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‘Vision 20/20’ initiative launched to improve public schools; What’s next?
By now, most school leaders have heard of “Vision 20/20,” the campaign created by six state school management groups, including IASB, to create a comprehensive legislative initiative, or what leaders are calling “a long-range blueprint,” for improving public education in Illinois.
The organizations involved in the research and development of the campaign also includes the Illinois Association of School Administrators, Illinois Principals Association, Illinois Association of School Business Officials, Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools, and the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity.
The campaign was officially launched in November, at the 2014 Joint Annual Conference in Chicago. The launch included a press conference, visits to editorial boards and appearances on TV and radio news shows. The conference was also used to introduce a video designed to help school leaders, policymakers and the general public understand the purpose of the campaign.
The launch was immediately followed by three regional meetings, held in Naperville, Normal and Mt. Vernon. Hundreds of school leaders attended these events, which also generated a considerable amount of publicity and support. That includes regular posts on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
So, now what?
After two years of research developing a wide variety of issues for consideration, which was published in a policy brief and executive summary, the organization is adding to its arsenal of resources.
At the Vision 20/20 website, http://illinoisvision2020.org/, school leaders now have access to a superintendent’s toolkit (a 21-slide PowerPoint presentation), a list of FAQs, a two-page color flyer, selected quotes from the policy brief, a sample letter to the editor, sample tweets, website banner template for school districts, and a sample resolution to be adopted by school boards (see sample resolution, on page 5).
“We have developed these resources to enlist support from local communities, businesses, organizations, and individual citizens,” said Roger Eddy, executive director of IASB. “No single legislative attempt at improving public education can be developed, implemented or find success without the support, devotion and hard work of all stakeholders.
“We are all part of the system and need to work in partnership to create meaningful and lasting change,” he added.
Expanding the reach of Vision 20/20 has been part of the campaign strategy from the start. Several prominent organizations and individuals have endorsed the initiative, including the Illinois PTA, Horace Mann, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, Ounce of Prevention Fund, and Charlie Rose, former general counsel for U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
“This is just a start,” Eddy said. “We want local school districts to enlist support locally, so that there is a solid grassroots base for the legislative initiatives that we will be seeking.”
The initiatives will emerge from the plan outlined by the Vision 20/20 “four pillars,” which include: highly effective educators, 21 st century learning, shared accountability, and equitable and adequate funding. While some of the proposals will take time to develop and may require new sources of financial support, others can be implemented with minimal cost or time.
For example, Vision 20/20 organizers would like Illinois to create reciprocal teacher licensing agreements with neighboring states. They would also like to see current education practitioners on the state board of education.
“These are just two examples of adding some flexibility to help improve public education,” Eddy said. “In the meantime, we will be working to write legislation and line up appropriate sponsors in both houses and members from both parties to introduce and support other initiatives.”
The campaign is also the focus of a major event occurring next month in Springfield. The Alliance Leadership Summit (see story on page 1), is to be held Feb. 17-18 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. Events will include a legislative reception, a political analysts’ panel, a visit to the Capitol, and several guest speakers. An invitation has also been extended to newly elected Gov. Bruce Rauner.
“The timing of the summit offers a perfect opportunity for superintendents, school board members, principals, school business officials, and other stakeholders in public education to come together as a unified team,” Eddy said. “It is critical that this Summit produces grassroots support to transfer the beliefs of Vision 20/20 into public policy that benefits public education.”
While there have been few specifics released about Rauner’s education plan, Vision 20/20 leaders have been encouraged by their meetings with the governor’s transition team. “It’s important that we can work with the new administration on issues that we can collaborate on,” Eddy continued.
One area of common ground may be in the form of mandate relief.
The transition team’s report, “Building a Better Illinois,” in fact, recommends that the new governor “begin an effort to identify mandates and rules that have highest priority for implementation and those for which schools and districts would most likely seek relief.”
The report also suggests that the new administration “review recommendations of councils and statewide organizations such as the P-20 Council and Vision 20/20 to determine which recommendations are low cost and high impact.”
Eddy said he is “encouraged” by Rauner’s passion for education, which will be tested as the governor fashions his first budget for the legislature.
“That’s why the Alliance partners are working to develop a specific Vision 20/20 agenda for the spring legislative session,” the IASB executive director said.
In the meantime, Vision 20/20 will also continue to look for and build support locally. Districts, individuals and other organizations that would like to do so can show their support by signing the petition on the Vision 20/20 website. School leaders are also encouraged to use the tools and resources on the website to make presentations in their communities.
Why? As the Vision 20/20 organizers highlight every time they get the opportunity to tell the story: “Education is an investment in our children’s future, our state’s future and our nation’s future. It is our responsibility as educators to reflect upon the current state of education in Illinois and take action to create an education system that meets the needs of all students.”
Alliance Leadership Summit to focus on future of public education
School officials will have an opportunity to engage Illinois legislators and learn new skills to effectively lead public education in their communities at the first ever Alliance Leadership Summit, Feb. 17-18, at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield.
The two-day event will focus on the future of public education in Illinois, with an emphasis on “Vision 20/20,” the Alliance’s legislative initiative to fulfill the promise of public education throughout the state.
