ISBE Update for September 2025

2025-2026 Student Advisory Council 

ISBE has selected 21 high school students to serve on the 2025-26 Student Advisory Council. The Advisory Council provides an opportunity for students to share experiences and personal perspectives on education in Illinois. The Council meets with policymakers and community partners each month to examine research, brainstorm new ideas, and develop policy recommendations to present to the State Board of Education.​ 

Members of the Student Advisory Council must submit a written application and complete a video interview that demonstrates their communication skills, leadership potential, and passion for education. Council members will research and present recommendations on key issues affecting student success statewide. 

“Their insight will help us strengthen learning environments and ensure that every student in Illinois feels heard and supported. We also hope this experience will inspire them to continue their journeys in advocacy and public service," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders.
 

Burroughs Award Nominations Sought 

The nomination process for the 2025 Thomas Lay Burroughs Award for outstanding Illinois school board member is now open. Named after the late State Board of Education Chairman and former school board president Tom Burroughs, the annual award recognizes extraordinary leadership on behalf of education at the local level. 

The nominating criteria for the recognition includes:  

• Personal leadership in improving student learning, closing achievement gaps, and supporting educational excellence; and/or  
• Personal leadership in expanding educational opportunities for underserved students; and/or  
• Personal leadership in resolving a crisis or major difficulty with the result of more equitable outcomes for students. 

Nomination forms for the Thomas Lay Burroughs Awards are due by October 17.
 

2025 Report Card Overview Webinar

ISBE will present its 2025 Report Card Overview webinar on October 2 at 10 a.m. Staff will cover the new elements on the 2025 Report Card and answer questions regarding newly added information and abnormal-looking data. Individuals wanting to attend the webinar must register through ISBE.  

IASB will also be hosting a webinar related to 2025 Illinois State Report Card data. On October 16 at noon, CEO of ECRA Group John Gatta will present “New Standards for Student Proficiency: What Board Members Should Know.” Gatta will cover changes to Illinois cut scores and how those will impact district's Report Card data.