Hillsboro Community Unit School District 3

The committee meeting involved multiple site visits to review facility needs and ongoing projects. Discussions included reviewing options for concrete stairs at HHS, where a fourth pricing option is to be developed. Upgrades for the old gym at HJHS, including paint, ceiling treatment, and flooring, were discussed, alongside receiving quotes for new bleachers in the new gym and assessing facility needs for elective options. At Beckemeyer, the committee toured the building to consider classroom division or space reassignment to improve educational opportunities. Furthermore, the committee toured the future Home of HCCDC to review the floor plan and discuss safety precautions like sprinkling and guardrails. Finally, the building trades house project, which is nearing completion, was toured to observe painting and exterior finishing touches.

The Personnel and Policy Committee meeting included a review and discussion regarding proposed language for the coaching handbook concerning parents serving as volunteer coaches while their children participate in the program, focusing on conflicts of interest and competitive fairness. The committee requested administration to draft revised language incorporating a grandfather clause and provisions for parents who volunteered three years prior to their child's participation. Additionally, the committee discussed concerns about vaping on campus, reviewing potential solutions such as vape detection devices, enhanced supervision, educational strategies, disciplinary consequences, and random student testing. Administration was tasked with contacting local law enforcement and health agencies for cooperation on combating vaping issues.

The committee received updates on the Hillsboro High School project, including roadway delays and remaining tasks. They discussed potential locations for future home-building projects by the Building Trades program and reviewed upcoming projects across the district, such as the roof replacement at Beckemeyer Elementary and future construction at Hillsboro Community Child Development Center (HCCDC). The committee also discussed planned upgrades to stage lighting at Hillsboro High School gymnasium and potential uses for the Energy Transition Community Grant funds, including facility upgrades and parking improvements. Administration will develop a prioritized list of qualifying projects for the next board meeting.

The committee discussed the condition of curbing and gutters along the west side of the new high school entrance and directed administration to receive pricing on repairs. Areas of asphalt requiring patching due to construction-related damage were reviewed, and O'Shea Builders were requested to address the issues. The need for new asphalt at the intersection near the Topper Tunnel entrance was discussed, and the committee supports obtaining quotes for the work.

The committee discussed student participation in dual sports, including potential injury risks and schedule conflicts. They reviewed residency policies and procedures, emphasizing consistent enforcement and early communication with families. The role of parents as volunteer coaches was also discussed, with concerns raised about potential conflicts of interest and program turnover. The committee agreed to bring the topics of dual sports participation and parents as volunteer coaches to the full Board for further discussion.