Traci Burnham

The meeting included communications from the host school, Bower Elementary School, and an update from the Superintendent regarding Student Ambassadors' projects focusing on school bathrooms and extracurricular participation. Key actions involved approving several consent agenda items, including the acceptance of gifts, approval to post the 2027-28 school calendar, curriculum content approval for an engineering course, bid approvals for printshop paper and xerographic bond paper, and the approval of a 3-year Strategic Facility Planning Program with McKinstry. The Board also approved the extension of the Superintendent's employment agreement through July 31, 2027, and their retirement letter effective the same date. Furthermore, the Board approved the 2024-2025 Financial Audit, receiving an unmodified opinion with no audit findings. Bids for Middle School Capital Projects Issuance 3 for Edison, Franklin, and Monroe Middle Schools were awarded totaling $92,068,320, and a contract amendment with Performance Services, Inc. for HVAC control updates was approved for $3,943,033. The Board adopted the 2025 Tax Levy resolution, resulting in an aggregate 2.53% increase. An oral report covered student wellness and experience metrics, including attendance rates, co-curricular participation, and social-emotional learning framework progress. Committee reports addressed facility planning, financial projection assumptions, and policy revisions, including updates to policies on visitor conduct and discrimination. Finally, the Board affirmed the Superintendent's decision regarding Uniform Grievance U2025-26-01 in open session following a closed session.

The session commenced with a motion to suspend the rules and adjourn into a chat session, which was carried. During the public participation segment, attendees raised topics concerning the School Calendar and District 200 Background matters. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn in open session.

The regular board meeting included presentations from the principal of Bower Elementary School, highlighting student recognition through the 'Positive Students of the Month' program and the culture of inclusion. Student ambassadors provided updates from the high schools, covering athletics (including wrestling success, basketball games, and senior athlete commitments), student activities (such as giving initiatives, parades, and variety shows), and academic achievements (including recognition events like Breakfast of Champions and spotlighting the TCD welding program). Student ambassadors also detailed long-term goals, such as focusing on the beautification and theming of high school bathrooms. Updates were provided on fine and performing arts, including showings of the winter play and upcoming holiday concerts. Finally, a project update addressed strategies for increasing extracurricular activity participation among middle school students.

The meeting included communication with the host school, Emerson Elementary, where students shared their gratitude for the school. The Superintendent provided updates on School Board Member Appreciation Day and expanded community outreach through new parent advisory committees. The Board discussed and approved a consent agenda including acceptance of gifts, curriculum content posting, vehicle purchase, bills payable, minutes, and personnel report. They also approved a facilities approval consent agenda for maintenance project grant submission and bids for facility improvements. A resolution was approved for the issuance of General Obligation School Bonds. Oral reports covered the 2025 proposed property tax levy and the development of the Vision 2030 Strategic Plan. The Board also discussed IASB resolutions and committee reports, including facilities, finance, and HR/Policy. Future discussion topics include the 2025 Tax Levy Approval, Fiscal Year 2025 Audit, and the 2027-28 School Calendar.

The board meeting included a welcome from Emerson Elementary School, where students shared reasons they are grateful for their school. The board recognized student athletes from Wheaten Warrenville South for their achievements in tennis, as well as Vanessa O'Brien for her dedication to the Emerson community. Public comments included expressions of gratitude for the district's honoring of Veterans Day.