ISBE Update August 2022
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Date PostedAugust 31, 2022
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CategoryNews
COVID-19 Guidance for Schools Updated;
Interim Monkeypox Virus Guidance Released
ISBE, along with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), has adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for schools. The Operation Guidance for K-12 School and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning and an accompanying FAQ are available online.
The updated guidance removes the recommendation to quarantine for close contacts, gets rid of recommendations for routine screen testing in K-12 schools, eases social distancing guidelines, and eliminates the “Test to Stay” recommendation after potential exposure.
In announcing the COVID guidance changes, the CDC said, “This guidance acknowledges that the pandemic is not over, but also helps us move to a point where COVID-19 no longer severely disrupts our daily lives.”
In addition to updated COVID-19 guidance, IDPH released interim guidance for schools on the Human Monkeypox Virus (MPV). The resource includes general information on MPV, preventing transmission of rhte virus in schools, and how to manage potential exposures.
Evidence-Based Funding Calculations for FY 2023 Available
Districts can view their Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) calculations for fiscal year 2023 on the State Board of Education’s website. The EBF materials include an at-a-glance look at FY23 calculations, the full calculation by district, EBF quick facts, and a comparative analysis tool to help understand how tiers were assigned and how funds were calculated.
School Safety and Construction
IASB, ISBE, and staff of other education-related groups recently discussed current topics relevant to Illinois school districts during an IASB/ISBE Advisory Committee meeting over Zoom. One issue of focus was school safety and construction. The discussion looked at what are the most pressing safety concerns for districts, what resources are most needed to keep students and staff safe, and how prepared are districts to prevent and/or respond to school violence.
School Maintenance Grant applications will be available soon to districts through IWAS. The grants, up to $50,000 with matching local funds, can be used for school safety improvements. Detailed instructions for School Maintenance Grant applications can be found online.
Districts are also reminded to fill out the Capital Needs Assessment Survey prior to the September 16 deadline. The survey is important as ISBE must file a comprehensive report of the capital needs of all school districts to the General Assembly every two years.
Interim Monkeypox Virus Guidance Released
ISBE, along with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), has adopted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 guidance for schools. The Operation Guidance for K-12 School and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning and an accompanying FAQ are available online.
The updated guidance removes the recommendation to quarantine for close contacts, gets rid of recommendations for routine screen testing in K-12 schools, eases social distancing guidelines, and eliminates the “Test to Stay” recommendation after potential exposure.
In announcing the COVID guidance changes, the CDC said, “This guidance acknowledges that the pandemic is not over, but also helps us move to a point where COVID-19 no longer severely disrupts our daily lives.”
In addition to updated COVID-19 guidance, IDPH released interim guidance for schools on the Human Monkeypox Virus (MPV). The resource includes general information on MPV, preventing transmission of rhte virus in schools, and how to manage potential exposures.
Evidence-Based Funding Calculations for FY 2023 Available
Districts can view their Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) calculations for fiscal year 2023 on the State Board of Education’s website. The EBF materials include an at-a-glance look at FY23 calculations, the full calculation by district, EBF quick facts, and a comparative analysis tool to help understand how tiers were assigned and how funds were calculated.
School Safety and Construction
IASB, ISBE, and staff of other education-related groups recently discussed current topics relevant to Illinois school districts during an IASB/ISBE Advisory Committee meeting over Zoom. One issue of focus was school safety and construction. The discussion looked at what are the most pressing safety concerns for districts, what resources are most needed to keep students and staff safe, and how prepared are districts to prevent and/or respond to school violence.
School Maintenance Grant applications will be available soon to districts through IWAS. The grants, up to $50,000 with matching local funds, can be used for school safety improvements. Detailed instructions for School Maintenance Grant applications can be found online.
Districts are also reminded to fill out the Capital Needs Assessment Survey prior to the September 16 deadline. The survey is important as ISBE must file a comprehensive report of the capital needs of all school districts to the General Assembly every two years.
