Brock Harris

The board heard public comments regarding emotional support animals, mental health grants, and staff reductions. The superintendent reported on various programs, provided a FOIA report, and discussed the district's economic history. The board reviewed proposed amendments to board policies and heard an overview of Medicaid billing and reimbursement procedures. Facility updates were provided, including renovations and maintenance projects at district schools. The board rejected a bid for the science lab plumbing project at the high school and authorized the superintendent to prepare bids for a boiler replacement project. Additionally, the board accepted several staff resignations, approved coaching appointments for the upcoming school year, and authorized the posting of several open positions.

The Board of Education meeting included the approval of a membership renewal with the Illinois High School Association and the selection of the 2026-2027 public school calendar. The Board received an update on facilities renovation and maintenance projects. Personnel actions were a primary focus, involving the ratification of a memorandum of understanding regarding reduction-in-force procedures, the acceptance of several resignations and retirements, and the approval of multiple resolutions for the honorable dismissal and reduction-in-force of various professional and support staff members. Additionally, the Board approved the employment of new staff for an early childhood instructor position and a special education supervisor/assistant principal role.

The board discussed the district's financial status, including operating fund deficits and the necessity of addressing payroll-to-revenue ratios. Reports were reviewed from school administrators, special education, athletics, and maintenance, with specific concern noted for a leaking boiler. Business operations included the awarding of mowing service bids and the revision and amendment of various board policies. Curricular decisions involved the development of a special education extended school year program and a drivers' education program for the summer term. The meeting also included an executive session to address personnel matters, resulting in the approval of staffing level changes and the elimination or restructuring of numerous positions for the upcoming school year.

The board approved bills and financial reports and reviewed various reports from the superintendent, school building administrators, special education, and maintenance departments. New business included the ratification of a resolution abating taxes for general obligation school bonds, authorization to secure a line of credit, and authorization to call for bids for mowing services and plumbing repairs at the high school. Additionally, the board held a first reading for various amendments to the board policy manual, scheduled the high school commencement exercises, and discussed facility renovation planning. The board also addressed various personnel matters, including acceptances of resignations and retirements, and the employment of custodial and support staff.

The board discussed and ratified a memorandum of understanding with the Timber View Wellness Center and an intergovernmental user agreement with the State of Illinois State Police Law Enforcement Portal. A closed session was held to address personnel matters, including appointment, compensation, and discipline. The board approved the selection of the head baseball coach, assistant baseball coach, and multiple volunteer assistant coaching positions for the high school baseball program.