Dustin Cochrane

The special Board of Education meeting included a closed session initiated for the purpose of discussing board self-evaluation, practices, procedures, and professional ethics. Following the closed session, the Board of Education expressed thanks to the consultant present for her services. The meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the consent agenda (excluding the October 16, 2025 minutes) and the payment of bills totaling $11,869,214.00 for District 218. Personnel changes were noted, including new hires, retirements, and resignations. Reports presented for review covered technology updates, student enrollment (totaling 5,332 as of December 31, 2025), general maintenance, and safety and security. The Board also reviewed details regarding multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests concerning settlements, grievances, and purchase orders. The Business Manager provided updates on the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget building process, property taxes, and the audit. The finance committee reported on working with a new data analytics firm, Phaedrus Insight, and planning for the upcoming budget. The legal committee is reportedly working on a facility usage policy and an AI policy. New business included the approval of a resolution designating the Business Manager to prepare the Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, approval to bid on interior and exterior renovations at Eisenhower and Richards High Schools, and approval of the 2026-27 School Academic Calendar. The Board also addressed the destruction schedule for closed session tapes.

The meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding the Truth in Taxation law, held voluntarily for transparency, although the proposed levy was not above the 105% threshold. Key discussions during the regular session included the approval of commendations, approval of the consent agenda (excluding the October 16, 2025 minutes), payment of bills totaling over $18 million, and personnel actions involving retirements and new hires. Reports were presented on finance (for September), technology, student enrollment (totaling 5,420 students as of October 31, 2025), general maintenance, and safety/security. Several Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests were detailed, concerning student record access investigation, vendor contracts, and specific employee records. Updates were provided on construction projects, including theater and fieldhouse renovations. The Board conducted the first reading of numerous press policy updates and approved course additions, revisions for the 2026-2027 academic year, and awarded a contract for the Richards Gymnasium Addition for $4,248,338. The 2025 Property Tax Levy of $110,616,601 was approved along with the resolution allocating the levy.

The meeting included comments from the public and a resolution from the City of Blue Island honoring Eisenhower's 75th anniversary. The Board reviewed the August financial report, a technology update, and a student enrollment report indicating a total district enrollment of 5,426 students as of September 30, 2025. A general maintenance report outlining current projects at all buildings was also presented. Additionally, the Board addressed multiple FOIA requests and received updates from the Business Manager on topics such as the Tax Levy PA 102-039, Funds Transfers and Working Cash Fund Abatement, the Annual Audit, Property and Liability Insurance Renewal, Worth Township School Trustees, Food Service, and Transportation.

The meeting addressed ongoing facility updates and construction projects, including a tentative facility proposal usage process. Updates were provided on the Shepard theater and fieldhouse, as well as the Eisenhower theater and fieldhouse. A long-range plan for potential projects, including renovations and classroom additions, was distributed. The Superintendent's 2025-2026 goals were also distributed for review, with approval scheduled for the October meeting.