Naperville 203 Board Meeting 5/5/2025

001Good evening. Since 6 PM, the board has been in close session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees or legal counsel, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or legal counsel to determine its validity, discussion of minutes lawfully closed under the open meetings act, whether for purposes of schoolboard approval of the minutes, or semianual review of the minutes as mandated by the act. Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives. The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the school board, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired and for student disciplinary cases. I will take a motion to come out of close session. So move. Second. A motion and a

002second have been heard. Please call the role. Mrs. Patton. McMillan. I. Gerky I Fitzgerald I Kelly Black I Wani I Kush I Kazinsky I the motion passes we are in open session welcome to our May 5th 2025 board meeting our mission is to empower students to develop a learner's mindset demonstrate adaptability communicate effectively think critically and become global citizens please call the role Mrs. Patton board members present this evening Christine Gerky, Kristen Fitzgerald, Donna Wanke, Amanda McMillan, Melissa Kelly Black, Joe Cosminsky, and Charles Kush. Please now join the board in the pledge of 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 and justice for all. We have now reached a point in the agenda for good news. All

003right, we have quite a bit of good news, so bear with me here. Uh, Elmwood second graders recently took the stage for a joyful concert titled Around the World, Celebrating Global Music and Culture. The students impressed the audience with their talent and enthusiasm. Special thanks to Mr. Burns and Miss Rice for their dedication in preparing such a memorable performance. Families, students, and staff came together at Jefferson Junior High for Bilingual Palooa, a joyful celebration of language, culture, and community. The event highlighted the power of bilingualism and connection. Thank you to everyone who helped make this dual language event unforgettable. To gear up for map testing, Madison Junior High hosted a spirited glowier score pep rally on April 25th. Students and staff dressed in neon or participated in games centered around test taking tips, building excitement

004and confidence ahead of the assessments. Dr. Ryan Smith, communication arts teacher at Neville North, has been awarded the prestigious Harlon R. Teller dissertation award by Northern Illinois University for his dissertation after the collapse, Herman Melville's and Friedrich Nichi's existentialism. This award recognizes the top English department dissertation of the previous 2023 2024 academic year. Dr. Smith earned his PhD in May 2024. Congratulations to Dr. Smith. We are proud to recognize our outstanding students who have earned the seal of biiteracy at Napil North. A prestigious honor awarded to those who have demonstrated proficiency in two or more languages. This accomplishment reflects not only linguistic skill, but also dedication, perseverance, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. Their achievement exemplifies our district's commitment to preparing global citizens who value and embrace the richness of multiple languages and cultures.

005Please join us in celebrating their success and bright futures that lie ahead. Naval Central recently welcomed representatives from the College of DuPage for a dynamic takeover day. students explored future opportunities through one-on-one conversations about scholarships, programs, and career pathways. Thank you to Cood for all the incredible reps for supporting our students post-secary planning. 26 seniors from Neighborville Central and Neighborville North signed their commitment to pursue careers and education during last week's future educator signing day. Their passion, drive, and dedication to service reflect the very best of Elevate 203. We're proud to celebrate their inspiring next step. I did open the door for them to all come back here and teach. Said they have to walk through it, but I opened the door. Uh, April 203 is celebrating teacher appreciation week by honoring the incredible educators

006who inspire, support, and uplift students every day. Schools across the district are showing their gratitude in thoughtful messages, treats, and heartfelt thank yous. Thank you teachers for everything you do. And that's our good news. We have now reached a point in our agenda for public comment. The board of education welcomes comments from the public at its meetings. Citizens who wish to address the board of education should identify themselves by name. Comments by individuals shall be limited to three minutes. If the individuals representing multiple individuals or a group, they shall be allowed to speak for five minutes. The board respectfully requests that speakers refrain from commenting about specific individuals. At this point, I would like to welcome Defense of Democracy. I can't read the last name. First name is Meredith. Hi, my name is Meredith Goodwin.

007Um, I'm a mom of a student who's coming up to your um district. She's going to start kindergarten in the fall. Um I'm a daughter of a teacher, but today I'm here in representation of Defense of Democracy, which is a national organization um with a goal of keeping extremism out of our schools. Um this week in teacher appreciation week, we have partnered with Miss Frazzled, who's a influencer in doing a public teacher thank uh and so we're here uh as an organization to publicly say thank you to all of the teachers in our district. Um, we wanted to say thank you to the teachers that continue despite the current chaos um to provide a welcoming and accepting environment to all of our students regardless of who they are or where they're from, who they love,

008who their parents love. Um, we wanted to say thank you for continuing to provide a scientific education that's accurate that teaches the importance of checking your sources. Um, especially pure review. Extra points for being um, placeboc controlled and double blinded. Uh, we wanted to say thank you for teaching history that is tough even when it's challenging so that it doesn't repeat itself. We wanted to say thank you for continuing to challenge our students with literature uh that expands their minds and and challenges their world perspective. Um thank you for being pillars in our community um and educating our children to be the next generation of of world changers. So thank you on behalf of the board. Thank you for those comments. I do not have any more slips. Does anyone else wish to address the

009board? As a reminder, because the questions raised in public comment address district operational matters, the board has been designated our the board has designated our superintendent as spokes spokesperson for the district as our design to respond to public comment and he will apprise the board of education accordingly. This will conclude our public comment period. Item six, the consent agenda. We have reached the business portion of our meeting. As a reminder to the community, the board understands and has affirmed through our board agreements that it is each individual member's responsibility to prepare for each meeting. Additionally, we understand that it is our individual responsibility to effectively communicate our concerns either to the superintendent or board president prior to any meeting in a timely manner. Board members have also agreed that avoiding no surprises is paramount in

010displaying respect for all district administration and the community. In the spirit of no surprises and in accordance with IASB best practices, the board has tasked itself to send questions in advance of each meeting to the superintendent. This practice allows the superintendent to provide the best possible answer for the community. Additionally, it allows for maximum efficiency during the community's meeting. Those same submitted questions may also be asked in open session along with new ones that may arise during discussions. If you do ask a question, please state if you sent that question ahead of time. Mrs. Patton, what time was the email sent to board members alerting us that board docs was loaded and ready for our review? A link for the board agenda was sent and delivery confirmed at 4:01 p.m. Thursday, May 1st, 2025, and

011no emails bounced back. Thank you, Mr. Bridges. Did you receive questions from board members in advance of tonight's meeting? I did. I received questions from all board members. Thank you. Do I have a motion for the consent agenda? Melissa, can we pull 6.01 and 6.02? Okay. Okay. So then I need a motion for 6.03 and 6.04. I move to approve. Sorry. I'm sorry. Can we also Oh, never mind. Okay. I move to approve items 6.03 and 6.04 as presented. Second. A motion and a second have been heard. Please call the role. Mrs. Patton Kush. I. Kelly Black. I. Fitzgerald. Hi. Wanke. Cuzinsky. I. McMillan. I. Gerky. I. The motion passes. Item 6.01, 1 the adoption of the personnel report. Can I have a motion for that, please? Yes, Melissa. Oh, I had some questions. We

012don't discuss the personnel report and uh they're just regarding they're general questions. So, they're not closed door meeting questions. there about um certain positions and being we're losing certain positions and I was wondering I had some questions about that. So where would you suggest we discuss that? Yeah, that being personnel I think we would need to save that for the next um close session. Oh, well, no, it's not specific personnel. And actually, the questions were brought up during the questions to the board, but it's still personnel, so we would discuss that in close session. I think the closed door session is if we're dealing with specific personnel or this is a general personnel questions about positions in general, then I would suggest maybe we put that on a future agenda item to be safe. Okay.

013So, if you want to hold the hold those questions, you can email them to leadership and then we can go from there. Okay. And then I just had a question with that because I've asked for agenda items for the last two years and never received one on the agenda. Is there a time frame I could expect that we would address this in a meeting? Well, we would have we would just have to look at the agenda item and see where it fits best within, you know, say our cycle of I can respect that and I I understand it's probably very difficult to get the agenda item but it would seem as if agenda items two years is a long time. Is there a reasonable could we come to some reasonable expectation general like three months?

