Norwood School District 63

Key discussions during the meeting included a request from audience members regarding placing a memorial bench on school grounds, which the board deferred decision on until December. The Superintendent's Report covered an open paraprofessional position, updates on the upcoming tentative FY25 tax levy (noting the 'ballooning' strategy to capture potential EAV growth), the expiration of the current E-Learning Plan, and initial awareness of a potential feasibility study concerning district consolidation among Limestone-area schools. The report also celebrated the district's 2025 Illinois School Report Card results, highlighting commendable designations for both schools and significant ELA growth rankings. Principals provided updates on student activities, including Halloween events, academic recognition such as math fact mastery and honor roll increases, and community initiatives like the Gratitude Garden and Donuts for Vets. Action items approved included the disbursement of bills, the Treasurer's Report, upholding a student suspension, approval of the Alternative Learning Opportunity Program with the Peoria ROE, abatement of taxes for the 2025 debt service on Series 2024B bonds, and the approval of a new NES Track Coach.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence for a recently deceased student. Key discussion items included a presentation from the Regional Office of Education (ROE) regarding the Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP), which aims to provide direct support and mental health resource connection for students. The Superintendent reported on open positions, job description updates, ongoing contract negotiations with the teachers' union, the start of the annual financial audit, and upcoming events like Green & White Night and the Craft Fair. The Norwood Primary School (NPS) Principal reported on successful events such as VIP Day, Walk & Roll to School Day, and the PTO's McTeacher's Night, along with classroom activities focusing on kindness and reading. The Norwood Elementary School (NES) Principal highlighted the upcoming Vendor Fair and Halloween dance, a Veterans Day recognition event, the start of the Scholastic Book Fair, upcoming musical auditions, and a significant increase in the number of students making the honor roll. Action items approved during the meeting included the approval of a Press Policy, the employment of Rhonda Weynand as Cook @ NES, the nomination of Jim Sanford as Delegate for Conference, and the approval of the NES School Improvement Plan.

The meeting included consideration of Press Policy Updates, approval of Tianna Wallis as Paraprofessional at NES, and approval of a new sign at NPS with Address Change. The Superintendent reported on the open Second Shift Custodian position at Norwood Primary School, the replacement of the existing sign at Norwood Primary School, and completed renovations at Norwood Elementary School. Discussion also involved the Tentative Budget presentation in August, a potential intergovernmental agreement with Pleasant Valley for transportation routes, and baseball and softball seasons set to begin in early August. The board also reviewed a request for school board sponsorship from PJ Hoerr.

The meeting included a FY26 Budget Hearing, where a deficit budget was presented due to rising transportation and Special Education costs. The Board discussed alternatives for reducing expenses and reviewed tentative budget projections, highlighting concerns about increasing costs of transportation, power/gas, and food, offset by a rise in Evidence-Based Funding. The Board also considered the approval of the FY26 District Budget and the Annual District Bullying Policy. Additionally, the board discussed the Superintendent's Report, which included updates on human resources, operations, maintenance, capital projects, and extra-curricular activities, such as securing funding for a new scoreboard and field sponsorships. The Norwood Primary School (NPS) and Norwood Elementary School (NES) Principals presented their reports, covering PTO events, Spirit Week, attendance rates, literacy training impacts, school safety drills, club activities, and community partnerships.

The board meeting included discussion and action on several key items. The FY26 Student Handbook and District Insurance were approved. A 10 Year Health Life Safety (HLS) Proposal was also approved. Personnel matters included approvals for a new dean of students/MTSS Lead, a second shift custodian, and several volunteer softball and basketball coaches. The Superintendent's Report covered human resources, operations and maintenance, finances, and extra-curricular activities. Principals from Norwood Primary School (NPS) and Norwood Elementary School (NES) presented their building reports, highlighting the start of the school year, professional development, building updates, benchmarking, enrollment figures, and community support.