Pekin Community High School District 303

The board meeting featured a recognition ceremony for the Superintendent's Administrative Assistant and an informative presentation regarding the Career and Technical Education department's programs, pathways, and achievements. The Director of Buildings and Grounds provided an update on district energy initiatives, highlighting energy efficiency improvements and the implementation of solar arrays. Additionally, the board addressed public comments concerning staff conduct and school board policy, approved monthly financial warrants, authorized a closed session for personnel matters, and adopted a mutual aid agreement with other local schools. The board also reviewed resignations, finalized the 2026-2027 school district calendar, and approved the employment of bus transportation staff for the upcoming year.

Key discussions during the meeting included a Curricular Department Report on Social Studies, which highlighted curriculum, student experiences, and community engagement activities. An Audit Report was presented, noting the district received the highest financial data profile recognition from ISBE and operates efficiently, despite a decrease in operating revenues primarily due to replacement taxes. Public comments focused on the community's image following recent national events and the impact of such events on local perception. The Board approved monthly warrants and addressed new business, which included a request for a closed session concerning personnel matters, approval of a consent agenda including a Personnel Report, and discussion on a Lease Agreement with the City of Pekin for the Koch Street Bus Barn Facility, which was tabled pending lease amendment. The Board also adopted the 2025-2026 Discipline Improvement Plan and approved the names of the midterm graduates. Furthermore, bids for the Building F Restroom Renovations were approved, and an amendment to the T-Mobile cell tower lease was approved, granting the district a 20% revenue share. Reports included updates from the Policy, Operations & Maintenance, Labor/Management Relations, and Student Achievement Committees. The Superintendent reported on enrollment concerns and detailed discussions regarding a proposed County School's Facility Sales Tax for Tazewell County to fund facilities, SROs, and mental health professionals. An Assistant Superintendent provided information on Credit Recovery usage, and future agenda items were noted.

The Operations & Maintenance Committee meeting focused primarily on facility updates and future capital projects. Key discussions included the procedure for the facility audit form submission for tracking maintenance needs, and extensive plans for restroom renovations and flooring replacement in the 'F' Building, which will require plumbing work and asbestos removal. For the 'A' Building, discussions covered the potential replacement of sixteen-year-old boilers and a comprehensive reorganization of CTE spaces to improve flow, create specialized lab areas, and consolidate related programs. Concrete and blacktop repairs were deferred to maintain the overall Operations & Maintenance budget target of $1.5 million, though the estimated cost for the 'A' building renovations is approximately $1.8 million, slated for phasing over two to three years. The committee also noted an upcoming energy presentation regarding the impact of solar installations.

The meeting included staff appreciation remarks, especially regarding work leading up to the break and assistance with snow removal. The Curricular Department Report focused on PE/Health & Drivers Education, detailing class structures for various activities, including weight training and swim classes. Public comments expressed disappointment regarding the decision to end the Notables/Show Choir program. Key financial actions included the approval of monthly warrants totaling $3,715,773.48 and the adoption of the 2025 Tax Levy of $16,792,024. The Board conducted an executive session concerning personnel matters and approved a consent agenda including a Personnel Report. Furthermore, several items related to policy adoption were approved: the PCHS Customized Board Policy Manual by IASB, Resolution 2.125-E3 regarding Expense Reimbursements, and Resolution 5.20-E regarding Prohibiting Harassment. Service agreements for IASB's PRESS Plus and School Board Policies Online were purchased. The Board also approved new courses/changes for the 2026-2027 school year, student fees for the same year, a five-year lease agreement for twenty-eight school buses via Midwest Transit Equipment, and a five-year software agreement with Tyler Technologies for routing software. Several donations were acknowledged. Committee reports indicated future meetings regarding policy updates, restroom maintenance, and the 2026-2027 school calendar. The Board also reviewed the annual Bond Compliance Report.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included recognizing the PCHS Security Team and the Cultural Studies Department, which detailed its curriculum focusing on proficiency-based language instruction, community art projects, and music department opportunities. The Board approved monthly warrants totaling $3,424,242.91 and addressed personnel matters, including new employment, differentials, and volunteer appointments, pending background checks. The Board also approved the renewal of workers' compensation and package insurance policies with Utica National. A presentation was given on the Estimated Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2025, noting that approval would occur in December. Reports covered resignations, updates from the Policy, Operations & Maintenance, Labor/Management Relations, and Student Achievement Committees. The Assistant Superintendent reviewed the Illinois School Report Card data, celebrating achievements like increased 9th Grade On Track metrics and a strong graduation rate, while noting challenges such as chronic absenteeism and declining enrollment. Proposed student fee changes and new courses for 2026-2027 were also presented. The CFO provided a transportation update, detailing staffing needs and equipment requirements, projecting a deficit budget for 2026-2027.