001Um, so at this time I'd like to call the regular meeting of the Board of Education of May 20th, 2026 to order at 6:02. >> I'll move. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Um, roll call, Patricia Bolcock. >> Here. >> Andrea Del Zotti is absent. Allison Downs. >> Here. >> Tina Iwaniec, here. Stephanie Fiori. >> Here. >> Yunus Sada. >> Here. >> Jennifer Ziegler. Also in attendance is Dr. Cartsmis, Dr. Stavrou, Dr. Leyva, Ms. Maganello, Mr. Humbles, Mr. Grove, Mr. Moranto, Ms. Grocky, Ms. Hallett, Mr. Amsler, Ms. Sandlebach, Ms. Ficials, Ms. Maglione, Ms. Fazer, and Ms. Bulow. We have a quorum. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty
002and justice for all. >> Um, at this time, since Andrea Del Zotti is absent, I will appoint Jennifer Ziegler as secretary. Is there a first or a second? >> I'll move. >> Second. >> I'll move. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Um, calling the roll. Sorry. All right. So, Fiori, Downs. Okay, Fiori. We're voting now, sorry. Yes. Sorry, there's a first and a second on appointing Jennifer Ziegler as secretary. I will call the roll now. Sorry, that was a little delayed. Okay? Uh Sadaf? >> Yes. >> Ziegler? >> Yes. >> Bocock? >> Yes. >> Downs? >> Yes. >> Iwanio? Yes. Motion passes. Okay, now we will resume the meeting in the order it's attended. Okay, Merry Christmas. Thank you. All right. I'd like to entertain a motion that the Board of Education establish the consent agenda
003as presented. >> I'll move. >> I second. >> Any questions, comments, concerns? Seeing none, Jennifer, can you call the roll, please? >> Uh Bocock? >> Yes. >> D'Alessandro? Uh Downs? >> Yes. >> Iwanio? >> Yes. >> Fiori? >> Yes. >> Sadaf? >> Yes. >> Ziegler? >> Yes. >> Okay, motion passes. At this time, I'd like to entertain a motion that the Board of Education approve the consent agenda. >> I'll move. >> I'll second. Okay, any questions, comments, concerns? Seeing none, Jennifer, can you call the roll, please? >> Bocock? >> Yes. >> D'Alessandro? Sorry. Uh Downs? >> Yes. >> Iwanio? >> Yes. >> Fiori? >> Yes. >> Sadaf? >> Yes. >> Ziegler? Yes. >> All right, motion passes. There were no items removed, so we'll move to public participation. Oh, okay. Um at this time, we
004don't have any um public participation, but if you decide that you want to speak before the board, please fill out the papers that are located over there. Okay, up next is the principals and enrollment reports. >> Well, we've had a busy month here as we're gearing up towards the end of the school year. Um our principals have listed some of the notable things that have been taking place at all three schools. Um, at Kennedy, we celebrated Kenny the mascot's 15th birthday and his mom, Kendra, visited from California. So, that was really, really exciting for both students and staff alike. Um, we've had a lot of field trips, as you can see, at all three schools. We're really proud of those um, meaningful opportunities for our students to have learning outside of the classroom. So, thank
005you to all three schools for really planning some special trips for our students. Um, we had some really wonderful band, uh, I'm sorry, band, chorus, and, you know, spring choral concerts at both the elementary schools and at our middle schools. So, congratulations to all those students who were able to showcase those talents. We are currently under, um, participating in some of our fly-up days. So, our third graders have the opportunity to visit Washington School this week, which they're very, very excited about. Um, and likewise, every grade level really has the chance to learn what the next grade level will be like. I believe the fifth graders are coming over to Lincoln School next week. So, excited for that. Um, at Washington, we're able to celebrate our DARE graduates. So, thank you to everyone for coming
006and making that such a special day for our students and our families and we thank our school resource officer, Detective Orozco, for that as well. Um, at Lincoln, we had an awesome middle school dance, um, for the third trimester last Friday. It was really, really a great, well-attended, uh, event and I think the students had a wonderful time. The eighth graders are looking forward to their boat cruise coming up next week. Um, but they also participated this week in a digital safety assembly. That was really meaningful. We had Carolyn Orr come from the office of the Illinois Attorney General and really presented to the students on some really, um, sensitive, but important topics that they are encountering. So, we thank you for building time in for that important thing here at the end of the
