Katie Bridgewater

The Board of Education convened to discuss various topics, including updates on air quality tests at South School, the implementation of Orton-Gillingham reading, and professional development on A-I. A change in the food provider to Performance Foods was noted, along with the purchase of a Mosaic license for menu planning. The date for the Class of 2026 Graduation was set for Saturday, May 16, with considerations for avoiding conflicts with postseason sports. A discussion was held regarding the 2025 Tax Levy, with a consensus to explore keeping it under the 5% Truth in Taxation threshold. The board also approved Meghann Arthur's attendance at the IAHPRED conference. Additionally, the board went into a closed session for personnel matters, negotiation, and student issues, followed by approval of a Maternity Leave Request of Kylie McAllister.

The Board of Education convened to address a Student Discipline Hearing, appointing Superintendent Ross as the Hearing Officer. The board entered closed session multiple times to discuss student disciplinary cases. Following these discussions, the board found Student A guilty of offenses and voted to expel Student A for one calendar year, with the expulsion held in abeyance contingent upon successful participation in an Alternative Educational Placement as determined by the IEP team.

The Board of Education convened to discuss various topics, including updates on building and grounds, such as air quality testing in the 2nd Grade wing at South School. The FY 26 Budget Hearing was opened, addressing salary and wage increases, Evidence Based Funding from the State of Illinois, and local tax revenue. The board also discussed and approved the Waiver of Administrative Cost Limitation for FY25 and FY26. Additionally, the board discussed and approved attendance at the IASB Joint Conference and the IPA Conference. The board approved field trips as presented. The board went into closed session for personnel matters, negotiation, and students. The board approved the Special Unpaid Leave Request of Allison Medsker.

The Board of Education meeting included discussions on various topics. Updates were provided on new student enrollment at the high school, foreign exchange students, and fall sports participation numbers. The superintendent reported on the kindergarten class size, new teacher orientation, and the Teacher Institute. Buildings and grounds updates included progress on the resource building and improvements to the North School teacher lot and drop-off area. The FY 26 Budget was discussed, including considerations for salary increases and revenue sources. Closed session minutes from August 2023 to January 2024 were reviewed, with a recommendation for the verbatim records to be destroyed. The board also discussed personnel matters and collective negotiation matters in a closed session. The employment of an Elementary Teacher and Volunteer Coaches for the Weight Room were approved.

The Board of Education convened to discuss health insurance plans. The Health Insurance Committee recommended the rejection of all health insurance bids and proposed replacing Plan E with Plan H1 from the Egyptian Trust Plans options for district staff. The board approved this recommendation.