014Why don't you do we can do this to be safe that we have we're on the same page. Okay. Email the questions or the items you feel we haven't covered that you've requested. email those over to leadership and then we will cross-ch checkck cross reference everything and see where we can make sure that that's discussed at the right time. Would it be fair? I think these questions like I said were already in the board doc's questions. But anyways, it would be fair enough to put it on old or new agenda item at a future meeting, right? So that yeah that just send me the question send leadership the questions and then we can cross reference our my list your list and then we can get them on the agenda where they're best best discussed. Okay.

015Thank you. Okay. So I move approval of item 6.01 adoption of the personnel report. Second. A motion and a second have been heard. Please call the role. Mrs. Patton Kazminsky I. Kelly Black I. McMillan. I. Wani. I. Geri I Fitzgerald I Kush I. The motion passes. Item 6.02 open session minutes from April 21st. Yes. In regards to that I noticed one of the things that's been frustrating is sometimes we will have arguments during the meetings. Maybe there's differences opinions about facts and a lot of times we'll just push through. Um, one of the things we talked about at the last meeting as far as the click attorneys and I know in the minutes I want the minutes to reflect that here is the documentation for board docs listing that we have to use the attorneys.

016I know that was something during our last conversation. If you look at the board me open minutes now, it says that um I did bring up that that was an accurate statement that we are limited to who we can use and then it was stated that that was not accurate. So I'm not trying my goal is to reduce arguing because we've been arguing about this for quite a while to just go back to the written facts. So I just wanted to present that and see if the meetings can reflect that we do in fact have to use the the minutes are just a reflection of what we discussed. It's not reflection of of every we're not correcting the minutes to add documents into it. It's just a a a summary of what was discussed at

017the meeting. And we do have we do have a a agenda item with with click on it. it we do that in June our renewal what so we can discuss that at that time we've discussed it every year and it doesn't get answered we argue every time I understand it's not a verbatim minutes my issue is we've had conflict in arguing when I feel like if we just revert to the pack the facts then clarify them the reason I want this reflected is so we don't have the same argument we keep having the same arguments so I'm just trying to on the record so we don't have to argue this fact anymore and waste our time and create any undue tension that we just acknowledge that maybe in even this week's minutes that we acknowledge

018that yes it is in fact that we have to use the board attorneys well that will be refle your comments now will be reflected in the minutes okay that's fine I just want on the record so we don't argue I don't want to argue about it anymore I'm just trying to resolve it so every we're all on the same page Okay. Thank you. I move to approve item 6.02, the open session minutes from April 21st, 2025 as presented. Second. A motion and a second have been heard. Please call the role. Mrs. Patton, McMillan, I Fitzgerald. Hi. Kush. Hi. Gerky. I. Kelly Black. I. Wan Key. I. The motion passes. Okay. before we reach uh we go on to our next uh section. Yeah. Okay. Well, I'm told I got this, but the community is going

019to have to deal with it. Um we have two board members retiring. So, before we move to adjourning, um we have some gifts. First off, So, this is a plaque. Just so that it's picked up on the uh recording, the each board member received a plaque. Um memorializing their time as a board member and the names of those board members who also served with them. Oh, sorry. Sorry. And then additionally, we have one other gift. both of you have beautiful gardens and backyards and so we were trying to decide something that would last forever um just in case you didn't get to watering it or whatever. So we so we we went with something that you can place in your gardens and then hopefully you will always have joyful memories come to mind when when

020you look at it. [Applause] Okay. At this time, do any board members wish to make any comments? Melissa, go ahead. I'll go first because I've had the shortest amount of time with the two of you, but I want to thank you for the guidance um you have given our district, your hard work, your dedication, and thank you for the knowledge that you passed down to those around you. Um thank you, Amanda. I also want to sincerely thank both Kristen and Donna from the moment that I'm starting to get tired. The moment that um I made the decision to run uh for school board, you both were very patient with me. So, thank you very much. And then when I was first elected, you both have stepped up as amazing mentors. And um I've just am

021so in awe of both of you because you have always always always just fought for the students. You've been a voice of reason and compassion when others weren't so gracious to you. And you have been exceptional leaders for this district and this community and just phenomenal women of leadership. and we're so lucky to have had you for 12 years and helped us build this district to where it is today. It's because of you and I just feel so grateful to be able to continue your legend and um I've learned so much u from both of you. So I just want to thank you so much for everything and I wish you the best of luck as you move on to your new amazing things. Joe, do I I really it's been such a an honor

022and a pleasure to serve on the board with uh both of you. Um thank you for all of your leadership, everything you have done for the district, for the board. Um thank you for your mentorship. when I came on the board, I spent hours with both of talking to both of you and I I learned so much from your experience and uh it it's been so great to to serve with you uh these last six years. uh even through uh many challenging uh times um under your leadership, the the district has really uh you know grown and and moved in in great directions and um you know we're going to miss you and uh I I look forward to uh keeping in in contact and uh continuing our friendship uh that that we've been able

023to develop on board. Thank you. Charles, I'm going to give Christine a chance to collect herself as she's getting ready to say what she's going to say. Um, you're going to need to talk a long time. Okay. Well, have you met me? Yeah, I can talk a while if I need to. Um, Kristen and Donna, I mean, so ditto and ditto and double ditto. I just, you know, two two words come to mind. Amazing and phenomenal. just um you're both really amazing at being mentors um being patient um diving into the details um willing to be influenced even when things aren't necessarily you know you don't always see eye to eye on everything but but but willing to have the conversation and that's the thing one of the things I appreciated the most um in

024terms of phenomenal just the level of advocacy that you've both brought um to the district um I think Mark Rising when he came to last meeting and said it best, not just for this district, but just beyond that. Um, you you both are wonderful advocates for our community. Um, and our school district has been really fortunate to have you for the for your tenure on the board, but beyond that, the community has been fortunate to have you advocating for um for what's right and what's good and and and what needs to happen. Um, you guys are both tireless in your efforts. Um, I got you a little something. So, it's kind of on behalf of everybody. We all know that uh selfies are the thing, right? So, I got a selfie of uh one for

025each of you of uh of uh all all of us that are represented up here and it just says Neighborville 203 School Board. So, just a photo for you to remember us by. So, I'll give that to you. Maybe we don't look at each [Laughter] other. So, I wrote I I decided to write it down because I knew that my emotions would um pretty much take over. And so I I I was right in writing them down. I also realize now that it was much easier practicing this in front of my cats at home than it is now. And I have contemplated for a long time what I would say tonight, but I never really figured that there was a way to capture it perfectly. So this is where I landed. It is difficult to

026separate my thoughts for each of you. Separate out my thoughts for each of you. I've only known my time on the board with each of you here. It's hard to think of one of you without coming with the other not coming to mind. You've both helped shape my experience on the board. You are both advocates at your core. You have advocated eloquently, joyfully, and fearlessly for our students within our community and those beyond at the state and federal levels. You remain undeterred in your quest to ensure every student achieves a measurable success. Your departure from the board will be a tiny bit easier for me knowing you will continue that advocacy work. Donna, the simple act of extending a hand is powerful. That is what you did when I filed my paperwork to run for

027the board. I remember where I was when you called. I was in the car on 294. You were excited that I was running and offered to help me through a campaign. You didn't leave my side and you helped turn a daunting experience into something a bit more enjoyable. You haven't stopped supporting me since. I can honestly say this is the first time in my adult life that I've had a me a mentor and it's been unforgettable. Thank you, Kristen. I continually find myself listening when you speak and watching you work. Shortly after joining the board in 2017, I said out loud to a friend, I want to be Kristen when I grow up. I'm still working on that goal. It has been nothing short of amazing to work with you for eight years, four of

028which have been sitting side by side in leadership. You have known how to push me when needed, when to guide gently, all the while allowing me to grow. I have enjoyed some of the most meaningful and engaging conversations with you both and not a single one has ever been a waste of time. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we don't. Each time I feel heard, challenged and supported. You've helped me grow professionally in this role. You have both recognized things in me that I have failed to see in myself. for that and for the deep professional relationships we have and the personal friendships we formed. I am [Applause] grateful I'll simply add on behalf of the administration um I think it's an important reminder for our community that being a school board member is a volunteer position.

