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April ISBE Update

  • Date Posted
    April 2, 2026

Educational Flexibility Waiver Applications
The State Board of Education has opened public comments on the Educational Flexibility (Ed-Flex) program application. Some states have been granted Ed-Flex authority by the U.S. Department of Education that allows districts to waive certain statutory and regulatory requirements if they apply for certain waivers and meet eligibility prerequisites.

Districts can apply for two waivers to ISBE:

  • Waiving the 15% carryover limitation for Title I, Part A under Section 1127 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
  • Waiving the content area spending limitations for Title IV, Part A under Section 4106(e)(2)(C-E). This pertains to Local Education Agencies with a Title IV, Part A allocation of $30,000 or more.

Public comments should be submitted to [email protected] by April 24.

Commenting System Available for District Financial Profile Score
Illinois school districts can now explain their financial circumstances using the Financial Profile Score Commenting System. Districts can tell their story of what resulted in their 2026 Financial Profile Score Report. Using IWAS, selecting “School District Financial Reports” and then the Financial Profile, users can view the preliminary financial profile score. Districts can then use the User Comment box to include commentary.

Improving Attendance Webinar
ISBE will host a webinar on April 7 from 12:30-2 p.m. on strategies to improve student attendance. Attendees will discuss solutions that have been effective at improving attendance for students who were chronically absent and will also get access to free tools and resources to enhance student engagement.

IASB-ISBE Advisory Group
IASB members are invited to meet with State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders and ISBE staff for an hour-long session to discuss topics proposed by local boards. School board members who are interested in participating should email Jody Burtnett. The next meeting will be in-person at the IASB’s Springfield office on May 12 at 10:30 a.m.