Karen Hayes

The Skokie School District 73.5 held a special board meeting that included a land acknowledgement statement and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board received training from Robbins Schwartz on student matters, covering discipline procedures, residency determinations, grievance complaints, bullying policy, and the Board's role in hearings. Operational procedures, contract approval thresholds, bidding processes, and parliamentary procedure were also discussed.

The meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics such as the IGA between Skokie SD 73.5 and Niles Township, Building 73.5 project updates, the tentative budget for FY26, the Superintendent's update, class size updates, facilities updates, and technology updates. The board also discussed committee reports, outside organization board representative reports, and policies for adoption. New business included approving a project authorization contract amendment for design services, disposing of outdated technology supplies, approving the intergovernmental agreement between Niles Township and the Skokie Board of Education, approving the Continuing Disclosure Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025 with Raymond James, approving tuition reimbursement priorities for SY 2025-2026, and approving the tentative budget for FY26. The board also reviewed the calendar and discussed upcoming events.

The committee discussed curriculum adoption and implementation, including initial and ongoing costs. A budget summary by month was presented, covering expenditures and revenues. The importance of receiving a staffing memo annually was explained, with a note about adding a Spanish Bilingual Teacher position. The team will be allowed to pay bills/payrolls in July which will then be approved at the August meeting. Proposed student fees were presented, including lunch fees, PE equipment costs, and increases for activity, athletics, and instructional fees. Contract renewals and new contracts were discussed and recommended for approval, including transportation, custodial services, Panorama, worker's compensation policy, gas utility, door replacements, and emergency work. Invoices for Diligent Community and Thomas Reuter were reviewed for accounts payable and the consent agenda.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. Student concerns regarding food waste were addressed, including proposals for improved recycling and composting systems. Staff and student achievements were recognized, including choir and band programs, the 8th-grade graduating class, and the successful production of The Lion King. The Board approved meeting dates for the upcoming school year, tech bids for technology upgrades, and the food service contract renewal. A resolution abating the Working Cash Fund of the District was approved to comply with fund transfer regulations related to bond proceeds. The consent agenda was approved, covering personnel reports, accounts payable, payroll, elimination of a tech position, and minutes from previous meetings. The meeting also included a calendar review and a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

The Skokie School District 73.5 held a special board meeting. The board discussed the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees in a closed session. Calendar revisions for 2025-2026 were approved, setting the first day of school for grades 1-8 on August 25th and the last day on June 3rd, with Spring Break aligned with D219's schedule. The consent agenda was approved, including administrator contracts and non-union staff pay increases for 2025-26. Updates were provided on the superintendent search, with interviews scheduled for seven candidates, and Dr. Osburn thanked attendees of the first Community Engagement Session.