Ben Collins

This document details the new middle school schedule for District 64 for the 2026-2027 school year, developed as a result of a comprehensive Middle School Review. Key components of this schedule include a strong elective program, enhanced teacher collaboration and teaming structures, a reconfigured academic day with increased ELA time, and a common bell schedule. It further outlines changes in instructional minutes, provides sample student schedules, and details comprehensive programming for interventions, enrichments, and special education, aiming to address achievement growth targets and integrate stakeholder feedback.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss collective negotiating matters and employee compensation. During the regular session, the Board recognized student Angela S., Social Worker Ms. Linda Mirza, and former student James Sullivan for his Eagle Scout project involving custom cabinets for the rollerblade unit. The Superintendent updated the Board on frustrations regarding tax payments from Cook County Commissioners, noting over $127M in lost revenues, but highlighted a successful bond sale. Discussions also covered ongoing issues with Field school lockers, the completion of the Field addition, and an upcoming legislative dinner. Key actions included the adoption of a resolution to begin preparation of the tentative budget for the 2027-2028 fiscal year, the approval of construction bids for summer 2026 work at Carpenter and Franklin totaling up to $16,197,093, and authorizing an emergency expenditure amendment to the transportation services agreement with Safeway Transportation Services Corp due to vendor demands for increased rates. Furthermore, the Board approved the 2026-2027 Staffing Plan, which anticipated a district-wide enrollment decrease of about 130 students but required an increase of 4.7 FTE in Student Services due to growing needs in the HOPE and SLC programs, though this increase is expected to be cost-neutral due to retirements. Committee reports detailed proposed policy changes regarding fund transfers (Policy 4:10), kindergarten tuition wording (Policy 4:140), and granting the Superintendent authority for bus suspension longer than 10 days. The Consent Agenda, including bills, payroll, financial updates, and personnel reports, was approved.

The meeting included significant discussion regarding instructional curriculum for elementary school students in art, music, foreign language, and physical education, noting negative consequences from a previous agreement that affected these programs since the 2018-2019 school year, and advocating for a proposal to restore curriculum richness. Public comments addressed support for a full-day kindergarten motion and Option Four for implementation. A COVID-19 update indicated a holding pattern pending new guidance, with a potential plan presentation in July, and clarified that current guidance mandates masks for all students during the instructional day, irrespective of vaccination status. The Board proceeded with administrative actions, including the appointment of Margaret Burke as the Assistant Principal at Franklin Elementary School and the appointment of Nick Schapkoski as the Communications Coordinator. A staffing update indicated registration is at 88%, below the historical average of 95-96% for this time of year, and included requests for new math intervention staff and an assistant director of facility management.

The meeting agenda included an initial closed session to discuss collective negotiating matters, employee compensation/discipline, and matters concerning individual students. The public session commenced with a spotlight on Field School and recognition for the District Spelling Bee participants and the Park Ridge Community Fund Holiday Drive. Key action items involved the approval of playground agreements for Field and Franklin Elementary Schools, the approval of principals for Franklin and Roosevelt Elementary Schools, the approval of a Resolution to issue a Notice of Remedial Warning for a tenured teacher, and the approval of a Resolution calling on Cook County officials regarding property tax bills. The consent agenda included approval of bills, payroll, benefits, a financial update for the period ending December 31, 2025, personnel reports, policy readings, and approvals for flooring installation at Emerson School and concrete sealing at Lincoln, Franklin, and Roosevelt Schools. New business and a Superintendent update, including a tour of the Field Addition, were also planned.

The special board meeting focused on discussing full-day kindergarten options. The board received an update on the Kindergarten Exploration Committee's work, including feedback gathered from parents via a recent survey administered in February. This survey compared interest in four options: free full-day kindergarten at neighborhood schools, free full-day kindergarten at one district location, tuition-based kindergarten at neighborhood schools, and tuition-based kindergarten at one location. The data indicated strong overall support for tuition-free options, particularly at home schools. Additionally, the meeting addressed challenges with the current half-day kindergarten model reported by teachers, such as time constraints for developmentally appropriate activities and transitions between multiple settings. Research regarding the impact of full-day kindergarten on academics, social-emotional skills, and practical/financial considerations was reviewed, noting that academic benefits may be short-lived, while practical benefits include support for working parents.