Morton Community Unit School District 709

The key discussion topics for this meeting included a review of the District Goals focusing on Achievement, Communication, Climate, Facilities, and Finance. Reports covered Student Support Services, a Mid-Year Revenue and Expense Report, the Annual Textbook List, and the Monthly Policy Review. Several Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests were also addressed. Discussion items included the 2027-28 Calendar and the County School Facility Sales Tax. Action items covered the termination of an Education Framework Contract, MOU Payroll Installments, Policy Updates, and actions related to the 2026-27 Calendars and Board Goals. The meeting included a closed session to discuss Personnel matters and Student Discipline.

The meeting agenda outlined several key areas for discussion and action, starting with the reading of the District's mission and established goals focusing on Achievement, Communication, Climate, Facilities, and Finance. Recognition of Excellence was presented for the MHS Boys Cross Country team, a Washington CO-OP Swim Team finisher, and the MHS Marching Band. The agenda included public comment periods adhering to specific guidelines. Reports covered administrative functions, including finance and monthly policy review, as well as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from multiple individuals. Board reports included committee updates and agenda building. Discussion items centered on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for payroll installments, updates to various Board policies (PRESS Issue #120, 2:160, 4:170, 5:35, and 5:330), and the 2026-27 academic calendar. A key action item involved a resolution for the partial abatement of the Working Cash Fund and transferring monies to the Capital Project Fund. The consent agenda included approvals for the Personnel Report, destruction of specific verbatim records, overnight travel requests for various student activities (Baseball, Key Club, ILMEA), Treasurers' Reports for September and October 2025, PRESS policy updates, a Donation Report, and the approval of minutes from December 2025 meetings. A closed session was planned to approve the final audit for the 2024-25 School Year and to approve bills and payroll, followed by a separate closed session for personnel matters.

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Education focused on the District's goals across Achievement, Communication, Climate, Facilities, and Finance. Key discussions included recognizing student achievements from the MHS Boys Cross Country Team, the State Placing Swim Team diver, and the Marching Band. The Superintendent provided updates on facilities projects (MHS Phase II and MJHS summer work), finance actions related to capital projects, and school safety training using the Raptor Emergency Management System. The Board also reviewed current board policies, received committee updates from the Policy and Extra-Curricular Committees, and discussed changes to the payroll schedule to reduce periods from 26 to 24 per year, requiring a Memorandum of Understanding with the MEA. Policy updates from PRESS Issue #120 and other numbered policies were discussed, with a focus on policy 4:170 regarding safety communication. A proposed 2026-27 District calendar was presented for future approval. Action items included the resolution for partial abatement of the Working Cash Fund and transferring monies to the Capital Project Fund, and approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered personnel, donation reports, and various financial approvals.

The meeting began with a Public Hearing on the 2025 Levy, where the Superintendent presented the Fund Balances for FY26 Truth in Taxation, detailing amounts across various funds as of June 30, 2025. The hearing concluded after audience questions regarding the levy process. The subsequent Regular Meeting included administrative reports covering Student Support Services (MTSS & Wellness), gratitude acknowledgments, facility updates, school safety drill results, and a monthly board policy review. Discussion items focused on selections from the IASB 2025 Joint Annual Conference, particularly concerns regarding cell phone laws, unfunded mandates, Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidance, and the recognition of Safe2Tell. The Board also discussed proactively setting guidelines for cell phone and tablet use based on data. Key action items included the approval of the 2025 Levy Resolution and approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered personnel, destruction of records, donation reports, an overnight cheer competition, and approval of bills and payroll. The meeting concluded with a closed session regarding student discipline, followed by an action item to expel one student.

The meeting included recognitions for significant student achievements. The high school boys cross country team was recognized for winning the conference championship for the seventh consecutive year, placing fourth at state, and having three athletes earn all-state honors. Recognition was also given to a high school diver who achieved first place at sectionals and 14th place overall at state while also being nominated for the IHSA all-state academic team. Furthermore, the high school marching band was honored for their success, including winning the Illinois State University competition for the 20th consecutive year, securing first place in their class at Bands of America in St. Louis, and placing third at the Bands of America Grand Nationals. Reports covered facility updates for the high school's Phase 2 construction, detailing the completion of 38 soil piers and upcoming concrete grade beams, as well as addressing challenges like electrical service hits. Reports also detailed planned summer projects for the Morton Junior High School, including redesigns for STEM labs and the library, leveling of a terrace room, and asbestos management, following meetings with the architect and junior high team.