The summit will feature public education advocates, including guest speaker Joseph Scherer, executive director of the Superintendents’ National Dialogue, who will present “School Leaders: Strong Minds Creating a Vision.”
A presentation on Vision 20/20 will focus on the four pillars of the long-range plan: Highly Effective Educators, 21 st Century Learning, Shared Accountability and Equitable and Adequate Funding. A panel discussion featuring each of the executive directors of the Alliance will look at legislative “hot topics,” including Senate Bill 16, the education budget, pension reform and a potential cost shift.
A political analyst panel offered by three long-time political reporters will discuss the outlook in Illinois under a new governor and what the upcoming spring legislative session may mean for school districts throughout the state. An invitation has also been extended to newly-elected Gov. Bruce Rauner to address the attendees about his plan for public education in Illinois.
The Alliance will host a legislative reception on the night of Feb. 18, and time has been set aside the following day for visits to the Capitol to speak with legislators.
The cost of registration for the event is $150, which includes materials, breakfast on Wednesday, two lunches, and the Wednesday evening reception. Registration is being conducted through each local school district superintendent at IASA.
Additional information is now available on the IASA website, www.cvent.com/events/alliance-leadership-summit/event-summary-6c02f6f53de74d86ae4d5b8e87d49eee.aspx, as well as through an online registration form, www.cvent.com/events/alliance-leadership-summit/registration-6c02f6f53de74d86ae4d5b8e87d49eee.aspx.
Winter workshop to explore community engagement work
The Illinois Association of School Boards is presenting a community engagement workshop in February. Titled “Connecting with the Community: The Board’s Role and Work in Community Engagement,” the workshops will take place Saturday, February 7 at the Northern Illinois University campus in Naperville and again if needed on Saturday, February 21 at the IASB office in Springfield.
IASB’s Foundational Principles of Effective Governance include the principle that “The school board engages in an ongoing two-way conversation with the entire community.” To help board members accomplish that, the winter workshop offers participants the opportunity to:
• ‑ Understand what community engagement is, and how it differs from public relations;
• ‑ Understand the key principles of effective community engagement;
• ‑ Understand and practice how to fulfill the board’s role in community engagement efforts and
• ‑ Consider why effective community engagement is essential to public education.
Tuition is $150 per person, which includes materials and meals (continental breakfast and lunch). Advance registration is required and must be received two days prior to the intended workshop. Registration, agenda and complete workshop information are all available at www.iasb.com/calendar/CWCwinterworkshop15.pdf.
Survey results from district leaders find growing fault with state services
Results of the 16th annual Service Evaluation Survey recently sent by the lieutenant governor’s office to Illinois school district superintendents show that 68 percent of respondents believe state funding to schools is poor or needs improvement. This is up from 65 percent last year.
The survey asked superintendents to evaluate the Illinois State Board of Education and the Regional Offices of Education. This year, 352 school districts participated, with 302 completing most or all of the survey questions. At least 82 counties were represented in the responses, but the number may be higher because some respondents did not identify their county.
The Illinois School Code requires the lieutenant governor to convene a Service Evaluation Committee to annually evaluate the importance and quality of the services furnished to school districts by ISBE and the Regional Offices of Education. IASB Director of Governmental Relations Susan Hilton served as chairman of the committee that oversaw the development of both the 2013 and 2014 survey instruments.
Although respondents gave ISBE and ROEs high marks in many areas, including leadership, communication and responsiveness to requests for assistance, respondents said more support continues to be needed for Common Core implementation. Other complaints about state services centered on a lack of support for professional development, and testing technology. The same complaints were registered in last year’s survey report.
Meanwhile, state funding shortfalls, pension cost-shifts and unfunded mandates continued to cause widespread concern among schools’ top administrators.
The survey was completed in mid-December and officials said they will examine it more closely and use it to help guide them in their future decision making.
Responses were collected online between Sep. 1 and Oct. 24, 2014. The data is intended to inform policymakers and is sent to the General Assembly to help plan state and local educational improvements.
To see a copy of the latest report visit: http://www2.illinois.gov/ltgov/Documents/2014%20ISBE%20ROE%20Survey%20Results%20FINAL.pdf .
Myriad new school laws reviewed in new IASB publication
M ore than 220 new laws officially took effect in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2015. For example, HB 4207 requires schools to address electronic bullying in reported cases even when it occurs off campus and uses private computers, cell phones, etc. The new law requires school bullying policies or implementing procedures to include a process to investigate if the reported act of bullying is within the school or district’s jurisdiction (Public Act 98-0801).
More information for school leaders is offered online in a new IASB publication, called New School Laws. The purpose is to notify school leaders about any newly adopted law or change in existing law important to local districts. Laws are indexed by bill and Public Act number and title. Laws are also separated by subjects, such as boards of education, personnel, regional office of education, and taxation.
This publication will be mailed to district superintendents, business officials and principals, as well as to each school board’s legislative liaison and president.
New School Laws can be found, as well, on the IASB website at https://www.iasb.com/govrel/newlaws.cfm.
More E-rate funds due for Wi-Fi, but some services cut
On Dec. 11, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved an order to modernize the E-rate program that includes $1.5 billion in added funds over five years for broadband access and digital learning opportunities for U.S. schools and libraries.
