This publication is also available as a PDF file
Conference draws 85 percent of all districts to voluntary training
Attendance at the latest Joint Annual Conference showed that the conference remains popular year in and year out.
Final figures showed that 85 percent, or 737 of the state’s 863 public school districts, were represented at this year’s event. That figure compares favorably to the 738 districts that attended in 2011 and is significantly higher than the 76 percent attendance rate of the 2010 conference. The event was held in Chicago, Nov. 16-18.
This was the 80 th consecutive Joint Annual Conference of the Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Association of School Administrators and Illinois Association of School Business Officials.
Long considered the nation’s premiere state education conference, the 2012 Conference featured hundreds of professional development opportunities, and exhibits, networking, and other events.
This year’s conference drew nearly 10,500 school board members, administrators, superintendents, secretaries, exhibitors, school attorneys, regional superintendents, university professors, IASB Service Associates, state board officials, and special ed administrators.
Information and insights on a wide range of issues in school governance and public education were found at 273 exhibits, 116 panel sessions, 36 “carousel” panels, nine pre-conference workshops, three general sessions, bookstore, delegate assembly, and other various learning and networking opportunities.
This year’s panel sessions, held in five time slots over three days, drew 9,256 people, and averaged 80 persons per panel. In fact, four panels exceeded their room’s 475-person capacity with standing-room-only crowds. Eight other panels also had 100-plus participants.
Before the Conference, IASB hosted nine pre-conference workshops on Friday. Topics included governance, financial oversight, collective bargaining, and board-superintendent relations. Attendance at these paid, pre-registered events held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers topped 725 and several were sold out.
IASA and Illinois ASBO also hosted workshops for their members.
This year, 167 people who work as school board secretaries or who serve as recording board secretary attended break-out panels, a general session and a carousel of panels on duties and skills of that position. The two-day sessions were held at the Swissotel.
Handouts (PDF Word documents or PowerPoints) provided by many of the panels presented at this year’s Joint Annual Conference are now available at the IASB Members-Only website.
The 2012 conference also drew thousands to the general sessions that featured keynote speakers Rory Vaden, Diane Ravitch and Dale Henry. Award presentations at these sessions included the David Binotti Risk Management Award, the Award of Distinction for school architecture, Illinois ASBO’s Ronald E. Everett Distinguished Service Award, ISBE’s Thomas Lay Burroughs Award for Outstanding School Board President, IASB’s Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award for School Board Secretary, and the Superintendent of the Year Award.
Guests at general sessions included NSBA President Edward Massey, Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, and IASB past presidents and executive directors.
More than 350 districts sent representatives to the annual Delegate Assembly on Saturday, Nov. 17. Delegates voted on 23 resolutions that were new, amended or re-affirmations of IASB Position Statements.
Other conference events included the annual Illinois Council of School Attorneys Seminar, five tours of Chicago Public Schools, the juried Exhibit of Educational Environments , as well as the exhibit hall, bookstore, and Sunday’s ”Coffee and Conversations” roundtables.
Hundreds of members and guests also took advantage of IASB’s Information Room ( Comiskey Room), where they could talk, meet Association officers and staff, meet state board of education officials, and hear about the features of IASB services, including BoardBook®, the Members-Only website, school board policies online hosting service, and the LeaderShop Online Learning Center.
There were four names drawn in a raffle for free enrollment in the Online Learning Center. The exhibit hall was also busy again this year. A bingo game was held by IASB Service Associates exhibitors and drew 148 entries for 25 winning gift cards.
Co-chairs for the 2012 Joint Annual Conference were IASB Directors Tom Neeley, Morton CUSD 709, of the Central Illinois Division, and Rosemary Swanson, Wheaton-Warrenville CUSD 200, DuPage Division.
This was the fifth year that certified Illinois teachers who were either registered conference attendees (board members) or registered guests were able to receive Continuing Professional Development Units for their participation in the conference. More than 190 teachers took advantage of this offer.
Participants who want to help evaluate the 2012 Joint Annual Conference can go online at https://www.iasb.com/jac12/survey.cfm to complete a survey about their experiences. An online gallery of hundreds of photos taken at this year’s conference is also available.
The 81 st Joint Annual Conference will be held Nov. 22-24, 2013, in Chicago. A Call for Proposals has been posted online for local districts that want to make panel presentations. This link can be found at: https://www.iasb.com/jac13/rfp.cfm.
Information for exhibitors will be posted in early February, while housing and registration forms will be available in early June 2013.
The 2013 event will also celebrate IASB’s 100th anniversary. Special events are being planned for throughout the year and will be announced in the coming weeks and months.
More Illinois schools marked for improvement under NCLB benchmarks
Schools paving way for Common Core standards
Hundreds of Illinois public schools have been placed on academic monitoring for not reaching performance goals under the federal No Child Left Behind law, according to state education officials.
Data released Oct. 30 by the Illinois State Board of Education indicates the number of schools not making AYP increased only slightly, even as AYP benchmarks were frozen at 2011 levels. This freeze allowed Illinois and most other states to continue using older benchmarks as schools prepare to move to a new accountability system that emphasizes student growth rather than performance at one point in time.
