Rock Island-Milan School District 41

Key discussions included the presentation and approval of the Second Quarterly Financial & Investment Report as of December 31, 2025, which projected revenues to be $1 million over budget and expenditures to be $1.6 million over budget, with an overall fund balance increase. The Board also reviewed and approved the Illinois State Board of Education 2026 Discipline Plan, noting the District's efforts to reduce out-of-school suspensions by 19% from the previous year. Board members engaged in extensive discussion regarding post-secondary readiness, emphasizing the critical nature of early literacy intervention (K-3) as a foundation for long-term success. Operational items included approving the acceptance of several certified resignations and retirements, including that of Megan Braun-Howard, approving contract amendments for Amplify and Frontline Technologies, authorizing a purchase for equipment from MTI Distributing, and approving expenditures related to the Eugene Field Addition and instrument replacements. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss pending litigation.

The meeting featured a detailed presentation from the Principal of Earl Hanson Elementary School, covering topics such as sixth-grade performance, school improvement goals based on the 'Water the Bamboo' philosophy, Tier 1 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) efforts, MAP data showing progress in reading and math growth, and AVID implementation highlights. The Committee of the Whole session focused on College and Career Readiness and Post-Secondary Opportunities. Discussion centered on the district's PaCE framework for grades six through twelve, defining state readiness metrics (mastery, real-world experiences, character skills), and reviewing dual credit and Advanced Placement (AP) enrollment data. Concerns were raised regarding the minimum grade requirement (C) for dual credit courses and the balance between access and rigor in AP courses. The board also addressed various operational matters, including approving bills for payment, approving several overnight field trip requests for sports teams, accepting numerous personnel actions such as resignations, retirements, appointments, and approving the purchase of thirteen driving simulators. Public communication included concerns about the pay structure and contract length for an interim principal position at Thurgood Marshall Learning Center, and a request to establish a formal protocol concerning DHS and ICE interactions.

The meeting included the presentation and recognition of Illinois Student Assistance Commission State Scholars. A significant portion of the discussion involved an update on the Facilities Management Plan (FMP), "Building Our Future," detailing current projects such as the Eugene Field addition, Rock Island Academy renovations, and the High School Aquatic Center progress. Preventative maintenance updates were also provided, along with a financial overview of committed bond funds. Key actions included approving an amendment to the snow removal contract, authorizing significant bills for payment from December 2025, approving various overnight field trip requests, and accepting several certified and non-certified staff appointments, retirements, and resignations. Furthermore, the Board approved engaging audit services from Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, purchasing a new chiller for Rock Island High School, and approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rock Island Education Association (RIEA) regarding health insurance benefits for resigning teachers. A contentious vote approved an amended contract for supplementary resources from Educational Epiphany, despite concerns raised regarding the necessity and cost, particularly the shipping fee. Finally, the Board adopted updated PRESS 120 Board Policies and resolved to begin preparation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget.

The meeting included a presentation and approval of the Quarterly Investment Report for the period ending September 30, 2025, which detailed revenues, expenditures, and investment strategy, noting a significant increase in cash balance due to bond issuance. A key discussion point was the 2025 Tax Levy Presentation, which reviewed the levy timeline, historical data, and proposed rates, culminating in the adoption of the 2025 Tax Levy and the approval of abatement resolutions for Series 2020 and Series 2022 bonds. Board Policy updates were presented for a first reading, covering extensive revisions related to immigration/law enforcement, school safety, teacher evaluation adjustments (pausing student growth measures), compensation for nursing mothers, mandatory anti-racism training, and suicide prevention resource placement on ID cards. Curriculum updates included new requirements for high school credit courses taken in junior high. The 2025 satisfaction survey results were presented, showing increased favorability ratings across staff, parents, and scholars, with identified areas for improvement in discipline and student-to-student respect. An update on the Facilities Management Plan, or Building Our Future, detailed completed and current projects like school additions, preventative maintenance status, and bond proceeds utilization. Finally, the Board approved the amended contract for service with Explore Learning, authorized payment of bills, approved the overnight field trip request for the Wrestling Team, accepted coach resignations and staff retirements, approved submitting a School Maintenance Project Grant application, and approved the resignation agreement and release for principal Anthony Ragona, effective January 31, 2026.

The meeting included recognition of schools for improvement and accountability, with commendations given to several schools for their growth and sustained achievement. A presentation on the Rock Island High School's vision, mission, and scholar success data was given, along with recognition of student-athletes. The Code of Conduct for the 2025-2026 school year was reviewed, including revisions and professional learning implementation. There were discussions on student behavior, corrective actions, and the development of a student handbook. Reports were given on various activities and events, including the Environmental Action Club, Girls Bowling team, and the Triple I Conference. The board also discussed and approved contracts, field trip requests, donations, appointments, resignations, retirements, and coverage for cyber liability and workers' compensation.