Elizabeth Kramer

The primary focus of the meeting was the consideration and adoption of a resolution authorizing the issuance of $565,000 General Obligation Limited Tax School Bonds, Series 2026B, to increase the District's working cash fund. The Board reviewed the proposal from The Baker Group LP, including bond details such as maturity length, interest rate, and purchase price. The resolution incorporated prior actions, including the initial declaration of intent to issue bonds, notice publication, and a public hearing held in August 2025. The resolution detailed the terms of the bonds, established a direct annual tax levy for debt service, addressed continuing disclosure undertakings, and declared the bonds as qualified tax-exempt obligations. The resolution was presented, discussed, and adopted by the Board.

The meeting began with a student presentation highlighting the Shabonee Social Science Curriculum across grades 3-5, focusing on global awareness, critical thinking, and civic responsibility. Staff reports included a review of the bi-annual Satisfaction Survey results from parents, students, and staff, indicating stable or improved ratings across all areas. An update was provided on the recent Professional Development Day sessions, which included training on inclusive practices and Artificial Intelligence use for instructional assistants. Seven FOIA requests were listed. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering personnel actions such as the hire of two new employees and acceptance of one intent to retire. Multiple financial reports were approved, including Statements of Claims, Statement of Position, and Payroll ratifications for December 2025 and January 2026, as well as the Statement of Receipts and Status of Appropriations for December 2025. The board also approved policy updates recommended by the Illinois Association of School Boards. In New Business, the board approved two bond sale resolutions: Resolution 2026A for approximately $5,265,000 in fire prevention and safety bonds, and Resolution 2026B for approximately $585,000 in working cash fund bonds. Information regarding bond sales conducted earlier that day was discussed. A scheduled closed session was tabled due to member absences.

The meeting commenced with a Public Hearing regarding the Tentative Tax Levy 2025. Discussions during the hearing covered the tax levy timeline, internal and external impact factors such as inflation, local tax base condition, property tax extension limitation law, equalized assessed valuation (EAV), and new property growth. Concerns regarding delayed second installment property tax collections were noted. The revenue source breakdown (95% local, 3.5% state, 1.5% federal) and financial projections through FY 2029, maintaining a $13 million reserve, were reviewed. The tentative tax levy recommendation involved levying the 2024 CPI at 2.9 percent plus an additional amount to capture new property growth, resulting in a total 10 percent increase over the prior year's aggregate extension. Following the closure of the public hearing, the Regular Board Meeting included student presentations recognizing the Eighth Grade Girls Volleyball team and a demonstration using the Sixth Grade Science Shaker Table donated by Computers & Structures, Inc. Staff reports detailed the response to four FOIA requests received in November 2025 regarding purchasing records, law firm contracts, insurance RFPs, and training materials related to misconduct claims. The Consent Agenda was approved, including the approval of the November 20, 2025, meeting minutes and various Personnel Transactions, such as the hire of a Special Education Teacher and an Adaptive P.E. Teacher, both starting in August 2026. Financial Reports approved included Statements of Claims for December 2025, Statement of Position for November 2025, Statement of Receipts for November 2025, Status of Appropriations for November 2025, Wood Oaks Activity Report for November 2025, and ratification of Payrolls dated November 28, 2025, and December 12, 2025. Approvals were also granted for the SSCIP Insurance Renewal for 2026, Operational Funds Expenditure Report for FY 2024-25, and a contract with Prasino Engineering, LLC. New Business included the approval of the 2025 Final Tax Levy, approval of a Resolution for Working Cash Fund Loan, approval of the Resolution for Abatement of Working Cash Fund, and approval of a Resolution to Transfer Funds from Health Life Safety to Operations & Maintenance. The Board also conducted the first read of policy updates based on PRESS Issue 120 and reviewed revisions to Policies 4:50, 4:60, and 6:210. The Superintendent updated the Board on the upcoming bond sale, which has achieved a triple A rating, and on the status of the foreign language program determination at Wood Oaks.

Key discussions during the meeting included a student presentation regarding the new Shabonee Playground. Staff reports covered the Professional Development Day held on November 7th, which featured sessions on artificial intelligence, student writing coaches, curriculum updates in various subjects, and staff satisfaction rates, which were reported at 93%. The Wood Oaks Graduation for June 1, 2026, was announced. Financial reports were reviewed and approved, encompassing Statements of Claims, BMO Claims, Statement of Position, Statement of Receipts, Status of Appropriations, and Wood Oaks Activity Report for October 2025, along with the ratification of two payrolls dated October 31, 2025, and November 14, 2025. New business involved the approval of the 2026-27 Proposed Calendar and the Tentative Tax Levy 2025. Furthermore, the Board approved the Resolution for the Rescission of Intent to Withdraw from TrueNorth and accepted Engagement Letters for Speer Financial Municipal Advisors for Continuing Disclosure Services and for the 2026 Bond Series. An update confirmed that the Hickory Point school health life safety report was submitted awaiting ISBE approval before bond sales could proceed. The annual cultural fair was also noted as being well-attended.

The primary focus of this regular public meeting was the consideration and adoption of a resolution concerning the issuance of $26,340,000 General Obligation Limited Tax School Bonds, Series 2025B. These bonds are intended to increase the District's Working Cash Fund. The resolution detailed the authorization, bond specifics including maturity dates and interest rates, the sale of the bonds to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC for $26,668,835.30, and the levy of a direct annual tax to service the debt. The process adhered to requirements under the School Code, the Local Government Debt Reform Act, and the Bond Issue Notification Act, following a public hearing held on August 14, 2025.