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MAY 6, 2025
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The outgoing Lockport Township High School District 205 Board of Education held its final formal meeting on April 28. Superintendent Dr. Bob McBride received a standing ovation during the meeting in recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication. As a token of appreciation, the board president read a resolution honoring Dr. McBride’s service, followed by a heartfelt surprise video message from each current board member.
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TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
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Dear Colleagues:
This Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of Illinois’ teachers for the skill, care, and deep knowledge that you bring to the art and science of teaching. Your impact extends far beyond the school walls; it echoes through committees and across generations. You don’t just shape your individual classrooms, you shape the future. What you do today builds a brighter tomorrow for all of us, and for that, we are endlessly thankful.
Last week, I had the privilege to recognize one very special teacher. We announced our 2025 Teacher of the Year at East Leyden High School with balloons; a mariachi band; family members; flowers; Vega, the school mascot; and speeches from various officials, including me. But the one thing we forgot to bring was a box of Kleenex, which sure would have come in handy when two students who had bilingual educator Víctor Gómez as their science teacher took the mic.
Jesus Osuna, now a senior, said he was feeling “lost and alone” on his first day at East Leyden High School – until he stepped into the chemistry classroom where Mr. Gómez had Spanish music playing. “I felt a huge sense of relief in that moment,” Jesus said. Although Jesus had no special interest in science, he found that Mr. Gómez made it approachable, and that in his classroom Mr. Gómez “created a community where students felt valued, seen, and supported.”
Another student, Jessika Alvarez, addressed her remarks to Mr. Gómez in Spanish, so I’m using an interpretation supplied by our staff.
“I am truly thrilled for you, and you deserve everything because you are an incredible teacher and someone who has supported me through these three years being here and studying in a different language,” she told him. “You made our classroom a place where we could be close to our culture.”
But like all great teachers, Mr. Gómez doesn’t make his students comfortable so they can rest; he makes them comfortable so they can be ready for the academic challenges he pushes them to achieve – a strategy that clearly works for Jessika.
“In your class, you helped us become ambitious and not settle for less. I crossed limits I didn’t even know I had when you encouraged me to do that summer STEAM at the university and I was able to prove to myself what I am capable of,” she said. Jessika ended her short speech by telling her teacher that because of his example, she has decided to pursue advanced studies in science in hopes of sharing his passion for science with more people.
I know I was not the only person in the room who got a bit emotional listening to these students speak. I also know we have many teachers, at many schools across Illinois, who serve their students in a similar way – by providing an environment that makes learning possible and reaching new achievements probable. While we honor Mr. Gómez as our 2025 Teacher of the Year, we celebrate all teachers this Teacher Appreciation Week.
Mr. Gómez’ personal passion is about forging pathways for bilingual students to enter, succeed, and lead in STEM professions. He mentors future bilingual educators in collaboration with Elmhurst University and has facilitated opportunities for East Leyden’s bilingual students (like Jessika and Jesus) to attend STEM summer camps at the campus, earning college-level credit along the way. One reason I chose him as our 2025 Teacher of the Year is because I believe that he can inspire other educators around the state with his high expectations for his students, his willingness to chart new paths, and his commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive instruction. I look forward to the ways he will uplift the teaching profession and inspire young people to pursue careers in bilingual education.
Throughout this week, I invite you to follow along on ISBE’s X and Facebook pages to see our 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year Cohort share their thoughts about a favorite teachers who inspired them to pursue careers in education. If you’d like to share your own story, tag ISBE so we can repost!
All my best,
Tony
Dr. Tony Sanders
State Superintendent of Education
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NEW! COMMUNICATIONS
Send Us Your Favorite Photos From the 2024-25 School Year
ISBE regularly uses photos from Illinois schools in our publications, including ISBE’s Weekly Message, our annual report to the General Assembly, and more.
Want to see your school featured? Send us your favorite photos from the 2024-25 school year!
It’s easy as 1, 2, 3.
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Find or snap a photo.
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Ensure the students have a signed media release form on file.
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Upload the picture(s) to our photo library and tell us a little about the photo in the description (e.g., names of educators and students). We will ensure proper credit for your school’s photos, so please refrain from adding watermarks.
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NEW! EDUCATOR RECOGNITION
ISBE Names Víctor Gómez as the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders named Víctor Gómez, a Chicago-area bilingual chemistry teacher, the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year during a surprise visit to East Leyden High School last week.
Gómez, a 2025 Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year, is a sixth-year bilingual educator in Leyden High School District 212 and a leader in advancing bilingual education. He co-developed East Leyden's bilingual program and helped launch the school's first Bilingual Chemistry course. Gómez is a dedicated advocate for English learners who ensures multilingual students receive high-quality instruction and access to opportunities to prepare for careers in STEM — such as earning college credit through Elmhurst University's STEM Academy.
