Michael Balestri

This document introduces the Vision 2030 roadmap for K-12 public education in Illinois, rooted in the belief that students learn best when feeling safe and connected. The plan outlines a strategic direction focused on three key priorities: Future-Focused Learning, Shared Accountability, and Predictable Funding. It aims to reshape schools, redefine student success, move beyond standardized testing, and secure sustainable funding for educational resources and infrastructure, ultimately supporting all school districts across the state.

The strategic plan of Oglesby Public School District #125 focuses on providing a diverse instructional program to prepare students as democratic citizens. Key areas include data-driven education, fiscal responsibility, and effective communication among stakeholders. The plan emphasizes improving student learning outcomes, fostering a Response to Intervention Plan, enhancing technology, ensuring revenue maximization, controlling expenditures, and promoting community engagement through various communication channels.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The board approved the milk bid, authorization to dispose of property and unneeded materials, and the insurance renewal for property and workman's compensation. There was a first reading of new board policies and updates, including changes related to Title IX and a new law for student rights for pregnant students and domestic violence victims. Updates were provided on preschool, building projects, the levy, summer hours, teaching assignments, summer workers, and FOIA requests. The principals provided reports, including graduation and awards banquet details, assessment updates, student council officer positions, band performances, yearbook designs, and extracurricular achievements. The board discussed changes to extracurricular bussing, and new board committees were announced. The board also discussed personnel matters in a closed session, set retirement numbers, and approved the hiring of personnel as needed, as well as resignations and leaves.

The meeting included the canvassing of votes, administration of oath to new board members, nominations and election of president and vice president, and appointment of board secretary, district treasurer, depository, and legal council. The board discussed and approved awarding a bid for the Boiler/Chiller Project at Lincoln, a planned service agreement update with Johnson Control for Washington School, and IESA membership and fees for 2025-2026. Reports and updates were provided by the Superintendent and Principals. The board also discussed enrollment, funding, cafeteria, FOIA requests, building updates, graduation, curriculum assessment, PLC committee updates, professional development, and extracurricular activities. The board approved resignations, hiring of personnel, re-employment, and an MOU. A closed session was held to discuss personnel matters, collective negotiating matters, and the placement of individual students in special education programs.

The meeting addressed several key items, including approving the district calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, OT/PT services for the 2025-2026 school year, and insurance renewal for the 2025-2026 school year. The board also approved quotes for Amplify Reading and iReady Math License, sought bids for Lincoln HVAC upgrades, and approved an agreement with an architect for a 10-year life safety study. Updates were provided on enrollment, financial status, building projects, and a FOIA request. The board also discussed filling a new art teacher position internally. Furthermore, the board addressed the reemployment of non-tenured certified staff, assignment of tenure, a resignation, a retirement request, and Mr. Pillion's administrative contract. Lastly, the board approved a disciplinary action of policy violation.