001Um, hello everybody. Can you please rise for the pledge? >> 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 and justice for all. >> Mr. Hammer, would you please call the roll? >> John Brotherton. >> Here. >> Photo Johnson. >> I. >> Here. Here, I mean. >> Speaking of that, Mr. Hammer. >> Diana Mendoza. >> Here. >> Katie Puddit. >> Here. >> Deborah Sweat. >> Here. >> Robin Bond. >> Here. >> Okay. Pursuant to board policy um, 2.22, school board meeting procedure, there's a quorum physically present, and a board member Diana Mendoza has requested to attend the meeting remotely due to a personal illness. I make a motion to allow Diana Mendoza to participate remotely. I need
002a second, please. >> Second it. Second all. Is that what you said, 2.22, and I got it's 2.22? >> 2.220. >> Yeah. >> I vote. Um, John Brotherton. >> I. >> Robin Bond. >> I. >> Katie Puddit. >> I. >> Photo Johnson. >> I. >> Deborah Sweat. >> I. >> Okay. Um, are there any additions, corrections, or modifications that need to be made to the agenda? I make a motion to Motion to approve the agenda, removing the corrected items that this activity. >> I make a motion. >> How's that? Sorry, we have a new format tonight and I'm >> We're learning. Um can I get a second, please? >> I second. >> Voto Johnson. >> I. >> Diana Mendoza. >> I. >> Vicky Pettit. >> I. >> Owen Brotherton. >> I. >> Deborah Sweat. >>
003I. >> Robin Bond. >> I. At this time, um Mr. Majors is going to uh speak with us about recognition of retirees and introductions of the new administrators. >> Uh yes, this evening we have some celebrations to uh attend to, so we're going to go ahead and start with the recognition of our retiree that is in the building here tonight, uh Ms. Susan Blackwell. >> Woo! >> So, Susan began working at J.W. Eater Junior High School in August 2000 and has served continuously as a teaching assistant for the past 26 years. Throughout her career, she has supported students in a variety of roles, including as a special education support staff member and coordinator of the school's in-school suspension program. Susan has been known for her reliability, consistency, and unwavering dedication to students and staff. Susan
004would like to highlight that in addition to working with students, she has also worked with the Kia over the past several years to learn many things with the computers. In recognition for her of her service, a donation will be made to Alzheimer's Association in her honor and she will receive a commemorative plaque. In retirement, Susan plans to be a stay-at-home grandma enjoying her first and fifth-grade granddaughters all that comes with their schooling. Let's celebrate Susan. Yes. Congratulations. >> I don't speak, but I do want to just say thank you, and I will be missing it. >> Thank you as well. Thank you very much. Thank you so much. >> Mr. Mayor? >> All right. Now, we are going to move on to the new administrators that we'd like to recognize. And so, I have to
005have Cassie come up and talk first. So, Cassie has been hired as the behavioral MTSS specialist for the district. Cassie McConkey currently serves as a board-certified behavior analyst for RCS and will assume the newly created role of behavioral MTSS specialist for the 2026-2027 school year. Cassie brings extensive experience in behavior supports, special education, staff development, and systems-level leadership. She earned her master of education in special education from the of Illinois, Banishing A, and has recently completed her Master of Science in Educational Leadership, as well as as well as principal and special ed administrator endorsements for Eastern Illinois University. During her time with RCS, Cassie has led district efforts to strengthen functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans, provided coaching and professional development to staff, supervised registered behavior technicians, and helped build more inclusive and supportive
006learning environments for students. Her work has also extended beyond the district through conference presentations, research, and consultation with other school systems on behavior and MTSS practices. We are excited to have Cassie step into this new important leadership role as we continue to strengthen our district-wide behavioral systems and supports for students and staff. Outside of school, Cassie exists among her three teenagers, Sophia, Caleb, and Sunny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. She is obsessed with her French bulldog, Teeter, and enjoys watching true crime documentaries, tending to her chickens, and when the weather is nice, relaxing in the pool. Congratulations, Cassie. >> Good night, guys. I look forward to serving continuing to serve the students, teachers, and connecting with the families to help with the big picture of all um concerns that we have in
007the schools and community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Congratulations. Okay, our second um hire for this evening is Mr. Jason Peterson. Jason has been hired as the assistant principal of Pleasant Acres. Jason Peterson currently serves as a teacher at J.W. Eater Junior High School and brings more than a decade of educational experience to his new role as assistant principal at Pleasant Acres Elementary School. Jason earned his bachelor's degree in English with a minor in secondary education school teaching from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and recently completed a master's degree in educational leadership with a principal endorsement from Eastern Illinois University. Jason previously taught at J.W. Eater from 2018 to 2022 where he served as both an eighth grade social studies and language arts teacher mentored new staff members, supported social emotional learning initiatives, and coached
