Maria Hartwig

The Board meeting covered several key administrative and operational items. Updates were provided on the conclusion of the 21st CCLC grant cycle and upcoming summer camps, the search for a new principal at Carolyn Wenz Elementary School, and a new strategic matrix for district priorities. The Board recognized the social work team, reviewed the district's strong financial standing, and discussed enhanced support for multilingual learners and professional learning frameworks. Formal actions included authorizing the preparation of the 2026-27 tentative budget, approving a transportation intergovernmental agreement, and finalizing agreements with natural gas suppliers.

Audience members addressed the Board concerning the policy on home-schooled students participating in band and other extra-curricular activities, with several parents expressing concern over current restrictions. Discussions included a review of the adult education program, summer professional development opportunities, and committee reports from the Parent/Teacher Advisory, Behavior Intervention Committee, and Concussion Oversight Committee. Action items approved included various motions related to personnel (resignations, staff training), contractual agreements (Title I, Summer Food Service, 21st BTB summer program, Bridges agreement, Facilities Use, EIASE representation), a five-year lease agreement, payment schedules for transportation drivers, and summer credit recovery programs. The Board moved into and out of closed session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting involved an explanation of the policy committee meeting process, including information on the PRESS subscription service and a review of related policy updates. Discussion focused on District 95 policy alignment with PRESS standards, particularly concerning band participation eligibility for home-schooled students and concerns about space and staffing given a 20% enrollment increase. Board members questioned enrollment cut-off numbers for activities and supervision quality. It was decided to review extracurricular participation guidelines for home-schooled students and consult legal counsel regarding home-schooled extracurricular rights. Several policy revisions were presented for first read, including amendments due to the Title IX 2025 court case, changes to accounting thresholds ($5,000 to $10,000), new requirements for identity protection related to federal grants, and updates concerning student rights, attendance, suspension/expulsion procedures, and restrictions on sexting and AI usage in the district.

The Board recognized the staff of the Brighter Beginnings Birth to Three program for supporting 56 families with vital outreach services. Principals provided updates on student learning and attendance, including curriculum renewal and math resource selection. Financial review indicated the District is well under budget year-to-date. Administration presented a SWOT analysis for long-term strategic goal development. Key actions included adopting resolutions for the OPTERRA Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to the Energy Services Contract, adopting a resolution for the sale of $12,600,000 General Obligation School Bonds to fund OPTERRA projects, and adopting a resolution requesting a 5% loss factor be applied to bond and interest extension. The Board also approved a new staff benefit with AirMedVac for discounted emergency air ambulance service and approved a multi-year employment contract for the Director of Student Learning commencing in the 2026-2027 school year.

The document outlines Paris Union School District 95's critical need for increased state funding to address significant funding gaps in transportation for regular and special education students. It highlights the impact of under-reimbursements on the district's ability to support classrooms and students, advocating for higher state transportation and special education reimbursements and the protection of Illinois' Evidence-Based Funding amidst these shortfalls.