Alex Binek

The Board meeting began with an executive session to discuss personnel matters, collective negotiating, real property purchase/lease, security procedures, student disciplinary cases, litigation, and a semi-annual review of minutes. Following the open session call to order, the agenda was amended to include a second closed session for discussion only. The Tax Levy Hearing commenced, where the Superintendent presented estimates for the rising Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) in Bureau and Henry Counties, including the new addition of windmill EAV. The Board subsequently approved resolutions to transfer County Sales Tax money for the payment of three series of General Obligation School Bonds and approved the 2025 Tax Levy based on an estimated EAV of $138,504,657. During open session business, the Board approved the purchase of five diesel buses over gas alternatives due to electrical issues, and approved the proposed $33,000 Touch Pro Wrap project for Kewanee High School. Personnel actions approved included accepting resignations, retirements, various hires (including a KHS Assistant Principal and several second-semester teachers/workers), granting leaves of absence, approving long-term substitutes, and approving transfers between positions. The Board also approved other closed session actions, including rescinding one hire and making two new hires. Administration provided updates on Evidence Based Funding/MCATS estimates, upcoming winter break cleaning and maintenance projects, the Good Fellows Baskets event, winter programs, and construction updates, noting the HVAC unit shipment and expected completion for the Bio/Theater addition. The Board also reviewed the use of County Sales Tax funds for various capital projects.

The meeting included recognition of KHS FFA members for their achievements at state and national levels, as well as recognition for Central Jr. High School FFA. The Neponset Builders Club provided an overview of their projects. The board discussed the tentative 2025 tax levy, CPPRT estimates, American Education Week, dual credit scholarships, athletic drug testing procedure updates, ExceleRate recognition for Pre-K, and an articulation agreement with Illinois Central College. Construction updates were provided. The board also discussed strategic planning survey results, new and revised policies, the 8th-grade promotion date, a Golden Apple Partnership, revised policy 4:102, allowing Business Math as a math credit, and a school maintenance grant for Belle Floor. Personnel actions from the closed session included resignations, retirements, hires, leaves, transfers, and volunteers.

The meeting included a presentation of the 2024-2025 School District Audit, which showed the district's financial profile score improved. The Central 1003a Leadership Team presented their School Improvement Plan. The board discussed flu vaccines at individual buildings, recognized honorary boilermakers and ISBE Teacher of the Year nominees, and provided a construction update. They also discussed and chose Early Childhood Literacy and Numeracy as their number one goal to work towards from the strategic plan draft. The board approved a revised policy, the 2024-2025 School District Audit, transfers, and adjustments. They selected a delegate and alternate to the Joint Annual Conference. The board also approved resignations, retirements, and hires. Additionally, they approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kewanee Education Association (KEA).

The budget for Kewanee CUSD 229, County of Henry, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, was prepared in tentative form and made available for public inspection. A public hearing was held on September 15, 2025, after giving at least thirty days' notice as required by law. The budget includes estimates of amounts available in each fund and expenditures from each fund. The budget was adopted with a roll call vote of 7 Yeas and 0 Nays.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The board approved a resolution to waive the limitation on administrative costs for Fiscal Year 2026 and accepted the 2025-2026 Budget as presented. Updates were provided on construction projects, including progress on the KHS biology/lecture hall, the completed fitness court, and resolutions to a sewer issue with the tennis court project. The board also discussed dual enrollment options with WIU, the Clean Energy Career and Technical Education Pilot Program, and fall sports assignments. Additionally, the board approved the EIS Administrator and Teacher Salary and Benefits Report for FY25, naming rights for the KHS Digital Scoreboard and Tennis Courts, and joining the LaSalle County Area Purchasing Cooperative. They also reviewed and approved resignations, retirements, hires, leaves, transfers, and volunteers.