Fixing Perceived Problems

Abstract

PLENTY OF state policies have been noteworthy in 2004, but one that had major impact went into effect in Illinois, where the governance of education was significantly restructured. S.B. 3000 (the Education Reform and Accountability Act of 2004) gives the governor greater influence over education through his or her control of the state board of education. Previously, the Illinois state board was appointed by the governor, but, because of the way in which the terms were staggered, an incoming governor could inherit another governor's appointees. And because the state board appoints the chief state school officer, the person in that position might not reflect a governor's goals for education. The terms of seven of the nine members of the state board ended with the effective date of this bill -- 14 September 2004. Gov. Rod Blagojevich then nominated replacements for those seven. In the future, whenever any governor takes office in January, that executive will nominate all members whose terms begin after that date -- for the duration of the governor's time in office. S.B. 3000 also limits the size of the board to eight members plus a chairperson, reducing the total board size by one. Board member appointments continue to be made with advice and consent of the state senate, though the new law does reduce the length of terms of appointees from six years to four. Of the four members (except the chairperson) whose terms will expire in January 2007 (the year a new governor will take office or Gov. Blagojevich will begin a second term), one must be an at-large member, and no more than two of the four nominees can be from one political party. Of those four whose terms end in January 2009, the same applies. (Party membership is defined as having voted in the primary of the party in the last primary before appointment.) The governor will indirectly affect the selection of the state superintendent, because the new board -- appointed by the governor -- appoints the superintendent at the beginning of each term of a governor. The superintendent's contracts are limited to four years, although they may be extended or renewed if the board chooses. The governor can remove any member of the state board for incompetence, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office. S.B. 3000 also grants the state board the authority to provide certain regional services, either through a regional administrative technology center or otherwise. A regional center has the authority to issue annual report cards for the regional offices, grading the impact of technical assistance and program support by evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of districts served, the regional delivery of services, the level of district satisfaction, and the delivery of services that enhance student performance. Regional centers will assist low-performing schools, work to help close the achievement gap, and help with the pooling of district administrative services. The state department of education must have at least the following divisions: teaching and learning for all children, school support services for all schools, fiscal support services, special education services, an internal auditor, and a human resources department. The board may add others. The state board must maintain a five-year strategic plan that addresses 15 issues clearly specified by the law, including an interesting provision regarding recommendations for streamlining the school code to eliminate laws that interfere with local control. Another provision addresses streamlining certification of teachers and administrators to provide high-quality personnel and ongoing professional development. In addition, the strategic plan must address educational research and development, as well as access to and training in the use of a centralized student achievement data system. To access the complete text of the law, go to www.legis.state.il.us/legislation/publicacts/fulltext. …