This change raises the overall funding cap for the program to $3.9 billion annually, plus annual changes to keep pace with inflation. To defray the extra cost, the FCC will increase telephone service fees by $1.90 per year per phone line. Funding for the E-rate program was capped 16 years ago at $2.25 billion a year, meaning that existing funding had not kept pace with inflation.
The move is designed to allow thousands of additional schools and libraries across the nation, including many in rural areas, to gain access to high-speed Internet connections. Currently, seven in 10 rural school districts say none of their schools meet high-speed Internet connectivity targets. Schools in affluent areas are three times more likely to meet speed targets than those in low-income areas.
“Today’s decision marks a major milestone in supporting life-long and individualized learning in today’s digital age and benefits today’s underserved students, schools, and libraries ,” said Lucy Gettman, deputy associate executive director of federal advocacy and public policy, National School Boards Association.
In addition to raising the funding cap, the FCC made several additional changes to the E-rate rules.
Most controversially, the new E-rate order will allow schools and libraries to build high-speed broadband facilities themselves, subject to a number of safeguards. This new support will be paired with a partial match of any state-provided support for the construction of last-mile broadband facilities.
If a state provides funding to an E-rate eligible school or library to build out last-mile facilities, the E-rate program will match up to 10 percent of the cost of that construction. Schools and libraries will also be eligible to receive funding for large, up-front construction costs in one year, instead of seeking funding over multiple years (as is currently required).
The E-rate order will require carriers who receive subsidies from the universal service’s High Cost program to offer high-speed broadband services to rural schools and libraries at rates that are similar to those charged in urban areas.
The FCC’s order devotes an additional $1 billion annually over the next two years to Wi-Fi technologies, and sets the same per-year funding target after that. The FCC says the immediate infusion of money for Wi-Fi will come from savings from other program areas.
Wi-Fi support marks a shift in how E-rate supports schools. In recent years, demand for services providing external Internet connections, labeled Priority 1 under the old program, sucked up most funding, leaving little for Wi-Fi.
Until now E-rate funding has fallen short of demand. In fact, from 2009 to 2013, only 236,526 students, or 10 percent of all students in Illinois, were served by funding for Wi-Fi through the federal E-rate. In 2012, Illinois requested $85.6 million in E-rate discounts for Wi-Fi, but received $46 million.
With the expansion of E-rate, nearly 2 million more students in 5,210 additional schools and 793 more libraries in the state will have access to Wi-Fi support over the next five years.
Gains offset by losses
As it pours more money into Wi-Fi, however, the FCC is phasing out E-rate support for phone services, and eliminating funding for other services, such as paging, e-mail, and the hosting of websites.
Critics say those costs will be pushed back on schools.
Illinois districts have begun sifting through the order to see where their E-rate funding will rise and fall.
Districts that received tens of thousands of dollars for voice and other service that will be phased out are concerned that those losses will sting.
Another change that could hurt some districts is the new policy that requires a district-wide calculation of eligibility for E-rate funds.
That could cost some districts money, particularly those whose poverty levels vary enormously by school, and the previous, school-based formula recognized those needs. But FCC officials say the district-wide formula simplifies the application process , provides more consistent funding across districts, and increases the accuracy of awards.
Some say the Wi-Fi expansion could bring more funding predictability—potentially important for districts pushing forward with a 1-to-1 computing plan.
But the infusion for Wi-Fi, balanced against a possible reduction of other E-rate funds, is a mixed blessing.
Keith Bockwoldt, the director of technology services for Township High School District 214, Arlington Heights, said he’s heard concerns from some other school systems about the loss of phone services. His district moved to a Web-based phone service a few years ago, saving money in the process.
He was enthusiastic, however, about a new policy that may increase funding equity by making the prices E-rate recipients pay for services more publicly available.
Details about the E-rate changes were shared when the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) completed new webinars in January.
All were recorded and are available for viewing in the Schools and Libraries Program’s online learning library under the heading “ Webinar Recordings” at: www.usac.org/sl/about/outreach/online-learning.aspx .
More counties to vote on adoption of county-wide sales tax
At least six counties in Illinois are voting on county sales tax questions for school facilities in the April 7 consolidated election. Referendums are scheduled in Rock Island, Jersey and Scott counties, but three others are late additions in Carroll, Stephenson and Perry counties. They were awaiting local school board action this month in order to qualify to appear on the ballot.
A total of 30 counties in the state already have adopted a countywide sales tax to be used for school facilities, including six that passed in the most recent such voting on Nov. 3 in Calhoun, Green, Morgan, Piatt, White and Whiteside counties.
Such a referendum qualifies for the ballot when school boards representing more than 50 percent of the resident student enrollment in the county adopt a resolution to certify the question. The sales tax referendum, when adopted, may impose up to an additional 1 percent sales tax on everything the county taxes, but does not impose any tax on goods or services that are not already subject to sales taxes.
Goods and services that are not subject to the additional tax include cars, trucks, ATVs, boats and RVs; mobile homes, unprepared food, drugs, farm equipment and parts.
For many school districts, the funding provided by the county school sales tax for school facilities may be the best or only way to raise funds for school construction, repair and maintenance.
But timing of the vote is important because it takes about a year for districts to receive any funds as the state revenue department only changes the tax rates for counties twice a year, on Jan. 1 and July 1. In addition, it takes about four months after the county tax goes into effect for funds to be distributed from the state through the regional office of education to local schools.
