Valerie Blake-Scott

The Board meeting began with a closed session to discuss personnel matters, negotiations, real property transactions, student discipline, and litigation, reconvening into open session later. Announcements included reminders regarding laptop care, information about the Wraparound Center's food pantry and diaper giveaway, details about the Sheila Joy (Monti) Bussone scholarship, and noting the upcoming school closure for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, along with the availability of free therapy sessions via Cartwheel. Discussions also covered the return of staff and students to the Knoxville Center for Student Success and Valeksa Hinton Early Childhood Education, the distribution of Q2/Semester 1 report cards, and the application window and eligibility criteria for boundary waivers for the upcoming school year. Recognition was given to schools for improvements in attendance and chronic absenteeism. District presentations provided updates on the Knoxville Center for Student Success, Justice Advocate Mid-Year Graduation, and the Cartwheel mental health program, which supports strategic priorities like graduation, attendance, morale, and staff support. Audience members commented on the Dome ribbon cutting ceremony, the frequency of computer use in teaching, and district finances. The Board approved the minutes from the November 24 and December 8, 2025 meetings. The Superintendent reiterated the District's mission, and the financial update showed year-to-date revenues of $126.8 million against expenditures of $135.1 million. Actions included approval of an overnight field trip for a culinary competition, approval of a Sick Leave Bank for administrators, and motions related to the dismissal and suspension without pay of a tenured teacher, as well as two separate expulsions (one held in abeyance). The Board also reviewed Human Resource actions including appointments, leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, and dismissals for certified and non-certified personnel, as well as student workers and substitute personnel.

The document summarizes the second town hall meeting for the superintendent selection process, featuring the final candidate, Dr. Bell. Key discussion points included the urgent need to address educational epidemics in literacy and mathematics, emphasizing community collaboration and solutions focused on student outcomes. The candidate detailed his commitment to accountability, student-centered education, and addressing disparities in resources between north and south side schools, promising a curriculum audit and investigating resource allocation for programs like AVID and AP classes. Workforce development and partnering with local businesses for internships and mentorship were highlighted as crucial for career pathways. The candidate also discussed plans to enhance recruitment from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), ensure equitable K-12 fine arts programs, and prioritize student safety through adequate staffing and training for crossing guards. Finally, he addressed building administrator support through mentorship and coaching, and provided preliminary views on supporting homeschooled students transitioning to public schools.

The Board convened, beginning with a closed session to discuss personnel, negotiations, real property purchase/lease, student discipline, and litigation matters before returning to open session. Announcements included details on the upcoming Regional Amazing Shake Competition, the Peoria Promise scholarship enhancement, free therapy sessions for students via Cartwheel, NWEA testing schedules, and the end of the second quarter grading period. The Board approved the minutes from September 9 and 22, 2025. A Truth in Taxation Public Hearing was held with no concerns raised. Key financial discussions included revenue and expenditure updates for the year-to-date and the approval of proposed expenditures exceeding $2,500, such as warehouse restock items, ice machine purchase, and various supplies. The Board approved the annual property tax levy request of $80,761,373 and related resolutions to transfer county school facility sales tax revenue and abate taxes for several series of General Obligation School Bonds. Personnel actions, including appointments, leaves of absence, retirements, and dismissals, were approved. The Board also approved an overnight field trip for the Richwoods High School girls' basketball team and approved a Memorandum of Understanding regarding a $668,490 donation from Caterpillar Foundation to establish a Fab Lab at Woodruff Career and Technical Center. Deliberation agenda items included the approval of a Suspension Review/Appeal and decisions on expulsion and expulsion held in abeyance.

The Board meeting included a closed session to discuss personnel matters, negotiations, real property purchases, student discipline, and litigation, followed by a return to open session. Announcements covered themes of personal responsibility, utilizing the School Links platform for student academic planning and career exploration, recognizing Special Education teachers, providing information about the Wraparound Center's food pantry, and highlighting free therapy sessions for students through Cartwheel. The Board also announced the upcoming Amazing Shake competition for students and noted the Thanksgiving break schedule. Further discussions included the 'One Click Admits' program for high school seniors applying to Illinois public universities. The Board presented the Remarkable Spirit Award to a teacher and an Athletic Director. Audience comments were heard regarding the superintendent search and the modified calendar. The Board received an update from the Superintendent on adopting the state long-term Strategic Plan, adjustments to the boundary waiver process, and upcoming security training. Financial updates included year-to-date revenues and expenditures. The Board approved the consent agenda, payment of bills, travel requests, and gifts to the district. The Human Resource Report addressed various personnel actions including appointments, leaves of absence, resignations, retirements, and dismissals. The Board approved the school year calendars for 2026-27 and 2027-28, adopted the Illinois Vision 2030 Resolution, tabled an agreement with Richwoods Youth Baseball Association, and approved several updated policies covering building rental, electronic network access, student harassment, privacy rights, equal educational opportunities, and board duties. Finally, the Board approved expulsions as presented.

The event featured an introduction of Dr. Walter Milton, CEO of From the Heart International Educational Services, who introduced superintendent candidate Dr. Renee Andrews. Dr. Andrews presented her vision, emphasizing servant leadership, building strong school cultures where students feel safe and valued, and supporting educators. Key discussion topics during the Q&A focused on her stance against 'cookie cutter' curriculum, advocating for differentiated instruction, particularly concerning Algebra 1 readiness for all eighth graders. She detailed plans to increase parent participation by creating opportunities for dialogue and support, viewing parents as essential partners. Regarding academic positioning and test scores, she stressed addressing root causes of learning gaps rather than simply moving students along. She also discussed the need for intentional support for students who may need retention, focusing on changed learning strategies rather than repeating the same instruction. Furthermore, she highlighted the critical importance of strengthening K-12 fine arts programs by resourcing elementary foundations and ensuring qualified teachers are in place. Finally, she expressed a vision to expand early childhood education programs, citing research on third-grade reading proficiency as motivation for investing heavily in early learning.