007year as well. So, um how many more days left for students? Nine. Nine days of incredible fun and learning that's still taking place. Um we look forward to um our principals sharing out our end of the year data at the June board meeting. So, it's been a busy time. >> And I just want to say thank you uh Dr. Cartemus for um sharing pictures. Everything looks so exciting, the videos of the dance, the pictures of the deer graduation, um kids picking books out at Barnes & Nobles. Um the I don't know what was funnier, if it was Kenny's mom or the pictures of all the teachers laughing. And the surprise look on everyone's faces, but thank you for including us in those moments. It really feels like even though we can't be there and that
008we really feel a part of it, and we appreciate that. Um up next is examples of excellence, um and we have a recipient of a very special award. >> So, this evening we have a very special member of our learning community, Ms. Marcella Barron. So, if you could please come up, Ms. Marcella. She is um a Spanish bilingual paraprofessional at Kennedy School, and she was nominated by her colleague and was the recipient of the special recognition in the educational service category for the Illinois Those Who Excel Awards. So, >> Oh, nice. >> here you have some photos from Marcella's awards banquet um that took place last month, and we just couldn't be more proud of you, Marcella. You really represent our district in the best way. You serve our students with heart and compassion, and
009it truly shows in everything you do. We're so happy that you're part of our learning community, and you are very deserving of this special recognition. So, tonight your principals have some um some celebrations for you, and we We your family and you for coming out. We wanted the board to be able to meet you and know who you are and thank you very much for representing our district so well and congratulations on your award. We'll get a picture of you as well in front of our step and repeat banner. >> Um family, please don't be shy. Come up and take pictures. >> We are so proud of you. >> Thank you. Thank you all of you guys too for just like also working with your children. It has been an absolute pleasure. It takes a
010village to be able to do this and I feel like I've been incredibly supported and the reason why I'm able to support all these amazing, wonderful kids and the support that all of you guys offer. So, thank you. >> Well, if that's not an Axcel winner there, I don't know what is. Oh, family, take the picture with her. Someone else will take your picture. Let's go. Don't be shy. I don't know what's in here. I'll do it down here. I'm good. They definitely got the car. Oh, that's amazing. Oh, that's a cute picture. >> We have one more example of excellence this evening and our principals will be introducing the video that we'll be seeing. >> All right, on behalf of all of the three schools, we would like to recognize an outstanding example of
011excellence that is happening across our district through all three schools. And that is our own student leadership programs. So at Kennedy school students serve as Kennedy school ambassadors. Two students from every classroom are selected to help welcome new students into the building. These ambassadors give tours, they lead scavenger hunts to help students become familiar with the school, and introduce them to teachers and staff. So what might seem like a small gesture can make a tremendous difference for a child who is entering Kennedy school. These students are creating a culture of kindness, belonging, and connection from the very first day. At Washington school our fifth grade students can apply to become part of Claw Crew, which stands for creating leaders at Washington. Students complete an application process that includes reference letters from their teachers and even
012a one-minute video explaining why they would like to why they would be the best candidate. So we had a blast watching all of them. These students demonstrate leadership through service by organizing and participating in school-wide assemblies. They help with Steam night and the other district events that we have in the evening. And they bring just such a fun energy and positivity to all the initiatives that we do at Washington, especially high five Fridays have been one of their favorites. Um they're great role models who lead with school spirit, responsibility, and pride. At Lincoln Middle School, students have the opportunity to become rising leaders. This program is designed for eighth grade students who demonstrate strong academics, positive character, and involvement in the school community. Students complete an application process as well, and they receive teacher recommendations.
