Jennifer Andrus

The Board of Education meeting included the recognition of winter sports student-athletes, particularly in the wrestling programs, and the honoring of 'Those Who Excel' award recipients from various district schools. A quarterly update on the district's 2030 Strategic Plan was provided by priority area champions, covering professional development, high-quality instruction, communication tools, community partnerships, and relationship building. Board members shared reflections on school culture, academic achievements, and disciplinary data. Several communications regarding safety, student achievement, and data accuracy were addressed. The Board took action on various routine matters, including the approval of service contracts, donations, personnel appointments, and a Head Start grant application. Additionally, a new Director of Building Operations was appointed, and the Board reviewed several Freedom of Information Act requests.

The meeting featured a presentation from the principal of Ridgewood Elementary regarding school performance data, including reading and math proficiency, attendance goals, and instructional practices. The Committee of the Whole reviewed the Building Our Future Facilities Management Plan, discussing progress on completed projects, fiscal management, and future construction priorities. There were public comments regarding facility maintenance, staff working conditions, student behavior, and community engagement. The board authorized a blanket motion covering contracts for service, payment of bills, overnight field trip requests, and various personnel appointments and transfers. Additionally, the district reported on several Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and appointed an Interim Director of Building Operations.

Key discussions included the presentation and approval of the Second Quarterly Financial & Investment Report as of December 31, 2025, which projected revenues to be $1 million over budget and expenditures to be $1.6 million over budget, with an overall fund balance increase. The Board also reviewed and approved the Illinois State Board of Education 2026 Discipline Plan, noting the District's efforts to reduce out-of-school suspensions by 19% from the previous year. Board members engaged in extensive discussion regarding post-secondary readiness, emphasizing the critical nature of early literacy intervention (K-3) as a foundation for long-term success. Operational items included approving the acceptance of several certified resignations and retirements, including that of Megan Braun-Howard, approving contract amendments for Amplify and Frontline Technologies, authorizing a purchase for equipment from MTI Distributing, and approving expenditures related to the Eugene Field Addition and instrument replacements. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss pending litigation.

The meeting featured a detailed presentation from the Principal of Earl Hanson Elementary School, covering topics such as sixth-grade performance, school improvement goals based on the 'Water the Bamboo' philosophy, Tier 1 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) efforts, MAP data showing progress in reading and math growth, and AVID implementation highlights. The Committee of the Whole session focused on College and Career Readiness and Post-Secondary Opportunities. Discussion centered on the district's PaCE framework for grades six through twelve, defining state readiness metrics (mastery, real-world experiences, character skills), and reviewing dual credit and Advanced Placement (AP) enrollment data. Concerns were raised regarding the minimum grade requirement (C) for dual credit courses and the balance between access and rigor in AP courses. The board also addressed various operational matters, including approving bills for payment, approving several overnight field trip requests for sports teams, accepting numerous personnel actions such as resignations, retirements, appointments, and approving the purchase of thirteen driving simulators. Public communication included concerns about the pay structure and contract length for an interim principal position at Thurgood Marshall Learning Center, and a request to establish a formal protocol concerning DHS and ICE interactions.

The meeting included the presentation and recognition of Illinois Student Assistance Commission State Scholars. A significant portion of the discussion involved an update on the Facilities Management Plan (FMP), "Building Our Future," detailing current projects such as the Eugene Field addition, Rock Island Academy renovations, and the High School Aquatic Center progress. Preventative maintenance updates were also provided, along with a financial overview of committed bond funds. Key actions included approving an amendment to the snow removal contract, authorizing significant bills for payment from December 2025, approving various overnight field trip requests, and accepting several certified and non-certified staff appointments, retirements, and resignations. Furthermore, the Board approved engaging audit services from Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, purchasing a new chiller for Rock Island High School, and approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rock Island Education Association (RIEA) regarding health insurance benefits for resigning teachers. A contentious vote approved an amended contract for supplementary resources from Educational Epiphany, despite concerns raised regarding the necessity and cost, particularly the shipping fee. Finally, the Board adopted updated PRESS 120 Board Policies and resolved to begin preparation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget.