Lawrence Cook

The Board of Education convened a special meeting, which included an executive session to consider student disciplinary matters. Following the executive session, the Board took action on several student cases. Specific actions included approving the recommended expulsion of one student for two calendar years, approving the recommended expulsion of a second student for one calendar year with subsequent placement at Parkland Academy, and approving Agreements in Lieu of Expulsion, along with funding for alternative educational placements, for three additional students.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks addressing a recent security incident that resulted in a lockdown, emphasizing that safety remains the District's paramount priority, and noting the review of all possible safety measures. Public comments included concerns regarding media interviews with minors following the incident, requests for clearer communication protocols, concerns about the status of the high school Steppers team coach and program, requests to return to a full Presidents' Day holiday observance, and requests for the District to observe January 6 (Epiphany) as a non-attendance day. Board members unanimously supported enhancing safety measures and acknowledged the community's concern following the incident. The Superintendent's Report detailed actions taken post-incident, including implementing a Late Start, hiring a national organization for a safety assessment, and planning increased police presence and random safety searches. Additionally, the Board reached unanimous consensus to ban Meta glasses on campus. Key action items approved included the contract for the You Matter 2 Program's Semester Two Discover U Program, the Certiport subscription for MOS credentials for freshmen and sophomores, Kaplan ACT Preparation Services for all juniors, and the purchase of Anatomage Tables and subscriptions for instructional use. The Board also authorized the hiring of the new Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations/Chief School Business Official, Mr. Toriano Horton, who will start on July 1, 2026. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss employee matters, student discipline, and pending litigation.

The meeting agenda primarily focused on New Business, which included entering into an Executive Session to consider student disciplinary matters under the Open Meetings Act. Following the Executive Session, the Board returned to Open Meeting to take action on matters arising from the closed session. Key actions involved approving recommended expulsions for two students, one for two calendar years and another for one calendar year with subsequent placement at Parkland Academy. Additionally, the Board approved Agreements in Lieu of Expulsion for two other students, including funding their placement at alternative educational settings.

The key discussions during the meeting included district updates such as the MOU for Prairie State College Dual Credit and IB Visits. The consent agenda involved approvals for expenditures totaling over $1.8 million, ratification of the January payroll, and approval of several extended field trips. The Finance Committee reported on bid results for the Tennis Court Replacement Project and L- and T-Roofing Projects, leading to the recommendation and approval of contract awards for both construction projects. New business featured the approval of an Alternative Educational Services Agreement with Ombudsman Educational Services. The Board also entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters, security, and pending litigation, with no action taken upon returning to open session.

The committee reviewed monthly financials, noting delayed property tax revenue collections despite strong interest income and a significant NetZero grant receipt. Expenditures review highlighted increased Purchase Services due to professional development and rising out-of-district tuition. Discussions on the Five-Year Facilities Plan included updates on the A-Building HVAC Project and proposals for replacing various sections of flooring, with a focus on realizing labor cost efficiencies by consolidating work. The status of the Tennis Courts Project and related Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Park District was reviewed, requiring formal notification before bidding. The committee reached consensus to move the updated facilities plan to the full Board. New business included the presentation of the Annual Financial Report, which showed strong financial controls and an excellent preliminary Financial Profile Score of 3.90. An update on the proactive residency verification process was provided, including data on student verifications and denials. A resolution authorizing legal counsel to intervene in property tax appeals was discussed, with a consensus to recommend a three-year term extension to the Board. Finally, the committee supported a proposal for a Threat & Vulnerability Assessment by Vulnerability Solutions Group, LLC, and discussed exploring broader alternative funding opportunities for the district.