“We are truly in a transition period in education as we move away from the punitive and ‘one-size-fits-all’ nature of No Child Left Behind and into a system that will provide more comprehensive and useful information for parents, educators and students themselves about each child’s progress over time,” said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch.
“We are hopeful that this is the last year we report on AYP results and can instead offer data that paints a fuller picture of each student’s and school’s learning experience.”
According to ISBE, 713 school districts or 82 percent of the state’s 865 districts, and 2,545 schools or 66 percent of the state’s 3,860 schools, fell short of making AYP in 2012.
Only 11 Illinois high schools made AYP in 2012, Koch noted, even though many more than that number rank among the best high schools in the country. But Koch said that schools can miss making AYP because of the performance of a sub-group, even when the school overall meets benchmarks and/or makes progress over last year.
Meanwhile, the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) composite score for elementary and middle school students increased slightly, from 82.0 percent in 2011 to 82.1 percent in 2012. But the composite score for the Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE), given to 11th graders, rose at a higher rate, from 50.5 in 2011 to 51.3 in 2012.
Illinois schools were expected to show 85 percent of students meeting or exceeding standards in 2012, the same as last year.
Report cards changing
Apart from the performance results in the latest state report card, parents and guardians in Illinois will soon have a new tool in their hands.
A redesigned report card for Illinois schools and districts will be distributed in the fall of 2013. The new colorful, two-page, school report cards will provide concise information about Illinois schools and districts, according to the Illinois State Department of Education (ISBE).
For a copy of the law describing the new report cards, PA 097-0671, visit: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=097-0671
Schaumburg high school English instructor named the 2013 Illinois Teacher of the Year
A high school English teacher from Schaumburg is the 2013 Illinois Teacher of the Year.
Brian W. Curtin of Township High School District 211 received the honor on Oct. 20 at the 38th annual Those Who Excel/Illinois Teacher of the Year banquet in Normal. He was chosen from nine finalists.
“Great teaching is about making a connection with students and Brian Curtin makes those important connections every day,” said State Superintendent Christopher A. Koch. “Brian is one of those inspirational teachers who makes creative and engaging lesson plans look easy and leads through example and self-discipline.”
Now in his tenth year of teaching, Curtin maintains a rapport with his colleagues, parents and, most importantly, students. Known for his enthusiasm for learning, he encourages students to be proactive in their education and life goals.
He is currently awaiting National Board Certification after completing the requirements earlier this year. Students, parents and colleagues describe his teaching style as innovative and engaging.
As Illinois Teacher of the Year, Curtin will have opportunities to share his knowledge and expertise outside the classroom. Beginning in the 2013 spring semester, Curtin will be available to speak at teaching workshops, educational conferences and community meetings.
He will receive a lifetime tuition waiver to state universities and will represent Illinois at the NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., and in the National Teacher of the Year program sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers, ING and Target.
“Brian Curtin’s creativity, innovation and energy are well known within District 211,” said State Board of Education Chairman Gery J. Chico. “But thanks to this program and honor, we hope that he can share his talent and skills with dedicated teachers across the state who, like Brian, want their students to succeed and find happiness inside and beyond the classroom.”
School buses, as well as Common Core State Standards, Journal focus
In the last installment of a year-long look at the “three Rs and three Bs” of board work, The Illinois School Board Journal examines “buses” and how three of the largest land mass districts in the state get students to school safely, economically and on time — the goal all board members share.
Also featured in the November/December issue is the last in a series about Common Core State Standards, a look at the implications of a new Facebook Password Law and an excerpt from Preserving the Public in Public Schools , by Phil Boyle and Del Burns.
State Board eyes changes in General State Aid formula along with poverty grant calculations
In response to declining state funding of schools, the Illinois State Board of Education is now looking at changing the General State Aid formula and poverty grant calculations. Several options were presented at the board’s Sep. 19 meeting in Bloomington. The board’s staff was directed to develop more detailed analysis of the impact of various options on school districts.
The twin goals are to bring greater certainty to the budget process and to ensure that students most in need receive priority, according to State Superintendent Chris Koch.
Total state education funding for early childhood through high school has dropped from $7.4 billion in fiscal year 2009 to $6.5 billion this fiscal year, according to state figures presented at the meeting.
Koch told the Bloomington newspaper The Pantagraph that studying these options “doesn’t mean we won’t advocate for more money for education,” but it does prepare districts for a likely long-term state deficit environment.
Options being considered include eliminating wealthier districts from eligibility for General School Aid Formula and poverty grants, changing the calculations for poverty grants and basing the per-student foundation funding level on the amount of money appropriated by the General Assembly instead of an amount fixed by law.
The proposals being examined would require legislative action, and experts do not expect anything to happen in that regard until at least January, after the new General Assembly is seated.
Law signed to change filing deadline for board candidates
School board candidates running in the April 9, 2013, election will begin filing their nominating petitions and related documents on Monday, Dec. 17. The final day for filing now is Wednesday Dec. 26 at 5 p.m.
