Wendy Dulakis

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda. Key discussions involved approving closed session minutes from October 22nd and October 29th, 2025. Recognition was given to Career and Technical Education (CTE) students of the month, the Glenwood High School (GHS) State Cross Country team for winning the 2A state championship, GMS state cross country placers, and recognition of school board members for National School Board Member Day. The consent agenda included approval of minutes from previous regular and committee meetings, financial reports, and personnel actions such as resignations, new hires, retirements, transfers, and leaves of absence. A significant portion of the meeting detailed the 2025 tax levy presentation, explaining revenue sources and the impact of the Property Tax Extension Limit Law (PEL) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) on the levy. Finally, the board recommended setting the Truth in Taxation hearing for December 17th, 2025.

The packed board meeting included recognition for CACC Students of the Month for September, the Glenwood High School state champion cross country team, and a middle school student for his IESA state performance. School board members were also recognized. Following the opportunity for visitors, the consent agenda items, including bills, payables, foyer requests, and personnel actions (hires, resignations, transfers, leaves of absence), were approved. In finance, an informational presentation was given regarding the truth and taxation hearing scheduled for the next meeting, detailing levy calculation and property tax restrictions. New business included the approval of two new assistant positions for student groups, approval of school calendars for the 2027-2028 school year and a secondary calendar for 2026-2027, approval of out-of-state travel for the boys tennis team, and the donation of a golf cart for structured classroom students. A new School Resource Officer position was approved in collaboration with the Village of Chadam. The board also approved the purchase of cameras for the transportation department and the sale of the old district office property to the Village of Chadam. Communications included a presentation on Phase Three of community engagement data, showing favorable ratings across three funding levels, with Option Two trending most favorably. Staff from CES presented on their impact program, noting a 15% decrease in discipline data. The director of transportation provided an overview of the department's resources and budget. A report was given on school report cards and anticipated changes to calculation methods by the state board of education. Finally, permission was sought and granted for UIS to annex approximately 29 acres of land to Springfield 186.

The budget for Ball Chatham CUSD 5, in Sangamon County, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, was discussed. The budget includes estimated beginning fund balances, receipts/revenues from local, state, and federal sources, and disbursements/expenditures across various funds such as Educational, Operations & Maintenance, Debt Service, Transportation, and Capital Projects. Key items include ad valorem taxes, payments in lieu of taxes, tuition, transportation fees, earnings on investments, food service income, district/school activity income, textbook income, and other local revenue sources. State sources include unrestricted and restricted grants-in-aid, while federal sources encompass various grants received directly and through the state. The budget also accounts for other sources and uses of funds, including transfers among funds and the sale of bonds.

The meeting included the recognition of the GMS softball girls for their performance in the state championship. The board addressed the opportunity for citizens to speak on agenda topics. Consent agenda items were approved, covering board meeting minutes, facilities and ground meetings, treasurer's report, school district activities, and foil requests. Personnel consent agenda items, including resignations, new hires, retirements, transfers, and leave of absences, were also approved. A resolution for the maintenance grant project was discussed and approved, along with the use of HLS emergency funds to resolve a sewer problem. The disposal of two school buses for an emergency drill procedure was approved. A facilities and grounds update was presented, covering financial information, goals, and the work order system.

The board approved a resolution for a school maintenance matching grant. There was also an approval of the Health Life Safety Emergency Board resolution related to a sewer line break at the middle school. The board agreed to dispose of two school buses for emergency evacuation drills. Updates were provided on historical department activities, future projects like the Ball Elementary HVAC and roof, and department financials. Phase 2 results from a community engagement presentation were shared, and adjustments to funding levels for phase three retesting were discussed. There was also a discussion of future board dates.