Mary Ellen Bunton

The board meeting included a presentation on District 118's goals and vision, followed by the recognition of a student selected to speak at the AVID National Conference. The board also recognized staff members who received the Golden Ruler award. Agenda items addressed included the approval of the treasurer's report, a decision to pause new club proposals for the upcoming academic year due to financial constraints, and an update to the memorandum of understanding with the Danville Public Library. The updated library agreement shifts responsibility for fines or lost book fees from the district to the families or staff members.

The board meeting addressed several key agenda items, including public service announcements regarding the usage of the track complex and an update on the eighth-grade honors and promotion ceremony. The treasurer's report was presented and approved. The board discussed and approved a textbook recommendation for middle school social studies, along with a contract extension for speech-language pathology services to address staffing shortages and legal requirements for student services. Additionally, the board approved the issuance of a notice of proposed reclassification for a principal and conducted a first reading for a new elementary STEAM classroom teacher position.

The board meeting featured an introduction to the Kempy Bailey Academy student advisory board and their community service initiatives, with a request for regular board updates from student representatives. Additionally, curriculum office staff provided updates on upcoming math challenges, recognized a teacher for their work on state assessment teams, and thanked the National Honor Society for assistance with classroom materials and warehouse organization. The board approved a pilot program for seventh and eighth-grade math materials and authorized the purchase of new literature materials for the Kempy Bailey Academy.

The Danville District No. 118 Consolidated District Plan is designed to enhance educational programs and improve the quality of instruction to ensure student success. It focuses on providing optimal learning conditions and encompasses various educational support programs, including professional development, early childhood education, ELL family literacy, extended day/year programming, and McKinney Vento services. The plan's overarching objective is to equip every student with the necessary knowledge, skills, and support for success in college, career, and life through personalized learning, targeted support, and whole-child development.

The meeting began with an opening session motion and roll call vote. Key discussion items included administrative actions regarding a student suspension following a snowball accident, which a concerned parent requested a formal review for, arguing for proportionality over potential expulsion. The board also received an informational update from the Director of Danville Public Library regarding current programming, including a prom collection drive, a Black History Month movie showing, ukulele night, and the reopening of the teen zone. An informational presentation was given on the District 118 concussion plan, detailing updates to the committee, policy review, and the introduction of baseline testing for athletes. Furthermore, the 2026 summer school and extended school year plan was presented, outlining changes such as Me Park conducting its own program and Northridge students following the high school schedule for credit recovery. Finally, a motion was entertained to approve a three-year AVID contract, which locks in pricing while only requiring yearly payment from Title funding, benefiting teachers through professional development opportunities and providing district-wide access to AVID resources.