The filing deadline previously had been set for Monday, Dec. 24. Governor Pat Quinn agreed Dec. 3 to sign SB 3338 (Harmon, D-Oak Park), which was introduced in the fall veto session.
State law [10 ILCS 5/10-6] requires a school board candidate’s petition to be filed from 113 through 106 days prior to the date of the election, which this year had meant the petition had to be filed no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 24.
The Christmas Eve deadline prompted an outcry from many local election officials. The change, which is only effective for this election, means that local offices do not have to be open on Christmas Eve, according to Jane Gasperin, director of election information at the Illinois State Board of Elections. Officials at ISBE have stated the same thing.
IASB continues to lobby for a permanent change in the law that would instead create a “date certain” deadline for future elections.
When filing begins, the local election official needs to write or stamp the date and time filed on each sheet. Candidate’s names will appear on the April election ballot in the order in which their nominating papers are officially received in the secretary’s office.
In addition to the filing deadline, another concern will arise regarding the period that immediately follows that date, when objections to nominating petitions must be accepted.
That process begins after the last day for filing and continues for the five business days following the final filing date. That means that objections can be filed beginning Thursday, Dec. 27, and ending Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. The exception to this are permitted office closings on Dec. 25 (Christmas Day), Dec. 29 and 30 (Saturday and Sunday), and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 (New Year’s Day).
Jan. 3 is also now the last day that a candidate who has filed for two seats, perhaps for a full-term seat and a partial term, may file a “withdrawal of candidacy” form for one of the seats. Failure to withdraw from running for one of the open seats means that the individual’s name will not appear on the ballot for either seat.
Local election officials will still have to schedule a lottery at any time between Dec. 24 and Jan. 4 to settle ballot positions for candidates that simultaneously filed first on Dec. 17. Experts suggest posting the appropriate notices and holding the lottery at a time within this window of opportunity that would be most convenient both to the secretary and the candidates.
A complete list of dates for the April 9, 2013, election is available online at: https://www.iasb.com/pdf/13electioncalendar.pdf.
Local election officials can also find help at: http://www.elections.state.il.us/Downloads/ElectionInformation/PDF/2013LEOBook.pdf.
Candidates seeking help can be directed, as well, to this online guide: http://www.elections.state.il.us/Downloads/ElectionInformation/PDF/2013CanGuide.pdf
Constitutional amendment rejected to limit expansion of pension benefits
Voters statewide rejected a constitutional amendment on Nov. 6 to make it harder for state and local governments to sweeten public-sector pensions.
The suggested amendment to the Illinois Constitution would have required a three-fifths vote instead of a simple majority for adoption of any pension increase. Besides raising the General Assembly vote requirement, the amendment also was designed to raise the requirement for city councils, school boards and other public bodies to pass anything that would increase pension costs, aside from higher wages.
Critics said this invited lawsuits over precisely what the amendment covered. Public employee unions opposed the proposed amendment, arguing that its language would threaten future contracts and could restrict current workers’ pensions.
But both supporters and opponents said the state now is in the same spot it would have been had voters approved the measure: facing hard choices about necessary reforms.
“This outcome means nothing has changed and it is still up to the legislature to solve the problem without doing so on the backs of already underfunded school districts,” said Ben Schwarm, deputy executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards.
A debate looms before lawmakers regarding what shape the reforms should take to rescue a pension system that consumes increasing portions of the state budget and that experts say is among the most underfunded in the nation.
Defeat of the amendment means the Illinois Constitution will not require a two-thirds vote for lawmakers to override a governor’s veto or accept a governor’s proposed changes in a rewrite of pension increase legislation. It will continue to take a three-fifths vote to override an outright veto and only a simple majority to accept a governor’s changes to pension bills approved by state legislators.
The amendment drew support from 58 percent of Illinoisans who voted on the measure. That fell just short of the 60 percent approval rate of those voting on the amendment, which was the amount needed for passage.
Voters pass seven of nine bond issues, reject all tax hikes on November ballot
School finance referendums yielded better than average results in the Nov. 6 General Election, with seven of nine bond issues winning voter approval. In contrast, two property tax increase proposals failed, as did all four county sales tax increase proposals for school facilities.
Bond issues were approved in: Ball Chatham CUSD 5, Chatham; Rockford SD 205; Brookwood SD 167, Glenwood; Golf SD 67, Morton Grove; Farrington CCSD 99, Bluford; Highland CUSD 5; and Ford Heights SD 169 .
Of these, the successful Chatham, Rockford, Glenwood, and Morton Grove proposals all called for the issuance of building bonds. The successful Farrington and Bluford proposals called for the issuance of working cash bonds, while the Ford Heights proposal involved a funding bond earmarked to pay claims against the district.
Bond issues were defeated in Galena CUSD 120 and Illini West High School District 307, Carthage. Meanwhile property tax increases in Golf SD 67, Morton Grove; and in Somonauk CUSD 432, also failed.
Historically, 58 percent of bond issues and 36 percent of tax issues are approved by voters.