029So being willing to step in front of the community uh at times when decisions need to be made um can often feel thankless. So for 12 years, you're 12 times as crazy, but thank you for the time we spent together. I wish you both well in retirement. Thank you. Would you either of you like to give comments? Okay. Go ahead, Kristen. We'll try to keep it together. Okay. Well, that's all right. Um so I guess want to say. Oh yeah. Gosh, I'm losing it. I laugh. Um, so this role has been one of the biggest joys in my life. Um, it's in my opinion the greatest honor to sit with you all and to be able to advocate like you've mentioned so much, but to be able to advocate for students and staff and families

030and our community members to be a part of this. Um, and I feel like in the 12 years a lot changed, but a lot stayed the same. We're, you know, we're, you know, we've been able to serve together, but I would say the most about the district, um, at its heart and at its core, this district is here to dedicate itself to kids, you know, and that's always a constant throughout the whole 12 years. And I I feel like that dedication for students to achieve is always a part of 20 203 and is what 203 has. And I'm so proud of that. I'm so proud of being able to be a part of that. Um, one of the reasons I ran for the board was I wanted to really dedicate my time to achievement gaps

031and I'm so proud of all that we did um during the 12 years with families, with students, with our staff. Um, you know, I was so lucky when I first started, you guys might remember, um, the speech from Maui Asadam about students who are invisible and feel invisible. And I feel like as a board and as a district during my time, we have worked to have fewer students be invisible. Um, that's what I'm the most proud of. I feel like we have worked to surround them with love and care. And my own students, my own children are my greatest witnesses to that. You know, I've seen them be transformed, forever changed. So, I'm proud to be a tiny part and and and it wouldn't be the same without each person, you know, each staff member,

032each bus driver, each each person that is contributing their part that we would be missing without um I'm just really grateful to have been able to be just a tiny piece. Um to my fellow board members, you have enriched my life and the lives of the students in this district in endless ways. Um your faithful and generous service, sometimes even at a cost to yourselves. Um it's an inspiration to me. Um I'm so grateful for the gifts that each of you bring and I think about them. they're exhibited all the time. You know, the strengths that you have that you just bring and bring to this table and bring to this district and I'm so grateful for it. Um, and I I feel this board and this district seeks to make things better for students

033in a little way each time, like every single endeavor, in every endeavor to make it just a little bit better. And um, I'm so grateful for that. And I I cherish I I don't have individual comments for each of you, but I cherish each individual friendship um in our work together. And I want you to know that I will continue to be supporting you from near and far in every way that I can. And I know that you will carry this district forward and that you guys will too. You new ones. Um to our superintendent Dan Bridges and to our administrative team, I see you. I see the hard work that you are putting in to do better and better. That you are working to think differently. That you are working to serve more. That

034you are working to innovate. That you are working to be the district that equips our students today and tomorrow. To truly leave not a single student behind. Don't ever stop. I'm really grateful for your leadership and commitment, your knowledge and your expertise, and most importantly, your passion for students. And I am 100% confident that all of you together with our Ford team that you all are the leaders for this moment, that you are here for this time to carry this district forward right now. Um, but you're not alone because you are supported by our community who cares so much and who holds you in their heart. And now I'm a community member and I'll be holding you in my heart. I want to say thank you to our students and staff. Um, you're an inspiration.

035It's a privilege to watch the magic of the daily work with our students and our teachers. to see the ways that they are dedicated to one another and that they're building a future. And that's what I truly believe is the magical part. Um, to the parents and community members and partners of our district that I've had the privilege to work with, I truly believe our district is so amazing because of that. because we have all of these parents and these community members who are irreplaceable and who contribute so much of their souls to our students. Um, and that's what makes us be who we are. Um, and I just want to make a tiny moment to my family in the audience. Um, and there's two on live stream, too. Um, thank you is not enough.

036Um, I'm so grateful for the sacrifices that you all have made. Um, so that I could do this job the best that I could. For the times that I wasn't able to be with you because I was here, especially to my girls for that. Thank you. Thank you for your support. Um, you carried me through the hard times as did all of you. I could not have done this job without this group and without that group. Um, without a doubt, there is so much more to do. A little daunting. Um, but I'm grateful to have been able to be a part of the last 12 years. Um, and I look forward to supporting all of you as you move forward in the future. Um, I'm so glad that I'm returning to my old field of

037public policy because I plan to continue working with all of you in support of these goals. Um, but I just want to say thank you for um a really magical time, a really special time. That's [Applause] it. Well, just like we've always done, our words are going to be different, but the passion and the and the commitment um are echoed. Um, and it's interesting because we took uh very different approaches. So, I'm glad you covered all the p aspects that you did because I'm going to cover some different ones that I know that we both are very valuable to us. Um, and I did write down my comments too because I like Christine was worried I would get uh a little in the weeds here in my in my uh emotions. Um, almost everyone that

038I've spoken to in our district 20 community 203 community says that they came here or stayed in Neighborville for the school district and the educational opportunities that are provided to our students. My husband Norm and I moved here just over 30 years ago for the same reason and only began my journey only I began my journey as a math teacher and an athletic trainer at Neapville North High School. from those administrators who first hired me and welcomed me into the district uh 203 family to today. I have so many people to thank, but I won't name them all. It's going to be a little bit longer though. I I might have more words than you tonight, which is unusual. Um first, our community who clearly values education as their top priority. Thank you for trusting

039me to serve in this position, not for one or two terms, but for three terms totaling 12 years. Thank you for believing in me in a large field of 11 candidates with two incumbents running in 2013. It was then that Kristen and I began our journey on the school board together. My role as a school board member was really a balancing act of representing the community that elected me and providing governance to the school district. As Superintendent Dan Bridges, his administration and staff worked tirelessly over the years to bring new ideas to address the needs of our students. It was an honor to be the voice of the community and asking questions and being a steward of taxpayer dollars. When people ask what I'm most proud of over the 12 years, it's really not mine

040to be proud of. Clearly, lots of changes have occurred in 12 years from all day kindergarten onetoone devices for our students prioritizing social emotional learning. I could have 20 minutes of a list here and so much more. But those ideas came from our administration and our staff and they brought to the board for our support. They weren't, you know, some of them may have sparked some of our ideas, but they weren't really our work. The credit goes to them, and they should be very proud of where they've taken our district over these years. I was there to ask questions, sometimes say no, and be sure the voice of our community was heard in the process. The credit goes to our staff and administration. So, it's really not mine to be proud of, but to thank

041you to our administration and our staff for the inspiration that you've bring to all you do. After the community and staff as a whole, I need to thank all of the individual people, staff members, students that trusted me enough to reach out and share their voice with me individually. I was a better board member because you brought your concerns to me, giving me the opportunity to dig deep on issues and then voice that at our board meetings. I cannot say this enough. Your voice matters here, at the local level, at the state level, and especially at the national level. We may not always agree, but continue to share your voice with your elected officials as we are better together. To my fellow board members, thank you for all of your service. I've enjoyed the collaboration

042and many conversations on so many topics. I appreciate the new perspective, the unique perspective that you bring to every conversation. And I am going to go in order of who I've served the least with to who I've served the most with. And I'm going to have a few comments here. Melissa, being the newest board member, I haven't gotten to know you all that well personally on the personal level, but hope that you can continue to grow in your role over the next two years. Amanda, we first met four years ago when you ran for the first time. I appreciate it going through a co campaign with you where you would often collaborate with me after each zoom forum where we forged our friendship well before you were elected. I appreciate your insight and focus how

043everything you do impacts uh how you remind us that everything we do impacts the social emotional aspect of our students. I appreciate you being the voice for our marriage students who often don't have a voice. Joe, how wonderful it has been to have a fellow educator and person who appreciates statistics and environmental issues as much as I do to collaborate with over the last six years. Um, we kind of found our little groove, which was great. Our numerous conversations have not only brought better questions and ideas to the board meetings, but often spiraled into our families, travel, biking, hiking. I am truly grateful for you in so many ways, as is my family. You have also had an opportunity to benefit they they also have had an opportunity from bene to benefit from knowing you.

044Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. Thank you, Christine. We've served together for eight years, but I can't even really remember when we first met as it seems like we've been friends forever. I do remember seeing you lead for the first time well before those eight years when you served as president of home and school. Your leadership as our president these past two years has been more appreciated than words can ever express. I will miss most of our shared time mo I will miss most our shared time at the IASB state conference. We were we were roommates. It was fun. I value you as a colleague and most importantly as a friend. Charles, we've served for nine years together but first met 12 years ago when we both ran for the board. That year there was

045a large field like I mentioned of candidates and I remember coming home from each forum sharing with Norm how impressed I was with both you and Kristen, the two that I called out. Very interesting. I know um I knew then how much you would bring to the board and was thrilled three years later when an opening allowed the board to appoint you into your position. You jumped right in as if you hadn't missed a beat and we have been not only colleagues but close friends since that time. Your insight, marketing, and business savvy have brought much to this board, and I'm overjoyed that you decided to run again and continue to serve our community. We are in good hands with your years of experience and knowledge. Kristen, I don't even know where to begin. As

046we've shared this time together from day one, we're coming in together and leaving together. The commitment that you have brought to this role far exceeds any other board member that I have served with. or seen ever. Your passion and dedication shine through all you do. You have served in so many roles representing this board way beyond that of a board member. The knowledge that you have in this role is irreplaceable. So I am glad that the my fellow board members know that you are only a phone call away. The way that you served in this role made me a better board member just because I tried to keep up with you. While we were serving together, we shared in each other's lives as well. We watched your three girls and my three boys grow up

047along the way. We have shared the joys and sorrows in the lives and friendship that we have forged will continue a lifetime. There are other board members that I've also had the pleasure to serve with over the years. I can't see everybody in the audience, but I see Terry, but none more of a friend than Janet Yangro. when she began on the board, she was appointed like Charles and uh those two appointments could possibly have been the best decisions that I was part of on the board. Both have brought so much leadership to our community. I'm also honored I was also honored to be Janet's mentor in her first year on the board. However, I quickly found out her financial insight brought our board to a whole new level and I learned much from her.

048I believe that we valued each other's commitment and work ethic so much that I'm blessed to continue to work with her today. Thank you to Janet for our continued work together as I love serving our community at the state level with you. So many more friends have helped along the way that there's not enough time to mention. However, please know that you're appreciated. From here, my thank yous turn to my family. The support of my family is what made all the difference and allowed me to serve over these years. All of my boys, Kevin watching from Champagne with his wife Caitlyn and our only grandson Marcus. Ryan who's with us today and Alan watching from Maryland have walked the campaign trail shared sharing literature talking to community members about supporting their mommy getting signs placed

049in yard. They were that young getting signs placed in yard and offering strategy ideas along the way. As Kristen said, my children have been impacted tremendously by this district and they are um all the better for it. But my family support went deeper than that. My mother, Dolores, who's here um with us today, and my father, who since passed away, have never hesitated to share words of encouragement. They were both here 12 years ago when I was first sworn into office. My brother Dave is here as well and he offered so much advice over the years as he was the polyai major. I was the math nerd. So, thanks Dave. Thank you to mom and Dave. Again, my family support didn't only come from my side of the family. I remember the cold March, St.

050Patrick's Day, that first year that my sister-in-law, who's with us today, Gail, and my mother-in-law, Carol, who's passed away, eagerly walked and handed out literature. Now, doesn't maybe sound like a big deal, but this was way out of their comfort zone for both of them. And yet, they did it to support me. Carol was one of my only campaign contributors, my first campaign, and I was so grateful as otherwise we funded the entire campaign on our own. But the last two people were the most important and instrumental in encouraging my and supporting me along this journey. I still remember the day my father-in-law, who's since passed away, um called me all excited about a lunch he had with an elected official in Glenn Ellen, telling me how he could not think about u anything during

051the lunch except me and how I had to run for school board. He spent a long time on the phone with me encouraging me and telling me how much he believed in me and how I was made for this role. I remember laughing at him and telling him that he was probably going to be in trouble with my husband for planting that seed. My father-in-law, also named Norm, would continue to encourage me and follow my journey over the years, paying close attention and asking lots of questions about the details of what he read in the paper about our board meetings. If it were not for him, I would not be here today. Of course, last but certainly not least, is my husband, Norm. He's been my by my side through the ups and downs, and

052the downs of that first campaign were many. I remember tears a number of times. T Terry remembers my tears a number of times as well in 2013 and uh Norm was a rock through it all. He helped me with every aspect of my campaign and watched almost every meeting over the 12 years. I mean, we do it because we have to sit here, but that that says a lot. I would come home from a meeting to find him, not only with words of encouragement and laughter, but usually leftover dinner as he sat with me at the end of some very late nights. As anyone in an elected physician knows, your family bears much of the weight of your service, and they are truly the unseen heroes who allow you to do your job. Thank you,

053dorm, and my family from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done to support me in this role. So, the thank yous are many, but the work continues. I look forward to seeing this new board, Holly and Mark, to move forward with the innovative school day and to continue to push our district to look forward and move in an everchanging field of education to meet the needs of our students, not by standing still, but embracing the change that's needed to continue to be one of the best school districts, not only in this state, but across the country. Thank you to all of you for allowing me to be part of this legacy. [Applause] Would one of you like to make a motion to adjurnn? No. Help me, Dan. Cena. Cena. Second. That's

054how it always goes. I will make a motion to adjurnn. Sign a dime. Second. A motion and a second have been heard. Please call the role. Mrs. Pen Kush I McMillan Hi Kaznitki hi Kelly Black I Fitzgerald hi Wanke. So we are adjourned. Um we will be back shortly. Um yeah, so the community uh members of the family are welcome to join um our retiring board members back in two other conference rooms at the back of the building to pay uh well that sounds wrong to pay respects and credits like a death to our uh retiring board members. We will uh reconvene at approximately 8:20ish ish. Okay. Uh there is business to be done tonight, this evening, including the seating of our new board members. Uh but community members and whatnot are welcome to remain

055in uh the conference rooms um once we return. But to our board and staff, we'll come back here about 8:20 or in an adjournment. Welcome back to our second half of the meeting. Our mission is to empower students to develop a learner's mindset, demonstrate adaptability, communicate effectively, think critically, and become global citizens. Items 9, 10, and 11 on the agenda, we're going to kind of take all as one. So, we'll start with 9.01, the April 1st, 2025 election. Great. just uh this is an information item only loaded within board docs um from um election results. You'll see that the election results are official with including an abstract of the votes as well as the official canvas which transitions us into agenda item number 10 uh the seating of the reelected and newly elected board of

056education members. So congratulations and welcome to Holly Blastic, Charles Kush, Amanda McMillan, and Mark Winsky. Congratulations. Okay. Okay. Item 11, the oath of office. If the four of you could please stand and you should have a hard copy of the oath in front of you. Lift up your microphone so that I can catch um Oh, we're down. Okay. When you're ready. Okay. So raise your right hand and do your best in unison. And there's that spot at the beginning. You just put your own name in there. Okay. Do your best to stay together. Go ahead. I for do solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of member of the board of education of Neapville Community Unit School District 203 in accordance with the Constitution of the United States. the Constitution

057of the State of Illinois and the laws of the state of Illinois to the best of my ability. I further swear that I shall respect taxpayer interest by serving as a faithful protector of the school district's assets. I shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by my fellow board members and others who seek a hearing before the board while respecting the privacy of students and employees. I shall recognize that a board member has no legal authority as an individual and that decisions can be made only by a majority vote at a public board meeting. I shall abide by majority decisions of the board while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels. As a part of the board of education, I shall accept the responsibility for my

