Jim Caldwell

The meeting included approval of consent agenda items covering personnel matters, specifically accepting a resignation and approving new employment for a Paraprofessional, and policy reviews, including updates and adoptions from Press Plus Issue #120. Key discussions involved reports from board members on NTDSE activities, which included a presentation on the PALS program, options for addressing classroom space shortages, updates on special education funding and licensure legislation, and the decision to discontinue the high school program at Molloy starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The Superintendent reported on accepting a $75,000 donation from the Barry and Taffy Berger Foundation and provided an update on the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan progress. Additionally, the Board approved invoices and bills totaling $2,239,397.74. The meeting concluded with a recess into closed session to discuss personnel, collective negotiating, and student placement matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included a District Recognition segment where students presented an overview of the STAR program and community service projects. An audience member inquired about District policies concerning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement proximity to campus. The Consent Agenda encompassed approvals for personnel matters, including a resignation and a new employment. Policy updates received a second reading and adoption recommendation, specifically regarding Accounting and Audits, and Bullying Prevention. Financial discussions involved Finance Committee support for the 2026-27 School Fee Schedule, acceptance of Post-Issuance Tax Compliance Reports, approval of a quote for network rack installation at Rutledge Hall, and support for a cost increase in the PPO Medical Plan to add preventive care benefits. A motion was passed to approve the digitization of District and student records. Under Board Communications, updates were provided on the NTDSE Governing Board meeting, including negotiations for a Collective Bargaining Agreement and the implementation of cybersecurity audit recommendations. The Finance Committee report noted support for several consent items and mentioned a Property Tax Bill Delay Resolution Draft awaiting approval. The Board authorized the release of certain past closed session minutes and the destruction of certain past closed session audio recordings. Administratively, the Board adopted changes to the 2026-2027 Parent-Student Handbook. Specific capital approvals included the proposal for storm sump pump replacement at Rutledge Hall and the quote for door access control system upgrades at Lincoln Hall Auditorium. Finally, the Board adopted a Resolution concerning property tax bill issuance issues and approved the payment of bills totaling $1,193,719.10.

The meeting agenda included a District Recognition segment focusing on the English Learner program's journey and student experiences. Key discussion items under the Consent Agenda involved employment matters, including personnel reports, resignations, retirements, and FMLA leave requests. Other consent agenda items included approving the addition of Vanguard to the District's Supplemental Retirement Account offerings at no cost to the District, approval of multi-year contracts for PowerSchool products, and authorizing the Student 1:1 Technology Refresh for the 2026-2027 school year not to exceed $127,000. New Business included the contract approval for Color Portraits, Inc. for school photos for the 2026-2027 school year. Administrative reports covered curriculum updates, including the start of SD74 Summer Adventures registration planning, and finance matters, such as the November 2025 Finance Report and the approval of Bills Payable. Action items also addressed the adoption of a Resolution regarding the Property Tax Bill Delay and the approval of the 2026-2027 Parent-Student Handbook changes.

The Finance Committee meeting agenda included information and discussion items, as well as potential action items. Key discussion topics involved the Fund Balance Report for December 2025, and a District Finance Update which noted that Lincolnwood SD 74's 2024 property tax collection was below the Cook County marker, potentially resulting in lost income/interest of approximately $650,000. New business centered on adding Vanguard to the District's Supplemental Retirement Account (SRA) offerings at no cost to the District, a multi-year contract agreement for PowerSchool, the 2026-2027 Student 1:1 Technology Refresh, a comprehensive district software inventory report, and the process for a phone system upgrade. Old business included reviewing the timeline for the Todd Hall project bond discussion, with a recommendation to wait for potentially lower interest rates before starting the bond sale process.

The meeting featured a curricular highlight presentation by second-grade students regarding their upcoming music performance. During the audience comments, a community member addressed the Board regarding the Children's Care & Development Center remaining a tenant. The consent agenda included approvals for personnel matters, such as new employment and leaves of absence, as well as policy reviews from Press Plus Issues #119 and #120, and the anticipated schedule for 2026 Board of Education meetings. The Board also reviewed the FY25 Final Audit and OPEB GASB 74/75 reports. Under Board Communications, updates were provided on NTDSE/District 807 activities, IASB Delegate's Assembly outcomes focusing on school bus safety and leadership elections, and Finance Committee items, including potential IGS energy contracts. In administrative reports, the Superintendent highlighted upcoming events, report card distribution, and the success of the Book Fair. Approval was granted for the Lincoln Hall School Improvement Plan. The Business Manager presented the September 2025 Finance Report and conducted a Public Hearing for the adoption of the Final 2025 Property Tax Levy, which was subsequently adopted. Furthermore, the Board approved 36-month contracts with IGS for natural gas and electricity, and approved Bills Payable totaling $2,262,505.57.