Dale R. Fisher

The meeting included a presentation on the 'Stronger Together in 109' collaborative community initiative. The Superintendent provided updates regarding school opening procedures in extreme cold weather, noting that aging HVAC systems sometimes failed, leading to significant temperature drops in classrooms. The session addressed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests received since the previous meeting. A first reading was conducted for numerous revised Board Policies based on recommendations from the Illinois School Board Association via PRESS releases. The Board reviewed and proposed the 2026/27 regular meeting schedule. Personnel matters addressed included several retirements effective in 2030 and 2026, and two resignations effective in June 2026. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included bills for payment and the Treasurer's Report. Further approvals covered the School Boundary Designation for VennPoint and Board of Education Triple I Expense Approvals. Committee reports included an update on the TrueNorth initiative. The meeting concluded with a Closed Session to discuss real property acquisition and pending litigation.

The Policy Committee meeting included the approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting held on February 13, 2025. The primary discussion centered on proposed modifications to the language and philosophy of District Fees for the 2025-26 school year, including potential tuition increases for the Early Learners Program.

District 109's 'Redefine 109' initiative is an $87.78 million facility plan designed to address critical infrastructure needs, prevent escalating costs, and enhance the learning environment. Developed from a 2022 assessment and extensive stakeholder feedback, the plan includes constructing two new elementary schools (Walden and Wilmont), fully renovating Kipling and South Park, and performing targeted renovations with safety and security upgrades at Caruso and Shepard. The implementation of these improvements is scheduled from 2026 through the 2028-2029 school year.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the early session was dedicated to 'Stronger Together with 109,' which included recognizing students who received awards from the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) for band, orchestra, and choir, explaining the rigorous audition process for district and state festivals. The Superintendent reported on the decision to hold an e-learning day due to a cold snap causing heating failures and low temperatures (some classrooms at 58 degrees), noting coordination with other districts and the benefit of avoiding a make-up day in June. The public participation segment included a parent volunteering for the Referendum Task Force focused on facilities improvements, who detailed his professional expertise in facility management and proposed establishing independent, specialized leadership for this function, noting a lack of energy benchmarking data. Subsequent agenda items included receiving seven Freedom of Information Act requests and commencing the first reading of several policy changes resulting from Press recommendations.

This document outlines District 109's revised proposal for facility improvements, developed in response to community feedback. Key focus areas include addressing failing infrastructure, enhancing safety and security, improving accessibility, and creating better learning environments through new school construction and renovations. The plan is to be funded via a referendum in March 2026, with a reduced tax impact achieved through increased district contribution and a modified scope of work.