058role in the equitable and quality education of every student in the school district. I shall foster with the board extensive participation of the community, formulate goals, define outcomes, and set the course for Neapville Community Unit School District 203. I shall assist in establishing a structure and an environment designed to ensure all students have the opportunity to attain their maximum potential through a sound organizational framework. I shall strive to ensure a continuous assessment of student achievement and all conditions affecting the education of our children in compliance with state law. I shall serve as education's key advocate on behalf of students and our communities schools or schools to advance the vision of Neapville Community Unit School District 203. And I shall strive to work together with the district superintendent to lead the school district toward fulfilling the

059vision the board has created, fostering excellence for every student in the areas of academic skills, knowledge, citizenship, and personal development. Congratulations, Mark. And Holly, would you like to say a few words and introduce anybody that may be here with you? I'm just very grateful for the community and everyone who's shown their support um helping through the campaign, speaking with me at doors, and especially my wife and kids who are hanging out in the first row tonight. Mark. [Applause] Uh, yes. I just want to say thank you to everyone for their support. Uh, and I am so honored to be on this board and I'm looking forward to working with the other board members, the superintendent and uh his uh his cabinet. I I want to thank my daughter Meline for being here tonight uh to

060and she has supported me and uh I'm proud to say she is a graduate of the 203 school district. [Applause] Charles and Amanda, do you have anything? Well, I want to thank so much the community for in trusting me and bringing me back. I'm feel honored and thrilled to be able to continue another four years. And even though they weren't able to make it, I have to say thank you so much to my wife who held down the fort for those many many many year or years probably years, sorry, months while I was campaigning. Um, and also to my kids who uh, you know, uh, put up with my absences and stuff like that. They're they're amazing. And then of course my friends who were helping me with uh, you know, all the things that

061go into campaigning. I I feel really supported by an amazing community and I'm so proud to be a part of it. and I'm so happy to serve it. So, thank you. Um, just excited to be back. Just really, um, thankful to the community. Um, to my fellow board members, um, to Holly and Mark who I had the opportunity to meet on the campaign trail. Um, you guys are both phenomenal and you're going to make wonderful additions. I'm glad to be serving alongside of you. um as well as my buddy Mandy here. Um and uh just but I would also be remiss if I didn't uh thank my wife who was here earlier, but she um she uh gets up at 4:00 every morning. So I was like, "Babe, it's past your bedtime. You got to

062go home." Um and so uh but you know, as as several folks have said, you know, you don't serve in these roles without the support of your family. And I am very blessed and fortunate to have a wonderful and amazing wife uh and um wonderful children who just support me in all I do. So I'm thankful for them as well as the support of the community and uh looking forward to continuing to serve. Thank you. Mrs. Patton, please call the role. Board members present this evening, Christine Gerky, Charles Kush, Joe Cuzinsky, Amanda McMillan, Melissa Kelly Black, Holly Blastic, and Mark Winsky. Item 13, excuse me, item 13, the election of the president. Okay, so um the um law does not govern specific process by which uh officers are elected. uh other than the open meetings

063act requiring it be done by open vote, not by secret ballot. Uh and it requires districts to set their own policy regarding internal organization. Our board has established internal organization and policy 21104. Um and so the current president will serve as the president prom and chair of the process. Uh and we'll begin I'll walk through the process and then uh she can accept nominations. uh she'll accept chair will accept nominations for the president. Um and then uh the voting procedure with each vote voting member voting for a nominee by name or indicating an abstension and then a nominee receiving a simple majority of the votes uh not including abstensions is elected. If no nominee receives a majority, another vote will be taken between the two teams names with the most vote. And there's processes for

064tiebreers if there's more that continues. So we can walk through that. But now for the election of the president. Um the the chair will call for nominations. Okay. So I will call for nominations at this point. Um first I would um I would like to nominate Charles Kush for president. Um I feel Charles his enthusiasm, his um willingness and eagerness to always learn and grow would be um a great asset for the board. I think he would lead us uh fairly and empathetically. Uh it's a special seat and I I do believe that all of the work he has done to this point has been leading to this to this position any Oh Am sorry Amanda go ahead I know this doesn't require a second but I love your choice Charles Kush is a phenomenal

065human being he's served this board faithfully for nine years and is He's committed for another four. So, I mean, I've got you right here, right? Um, and he's just has historical knowledge. He's very passionate. He always speaks up. He always focuses on the community. And I think that he would be a phenomenal choice for president. So, thank you for that nomination. I Well, not second, but I just Okay, Melissa. Um, yes. I didn't have any opportunity to discuss this beforehand with anybody, but I am going to make an unusual nomination. I have not spoken with anyone. Um, I would like to nominate Mark Winsky for the position of board of education president. Mr. Winsky has garnered considerable support from our constituents and holds endorsements from all four of our employee unions, indicating a strong foundation

066of trust and respect among those that direct are directly impacted by our educational policies. This broad backing reflects the trust and respect that our educational community holds for him, signaling that our stakeholders are ready for a change. A prevalent sea statement among stakeholders is the perception that the board has not been adequately responsive to community feedback often par uh pariet parot parriotizing I can't say that right now directives from superintendent bridges while this may not reflect the board's true dynamics it is vital to acknowledge that such beliefs exist widely among our constituents Mark's commitment to becoming informed and reaching out to all stakeholders demonstrates his ability um his dedication to fostering collaboration and transparency. Mark has been eager to engage with the community, going into the neighborhoods to listen to concerns and gather input, ensuring

067that every perspective is heard. In Illinois, the school board president is responsible for conducting meetings in an orderly and fair fashion in accordance with Robert's rules of order. Serving as a facil facilitator, the president ensures that all voices are heard and that discussions are respectful. It is critical for the president to maintain impartiality, fost fostering open dialogue without allowing any particular faction to exert undue influence. Under Mark's leadership, we can cultivate an environment where board members feel empowered to share their opinions freely. Upholding the right of freedom of speech without the fear of a censure. Mark's broad support from all groups shows that trust that the stakeholders have in Mark's ability to act fairly and equitably. Additionally, the school board president plays a role in fostering effective communication and collaboration among board members. According to

068the Illinois school code, the president is responsible for leading the board in in its governance role, making sure that all members are informed and engaged. Upholding the no surprises agreement is critical in this regard. The environment is critical in this regard. The environment grounded in trust and transparency. No board member should be surprised or caught off guard about an agenda item or the actions taken by the board leadership. Again, Mark is in the unique position of being a new member to our board, so he can act impartially when applying the rules and work respectively with all board members. By commi committing to timely discussions of agenda items and addressing concerns with urgency, Mark can dismantle the barriers that have hindered collaboration and accountability in the past. Additionally, the new approach will enhance transparency by assuring

069that all board members have timely access to critical information such as budget detail details and legal agreements without the need for a FOYA request. This level of openness will foster trust and strengthen relationships among board members. As we encourage our students and staff to adapt and grow, it is imper imperative that we also listen attentively to the voices of our constituents and staff. I urge us to elect a president who embodies impartiality, can navigate past previous challenges, and foster a genuine sense of unity and belonging within the board among community members and our dedicated staff. Thank you for considering this nomination. I do have to say that Mark does not know I'm doing this. Um, but I if not for president, I would like Mark to be considered for vice president. I think we're we're

070I honor those that have served before and we're losing some good strong leaders, but I also think that we're hearing that we need some flexibility and change. So, ideally, it would be nice to have a leadership that um maybe has more backing from the constituents and and the staff. Not to say that Charles does not. I'm not saying that, but if we're going to listen to voices, that's my thought. Thank you. So, okay, help me through it. We're going to take a vote. Well, first, are there any other nominations? Yeah, there are no nominations. Okay. So first uh so what happens is then according to the board policy uh you vote for nominee by name or indicating abstension. So the board secretary should call a role um of board members. Board members will indicate their

