Sandra Hock

The scheduled agenda for this Special Board Meeting includes the Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a Public Comment period. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to a Closed Session convened pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 to consider the appointment, employment, and dismissal or evaluation of personnel, with any requisite action to be taken in the open session.

The meeting agenda included recognition for the STAR Student and Young Authors Contest Winners, and the ISBE's 2026 Those Who Excel Award of Excellence recipient. Reports were scheduled from the Principals, Education, and Business departments covering areas such as Human Resources, Curriculum, Technology, and Buildings & Grounds. The consent agenda involved the approval of claims, accounts, and bills, as well as Superintendent's Recommendations. These recommendations included adopting a Resolution Authorizing Notice of Dismissal and Non-Renewal, accepting multiple retirements across various schools and roles effective in 2026 or the end of the 2028-2029 school year, accepting two resignations, and employing new staff members. Additionally, approvals were sought for Family Illness Leave and FMLA requests for several employees, approval of various school activities for the 2025-2026 school year, approval of student teacher placements for the 2026-27 semester, authorization to post summer help employees, and setting the regular board meeting schedule for the 2026-2027 school year. The agenda also reserved time for Public Comment, Board Delegate Reports, Old Business, New Business, union mentions, and a Closed Session to consider personnel matters.

Discussions included congratulations for the winners of the 43rd Annual District Spelling Bee, the winner of the City of Burbank Vehicle Sticker Design Contest, and highlights from the principals' report. Professional development and instructional practices were reviewed, including analysis of NWEA Map data and updates on the elementary science and social studies curriculum review. Operational updates covered preschool screening results, ACCESS testing coordination, and review of winter benchmark data. The administrative team began planning for the Extended School Year and summer school programs. Reports were given on nursing services, including medical reviews and care plan creation, and an investment report from the Stickney Township Treasurer was reviewed, along with district property tax revenue status. Facilities updates included snow/ice removal efforts and the installation of new paper towel systems. Technology initiatives included the completion of the student device reimage project, camera installations, and updates to caching servers in preparation for testing. Board actions included approving employment recommendations, after-school activities/sponsors/coaches for the 2025-26 school year, a student teacher placement, the Liberty 8th Grade field trip, the 2026-27 Official School Calendar, and the Stickney Township Treasurer's 4th Quarter Investment Report. The board also directed the superintendent to prepare the budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year and adopted changes to board policies on second reading. A brief discussion was held regarding recognizing high school seniors with a clap-out day.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included reports from principals highlighting recent accomplishments and upcoming events. Operational reports covered staffing needs, including the search for a special education teacher and the planned start date for a new social worker. Curriculum adoptions for science and social studies, specifically Studies Weekly and Amplify Science, were reviewed, alongside updates on NWEA Map Benchmark testing. The board addressed several administrative and support matters, such as ongoing professional development presentations, data review by intervention teams, and updates on Lexia and ST Math usage. Financial actions included reviewing the 2025 Tax Levy, approving resolutions for tax abatement for bond repayments, and authorizing permanent inter-fund transfers. Operational approvals involved extending the HVAC service contract with Oak Brook Mechanical and addressing custodian hiring needs. Technology updates covered student device reimaging, cybersecurity measures, and infrastructure upgrades planned for winter break. Furthermore, the board approved employment recommendations, after-school activities sponsors/coaches, and attendance at the IASA Aspiring Superintendent Academy.

The Board of Education meeting included a principals' report highlighting district accomplishments and upcoming events. Updates were provided on staffing, employee relations, and professional development initiatives. Discussions covered student acceleration procedures, curriculum feedback, and preparations for parent-teacher conferences. Reports also included data on pre-school enrollment, state support for EL teams, and technology usage. The board approved employment recommendations, after-school activities, and a student teacher placement. They authorized applying for a School Maintenance Project Grant, adopted the tentative Levy for 2025, and adopted the Resolution Authorizing Participation in Property Tax Proceedings. An overview of the Illinois School Report Card summative designations was presented, and the Liberty Junior High School Athletic Code was adopted for second reading.