Megan Burress

Key discussions included the recognition of a community partner, Jennifer Smith, for outstanding volunteer support. The Superintendent provided updates on Student Ambassador projects focusing on school bathrooms and extracurricular participation, and introduced four new internal administrators for various roles across the district. The Consent Agenda involved approving several inter-fund loan transfers from the Working Cash Fund to other operational funds, accepting a gift to the WWSHS Boys Basketball Program, approving a Bond Waiver Request, approving the 2025-2026 ISBE discipline improvement plan, authorizing the purchase of network access points, and approving the personnel report. Under the Policy Posting Consent Agenda, the Board voted to post the rewritten Policy 7:150 regarding Agency and Law Enforcement Requests for Public Review and Comment, with immediate effect given to modifications in the administrative procedure concerning agency officials on school grounds and crisis protocols. The Policy Approval Consent Agenda involved approving numerous revised policies across fiscal/business management, employment, curriculum, and student behavior categories. The HR/Policy Committee reported on affirming an administrative procedure regarding flag display requirements in classrooms. The Finance Committee noted discussions on long-term financial projections and identified gaps. Furthermore, it was announced that an RFP has been issued to seek a search firm for the Superintendent Search, with responses due by March 2, 2026.

The Committee of the Whole meeting initiated with a motion to suspend the rules and adjourn to a workshop setting. The main focus was the Vision 2026 Educational Services Spotlight covering two pilot learning opportunities. The first opportunity detailed the new Internship Course, outlining the Career-Connected Learning Framework progression (Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, Training), the successful $200,000 Internship Grant application via WorkNet DuPage, and the course structure involving foundational in-class instruction followed by blended work-based learning, emphasizing student support via a Career Coach. The second pilot focused on the Basic Math Facts Classwide Intervention, presenting the Phase IV curriculum implementation framework for Illustrative Mathematics (IM). Discussions covered mathematical fluency, including the five strands of proficiency, and the structure of the 15-minute classwide intervention pilot aimed at improving arithmetic fluency, which is considered between Tier 1 and Tier 2 support in the MTSS approach.

The meeting began with a suspension of rules to adjourn to a Chat Session. Public participation included discussions regarding the American Flag Procedure, a new and current Assistant Principal at Franklin, and Early Childhood Attendance Eligibility.

This vision document outlines strategies for academic and operational excellence. Key academic strategies include implementing learning acceleration, designing a balanced assessment system, developing resources aligned with a Portrait of a Graduate, expanding post-secondary opportunities, and providing comprehensive professional learning and social-emotional support for students. Operational strategies focus on addressing facilities projects from the Master Plan, maintaining strong fiscal health, developing robust technology systems, engaging the community, hiring and retaining diverse, high-quality staff, and enhancing a positive organizational culture.

The meeting commenced with a welcome from the host school principal, followed by a modification to the agenda concerning a policy posting item. Key recognitions included the Community Partner Recognition of Emily Marvin. The Superintendent provided updates on the Community Mailer distribution, AP Honor Roll recognition for high schools, and the upcoming Student Excellence Foundation breakfast. The Board approved several items via the Consent Agenda, including acceptance of gifts, approval of the mileage reimbursement rate, adoption of the resolution to begin the FY27 budget cycle, acceptance of the 2024-25 Single Audit, approval of the Uncommon X SIEM/SOC solution, and approval of bills payable/payroll. The Facilities Approval Consent Agenda involved awarding the 2026 Playground Renovations for Emerson and Washington Elementary Schools. The Policy Posting Consent Agenda involved approval to post numerous revised policies for public review, with one item moved to future discussion. The Policy Approval Consent Agenda involved approving several revised policies covering board development, committees, EEO, curriculum, and student records. In Action Items, the Board approved the 2027-2028 School Calendar. A significant Discussion Item focused on the Request for Flag Policy, where the Board debated whether to make a policy change, create an administrative procedure, or make no change, referencing the Illinois Flag Display Act and Federal flag code. Board committee reports were also presented.