Results of the April voting on these questions, as well as on all local school finance referenda, will be reported following the April 7 election.
Sample resolution on Vision 20/20 available to districts
The following sample resolution is available in a Word document that can be downloaded from the Vision 20/20 website at: http://illinoisvision2020.org/toolkit/.
WHEREAS, public education plays a defining role in ensuring equal opportunity for the children in Illinois and throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, it is our collective duty to ensure that every student, no matter his or her demographic or geographic identity, has equal access to a quality education; and
WHEREAS, though we reject the notion that public education is currently failing, we believe that strides need to be made to continually improve our public education system; and
WHEREAS, there have been four areas of prioritization identified as integral in improving our public schools: Shared Accountability, 21 st Century Learning, Highly Effective Educators, and Equitable and Adequate Funding; and
WHEREAS, Shared Accountability should address: providing a greater role in State education governance by practicing educators, implementing a differentiated accountability system recognizing the diversity of each individual school district, and abating and restructuring unfunded mandates on local school districts; and
WHEREAS, 21 st Century Learning should address: developing the “whole child” educationally instead of only focusing on the assessment of all students in a narrow scope of test scores in math and science, preserving instructional time for the best use of teacher/student interaction, investing in Early Childhood Education, linking students to college and careers, and expanding equity in technology access; and
WHEREAS, Highly Effective Educators should address: recruiting and retaining high-impact educators, and providing relevant professional development for teachers and administrators; and
WHEREAS, Equitable and Adequate Funding should address: providing funding to school districts based on the local need, stabilizing State budgets, generally, and education funding specifically, and enhancing school district flexibility to increase financial efficiency; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that any education improvement proposal for comprehensive change must be developed and supported by not only the education community, but in collaboration with parents, communities, businesses, and others whose priorities reflect the best interests of the students; therefore
BE IT RESOLVED that the _______________________ Board of Education joins with the Illinois Association of School Administrators, Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Principals’ Association, Illinois Association of School Business Officials, Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents, and the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity in supporting the Vision 20/20 education improvement proposal; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the _________________________ Board of Education urges the Illinois General Assembly to approve the necessary legislative changes to implement the recommendations under the four pillars of education improvement as contained in the Vision 20/20 document.
National advocacy conference in D.C. drawing school leaders
Board members will join their peers from across the country at the National School Boards Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C., Feb. 1-3. The event offers school board members a chance to meet with their congressional representatives to discuss federal education issues.
Programming will include nationally recognized speakers James Carville, political consultant and author; Mary Matalin, media host and author; as well as journalist Gwen Ifill, moderator and managing editor of Washington Week and co-anchor and managing editor for The PBS NEWSHOUR.
Sessions will offer more interaction rather than only lecture-style presentations, plus substantial programming for information and skill building around public advocacy.
As with the Advocacy Institute last year and formerly known FRN Conferences of past years, the institute will end with a day on Capitol Hill to lobby members of Congress.
Attendees will discuss reauthorization of ESEA, funding of Title I and IDEA, and local control.
Attending the conference this year from Illinois are: IASB President Karen Fisher, of Ottawa THSD 140; IASB Vice President Phil Pritzker, of Wheeling CCSD 21; and Immediate Past President Carolyne Brooks.
Other school leaders will include Aptakisic-Tripp CCSD 102 board member Scott Linn; Lake Forest CHSD 115 superintendent Michael V. Simeck; Community Unit School District 300, Algonquin board member Kathleen Burley; and Community Unit School District 300, Algonquin board member Steve Fiorentino; and Community Unit School District 300, Algonquin, Superintendent Frederick Heid; Geneseo CUSD 228 board vice president and IASB director, Jackie Mickley; and Waukegan CUSD 60 board president Anita Hanna.
Association staff attending the Advocacy Institute will include: IASB Executive Director Roger Eddy; Deputy Executive Director Ben Schwarm; and Director of Governmental Relations Susan Hilton.
For more information about this public schools advocacy event in the nation’s capital, visit: http://www.nsba.org/events/advocacy-institute/.
Conference panel ideas for 2015 due by Feb. 13
The Illinois Association of School Boards is seeking proposals for “Share the Success” panel sessions at the 2015 Joint Annual Conference.
School districts and other educational organizations are invited to submit specific proposals for these 90-minute sessions.
The chosen panels are presented by the board members, administrators and other school or community members who were involved in the particular programs showcased, based on actual school system experiences.
Presenters give insight and practical information on how to solve common problems. They share discoveries and innovations from programs succeeding in their school districts. And they provide tips on how school boards can achieve such successes in their own school districts.
IASB seeks specific panel suggestions in any of the following ten tracks; presenters are asked to select one primary track and one secondary track, if applicable:
• ‑Governance/Leadership
• ‑Student Learning and Achievement
• ‑Special Interest to New Board Members
• Finance and Funding
• Current Issues
• ‑Community Relations and Communications
• School Law
• ‑Facilities/Transportation/Technology
• Best Practices
• Governmental Relations
Proposals can be made electronically or by mail or Fax. The form to fill out and submit electronically can be found at: https://www.iasb.com/ jac15/rfp2015.cfm . Those who prefer to fill out a paper form can download a PDF version to submit by mail to IASB, 2921 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL 62703, Attn: Peggy Goone, or Fax at: www.iasb.com/jac15/rfp 2015.pdf .
