J. Sterling Morton High School District 201

The meeting commenced with a call to order followed by an adjournment to Closed Session to discuss student disciplinary cases, employment matters, pending litigation, collective negotiating matters, real property transactions, and the setting of property sale/lease prices. Upon reconvening to Open Session, the Board conducted the Pledge to the Flag. Key actions included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered the approval of minutes from prior meetings (excluding the current meeting's minutes), approval of payroll across Education, Building, and Transportation funds, and approval of bills for payment scheduled for January 15, 2026. The Board also approved student discipline action concerning an expulsion, approved numerous personnel actions including new hires, transfers, suspensions, retirements, and terminations, and approved travel and expense reimbursements for Board members and staff. Furthermore, the Board approved contract approvals for Soundwave INC., Maggiano's, and Regal Coach Lines, and approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar. An FY26 School Maintenance Project Grant was also noted as an Action Item.

This Urban Forestry Management Plan for the Town of Cicero outlines goals, budgets, and arboricultural best management practices for managing its urban forest. The plan aims to increase canopy cover, maximize tree benefits, and minimize costs, ensuring a financially and programmatically sustainable approach. Key strategic areas include increasing urban tree canopy through planting and proper care, implementing best management practices in tree care operations, enhancing species diversity, reducing potential risks from tree failure, managing equipment and personnel budgets, and boosting public awareness regarding urban forestry. The plan provides a roadmap for the period of 2025 to 2035.

The primary discussion topic during this Public Hearing concerned the proposal to sell one or more series of District bonds, not to exceed $102,000,000. The purpose of this bond sale was to create or increase the District's working cash fund and to cover the costs associated with issuing said bonds. No audience comments were presented.

The Board of Education meeting commenced with a closed session to discuss student disciplinary cases, personnel matters including appointment and dismissal, pending litigation, collective negotiating matters, and real property discussions. Upon reconvening to open session, the Board proceeded with recognitions for various student athletes, including members of the Soccer, Volleyball, Football, Swimming, Flag Football, Tennis, Cross Country, and Girls' Cross Country teams. Reports were received from the Student Board Members and various administrative officers including the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Compliance, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programs, Business Manager, and Executive Director of Human Resources. Key action items approved under the consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the previous meeting, payroll, and bills for payment. Approval was granted for student expulsions pending participation in the Alternative School. Personnel actions, including new hires, transfers, leaves, retirements, terminations, and resignations, were approved, along with a 5% wage increase for Food Service employees. Approvals were also granted for Board and staff travel/expense reimbursements for upcoming conferences. Facility requests were approved, and the IPRF Worker's Compensation Renewal was addressed, although the Construction Manager for the CTE Center was tabled. Finally, resolutions for appointing a person to prepare the 2026-2027 Budget and adopting the 2026-2027 Budget Calendar were approved.

The primary action item addressed during this special session was the resolution authorizing preliminary proceedings concerning the issuance of General Obligation Limited School Bonds, Series 2026, of the District, specifically up to $102,000,000 of Working Cash Fund Bonds and associated costs. This resolution was approved by a majority vote of the members present.