Jason Harper

This special meeting focused on the Back to School Plan. Audience comments included requests for a district PTO board, staggered start times, a school shuttle, consistent communication, and a Meet & Greet or Open House. Discussion also included the Governor's mask mandate. The superintendent reported on actions taken, including correcting an error in the original plan, researching lawsuits related to the mask mandate, receiving clarification from Gallagher on insurance implications, and consulting with another superintendent regarding mask mandates. The board approved the superintendent's recommendation to allow for adjustments to the Back to School Plan based on executive orders or IDPH guidance changes.

The Board of Education held a special budget workshop where the tentative budget for the 2021-2022 school year was reviewed. A public meeting to present the budget was scheduled for September 14, 2021.

The board meeting included a presentation on amending the enterprise zone abatement agreement, proposing three tiers of abatements. "Project Jackpot", the purchaser of the Nippon Sharyo buildings, requested a ten-year extension of the abatement for the west building and a $1 million reduction in the property's assessed value. The consent agenda covered the approval of bills, financial reports, and personnel matters including resignations, employment, transfers, and a retirement. Board policy manual updates were approved. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters, and an update on the reopening plan following an adaptive pause was presented, including the planned return to in-person learning and vaccination plans for staff.

The board meeting included the swearing in of a new board member and the approval of an Illinois Arts Council Agency grant award. Personnel actions were approved, including several new hires and a non-renewal. The consent agenda included approval of bills, financial reports, and various resolutions, including those related to funds, investments, risk management, and technology agreements. The board amended the 2020-2021 budget, hired an auditor, approved legal counsel for the upcoming year, and designated depositories for district funds. Meeting dates for the 2021-2022 school year were approved. The board also approved a milk bid, a grant evaluator, and contracts for HUB program site coordinators. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters.

The board meeting included discussions on the district's health insurance plan, with a 3% increase approved. An update was provided on the district's education efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including plans for summer school and the handling of remote learning requests for the upcoming school year. Personnel matters were addressed, including resignations, employment, and transfers of both certificated and support staff. Finally, Stephanie White was nominated to fill an open board vacancy.