A committee of Association members will evaluate all proposals received in the IASB Springfield office by Feb. 13. Invitations will be issued to the districts and organizations recommended by those evaluators. Preference will be given to registered conference attendees. Acceptance of an invitation to present a Share the Success panel represents a joint commitment to create a valuable educational experience for conference attendees.
Districts and organizations that are not selected to make their presentations during a 90-minute panel session may be offered a different opportunity to present at the conference. IASB will once again be featuring a “Carousel of Panels” session on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 21.
The Carousel is designed to allow districts and organizations a chance to make three, one-half-hour presentations on their topic in just under a two-hour period, allowing attendees an opportunity to obtain a wide variety of information in minimal time.
The 2015 Joint Annual Conference is set for Nov. 20-22 in Chicago.
Updated information about the 2015 conference will be posted online as it is received. Instructions and forms for registration and housing will all be posted on the IASB website beginning in early June at www.iasb.com.
Joint Annual Conference exhibitor applications to be posted online Feb. 9
IASB has an online registration procedure for contracts and housing for all exhibitors planning to attend the 2015 Conference.
New forms will be posted online Monday, Feb. 9. The forms and instructions will not be mailed out, however the completed forms still must be sent in to IASB. Credit card purchases may be emailed or faxed in.
Signed contracts and booth fees must be submitted by the date listed on the contract for firms wishing to try to reserve the same exhibit space as in 2014. But no space is guaranteed, and all booths will be assigned on a first-paid/first-received contract basis.
“We will do our best to assign the same booth space as last year or the closest space to the booth requested for those who get the contract signed early,” said IASB Meetings Management Assistant Director and Exhibit Manager Sandy Boston.
Instructions and forms will be posted online at: https://www.iasb.com/jac15/exhibitor.cfm .
An email reminder will be sent to exhibitors, plus an online reminder is to be posted later this month.
Potential exhibitors are being asked to ensure that IASB has received the correct email address for the person they wish to receive a reminder.
Questions about exhibitions, forms or procedures, should be directed to IASB Meetings Management at 217/528-9688, ext. 1115.
2014 conference photo gallery offered for members
Photos from the 2014 Joint Annual Conference are now posted online.
Photographs chosen for this gallery can be used for school district newsletters, websites and news releases to local media. The photos are also intended for personal keepsakes.
There is no fee for this member service; however, visitors will need to use a password to log into the site. Photographs selected for use may be purchased for a fee.
The website is http://rhlphoto.exposuremanager.com/g/iasb_2014. A password (iasb2014) is required in order to access the site; and a valid email address is also required.
Applications sought for Board Governance Recognition Award
Applications are now open for IASB’s annual “School Board Governance Recognition Award.” The award is designed to acknowledge school boards that have engaged in activities and modeled behaviors leading to excellence in local school governance in support of quality public education.
The application for recognition asks school boards to explain how they are meeting IASB’s six Foundational Principles of Effective Governance in areas that include:
• ‑adopting and communicating their mission, vision and goals
• ‑having and implementing a superintendent evaluation process
• ‑conducting regular policy reviews and maintaining an updated policy manual
• ‑practicing effective governance behaviors through participation in and support for board development programs and events.
The program’s main focus is on full board development and participation versus individual board member efforts.
“Effective school boards know that excellence in local school board governance requires full board commitment to obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities critical to good governance,” said Dean Langdon, IASB’s associate executive director for board development and TAG.
Successful applicants will be presented with plaques at IASB’s fall division meetings, and with photos on display at the 2015 Conference.
Applications are available on IASB’s Members-Only website at https://members.iasb.com/login.cfm under the “IASB involvement” tab. To facilitate what boards need to do to complete the application, a checklist is available at: www.iasb.com/training/governancechecklist.pdf.
Additional information and details can also be found in an online tutorial video, available at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TplmG2TYkg&feature=youtu.be .
Questions about the School Board Governance Recognition program should be directed to Michelle Uher, ext.1144, or by emailing her at: muher@iasb.com.
Association staff and officers to make presentations at NSBA conference in Nashville
The National School Boards Association’s 75th Annual Conference, set for March 21-23 at Music City Center, Nashville, will focus on key issues impacting school boards in five key areas: leadership, advocacy, technology plus learning, urban school issues, and school law.
Among IASB participants will be Executive Director Roger Eddy; Deputy Executive Director Ben Schwarm; Director of Meetings Management Carla Bolt; and Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director Carrie Cloyd.
Reatha Owen, director of field services, and consultant Angie Peifer, will present a Friday preconference workshop on The Board’s Role in Community Engagement. Patrick Rice, director of field services, will present a Saturday panel session on Articulating the Purpose and Need for School Boards. And Tom Leahy, consultant, executive searches, will be one of several presenters at a Sunday panel on Superintendent Selection: Why You Need to Do it Right.
At the NSBA Delegate Assembly, the Illinois delegates will include: President Karen Fisher, Vice President Phil Pritzker, Immediate Past President Carolyne Brooks, and Chicago District 299 representative to the IASB Board, Jesse Ruiz.
For more information about the NSBA conference, go online at: www.nsba.org/conference .
