Big Hollow School District 38

The Board discussed COVID-19 mitigation strategies, including updated quarantine guidance and the impact of positive cases on staffing and transportation. Updates were provided regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Board reviewed and maintained the closed status of specific meeting minutes. Additionally, the Board reviewed administrative reports, employment information, accepted a resignation, and received a financial report concerning balance sheets and accounts payable.

The meeting involved a closed session followed by an open session. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda, recognition of Students of the Month across primary, elementary, and middle schools, and a review of the Board Member "Code of Conduct." The board approved the consent agenda items. Under the Superintendent's Report, the board approved the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar and approved the first reading of IASB Press Plus Policy 120 revisions. The date for the 8th Grade Graduation was set for May 26, 2026. During other action items, the board decided to keep all current closed session minutes in closed status and approved the December 2025 employment recommendations. The resignation of a Paraprofessional, effective January 7, 2026, was accepted. Public comment was received regarding a request for a therapy dog pilot program. Informational items included a review of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and monthly reports from December. The board later entered and returned from a second closed session regarding personnel matters before adjourning.

The Board of Education meeting included a closed session followed by an open session. Key discussions and actions included the approval of the agenda, recognition of the Students of the Month, and a review of the Board Member "Code of Conduct." The Superintendent's Report covered the approval of the proposed 2026-2027 school calendar and the first reading approval of the IASB Press Plus Policy 120 revisions. The Board also confirmed the date for the 8th Grade Graduation and discussed prior board committee meetings. Action items included a decision to keep all current closed session minutes in closed status and the approval of December 2025 employment recommendations. The resignation of a Paraprofessional effective January 7, 2026, was accepted, and public comment was heard regarding a request for a therapy dog pilot program. Informational items included Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests received in December 2025 and various monthly reports.

The meeting began with a Closed Session to discuss the discussion of minutes of lawfully closed meetings, the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees or legal counsel, and student disciplinary cases. The Open Session commenced thereafter, following the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of added agenda items. Accomplishment Recognition was held for the grade-level Students of the Month for January. The Board reviewed and conducted a review of the Member "Code of Conduct." The Consent Agenda included the approval of two Memorandums of Understanding between the District and the Teachers Federation and a non-certified staff retirement agreement, as well as the approval of the Treasurer's Report, Bills, Activity and Convenience Fund Reports, and Payroll for January 2026. The Superintendent's Report covered the January 31st Enrollment Update and the second reading approval of a Board Policy update. Other action items included the approval of Certified and Support Staff Seniority Lists, the updated intergovernmental agreement with Fox Lake Grade School District 114 for shared transportation services, January employment recommendations, and the upgrade/repair of the Big Hollow Middle School Gymnasium sound system. Resignations were accepted, including one effective February 13, 2026. Informational items included FOIA requests received in January 2026 and various monthly reports. The session concluded with motions to move to and return from a final closed session, and adjournment.

The meeting agenda included discussions that necessitated moving into a Closed Session to address the approval of minutes from a previous lawfully closed meeting, the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees or legal counsel, and student disciplinary cases. Upon resuming Open Session, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the agenda itself was subject to approval. Accomplishment Recognition was given to various grade-level Students of the Month for February. The Board reviewed Code #5 of the Board Member "Code of Conduct." Key action items included the approval of the final Staffing Plan for the 2026-2027 school year and details regarding 2026 Summer School Learning Opportunities. Other action items involved approving administrative assignments for 2026-2027, which represented a reduction of one administrative position, reviewing the draft student fee structure for 2026-2027, and approving resolutions authorizing the dismissal of probationary and tenured teachers for reasons other than reduction-in-force, as well as a resolution for honorable dismissal due to decreasing staff numbers. Several resignations across various positions were accepted. Informational items included updates on Freedom of Information Act requests and monthly reports.