Rachel Kellerman

The TCSE Strategic Plan aims to establish safe, caring, and creative programs where every learner is valued, supported, and inspired. It emphasizes creating welcoming school environments, providing holistic support for students, fostering partnerships with families, and offering flexible, engaging learning experiences through collaborative teams. Guided by core values of inclusion, collaboration, dignity, accountability, and growth, the plan's mission is to empower students in member districts to discover their strengths, follow their unique paths, and develop confidence for future success, thereby inspiring purpose, passion, potential, and possibilities.

This document outlines the Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) for Tri-County Special Education, detailing procedures for responding to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in compliance with Illinois HB5394, effective January 1, 2025. Key components include the establishment of a Cardiac Emergency Response Team (CERT), guidelines for AED placement, maintenance, and accessibility, and communication protocols for the CERP. The plan also mandates comprehensive training for staff in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and AED use, emphasizing prompt intervention to enhance survival rates in cardiac emergencies.

The board discussed and approved policy and procedure updates, reviewed open paraprofessional positions, and set the date for the upcoming June meeting. Action was taken to approve additional personnel for the Extended School Year program at Center School, and the board addressed changes to expenditure report submissions for IDEA grants. During the executive session, the board approved a lease addendum, a new property purchase agreement, a revised transition specialist assistant job description, and authorized the termination of a probationary employee. Additionally, the board accepted multiple staff resignations and approved several new hires for the upcoming school year.

The meeting included an update on the Eurma Hayes Community Center and the director's report regarding staffing vacancies for the upcoming school year. Key policy and procedure updates were approved, alongside the presentation of the proposed budget. The board addressed classroom and program closures due to staffing issues and approved organizational changes including the organizational chart, succession of authority, and various student and employee handbooks. During the executive session, the board reviewed and approved several employment matters, including administrative office secretary contracts, leave requests, personnel resignations, and new hires for various roles.

The meeting included reports on fundraising efforts for student needs and a presentation regarding the annual financial report for the previous fiscal year. Significant discussion took place regarding the impact of COVID-19, including positive case tracking and the coordination of in-person learning pauses in accordance with local health department guidance. The Board reviewed concerns regarding the Dewey School Fire Marshall report and discussed the potential need for alternative classroom facilities due to facility maintenance issues. Additionally, the Board conducted an executive session to address personnel matters, including staff resignations, retirements, new hires, leave requests, and a dismissal.