Alicia M. Cieszykowski

Key discussions included the presentation of the IHSA Coach of the Year award to Boys Volleyball Coach Brian Fischer, recognizing his successful tenure and team achievements. A proposal for a volunteer service trip to Ecuador in June 2027 by Interact students was presented. An update on student professional learning experiences and career preparation efforts was provided, alongside the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit Report by Eccezion. Discussions also covered updating the School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding due to new legislation impacting student citations and mandatory reporting. Furthermore, the Board discussed the recommendation for refrigeration unit replacement at the West Campus cafeteria, which the District intends to partially fund via the FY 2026 School Maintenance Project Grant application. The Board also reviewed the first reading of updates to Board PRESS Policy Issue 120 based on IASB recommendations. Action items included the approval of the Director of Multilingual Services position, the approval of the 2027 Interact Trip to Ecuador, and the approval of the audit summary and the refrigeration replacement project, contingent upon the grant application approval.

The agenda for the meeting included several key items. Presentations covered the Fall 2025 Student Activities Overview Report, an Interact Trip for June 2027, the IHSA Coach of the Year, Student Professional Learning Experiences, and the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit Report. Discussion items focused on an updated School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding, a Summer 2026 Project Refrigeration Replacement, the FY 2026 School Maintenance Project Grant, PRESS Policy Issue 120 Updates (First Reading), and District Facilities. The consent agenda addressed numerous items, including personnel matters (leaves, appointments, resignations, retirements), co-curricular contracts, and bills for payment. Action items included the approval of the Director of Multilingual Services Position, the Interact Trip for June 2027, the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit Report, the Summer 2026 Project Refrigeration Replacement, and the FY 2026 School Maintenance Project Grant. A closed session was scheduled to discuss special education placements and specific employee matters.

The meeting included discussions and presentations on new courses for the 2026-2027 school year, specifically Sports & Entertainment Marketing and Music Production 1. There was also a discussion regarding the proposed four-year extension of the Negotiated Agreement with the LPEA and a review of the 2025 tentative tax levy. Additionally, there was a presentation on the District's draft long-term Master Plan and a recommendation to approve a contract with Beyond Your Base for community engagement services related to the master planning outcomes.

The Board of Education meeting included recognition of student-athletes and coaches for achievements in fall sports, with 581 students participating. Seniors were recognized in the National Merit Scholarship Program and for being first-generation college students. A student achievement report highlighted performance data from the 2024-2025 school year, noting an increase in the Overall Index Score. The board approved a new course proposal for Music Production 1 (SY27-28) and Sports & Entertainment Marketing (SY26-27), an extension of the Negotiated Agreement, a resolution authorizing the Final Aggregate Tax Levy for the Year 2025, and a contract with Beyond Your Base. The creation of a Director of Multilingual Services position was discussed.

The board meeting included a presentation of the draft master facilities plan by ARCON, focusing on aligning with the District's needs, incorporating stakeholder input, and guiding future capital funding. The plan includes projects for Commons/Collaboration Spaces, Performing Arts, Tech Education Labs, and Physical Education/Athletics. A recommendation was made to approve a contract with Beyond Your Base for community engagement services to share the master planning outcomes. New course proposals for the 2026-2027 school year were introduced, including Sports & Entertainment Marketing and Music Production 1. A discussion was held regarding the proposed four-year extension of the Negotiated Agreement with the Lake Park Education Association. The 2025 Tentative Tax Levy was presented, and updates for PRESS Issue 119 were approved. The board also approved the resolution regarding the estimated amounts necessary to be levied for the Year 2025.