Benjamin School District 25

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the evening's agenda and the approval of draft minutes from the regular board meeting and executive session meeting held on January 12, 2026. Administrative reports covered learning activities, including preparations for the countywide institute day, assessment training schedules, the upcoming I and LA science assessments, and positive feedback from high school articulation meetings. Updates were provided on the comprehensive numeracy plan development and the status of the five essential survey distribution. Business operations focused on initial planning for the FY27 budget, projecting a 2.7% local property tax revenue increase while state support remains flat, and detailing anticipated expenditure increases, including a 2.7% salary decrease for certified staff based on the blended CPI model. Contract increases for custodial services (CPI-based), busing (5%), and food services (CPI food away from home) were outlined. The safety committee reported on attending the 2026 school safety summit, focusing on crisis communication and special needs response protocols, with ongoing work with local law enforcement. The legislative update highlighted the Illinois General Assembly session, advocacy for full funding of mandated categoricals, and the district absorbing significant transportation costs due to state underfunding. Updates on strategic plan progress included a vision retreat where mission, vision, and core values were reviewed and revised, and feedback surveys were distributed to students, families, and faculty. Committee reports noted PTA activities, including successful fundraising events, and updates from the LED meeting regarding a proposed two-year high school world language requirement starting in 2028-2029, a potential governor-proposed cell phone ban in schools, and anticipated 4% budget cuts requested from non-K-12 departments due to potential federal funding loss.

The meeting included the approval of draft minutes from the regular board meeting held on December 8, 2025, and the finance committee meeting of January 8, 2026. Key discussion points centered on student recognition, specifically honoring students who achieved a 4.0 grade point average for the first trimester. A significant portion of the meeting involved presentations from Student Services regarding data on special education and 504 plans, noting historical percentages of students qualifying for special education services in relation to state recommendations (10-12%) and addressing the issue of over-identification of second language learners as having a special education need. The presentation also covered early childhood services, emphasizing the goal of providing a general education environment and the process for identifying students at risk.

The meeting proceedings began with statutory disclosures related to the tax levy, referencing Public Acts 1020895 and 103394 concerning small fund balances and maximum reserve rates, respectively. The discussion confirmed that the district's fund reserve levels did not necessitate the submission of a fund reserve plan. The presentation then focused on the final tax levy, which was calculated considering the county's limiting cap based on a 2.9% CPI measure, noting that new construction revenue allowed the levy to remain under the 5% threshold that would require a multi-year taxation adjustment. Administrative reports covered instructional updates, including teacher training on content navigation, hands-on learning (Quest), and incorporating language-rich classrooms, as well as high school articulation efforts. The District Safety Committee presented recommendations regarding cardiac response plans. The strategic planning process was reviewed, detailing the data retreat, which involved presentations on academic achievement, learning environments, and finance/facilities/technology, culminating in a SWOT analysis. Other topics included updates on capital planning, the 10-year health and life safety survey, discussions on funding necessary life safety work, updates on PTA activities such as fundraising events and ice cream days, and recognition for staff professional development.

The meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics. There was a presentation on school improvement plans, focusing on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) results in ELA and math. The board also reviewed student growth percentiles (SGP) and changes to performance level standards. The school's performance data, including proficiency levels in math and ELA, were presented and compared to state standards.

The meeting included discussions and approvals of draft minutes from various committee meetings, including finance and policy committees, as well as regular and executive sessions. An audit presentation by Baker Tilly highlighted complexities during fiscal year 2025, such as fund transfers and bond issuance, which led to material audit adjustments. The district's financial profile score and operational metrics were reviewed, noting a financial profile score of 3.55. The learning and teaching report covered topics such as training for K-4 teachers, piloting a new social studies program, learning walks, and the emergency day e-learning plan.