Henry-Senachwine Community Unit School District 5

The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda with several additions, including an HVAC Update and discussion related to litigation, while deleting one item. The consent agenda was approved, which included ratifying the District Electricity Rate Agreement with Constellation and approving various personnel actions such as resignations, new hires for coaching and substitute positions, and the employment of a Long Term Substitute Supervisor. The Board also approved the BMP Special Education Director Contract. Financial matters reviewed and approved included bills, payroll, investment schedules, and Semi-Annual Activity Account Reports. Discussion items included an update on the HSHS Academic Wing Addition & Renovations. The Board held an executive session to discuss employee compensation/discipline and pending/imminent litigation before adjourning the meeting.

The Board of Education meeting involved the approval of the agenda, including an addition, and recognition of guests, notably the December Student of the Month, Samantha Nauman. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the 2025 Tax Levy presentation, detailing fund allocations such as the Education Fund ($4,170,000) and the Bond Fund ($1,161,250), totaling a $7,099,429 levy, alongside projected fiscal year 2026 fund balances. The board approved the consent agenda, which included approving the November 2025 minutes and authorizing driver education hours. Other actions included approving bills, payroll, and financial reports, approving the 2025 Final Tax Levy and the Certificate of Tax Levy, and approving various Board Policies. The board also approved a five-year Digital Copy Proposal. Principals from the Grade & Jr. High School and High School provided comprehensive reports on student achievements, event summaries, and athletic records. The meeting concluded with a discussion item on the Superintendent Evaluation and a closed executive session regarding personnel matters, which lasted from 8:22 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.

The regular board meeting included the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. Key actions under the consent agenda included approving the October 2025 Regular Board Meeting minutes (excluding them from the main summary), approving bills and payroll, approving coaching stipends for Girls' and Boys' Basketball, approving co-sponsors for the HSGS/JH Musical, and ratifying a Low Voltage Contract with Heart Technologies for $166,313.96. The board approved bills, payroll, and financial reports, including the Balance Sheet and Investment Schedule. Furthermore, the Board approved the 2025 Tentative Levy and the 2025 Levy/Truth in Taxation Resolution. Other approvals included the School Project Maintenance Grant and authorizing new signers for the HSHS Activity Account CD. The Board also approved the HSHS Gym Renovation timeline, setting an estimated completion date of September 14, 2026. Discussion items covered the 2025 IASB Resolutions Committee Report, HSHS Academic Wing Addition & Renovations, the first reading of Board Policy -- PRESS #120, and the HSHS Academic Wall of Recognition. The meeting concluded with an executive session regarding employee matters.

The meeting included recognition of guests and public questions, including a student of the month. The consent agenda was approved, covering items such as the approval of previous meeting minutes, BMP bills and payroll, a volunteer basketball coach, an amendment to an administrator contract, a club name change, and board policy reevaluations. The board approved bills, payroll, and financial information, authorized signers for the HSGS/JH Activity account, and authorized the Superintendent to enroll with a credit card vendor for school activity accounts. Principal reports covered enrollment, sports updates, MAP testing results, attendance awards, school store fundraiser updates, and upcoming events. The Superintendent's report included the annual safety plan review meeting, the November board meeting, and the IASB Conference. Discussion items included the 2025 IASB Resolutions Committee Report and HSHS Academic Wing Addition & Renovations. The board went into and out of executive session regarding personnel matters.

The Board of Education discussed the budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which was presented by the Superintendent. The public was given the opportunity to ask questions.