Read the press release to learn more about Gómez and to view photos from the event. Congratulations, Víctor!
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Nominate an Outstanding Colleague for ISBE Educator Talent Pool
Join ISBE in celebrating the accomplishments of stellar educators from across the state – including teachers, administrators, student support personnel, and educational service personnel – by nominating your colleagues and community members for the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards.
Anyone may submit nominations, and there is no limit to the number of nominations that can be submitted by a person, school, or district. It takes only a few minutes to submit a nomination that could lead to your staff and schools being recognized with the highest educational honor in the state. Nominations should be submitted by Oct. 1 to be considered in the 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Award cycle.
In addition to our own annual awards, ISBE also seeks talented educators for our general talent pool -- they could be asked to join a committee or even selected for national recognition opportunities. Nominations for the general educator talent pool can be submitted year-round!
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NEW! FINANCE
FY 2025 Site-Based Financial Reporting Resources
The fiscal year 2025 Site-Based Financial Reporting application in IWAS will open on July 1. The application supports submission of two school-level financial reports: the Site-Based Expenditure Report (SBER) and the School-Level Finance Survey (SLFS). SBER data must be submitted by Aug. 15; edits to submissions are accepted through Aug. 29. SLFS data may be submitted through Nov. 3. ISBE can complete SLFS on behalf of most districts that use the Online Tool in IWAS to calculate SBER. All other districts must calculate and upload SLFS separately. Although the SLFS submission window extends into the fall, districts are encouraged to submit SLFS data at the same time they submit SBER.
Updated Site-Based Financial Reporting guidance is published on ISBE’s site-based webpage. The guidance includes new information about required exclusions and omissions. District leaders are invited to register for the FY 2025 Site-Based Financial Reporting Guidance Highlights webinar, which will take place at 10 a.m. on June 5. This webinar will provide key information, including dates, approaches to submissions, IWAS enhancements, and highlights from the 2025 guidance, about the FY 2025 reporting window.
On-demand office hours sign-ups will resume beginning June 1. Districts leaders may book appointments to discuss reporting questions or receive technical assistance during the reporting window. A sign-up link, along with additional resources, is available on ISBE’s site-based webpage. Questions not addressed by the guidance can be directed to site-based@isbe.net.
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OEPP/PCTC Verification Process and School District Financial Profile Score Review
All district superintendents should have received an email asking them to verify the Operating Expense Per Pupil (OEPP)/Per Capita Tuition Charge (PCTC) and review their preliminary Financial Profile Score Report in IWAS. The email and ISBE’s Weekly Message will be the only notices sent to districts. If you have given another person authority to review these reports, please forward the email to them.
The deadline to verify the FY 2024 OEPP/PCTC report and review the Financial Profile Score Report is June 15. Once the deadline passes, changes to FY 2024 Annual Financial Report (AFR) data are not permitted.
Additional information also is available in IWAS and on the School District Financial Profile Information and OEPP/PCTC Verification Information webpage. Please contact School Business Services at Finance1@isbe.net if you have any questions.
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NEW! SAFE & HEALTHY CLIMATE
Safe2HelpIL
In the absence of a trusted adult, Safe2HelpIL offers students a safe, confidential way in which to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence, or other threats to school safety. The Safe2HelpIL toolkit provides resources to help parents and educators reinforce the components of this program. This is a statewide resource working to positively change school culture in Illinois.
Safe2HelpIL is a 24/7 program in which students can use a free app, text/phone, and website to share information on school safety issues in a confidential environment. Once vetted, the information provided will be shared with local district and school officials and/or local PSAP/9-1-1 call center, depending on the nature of the information shared.
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Children's Mental Health Awareness Day
May is Mental Health Awareness Month; and May 8 is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. This day was enacted in the spirit of advocating for children’s mental health in schools and communities.
An estimated one in five youth has a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, yet many do not receive the help they need for healthy development. Evidence shows that there is a link between students' mental health and their performance in school. This awareness is a guiding factor as we strive to sustainably allocate resources across agencies to address this matter where we can.
At ISBE, our vision is to ensure that “Each and every child is equipped to make meaningful contributions to society and live life to its fullest potential.” Our staff and partners continue efforts to improve the academic, social, and mental wellness of children across the state. A variety of initiatives is enabling us to expand services for students, teachers, and other staff. We recognize the importance of these systems and their influence on student development and classroom success. We are motivated to ensure that schools are places for students and staff to thrive -- increasing awareness and sharing intervention strategies are a big part of that effort.
To learn more, please visit:
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Anticipated FY 2026 After School Programs - Non-School
Districts Grant
Pending Board approval, the FY 2026 After School Programs – Non-School Districts (ASP - Non-LEA) Grant Request for Proposals (RFP) is expected to be released electronically in the ISBE IWAS system soon.