071uh vote by last name Kush and Winsky either can deny or or uh politely decline the u nomination as well prior to voting. Okay. Yeah. I'm sorry Christie Mark. Go ahead. Yeah. Um uh do I I will decline the nomination. Okay. So then do we just now we do just a a voice vote like a normal roll call? Yeah. Being no other uh there are no other nominees. One nominee um practice allows that um if there is only one uh nominee. Um you cast a unanimous ballot as the chair. You cast a unanimous ballot and declare the candidate elected. However um it also says it can be carried out through vote. So, I would recommend that because there were initially two nominees, although one has declined the nomination, you vote by name. Okay. So, Melissa,

072I would just like to say since I did this and Mark, you know, doesn't isn't interested, which I understand. Um, I have no problem with if you just carry it out. I think I might be the only individual that has a different preference. I think so. Help me again, Mr. Bridges. again the law the open meetings open meetings act we have in the past there have been times when we have declared the unanimous ballot and accepted the nominee so that that is available to the board we can vote let's I just because we've always done it that way I just feel comfortable keeping the the um keeping our practice okay so again when the board secretary calls the board member's name you'll cast a vote by uh stating the name of the candidate okay go

073ahead Mrs. Patton, please please call Kush. Of course I'd be first. Uh, who are you picking? Kush. McMillan. Kush. Blastic. Kush. Winsky. Kush. Kelly Black. Can I abstain? Is that possible? Abstain. Kazminski. Kush. Gerky. Kush. Congratulations, Charles. Charles name hope my battery last as they transition um is Mr. Kush President Kush can um listen as we move over uh Mr. Mr. Koshi as current president will now serve as the chair um for the internal organization and the vice president should be elected using the same process as for the president where the chair will accept nominees from the board uh for vice president. Um so the chair would call for or chair may make nominees also um make nominations and then the same voting process will take place. So Mr. Kush Yep. Okay. I will accept

074nominations. I would, if it's okay, can I ask Mark? I would like I think it would be wonderful to blend a seasoned uh board member with a new board member. Um, but Mark, I'd like to know if that'd be something you No, while I appreciate it, Melissa, um, I'm I'm gonna uh decline that as well. All right. And I So, any Okay. I would like to nominate uh Christine Geri as vice president. Um, and I'll give my thoughts as to why. Um, uh, first of all, I'm very, um, honored that, uh, my fellow board members elected me to this role, and I could think of no other person that I would rather have sitting next to me, um, than someone who has led us and guided us, um, because I'm going to need to lean

075on your leadership and guidance. Um, and so I would be honored if you would accept the nomination and, um, be vice president. Joe. Um I I as Amanda said, I know that a second is not required, but I would like to um also uh support uh the nomination of Christine. Um I think the her leadership and uh experience uh is an asset and um you going forward uh will um will be very beneficial for the board. So second Any other nominations? Christine, do you want to say something? No, I go ahead. So, if there's no additional nominations, then the secretary will call the role and the same voting procedures in place. You'll um you'll vote for the name person by name. And we have one nominee. Gerie, please call the role. Mrs. Kelly Black of

076Stain McMillan. Gerie. Cosminsky. Gerie. Winsky. Gerie. Kush. Kirky. Girky. Kirky. Blastic. Gerie. [Applause] And maybe Mr. Winsky, if you'll want to move to that seat. You'll have a microphone in front of you. will make things easier. Bring your waters with you if you have a water. Okay. Yeah. Okay. So, um public comment asks to address the work. Okay. Okay. Um, item number 15, public comment. I don't have any slips of paper for public comment. Would anyone like to address the board? Take a motion for the consent agenda. Seeing no one, um, we will close public comment. Is that right? Okay. And then item number 16, the consent agenda. So we have reached the portion of our the business portion of our meeting. As a reminder to the community, the board understands and has Oh. Oh,

077we did already. Got it. All right. So Oh, Melissa, um, can we, um, pull and vote individually on the consent agenda items? Sure. So, whoever makes the motion for the consent agenda, please at this point, just make a motion on item 16.01. Perfect. I move to approve item 16.01, please. Second. Wait. Before the vote if you have a question for discussion. Oh, discuss. Yes. Um, I just had a question because as we go over later, we're going to be doing budget. So, um, the first item is about the secretary and the salary of the secretary. What What is the salary of the secretary? It's listed in Borox in public comment. Established salary for the secretary currently $5,000 annual. It's paid as a stipen on top of Mrs. Patton's salary um um as a executive assistant

078to the superintendent and to the board. Okay. Because I had a question because under reviewing the new budget, it said under board of education um 2310 board of education it says salaries says $1,600 one $164,098 and these are volunteer positions. So I am unclear as to whose salary that is. The that's made up of I believe just two salaries is Mrs. patent salaries and the release salary that the board picks up for the NUA release of their president. Um, okay. And then my follow-up question with that is I noticed and maybe we can go back to the budget. I was just going to is as to I just noticed that I don't know why it was listed under board of education since Mrs. Patton is essentially your assistant and not under why that's her salary

079is listed under the board of education. Mhm. Um she's the board secretary. We certainly could move that to a different area of the budget. It wouldn't change the fact that the salary we would pay is more of an accounting entry than anything else. Okay. No, that's just interesting because I do know that that the public sees this and I know I'm sure my other board members get these questions. they think we're paid and we're not. Um and and then I'll address it later on. Um because I also noticed the benefits and some of the things under the board of education services. I'm not quite sure what those are. So maybe we can pass this one. And then that would be the same thing. It would be the benefits paid for the NUA release for their

080their uh their union president and uh Mrs. Patton's benefits. Uh, and then it's 760,000 for services. What would that encompass for? Are you talking about the again the same functional area of the budget? Yeah, the board of education. It says under professional services 76. The majority of that would be made up of legal fees. The board the board hires an attorney and those fees are paid under that function area of the budget. So that is what the board of education pays. That's not the only item. There would be also be consulting fees too. The the legal fees are uh more than half of that but there are that's the majority of that cost. Are these legal fees for all areas? For all areas is yeah we'll we can address it later but having that out

081so we know could could we revisit this during the budget discussion because the agenda item is appointment secretary. Okay. Thank you. I have had a motion and a second. Please call a role. Mrs. Patton. Gerky. I. Kazminski. I. McMillan. I. Winsky. I. Kelly Black. I. Blastic. I. Kush. I. The motion passes. Item 16.01, lease agreement. Um, motion to approve item 16.02, lease agreement. Second. Oh, discussion. Yes. Melissa, um I was a little confused as to I had sent in questions beforehand that we received this Friday, this lease agreement, and I had asked my questions ahead of time to the board about when we were notified of this need. Um, I know that one of the things I keep saying during these meetings is, um, I've requested on numerous occasions to have a facilities assessment comprehensive,

082and I know we have not been able to nail down an expected time for that. But my question is this, why is it under the consent agenda, we have new board members who haven't been here even an hour? It's a lease we didn't see until Friday. and I didn't even know prior to Friday there were transportation issues. Um, so here I'll just read. Thank you for your recommendation regarding the lease agreement for 600 West 5th Avenue. While I understand the urgency of addressing our current transportation facility issue, I must express significant concern regarding the timeline and communication surrounding this matter. It has come to my attention that existing board members have only had three days to familiarize themselves with the implications of the lease and the space issue we face. Moreover, the new board members

083have had less than an hour to understand the situation which raises important questions about our ability to provide proper oversight. The practice of presenting contracts and significant decisions at the last minute limits our capacity to engage in meaningful discussion and exploration of alternative solutions. I strongly believe that we need adequate time to review such agreements, engage in dialogue, and assess our actual needs. Additionally, I would like to reiterate my concern that the superintendent Bridges has yet to present the board with a comprehensive needs assessment of the district's space requirements. An assessment that prioritizes and outlines the time outlines the timing of addressing our faculty needs is essential for informed decision-making. Without this critical information, it is challenging to evaluate the necessity of leasing additional temporary space and to consider long-term solutions effectively. I urge that