013Um our rising leaders help shape the culture of the building by participating in sixth grade orientation, organizing assemblies, running the school store, assisting with retreats, supporting after-school events like literacy night and sports night, and helping with musical luncheons. They truly embody leadership through service and commitment to others. So, we put together a little video for you, thanks to Mrs. Fassler, and it highlights all of these remark- remarkable student leadership programs. So, we hope you enjoy it. >> Thank you. >> I like being a Cub Ambassador because it helps with like making new friends and talking to new people. >> I like being a Cub Ambassador cuz I like meeting new people and having new friends. >> I like being a Cub Ambassador because I like showing people where the where the whole places and if
014they're lost, and maybe where to go and where the classrooms are. >> I like being a school ambassador because I like to show people around the school if they're lost. >> To be a rising leader means to lead our Lincoln community in the right direction. >> We help motivate each other to be better students and people. >> Some qualities for a rising leader are staying involved, being confident, and high academic achievement. >> Rising leaders now! >> Continue to be impressed by all the amazing new things that are happening in our schools. I think if you remember uh it was the October board meeting that we actually heard from the rising leaders. They came and did an example presentation for all of us about being able to support the younger students at the sixth grade retreat.
015And the other two buildings rose to that challenge to make sure that there are leadership opportunities at all of our schools for students. So, thank you to the principals and assistant principals for creating meaningful opportunities for students to be leaders. And thank you to the teachers for making sure that our students um are selected and have opportunities to do some amazing things. So, we love the presentation and I can't wait to see all the amazing things we'll keep doing. >> Yeah, it's great. Um you know, you have former students that follow you and we're like, "We didn't get to go back to outdoor ed." And so, it's great to see that the programs um are really just every year get better and better and support our students. And I think that's excellent that they have
016to do reference letters and videos. That's great practice because I remember in high school being so nervous to ask my teachers to write a recommendation letter for college cuz that was the first time I did it. So, getting those experiences early on is really great. So, thank you. Um up next is board business. Um we have the triple I conference coming up in November and I have a sign-up sheet that I'll pass around for everyone to fill out. Yep, at next month's meeting um the board will have the opportunity to sign up for pre-conference workshops. But, today's sign-up is just indicating if you're available to go. It's a great opportunity for us to learn together and to continue our team building as a board. Thank you. Um next up is the Schiller Park District 81
017library grant award. >> Big thanks to Kathy Meganello for submitting um this grant on our district's behalf each year. Um you'll see the grant award um in your packet that supports some of our materials and technology and books for our libraries. So, every dollar counts. So, thank you very much, Kathy. >> Thank you for all your hard work on getting those grants. Um there's no new or no old business information, and there's no new business information. So, we'll move on to action items. I like to entertain a motion that the Board of Education approve press policy plus issue 121 as presented. >> I'll second. >> So, there might be a blank one in the back that you can just pull out. >> Wait. >> I don't see it. This is the next one. Approve consolidated
018district plan. >> I have it just graded down. >> Oh, here. >> I'll see it. >> Here you go. >> Okay, I'm sorry. Who first? Steph- Stephanie and then Annette. >> Okay. >> Sorry. >> Okay. Any Any questions, comments, concerns? >> Not seeing none. Can you call the roll, please, Jennifer? I keep wanting to say Andrea. >> I know, that's fine. >> Um Bocock? >> Yes. >> The uh Downs? >> Yes. >> Luanio? >> Yes. >> Fiori? >> Yes. >> Zada? >> Yes. >> Ziegler? Yes. >> Motion passes. I like to entertain a motion that the Board of Education approve the consolidated district plan as presented. >> I'll move. >> I'll second. >> Any questions, comments, or concerns? Not seeing none. Um Jennifer, can you call the roll, please? >> Bocock? >> Yes. >> The
019uh Downs? >> Yes. >> Luanio? >> Yes. >> Fiori? >> Yes. >> Zada? >> Yes. >> Ziegler? Yes. >> Okay, motion passes. Next, I'd like to entertain a motion that the Board of Education approve the intergovernmental agreement with West 40 Regional Safe Schools as presented. >> I'll move. >> I'll second. >> Any questions, comments, concerns? Seeing none, Jennifer, can you call the roll, please? >> Uh, Vocca? >> Yes. >> Downs? >> Yes. >> Iwanio? >> Yes. >> Fiori? >> Yes. >> Zada? >> Yes. >> Ziegler? Yes. >> Okay, motion passes. I'd like to entertain a motion that the Board of Education approve the 2026 10-year health life safety survey report as presented. >> I'll move. >> I'll second. >> Any questions, comments, concerns? Seeing none, Jennifer, can you call the roll, please? >> Vocca? >>
