Diane Bergagna

The key discussions focused on recommending the Board of Education approve Press Policy Issue Update 119 during its second reading. A significant item involved updating the Random Drug Testing Policy, specifically to include saliva testing capabilities through a partnership with OSF Hospital, as the previous testing procedures had ceased due to hospital closures. Additionally, an update was provided on the Ad Hoc Artificial Intelligence Policy Design Team, noting that the Board Representative has been designated and a kick-off meeting is forthcoming.

The meeting agenda included several recognitions for student and coach achievements in Girls' Swimming and Boys' Bowling, along with a division spotlight on the CTE Division. Finance items covered the approval of bills, payroll, and various financial reports. Correspondence included a thank you letter regarding a foundation donation and TIF reimbursements. New Business featured significant actions such as the approval of a Parameters Bond Resolution for up to $4,500,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2026, and approvals for construction projects including the Sip-N-Savor remodel, Ag Building change orders, and the Main Building handicap elevator installation. Other actions included approval of the 2026-2027 District Calendar, appointment of an IMRF Agent, contract extensions, funding for a Wireless Refresh project, MOUs with Teachers Local 604, and personnel actions regarding resignations and appointments. The agenda also scheduled an Executive/Closed Session to discuss employee matters and pending litigation.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was amended to add the hiring of Jacob Frasier as a help desk technician. Key discussion points included recognitions for student achievements: Samantha Norman in girls swimming (IHSA state competition), Aiden McCrae in boys bowling, and recognition for girls bowling coach Aaron Gunther as a national coach of the year. The division spotlight featured Riley Hinchi from the CTE division, discussing the agricultural education program, its three core principles (FFA immersion, classroom learning, and supervised agricultural experience), student economic impact (including one student with a $40,000 net worth), and plans for program growth. The board also addressed correspondence, including a thank you letter for a donation to the LP Educational Foundation in memory of Donald Worinski, and approved a TIF reimbursement for the City of Bulgusby. Committee reports covered the Policy Committee's discussion on policy updates related to Illinois school code and the ad hoc AI policy design team. The Building and Grounds Committee provided an update on the progress of the agricultural building construction.

The document records two separate public hearings. The first hearing concerned the proposed issuance of not to exceed $4,500,000 in general obligation school bonds, Series 2026, to pay outstanding claims against the district, specifically district outstanding general obligation limited tax debt certificates series 2025 dated December 16, 2026, and costs of issuance. No public comments were submitted for this bond issuance. The second hearing concerned the approval of an interfund transfer from the education fund and the transportation fund to the operations maintenance fund to pay obligations, including the education building. A representative from the teachers union asked questions regarding the impact of the transfer on future staffing, and was assured there would be no impact on staffing or educational services. The regular board meeting for January 21, 2026, followed, where the board reviewed and approved the minutes from the December 17, 2025 meeting. The Student Support Services division provided extensive updates, including Special Education statistics (161 students currently), details on IEP and evaluation meetings, and homeless liaison activities (22 families assisted, 210 food bags distributed). The School Psychologist focused on creating an LP-specific IEP binder and conducting trainings in preparation for a future special education audit. The AAP program updates detailed current enrollment (18 students in the morning full-time program this spring), the restructuring of the program to solely offer full-time AAP in the mornings, and the introduction of the Elevate afternoon credit recovery periods. The Nurses' office reported seeing 30 to 50 students daily and a rise in Influenza A cases. The SEAL interventionist provided data showing steady increases above the 85% goal for externalizing emotional behaviors (86.51%), internalizing emotional behaviors (87.36%), and social skills/resiliency (85.91%) compared to previous years.

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing that included discussions and lack of public comment regarding the FY 2026 Budgets for L-P and ACC. The subsequent Regular Board Meeting involved discussions on student recognition through the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy program. Finance actions included approving L-P Bills, ACC Bills, and Payroll, as well as various financial reports. Correspondence included notifications about TIF reimbursements and thank you letters for memorial donations to the L-P Educational Foundation. Committee reports covered Building and Grounds updates (including roofing repair, track resurfacing, and stadium lighting replacement), Policy updates (including Press Policy Issue 119 and Random Drug Testing Policy modifications), and Finance recommendations (including debt certificates for the Ag building and a review of the FY 2026 tentative budget projecting a surplus). The Superintendent reported on FY2026 budgets (noting an Ed Fund deficit due to donation timing), preliminary FY 2025 audit results expecting a score drop, new ACT proficiency benchmarks, the annual Health Life Safety Inspection, and several FOIA requests. The Principal reported on SMART goals (passing grades, attendance), instructional leadership discussions, assessment scheduling (PreACT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT), required drills, teacher recognition, and Student of the Month celebrations. The Athletic Director reported on strong team starts and upcoming hosted events, and the FFA being selected for a pilot program. New Business included the adoption of the LaSalle-Peru Township High School FY2026 Budget, the ACC FY2026 Budget, the 2025-2026 ACC Joint Agreement, approval for the Howard Fellows Stadium Light Replacement Project, authorization to apply for a School Maintenance Grant, approval of the Track Replacement Project Building Permit and a related Change Order, authorization to let bids for the Agriculture Building, and approval of the FY 2025 Salary Compensation and IMRF Compensation Reports. Policy actions involved approving the PRESS Policy Issue 119 (2nd Reading) and modifying policies to allow saliva samples for drug testing. Approvals were also granted for upcoming retirements, a resignation, several reassignments and appointments, a paternity leave request, and permission for the Knights of Columbus to conduct a candy sale. The Board moved into Executive Closed Session to discuss litigation and collective negotiating matters before returning to open session to approve and retain Executive Session minutes and review the recommended destruction of obsolete verbatim audio records. Finally, the Board ratified the 2025-2028 collective bargaining agreement with Cafeteria Personnel and approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Peru regarding a Tax Increment Financing District.