Grundy Reporter

Illinois State Board of Education met May 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Roll Call

Chair of the Board Dr. Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 9 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 also was in attendance.

Members Present:

Dr. Steven Isoye, Chair of the Board

Dr. Donna Leak, Vice Chair

Dr. Sherly Chavarria, Secretary

Dr. James Anderson

Laura Gonzalez

Dr. Patricia Nugent

Dr. Jonah Rice

Staff Present

Dr. Tony Sanders, State Superintendent

Kim Clarke, Executive Assistant to the State Superintendent

Jo Ireland, Board Services Coordinator

Isabel Schoeman, Special Assistant to the State Superintendent

Kristen Kennedy, Chief Legal Officer

Dr. Jason Helfer, Chief Education Officer – Instruction (virtual)

Jennifer Saba, Chief Education Officer – Operations

Dr. Matt Seaton, Chief Financial Officer

Tassi Maton, Chief Internal Audit Officer

Edobor Efam, Chief Information Officer

Irma Snopek, Chief Policy and Communications Officer

Miguel Calderon, Chief Operating Officer

Willma Abi-Rached, Supervisor of Wellness and Student Care

Jeffrey Judge, Director of Wellness and Student Care

Dr. Ronda Dawson, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning

Joyce Gronewold, Executive Director of Specialized Instruction

Dr. Nikki Combs, Director of School/District Improvement

Dr. Tiffany Burnett, Executive Director of Safe and Healthy Climate

Lindsay Record, Press Secretary

Dr. Christine Paxson, Executive Director of Improvement and Innovation

Rae Clementz, Executive Director of Data, Assessment and Accountability

Angela Foxall, Director of Assessment

Emily Fox, Director of Educator Effectiveness

Nick Heckel, Supervisor of School/District Improvement (virtual)

Leslie Ward-Lamina, Principal Consultant of Wellness and Student Care

2. Public Participation

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

Barb Cohen, legal advocate and policy analyst at the Legal Council for Health Justice, spoke on the topic of Section 504 protections. She stated that 504 protections are at risk currently at the federal level because the federal Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has enforcement authority over 504 Plans and ISBE does not. Ms. Cohen noted that the Chicago OCR has been shut down and most OCR staff have been fired at the federal level. She shared that special education advocates are concerned about the future of 504 language and enforcement, and they are hoping ISBE will partner with them as they work over the next several months to ideally embed these protections within state government. Ms. Cohen said that she has been in touch with ISBE Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Dana

Stoerger and looks forward to meeting with him. She asked Board members to be aware that this issue is a significant concern and hoped to have their support going forward.

Steve Cheesman, a member of the Galesburg City Council, spoke on the topic of Career and Technical Education (CTE). He advocated for increased funding for CTE for fiscal year 2026, highlighting the numerous benefits that CTE provide to individuals and the state and its immense growth in the past several years. He focused on the fact that CTE students graduate ready for jobs that are much needed to support the local economy. He noted that his city is short on housing stock; workers in fields supported by CTE are needed to address that shortage.

3. Recognitions

Supervisor of Wellness and Student Care Willma Abi-Rached announced the winners of the annual Arts Poster Contest, which is sponsored by ISBE and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM). She was accompanied by Director of Wellness and Student Care Jeffrey Judge. The theme of the contest was “A Touch of Art.” She added that this year students were allowed to submit three-dimensional art, such as collage or sculpture, and there were over 120 entries across grades K-12. The K-2nd grades winner, George Bandik, made a three dimensional vision of the sea. The 3rd-5th grades winner, Uthman Serir, made a puzzle of the world. The 6th-8th grades winner, Alaina Karban, created a colorful farmscape. The 9th-12th grades winner, Steven Jiang, drew a scene of physical touch between two friends. Ms. Abi-Rached thanked her team lead, Joshua Peters, for his work representing ISBE in handing out the awards. Mr. Judge shared that his team is already working with ALPLM on next year’s contest, which will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He specified that organizers hope to improve communication with art teachers across the state to get more entries next year, especially for high school submissions, and he shared a poster of this year’s winning submissions with Dr. Sanders. Chair Isoye congratulated the winners. Dr. Nugent asked if there is digital access to all of the entries submitted, and Mr. Judge said he could share them with Board members. Dr. Leak emphasized her desire to have more high school entries next year.

