Michael J. Duback

The meeting included the approval of several action items, including invoices for January 16, 2026, through February 19, 2026, totaling $4,258,751.49. Discussions addressed the increase in medical and dental insurance claims for the month and the status of the new plan design. An update on District Improvement (DI) item 33,798, detailing expenditures on life safety and ongoing bleacher work, was provided. The treasurer's report for January 2026 highlighted revenues of $3.6 million and expenses of $36.9 million, including a scheduled bond payment. The student activities report for January 2026 showed total revenues of $390,062 and expenditures of $513,633. A major action item was the approval of the indoor wireless infrastructure refresh, selecting the CDW Juniper proposal for $479,526, with outdoor replacement deferred. Informationals covered the report from the Lincoln Way Special Education District 843 governing board, noting slightly lower student enrollment and plans for bathroom repairs at Pioneer Grove funded by a school maintenance project grant. The quarterly insurance report noted a $630,000 deficit in medical costs over premiums collected for Q4. Updates from the District 210 Advisory included discussions on summer school plans and concerns regarding online delivery of core courses impacting ACT preparation, alongside a recommendation to prorate community service hours based on student transfer timelines.

The meeting included reports from student council representatives of Lincolnway Central, Lincolnway West, and Lincolnway East. Key discussions covered academic performance following final exams, upcoming open houses for the incoming class of 2030, various club activities (e.g., Science Club, FBLA blood drive, theatre productions, service projects like sponsoring families), and athletic achievements, including girls wrestling team state championships and boys basketball progress. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a curriculum instruction update regarding Board Policy 6310 on high school credit for non-district experiences, specifically online coursework. The administration presented a plan for administrative transparency and equity concerning online course enrollment, outlining parameters such as limiting students to one online credit per year and the planned transition to a new online platform for alternative education programs, which offers more stringent control over course offerings and alignment with academic standards.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call, which included appointing a temporary secretary. Key discussions focused on the Curriculum and Instruction update, detailing highlights from the Illinois report card, noting that Lincolnway Central and East maintained an 'Exemplary' designation, and Lincolnway West advanced toward it. Significant attention was given to the adjustment of ACT benchmarks aligning with college readiness standards, including new reporting on sophomore and freshman proficiency. The Treasurer's report covered November 2025 financials, noting cash balances and investment maturities, but highlighted concerns regarding delayed mandated categorical distributions from the state and potential further proration, especially impacting special education transportation reimbursements, which resulted in a projected shortfall of nearly $400,000. Furthermore, financial review confirmed that life safety spending for HVAC work, utilizing bond proceeds, remained on budget.

The meeting included public comments regarding the ongoing contract negotiations for sports staff, bus drivers, maintenance staff, custodians, security, pair professionals, cafeteria staff, media center, and library assistant staff. Concerns were raised about bus driver pay and retention. Student council presidents from Lincoln Way West, Central, and East highlighted achievements in athletics, academics, and community service, including food drives, leadership conferences, and artistic performances.

The meeting included recognition of students with perfect ACT scores and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra's Music Educator of the Year. Public comments addressed ongoing negotiations. The 5-Year Financial Forecast was updated, and the board reviewed and approved invoices, the Treasurer's Report, and the Student Activities Report. New members were appointed to the District 210 Advisory Committee. Reports were given on the Lincoln-Way Special Education District 843 Governing Board Meeting, FOIA requests, Building and Grounds, Community Relations, and the District 210 Advisory. The FY2027 Budget Calendar was provided. The board adjourned to a closed session to discuss personnel matters and collective bargaining, then returned to open session.