Leanne Gehrs

The meeting agenda included a closed session addressing appointments, employment, compensation, contract negotiations, real property purchase/lease, security, litigation, and closed session minutes review. The regular session included student council updates and public comment. Consent items covered the adoption of the agenda, approval of previous regular board meeting minutes (December 17th, 2025), accounts payable (bill list), school activity account reports, and adoption of Press Policy Issue #120. The personnel consent agenda focused on the employment and resignation of various coaching positions for football, cheerleading, softball, track, and baseball. New business items included reports from the Pawnee Community Education Foundation, a PreK Community Open House, approval of the 2026-27 School Calendar, discussion and approval of IHSA Bylaws, and discussion/approval regarding district-provided health insurance for bus drivers. Various administrative reports were also presented.

The Pawnee Community Unit School District #11 board meeting included updates from the Student Council and recognition of the 2025 Pawnee Indian Football Team and Illinois State Scholars. Discussions covered the 2025 tentative tax levy, the Illinois School Report Card, high school gym renovation, softball dugouts, post-season gate entry fees, staff payroll, extracurricular activities pay calendar, and district finances. The board also reviewed the 2025 cyber hygiene assessment and approved press policy changes and the 2025-26 Maintenance Grant Projects.

The agenda included updates on the Pre-K construction project, band instrument upgrades funded by the Small Rural Schools Achievement Grant, and issues with a newly purchased handicap accessible bus. The development of the next 10-year Health Life Safety Survey was discussed, as well as special education percentages. Additional topics included a report on the FFA trip to the Farm Progress Show, classroom observations, emergency drill refinements, and the reconvening of the Student Leadership Advisory Team. The board also reviewed IAR Math and Reading data, preparations for Parent/Teacher Conferences, curriculum updates, college and career readiness initiatives, state assessment scores, athletic updates, and technology updates including cybersecurity measures.

The meeting included discussions on the tentative budget presentation, new HS scheduling and course options, an updated Memorandum of Understanding for the School Resource Officer, and approval of the 2025-26 Senior Trip. Also discussed was individual swim team participation and an additional assistant JH Baseball Coach. There were also discussions about post-season access to sporting equipment/space, construction updates, district staffing, and the 2025-26 budget. The JH/HS transitioned from a block schedule to a traditional schedule. Additional topics included summer school, ESY, and course offerings.

The meeting included student council and PTO updates, recognition of retirees and staff with milestone anniversaries. The board addressed school activity account reports, FOIA requests, the annual ISBE Consolidated District Plan, and district concussion protocols for the upcoming school year. Personnel decisions included the employment of multiple basketball coaches and summer student workers. Discussions covered tuition reimbursement for LLCC College Now, non-certified pay increases, and the potential need for an athletic trainer.