4. Student Advisory Council Presentation

Leslie Ward-Lamina, a principal consultant in Wellness and Student Care, accompanied members of the Student Advisory Council (SAC) to the meeting. The students introduced themselves. William Cosby, Haleigh Hoffman, Averi Colella, Jeffrey Tong, Danielle Moore, Kristen Painter, Sierra VanMeter, Deja Robinson, Natalie Harris, and Elijah Smith attended in person. Jennie Ren and Leonor Nevarez attended virtually. Ms. Ward-Lamina shared that the SAC members would present their recommendations based on independent research and roundtable discussions held at the recent Student Summit. The recommendations fall into four categories: mental health, education options and counseling, student engagement, and curriculum and resources. Dr. Sanders explained that the Student Summit idea originated while he was at District U-46. He said that the SAC members’ school districts were asked to find opportunities for the students to share their recommendations locally as well. The mental health group recommended a student-led campaign titled “Student Voices for Wellness on the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health.” The campaign would share videos and posters with QR codes to hotlines and wellness tools on social media, and they would host assemblies and include these activities as part of the required mental health unit. The education options and counseling group reimagined how students are placed into advanced courses since standardized tests do not always capture a student’s full academic potential. They recommended a holistic approach to student class placement, factoring in teacher and counselor recommendations, student input, prior academic performance, and demonstrated interested. They also recommended making advanced courses more accessible to those with strong interest. The student engagement group recommended a non-instructional day to foster classroom connections and hopefully improve students’ behavioral, cognitive, and emotional engagement as a result. The curriculum and resources group proposed a student-led initiative that provides multiple opportunities to expand teaching instruction to include diverse perspectives across all subjects.

Dr. Nugent thanked the SAC members for their leadership and reflected on the impactful Student Summit. She also thanked the ISBE team for providing this opportunity for student leadership. She then asked the ISBE team what its plan is to follow up on the SAC recommendations. Ms. Ward-Lamina deferred to Dr. Sanders, who said the ISBE team will go back and review all recommendations to see which can be implemented on the state level. However, since many recommendations require local action, the team also is brainstorming how students can communicate this information to the field. Dr. Nugent commented that the QR codes were a very innovative idea for the mental health project. Dr. Sanders agreed and said he has seen those being used in the field already. Dr. Nugent suggested spreading these recommendations to Regional Offices of Education as well. Dr. Anderson spoke on Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the impact that being able to participate in these courses has on student performance in other areas. He also recommended looking at states, such as Maine and Florida, that offer online AP courses to their students. Ms. Gonzalez stated how impressed she was with the SAC members and said she admired their bravery, passion, and advocacy. She thanked them for making the journey to attend the Board meeting in person and congratulated them on an amazing presentation, adding that she is excited to see what the future holds for their recommendations. Dr. Chavarria thanked the students for their recommendations and shared that she has had many similar thoughts, especially on disengaged students. She directed them to the Chicago Public Schools Cultivate Survey as an example of an initiative to improve student engagement. Dr. Leak shared that she loves having a multitude of student voices heard on the Board, stated that she is very impressed by the SAC members, and emphasized that their voices will carry into the future. She also requested an SAC alumni page on the ISBE website and that SAC alumni be invited to the Student Summit to share their journeys after their time as members of the SAC. Dr. Leak also commended the parents of SAC members for empowering their children to take on this leadership role. She recommended including an SAC panel at the annual Illinois Association of School Administrators conference, and she thanked the SAC for shaping the experience of future generations and sharing their current experiences. She also encouraged regions across the state to keep pushing young people to share their voices and have a say in decision making. Chair Isoye thanked the SAC members for attending. He said they are the reason that the Board does its work, and their leadership will manifest itself in local policy. He also thanked the ISBE team for coordinating for the students to attend in person and thanked students attending virtually for participating. Dr. Sanders thanked the students again for coming during a busy time of the school year. He also took a moment to acknowledge the recent tragedy in which four young people were killed in Chatham.

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

The open meeting recessed at 10:11 a.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 11:22 a.m.

6. Public Participation

There was no further public participation.

7. Consent Agenda

Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the consent agenda. Dr. Leak noted that the Board has discussed these items in prior committee meetings. Dr. Chavarria added that during those meetings there were follow-up questions asked that were answered by ISBE staff members, and she thanked them for their work. Dr. Nugent thanked Chief Internal Audit Offer Tassi Maton and her team for their work on completing audits.

Dr. Anderson moved that the State Board of Education hereby approve the consent agenda. Ms. Gonzalez seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

The following motions were approved by action taken in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes

*Plenary Minutes: April 16, 2025

The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the April 16, 2025, meeting minutes.

