Becky Hany

The meeting commenced with a closed session to discuss personnel matters concerning the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. Upon reconvening to open session, the agenda was approved. Recognition was given to the co-chairs of the 112 Education Foundation's FUNd Run event for raising $58,000, and appreciation was extended to the event organizers and the Foundation's executive director. The Superintendent's report highlighted calendar events, the 9th Annual Robot Revolution, and the annual Day of Giving. A presentation on the student engagement survey results for grades 3-8 showed high student perceptions of safety and belonging, with areas identified for growth in student agency and intrinsic motivation, which align with the Strategic Change Agenda. The administration presented recommendations for two lease extensions: one for off-site warehouse storage until June 30, 2029, and another for the Operations, Maintenance, and Transportation Department building lease extension until April 2029. The proposed 2026-27 student fee schedule was shared, noting that most fees remain unchanged, except for the Early Childhood fee, which is contingent upon the Preschool For All Grant. The Board was informed of Freedom of Information Act requests received in November 2025. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering personnel recommendations including appointments and resignations, the Bill List, Treasurer's Report, destruction of old Closed Session Recordings, and the public release of older Closed Session Minutes. The Board subsequently approved the 3-year lease extension agreement for the 1495 Old Deerfield Rd. facility. Committee reports provided updates on the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee, the Human Relations Advisory Group's planning for the MLK Day of Service, Highwood Library resources, 112 Education Foundation activities, Finance Committee discussions, PTO Presidents Council updates, and legislative proposals from ED RED and TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804. The Board adjourned to a second closed session regarding personnel matters before adjourning the meeting.

The meeting included an adjournment to closed session to discuss personnel matters, followed by reconvening to open session. Key discussions included recognition for School Board Member Day, updates from the Deputy Superintendent concerning Braeside School's achievement level, construction progress, and detailed updates from the Dual Language Task Force subcommittees (including planning for an RFP for an outside consultant). The board also reviewed upcoming votes regarding the TrueNorth 804 Cooperative reorganization. A public hearing was held regarding the 2025 Tax Levy, which proposed a 4.5% increase to cover construction costs and inflation, though no public comments were offered. The 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report/Audit Report was presented, resulting in a clean audit opinion. A presentation covered the 2025 IAR results and State Report Card data, noting exemplary and commendable designations for schools. The board considered recommending an application for the FY26 Round 1 School Maintenance Project Grant for a fire pump at Braeside. Several Freedom of Information requests were reported. The consent agenda covered routine items, including the approval of past meeting minutes, personnel recommendations (appointments, resignations, and stipends), the bill list, and destruction of old recordings. Major actions included approving the FY25 Audit, approving the NSEA Memorandum of Understanding for homebound tutoring, rescinding the prior intent to withdraw from True North 804, approving the Final Tax Levy for 2025, approving the abatement of property tax for debt service on General Obligation Bonds, approving the School Maintenance Project Grant application, approving Baker Tilly agreements for IRA tax consulting for the Ravinia geothermal project, and approving a Notice to Remedy for a teacher.

The meeting included recognizing students for their participation in the cross-country state meet and the technology team for earning the Trusted Learning Environment Mini Seal. Discussions covered Native American Heritage Month, the Highland Park Community Foundation's Golden Apple Award, and the 112 Education Foundation FUNd Run. The board also discussed dual language consolidation, upcoming calendar highlights, access to Generative Artificial Intelligence tools for parents, and mental health resources. Additionally, there was a recommendation for Intergovernmental Agreements with the Exceptional Learners Collaborative, a Memorandum of Understanding for homebound tutoring, a draft resolution abating property tax levied for 2025, and a recommendation to rescind the Notice of Intent to Withdraw from True North 804. The board also reviewed Freedom of Information Requests, approved Baker Tilly Agreements for IRA Tax Consulting for Geothermal Projects, and approved the 2026 International Field Trip to the Dominican Republic.

The meeting addressed various topics, including updates from the Superintendent, recognition of a crossing guard for heroism, and a strategic change agenda update focusing on improving student proficiency in English Language Arts and consolidating dual-language schools. The Humanex Staff Culture Survey results were reviewed, along with the 6th-Day Student Enrollment Report and the FY25 budget versus estimated actuals. Discussions also covered the proposed 2025 levy timeline, freedom of information requests, and committee/liaison reports. The board also approved the Gilbane Sherwood Bid Award 2, the Annual Salary Compensation Report, a shift in school attendance area for a new housing development, and policy updates and periodic reviews.

The meeting addressed the Superintendent's learning goals, focusing on enhancing rigor, differentiation, and student engagement through innovative practices. The Humanex Culture and Engagement surveys, Principal Mentoring, Wildly Important Goals (WIGs), and the Superintendents' Task Force for Dual Language Consolidation were discussed. The Google GSV Fellowship, where AI is being integrated into learning, and the development of AI plans and responsible use guidelines by the Educational Technology Committee were also key discussion points. Additionally, the five-year financial projections and the tentative tax levy for 2025 were presented, highlighting expected revenues, expenditures, and capital expenditures.