Janine Cihak

The meeting included reports on technology initiatives, facilities progress, and curriculum updates. Key discussions involved addressing PFAS levels in the water supply with pending filtration recommendations, and technology applications securing $235,000 for cybersecurity. The Facilities Committee reviewed summer 2026 projects and the CAVC expansion. The Curriculum Committee discussed adjustments to state assessment benchmarks and recommended approval for new CAVC courses (Aviation Mechanics, EMT, HVAC). The Budget Committee recommended approving a proposal for bus transportation routing services from First Planning Solutions and engaging Fulcrum Government Strategies for assistance with the final allocation of the CAVC state grant. The Board also addressed several personnel matters, approved resolutions to bar two individuals from school property for one year, approved the hiring and resignation of various employees, and voted on the expulsion of two students.

The document details a Public Hearing concerning the 2025-26 Final Budget, where information on the deficit budget, revenue estimations, and expenditure forecasts was presented. Key changes from the tentative budget, including grant revenue adjustments, were explained, along with discussions on anticipated state funding reductions. Subsequently, the Regular Meeting covered student recognition for a student selected for the ISBE Student Advisory Council leadership team. Superintendent reports highlighted partnerships with law enforcement via the PIN identification program, the Tote Me Home cereal drive, and the confirmation of the second $8 million grant payment for the CAVC project. Caseyville Elementary was noted as a facility showcase selection. Financial reports covered August expenditures and revenues, and the Building & Grounds report detailed summer maintenance across various facilities. The Budget Committee discussed the Historic Illinois Building Survey proposal for Jefferson, staffing updates, and the proposal to hire a part-time STREAM room manager. Action items included the approval of the 2025-26 Final Budget, designation of IASB delegates, approval of an IGA for transportation services, acceptance of salary and compensation reports, approval of a new Golf Club at DIS, approval of a Dual Enrollment Agreement with SIU-E, approval of the Historic Illinois Building Survey Mitigation proposal, and approval of the Madison County Multi-Jurisdictional All Hazards Mitigation Plan. Personnel actions included approvals for employee resignations, retirements, coaching resignations, new non-certified employee employment, coach appointments, stipends, posting a STREAM room manager position, and the termination of an at-will employee. A resolution was also approved to bar an individual from school property and activities for one year.

The Special Meeting included the presentation and subsequent approval of the 2024-25 annual audit report for the Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC). The Board entered and returned from a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters and evidence regarding the denial of admission to school events or property. Resolutions were approved to bar two individuals, Kristie Segerstrom and Carl Edwards, from school property and activities for one year. Discussions included preliminary calculations for the 2025 tax levy, with an estimated total levy of $54,902,159, and the CAVC tunnel project design, which prioritizes safety and cost-effectiveness. Direction was provided for the CMS Gym Expansion, favoring a wood floor and precast exterior walls. Proposed summer 2026 projects, totaling $2,768,100, were reviewed, covering HVAC, renovations, parking lots, and stadium lighting upgrades. Finally, the employment of non-certified staff and the approval of several coaches were unanimously passed.

The Budget Committee meeting included several key discussion items. An update was provided regarding plans to address PFAs exceeding EPA and IEPA recommended limits in the water supply, involving water sampling, analysis by JS Held, and the subsequent recommendation to approve the JS Held proposal for filtration system recommendations. The personnel update noted open positions for an RN, a CSN, and two custodians, along with strategies for coverage. In budget discussions, the committee recommended approval for a proposal from First Planning Solutions to handle bus transportation routing services at an annual cost split between the district and First Student. Additionally, the committee recommended engaging Fulcrum Government Strategies to advocate for the final $9 million state grant allocation for the CAVC construction and renovation project. The committee was also informed that the annual auditor's report would be delayed due to new state compliance regulations.

The meeting included the Superintendent's Report, noting that eight district schools received a Commendable rating and one earned an Exemplary designation on the 2024-25 School Report Cards. Key financial discussions involved the financial summary as of October 31 and the plan to levy the full 11 cent increase in the O&M fund. The Board recognized a senior student for achieving state tennis finals, the first in program history. Action items included approving the establishment of a new Fragrance Club at CHS, awarding a quote for a new firewall and licensing, approving the Fiscal Year 2026 Maintenance Grant, authorizing seeking bids for 2026 summer projects (restroom renovations, parking lots, flooring replacement), approving a field trip to Europe, and approving the Truth in Taxation Resolution due to a projected levy increase greater than 5%. The Board rejected and moved to re-bid concrete and earthwork packages for the baseball field project due to bids coming in over budget. Personnel actions included approving resignations of non-certified employees, accepting a certified employee retirement, dismissing a probationary employee, approving the employment of new non-certified staff, and approving an Administrative Placement Agreement concerning a student's expulsion, holding the expulsion in abeyance pending enrollment in an alternative program. Board Policy Updates were presented for the first reading.