Approvals

*Approval of Cut Score for the Elementary Math Specialist Licensure Content Test

The State Board of Education hereby approves the panel-recommended cut score for the Elementary Mathematics Specialist (314) content exam.

*Approval of Appointees to State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the appointments of the following nominees to the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board:

• Rachel Juarez, social science teacher at Yorkville High School in District 115, as a teacher representative of the Illinois Education Association (IEA).

• Jay Mehta, teacher at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in District 125, as a teacher representative of the IEA.

• Karen Engelmann, family and consumer science teacher at Cobden Unit School in District 17, as a teacher representative of the IEA.

• William Marion Polasky III, social science teacher at Stillman Valley High School in Meridian CUSD 22, as a teacher representative of the IEA.

• Dr. Jennifer Olson, clinical associate professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, as representative of public colleges or universities.

• Shannon Fehrholz, regional superintendent of schools, Regional Office of Education 51, as a representative of regional superintendents of schools.

*Approval of National Association of State Boards of Education Membership Dues

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to renew membership in the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) for FY 2026 in the amount of $44,630.

Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million

*Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for Social Studies and Professional Learning

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for continued development and implementation of professional learning and resources for educators related to instruction for inquiry-based learning and social studies beginning July 1, 2025, in the amount of $250,000.

*Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with Regional Office of Education 9 for the Illinois Learning Technology Center

The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Regional Office of Education 9 for continued administration of the Illinois Learning Technology Center beginning July 1, 2025, in the amount of $2 million, which is appropriated as Technology for Success in the state budget.

*Approval 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 award additional FY 2026 funding in the amount of $298,000 to Illinois State University to administer the Illinois Teaching Excellence Program.

Acceptance Items

*Compliance Examination of the Illinois State Board of Education Report for the Two Years Ended June 30, 2024 The State Board of Education hereby accepts the Office of the Auditor General’s Illinois State Board of Education Compliance Examination Report for the Two Years Ended June 30, 2024.

8. Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of FY 2026 Continuation School Improvement Grants Dr. Chavarria moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release FY 2026 Continuation School Improvement Grant allocations in excess of $1 million from Title I, Part A, Section 1003 funds to the following 10 school districts: McLean County USD 5, Crete Monee CUSD 201U, Calumet Public SD 132, Beach Park CCSD 3, Park Forest SD 163, Carbondale ESD 95, East St. Louis SD 189, Dolton SD 148, Brooklyn UD 188, and Bellwood SD 88.

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

9. Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval to Release and Award a Notice of Funding Opportunity/Request for Proposals for the FY2026 Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant

Dr. Rice moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release a Notice of Funding Opportunities/Request for Proposals for the competitive-based Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Program and to award successful applicants an amount not to exceed $20.4 million per year or a total of $61.2 million over a three-year period. 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.

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

10. Discussion and Approval

A. Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant Upward Amendments

Dr. Leak moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to increase 21st CCLC awards to grantees in Cohort 22 from $69,109,155 to $70,534,155 and to grantees in Cohort 25 from $35 million to $39.15 million over their respective grant terms. 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.

Dr. Nugent seconded the motion. Dr. Sanders clarified that the upward amendments result from a shift in obligations from 21st Century funds to Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds in FY 2024, lapsed and relinquished funds from FY 2022 and FY 2024, and a slight increase in the FY 2025 federal grant award. The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote. Ms. Gonzalez abstained from the vote.

B. Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Grant Agreement for the Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network Project

Executive Director of Specialized Instruction Joyce Gronewold discussed this item. She clarified that the 4,096 teacher vacancies mentioned in the memo provided to the Board is a total for special education and classroom teachers. She added that there were 1,361 special education teacher vacancies in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Dr. Leak thanked Ms. Gronewold for addressing the Board’s questions from committee meetings. Dr. Chavarria thanked Ms. Gronewold for including data showing increased student achievement and teacher retention rates in participating districts.

Ms. Gonzalez moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to approve the grant allocation in total of $1,890,377 to the Regional Office of Education 9 for the Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network Project per the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part D State Personnel Development Grant for FY 2026.

Dr. Rice seconded the motion. Dr. Nugent highlighted that special education vacancies make up a third of the teacher vacancies in the state of Illinois, and she shared her appreciation for this initiative. The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote.

C. Approval of Unified Academic Achievement Standard Setting Methodology

Executive Director of Data, Assessment and Accountability Rae Clementz discussed this item. She was joined by Director of Assessment Angela Foxall.

