Brandon Kriesch

The board discussed a high school math course proposal regarding a new 2-year Algebra 1 sequence and received updates from the Buildings, Grounds, and Transportation committee concerning facility assessments, bus replacements, and well system repairs. Administrative updates included a review of food service options for the upcoming year, budget planning for fiscal year 2027 including staff changes and driver's education partnerships, and policies regarding community relations and building access. The board also approved policy changes to the PRESS Policy Issue 120 and the new 2-year math sequence, addressed FOIA requests, and conducted an executive session regarding personnel and litigation matters.

The committee meeting included a presentation by Midwest Design Build regarding a no-cost assessment for a potential future elementary school expansion based on enrollment trends, and a redesign proposal for the high school stadium featuring a new 8-lane track and soccer field renovation. Discussions also covered modifications to the bus barn for CTE programs and financing options. The Transportation Update included a recommendation to replace an aging bus (Bus 19) at an estimated cost of $97,400, slated for the FY27 budget, and the acquisition of a fourth Transit vehicle for athletic use. For facilities, a recommendation was made to permanently resolve ongoing issues with the middle school well system by eliminating the underground storage tank and booster pump, drilling a second, deeper well, and configuring the system for improved reliability and manual switching between wells, with a preliminary estimate of $33,500.50.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. The consent agenda included approval of minutes, treasurer's report, bills and payroll, and personnel matters, with one hiring requiring a separate vote due to a conflict of interest. The Board recognized the Hinckley-Big Rock Special Olympics Basketball Team and their coaches. Committee updates were provided, noting that Buildings, Grounds & Transportation and IVVC committees did not meet. Student representatives gave an update on student life, including an upcoming vaping assembly, Board applicant status, and changes to the middle school sports schedule to align with the IESA schedule, potentially adding cross country. The administration provided a mid-year update on district finances, noting that expenditures are slightly ahead of revenue projections due to unbudgeted maintenance costs like water heater replacement and HVAC repair. Curriculum mapping progress was shared. Discussion topics included takeaways from the Triple I conference, planning for the upcoming Board Retreat, a first reading of Press Issue 120 concerning policy language updates, and a review of Section 3 of the Board Policy. Action items included approval of the IHSA Girls Soccer Co-op with Leland and Somonauk school districts for 2026 and 2027, approval of a resolution to execute the IVVC Joint Agreement's 6th Amendment, approval of the resolution designating persons to prepare the Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, and approval of the School Maintenance Project Grant application. FOIA requests concerning staff lists, purchasing records, collective bargaining agreements, vendor contracts, and staff retirement information were addressed.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and roll call, followed by discussions on Audited Fund Balances. The primary focus was the Truth in Taxation Hearing, where the purpose was announced to receive public comment concerning the intent of the Board of Education to approve the proposed property tax levy increase for the district as submitted. There were no written or oral comments received from the public, and the motion to close the public hearing passed unanimously.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included: the approval of the agenda, consent agenda items covering minutes, treasurer's report, bills/payroll, and personnel report. A Royal Shout Out recognized staff dedication to FFA events. An FFA Mid-Year Update was presented by students, detailing recent activities and requesting permission to attend the 2026-2027 convention, which was subsequently approved. Committee updates covered the temporary disruption caused by a middle school booster pump failure, plans for driveway improvements using asphalt millings at a cost of $25,225, and the status of the FFA Building project needing approximately $200,000 to finalize. The Board reviewed survey results and approved the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school calendars, which feature a start date of August 19th and a full Thanksgiving week off. Administrative updates detailed that all three schools achieved a Commendable rating, though math and science performance remains below state targets. The Board reviewed IASB Resolutions for the Delegate Assembly, voting in favor of all resolutions, including one proposing seat and lap belts on newly purchased school buses. Action items included the approval of the 2025 Levy, approval of a 60-month copier lease agreement with Marco Technologies, and a motion to enter executive session to discuss litigation.