Illinois State Board of Education met March 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
1. Roll Call
Chair of the Board Dr. Steven Isoye called the meeting to order at 10:32 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 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
Laura Gonzalez, Secretary
Dr. Judy Hackett
Luvia Moreno
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
Dr. Kimako Patterson, Chief of Staff
Kristen Kennedy, Chief Legal Officer
Tassi Maton, Chief Internal Audit Officer
Dr. Matt Seaton, Chief Financial Officer
Cynthia Lund, Chief Governmental Relations Officer
Miguel Calderon, Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Jason Helfer, Special Advisor to the State Superintendent
Dr. Michele Morris, Interim Chief Education Officer – Instruction
Jennifer Saba, Chief Education Officer – Operations
Edobor Efam, Chief Information Officer
Rae Clementz, Executive Director of Data, Accountability & Assessment
Dr. Christine Paxson, Executive Director of Improvement & Innovation
Dr. Ronda Dawson, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Joyce Gronewold, Executive Director of Specialized Instruction
Dr. Nikki Combs, Director of School/District Improvement
Dr. Nakia Douglas, Director of Special Education
Dr. Deshonda Daniels-Wright, Director of ROE/ISC
Maureen Font, Director of Data Strategies & Analytics
David Turovetz, Director of Charter Schools
Michael Gum, Director of School Business Services
2. Public Participation
Sarah Benson, a co-organizer for the Parent Mentor Program in the Quad Cities, spoke about the highlights of their program within the Moline school district.
Tyler Chance, assistant principal at Carbondale Community High School, spoke about the new accountability redesign. He acknowledged the engagement that ISBE had with stakeholders throughout the process and shared two concerns related to how the system reflects student experiences in high schools.
Perla Santoyo with Advance Illinois spoke about the accountability redesign. She expressed appreciation to ISBE for allowing stakeholders to provide feedback and participate in the conversations during the process. She shared concerns and urged ISBE to include Freshman (9th Grade) On Track in college and career readiness indicators in future adjustments to the accountability system.
Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association, shared feedback about extensive and rigorous processes in developing the new accountability plan. He spoke about issues that have been brought forward about the 9th Grade On Track data and subgroup designations.
Barton Dassinger, principal of Chavez Elementary School, spoke about the accountability framework in relation to student attendance. He shared that while chronic absenteeism is defined in federal law and Illinois statute, he asked that ISBE have flexibility in how it defines and recognizes attendance within its own accountability system.
Rebecca Vonderlack-Navarro with the Latino Policy Forum offered public comment to ensure that any ESSA accountability amendment advances equity for Latino students and English learner students. She spoke about chronic absenteeism, college and career readiness, and subgroup differences.
Jessica Handy with Stand for Children spoke on the topic of the accountability system. She shared concerns with subgroup accountability and Freshman On Track. She asked the Board to be intentional about the plan to build out a meta indicator for college and career readiness.
Hal Woods, chief of policy at Kids First Chicago, acknowledged the work of ISBE staff throughout the accountability redesign process. He asked for a delay in the implementation of the accountability system to address any remaining concerns.
3. Presentations
A. Moline-Coal Valley School District 40
Dr. Rachel Savage, superintendent, joined by Board members, staff, and community members, presented on Moline-Coal Valley School District 40. Dr. Savage began the presentation by sharing core beliefs and their many points of pride. Among those points were a supportive environment, involved families, ambitious instruction, collaborative teachers and staff, mentors, and the district’s focus on their recommitment to their community. She shared they have recommitted themselves to make sure that they are fostering student growth, creating a safe environment, and innovating so that they are producing full-option, life-ready graduates of Moline High School. Dr. Savage shared that their biggest point of pride is that their students are achieving despite facing barriers. She shared about their PACE framework, which is an acronym for People, Achievement, Community, and Environment.
Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Human Resources Todd DeTaeye shared another point of pride in their strong climate and culture built across their schools grounded in respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to student success. He shared about their strong employee retention and partnerships with their union. He introduced members of their union leadership who talked about the positive relationships with administration, and how they work together to find solutions to keep their district safe, efficient, and welcoming for all students and staff.
Deputy Superintendent Brian Prybil shared about the district’s points of pride in achievement. He discussed three pillars: K-8 Math/ELA, Rigor Learning Walks, and Growth Trends. Mr. Prybil talked about a pilot program with their K-8 math curriculum to ensure fidelity and consistency across grade levels. They just finished up a pilot on their ELA curriculum that was adopted by their board of education and will begin next year. He shared about teacher collaboration and peer observations and followed up with information about their growth trends.
Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Special Education Erin Terstrup discussed the next point of pride, community pride. She talked about the partnership with Metro Quad City for student transportation and the relationship built with the Moline Police Department. Liaisons of the department shared about their collaboration with the school district and their focus on trust, communication, and safety. A representative from the YMCA provided information about their afterschool care programs, summer day camps, their summer enrichment programs, and their year-round food program.
