Evanston Township High School District 202

The meeting included a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters, negotiations, student matters, and litigation. During the Open Session, the Principal provided a second quarter data update covering attendance and discipline, noting that 86% of students had no disciplinary incidents. Key discussion points included a review of the "No Credit" policy due to disproportionate impact, and new initiatives like hall checks and tardy incentives. The Director of Operations and Sustainability presented updates on student-led projects, including a bike shelter funded by a state grant and a successful waste audit initiative leading to reduced landfill diversion. A representative from Honeywell also presented a proposal for a $12 million Energy Savings Performance Contract to fund capital projects, primarily solar energy, leveraging projected utility savings. The Chief Financial Officer presented the FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, which received an unmodified audit opinion, noting solid fund balances despite a decrease in the General Fund driven by healthcare costs and reduced state tax allocations. A mid-year budget review for FY 2026 indicated property tax collections were on track, though revenues lagged due to delayed county distributions, and the district temporarily extended payment windows to manage cash flow. Actions taken by the Board included approval of the FY 2025 Audit Report, approval of a resolution for issuing up to $17,000,000 in General Obligation Limited Tax School Bonds for refunding and increasing the Working Cash Fund, approval of a FOIA Dispute Settlement Agreement, approval of a Resolution Authorizing Recall from Reduction in Force Educational Support Personnel, and approval of resolutions celebrating Black History Month and Women in History Month. The Consent Agenda, which excluded the approval of previous minutes, was also approved.

This document outlines the strategic priorities for ETHS, focusing on key areas to achieve long-term goals and mission. The priorities include Equity & Excellence, aiming to create an inclusive learning environment with rigorous curriculum and high expectations for all students. Literacy development is emphasized across all content areas to ensure students develop essential reading, writing, and communication skills. The plan also focuses on Post-High School Planning, guiding students in exploring options and making informed decisions for their future. Additionally, Social-Emotional Learning is a core priority, dedicated to fostering student well-being, resilience, and a supportive school climate.

The meeting began with roll call establishing a quorum. Key discussion items included a quarterly update on student attendance, discipline, and well-being data. This update focused heavily on second-quarter attendance, noting that 91% of students had less than 5% unexcused absences. The board is reviewing the no-credit (NC) policy due to concerns about inequitable outcomes. Tardiness data was also presented, leading to discussions on tiered interventions, including a tardy incentive program. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the annual sustainability update, marking the two-year anniversary of the ETHS Green New Deal sustainability policy. Student leaders presented progress, including a secured grant and design for a new bike shelter, and efforts to integrate climate curriculum across all grade levels. Furthermore, a school-wide waste audit revealed the potential to remove over 350 garbage cans and divert 64,000 plastic liners annually. Finally, the Director of Operations introduced a presentation on exploring an Energy Savings Performance Contract for facility upgrades and renewable energy installation, estimating potential annual savings of approximately $600,000.

The meeting featured a quarterly data update focusing on second quarter attendance, including unexcused absences and tardiness statistics, and the review of the no credit (NC) policy due to concerns about inequitable outcomes. Interventions discussed included Tier One MTSS strategies, a tardy incentive program, and Tier Three supports involving Student Support Teams (SST) and parent meetings. Following the attendance report, a sustainability update was presented, marking the two-year anniversary of the ETHS Green New Deal sustainability policy. Student leaders presented on their projects: one detailed securing funding and partnership to construct a bike shelter, and another discussed integrating climate curriculum across departments and initiatives stemming from the ETHS Climate Action Accelerator, including a trash audit.

The meeting commenced with a Closed Session to discuss matters including personnel appointments, employment, compensation, performance, negotiations, individual student matters, litigation, and closed session minutes. Following the Closed Session, the Board addressed public comments primarily concerning the Reduction in Force/Dismissal of Educational Support Personnel, with concerns focused on staffing cuts and financial challenges. Key agenda items included an update on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the district, emphasizing the importance of using Google Gemini over ChatGPT for privacy reasons and outlining plans to develop an "AI playbook." The Board approved an updated Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Oakton College to enhance educational opportunities and streamline student transitions. The Finance Committee provided an update highlighting financial challenges due to tax caps, necessitating budget reduction measures which included the layoff of 12 staff members (21 position reductions) for the 2026-27 school year, following efforts to reduce operating expenditures and freeze certain salaries. The Board also received committee reports, a student board report detailing areas of student interest, and the Superintendent's Report. Finally, the Board formally approved resolutions authorizing the non-renewal and honorable dismissal of administrators, administrators being reassigned to teaching positions, and the reduction in force/honorable dismissal of Educational Support Personnel.