Thomas Zurliene

The meeting agenda included recognition of successes from the Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. District updates covered the Hydroponic House Project, Elementary School Roof Replacement, Elementary Gym Floor Project, and funding/bonding updates. New business items involved approving out-of-state trips, appointing an IMRF Authorized Agent, discussing/approving a Community Solar Agreement, approving postings to bid for the Hydroponic House Project, Elementary Classroom Floor Project, and Bus Garage Roof/Side Repair Project. Further new business included discussing/approving Summer Maintenance Projects, discussing/approving the Tax Levy Abatement for 2025 Payable in 2026, setting graduation dates, approving the FY25 School Audit, approving the donation of Elementary used bleachers, and approving the resignation of the Bass Fishing Coach.

The board reviewed and approved the payment of Unit #4 bills and the December, 2025 Treasurer's Report, along with the Activities Funds Summaries. Building reports were provided by the principals. The Superintendent provided updates regarding the hydroponic house project, the elementary school replacement project, the elementary gym floor project, and discussed summer projects. Key actions included approving the Senior Trip to Disney World in April/May 2026, investing $250,000 of Education Funds in a Certificate of Deposit (CD), and approving the 2026-2027 Public School Calendar. The board also approved the 10-year Health Life Safety Inspection Reports and appointed Bryce Hampton and Doug Rash to the district negotiation team. Personnel actions taken included approving the hiring of Rob Wicks as High School Baseball Coach, approving the hiring of Robert Simmons as Custodian, and approving the dismissal of Gabe Creamer as Custodian. The board also approved two separate 1-year in lieu of expulsion actions for students.

The Board addressed several administrative and financial matters. Key actions included approving the payment of Unit #4 bills and the November, 2025 Treasurer's Report. Operational updates were provided on the hydroponic house project and elementary school replacement project. The Board approved an overnight FFA Ground Zero Conference and the 2025 Payable 2026 Tax Levy for Eldorado CUSD #4. Additionally, the Electric Contract with Century Energy Solutions, LLC was approved. Personnel actions involved approving FMLA requests for two individuals, accepting several letters of resignation (including staff and coaching positions), approving the hiring of a new teacher, a full-time substitute, and a full-time custodian, and appointing an individual as acting Head Cook. The Board also approved the cancellation of a concrete contract for the Duff-Kingston Parking Lot.

The Truth in Taxation Hearing focused on the presentation of the proposed 2025 payable 2026 tax levy, which represented a 40.92 percent increase over the prior year. District fund balances as of November 2025 for various funds, including Education, Building, Bond and Interest, Transportation, Capital Projects, Sales Tax, Working Cash, Tort, and Health Life Safety funds, were also presented. Discussion ensued among board members and community members regarding the proposed levy and the district's financial status.

The meeting agenda included approval of financial statements, including bills due and payable and the Treasurer's Report. The board was scheduled to receive recognition and updates on several district successes and ongoing projects, such as the Hydroponic House Project, Elementary School Roof Replacement, and Elementary Gym Floor Project. New business items slated for approval included out-of-state trips, investment of $250,000 in an Education Fund CD, the 2026-2027 Public School Calendar, and the 10 Year Health Life Safety Inspection Reports. The board also planned to appoint two members to the District Negotiation Team and address matters concerning employment, compensation, student discipline, and collective negotiating during an executive session.