Renee Lynn Karalus

The meeting commenced with a recognition of visitors, where a parent raised concerns regarding traffic congestion and safety during arrival and dismissal times at school locations, particularly at Bell Road and 159th Street, requesting increased staff supervision. The agenda included staff actions such as accepting resignations for one certified employee (Social Worker) and one non-certified employee (Lunchroom Monitor), and recommending employment for several new certified and non-certified personnel. Informational reports covered updates from the Homer Council & Homer Support Staff Council regarding grading policy updates and appreciation for National Board Certified Teachers. The Principal of William J. Butler School provided a final report highlighting academic rigor, MAP performance, and areas for focus such as math fluency. Reports were also attached from Directors concerning Buildings and Grounds, Special Services, and Transportation, as well as Assistant Superintendents for Curriculum & Instruction and Human Resources. Old Business resulted in the approval of the 2026-2027 school calendar. New Business discussions included a pilot program for Wayfinder navigation software for bus drivers and a first read of K-1 Units of Study. Approved New Business items included authorizing a transfer of funds between activity accounts, rejecting all bids for the 2025 Generator Installation, approving a Mutual Aid Assistance Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Will County schools, approving an MOU for awarding stipends to National Board Certified Teachers, approving job descriptions, and awarding the contract for 2026 Roofing Improvements at Hadley Middle School.

Key discussions and actions included the approval of the consent agenda items, such as the Treasurer's Report for December 2025 and Invoices Payable for January 2026. Employment recommendations were approved for several non-certified staff and extracurricular coaches. Informational reports were presented covering Homer Council and Support Staff Council activities, and a Principal's Report detailed improvements in ELA and math instruction, promising progress toward closing achievement gaps based on MAP results. Directors' and Assistant Superintendent reports were also provided. New Business approvals included numerous policy updates, an adjustment to the Bus Driver wage, approval of staff retirements effective in the 2028-2029 and 2029-2030 school years, approval of an updated job description for District Data Secretary, approval of summer employees for various departments, and authorization for contracting services for therapists, repairs, and door replacements totaling $141,485.85. The Board also approved a resolution authorizing budget preparation for FY 2027 and approved the creation of several FTE positions and a posting for a school psychologist intern for the 2026-2027 school year.

The committee discussed enrollment projections, space issues at Goodings Grove School, capacity status at elementary schools, and planned facility projects and upgrades across the district for the next 3 years. They also considered options for building additions, including redistricting, renting classroom trailers, building an early childhood center, partnering with neighboring districts, passing a referendum, or adding classroom additions to current schools.

The meeting included recognition of the Special Olympics State Games for Equestrian winners. The consent agenda, treasurer's report, and invoices payable were approved. Personnel recommendations included resignations and employment recommendations for various positions. Reports were given by the Homer Council, Homer Support Staff Council, and Directors for Buildings and Grounds, Technology, and Transportation. The Assistant Superintendent reported on Curriculum & Instruction, and the Superintendent provided a report. The Board discussed the demographic study and a tour of Goodings Grove Elementary School. New business included approving a MOU, retirements, job description amendments, policy updates, purchase authorizations, a lease renewal, and increasing a custodian position to 1.0 FTE.

The meeting included recognition of a student, Amelia Burbank, for her fundraising efforts to support new ADA equipment for Schilling School's playground. The IESA Cross Country State Meet Qualifiers were also recognized. The board discussed the district's financial report for September, which showed an increase in the fund balance. The consent agenda was approved, including resignations and employment recommendations for staff. Reports were given by representatives from Homer Council and Homer Support Staff Council. Additional reports were presented by the Hadley Middle School Principal, the Director of Buildings and Grounds, the Director of Special Services, the Director of Transportation, the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, and the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. The board approved the notice of retirement for a 5th-grade teacher and the retirement of an individual subject to the terms and conditions of the District's one-time IMRF retirement incentive program. Policy updates, additional K-1 Units of study texts, a resolution to effect interfund transfer, and a School Maintenance Project Grant application were also approved. The board authorized contracting for a school psychologist, a special education teacher, window panel replacements at Homer Jr. High, and new wrestling mats. Finally, they approved RJM Consulting Services Inc. to facilitate a 5-year Strategic Plan.