ISBE Updates for June 2025
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Date PostedJune 4, 2025
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CategoryNews
Performance Level Descriptors Feedback
The State Board of Education is requesting feedback from school officials and educators on updated drafts of Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs). Working towards a unified academic standard setting, the PLDs will be used to create coherence and proficiency expectations across statewide English language arts, math, and science assessments. In a recent weekly message, State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders said of the descriptors, “…they will give us all a better roadmap of where students are, what landmarks they need to pass long the way, and how we can best support them on their journey to success.” The deadline to submit feedback is June 15.
FY 2026 Budget Forms and Development Support Available
The FY 2026 ISBE School District Budget Form is now available. Districts should keep in mind a number of deadlines that accompany the budget process, including making the budget available for public inspection 30 days prior to adoption and publishing a hearing notice at least 30 days before the hearing date. School districts need to have their Fiscal Year 26 budget adopted by September 30 and then immediately posted on the district website. The budget also needs to be submitted to ISBE within 30 days after being adopted by the board. October 31 is the final day for school budgets to be submitted to ISBE through the IWAS system.
ISBE provides technical assistance to school districts for budget development via their regional financial consultants. The consultants provide services related to tax levies, financial projections, cash flow, budget creation, and more. Additional information on the financial consultants and the services provided is available on the ISBE website.
Application Process Open for Student Advisory Council
ISBE is accepting applications from sophomore, junior, and senior students interested in joining the 2025-2026 Student Advisory Council. Each year, the Advisory Council selects areas of focus and then collaborates with legislators, school leaders, and ISBE staff to provide recommendations to enhance current education initiatives. Applicants should be passionate about creating educational change and advocates for educational equity on behalf of all students. The application deadline is June 30.
The State Board of Education is requesting feedback from school officials and educators on updated drafts of Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs). Working towards a unified academic standard setting, the PLDs will be used to create coherence and proficiency expectations across statewide English language arts, math, and science assessments. In a recent weekly message, State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders said of the descriptors, “…they will give us all a better roadmap of where students are, what landmarks they need to pass long the way, and how we can best support them on their journey to success.” The deadline to submit feedback is June 15.
FY 2026 Budget Forms and Development Support Available
The FY 2026 ISBE School District Budget Form is now available. Districts should keep in mind a number of deadlines that accompany the budget process, including making the budget available for public inspection 30 days prior to adoption and publishing a hearing notice at least 30 days before the hearing date. School districts need to have their Fiscal Year 26 budget adopted by September 30 and then immediately posted on the district website. The budget also needs to be submitted to ISBE within 30 days after being adopted by the board. October 31 is the final day for school budgets to be submitted to ISBE through the IWAS system.
ISBE provides technical assistance to school districts for budget development via their regional financial consultants. The consultants provide services related to tax levies, financial projections, cash flow, budget creation, and more. Additional information on the financial consultants and the services provided is available on the ISBE website.
Application Process Open for Student Advisory Council
ISBE is accepting applications from sophomore, junior, and senior students interested in joining the 2025-2026 Student Advisory Council. Each year, the Advisory Council selects areas of focus and then collaborates with legislators, school leaders, and ISBE staff to provide recommendations to enhance current education initiatives. Applicants should be passionate about creating educational change and advocates for educational equity on behalf of all students. The application deadline is June 30.
