Dean Barnett

The meeting included reports from the Director of Special Services, focusing on compliance, staff updates, and corrective action plans, along with enrollment numbers. The Director of Teaching and Learning discussed community engagement efforts, the impact of restorative practices on reducing out-of-school suspensions, and preliminary growth data. The Director of Human Resources reported on the EIS report, job fairs, clerical manual finalization, climate and culture surveys, and the hiring of substitute teachers. The Board President addressed questions about financial expenditures, including professional development costs and certain purchases. The Superintendent reported on the district's Hispanic families and efforts to provide multilingual support. The board also discussed and ultimately tabled the Superintendent's bonus payment, and approved a school calendar modification for the 2027-2028 through 2031-2032 school years.

The meeting included reports from the Director of Special Services on compliance and upcoming early childhood screenings, the Director of Teaching and Learning on family advisory meetings and support for English Language Learners, the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services on enhanced business procedures and budget reporting, and the Director of Human Resources on athletic positions and a new clerical manual. The Director of Buildings and Grounds reported on equipment inventory and snow removal preparations. The board discussed construction of a new performing arts center and potential use of the Lincoln site as the district office, along with the creation of a Fine Arts program. The board also approved the personnel report, the FY26 annual budget, adoption of a new climate survey, amendments to board policies, and a grievance settlement agreement.

The meeting was convened to conduct a public hearing regarding the 23-24 Annual School Budget. The hearing provided an opportunity for public participation, but there were no questions or comments from the public. The main agenda item was the discussion and hearing for the 2023-2024 Annual School Budget.

The board meeting included discussions regarding the cost of the Performance Arts Center and district office, emphasizing the need to stay within budget constraints. Design options for the Performing Arts Center were presented, with the decision to keep the district office at the current Lincoln location. The board also went into a closed session to discuss personnel matters related to independent contractors, employees, and legal counsel.

The meeting included presentations on the district audit, which highlighted compliance issues, and the District Strategic Plan for the school year 2025-2030. Reports were given by the Director of Teaching and Learning on summer enrichment and camp programs, the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services on efforts to secure a School Violence Prevention Program, and the Director of Human Resources on teacher evaluations and staff assignments. The board approved the personnel report, the 2025-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement between Hazel Crest School District 152 1/2 and SEIU Local No. 73, and the Strategic Plan for 2025-2030.