In addition to school district finance proposals, countywide sales tax propositions to support school facilities in multiple districts failed in four counties: Boone, LaSalle, Lee, and Marshall. The state currently has 12 counties that utilize the maximum 1 percent Retailers Occupation and Service Occupation tax for school facilities.
In addition to school finance issues, two school district consolidation proposals were on the ballot. The winning referendum will combine Abingdon CUSD 217 with Avon CUSD 176. Voters said no, however, to the proposed consolidation of Christopher CUSD 99 and Zeigler-Royalton CUSD 188, Zeigler.
Voters also turned down proposals to elect school board members at large in Mendota CCSD 289,Sullivan CUSD 300, and Waverly CUSD 6.
Historic data detailing approval and failure rates for school tax rate and bond issue elections dating back to 1989 are available on the IASB website at: https://www.iasb.com/elections/finance.cfm.
Pension reform, gaming expansion placed on General Assembly’s docket for lawmaking push
In their first week returning to the state legislature after the November election, lawmakers began considering numerous major issues in the so-called veto session. Although legislation was not finalized on any of the issues examined, many bills were launched on their journey through the Illinois General Assembly.
Issues placed on the docket for December and January included: expanded gaming (SB 1849), required posting of tax returns for private corporations (SB 282), collective bargaining implications for unionized state employees (HJR 45), and pension reform (HB 6258).
“Legislators got right down to business as they began tackling a host of major issues,” said Ben Schwarm, , deputy executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards. But Schwarm said no new significant education issues surfaced in the first week of the veto session.
Publication on new laws concerning schools to be mailed out soon
IASB will mail in January a summary of newly adopted laws and changes to existing laws that are relevant to public school districts.
New School Laws summarizes bills adopted during the spring session of the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law by the governor. Compiled by the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance, it will be mailed to superintendents, business officials and principals, as well as to each school board’s legislative liaison and president.
Laws are indexed by bill number, Public Act Number and title. Laws are also separated by subjects, such as Boards of Education, Personnel, Regional Office of Education, School Finance, School Safety and Health, State Board of Education, Students, and Taxation.
This list of laws is not exhaustive or detailed, nor is the publication intended as a substitute for the Illinois Compiled Statutes or legal counsel. The synopsis of each act is brief.
Also included in the publication, where applicable, will be IASB Policy Service (PRESS) information regarding new legislation. If a new law requires action by the school board, the corresponding PRESS Policy number will follow the public act information.
Central Illinois board leader Moehring wins board presidency award
Ronald Moehring, board president in Illini Central CUSD 189, is the winner of the 2012 Thomas Lay Burroughs Award as the state’s top board president.
He was nominated by district superintendent Lori Harrison for the award. “ Moehring has been a blessing to Illini Central and to thousands of students and staff,” Harrison wrote in her nomination letter. “He has a dedication, loyalty and love of the Illinois students, staff and community that is second to none.”
Melinda LaBarre of Springfield, a member of the Illinois State Board of Education, presented the award on behalf of ISBE. LaBarre described Moehring, “a farmer and lifelong resident of San Jose,” as being instrumental in making certain that “professional development is very important in his school district.”
She also said he has led a push to improve student achievement by helping to create the Illini Central Learning Academy within the district, designed to assist students at risk of dropping out of high school to experience academic success.
In recent years, Moehring oversaw implementation of several initiatives, including a new grade school language arts curriculum, the new Common Core State Standards, and Response to Intervention ( RtI), a teaching approach that ensures all children are supported in the learning process.
“But I really learned how essential his role was in the district when a security threat occurred at his high school, and he was one of the first three people at the scene, standing at the door to direct responders,” LaBarre stated.
“We on the board are part of a true leadership team,” Moehring said in accepting the award. “So I thank the past and current administrators for bringing this award about, and I can’t say enough about our superintendent, Mrs. Harrison,” he said.
Moehring has served 17 years as president of his local school board and 27 years on the board.
District 189 is located 30 miles north of Springfield and serves the Mason City area, including Easton and Moehring’s community, San Jose. The K through grade 12 district has 887 students in four buildings.
The award was presented on Sunday, Nov. 18, at the conference.
The Burroughs Award for extraordinary leadership was created in 1991 in memory of the late chairman of the ISBE who also served as president of the Collinsville CUSD 10 school board.
Board secretary Williams wins Holly Jack Outstanding Service award in Chicago
Debra Williams, board recording secretary and administrative assistant to the superintendent of Arlington Heights School District 25, was the recipient of the fourth annual award for school district secretaries. She was honored Nov. 16 at the 2012 Joint Annual Conference in Chicago.
Williams was chosen to receive the “Holly Jack Outstanding Service Award” from among 31 nominees. She has been the administrative assistant to the superintendent since 1991 and has served as the board recording secretary for five years. SD 25 is an elementary district serving 5,100 students.
Williams said “the district’s strategic-vision is to be ‘wired’ for success and understanding,” with WIRED being an acronym whose meaning has been the key to her own success: “We Integrate, Reflect, Engage, Discover, and Engage,” she said.
The award was created to honor the memory of Holly Jack, a long-time employee of the Illinois Association of School Boards, who served as an IASB administrative assistant and was instrumental in promoting and developing the secretaries’ program that is offered at the annual conference and in regional workshops. Jack passed away in October 2008.