Service awards, honorary status offered by IASB
IASB Honorary Memberships for Exceptional Service are awarded for rendering distinguished service to IASB or to public education in general. The contributions may extend district wide or regionally. Up to three Honorary Memberships statewide may be awarded each year. The awards are presented at regional meetings.
In addition, honors may be given through the IASB Service Award for 25 years of service (not necessarily continuous) producing a positive impact through a close affiliation with and direct service to schools, either as an employee or volunteer. Current board members and IASB staff are not eligible recipients. Service Awards are issued to as many people as meet the requirements to receive them; they are presented at regional meetings. There is no deadline by which these names must be submitted.
Submit nominations to: IASB Awards Committee Liaison, 2921 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL 62703-5929, or phone Kara Kienzler at IASB, or fax 217/753-2485.
Board members can claim tax deduction for board service
School board members are allowed to take a deduction on their federal income tax returns for non-reimbursed expenses arising out of board service. The cost of driving to and from school board meetings is one such deduction.
Board members must itemize deductions and file Form 1040 to qualify. Contact the IRS or see IRS Publication 526, “Charitable Contributions,” for such guidelines pertinent to deductions. Free copies are available from the IRS and may be downloaded from their website at www.irs.gov or obtained by mail by calling 1-800/829-3676.
Candidate briefings, ‘Vision’ featured at division meetings in the spring
School board candidates interested in better understanding the roles, responsibilities and obligations of school board members are invited to attend IASB candidate briefings being held in conjunction with all of this year’s spring division meetings.
Some candidate briefings will take place immediately prior to the regular division meeting, while others will be offered as a breakout session after dinner. The first of the spring division meetings will take place on Feb. 24 and the last meeting is scheduled for March 31.
A number of divisions will feature presentations on Vision 20/20, the collaborative public education initiative of IASB and five other statewide school management groups.
In addition to candidate briefings, 14 divisions will provide programming on Vision 20/20. The other most common topic this spring is school finance.
Reservations can be made by mail, phone, fax, or online. Boards are welcome to invite candidates for the whole meeting, but participants who choose to attend the dinner must register and pay a minimal fee. Participants who attend only the candidate briefing will not be charged.
For additional information on these upcoming division meetings, as well as other upcoming IASB professional development opportunities, visit the online events calendar: www.iasb.com/calendar/calendar.cfm.
Tinley Park to host South Cook Division breakfast meeting on adopting new technology
In additon to winter/spring division dinner meetings, the South Cook Division will host a division breakfast meeting on Saturday Feb. 7 at Central Middle School in Tinley Park. This event will feature a look at how one district in the division embarked on an effort to incorporate specialized technology to meet the needs of the 21st Century learner.
Attendees will discover innovations that CCSD 146, Tinley Park, has launched regarding infrastructure, device choice, implementation, and finance. The meeting, from 8:30 a.m. until noon, will aim to help other districts succeed in their efforts to increase technological access and maximize student achievement, and will offer insight into implementation phases, and finance.
Attendance at division meetings earns five credits in IASB’s Master Board Member program. Again, reservations can be made by mail, phone, fax or online. Visit the online events calendar at www.iasb.com/calendar/calendar.cfm .
Harms, Neeley, Osmond, Pfister elected to IASB Executive Committee by full board
T he IASB Board of Directors at their organizational meeting in November voted to elect four current directors to the executive committee for the coming year. Elected were: Joanne Osmond, Lake Villa CCSD 41; Mark Harms, Flanagan-Cornell Unit SD 74, Flanagan; Tom Neeley, Morton CUSD 709; and Roger Pfister, Carbondale ESD 95 .
These four are in addition to IASB officers who automatically serve as executive committee members, including President Karen Fisher, Vice President Phil Pritzker, Immediate Past President Carolyne Brooks, and Treasurer Dale Hansen.
In other board action, Glen Eriksson of Eriksson Engineering Associates, Ltd., was introduced as the IASB Service Associates representative to the Board of Directors.
The next meeting of the IASB Board of Directors will be March 6-7 at the Hilton in Lisle.
Total of three strikes on year against public schools
To date there have been three school strikes in the 2014-2015 school year. There are none to report at this time, although there have been intent-to-strike notices adopted at two school districts in recent weeks.
Most recently, a strike was averted on Dec. 20 in Murphysboro CUSD 186 where an intent-to-strike notice had been filed by 146 teachers. The new agreement is for three years. Teachers had been working without a contract since the beginning of the school year. Negotiations began in June.
The only currently active strike notice is pending in Maywood SD 89, Melrose Park. An intent-to-strike notice there was filed on Dec. 15.
Several additional school districts have settled contract disputes during the current school year, including:
• ‑Richmond-Burton CHSD 157 ,Bargaining unit size: 56; Notice filed Aug. 15, 2014; Settled Sep. 23.
• ‑Hinsdale THSD 86 , Bargaining unit size: 377; Notice filed Oct. 3, 2014; Settled Oct. 9.
• ‑ Belvidere CUSD 100 , Bargaining unit size: 530; Notice filed Oct. 2, 2014; Settled Oct. 14.
• ‑Pleasant Plains CUSD 8 , Bargaining unit size: 93; Notice filed Nov. 13, 2014; Settled Dec. 11.