008basketball. Prior to returning to teach at J.W. Eater in 2024 Jason served as student services coordinator at Unity High School where his responsibilities included student support services, testing coordination, scheduling, and college and career planning. Jason is known for his professionalism strong relationships with students and staff and commitment to student success. We are excited to welcome him into this leadership role at Pleasant Acres. Outside of school, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, working out, playing sports, watching movies, and writing. Congratulations, Jason. >> Thank you. Uh Dr. Woods told me that I was not to have a statement tonight, but I am I'm happy to have the opportunity to make a brief statement. Um so, I came to work at Rancho School District in 2018 getting a job at Eater and um when my second child
009was born and I was in grad school, I chose to take a job at a different school because I felt that would be good for work-life balance and it was. But, you know, it turns out there's no place like Rantoul City Schools, and once things calmed down, I decided this is where I wanted to be, and so I came back to work at Ater. And um now I have this opportunity to step into a leadership role at Pleasant Acres, so I definitely want to say that I love Rantoul City Schools. I appreciate the opportunity to have worked here already, and I especially appreciate the opportunity to step up into a leadership position, and um I take seriously the responsibility to do the best that I can to contribute in whatever way I can to um
010our success as a district. Thank you. >> Right here? >> I've got a lot. Thank you. >> At this time, we are going to Sorry. Getting used to this. At this time, we are going to move into public comment. We have one public comment for this evening. Um Miss Janet Brotherton. Um I don't see you. Oh. There you are. >> I've got to start the timer. >> Okay. 3 minutes, right? Okay. So, I'm back for my annual get to you because our students are all here, and I want to acknowledge the contributions of not just the high school, but all of the feeder schools because without them, we couldn't accomplish what our seniors did this year, along with all of our other uh classes. We uh Pat, you can look through here and you can
011see the number of, uh, recognitions that were made. The seniors generated $810,000 in scholarships. Um, they, and if you see here, there's diversity in the scholarships and the accomplishments. There was just an amazing, uh, turnout for parents and the, uh, community to support them. And again, it doesn't happen in 9, 10, 11, 12. It happens when they're 5 years old and all the way up. So, we have a debt of gratitude to all of the educators and the community and the administrators that support these kids all the way through. Uh, there was a couple of things that, um, were pretty special. Not that they're All the kids are special, but one of the students that was a, uh, exchange student of the month actually went through, came into our high school on an IEP. And
012was able to just create a a very good learning experience for herself and then she was able to achieve at a really high level. The other thing is that we have students, as we know, that have a lot of adversity in their lives, face a lot of things, a lot of issues. Last night, three of our seniors had lost their parents. One is a freshman, one a year ago, and one two days ago. And so, they were there and I'm sure their parents were looking down on them and they were very proud of their accomplishments. You see, that's that's why they we there. So, anyway, what to say great again, we are very grateful for all of the assistance and we're grateful that we can hopefully continue to have good relationships. So, thank you very
013much. >> You have 2 and 1/2 minutes. >> Now, we are moving on to board superintendent comments. Does anybody want to go first? >> I would like to address Ms. Palmer's statements that she made specifically about me during public comments at the April 4th meeting. Ms. Palmer stated that she was taken aback by some of my comments. She then went on to quote things I said during the February board meeting. Ms. Palmer is 100% correct. I went back and listened to the February board meeting and I did say, are we not vetting teachers correctly? I wonder if the teachers we hire can handle the kids we have. If we don't have the correct people to handle these kids, we are doing a disservice to these kids. The these kids I was referring to in that
014speech were our special needs, poverty, and trauma children, which as everyone knows is most of our district. What Ms. Palmer left out when she quoted me was that I also said, there's got to be a way for these things to be handled. It's not fair when we have kids cussing teachers out. Then I referred to Ms. Rita and how she is in the audience often speaking about our low reading scores. I then asked questions like, is it the fault of the teachers? Is it the kids? Are parents not doing enough? Are children not disciplined enough? I asked if the board was doing their part. Do we not have the correct policies and procedures in place? I then stated how we needed to work together as a community to make this work. I do question if
