin-Madison for Educational Research (WCER) for WiDA Consortium for the administration of ACCESS and alternate ACCESS for English Learners

ISBE requests the Board for authorization to enter into a new five-year intergovernmental agreement with the Wisconsin Center for Education Research for the administration of ACCESS and Alternate ACCESS for English Learners tests. The IGA would not exceed $44,465,355 for ISBE’s continued membership in the WIDA Consortium through June 30, 2027.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to enter into a new one-year Intergovernmental Agreement with the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University Carbondale for the administration of the Illinois Science Assessment

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to enter into a one year intergovernmental agreement with the Board of Trustees of Southern Illinois University Carbondale for services to support the administration of the Illinois Science Assessment. The estimated contract total cost will not exceed $4.5 million for the term of July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Sole Source Grant to Illinois Principals Association to Continue the Ed Leaders Network

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to award a sole source grant to the Illinois Principals Association to enable all Illinois public school districts to have access to the Ed Leaders Network. The initial term of the grant will begin July 1, 2022 and extend through June 30, 2023. There will be four one-year renewals contingent upon a sufficient appropriation and satisfactory performance in each preceding grant year. The estimated total cost will not exceed $1.5 million in FY 2023 or a total of $7.5 million over a five-year period ending FY 2027.

Approvals

*Approval of State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board Appointment The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to appoint the following individual to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board:

• Andrew Flaherty, social studies teacher at Joliet West High School, as a representative of classroom teachers from IFT

*Approval of the Spring 2022 Waiver Report

The State Superintendent recommends that the State Board of Education move to approve all waiver requests.

CONTRACTS & GRANTS OVER $1 MILLION- APPROVAL OF SOLE SOURCE GRANT TO ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS FOR NEW SUPERINTENDENT MENTORING AND TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Dr. Lett moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the State Superintendent to award a sole source grant to the Illinois Association of School Administrators to provide New Superintendent Mentoring and the Transformational Leadership Academy. The term of the grant will begin July 1, 2022 and extend through June 30, 2023. The estimated total cost will not exceed $350,000 in FY 2023.

Ms. Morrison seconded the motion, and it passed with a roll call vote. Dr. Leak abstained.

UPCOMING BOARD ACTIONS

Rules for Initial Review – Part 1 (Public Schools Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and Part 207 (Absenteeism and Truancy Policy) New Part

Dr. Matias and Derreck Langwith, director of ROE/ISC presented on this item. There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of IGA with West 40 Intermediate Service Center #2 for ARP EANS (EANS II) Vouchering and Services

Dr. Leak and Mr. Langwith presented on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million - Approval of the One-Year Intergovernmental Agreement with Northern Illinois University for the Illinois Report Card, My Data Dashboard (formerly Ed360), and 21st Century Learning Center

Dr. Dixon and Director of Data Strategies and Analytics Maureen Font presented on this item.

There were no questions for this item.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

There were no announcements.

Chair of the Board’s Report

There were no announcements.

Member Reports

There were no announcements.

INFORMATION ITEMS

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

Informational Report: ISBE Quarterly Staff Demographics Report

MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT

Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education adjourn the March 16 Board meeting.

Dr. Vieille seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 4:43 p.m.

https://www.isbe.net/Documents_Board_Meetings/20220316-Agenda-Minutes.pdf