The three strikes that occurred earlier in the school year included Galesburg CUSD 205. It involved 680 teachers and paraprofessionals in a strike that began Aug. 13 and ended Aug. 28. A week-long work stoppage took place in Highland CUSD 5, involving 182 teachers. It ended on Sep. 18. The longest work stoppage came in October, lasting for nearly a month in Waukegan SD 60. It involved 1,200 teachers and ended on Oct. 30.
Latest Journal examines principal prep, cyberbullying
T he January/February 2015 issue of The Illinois School Board Journal includes a look at a “win-win situation” underway in the internship component of the principal preparation program offered by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Instructor Jim Herndon shares the benefits the internships provide to aspiring principals and their mentoring school districts.
The cover story for January/February examines cyberbullying’s impact on student suicide rates and highlights changes in school districts’ bullying prevention and response policies that have come about because of the digital age. A related story examines what Illinois law requires in regard to bullying prevention and response.
This issue also highlights a photographic review of the 2014 Joint Annual Conference and the second of a two-part series on judicial challenges to education funding.
Ex-quarterback’s lawsuit challenges IHSA on football concussion protocols
A former high school quarterback has filed a lawsuit against the Illinois High School Association, charging that the IHSA, by not having concussion protocols in place, put high school students at risk. The IHSA said the lawsuit could jeopardize many football programs.
The lawsuit, filed by Daniel Bukal, who played at Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, is reportedly the first instance in which legal action was taken against an organization that oversees high school sports in any state. The suit charges the IHSA did not do enough to protect him from concussions when he played and does not do enough to protect current players.
“In Illinois high school football, responsibility … for the historically poor management of concussions begins with the IHSA,” the lawsuit states.
Bukal says he sustained concussions during his high school football career in the early 2000s and still suffers migraines and memory loss.
In the wake of the lawsuit, Marty Hickman, executive director of the IHSA, warned that such legal action would result in costs that could force poorer schools to eliminate football programs.
The remedies requested in the lawsuit include implementing protocols for practice and games, baseline testing, concussion reporting and tracking, trained medical personnel on the sidelines for all football games and practices, additional training programs for medical staff, trainers and faculty, and guidelines for screening and detection of head injuries.
“The fact that somebody can’t have access to a physician every day at practice and every day at a football game at all levels shouldn’t deny a kid the opportunity to play football,” Hickman said.
Illinois law mandates concussion training for high school coaches. The IHSA reports 22,000 coaches (football and other sports) have taken the training it offers.
IHSA schools are required to adopt an IHSA-compliant policy regarding student athlete concussions and head injuries and provide information on such a policy as a part of any agreement signed by student athletes and parents/guardians. IHSA participation also requires schools to educate coaches, student-athletes and parent/guardians about the nature and risk of concussions and head injuries and ensure compliance with the “Return to Play” policy of the IHSA.
Bloomington (Dec. 08,The Pantagraph) McLean County school tax rates are holding steady. Among eight McLean County districts, four are set to see small jumps in tax rates; one is expected to hold steady; two should decline; and information for one district was not yet available. Higher tax rates result from an increased need for local funds, as realized through tax levies, without increases in equalized assessed value (EAV). Cuts in state financial aid also lead to greater need for local funding. Every local district, however, posted a higher levy for 2015.
Champaign (Dec. 16, News-Gazette)A dual-credit program in Champaign CUSD 4 is putting students ahead of the game.Automotive classes and nursing are among the many that will be offered at Parkland next year in a new Early College and Career Academy for students from at least 14 area high schools. The academy is expected to lower costs for high school students interested in taking college courses and give them the chance to earn college credit early.
Gibson City (Jan. 1, News-Gazette) Board members want to give Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley students every chance to meet their career goals, especially those who otherwise might “fall through the cracks.” Thus, the GCMS board is the latest to back the idea behind the Early College & Career Academy, planned for next year at Parkland College. The program, also embraced in recent weeks by Urbana, Fisher and Paxton-Buckley- Loda, among other area districts, allows high school students to complete courses at Parkland and receive industry certificates or college credit in fields such as automotive repair, computer science, health professions and criminal justice. The academy will accept up to 100 students from area high schools.
Lacon (Dec. 7, Peoria Journal Star) The first “community summit” at Midland CUSD 7 about planning for a possible new school produced “a lot of good ideas” on Dec. 6, according to officials and participants. About 70 people attended at least part of the three-hour session, which consisted of small groups gathering to discuss specific topics before moving on to others at different tables in a “world café” format. One option long considered could involve replacing an aging school building with a new one in Lacon. Board member Ryan Weber said officials first need to decide whether to build a new school or expand or renovate the existing one. A number of comments from the summit will be posted on the district website.
Oswego (Dec. 18, Ledger-Sentinel) Oswego SD 308 has gained approval for an online learning waiver from the Illinois General Assembly. In September, SD 308 submitted two waiver requests, both of which sought to reduce the traditional classroom time students enrolled in online courses would need, yet allow the district to receive full general state aid (GSA) funding. Currently under the school code, the district can only offer students one online course a semester without losing GSA funding, which is granted based on attendance. Online learning is partially governed by the Remote Education Act, which limits the ways in which it can be provided.