015we are vetting our teachers correctly. However, I'm not questioning this because I think the onus is on the teachers. I think the onus is on admin to vet the teachers correctly. I'm a project manager and one of the questions I was asked repeatedly in my interviews was, "Do you have a problem telling people in higher positions than you that they're doing something wrong or to stop doing something?" I was asked this question because as a project manager, my job requires me to speak truth to people in authority and to ask hard questions. I wouldn't be a good fit for the position if I didn't have that type of personality. It is the same thing with the teachers we hire for RCS. If a recent grad is interviewing at Mahomet, Unity, Urbana, Rantoul, and St. Joe,
016those districts differ greatly. It is up to us to let teacher the teachers know what our district is like and to be honest during an interview. A person cannot make a sound decision if they aren't given all the information. I think we have a serious problem at RCS district district 137 that needs to be addressed. I don't think the problem will be solved quickly. The responsibility does not lie with just one group. If there is a breakdown in administration or the board, students, parents, or curriculum, it affects all of us. We must stop playing the blame game. We need to listen to each other and turn our words into action. Poor communication is the downfall of so many things that could break. After listening to the board minutes again, I heard how someone could become
017confused at what I was saying. It was painful for me to listen to. I'm not good at public speaking yet. But I will get better because I want people to hear and understand what I'm saying. I want to clearly articulate my thoughts and opinions because I don't like my words being taken out of context. However, if they are taken out of context and spoken about publicly, I don't mind following up publicly to set the record straight. If anyone ever has any questions about something I have said, please feel free to reach out to me. I don't mind setting up time to discuss things. I can be reached directly by email at [email protected] or by phone 217-202-9654. Thank you. >> Ms. Pennant? Next. >> Just have a couple of items. Um nothing to generate a discussion
018or a presentation. Um I remember a year ago taking this seat. Uh during that meeting in April, there was a um we entered into a new contract with uh First Student. And I'm just wanting to ask um is there a future meeting plan to sit down with First Student to discuss some of the issues I've seen on Facebook. Um Buses being late. Um for pickup, drop-off. Parents and community members talking about um behavioral issues at the bus stop and on the bus. I've seen a few concerns myself. Uh that I haven't addressed to you yet. Um so I was just wondering is there going to be a meeting follow-up to try to get some of these things corrected over the summer so we have better results next school year. >> Yes. So I reached out
019to the regional manager Chris Coyle and requested a meeting. Um earlier this week. >> Okay. Appreciate that. Um the other thing I wanted to mention and no response now but hopefully it could be addressed not until of the fall because that's when the report cards come out the end of October 1st of but um Give me a second here to pull it up and I apologize. There was an article of the Illinois Policy Institute. Are you familiar? Um They brought out an article in April about their changing some of the rankings and ratings regarding of the report card that will impact how the results are as we know that they've lowered of the standard test scores. Um and now they're looking at what is it? Renaming, reframing chronic absenteeism, looking at attendance so it doesn't
020negatively affect um the scores. They're not um grading on a curve anymore. It's going to be more fair, equitable, transparent the performance of the schools and what they said about 75% of the schools right now end up in the commendable and that's going to be changing as well. Uh so I was just wondering if we're aware of that. Has there been any discussion? Uh >> What you're saying like this uh >> Actually of the Illinois Policy Institute. Uh And then that ties into the last thing. I want to thank just people here but the community members the public for reaching out to me. That's where I get a lot of these articles because the people in the community want sending them. They have questions. They want me to find out answers and I feel compelled
021as an elected official to represent who represents the people to follow up and get information back to them and or direct them to the proper resource. So, I just want to say thank you. I appreciate you reaching out to me with your questions, concerns, information you want to share with me. Keep it coming. I may not respond directly to your email, respond back, but I am reading and I'm taking notes, and I'm asking questions. So, thank you. And continue doing it. I look forward to it. Thank you. >> John? Just us? >> I'll just have one brief thing. I just wanted to say to our students that are graduating and going to RTHS, that is a big step. We are very proud of you. Um we hope you have a lovely best or educational um