A selection committee composed of individuals representing board members, superintendents, district administrative assistants, and IASB administrative assistants reviewed the nominating materials and made the selection on Oct. 26.
“Ms. Williams has served the district, community, school board, and superintendent’s office with tireless devotion, diplomacy, patience, grace, and poise beyond the scope of any job description. She has served with distinction and courage,” said Sarah Jerome, District 25 superintendent.
Nominations were made by district superintendents and school board presidents. The judges considered the following criteria: performance, initiative, innovation, staff development, self-improvement, passion for public education, and dedication. Letters of support were also accepted.
Delegates agree to resolution to address ‘cyber-bullying’ concerns
Seek new law defining, deterring such behavior
The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) seeks legislation that would require every Illinois public school district policy on bullying to contain a definition that includes “cyber-bullying.”
Representatives from 350 Illinois school districts considered resolutions at conference on that and other public school issues at the Association’s annual Delegate Assembly.
The resolution, submitted by Dunlap CUSD 323 in Peoria County, is intended to encourage school districts to bring a wide range of education stakeholders together to establish local policies that will help deter all forms of bullying, including activities conducted online.
Representatives also approved a resolution that seeks to revise the method of funding state-authorized charter schools to limit the amount that can be diverted from local school districts to support charters.
Sponsors said the proposal would encourage creation of new state-authorized charter schools to the extent the state provides the means to fund them.
“This resolution aims to limit the withholding of state funds from school districts hosting a charter school by pegging it to the percentage of state funds the local district received per student in the prior year,” said Ben Schwarm, IASB deputy executive director. “School districts said they need to have the state revenue per student follow the student, not the local revenue. The state, as the chartering entity, would then ensure payment of the balance of the per capita funding entitlement to the charter school.”
A total of 23 resolutions were submitted for consideration this year.
Other resolutions approved:
• allow school districts additional flexibility under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL)
• encourage employers to allocate time off for employees’ state-required school board member training
• restore boards’ right to enter into contracts with third parties for non-instructional services
• ease state requirements for homeless student transportation beyond district borders to bring the state in line law with federal law, and
• exempt students from physical education classes as needed to attend show choir.
The proposal regarding show choir overcame an additional hurdle. The Resolutions Committee initially had recommended “Do Not Adopt” the resolution, an action that requires additional action by the Delegate Assembly. However, the submitting school district, Ball-Chatham CUSD 5, appealed the committee recommendation and made a presentation to the committee at the November committee meeting. Armed with new data and information, the school district was successful in having the committee change its recommendation to “Do Adopt”. This, ultimately, made the resolution’s way for smooth sailing through the Delegate Assembly.
“The action taken by Ball-Chatham was a great example of how to work within the system of our Delegate Assembly and Resolutions process,” Schwarm said. “They were passionate about their proposal, did their homework to become informed of the rules and procedures of the committee and assembly, and ultimately won approval of their resolution. Impressive,” Schwarm concluded.
IASB Vice President Karen Fisher, Ottawa THSD 140, agreed, noting that the resolutions appeals process was successfully used to change the recommendation on show choirs. “I believe in the Delegate Assembly and what it represents,” Fisher said.
Delegates also approved a call for biennial state budgets rather than yearly budgets – essentially requiring that lawmakers determine the amount of funding for educational entitlements and General State Aid to schools no later than March 31 (three months prior to the start of the budget year).
Sponsors said the budgeting cycle needs to be changed to allow school boards to make fiscal and staffing decisions after they are informed about the amount of state aid and educational entitlements available. Currently, local school district budgets are due months before the state budget is finalized.
Delegates rejected a pension reform proposal to seek additional state revenue, including potential Tax Increment Financing (TIF) reform sources to cover any additional cost placed on school districts for pension benefits of teachers.
“Discussions about reforming the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) pension funding have included a proposal to shift the normal cost of this to local school districts, with a price tag of an additional $800 million to be paid by school districts,” Schwarm said.
“While most delegates agreed that absorbing an $800 million hit would devastate local school districts, concern was voiced about the fairness of using TIF funds to defray these costs, particularly because such funds are already allocated for specific purposes by municipal officials.”
A list of the Association’s position statements can be found at http://iasb.com/govrel/positions.cfm.
Handouts from 49 conference panel sessions available to members online
Handouts from 49 panel sessions presented at this year’s Joint Annual Conference are now available on the IASB Members-Only website at http://members.iasb.com.
In addition, handouts are now available from 10 school board secretaries’ panels, 18 Carousel of Panels offerings, and 11 Illinois ASBO panels.
Panels with online links to their materials are listed by the panel title and hotel/room name. The panels appear in chronological order of the conference; by day and time slot presented. The only exceptions are the board secretaries’ panels. Available materials are listed at the end of the other panels. Panels are only listed if materials have been submitted, but additional panels and their online materials will be posted as they are received.
