Hawthorn Community Consolidated School District 73

The committee discussed a range of operational and planning topics, including a transportation mid-year review focusing on student behavior and paraprofessional assignments. Discussions also covered the progress of custodial and copier bid documents, the status of the county facility sales tax, and updates on the 2026 summer projects and the ongoing five-year facility plan. Additionally, the committee reviewed food service initiatives, various grant updates including the School Maintenance Project Grant, and operational technology transitions involving staffing changes and improvements to IT infrastructure.

The meeting included reports on AI integration in the district, the County Facility Sales 1% Tax Resolution, and various operational renewals including food, landscape, and disposal services. The board also reviewed custodial services bid results, discussed the disposal of surplus technology equipment, and deliberated on the 2026-2027 staffing plan and a Title I school-wide waiver for MSN.

Key discussions included an update on the summer project, which is slated to begin on June 2nd following approval on February 5th. The committee reviewed information regarding the potential implementation of a 1% County School Facilities Sales Tax in Lake County for capital improvements, with potential district funding around $3.6 million annually if placed on the November 2026 ballot. Updates were provided on the custodial bid process, including material orders and an addendum requiring vendor uniforms. Discussions also covered district building signage needs, a transition update for student transportation as First Student acquires Cook Illinois/Lakeside, and improvements in food service including menu expansion and compliance tracking. Furthermore, grant funding updates were provided for Title III, Title I, II, and IV, with plans for the FY27 Consolidated District Plan. Operational technology updates included the onboarding of the new Executive Director of Technology, review of compliance documentation (SOPPA, COPPA, FERPA), and the commencement of the copier installation schedule.

The agenda for the meeting included several reports from the President, ED-RED, SEDOL, Site & Facilities, the Wellness Committee, and the Key to 73 Foundation. Discussion items centered on Policy PRESS ISSUE 120 and a recommendation for an Elementary Math Foundational Resource. The Superintendent's Report was also scheduled. Action items involved reviewing bid results for Summer 2026-2027 Projects. The meeting concluded with General Information sections and an opportunity to enter into a closed session.

The meeting began with public comments, including a report from the Key to 73 Foundation on donations exceeding $26,000 used for Eagle Net support and the Hawthorn Food Pantry. The Hawthorn Education Association President acknowledged School Board Recognition Month. Key reports included updates on legislative attendance and consensus on the 2026-2027 meeting dates. The ED-RED Legislative Dinner keynote speaker was announced. The SEDOL report covered planned 2026 summer construction projects focused on infrastructure modernization. The Site & Facilities Subcommittee reported on discussions with the transportation partner regarding scheduling and behavior, and mentioned that the copier RFP process is nearing finalization, with summer projects on track. Discussions on upcoming action items included a review of competitive bid results for Summer 2026-2027 projects, specifically an interior renovation project at Middle School South totaling approximately $2.4 million, with formal recommendations pending scope reviews. The Superintendent noted future discussion topics for February and March regarding elementary extracurricular activities and Artificial Intelligence, respectively. The Consent Agenda, including minutes, expenditure reports, and personnel changes (1 new hire, 1 leave of absence, 4 resignations), was approved. Action was taken to approve the Copier Refresh, recommending Impact Networking using Kyocera devices for a three-year lease and four-year maintenance agreement to stabilize costs.