084we table this agenda item until a time that allows for a thorough review and knowledgeable input from all board members. I appreciate the administr administration's efforts to address our immediate needs, but we must also focus on long-term strategic planning and transparency. Have one quick comment. Uh just one quick comment just as a reminder to the board of education that at the October 21st, 2024 board of education meeting, the board approved a comprehensive facility facility assessment which we uh shared with the board of education that we would report back u and uh in the fall along with our normal timeline of the facility improvement recommendation. So that has come before the board. That's it. Okay. A motion and a second. Any other comments? You've already commented. Yeah, I believe I'm entitled to a second. Um, I

085just want to mention that I did ask um if this was brought up when we were made aware of this and and we weren't and it was not included in the assessments. I understand there is an overall um comprehensive facilities but what we voted on in this year did not include this. I'm just asking that as a board member we have more upside. We have more time to consider it. I don't see the lease doesn't start till July. It would be nice to at least be able to review it and have the new board members review it. Christine, Mr. Bridges, can you um just put a little context around why the lease agreement is coming up now? Didn't we encounter some issues in in the bus barn? As we we have shared with the board

086that we do have concerns with the the aging infrastructure at the bus uh facility uh and that there are a number of needs that need to be addressed. Uh we're waiting for a a permanent recommendation to come alongside other work including the capital uh facility plan as well as a comprehensive facility assessment. However, uh new needs have arisen um in terms of our ability to maintain that facility and its condition which necessitated this need to be done quickly. A facility immediately across the street from our current facility became available. Uh at least terms that were agreeable to the district because it limits it's it's for one year which allows us to have some flexibility and decisions about um where we move forward in the future with other things in mind. Thank you. Melissa. Um I

087had a couple of questions. Um so the facility is across the street. So does this if we Okay, say we approve the lease today. Does this include all buildout and all expenses associated with the lease? There's minimal work that needs to be done in the facility itself. So I don't know that there. So I don't think we need to invest. There's furniture that was there. Um so we're Mike. Yeah, there is really no buildout needed for this particular property. Thank you. And then um as far as is there going to be um something about a shuttle? Can you explain that? because it is across the street. In order to assist some of our drivers who may need assistance crossing the street, there will be a shuttle that will be provided of one of our own

088buses. Thank. Okay. Any further discussion? A motion and a second have been heard. Please call the role. Mrs. Patton. Kelly Black. Nay. Kush. I. Blastic. I. McMillan. I. Ksminsky. I. Winsky I. Gerky I. The motion passes. Okay. Um, item 17, communications. Item 17.01, board of education reports. Does anyone wish to give a brief update on something they've done in their official capacity as a board member as it relates to our committee assignments, unique events at our adopted schools or special select special district events? Amanda, I'll admit this isn't official, but I last weekend just wanted to share a quick story. I went back to my my roots in rural Ohio, Worcester, Ohio, and I was hanging out um in the community and it came up that this other person had been in Illinois. I was

089like, "Oh, I'm from Neighborville." And they're like, "Oh my gosh, I would give anything to work at Neighborville. were both special education teachers and they have the best special education. They're nationally recognized. This is amazing. We currently live in Detroit, but you guys are amazing. And then, you know, I was very, very proud. So, thank you all. You I mean, that's from Worcester, Ohio, via Detroit, via Dixon, Illinois. Um, you have such an amazing reputation. So, I just wanted to uh share that with you all. I think we have positions posted, right, Mckenry? There we go. Okay. Any other board of Joe? We had our final uh diversity committee meeting uh last week. Um it was a a great discussion. Good to be back uh on ground again and um uh we were uh we

090found out about a number of the uh events that have been going on uh in the community uh this um this semester and uh as well as uh having a chance to look at and provide feedback on some of the questions in the Panorama survey. uh going forward. Awesome. Anyone else? Okay. Item 17.02, president's report. Christine, do you have a leftover report? Nothing. Nope. Nothing left over. It's all on you. Okay. Well, I do not have a report other than to just say thank you. Um, so 17 item 17.0 03 superintendent staff school reports. No report tonight. No report tonight. Okay, moving to the next item. Item 18, discussion without action. Item 18.01 2025 2026 tenative budget presentation. Okay. Loaded in uh board docs uh available to the community is FY26 budget book uh tenative

091um draft. Um, also in there is the presentation that our CFO, chief school business official, Mike Francis will walk through in just a moment. Um, but I again recognizing uh we have uh some new board members with us this evening and for any board member it can feel like a little bit of an overwhelming daunting task to be dropped with a b budget in your lap. U but I want to note for the board again uh as well as for the community this is just the beginning of the process. Um tonight, uh Mr. Francis will uh present the budget documents. You should have received a uh copy a hard copy of that as well as to what's loaded in board docs for your review. Um we'll be requesting action later this evening to put the

092uh tenative budget on public display. Uh citizen finance adviserss are scheduled to meet May 14th. Uh our next budget workshop will be at our next board of education meeting on June 19th. We'll also have opportunity to discuss and review the budget on June 2nd and then uh have a public hearing. Further discussion and ask for board's action at June 16th. By law, board of education must adopt um the next year's budget by the end of September, September 30th. So, um our practice has been in alignment with the fiscal years. Uh questions. Once again, I think it's important uh for board members in the community um as you take your time to review all of the documents and all of the information. You may have questions come up. So, you send those questions to us. We

093will put those into a document. We will share in board docs um just to help us move the process along a little bit, but we'll be very transparent in publishing all the questions that you may may have as you go through. We received some today. Mr. Francis and his team will be working on reviewing those. Those those will be posted in the doc um the bud the first budget doc which will be shared with the board uh May 19th. So again this is just kind of the delivery of the budget the initiation of the timeline um and if you have any initial um high level questions or anything like that but we'll then continue through our conversation over the next few meetings. So Mike, thank you. Uh this evening we're presenting an overview of our

094tenative budget for the upcoming 2526 school year which I'll be referring to as fiscal year 26. Tonight starts the process for board review. There'll be a series of opportunities for feedback and questions before final approval which is scheduled for June 16th. Also included in the agenda is a copy of the tenative budget which we call our budget book. You all got a copy of this. It includes more detail in a fund by fund analysis with comparisons to last year's actuals and this year's budget figures. A school district budget serves a number of purposes and functions. Besides being a legal requirement to adopt an annual budget, the budget is a numerical reflection of the district's goals and objectives and is needed to authorize annual spending. Throughout the fiscal year, we use the budget in several ways.

095Each month, we analyze actual revenue and expense to make sure we are on track with the budget plan and if needed, make adjustments accordingly. It's also used as the basis for our five-year financial projections that the board uses to help make strategic long-term financial decisions. Our auditors also use it for variance analysis against our end ofear actual results. Finally, the budget is a plan for the receipt and expenditure of district resources. That plan is based on many things that are known on both the revenue and expense side of the budget, but also on many things that need to be estimated. For instance, we do not know for certain how much state or federal funding we will receive next year as those final numbers are not yet known. We use past practice, experience, and reasonable assumptions,

096including input from the Citizen Finance Advisors Committee on those assumptions. The budget document is inclusive of all things known and estimated. The timeline displayed ensures the district adopts its budget in time for the start of the fiscal year, which is well before the statutory deadline of September 30th. I will be reviewing the budget document later this month with the citizen finance advisors before bringing it back to the board for final approve at approval at the second board of education meeting in June. The budget process takes place year round. The district begins the planning in the fall by updating enrollment projections in the five-year financial forecast. In the spring, administration project staffing needs for the following year, as well as develops individual department budgets that include any potential new initiatives. We then present the information in

097tenative form to the board of education for additional input and feedback before final approval. The largest budget item is personnel cost which makes up over three quart threequarters of the total expenditures. The slide this slide shows the early childhood through 12th grade and district special education staffing allocation plan that was presented to the board of education in March. These staffing changes have been incorporated into the tenative budget. Also incorporated into the tenative budget are the items listed on this slide, which include two additional FTE for buildings and grounds, salary adjustments to seven existing positions, additional stipens for support staff mentoring program, leadership academy, and flag football. Finally, new K12 literacy curriculum going into effect next year is also incorporated, which will be paid over the next three budget years with the majority of that spend