Access to the Members-Only website to obtain the handouts is limited to board members, superintendents and secretaries who have a member ID number that is contained within the IASB database of member districts. Access is free; however, users must set up an account with their member ID number. The number appears on mailing labels of all materials sent out by IASB, and it begins with a “2.” For information on how to access the site, visit https://www.iasb.com/press/memonly.cfm.
The 81 st Joint Annual Conference will be held Nov. 22-24, 2013, in Chicago. Districts that want to present a panel can download a Request for Proposals from the IASB website at: https://www.iasb.com/jac13/rfp.cfm.
Information for exhibitors will be posted in early 2013. Housing and registration information will be posted online in early June 2013.
Photos of conference events available now on secure, third-party photographer’s site
A gallery of photos taken at the 2012 Joint Annual Conference is now available for viewing at a secure third party site.
The photographs chosen for this gallery are ideal for use in school district newsletters, websites and news releases, and for personal keepsakes. Participants and guests attending the 2012 conference are invited to view the entire photo gallery of the Conference for free. Photographs selected for use may be purchased for a fee.
The gallery can be accessed at the website of the photographer: http://www.rhlphoto.com/2012-IASB/. The password is Chicago, with an uppercase “C.” Images will appear in a low-resolution, “thumbnail” format. Viewers will be able click on any photo to see a larger image and can also choose to view the entire gallery in various formats.
All prints will be mailed directly to the buyer or images can be downloaded from the website. Prices and shipping information are listed on the web galleries. Arrangements can be made to transfer images to CD or DVD or USB memory stick by contacting the photographer’s office at 1-773-625-1741 for prices.
Prints are available in several sizes, ranging from wallets to 8 by 10 inches, or photos can be ordered to download electronically. Cost ranges from $3 to $28 and major credit cards can be used for payment.
Questions concerning this year’s conference photos can be directed to Robert Levy Photography at the phone number listed above or by emailing r-levy@sbcglobal.net.
More members receive School Board LeaderShop Academy Fellowships
In addition to five board members who earned School Board LeaderShop Academy Fellowships in 2012, as listed in the November Newsbulletin, seven others were honored for the first time at division dinner meetings this fall. Those seven earned the honor in late 2011 but were first recognized as Fellows this fall, namely: June Maguire, Waukegan CUSD 60; Rhonda G. Jenkins, Millstadt CCSD 160; Teri Ehrenhardt, Eureka CUSD 140; Mary Stith, Geneva CUSD 304; Sylvia Zielke, Richland SD 88A, Crest Hill; Steve Cantrell, Jacksonville SD 117; and Jayne Raef, Bourbonnais SD 53.
That brings to 30 the number of living school board members who have achieved Fellow status since the program began in 2005.
‘Data matters’ premise of key workshops for school leaders who seek facts to lead
Data-First workshops now scheduled in ‘boot-camp’ format for board members and school administrators
Data First, a series of four workshops designed for board members and district administrators, was created with the idea that data matters. Education data, used well, can help school board members and everyone else who cares about education make good decisions – ones based, not on the loudest voices or the latest theories, but on the facts about what students need and how they are currently doing.
IASB has scheduled two events in February that will combine the workshops into a “boot camp” format, meaning that participants will get training from four workshops bundled into a one-and-a-half day session. The four components of the workshop are taught in a sequence that begins early Friday evening and ends Saturday afternoon.
The workshops are scheduled: Friday, Feb. 15, and Saturday, Feb. 16 at the IASB offices in Lombard; and Friday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013 at IASB offices in Springfield.
Data first is designed to help board members to learn how to ask board-level questions regarding data, such as: How do we know that we are making progress toward our student learning and district goals? How can we communicate that progress simply and effectively to our public? How can we use data to ensure continuous improvement in our district? How can and should data inform our decision making? And how can data help us make better decisions and difficult choices in times of limited resources?
The Data First workshop will cover the following topics:
• “Building the Foundation”focuses on the organization and presentation of data; how board members can use data to govern effectively; making data-driven decisions; and communicating district data to their communities.
• “Illinois Interactive Report Card”focuses on the features of the IIRC and how board members can use their own district’s student learning data by viewing longitudinal trends from 1999 to the present; by using search and school comparison capabilities; and by hearing how administrators use My IIRC to personalize instruction for individuals and groups of students.
• “Teacher Quality and Distribution”focuses on participants understanding the difference between teacher qualifications and teacher effectiveness. Participants learn what questions to ask regarding their teaching quality and staffing patterns and the concept of using a simple growth model for continuous improvement of teaching all while aligning their limited human resources with their district priorities.
• “High School and Beyond”encourages participants to consider whether students are adequately prepared for 21st century high school expectations, and how data can help determine how well the district is preparing graduates for success beyond high school (college and career readiness).
Participants completing all four modules will receive a Data Certificate of Completion and earn four LeaderShop core workshop credits and 20 Master Board Member points.
The workshop costs $285 for the entire session. The fee includes a light dinner, breakfast and lunch, and materials. A Saturday-only option is available for $185 for those who have already completed the workshop called “Data First: Building the Foundation.”
Payment and registration may be made online. More information is available at: https://www.iasb.com/calendar/Datafirst13.pdf .