022experience at RTHS. Um we know they'll take good care of you. And um we really wish you well on your next journey. And to all of our teachers that got them this far, I want to say thank you um from the bottom of my heart because you are appreciated. Um you might not feel it some days when that's really hard in the classroom, but you are definitely appreciated. So, and to all of our returning students, we can't wait to see you next year. >> Like 2 months. >> Oh, wow. 1 month. >> Yeah. >> I just wanted to mention um Ader's band that went to state. I didn't even know that a band go to state. And then my sister was like, "Well, didn't you go to state for course? No, he didn't. Um, so
023I just wanted to to congratulate Mr. Pillow and his bands for going to state. It was great to see. >> Okay. Uh, Ms. Mendoza, do you have anything? >> I wanted to say something to Mr. Peterson. Can you guys hear me? >> Yes. >> So, um, I remember him when he first started at RCS cuz he was my son's teacher. And um, I will never forget the fact that my kid will come home and just, you know, just talk about how he enjoyed his class and everything he did for all the students. And I can honestly say that special teachers like him build special kids because I consider my kid as a special kid like he just, you know, um, took everything in that every admin, you know, every teacher at RCS and RTHS taught
024him and he just, you know, just succeeded. So, I am very excited to see Mr. Peterson in this new role. Um, and we are very lucky to have him. Thank you for everything you do for all our students. >> Thank you, Diana. It was a joy teaching him as well. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, Diana. >> That's all I have. >> Thank you, Diana. I think you can go. >> Um, yes, thanks. Um, I also wanted to speak about Mr. Peterson myself. Um, and I completely agree with what, um, Mr. Major read about him, about, um, someone that will come in and and do his job the way he feels. Um, I dealt with you also on a personal base because because I actually had a son at the time that's that you have and
025you still do that. And as a as a teacher and a person, not only at Rantoul City Schools, but when I see you at other places and other things, you always treated me with respect. And you always did everything you possibly could to help my son succeed. And thank you very much for that. And I thank you. Um, you're going to be a blessing at um the PA as a AP. So, thank you very much. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. >> You know, I'll just, you know, this for this this meeting and I the board knows this is superintendent comments. I put them in the packet as a memo for your advance. So, uh and then I did add in the reference for other people so follow up to some questions that were asked
026last month. But I'm not going to sit here and read it to you. But if you did have questions, go for it, but otherwise I'm good to work. >> Okay. Okay. So, next we will move on to the consent agenda items. Um Does anybody Oh, this is where I read. I'd like to make a motion to Wait. To approve the consent agenda including including personnel report as submitted with the stipulation that each individual is required to comply with all requirements of new hires as indicated in the Illinois statutes and RCS board policy and procedure including ratification of bills prepaid by the finance manager under board policy. I think I skipped the part where I asked you if there's anything in the consent agenda. Um Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I'm having a moment today.
027Okay, so I make the motion for ratification of the bills prepaid by the finance manager under board policy 4.50. Can I get a second? Deborah Sweat. >> Hold on Ms. Kennedy. >> discussion that we need to have before she votes on the vote. >> Okay, go for it. >> Thank you. >> Deborah Sweat. >> Dorothy Johnson. >> Aye. >> Diana Mendoza. >> Aye. >> John Brotherton. >> Aye. >> Robin Bond. >> Aye. >> Vicky Carter. >> Aye. >> Now we're going to want to jump ahead to page 26. >> Ms. Kennedy. >> Um on page 26 we have new action that's the approval of the establishment of a special board committee for the student equity group. Can I get a motion to approve the establishment of a special board committee for student equity? >> So
028you need a motion? >> I need a motion. >> Or a second. >> I'll second. >> I'll make a motion. >> Okay. >> And I'll second. >> Sorry, I didn't hear you Ms. Kennedy. >> I'm sorry. >> It's okay. >> I'm sorry Ms. >> I'm having a day today. >> Okay. >> So call the >> Is there any discussion that needs to take place on this social equity committee? Or student equity committee. >> John Brotherton. >> Aye. >> Deborah Sweat. >> Aye. >> Dorothy Johnson. >> Aye. >> I Vaughn, I. Diana Mendoza, Diana? >> I. >> And Mickey Cutlip, >> Information items? All right. Information items. Um, for your requests? Do we have any discussion that we can have on the information items? If we have any questions you want to ask? Okay. Well, we'll
029move on from the information items. In that case, I would like to make a motion to adjourn the meeting. That's all we have. >> Second it. >> All right. All we have it. Mr. Brotherton, >> I. >> Mickey Cutlip, >> I. >> Deborah Swett, >> I. >> Robin Vaughn, >> I. >> Diana Mendoza, >> I. >> Laura Johnson, >> I. >> Thank you, everyone. >> Okay. >> Learn about the governing process. >> Done. >> I have no idea how to turn this meeting off. What is