Harlem Unit School District 122

The meeting included student recognitions, with the Board honoring students from Windsor Elementary for their leadership in the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as a student-athlete from the swimming and diving program for their athletic achievements and character. Furthermore, the meeting featured an update on the coal project, highlighting student-led research and the development of oral histories, a photo essay, and a documentary focused on local history.

The document primarily contains a public hearing session focused on school consolidation plans, specifically opposing the closure of Maple Elementary and Olsen Park. Public comments highlighted concerns regarding the negative impact on early childhood education programs, student transitions between schools, the loss of community anchors, logistical issues like busing and kindergarten restroom access, and the general failure of the board to seek viable alternatives such as leasing or paid partnerships. Speakers expressed deep attachment to the staff, supportive environments, and community culture fostered by the schools proposed for closure.

This document outlines the 'Profile of a Graduate' initiative, a strategic framework developed to enhance student career readiness and amplify student voice. It focuses on five key categories or attributes designed to provide students with clear direction and diverse opportunities, including internships and work-based learning experiences. The plan aims to connect students with alumni and business partners for mentorship, fostering essential traits like resilience and lifelong learning, and ensuring their skills and values align with community and business needs. The initiative is currently undergoing a 'soft roll out' to raise awareness among staff and students, with future expansion to the broader community.

The meeting began with roll call and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the reading of the district's mission statement. The board achieved consensus to approve the introductory meeting minutes from December 10, 2025. Key discussions centered on community feedback regarding proposed budgetary adjustments, including cuts to pre-K and ALP classes, and concerns about grade restructuring and student transportation times. Board members reviewed several modified options addressing these concerns, such as closing Osen Park instead of Marquette, implementing K through 5 neighborhood schools, or using north-south geographic region splits. The options presented aimed to balance community preference for neighborhood schools with the necessity of addressing a budget deficit through more efficient models like grade banding.

The Special Board Meeting focused on the analysis and discussion of several proposed scenarios (Scenario One, Two, Six, and Seven) related to restructuring specialized programs within the district buildings. Key concerns discussed included specialized program member percentages exceeding the state's 30% threshold in certain locations and the limited exposure of students to opportunities. Specific issues raised across scenarios involved program housing, capacity for expansion, maintaining inclusion, and the impact of transitions on students, particularly those with special emotional needs. Scenario Seven, which builds on Scenario Six, was detailed as providing broad exposure and maintaining balanced percentages but still created transition challenges. A significant outcome of the meeting was the superintendent's recommendation, supported by board consensus, to pause the decision process until January to address community feedback and 'pinch points' like transportation and transitions, with a revised plan expected to be presented in January.