State approves seven mandate waiver requests, passes 44 on to lawmakers
The Illinois State Board of Education reported that it received 71 requests from school districts between March 1 and Oct. 1 seeking waivers of School Code mandates, 44 of which were forwarded to the General Assembly for consideration.
ISBE approved seven of the requests, while 20 others were returned because no waiver was needed in order to carry out the requested activity.
The largest number of applications (16 requests) sought waivers from the state requirement for schools to provide daily physical education, with 15 of those being sent to lawmakers for consideration and one being returned because no waiver was needed.
Another 15 requests sought approval for charging non-resident tuition, 14 of which were sent to lawmakers for consideration and one returned because no waiver was needed.
Other waiver applications included seven requests for limitation of administrative costs; four requests for school in-service training; and two requests for the use of other practice driving methods in lieu of the required six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction on public roads.
Public Act 95-223, passed early in 2008, limited the number of waivers of daily physical education requirements that could be requested by school districts and other eligible applicants to an initial, two-year request, with the possibility of no more than two additional, two-year renewal requests. Of the 16 requested renewals for physical education waivers received through the October 1 deadline, five districts were seeking their second and final renewal.
Districts may petition the General Assembly through ISBE.
Any questions can be directed to the ISBE’s Rules and Waivers Division at (217) 782-5270 or waivers@isbe.net.
Online Q&A document explains ins and outs of PERA law and evaluation reform
IASB has prepared and posted a document designed to help board members understand the state’s new Performance Evaluation Review Act (PERA) and evaluation reform.
Written in a Q&A format, this document addresses PERA’s definition and purpose, deadlines and procedures, plus its effects on tenure, Reductions in Force ( RIFs), and dismissals and other common concerns. The main focus is on how PERA and education reform impacts the terms and conditions of Illinois teacher and principal employment.
This material on education reform and PERA for school board members is written for informational purposes only. School boards are advised to contact their school attorney for legal advice and/or opinions.
The new PERA Q&A document is posted online at: http://iasb.com/law/PERAoverview.pdf.
Powell assumes Assistant Policy Consultant post as new-hire Uher joins board development staff
IASB has made two staff changes, creating a new position in policy services and hiring another person to fill a vacancy in board development.
Angie Powell assumed the newly created position of Assistant Policy Consultant on Nov. 1.
Powell was previously an administrative assistant, board development. In that capacity she used her significant computer skills to work on the design and layout of IASB LeaderShop workbooks and materials, among other responsibilities.
Prior to joining IASB in July 2008, her work experience included magazine editing, development of marketing materials and web design.
“Angie’s computer skills and writing and editing background will serve us well as she undertakes her responsibilities in the policy department,” said Cathy Talbert, associate executive director for policy and field services.
“As assistant policy consultant, she will be managing and supporting various aspects of school board policy and administrative procedures customized manual development and maintenance services,” Talbert added.
In her absence, the board development department hired Michelle Uher, who also began her new duties Nov. 1. Uher will be instrumental in the ongoing work to update and improve the design and layout of IASB workshop materials as well as contributing to various other board development projects. Uher’s background is in graphic design, public relations and communications. Most recently, she worked for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Certified teachers who attended Conference offered CPDU credits for participation there
Certified Illinois teachers who were either registered conference attendees (board members) or registered guests of attendees were able to receive Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDU) for their participation and 194 teachers earned credits. Note: those forms are not available now; they had to be picked up at the conference.
Completed Evaluation forms (ISBE form 77-21A) may still be returned to IASB, Attn: Judy Williams, 2921 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL, 62703.
Six teachers strikes this year far exceeds average total of recent vintage
There have been a total of six work stoppages by teachers in Illinois this year, a significant increase over recent years, when one to three strikes per year was the norm.
In 2008-09, there were 11 notices filed and one strike; in 2009-10 there were 13 notices and three strikes; in 2010-11 there were 19 notices and two strikes; and in 2011-12 there were 15 strike notices filed and three unions went on strike.
The most recent strike occurred in the state’s sixth-largest school district, Community Unit School District 300, Carpentersville, which serves nearly 21,000 students. There 1,253 teachers went on a one-day strike Dec. 4.
The previous strike, in Prairie Grove Consolidated SD 46, Crystal Lake, was also a one-day work stoppage that ended Oct. 13. The elementary district’s 72 teachers and about 1,000 students returned to classrooms on a Monday after a tentative agreement was announced the prior Friday afternoon.
Six strikes represents a major increase, even though it pales in comparison to the numbers from thirty years ago when strikes were not lawful in the state yet as many as 40 Illinois districts faced strikes in a single year.
That number comes from a 1985 report by the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, which reported there were also about 350 mediations that year.
Why the surge in the number of strikes this year? Some say the recent increase in strikes are a response to the current financial climate and state budget shortfalls that have forced districts to make drastic funding cuts and teachers to accept concessions.
A new state law, signed into law in Senate Bill 7 in 2011, requires greater transparency from both parties. Before teachers can strike, the final best offers, including costs, from the union and school district must be submitted to the Illinois Education Labor Review Board for public display on its website.