Springfield (Jan. 5, The State Journal-Register) Springfield’s district superintendent unveiled a set of measures in December to bolster security in District 186, including bringing back police officers on a full-time basis at all high schools. The plan, which involves an intergovernmental agreement, was approved on Jan. 5 by the school board. Superintendent Jennifer Gill said it’s going to cost $115,600 to bring back city police officers full time to Springfield’s three public high schools through the end of the year. Before Gill’s arrival this school year, District 186 switched to off-duty officers at the high schools as a way to save money. But a security committee suggested bringing back the officers.
Statewide (Dec. 16, The Southern) School officials are preparing for control efforts as flu season kicks in, especially as the vaccine is not proving as effective as was hoped. With CDC officials warning this may be a severe season and some Illinois schools already reporting increased absences due to illness, district officials said they’re taking several extra precautions to prepare for the virus. One district called in an extra custodian to wipe down door handles and clean areas at the junior high that typically only are cleaned once a week. Staff are being asked to report absences daily so the district office can track trends and prepare accordingly.
Streator (Dec. 18, The Pantagraph, Bloomington) Starting in 2015 local high school students need to complete a semester of computer technology before they can graduate and will be given a device to aid in that goal, the school board has decided. The board voted 5-1 for the graduation requirement on Dec. 18. Superintendent Matt Seaton said the class will ensure all students have keyboard skills, can access the Internet, and learn etiquette and study skills. The $275 computers will be purchased through a grant. Seaton estimated 650 computers still have to be purchased. Originally the class was called keyboarding.
Influenza risk seen
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a health advisory regarding Influenza A (H3N2) viruses. Higher overall and age-group hospitalization rates among very young children have been observed in such outbreaks. Decreased vaccine effectiveness has been seen, but vaccination provides some protection. CDC recommends everyone age 6 months and older who has not yet received a flu vaccine be vaccinated. Nationwide, a total of 45 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported.
PARCC answers online
School leaders have asked a number of questions about the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments, which are being implemented this academic year. The state superintendent asked the U.S. Department of Education to weigh in on these inquiries. Federal officials answered, spelling out expectations for educators. The letter can be read in full online at: www.isbe.net/assessment/pdfs/USED-ESEA-asmt-clarification-1214.pdf .
Guidance on math
Illinois districts are piloting state-developed model math units to help students master key concepts as schools implement internationally benchmarked learning standards. The math standards emphasize depth of knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, according to ISBE. The nationally recognized units are the first of their kind, developed by a statewide team of educators following legislation that called for more math resources and support. Districts may adopt or adapt them at http://www.isbe.net/common_core/htmls/math-model-units.htm .
2014 indexes online
IASB recently made online indexes available for two Association periodicals issued through 2014: The Illinois School Board Journal and the Illinois School Board Newsbulletin. The Journal can be searched via either of two indexes: by subject or by author. Indices for both publications are available for 2008 through 2014, and both can be accessed from the Publications page on the IASB website at www.iasb.com/publications.cfm.
IASB Constitution mailing
On Jan. 15 IASB mailed out the newly updated 2015 IASB Constitution and Position Statements booklet to all member district board members and superintendents. Both the Constitution and position statements are products of the IASB Delegate Assembly, which meets annually at conference. IASB operates within the framework of its Constitution, and lobbies on behalf of its position statements, which reflect the beliefs, aspirations and aims of the association as established by its member school boards.
Book explores reorganization
A new book published by IASB covers key issues and considerations that administrators, school boards, taxpayers and parents confront when the topic of school district consolidation arises. But the authors stress that Exploring School District Reorganization in Illinois; Navigating Your Options is not intended to encourage additional consolidation. Written by William H. Phillips, Scott L. Day and Leonard R. Bogle, it is designed, instead, to clarify the issues and process involved in reorganization. It’s available for $22 for members ($24 for non-members) from the IASB bookstore at https://www.iasb.com/shop/details.cfm?Item_Num=ESDR .
February 7 – Connecting with the Community: The Board’s Role and Work in Community Engagement ,NIU Naperville
February 7 – South Cook Division Winter Breakfast Meeting , Tinley Park
February 12 – BoardBook Webinar , online
February 17-18 – Alliance Leadership Summit , Springfield
February 21 – Connecting with the Community: The Board’s Role and Work in Community Engagement , Springfield
February 24 – Abe Lincoln Division Spring Dinner Meeting , Middletown
February 25 – Southwestern Division Spring Dinner Meeting , Belleville
February 25 – Wabash Valley Division Spring Dinner Meeting , Albion
February 26 – Illini Division Spring Dinner Meeting , Champaign
March 2 – Egyptian Division Spring Dinner Meeting , Benton
March 3 – Three Rivers Division Winter Governing Meeting plus pre-briefing for candidates , New Lenox
March 3 – Blackhawk Division Spring Dinner Meeting, Rock Island- Milan
March 3 – Kaskaskia Division Spring Dinner Meeting , Raymond
March 4 – Shawnee Division Spring Dinner Meeting ,Anna
March 4 – Central IL Valley Division Spring Dinner Meeting ,Creve Coeur
March 5 – Starved Rock Division Spring Dinner Meeting ,Granville
March 5 – Two Rivers Division Spring Dinner Meeting ,Liberty
For more current information, see www.iasb.com/calendar/