Dr. Nugent commented that Ms. Clementz discussed this item with the Board at the previous day’s Education Policy Planning Committee Meeting of the Whole, and the Board members asked several questions. She thanked Ms. Clementz and her team, as well as Dr. Sanders, for leading this initiative. Dr. Leak expressed appreciation for the continuity this initiative will create.

Dr. Chavarria asked if the methodology will be applied retroactively and if it will be adaptable to different modes of testing. Ms. Clementz answered that cut scores are set in relation to a specific test and its specific scale, meaning that cut scores would need to be revisited if Illinois were to adopt a new assessment in the future. She emphasized that the performance level descriptors will be durable across test formats. Ms. Clementz then explained that ISBE currently utilizes a form of growth that looks specifically at scaled scores, so this performance level standard setting will not affect growth calculations in any way. Dr. Sanders noted that ISBE will not be changing proficiency rates on previous Illinois Report Cards to align with the new standards being set. Ms. Clementz further articulated that this initiative breaks existing longitudinal proficiency lines and that proficiency rates should not be compared across rates calculated with different standards. Dr. Chavarria asked for clarity on what Ms. Clementz means when she refers to longitudinal trends. Ms. Clementz differentiated between the proficiency levels and student growth percentiles and emphasized that the growth measure will remain stable and measurable across a student’s academic career, but when examining proficiency rates within schools, a change in standards must be factored in. Dr. Chavarria asked if this change would result in ISBE losing its ability to track progress over time; Ms. Clementz replied that tracking progress over time will still be possible with the growth measure. Dr. Chavarria thanked Ms. Clementz and her team for the process they have led and the engagement around it. She encouraged more updates be provided to the Board going forward.

Dr. Chavarria moved that the State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to conduct a unified academic achievement standard setting for all general state assessments of English language arts, mathematics, and science using a combined Extended Modified-Angoff (Yes/No) methodology with elements of ACT’s empirical approach.

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

11. Announcements and Reports

Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements

Dr. Sanders again recognized tragedy that occurred in Chatham and sent thoughts and prayers to that community. He shared that ISBE’s legislative agenda is continuing to progress with most items on track to pass, and he promised to provide an update after the spring process concludes. Dr. Sanders mentioned that he and Chair Isoye were able to meet with former Board member Roger Eddy to discuss his time on the Board and will be doing the same with Dr. Anna Grassellino. They also were able to attend the Illinois Association of School Business Officials conference. Dr. Sanders shared that the Statewide System of Support tour stops have all been successful. He noted that the last stop will be in Chicago and encouraged anyone interested to attend. He then reminded the Board that he will be conducting a fireside chat the following day with Shalinee Sharma, co-founder of Zearn, and that the Those Who Excel &Teacher of the Year banquet will take place on May 17. He concluded by wishing Board Services Coordinator Jo Ireland a happy birthday and recognized Illinois Deputy Governor for Education Martin Torres and First Assistant Deputy Governor for Education Emily Goldman for attending the Board meeting.

There were no senior staff announcements.

Chair of the Board’s Report

Chair Isoye said he had a meeting with Madeleine Kriech, the state relations strategist from the Education Commission of the States, along with ISBE Executive Director of Legislative Affairs Dana Stoerger. He congratulated everyone on the amazing 19th annual Bilingual Parent Summit. Chair Isoye then reminded Board members that there will be a NASBE central region meeting on May 20. He thanked everyone at the agency for their hard work during federal changes and uncertain times. He concluded with a reminder that the June Board meeting will take place at 10:30 a.m. on June 11, with committee meetings beginning at 9 a.m. on June 11. He also celebrated the recent birthday of Dr. Sanders and the upcoming birthday of Dr. Leak.

Member Reports

Dr. Leak complimented Dr. Chavarria for her remarks during the Bilingual Parent Summit and commended ISBE staff for helping to surprise Teacher of the Year Víctor Gomez. She acknowledged the students who spoke about his teaching and said she was excited to celebrate at the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year banquet on May 17.

12. Information Items

ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports

Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report

13. Motion for Adjournment

Chair Isoye stated that the next Board meeting will be held on June 11, 2025.

Dr. Anderson moved to adjourn the May 14, 2025, 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 11:56 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/isbe/Board.nsf/files/DH6L7S553514/$file/DRAFT%20Plenary%20Minutes%20-%20May%2014%202025.pdf