020Yes. >> Downs? >> Yes. >> Iwanio? >> Yes. >> Fiori? Zada? >> Yes. >> Ziegler? Yes. >> Okay, motion passes. I'd like to entertain a motion that the Board of Education approve the SPEA contract for 2026 to 2031 term as presented. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Um, any questions, comments, concerns? >> We do it now or after we approve it. >> Okay. Um, on behalf of the Board of Education, I just want to thank the negotiations committee for making this this process so smooth and collaborative. We appreciate the ability to have open, honest communications that help support our staff and then ultimately support our students. So, please take the next 2 weeks to enjoy all the success of this year and make long-lasting memories with both your colleagues and your students. Thank you. Okay. Any
021other questions, comments, or concerns? >> Just want to thank Allison and Tina and Andrea for being part of the negotiations team on behalf of the board. Um I believe this next 5-year contract really reflects a strong professional relationship between both the SPEA and the Board of Education and um we had some really thoughtful dialogue. So, thank you very much for all your hard work and your time. Thank you to Tina and Allison and Andrea. Um I think this accomplishes all of our goals, right? We're supporting staff, we're remaining fiscally responsible for the district, and we're really ensuring continued success for our students and our district moving forward. So, congratulations and we'll do the roll to officially approve it. Yeah. Congratulations to everybody involved. >> Thank you. >> Um let's go ahead, Jennifer, call the roll.
022>> Uh Bocock? >> Yes. >> Downs? >> Yes. >> D'Wanio? >> Yes. >> Piori? Sada? >> Yes. >> Ziegler, yes. >> Okay. Motion passes. Yay! Okay. Um we don't have executive sessions tonight, so we will skip that. Um I'd like to entertain a motion that the Board of Education approve the personnel report for the month of May as presented. >> I'll move. >> I'll second. >> Any questions, comments, concerns? Seeing none, Jennifer, can you call the roll, please? >> Bocock? >> Yes. >> Downs? >> Yes. >> D'Wanio? >> Yes. >> Piori? >> Yes. >> Sada? >> Yes. >> Ziegler, yes. >> Okay. >> Motion >> passes. >> Okay. Next, we have public participation and we have Ms. Waina. >> Good evening, everybody. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak tonight on behalf of
023the entire SPEA association. Um I'm standing here tonight as a representative of the membership, not only as their president, but as a member, to express our sincere gratitude for the collaborative spirit, dedication, and hard work that defined our recent contract negotiations. We know that these processes required long hours, but good food, um tough conversations, and heavy investment in the energy of that everybody that was involved. And so, we thank you for meeting us at the table with open minds and a shared vision. From the beginning of the process, both the SPA and the school board agreed to one foundational truth that we must put the education of our children first. And that meant that we recognize our classrooms are the heart of this community. It means understanding that the learning conditions for our students are
024linked to the working conditions of our teachers. By working together to craft a fair, equitable contract, you have made a powerful investment in the stable, high-quality education environment that our students deserve. Based on this agreement, our educators overwhelmingly felt the value and support and empowered to do what they do best, and that is to inspire the next generation. We had 91% of our membership vote, and over 85% approved the contract. >> Oh, nice. >> And that's the high I've been on a couple different contracts, and that's the highest I've seen. >> Oh, great. >> And in short, this means we can retain incredible talent that we have in our district and try to attract top-tier educators in our future. When we support our teachers, our students thrive, and the entire community wins. So, thank you
025again for your partnership, your respect for the teaching profession, and your unwavering commitment to educational excellence. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. That was so sweet. >> Thank you very much. That was really sweet. Um and with that, I'd like to entertain a motion that the Board of Education adjourn the regular board meeting of May 20th, 2026 at 6:27 p.m. >> I move. >> I'll second. >> Okay. Um Jennifer, can you call the roll, please? >> Brokock? >> Um yes. >> Sounds? >> Yes. >> Bonilla? >> Yes. >> Curry? >> Yes. >> Zahora? >> Yes. >> Ziegler? Yes. >> Okay. Meeting adjourned. Thank you all. Please go enjoy the beautiful weather.