Cathryne Czarnecki

Key discussions included future dates, noting school closures for Dr. Martin Luther King Day and an early release day scheduled for January 28th. The board recognized exceptional student achievements, specifically honoring a two-time state champion and state record holder in track events, and celebrating the eighth-grade girls' basketball team for finishing in the top four in the state for the second consecutive year. Audience participation focused on recommendations for clarity in the accelerated program application process, which the board indicated was already being addressed by the educational progress committee. Committee reports covered contractor submissions for roof work at Clark, discussions on the IXL educational platform usage, and updates on the revision of the state accountability system model. The superintendent's report detailed staff development focusing on vertical articulation between grade levels during institute days, the ongoing winter benchmarking assessments, and the introduction of monthly parent meetings concerning special education topics, such as occupational and speech therapy services. Additionally, the superintendent shared an anecdote regarding a visit by Chicago Bears player Demarco Jackson to a fifth-grade classroom. The board is scheduled to approve the calendar for the 2026-2027 school year at the following meeting.

The special meeting of the board of education addressed a single agenda item: employment. The primary discussion and action involved the vote to approve the contract for the next superintendent, Dr. Hill, with an effective start date of July 1st, 2026, contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background report and proper legal qualifications. Following the unanimous approval, the board welcomed Dr. Hill, highlighting her 13 years as superintendent in South Holland School District 151 and previous roles including assistant superintendent, principal, and teacher in other districts. The board expressed excitement about the fresh ideas she will bring to the district.

The meeting commenced with roll call, confirming six members present. Key agenda items included announcing future early release days (February 25th and March 11th) and discussing the school calendar for 2026-2027, which was subsequently approved. The Superintendent reported on four staff members receiving the Those Who Excel award from the Illinois State Board of Education. Updates were provided on committee work regarding the acceleration process and a discussion on resource adjustment within the district. Significant discussion was dedicated to upcoming facility and curriculum audits scheduled for the following Wednesday. Consent agenda items included authorizing routine bill payments for March 2026. Further consent items covered extracurricular updates at Churchill, involving a cost-neutral trade between the Garden Club and the Math Bowl activity, and the personnel report, noting one upcoming retirement effective March 1st. Action items included approving the second payment of January 2026 bills and the first payment of February 2026 bills. Following an executive session concerning student discipline, the board affirmed an out-of-school suspension and a pending expulsion for a student, contingent upon alternative placement. Finally, approval was granted for the purchase of Carrier HVAC equipment for James Hart through a Sourcewell joint purchasing agreement, and employment was approved for three individuals.

Key discussions included the presentation and awarding of the Jerry Morren Educational Excellence Award to Jodie Dunn, Accounts Payable Manager, recognizing her dedication and institutional knowledge. The superintendent reported on the success of the James Hart eighth-grade girls' basketball team advancing in the state tournament, celebrated spirit week activities, and noted the success of a recent food drive honoring Tom Braybeck. Discussions also covered the district's response to challenging winter weather and the criteria for utilizing e-learning days. The board addressed personnel matters, including adding extra teaching assignments to accommodate large eighth-grade class sizes and acknowledging a staff retirement. The consent agenda included authorizing the payment of routine bills and adopting new and revised school board policies. Action items included approving a memorandum of understanding regarding the compensation for Tanya Thomas, reviewing a student suspension appeal, and adopting the Certificate of Tax Levy for 2025 taxes.

The regular meeting of the Board of Education involved several key agenda items. Discussions included future dates, specifically recognizing Veterans Day with a flag raising, band performance, and an assembly at James Hart, as well as scheduling for parent-teacher conferences and a district-wide food drive. A major focus was the presentation and awarding of recognitions. The board presented the Tom Duckweiler Award to student recipients from James Hart, Churchill, and Willow Schools, acknowledging exceptional growth and leadership. Furthermore, the board presented the Jerry Warren Award recognizing excellence in teaching and educational support staff from Willow School, specifically honoring a certified staff member.