Tara T. Lawrence

The meeting included an administrative presentation by the Principal of Wentworth Junior High regarding the Garden Tower project. The Board approved the gross payroll figure for December 2025 and authorized payment for several pre-listed invoices. In Buildings and Grounds, an update was provided regarding the submission category change for the School Maintenance Project Grant and the future bid schedule. The Board approved staff resignations and reassignments, and authorized the execution of employment contracts for the 2025-2026 school year. A first reading was conducted for numerous Policy Press Issue 120 policies covering finance, employment, curriculum, and student records. FOIA requests concerning misconduct allegations, settlements, and purchase records were addressed, with status updates provided. New business included the approval of an out-of-state field trip for Wilson Elementary School, an MOU with Family Christian Health Center for Mobile Van Health Services, and attendance approval for two Board Members at the NSBA Conference Development.

The meeting commenced with the opening remarks and no public comment received. Communications included thank you notes for retirement gifts and flowers. The Board approved the consent agenda. Reports included the approval of gross payroll figures for October and November 2025, and the pre-list of invoices for October, November, and December 2025. A presentation on the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit was given, resulting in the approval of the Fiscal Year 2024 Audit. Further actions included the approval and ratification of an agreement with NRG Business Marketing, LLC. In Buildings and Grounds, agreements were approved for Preventative Maintenance with Precision Control Systems, a Telephone System Upgrade with Meridian IT, and an Amendment to the Agreement with Omni Therapeutics, Inc. for PT and PTA Services. The Board approved the 10-Year Health Life Safety Plan and authorized bids for Summer 2026 projects including gymnasium tuckpointing, flooring improvements, and landscaping. Action items addressed the adoption of the 2025 Property Tax Levy, including the resolution to approve the levy, instruct the County Clerk on apportionment, and certify inapplicability of the Truth In Taxation Law. Employment matters included approving the hiring of new staff and contract execution for the 2025-2026 school years. Several Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from October and November 2025 were responded to regarding various contracts, staffing numbers, legal correspondence, and training materials. Finally, a School Report Card presentation was given before adjournment.

The meeting included a public comment section where a date for the Math and Science Night was shared. The administration presentation featured a principal recognizing staff and students, followed by speeches from four 5th-grade students. Key actions taken included the approval of the consent agenda. Financial reports involved the approval of the gross payroll figure for September 2025 and the authorization to sign pre-list invoices dated in September and October 2025. The Board approved the 2025 Tentative Tax Levy, advising that a truth in taxation public hearing was not required as the proposed levy was not more than 5% over the previous year's extension. An agreement with Rise Up Youth Empowerment 2025 was approved. Under Buildings and Grounds, the administration was authorized to apply for the 2025-2026 School Maintenance Project Grant, and an agreement for Waste Removal with Republic Services was approved, along with construction change orders. In Teachers and Education, an out-of-state field trip for kindergarteners was approved, and the retirement of Thomas Hansen was accepted. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments for the retirement of Juday Caban and recognition for School Board Members Day.

The Public Hearing for FY26 Budget included discussion of the timely filing of the required newspaper notice in the Daily Southtown, the disclosure of the cash reserve balances as of 07/01/2025, and the disclosure of the operational funds reserve reduction plan and its inapplicability for this year.

The Regular Meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. A donation from retired teachers was acknowledged. The Administration presentation from Woodrow Wilson Elementary highlighted their monthly report, weekly communications, and after-school programs. The board approved the gross payroll for August 2025, a pre-list of invoices, an agreement with Royal Scholar Transport, the FY26 Budget, and agreements with Everest Snow Management, Inc. Staff resignations and employment contracts were approved, and the second reading and adoption of Policy Press Issues 118 and 119 were also approved. The teacher of the month was recognized, and the Back 2 School event was discussed, with plans to make it more school-specific next year.