LaToya Berry-Coleman

The board discussed key topics including public recognition of the new baseball field, a Superintendent's report regarding mental health, attendance initiatives, and state budget funding shortfalls. Reports were provided on financial standing, enrollment trends, the digitization of legacy records, and the Kahok Academy Truant Alternative Optional Education Program. The board approved the sale of the Area Vocational Center Building Trades House, the CAVC Paint Booth project, and school fees for the upcoming school year. Additional actions included personnel approvals for resignations, new hires, and summer school staffing, as well as the expulsion of two students.

The board meeting focused on the approval of the CHS/CAVC Tunnel project bid, which was awarded to Kamex, Inc. in the amount of $1,783,656.95, with the contract assigned to Holland Construction Services, Inc. Discussion included an overview of project timelines, concrete box lead times, traffic impact, security measures, and the resulting changes to walking times between campus buildings.

The Budget Committee meeting included several discussion items. The Building and Grounds Update covered proposed Summer 2026 facilities projects, such as HVAC replacements, restroom renovations, parking lot work, safety bollards, painting, abatement work, door replacements, rooftop unit replacements, and football stadium lighting upgrades. The Personnel Update focused on filling positions for the 2026-27 school year, conducting numerous interviews, and evaluating staff needs based on resignations, retirement notices, and declining enrollment. Specific staffing recommendations for the CAVC were presented, leading to a consensus to recommend posting the EMT and HVAC instructor positions. Regarding the Budget Update, a school fee study for 2026-2027 was reviewed, recommending changes including new fees for Ceramics, and increased fees for transcript requests and employment verifications to cover third-party service charges. The committee also reviewed a report on the transportation funding gap, noting the discrepancy between state reimbursement and actual costs for general and special education transportation, which requires coverage from local revenue sources. Finally, the Chairman noted that formal budget committee updates at the regular board meetings would cease as most members now attend these sessions.

Key discussions included the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Financial Report, which achieved the highest level of "recognition" with a score of 4.0. The Superintendent reported on the progress of the CAVC expansion and renovation project, along with plans for summer 2026 capital projects funded by the 2024 Ballot Initiative, and collaboration on the P.I.N. sticker program with the Collinsville Police Department. The Curriculum & Instruction Report highlighted vertical alignment team efforts, popular coding and robotics camps, and concerns regarding kindergarten students' social readiness, leading to plans for a transitional kindergarten class. The Budget Committee discussed the CAVC tunnel design, securing a sponsor for the dental assistant program, proposals for new E-Sports and Athletic Director stipends, and a plan to reduce an administrative position. Major actions approved included bids for summer 2026 projects such as epoxy flooring, parking lot seal coating, restroom renovations, and abatement projects, as well as authorization to seek bids for the CHS and CAVC tunnel construction. The Board also approved easement agreements, handled personnel matters including numerous resignations and employment approvals (including a Special Education Supervisor), approved the dismissal of a probationary custodian, and approved the expulsion of a student.

The Budget Committee meeting focused on several key items. For the Building and Grounds Update, the committee reviewed plans for the CAVC Tunnel project, estimating costs around $3 million before design/engineering fees, and recommended that the full board consider securing bids on January 26. Furthermore, a $100,000 ten-year sponsorship from Brinley Orthodontics was secured for the CAVC dental assistant program, with $49,000 designated for room renovation. In Personnel Updates, the committee recommended approval for adding two new coaching stipends for the growing E-Sports program. A proposal to replace an administrative position at CMS with a stipend position for a CMS Athletic Director, resulting in an estimated annual saving of $150,000, was also recommended for full board approval. An update on the district's annual audit confirmed compliance with legal requirements and the attainment of the highest "Recognition" designation for the 2025 fiscal year.