Thomas J. Fontana

The Board of Education meeting included public comment on various community and school-related topics, followed by recognition of award recipients, district retirees, and years-of-service employees. The Board approved various consent agenda items, including personnel actions and intergovernmental agreements. Old business involved the approval of professional development and student organization travel. During the organizational portion of the meeting, the Board elected a new President, Vice-President, and Secretary, and appointed the Board Clerk and Treasurer. The Board also reviewed information regarding the Space Academy for Educators program, a resolution to purchase a property at 530 Charter Street, and a differential committee request. The meeting concluded with a superintendent update and an executive session for collective negotiating matters.

The board discussed property tax multiplier numbers from the Illinois Department of Revenue and the impact on future tax levies, reviewed the success of the One Barb Golf Outing, and received updates on upcoming board retreat planning. The board approved the consent agenda, including personnel actions and various contracts. Presentations were made regarding NSPRA awards earned by the district. Further agenda items included the approval of an MOU for the YMCA Before and After School Program, the authorization of conference attendance, and an update on unaffiliated staff salary and benefits structures for the upcoming school year.

The board convened to discuss a motion to adjourn into a closed session for the purpose of addressing pending or probable litigation.

The Board of Education meeting covered a variety of administrative and operational items. The Board approved the consent agenda, including personnel actions, service agreements, and program MOUs. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved employment contracts for specific staff positions, salary increases for unaffiliated staff, and course approvals for salary schedule credits. Travel requests for student athletic competitions and staff conference attendance were reviewed and authorized. Furthermore, the Board discussed the expansion of the YMCA before and after school programs and reviewed policy updates. Finally, the Board approved the revised meeting schedule for the upcoming academic year.

The board meeting included discussions on board correspondence, recognition of the business department for excellence in financial reporting, and acceptance of donations from the Kelly Williamson family and Exxon Mobil. The board addressed the consent agenda, specifically removing and tabling the approval of salary increases for unaffiliated staff until the following meeting to allow for further evaluation of the process. An employment contract for a middle school dean was also reviewed and approved. Additionally, a presentation was given regarding the tentative budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, outlining the budget development timeline.