Brandon Bell

The meeting included a closed session to discuss personnel matters, negotiations, real property purchase/lease, student discipline, and litigation. Announcements covered the reopening of the Warrior Way Café, applications for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, and a focus on the 'We Are Connected' mindset. Recognition was given to district psychologists. The Board also announced the availability of free therapy sessions for students via Cartwheel and provided reminders about Daylight Saving Time and the clear bag backpack policy for middle and high schools. Updates included congratulating the Peoria High football team on clinching the Big 12 Conference title and sharing safety tips for Halloween. Awards recognized schools for most improved attendance and most improved chronic absenteeism for September. A district presentation highlighted 'The Amazing Shake' competition, and an update on the Superintendent search was provided. Audience presentations included expressions of disapproval regarding a board member's campaigning actions and concerns regarding student incident handling. The Board received updates on community partnerships and financial status, noting revenues of $89.4 million against expenditures of $66.7 million year-to-date. Major actions included approving an out-of-state field trip for the Peoria High School band, purchasing CEIA OpenGate AI Weapons Detection systems for high schools, approving an intergovernmental agreement to transfer title of the Central Park Pool property, and renewing reinsurance for the employee medical plan. The Board also approved an 8th-grade field trip for Reservoir Gifted Academy to Six Flags. Deliberation agenda items resulted in affirming a Superintendent's decision regarding a UGP complaint on student record confidentiality and approvals for various expulsion statuses (approved, held in abeyance, and revocation of held in abeyance). The Board reached a consensus to publish a video concerning a fellow board member's conduct during campaigning, followed by individual expressions of opinion.

The document outlines proposed human resources actions to be approved by the Board of Education. Key actions detailed include numerous appointments, leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, and dismissals for both certified and non-certified personnel. Specific new appointments noted span various roles such as teachers, tutors, cafeteria staff, behavioral attendants, and administrative positions. Details on substitute personnel appointments and resignations are also provided.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss personnel, negotiations, real property, student discipline, and litigation matters. Announcements covered the launch of a new district website and mobile application, reminders about back-to-school requirements like immunizations and physicals, and schedules for the return of students and staff. District presentations focused on the 'Great First Eight Initiative' curriculum pilot program for kindergarten and an update on the '7 Mindsets' Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum. Financial updates indicated year-to-date revenues of approximately $300M against $297M in expenditures. Numerous proposed expenditures over $2,500 were detailed across various funds, including significant capital expenditures for roof repairs under CARES/ESSER #2. Key contract approvals included an Elite Community Outreach, Inc. contract for behavior/school culture services, contracts with Family Core for counseling services, the purchase of the 7 Mindsets SEL Curriculum using ESSER III funds, payment for iSTEAM Studio summer school workshops (ESSER III), a CPI training agreement, and the renewal of an agreement with Dr. Andrew Morgan for therapy services. A proposal was also presented to place positive imagery and words of affirmation in high school restrooms, funded by community partners.

The Board Meeting included multiple sessions (Open and Closed) starting at 5:00 P.M. and reconvening for Open Session at 6:30 P.M. Key discussions involved announcements, awards, student showcases, and district presentations covering topics like the Power of Sport Initiative, the Violence Prevention Grant, and a Fine Arts Update. The agenda also included time for audience presentations and responses. Information items covered the Superintendent Update, Financial Update, proposed expenditures over $2,500, Freedom of Information Act requests, and the first reading of Policy No. 3:50. Action items under the Consent Agenda included approval for gifts to the district (notably a 2015 Ford Fusion donation), payment of bills and travel, the Human Resource Report, approval of bids for the Lincoln HVAC Project and the Peoria Stadium Dome Foundation and Storm Sewer Project, approval of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Teacher-Ready Online Certification Program with Huron Studer Education, approval for e-learning days for the 2023-24 school year, approval of an overnight trip for Richwoods High School MUN conference, and approval of a settlement agreement with Ana Vazquez Arch. The Deliberation Agenda focused on approving updated policies (5:40, 5:10, 5:20, 5:30) and actions related to student discipline, including approvals for expulsion held in abeyance, revocation of expulsion held in abeyance, and suspension review/appeal.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Recognitions were extended to Liberty Leadership Middle School and Hinton Early Childhood Education Center. Announcements covered appreciation days for reading specialists, school social workers, and maintenance/facilities staff. Information was shared regarding the Sheila Joy Scholarship and the Peoria Public School Foundation scholarships, including deadlines. Schedule updates included a SIP day on March 4th and details about the district's participation in the Scripps Howard Spelling Bee, with the regional bee on March 28th. The PTO council meeting was scheduled for February 24th. Report cards for the quarter ending March 6th were discussed. Updates were provided on enrichment activities, virtual therapy sessions through Cartwheel, the Seven Mindsets focus on 'The Time is Now' starting March 9th, and bi-weekly food pantry and diaper giveaways at the wraparound center. Daylight savings time starting March 7th was noted. The meeting included recognition ceremonies for several staff members: Miss Jones from Glenn Barton received the Remarkable Spirit Award, as did Miss Williams from Whittier Primary (nominated by Miss Sims). The leadership of the Peoria High PPTO—Trina Jordan (President), Teresa Chapel (Treasurer), and Carrie Hill (Secretary)—was lauded for their commitment and driving growth in membership. Finally, two students from Richwoods High School, Shawn Johnson and another awardee (David), were presented with the Golden Apple Scholarship certificates by the Golden Apple Foundation representative, Sean Johnson, and their teacher, Ashley Rednick.