ISBE sets agenda for Springfield meeting on April 16

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is set to convene for its regular business meeting on April 16 at 9 a.m. in Springfield. The session will be accessible online, providing an option for public participation either in person or via phone. "Individuals who wish to sign up for public participation should complete an online form that will be available from 7:30 a.m. until the start of the meeting on April 16," according to the ISBE release. Phone participants can dial in using the provided number and access code.

ISBE emphasizes accessibility for all individuals, including those with disabilities, and offers special accommodations on request. Diana Torres, ISBE's Language Access Coordinator, can be reached via email or phone for these services. "The State Board of Education is also committed to providing equitable opportunities for public participation," the board states.

The agenda includes routine administrative activities, such as roll call and the pledge of allegiance, along with considerations for public participation requests. Resolutions involving board members Dr. Anna Grassellino and Roger Eddy will also be part of the meeting.

A portion of the meeting may go into a closed session if necessary, to discuss sensitive topics like employment matters, legal issues, or real estate transactions as per the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

Another key part of the agenda involves the Superintendent's Report and a consent agenda, including the approval of minutes from a previous meeting, various updates on educator licensure, and several contracts and grants exceeding one million dollars. The board will consider approvals for initiatives such as the Illinois Report Card, a clean heavy-duty vehicle grant, and after-school programs, among others.

The meeting will conclude with announcements and reports from the superintendent, senior staff, the Chair of the Board, and other board members, followed by information items like fiscal and administrative reports and FOIA updates.

The location of the meeting is the ISBE Board Room, 4th Floor, 100 N. First St., Springfield, IL.