Tom Buenik

Key discussions included a review of past events such as concerts and auditions. For upcoming events, the Noise Show Choir Combo, Elk Grove Percussion Festival, and Mundelein Jazz Invitational were noted. The Treasurer reported bank balances, the outcome of the Fannie May fundraiser (noting increased participation but lower revenue), and confirmed that the Boosters will cover sales tax reimbursement for the Jazz Invitational. The Equipment Chair confirmed the selection of the University of Illinois for the Illinois Marching Band Festival next year and detailed the theme for the 2026 show as "In Bloom." Updates were provided on marching band uniform washing and fundraising totals from the Emil's dine out and Raise Right programs. Sponsorships for the Evening of Jazz event were reported, and updates were given on the Mundelein Jazz Invitational preparations. Points of interest included encouraging applications for the Boosters Summer Music Camp Scholarship and noting several open board positions for the upcoming year. The Directors announced the show reveal and a significant $5000 donation from the Brandon Lee Foundation earmarked for student lessons.

The primary discussion item for this special board meeting concerned technology improvements, specifically reviewing a recommendation to utilize Net56 to support and enhance the district's cybersecurity networks. A representative from Net56 reviewed the proposed cybersecurity plan, detailing responsibilities such as continuous security monitoring, vulnerability management, annual testing coordination, and the schedule for monthly reports and strategic enhancement reviews over the next three years. The Board subsequently voted to approve the Master Service Agreement with Net56 Incorporated for the yearly amount of $219,505, effective from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029.

The board meeting included recognition of a student's achievements. Key discussions involved reviewing and proposing clarifications for the Revised Rental Fee Agreement, distinguishing community and non-school groups, and streamlining fees. Bids were reviewed and awarded for the D120 Fieldhouse Addition Phase 2, Bid Group 6, covering excavation and structural steel work. Approvals were sought for purchasing mechanical and power infrastructure equipment, including an emergency generator and HVAC units, through cooperative agreements. Technology improvements, specifically addressing cybersecurity gaps with Net56, were discussed, with a special meeting scheduled for further deliberation. A recommendation to purchase new Chromebook devices and associated licenses was presented. A one-year contract extension for Lakeside Transportation was reviewed and approved. An update on the FY27 Certified Staffing allocation and the 2026-2027 school calendar revisions were provided. The interim principal presented a mid-year review of progress in strategic planning areas, noting increases in advanced placement classes. The impact fees associated with the Redwood Development in Round Lake were reviewed. The board discussed hiring Allerton Hill Communication for consulting services, with costs to be shared with District 75. An initiation of a strategic plan review process for June or July 2026 was discussed. Committee updates covered facilities, finance, and shared services. Board actions included the approval of the Revised Rental Fee Agreement, the D120 Fieldhouse Addition Phase 2 bids, the purchase of mechanical and power infrastructure equipment from Zonatherm Products, The Brucker Company, and Midwest Applied Solutions, and the technology equipment purchase from CDW-G. The communication consulting services contract with Allerton Hill Communications was approved pending District 75's approval. An executive session was held to discuss matters related to appointments, employment, compensation, litigation, and review of closed session minutes, followed by reconvening in open session to approve related executive session minutes.

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.