Julie Strating

Key discussions included the recognition of seven students selected as Illinois State Scholars. The board approved the Consent Agenda, which encompassed the minutes from the previous meeting, financial and human resource reports (accepting several resignations and approving new hires for coaching positions), policy updates, and the FOIA report. The JH/HS Principal reported on school enrollment figures, the implementation of the 6th Grade Intervention math plan, the upcoming start date for the new embedded counselor, and announced the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2026. The Tech Committee's decision to include Artificial Intelligence usage questions in the Tech Audit was noted. Discussions from the in-service day included reviewing discipline procedures and staff training on the TeachTown program. The Elementary Principal reported on enrollment, updates on the administrative search and a temporary paraprofessional assignment, a successful winter concert, curriculum discussions, and the popularity of the new second lunch option for K-5 students. The Athletic Director provided updates on participation numbers, tournament seeding, the upcoming E-Sports start date, and requested approval for the HS Baseball team's Spring Break trip to Georgia. The Superintendent detailed facility projects seeking bids, including stage, office, and ceiling renovations, and outlined a proposal for a community solar agreement. A survey regarding the school calendar was mentioned as part of the strategic plan. The board formally addressed the school district's address change, effective June 1, 2026, and implemented new law regarding verifying the humanity of FOIA requesters. The board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing legal counsel, changes to the 2025-26 student handbooks, and the overnight trip for the HS Baseball team.

Key discussions during the meeting included the upcoming Elementary Holiday Program and JH/HS Holiday Concert. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which covered the previous month's minutes, the Financial Report, the Human Resource Report detailing several resignations and new hires for administrative, food service, and coaching positions, the Policy Report, and the FOIA Report. Administration presented the 2026-27 Course Curriculum Guide, emphasizing a new Career Fair/Freshman Orientation layout aligned with ISBE standards. Enrollment figures were presented for both JH/HS and Elementary levels. A plan was detailed to implement 6th-grade math intervention by adjusting the master schedule. The designation of seven LHS students as Illinois State Scholars was announced. Updates were provided on staff transitions due to resignations and maternity leave, upcoming events, and Elementary curriculum planning focused on ELA and benchmarking. The Athletic Director reported on recent competitive results. The Superintendent provided updates on facility exploration for stage, office, and library renovations utilizing CSFT and ISBE Maintenance Grants, and the transition of phone lines to fiber optics. A partnership opportunity with Group Tool for job shadowing was noted. The Board received updates on the distribution of the strategic plan and a financial donation from LEAF. The Superintendent's evaluation process was reviewed. An incident involving the use of a racial slur in a classroom was addressed, with plans to bring in educational resources and review the student handbook. Finally, the Board unanimously approved the FY25 audit, the 2025 tax levy, and the Resolution Regarding Abatement of Property Taxes for Expansion of Group Tool. The new school resource officer was introduced.

The meeting began with the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings, the Financial Report, the Human Resource Report (covering new hires and resignations for coaching positions), the Policy Report (BCA Joint Agreement, MDRVS Agreement, and 2025-26 Crisis Management Plan), and the FOIA Report. The board honored the 2025 IESA 2nd Place Baseball team and coaches. Principals provided enrollment updates for grades 6-12 (264 students) and Pre-K-5 (223 students). Discussions included the Heart of Illinois Conference, Senior Application Day, College Basics/Financial Aid Night, AI usage in school, and updates on the Principal Advisory Committee. Elementary reports detailed staff training, handbook clarification regarding Valedictorian/Salutatorian enrollment and Drivers' Education absences, the new "Breakfast of Champions" award, and updates on PTO fundraising, report card revamp, school photographer transition, and a new Robotics Club. The Superintendent reported on financial projections indicating increased dependency on local property taxes, the receipt of the first installment from the Countywide Sales Facility Tax designated for facilities, safety, and mental health, updates on transportation fleet vehicle arrangements, and successful implementation of new radios and crisis management drills. Facility project lists were reviewed, and a blessing was sought for adding Brandon Wright as an approved district attorney. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss collective negotiating matters and salary schedules, followed by discussions on the strategic plan draft and the upcoming tentative tax levy.

The meeting included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered previous minutes, financial and human resource reports (including resignations, retirements, and new coaching hires), and policy and FOIA reports. Principals provided updates on Illinois School Report Card designations, noting the high school achieved the exemplary designation. Enrollment figures for both junior high/high school and elementary grades were presented. Discussions included curriculum guide updates, dual credit offerings, feedback on the State Designation Report Card Redesign, and the first Breakfast of Champions event. The board heard a presentation on management changes for the Thrivemind mental health support program. The Special Education Director reported on IEP numbers, successful student transitions from special education services, a 100% overall percentage on the LEA Determination review, and the use of the TeachTown curriculum. Challenges noted involved Life Skills programming due to age range widening and limitations in vocational skill development placements. The Athletic Director provided participation updates for various sports, noting the High School Volleyball team made it to the IHSA Sectional Championship for the third consecutive year. The Superintendent reported on facility progress, including moisture reduction in the new gym floor and adhesive recall for cove base. It was announced that the district was selected to participate in a national research study on rural science and math teacher retention. Financially, the board discussed a potential resolution with Group Tool and Die, approved displaying the tentative tax levy, approved the 2026 school maintenance grant, approved a new five-year strategic plan, and approved lease-to-own contracts for a 2025 activity bus and two 2027 passenger buses.

The agenda for the Regular Board Meeting includes a public comment segment featuring the recognition of Illinois State Scholars by Dr. Jennifer McCoy. The consent agenda covers the approval of the previous month's minutes (from December 9, 2025), the Financial Report, Human Resources Report, Policy Report, and FOIA Report. Reports will be presented by the Principals (JH-High School, Elementary, Athletic Director) and the Superintendent (Monthly Report). New business items include the consideration and action for authorizing the appointment of Legal Counsel, approving changes to Student Handbooks for the 25-26 School Year across Elementary and Junior High/High School levels, and approving an overnight trip to Georgia for the HS Baseball team scheduled for March 24-27, 2026. The meeting is scheduled to conclude with an Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees.