Bloomington School District 87

The Board of Education held a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposal to sell Working Cash Fund Bonds for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund of the District. A public hearing was also held for the district's three-year e-Learning Plan. The board discussed proposed courses for Bloomington High School, including Cooperative Education and Math Connections. A facilities report was presented, including summer 2025 completed work and summer 2026 planned projects. The board also discussed optional graduation requirements for newcomer students. The board approved the Consent Agenda, 2026 Health Insurance Rates, Board Policy 6.300 (Graduation Requirements), the BHS Course Description proposals, the e-Learning Plan Resolution, the BEA Letter of Understanding, the Bloomington Career Academy & McLean DeWitt Regional Vocational System Joint Agreements, the Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Bloomington for the Stevenson Elementary School Playground, the Memorandum of Understanding with the BESP & BEA for 2026 Health Insurance Rates, and the Copier Equipment Lease Recommendation.

The Board of Education met in a special session and appointed a Secretary Pro Tem. The Board and administration participated in a strategic planning process led by representatives from the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

The Board of Education held a public hearing for the 2025-26 budget, addressing a $5M deficit in the Education Fund and plans to issue $20M in Working Cash Funds for capital projects. Updates were given on District 87 projects, including the BHS Tennis Courts, BJHS Arts for Life, and Stevenson Playground. The board discussed updates to Illinois' proficiency benchmarks and new cut scores for testing, as well as Board policy 6.300 regarding graduation requirements for newcomer students. The board approved the FY26 District 87 Budget, a resolution declaring the intention to issue Working Cash Fund Bonds, and resolutions to transfer funds to capital projects and the Education Fund. Additionally, they approved a Virtual Tech Director Agreement with EduTech Partners.

The Board of Education convened for a regular meeting to discuss several key issues. A public hearing was held for the FY26 Bloomington Career Academy/McLean-Dewitt Regional Vocational System budgets. An alternative pathway to graduation for newcomer students was presented, and the FY26 tentative budget was reviewed, highlighting an initial structural surplus and changes in revenue sources. Several board policies were presented for a second reading. The board approved the consent agenda, the FY26 Legal BCA/RVS Budgets, the FY26 Tentative Budget Resolution, the 2025-2028 Paraprofessionals Contract, the Remote Educational Learning Plan, and the Bloomington Career Academy Cosmetology Contracts. Additionally, they approved the termination of a non-licensed staff member and the BHS South Gym Architect.

The Board of Education met in a special session to discuss Understanding School Improvement, including a review of designation statuses of schools, the Illinois School Report Card, supports available to schools designated as intensive, an introduction of the Continuous School Improvement Model, and a review of the district's school improvement plans. The Board also discussed Monitoring District Goals Using Data, including Board Member Roles & Responsibilities and Next Steps.