Emily Carter

The discussion covered the extension of the deadline for superintendent evaluation reports, which are due the following morning, followed by the board's review process. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a study session on the DPW school improvement presentation. Key instructional strategies discussed included utilizing an instructional framework centered on non-linguistic representation, with specific goals for students to meet English language arts and math growth projections (60% target). Progress data from MAP assessments showed current growth in literacy at the 42nd percentile (43% meeting goals) and math growth at the 36th percentile (37% meeting goals). Instructional adjustments involved time for differentiated math instruction, use of CHAMPS and SEAL curriculum, and co-teaching models for literacy intervention. Financial allocations supported the hiring of an illustrative math coach and procurement of instructional materials, including UFly and AVID training/implementation. Furthermore, strategies for improving attendance were detailed, including positive communications, incentives like a Monopoly board competition, and VIP lunch tables for recognized students.

The key discussion point was a comprehensive presentation from student ambassadors regarding significant parking issues. The presentation detailed findings from surveys indicating that inadequate parking frequently causes students to be late for first hour classes, a situation exacerbated by teachers or teaching assistants parking in student lots (40% of students observed this) and non-parking pass holders using paid spots (85% of students observed this). The ambassadors strongly urged the Board of Education to approve the zoning for an additional parking lot across the street to alleviate these problems and reduce reliance on parking passes. Discussions also touched upon temporary measures, such as potentially moving activity buses and UHS student observers to the middle school lot once weather permits. Furthermore, the ambassadors noted issues with improper parking, including double parking, traffic blockages during lunch periods, and parking by Promise Healthcare staff and parents attending appointments in designated student/teacher areas. The meeting concluded with updates on various school activities, including athletic achievements (three girls qualifying for state in wrestling, student and coach recognition), upcoming sporting events, art showcases, and a brief discussion on including visitor/mentor sign-ins when calculating parking needs.

The meeting included standard roll call and agenda review, followed by citizen statements, of which there were none. Accommodations and recognitions were presented, congratulating three teachers on achieving National Board Certified Teacher status and listing several students selected for the 2026 Illinois Music Education All-State Festival. The board approved the evening's agenda. A required public hearing was held regarding the annual tax levy. The student ambassador's report detailed recent activities at the high school, including Jazz Band/Combo performances, wrestling invites, winter assembly, a choir concert, the first girls-only home meet, a gingerbread making night, and discussions on facility matters like a broken diving record and a Habitat for Humanity volleyball game. Significant discussion centered on severe student parking shortages, leading to conversations about rezoning adjacent grass areas for expansion, which board members noted would require research due to past commitments to the neighborhood regarding land use. Further discussion covered Title IX scheduling adjustments for cheerleaders to support girls' varsity basketball games equally, and general facility planning regarding traffic flow, road redesigns, and main entrance designation for the high school, referencing a 2019 campus land use study. Finally, board members raised questions regarding the enrollment report, specifically clarifying the status and criteria of the STARS program students at King School versus Thomas Payne.

The meeting commenced with roll call, confirming a quorum, though some members were noted to be arriving late. The agenda was approved, and there were no citizen statements or calls for an executive session. Key discussion points included the Student Ambassador report, which covered collaboration with new Quest food directors regarding menu options and the development of a student feedback survey, as well as efforts to provide equitable food portions at Tiger Academy. Achievements in the Urbana Science Olympiad and class scheduling for upcoming grades were also noted. Further updates concerned the provision of cheerleaders for girls' basketball games and congratulations to a student signing with the University of Illinois for diving, and another student selected for the All State Improv cast. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a board report detailing the timeline and process for the superintendent's evaluation, including revisions to evaluation choices and timelines for direct reports and board feedback submission. Board reports also acknowledged a grant award to the Bennett Park District for the revitalization of King Park. Accommodations and Recognitions included honoring several students who received Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Living the Dream scholarship awards. Administrative reports focused heavily on updates to the strategic plan, involving engagement with steering committees, program councils, and community small groups to review goals and action steps, moving into the 'strategic doing' phase. Specific updates were given on student growth and achievement goals, focusing on strengthening core instruction in English Language Arts and Math, with targeted strategies for subgroups, particularly black student achievement, emphasizing foundational reading skills and culturally responsive instructional strategies. Updates on culture and climate addressed goals related to decreasing discipline referrals for black students by implementing interventions through Individual Problem Solving (IPS) meetings and reviewing data to support students socially and emotionally.

The study session focused on several significant items, including updates from the Student Ambassadors regarding parking lot expansion efforts due to congestion and issues with unauthorized parking, and the launch of a student reflection survey to assess improvements based on previous concerns. A key discussion involved introducing the new Quest director, Janess Huerta, and Chris Hazelton, and addressing concerns raised by Tiger Academy students and staff regarding meal quality and portion sizes, specifically the perception of receiving leftovers rather than equitable high school portions. The board also discussed the upcoming superintendent evaluation process, including timing (targeted for the February 17th executive session) and potential modifications to the evaluation form based on recommendations from the Illinois Association of School Boards webinar. Finally, an update was provided on the new executive internship program for high school juniors and seniors.