Erin Hackett

The agenda included the Call to Order, Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance, and review of the Mission Statement. The Consent Agenda items involved approving minutes from the previous regular meeting, the 2026 Honorable Dismissal List, authorizing the superintendent to prepare the 2026-2027 annual budget, and approving donations from the Southwest Airlines Adopt a Pilot Program and Rhine Post #2729. Financial approvals included bills for payment totaling $279,318.78, and January 2026 payrolls and benefits amounting to $382,237.63. Reports covered facility status, updates on future construction projects, FOIA requests regarding background checks and a notice of hearing, and the review of the Quarterly 2 FY2026 Investment Report and Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance renewal proposal. Action items included approving the ISBE 2026-2027 Sahs School calendar, authorizing the FY26 financial audit engagement with Crowe LLC, approving repair work by Precision Control Systems, and approving the lowest bidder for summer 2026 construction projects. A motion was proposed to enter into executive session to discuss personnel matters and review closed session minutes.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a reading of the Mission Statement. Key reports included an update on the AERO building status, information regarding IASB webinars, and updates on facility maintenance such as light replacement, receipt of a new maintenance truck, and scheduled gymnasium floor repairs. Administrative reports covered a request for environmental testing, the District's Summative Designation of Commendable for 2025, and the presentation of the Monthly Financial Report and Investment reconciliation report. School updates included participation in school improvement days, review of student assessment scores, the Science and Reading Nights, and commencement of the girls basketball season. A discussion on Board Policies addressed the procedure for handling allegations of abuse or neglect raised during meetings. Action items involved considering individual student matters during a closed session, executing an Order Regarding Student Residency, approving a School Maintenance Project Grant application for roofing improvements, approving a resolution for participation in Property Tax Proceedings, approving the replacement of all exterior lighting, and approving the 2025 Certificate of Tax Levy and related resolutions regarding fund levy reductions.

The meeting included a review of the District's FY25 audit by a Crowe representative and a presentation on future projects by Scott Piper from SPM Architects. There was an update on the AERO building and activities, including the dedication of the new gymnasium to the Riordans. The board discussed replacing the lights in the entire building to be more efficient with a ComEd incentive. The Board adopted the Resolution Regarding the Estimated Amounts Necessary to be levied for the year 2025. An agreement with Twin Supplies, LTD. was approved to install high efficiency lighting throughout Sahs School. The FY25 Annual Financial Statement as submitted by Crowe for the district's annual audit was approved.

The budget includes estimated beginning and ending fund balances, receipts/revenues from local, state, and federal sources, and disbursements/expenditures across various funds such as Educational Operations & Maintenance, Debt Service, Transportation, Municipal Retirement/Social Security, Capital Projects, Working Cash, Tort, and Fire Prevention & Safety. Key areas covered are instruction, support services, community services, payments to other districts & government units, and debt service. It also details other sources and uses of funds, including transfers between funds and proceeds from bond sales.

The Board of Education held a meeting that included a public hearing on the adoption of the proposed school budget for the 2025-2026 school year.