Eligible applicants must submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) to access the IWAS system by June 6. We cannot guarantee that entities who submit the ITA after this date will be able to complete the preparations needed to access the RFP in IWAS.
Pending Board approval, eligible applicants will be entities that are not school districts or Local Education Agencies. These include, but are not limited to, Regional Offices of Education; Intermediate Service Centers; community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations; or Indian tribes or tribal organizations (as defined in the federal Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act).
Visit ISBE’s After School Programs webpage for complete details.
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Make Fitness Count: Submit Your FitnessGram Data
Let’s keep Illinois students moving! All public schools serving Grades 3–12 participate in FitnessGram, an annual fitness assessment designed to promote healthy habits, track progress, and improve student wellness.
Important Reminder: FitnessGram reporting is required for the 2024–25 school year. This marks the second consecutive year reporting has been mandatory following the pandemic – it’s here to stay.
Schools must submit results electronically for Grades 5, 7, and 10 via the ISBE IWAS system by June 30. Don’t miss out! Submitting your data helps drive stronger wellness programs and better student outcomes across the state.
Need support? Check out the IWAS User Guide. Visit the ISBE Enhanced Physical Education Resources page for more information.
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Indoor Air Quality Resources for Schools
ISBE is providing a list of resources to support indoor air quality (IAQ) improvements in schools, as outlined in Public Act 103-0736. The Compiled Resources on Indoor Air Quality, developed in consultation with the Illinois Department of Public Health and IAQ professionals, offers resources with practical guidance to aid school administrators with assessing and maintaining ventilation systems, as well as funding opportunities that may help address ventilation needs.
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DATA, ACCOUNTABILITY & ASSESSMENT
Check Your Data Webinar
There are multiple metrics on the Illinois Report Card and in summative designations, so knowing what it means to “check your data” is no easy task. This session will explain how data is organized in various data systems and provide best practices for checking data, including which reports to pull in what systems. Important ISBE systems of record – including the Student Information System (SIS), the Entity Profile System (EPS), the IEP-Student Tracking and Reporting (I-Star) system, the Employment Information System (EIS), and the Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) – will be reviewed in detail. We will highlight resources and documentation for these systems and showcase data review systems like the Data Quality Dashboard 2.0 and the Data Review and Verification Tool (DRVT).
This session is perfect for those who are new in their roles or want to deepen their data literacy or familiarity with ISBE’s systems of record.
Multiple dates and times are offered. Register now!
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EDUCATOR EFFECTIVENESS
KEEP Illinois Research Study - Defining Educator Compensation Survey
The Illinois P-20 Network is conducting a statewide study of educators (early childhood through high school) through May 7 to explore their thoughts on compensation. This study seeks more information directly from educators of all types, including licensed teachers, clinicians, and administrators as well as paraprofessionals, across all levels and across the state. The Defining Educator Compensation Survey is anonymous and completely voluntary, can be completed in as little as five minutes, and may inform both local and statewide conversations about educator compensation.
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LEADERSHIP
Unlocking Our Students' Math Potential
Join Dr. Tony Sanders for an exciting virtual Fireside Chat with Shalinee Sharma at 9 a.m. May 15. They will discuss how to unlock our students’ math potential!
Ms. Sharma is a math expert and is the CEO and co-founder of Zearn, a nonprofit educational organization behind the top-rated math learning platform used by one in four elementary school students and 1 million middle school students nationwide. She also authored the national bestseller, "Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math.” Sharma serves on the Braven Board of Directors, is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow, and serves as co-chair of the President’s Advisory Council on the College at Brown University. As a mom of twins, Sharma is passionate about universal access to an excellent education.
Register for the Fireside Chat with Shalinee Sharma.
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NUTRITION
IDHS Announces Summer EBT Benefits
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) recently announced that Summer EBT benefits will be issued to families for summer 2025 starting in May. Each eligible school-aged child will receive a one-time benefit of $120. The Summer EBT program aims to provide essential support to low-income children during the summer months, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals.
Most eligible households will receive benefits automatically, but some households will need to apply. Families can complete the screener to see if their children already qualify on the Illinois Summer EBT Portal webpage.
Summer EBT issuances are planned for May 19-26 for children who are automatically enrolled. Families will receive Summer EBT benefits on existing LINK cards if they already receive electronic benefits. Families without existing cards will be sent one in the mail.
If the child or children do not automatically qualify, review the eligibility requirements, and submit an application on the Illinois Summer EBT Portal webpage. Applications are due by Aug. 13.
Visit the IDHS Summer EBT webpage for more information about Summer EBT benefits.
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SNP Annual Application Available in WINS
The School Nutrition Programs (SNP) application for school year 2025-26 is available in the Web-Based Illinois Nutrition System (WINS). Sponsor applications are due June 30.
