Sarah Cacciatore

Key discussion points included reviewing past events such as the 8th Grade All Star concert, Winter Jazz Concert, and ILMEA All State Festival. Upcoming events covered included JO and HJE performances, Honors Bands concert, Band Auditions, and the HJE at Elmhurst Jazz Festival. Treasurer updates included current bank balances and discussion regarding the Fannie May fundraiser proceeds split. Fundraising chair reported on Jimano's and Emil's dine-out events, noting difficulties with the Fannie May fundraiser's cash/online coordination, with plans to use only online sales next year. Information was shared regarding the Evening of Jazz auction item solicitation. Directors reported on the cancellation of the Purdue Festival, a Jazz Ensemble recording session, and provided updates on Summer 2026 marching band camp dates and locations for percussion and color guard camps. Open positions for next year were noted, including President, Equipment, Concert Band Uniforms, and Fundraising chairs.

The meeting included an executive session regarding pending or probable litigation. During the joint board session, the Shared Services Report covered a review of the FY25 Audit, which resulted in a clean opinion, and a review of preliminary budget assumptions for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Board members discussed the potential of a Lake County 1 percent sales tax for school facility needs, expressing reservations about adding another tax but considering support if funds were directed toward property tax relief. Other topics included exploring digital board software platforms, developing a Shared Services Communication Plan, reviewing the strategic plan, examining meeting structures, and reviewing the proposed job description for the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools. Key actions included the approval of the FY25 Audit, approval of the Budget Assumptions, approval of the new Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools job description, approval of bids totaling $8,905,436 for the D120 Fieldhouse Addition Phase 2, Bid Group #5, approval of an Amended Intergovernmental Agreement with Mundelein Elementary School District 75, and the final approval of PRESS Policy #120 and related School Board Policies. The meeting also involved subsequent executive sessions concerning employee matters and property discussions, and finally approved the December 9, 2025, executive session minutes in open session.

The special board meeting included a public hearing regarding the Board's intent to issue up to $149,500 million in voter-approved bonds to finance capital improvements authorized in the November 2024 election. Following the hearing, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $75 million in General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2026, to fund approved capital projects, providing for the necessary tax levy, and authorizing the sale of bonds with delegated final pricing approval within established parameters.

The meeting agenda included citizen comments, a consent agenda covering previous meeting minutes (Regular Board Meeting of January 13, 2026, and Special Board Meetings of January 13 and January 29, 2026), personnel reports, financial documentation, and FOIA requests. District reports were provided by the Business Office, Human Resources, Teaching and Learning, and the Superintendent's Office. Committee updates were given for Facilities, Finance, and Shared Services, along with representative updates for SEDOL, Community Outreach, PRESS Policy, and Legislative matters. Key Board Action Items included the approval of a Revised Rental Fee Agreement, bids for the D120 Fieldhouse Addition Phase 2, multiple approvals for purchasing mechanical and power infrastructure equipment from various vendors (Zonatherm Products, The Brucker Company, Midwest Applied Solutions), approval for a Net56 Master Service Agreement, technology equipment purchase from CDW-G, a one-year extension for the Lakeside Transportation Contract, and approval for Communication Consulting Services. The meeting concluded with a planned Executive Session to discuss employee compensation, litigation, and minutes review.

This Discipline Improvement Plan outlines a strategic approach for school districts to reduce exclusionary discipline and address racial disproportionality, as mandated by state law. It emphasizes a systematic process including comprehensive data review, problem identification, performance measurement, and root cause analysis. Key strategic actions for Mundelein High School District 120 involve revising the discipline matrix to limit out-of-school suspensions for common violations such as fights, drug-related offenses, and disruptive behavior. The plan also focuses on increasing Tier 1 interventions through positive behavior reinforcement and dedicated social-emotional learning days, alongside targeted professional development for administrators on restorative practices and racial disproportionality. The overall aim is to foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, enhance student engagement and sense of belonging, and cultivate a school culture that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion.