Jessica Bantz

The meeting included a recess to Executive Session concerning the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, as well as litigation matters. Upon returning to Open Session, a Public Hearing was held regarding the renewal of the e-Learning Plan, detailing its definition, usage for emergency days, legal requirements, plan development, and next steps requiring Board approval. Key actions taken during the Regular Session included the approval of the e-Learning Plan Renewal. The Consent Agenda involved the approval of numerous items, such as multiple Board Policies updates (covering identity protection, expenses, student rights, and behavior procedures), approval of International Field Trips for 2025-2026, approval of completion and occupancy forms for summer work, program agreements with YMCA Safe 'n Sound and Right at School, a contract for Athletic Training Services, an Intergovernmental Agreement for the Indian Prairie Cares Program, the purchase of iPads for Maker Spaces, and approval of prior month's minutes and personnel reports. Discussions included the Superintendent reporting on the passing of Nancy Young, the continued offering of no-cost mental health support through the CARES program, updates on summer construction projects, current staffing levels, and national awards received by the transportation provider, First Student. The board also reviewed eight Freedom of Information Act requests. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the 2025-2026 Tentative Budget Presentation, which covered budget priorities such as adopting a sustainable and transparent budget, ensuring programming stability, investing in technology and infrastructure (including a $12.1 million one-time transfer), and capital investments funded by the referendum. Updates were also shared regarding legislative advocacy and board member activities.

This semi-annual report for Indian Prairie School District 204 details the progress of the 'Safer, Stronger 204' capital program, a strategic initiative launched following a November 2024 bond referendum. The program focuses on critical capital improvements across district facilities, including enhancing safety and security, modernizing high schools (Waubonsie Valley, Neuqua Valley, Metea Valley), repurposing the Birkett Center into a community hub, implementing LED lighting and energy efficiency measures, and addressing general infrastructure needs. The program aims to maintain safe, functional, and efficient learning environments, strengthen facilities, and support student success across the district for years to come.

The budget includes estimated beginning and ending fund balances, receipts/revenues from local, state, and federal sources, and disbursements/expenditures across various functions such as instruction, support services, community services, and debt service. It covers multiple funds including Educational Operations & Maintenance, Debt Service, Transportation, Municipal Retirement/Social Security, Capital Projects, Working Cash, Tort, and Fire Prevention & Safety. Key components include ad valorem taxes, payments in lieu of taxes, tuition, transportation fees, earnings on investments, food service income, district/school activity income, textbook income, and other local revenue sources. State sources include unrestricted and restricted grants-in-aid, while federal sources encompass various grants and programs. Expenditures are detailed by function and object, covering salaries, employee benefits, purchased services, supplies & materials, capital outlay, and other objects.

This annual report details the progress of the district's five-year strategic plan, titled 'Inspire, Innovate, and Empower the Future.' The plan serves as a roadmap to support all students in reaching their greatest potential and bringing to life the 'Portrait of a Graduate' vision. It is structured around four key priority areas: Focus on Student Development, Invest in Staff, Engage with the Community, and Optimize Resources and Operations. The overarching goal is to foster continuous improvement, innovation, and prepare students for success in an ever-changing world within a safe, supportive, and high-quality educational environment.

The strategic plan for Crone Middle School focuses on maintaining its exemplary learning community through a clear vision and understanding of goals. Key areas include basing instruction on Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, using data from formative and summative assessments to drive instruction, embedding STEM in course offerings, and increasing female student participation in STEM activities. The plan also emphasizes instructional best practices, addressing achievement gaps, differentiating instruction, integrating technology, nurturing individual student needs, fostering professional learning communities, promoting a culture for learning, and enhancing community engagement.