The application is an annual requirement for all sponsors to participate in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, After School Snack Program, Special Milk Program, and Illinois Free Lunch and Illinois Breakfast. Please note that if you are participating in the Community Eligibility Provision, this annual application is still necessary to finalize participation plans in the meal programs for the upcoming school year.
Instructions, webinar recording and PDF slides, and other resources for the annual application are posted on the ISBE Nutrition webpage. All sponsors should first view a recorded training and presentations slides, as there are new steps in the application and some of the information has changed for program year 2026.
SUMMER MEALS: For those operating the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), there are extended application instructions available, as well as a recommend introductory training on SSO:
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STANDARDS & INSTRUCTION
Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan Needs Assessment Surveys
Inspired by the success of our Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, the Illinois State Board of Education is kicking off a statewide effort to develop an Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan — uniformed guidance aimed at boosting student learning in math by supporting high-quality, evidence-based mathematics instruction. Our first step is to seek input from educators like YOU via the Numeracy Plan Needs Assessment Survey. Sharing your perspective allows you to play a key role in shaping the future of mathematics education and ensures that the plan reflects the needs and priorities of educators across Illinois. Take the survey for:
ISBE will use the results of the survey to inform its invitation-only Numeracy Summit this summer with state and national experts. The survey is open through May 7. Visit ISBE's Standards and Instructions webpage to learn more about the statewide numeracy plan.
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Making Sense of Three-Dimensional Teaching & Learning
The National Science Teaching Association and Regional Office of Education 47, in conjunction with ISBE, are offering three free in-person professional development opportunities for K-12 science educators.
The sessions will focus on enhancing understanding and application of three-dimensional, phenomenon-driven teaching and learning using OpenSciEd curricular materials. Participants will explore key instructional shifts required by the Next Generation Science Standards and similar standards; deepen their knowledge of high-quality, three-dimensional science instruction; and engage with OpenSciEd materials and instructional routines, which are adaptable across grade levels. The workshops will provide practical strategies for immediate classroom use, making them valuable for both experienced users of OpenSciEd and those new to three-dimensional learning.
These full-day immersive workshops will take place on:
- June 3 at the University of Illinois Springfield
- June 9 at Heartland Community College in Normal
- June 16 at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon
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IN BRIEF
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Student Recognition
ALPLM and ISBE Announce Winners of Annual Art Contest
Congratulations to the 12 Illinois students who were named winners of the annual art contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education!
The top entries in the four age groups were:
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Grades K-2
George Bandik
Age 6, Westchester Primary School, Westchester School District 92½
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Grades 3-5
Uthman Serir
Age 10, Charter Oak Primary School, Peoria School District 150
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Grades 6-8
Alaina Karban
Age 13, Blessed Sacrament School, Belleville
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Grades 9-12
Steven Jiang
Age 15, Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, Chicago Public Schools District 299
Their artwork is currently on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, alongside eight runners-up.
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U.S. Presidential Scholars Semifinalists Announced
Congratulations to the Illinois students whom the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has selected as semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program! A complete listing of semifinalists can be found on the ED U.S. Presidential Scholars Program webpage. ED has notified all participants of their status as a semifinalist or non-semifinalist in the program and will announce the finalists later in the spring. If you have questions or require technical assistance, contact PSP@scholarshipamerica.org or
507-931-8345.
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School Recognition
Join Illinois Green Alliance to Celebrate School Sustainability
Join Illinois Green Alliance at its May 22 virtual awards ceremony, Illinois Green Schools Celebration 2025, to celebrate the schools throughout Illinois that have worked to prioritize sustainability across their school cultures, educational programming, and physical space. Guests will share highlights and hear presentations from the Illinois Green Schools participants that have been hard at work identifying, planning, and implementing sustainability projects that span issues such as cafeteria food waste, student climate education, energy reduction efforts, and more. Check out some of last year's projects!
After that, attendees will hear from three schools and districts that have made significant advancements towards sustainability in the state of Illinois during the 2024-25 school year.
Register for Illinois Green Schools Celebration 2025.
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Student Opportunities
Makers on the Move Bus Design Contest
The Illinois Manufacturers Association and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center are hosting a design contest for the Makers on the Move 45-foot charter bus wrap. This contest is open to Illinois students of all ages! Winners of the contest will not only have their design featured on the bus for the entire weeklong, statewide tour, but you will also win the offer for the bus to stop at their school! Interested students must complete the interest form to get more information. Designs are due May 9.
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Featured ISBE Career Opportunities
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The Illinois State Board of Education is the State Education Agency for Illinois. Our mission is to provide each and every child with safe and healthy learning conditions, great educators, and equitable opportunities by practicing data-informed stewardship of resources and policy development, all done in partnership with educators, families, and stakeholders.
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