“That keeps both sides honest in what they put in that final offer,” said Ben Schwarm, deputy executive director of the Illinois Association of School Boards. “Everyone — the community, taxpayers, parents — can see that if teachers are asking for way too much or if the district is trying to take too much away. All of the cards are on the table.”
Schwarm said there are many factors leading to the recent uptick in strikes. Those issues include budget woes and newly adopted education reform laws.
“There are huge changes to the way teachers work that are now playing into the strike talk as well,” said Schwarm, referencing new rules regarding reductions in force, teacher recalls and performance-based evaluations.
“There is a lot on the table now that wasn’t on the table before besides money. Evaluations were a big issue in Chicago, more so than money. Every district will eventually have to discuss teacher evaluations,” he added.
Strikes may not be over with for this year, either, as two additional school districts recently have received notice. But there have already been a total of nine contract settlements on the year, based on information provided by the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board, and newspaper accounts.
Current outstanding notices include:
• Geneva CUSD 304 - Division - Kishwaukee; Bargaining Unit Size: 422 IEA/NEA Certified Teachers, Student Service Personnel; Notice filed Oct. 26
• Catlin CUSD 5 –Division: Illini; Bargaining Unit Size: 44 IEA/NEA Certified Teachers; Notice filed Oct 29
NSBA’s 2013 Federal Relations Network (FRN) event set for Jan. 27-29
School board members will have the opportunity to join their peers from across the country at the National School Boards Association’s Annual Federal Relations Network (FRN) Conference in Washington, D.C., Jan. 27-29, 2013.
During the legislative conference participants will learn in-depth about federal issues affecting schools, hear from education experts and political pundits, and lobby their members of Congress.
“You won’t want to miss it,” said IASB Director of Governmental Relations Susan Hilton.
The ultimate goal of the national advocacy program is to make public education a top priority of the federal government.
Information is available from Kathleen Branch, kbranch@nsba.org, or from Susan Hilton, shilton@iasb.com
School Breakfast Week
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s recently published letter to the education community encourages schools to increase the participation of students in school breakfast (www.isbe.net/nutrition/pdf/usde-bkfst-letter0912.pdf). To learn more about ways to expand participation and the benefits of offering school breakfast visit:
• http://www.livestrong.com/article/460499-does-eating-breakfast-help-students-in-school/
• http://school.fueluptoplay60.com/tools/ nutritioneducation/view.php?id=23445377
Board presidents included
The External Assurance Division at ISBE has been renamed the Federal and State Monitoring Division. ISBE said it will strive to improve the audit and monitoring process for the school districts reviewed by this division, and will be including the board president among those receiving the division’s reports and subsequent follow up. For questions, contact Mark Ribelin, Division Administrator, at 217/782-7970 or Melissa Oller, Chief Internal Auditor, at (217) 782-2237.
Budget increase eyed
ISBE held its final budget hearing in late November in Granite City, one of five held around the state over the past two months. Testimony has focused on requesting an overall increase to the education budget, and a majority of attendees have requested additional school funding, according to ISBE. The State Board will spend time at its December meeting reviewing staff recommendations based on this recent testimony in preparation for the January meeting where the board is scheduled to pass its budget recommendation.
Winter governing meetings
Five IASB divisions have recently held or scheduled winter governing meetings, where board members can help division officers and IASB field services staff determine programming needs for the fall and spring division meetings, as well as get updates on other Association events. Board member participation is always solicited for such meetings.
Meetings were scheduled Dec. 4 in Orion for the Blackhawk Division; Dec. 5 in Peoria, Central Illinois Valley Division, in Greenville, Kaskaskia Division; Dec. 11 in Jacksonville, Two Rivers Division; and Jan. 3 in Marion, Shawnee Division.
Annual Report mailing
Each year IASB publishes an Annual Report of Services that reviews activities of the previous fiscal year. It details member participation, Association income and expenses, new resolutions, a summary of accomplishments, staff changes and personnel by department, and includes a report from the executive director.
The IASB Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2012 was set to be mailed out Dec. 10 to each board member and superintendent.
Conference survey online
Joint Annual Conference attendees are invited to share their opinions of their experience in a brief online evaluation survey. The aim of the survey, which is to close Dec. 31, is to get an overview of conference goers’ perceptions, and gather information that may help IASB staff with planning conference panel session and other events.
The survey was posted Nov. 19. The link to this survey can be found at https://www.iasb.com/jac12.
January 3 – Shawnee Division Winter Governing Meeting, Bennie’s Italian Foods, Marion
January 15 – Professional Advancement - Seeking the Superintendency, IASB Springfield
February 2 – South Cook Legislative Breakfast, Prairie Hills SD 144, Markham
February 8-9 – IASB Board of Directors’ Meeting, Hyatt Regency, Chicago
February 15-16 – Data First workshop, IASB Lombard
February 16 – Data First –Saturday-only module, IASB Lombard
February 22-23 – Data First workshop, IASBSpringfield
February 23 – Data First – Saturday only-module, IASBSpringfield
For more current information, see www.iasb.com/calendar/