098taking place in the next fiscal year. In summary, our tenative budget for next year. I'll start by reviewing the district's revenue. This pie chart displays the projected revenue by major sources. The largest piece of prop is property taxes, which makes up over 85% of the district's annual revenue. District 203 receives only 8.3% of our annual funding from a combination of state and federal sources. We recently received our tax calculations from our county clerks with the 3.4% 4% CPI and now final new construction values. Property values are estimated to property taxes are estimated to increase 11.3 million over the current budget. Final values on the tax rate and new construction are very close to the projected values we use for the adoption of the levy in December with the tax rate being slightly lower and the

099new property values slightly higher. As I presented to the at the last board of education meeting, other local revenue, including corporate personal property replacement taxes and investment income, have seen some large fluctuations over the last over the past few years. After three years of larger than anticipated distributions from the Illinois Department of Revenue for CPPRT, those annual values have come down and are projected again to fall for next year up to an additional 20%. Finally, as short-term investment rates continue to remain fairly high, while they are slightly down from a year ago, we have increased our budget for estimated investment income accordingly. Also presented at the at the last meeting were the additional challenges we may be facing with state and federal funding. The $350 million that the state is prioritized is prioritizing putting into

100the evidence funding formula only results in approximately $15,000 increase for our district. The lack of additional sufficient funding for mandated categoricals is resulting us to adjust our budget to current allocation levels. Federal revenue is also projected to be down. However, we recently got some good news regarding our Medicaid reimbursement levels just recently. Once we get a bet a chance to better understand the change, we may be adjusting our estimates back to current levels for the final version of the budget. This table highlights total revenue by fund, comparing the current fiscal year 25 budget to the tenative budget for FY26 and summarizes the dollar as well as a percent change. Through this comparison, we see the overall total revenue increase of 11.3 million or 3.3%. This table highlights total revenue by source. Also comparing the current

101year 20 fiscal year 25 budget to the tenative budget for fiscal year 26. When breaking down the revenue by major revenue source, you can see that the vast majority of the revenue change is coming from local property taxes as well as an increase in the other local line due to increases in investment income expectations. As outlined on previous slides and in detail at the last board meeting, state and federal funding is estimated to be lower next year. Total revenue is projected at 355.5 million for the upcoming year. Moving on to expenditures. This pie chart is displaying the all fund summary of projected district expenses. The pieces of the pie are the expense objects as defined by the state board of education's program accounting system. The largest by far is employee salaries and benefits that make

102up over threearters of the all district expenditures. This table summarizes the total tenative expenditures by fund as compared to the current year's budget and shows the dollar and percentage difference for each is also summarized by operating funds. Those funds that we have typically typical annual ongoing expenses. Those funds are at a $12.1 million increase or 3.5%. The all funds change which includes cost for debt service and capital construction is 23.2 2 million or 6.5% over the current budget. Please note that the capital projects fund which we reestablished two years ago for the addition at steeple run. The FY26 tenative budget includes over 22 million of estimated spendown of our fund balance for the upcoming year on projects previously approved by the board of education including the addition at Rage View, the expansion of connections and

103the work at Neighborville North. When breaking down the expenditures by major expenditure objects, salaries and benefits are planned to increase by 6.5% over the current budget. These figures incorporate all known and projected changes to staffing that have been included in the presentation as well as our employee collective bargaining agreements. Overall, this tenative budget shows expenses at $379.5 million. This slide brings revenue expenses together showing individual fund surpluses and deficits for the upcoming year and the estimated endofear fund balances. Overall, we're projected to spend about 24 million more in the upcoming year than we're projected to bring in on the revenue side. However, as previously noted, almost 20 million 21 million of the projected deficit is in is the anticipated spendown of the capital projects fund for one-time construction costs. And finally, as part of the

104public act 1020895, we're aimed to to we're required to annually disclose our fund balances. These are our fund balances through March of 2025. As Mr. Bridg has noted, uh we can take questions now or as there have been a number of questions that have been already submitted by the by the board and those will be posted in board docs before the next uh board meeting. Okay, thank you. Um, so prior to calling for questions, just as a reminder to all board members, I'll recognize each individual to ask questions or comments. As per our board agreements, we share time with other members. After each person has had a turn, we will go back around if necessary. If you ask a question, please state if you sent that question ahead of time. Please remember it is not

105in order to interject unless you have been recognized. I will take questions from the just add to that as Mr. Francis said and I said it earlier some of you have sent a couple questions in regard in advance. We do have those. Um Mike and his staff is working on responding to those and we'll post those soon. So we we have them. If there's any new questions we'll take those. Okay. New questions from the board. All I'll say is that you know I brought up bad questions. I think it'll be more efficient and effective if I just some of those were mentioned in the board ducks. I can send those ahead of time so we don't take up any more time and at today's meeting with it. Thank you. Other questions from the board. Okay,

106seeing none, I'll move on to item 18.02, 2025 2026 board meeting schedule. Okay. And uh as the board has now organized um we need to plan for the coming school year. There's a draft of recommended uh meetings um for board uh meetings for the 2025 2026 school year loaded in board docs. Um again our basic operating procedure is the first and third Monday. That doesn't always become possible due to uh holidays and other things being closed. Those are all noted with asterisks. um July uh we typically have one business meeting um and again kind of balancing between the end of this year and the beginning of the next year. So not too much time. We're looking at the recommendation on July 14th. Um September I will highlight um Labor Day often makes us move to

107the second uh or to Tuesday of the week. Uh there are five Mondays in September which allows us to again go major the second and 4th um and avoiding that Labor Day weekend. Um October, November are typical. December again uh we plan for just one meeting based just again how the calendar rolls. Second meeting there January you see there are exceptions to our meeting dates. February also for the business meeting um and the rest of the year follows normally. So what's not reflected here uh is a board um self-evaluation meeting typically especially after a reorganization and new board members work with IASB on self-evaluation. So um I am sure at some point Mr. Kush or Miss Gerky will be asking board members to check your summer calendars. Um also sometimes what happens um is we

108may request a brief meeting of the board where we could we would request that a majority that that a quorum four members are available at least uh when we have uh want to help HR processing some hires if need be. Um but again I think at this point um you re review calendars and just if there's any feedback then prior to action at the next meeting bring those questions from the board. Okay. Thank you superintendent Bridges. Um item number 19 discussion with action. Item 19.01 1 established date for public hearing and direct FY26 budget to be put on public display. Okay. The process for the adoption of the budget uh does require at least one public hearing after the ten after the tentative budget has been made available to the public for at least 30

109days. The result of that, we recommend uh that the board pass the attached resolution in board docs um order or indicating that the budget should be put on display May 9th. Um and then the budget hearing tenative budget hearing on the 16th day of June in 2025. So just for clarification, the resolution is simply to put the budget on display. That's right. Okay. Yeah. And sets the date of the public hearing and sets the date. Got it. Okay. Questions from the board? Okay. No questions. I'll take a motion. Motion to approve item 1901. Second. Motion and a second have been heard. Please call the role. Mrs. Patton. Blastic. I. Winski. I. Kelly Black. I. Ksminsky. Hi. McMillan. Hi. Gerky. Hi. Kush. I the motion passes. All right. Item number 20, new business. We have no

110new business. Item 21, old business. We have no old business. Item 22, upcoming events. As a reminder, commencement is scheduled for Sunday, May 18th, 2025. Both are scheduled for 2 p.m. Um Mrs. Patton will email tomorrow or tomorrow um assignments if you have a question about that. Um, I think we thought they had gone out, but we'll kind of let you know where those are and if you need any regalia, Mrs. Patton will also indicate on how to achieve how to receive those. Uh, and then the next meeting of the board of education is May 19th right here at 7 p.m. Okay. Item number 23, motion to adjurnn. I like I'm doing this as my first time and this is always Charles's job so I'm all excited. Motion to adjourn. Second. Motion and a second

111have been heard. Please call the role. Mrs. Patton Kelly Black I Winski I Girky I Kush I McMillan I Kazminsky I Blastic I. The motion passes. We are adjourned. Thank you.