Emily Phillips

The Board discussed student assessment data from fall and winter testing, student survey results regarding class offerings, and updates from the Education Foundation, Facilities Committee, and Finance Committee. Key actions included the approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar, a $1,250,000 general obligation surety bond, and adjustments to district bank account signatories. The Board also declared a kiln as surplus property, approved a resolution to issue up to $12,250,000 in bonds for claims, accepted various gifts from the Athletic Boosters, and approved several personnel changes, including resignations, transfers, and new coaching appointments.

This document covers three distinct sessions: a Physical Education Waiver Hearing concerning the request to substitute PE with Art, Music, Health, and STEM activities for K-8 students; a Public Bond Hearing regarding the intent to sell up to $12,250,000 in bonds for claims payment and $3,600,000 in fire prevention and safety bonds. The Regular Meeting agenda included Principal Reports, Student Liaison Report, Board Member Communications, and the Superintendent's Report covering enrollment, roof updates, and the Technology Spending Plan for 2026-2031. Action items included approving the Accelerated Kindergarten Placement procedure, authorizing the superintendent to advertise for lawn care bids, approving the Title I District Plan, renewing IHSA membership, taking action on the PE waiver, approving the 2026-2027 Risk Management Plan, awarding a guaranteed roofing bid contract to Veregy Roofs for multiple buildings, and accepting a $500 gift from Fulton Kiwanis. The meeting concluded with closed and open sessions for personnel and student review matters.

The meeting agenda included standard procedures such as calling to order, roll call, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Discussion items covered Principal Reports, Student Liaison Report, Board Member Communications including reports from the River Bend Education Foundation and Facilities and Finance Committees, and the Superintendent's Report on enrollment figures, RBMS Gym Update, Steamer Success Indicators, and Advanced Placement Protocols. Action items involved the approval of various minutes from prior meetings, the 2026-2027 School Year Calendar, a Special Issue Surety Bond, adding a person to district bank accounts, declaring surplus of a kiln, passing a resolution related to issuing bonds for outstanding claims, accepting gifts totaling $20,500 from the Athletic Boosters, and personnel matters. The Board also held a closed session to discuss specific employee matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included the amendment of the agenda to include Building Usage Guidelines During Inclement Weather, and updates from the student liaison regarding participant numbers for a gift card incentive program. The Citizen's Advisory Committee reported survey results regarding the "Anxious Generation" and reviewed the layout design for the middle school gymnasium build by Veregy. The Finance Committee reported on treasurer's records, fund balances, and discussed lease-to-own options for upcoming bus lease renewals. Enrollment showed a net loss of eleven students, and Option 2.1 for the 2026-2027 school year calendar was approved based on staff survey results. The board also reviewed an updated gymnasium drawing, discussed funding options for OSHA certification training for construction students, decided that the local wrestling club event would proceed during inclement weather closures, and accepted several monetary gifts to the district. Personnel actions included approving hires for various coaching/sponsoring positions for the 2026-2027 school year, accepting one resignation, approving a hire for the Quiz Bowl Coach for 2025-26, and approving tenure for four teachers who were previously missed under updated laws. The board retained closed session minutes from August 5, 2025, due to confidentiality requirements.

The special meeting of the Board of Education was convened for the specific purpose of the superintendent's evaluation. The key discussion revolved around moving into and subsequently exiting a closed session to discuss matters pertaining to the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, including the superintendent's evaluation, before the meeting was adjourned.