Chief Financial Officer Vincent Gallo shared that the district put an emphasis on their facility improvements and updates to enhance learning environments and the safety of students and staff. He stated that the Evidence-Based Funding model, ESSER grants, and a 1% facility sales tax allowed for consistent budgeting and for them to make capital improvements. Mr. Gallo presented a virtual tour of a new school in the district. He then introduced two student board members who shared about a first installment of their portrait of a graduate program. They showcased a few of the competencies including responsibility, communication, and financial literacy. They ended their presentation by sharing the district’s new slogan, Showing Up. The students thanked the Board members and ISBE staff for showing up.
Dr. Leak thanked Dr. Savage and commended her for the forward thinking and the culture and expectation of learning in every space in the district. Dr. Sanders thanked the superintendent and school staff for hosting the Board meetings and for the fantastic presentation. Board members thanked everyone for the wonderful visit and for their hospitality.
B. Accountability System Update
Dr. Sanders presented on the Accountability Redesign. He reminded everyone that a discussion was held the day before during the Education Policy Planning Committee of the Whole meeting regarding this item.
4. Closed Session
Dr. Hackett 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. The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5)
C. 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)).
D. 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). E. 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. Nugent seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
The open meeting recessed at 12:14 p.m. to go into closed session. The open meeting reconvened at 12:45 p.m.
5. Semiannual Review of Closed Session Minutes
Ms. Moreno stated 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 16, 2025; September 17, 2025; October 15, 2025; November 20, 2025; December 16, 2025; December 17, 2025; January 14, 2026; and February 19, 2026.
She moved that the State Board of Education certifies that the need for confidentiality still exists for all of the closed session minutes for September 16, 2025; September 17, 2025; October 15, 2025; November 20, 2025; December 16, 2025; December 17, 2025; January 14, 2026; and February 19, 2026. She stated that these minutes should be approved and remain closed.
Dr. Hackett seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote.
6. Public Participation
There was no further public participation.
7. Consent Agenda
Chair Isoye reviewed the items under the consent agenda.
Dr. Nugent 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: February 19, 2026
The Illinois State Board of Education hereby approves the February 19, 2026, meeting minutes.
Approvals
*Approval for Publication – Part 525 (Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate Services) Learning Partners
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for Part 525 (Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate Services), including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.
*Approval for Publication – Parts 1 (Public School Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and 50 (Evaluation of Educator Licensed Employees Under Articles 24A and 34 of the School Code) Public Act 104-20 & Other Updates
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemakings for:
Parts 1 (Public School Evaluation, Recognition and Supervision) and 50 (Evaluation of Educator Licensed Employees Under Articles 24A and 34 of the School Code)   
Including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.
*Approval for Publication – Part 151 (School Construction Program) Prioritization Process
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes solicitation of public comment on the proposed rulemaking for:   
Part 151 (School Construction Program)
Including publication of the proposed rules in the Illinois Register to elicit public comment.
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Grant Agreement for the Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network Project
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to approve the grant allocation in total of $9,192,639 for fiscal years 2026 to 2030 to the Regional Office of Education 9 (ROE 9) for the Illinois Elevating Special Education Network Project per the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part D State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG).
*Contracts & Grants Over $1 Million – Approval of Truants’ Alternative and Optional Education Program Grant Notice of Funding Opportunities/Request for Proposals
The State Board of Education hereby authorizes the state superintendent to release the Truants’ Alternative and Optional Education Program FY 2027 NOFO/RFP and award funds to successful applicants. The initial term of the grant will begin July 1, 2026, and extend through June 30, 2027. 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 2027.
*Approval of the Spring 2026 Waiver Report
The State Board of Education hereby approves all waiver requests, with the exception of the Non-Resident Tuition waiver request from Malden CCSD 84. The waiver request from Malden CCSD 84 shall be submitted by the Board to the General Assembly for consideration because the Board received a notice of further consideration on this waiver from three or more panel members.
8. Announcements and Reports
Superintendent/Senior Staff Announcements
Dr. Sanders shared that he, Dr. Isoye, Dr. Leak, and Dr. Patterson attended the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity and UNCF Scholarship banquet. He stated he attended the AI STEM Educator Jam session at Argonne National Lab and the Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Schools Recognition at the Governor’s Mansion. Dr. Sanders shared that he spoke at several events and introduced Mike Dizon as ISBE’s new chief communications officer.
There were no senior staff announcements.
Chair of the Board’s Report
Dr. Isoye shared that he gave welcoming remarks for the Japan Bowl at North Central College sponsored by the Japan Society of Chicago. He reminded Board members about the April 18 Those Who Excel banquet and ceremony and encouraged them to attend if they were able.
Member Reports
Dr. Leak acknowledged that it was Women’s History Month. She noted that there were a lot of women in leadership in the room, and she thanked them for their contributions and being part of the team.
9. Information Items
ISBE Fiscal & Administrative Monthly Reports
Freedom of Information Act Monthly Report
10. Motion for Adjournment
Chair Isoye stated that the next Board meeting will be held on April 15, 2026, in Springfield. Dr. Leak moved to adjourn the March 11, 2026, meeting of the Illinois State Board of Education.
Dr. Hackett seconded the motion, and it passed with a unanimous roll call vote. The meeting adjourned at 12:54 p.m.Â
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/isbe/Board.nsf/files/DSTMM85BDEEC/$file/DRAFT%20Plenary%20Minutes%20-%20March%2011%2C%202026.pdf
