001I'll call this meeting to order. Jackie, roll call. >> Here. >> And now 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. >> And now we'll move into public comment. Jackie, do we have any public comment? >> No. >> Having no public comment, we'll move on to board correspondence. [snorts] Do we have any correspondence from the board? >> One thing. >> Um today uh which is good that uh we these numbers in advance. I contacted the township and one of my favorite topics, the multiplier numbers are in 2 months earlier than usual. Usually, we don't see these numbers until August, but they're available in June. These are numbers that
002are from the Illinois Department of Revenue. Basically, every home within particular township is assessed a multiplier. Last year, the multiplier was 9.51. This year, at least for DeKalb Township, this year it's 8.44. Still a bit higher than I like in terms of but most of the townships within the school district boundaries are within a more narrow range, which is good, which means when we pass the tax levy later this year, everybody's taxes can be a little more even. The one thing I do want to keep in mind with that number of 8.44, which is our number, that means if you have a $200,000 home, your taxes will be based on a property value of $217,000 when property taxes are calculated for your bills you're going to get next year. Now, the issue with this is
003and you hear many taxing bodies, including ours, all say or try to keep their tax levies in terms of the percent increase to the same level as last year in terms of the rate. If we do that, if you if you have a $200,000 home, you will see an increase of 8.4%, which in the case of an average home within our district, within let's say the city of DeKalb, if you have a $4,000 tax bill to the district, you will see an increase of $340. Now, I bring this up because last year, or more recently, we all got our tax bills and we had probably the highest increase that I've witnessed in terms not only the district, we weren't the only ones guilty, but every taxing body between 10% and 12% taxes went up. So,
004we since we have these numbers earlier and we're going to be approving the budget later this year, I would really like to have this board take a look in greater detail at the budget along with administration to see what our true needs are when it comes to the budget versus what our wants are. I don't want to see taxpayers with another tax bill of an increase that we've seen this year. So, I would really like to see what our priorities are with the district and the board to look at these numbers to see what we really need, what we can maybe do without, so we don't have a tax burden like we did this go around. So, anyway, just thought I'd let you know that we have a little more time to look at these
005numbers since we have these multipliers in from the county. So, I got these today. So, 8.44% is the multiplier for Dekalb Township. Thank you. >> Chris, uh wanted to add um my thoughts about the One Barb Golf Outing. Uh it was a heck of a lot of fun. Um Peter, I would have just struck it just a little bit different. I would have got you on that hole. >> [laughter] >> But, it was a lot of fun. Hopefully, a lot of money was gained from that. Um it was a good pick up with very short notice under the circumstances, but uh great to continue that tradition even though it was the first One Barb uh golf outing. >> So, I guess just to give some extra context to that. First, want to thank Emily Weller
006and Peter Golf because I mean they were really the force behind a lot of it. Also, if I'm not mistaken, we raised over $15,000 for the foundation on Friday. So, one of the most successful golf outings we've ever done and this was kind of our first year of figuring out what are we doing after everything kind of changed last year. So, I'm really looking forward to us breaking 20,000 next year. Peter, I still expect you to be there. >> I work till June 30th. >> Oh, then God bless. You'll be there. Some other important kind of quick things to go through. July 21st will be our next board meeting because we canceled the first one in July. So, you guys we've got more than a month before we all get to come and hang out
007again here. So, just >> [laughter] >> Also wanted to just thank the city real quick. Fun Jam went to that earlier today at Welch Park. Truly phenomenal job that they've done out there. Got to see a lot of familiar faces from Mitchell Elementary. So, that was a lot of fun. Just want to remind everyone that they do do those across the city. So, they also have one at Lions Park and I believe Liberty Park that they do. So, just something to kind of look forward to. For the board for some housekeeping, we are still trying to find a time where we can all get together to do a board retreat with the incoming superintendent next month. So, I'm probably going to be sending out an email after this meeting to kind of coordinate with all
008of you on a time where we can all get together so that we can kind of make sure that like you talked about Mark, we can figure out what are our priorities as a board and strategize that. Our IASB meeting still we're trying to reschedule cuz once Laura left IASB, that put us on trying to reschedule again. So, and those schedules fill up fast. So, we'll get to that when that comes in. Besides that, that's everything I have for board correspondence. Does anyone else have anything? Hearing nothing else, we will move into the consent agenda. But before the consent agenda, we will be amending 3C personnel report. We will be removing the admin stipends that are listed on page two since we already approved these at the April 7th board meeting. And then for the
009consent agenda, it's recommended the board of education approve the consent agenda items 3B through 3J, board minutes from June 2nd, 2026, personal action items as amended, purchase order requisitions, payroll for May, accounts payable for June, financial reports, NIU agreement for the DeKalb-Sycamore football game, employment contract for the Dean at Clinton Rosette Middle School, the employment contract for the assistant principal of student services and operations at DeKalb High School as presented and/or amended. >> So, moved. >> Second. >> Jackie, roll call. >> Mike Eitwood. >> Yes. >> Steve Rylander. >> Yes. >> Tracy Johnson-Groh. >> Yes. >> Cristy Chandler-Boyd. >> Yes. >> Mark O'Malley. >> Yes. >> Moving into presentations and recognition, we're going to talk about the NSPRA awards in District 428. Is there someone who's going to speak to that? To really talk about
010how great Rita is. >> We don't need to do that. Um >> Then said he wants to. >> Well, I can if I'd like if I may give some Come up to the >> [laughter] >> Um I'd like to be able to uh first of all, just kind of take everybody down memory lane on how important and impactful bringing on um Rita into the communications role has been for the district to make sure that number one, that the story is told, that it's clear of how well the district has been doing, and then of course, what our strategies are and what the goal is going to look like in the future. Uh Rita has changed our presentation, has made us look more professional, and because of all the hard work that she's done with everything
011that we've been able to um uh claim and and do in the work that we've done, Rita and her team have uh both can bolster that they've won some awards. And um we've won a few Last year we won a few, this year we're back, uh we're winning a few more, and so I'd like Rita to speak on her behalf and her team's behalf on those awards. >> Absolutely, just briefly. Um Mitchell gave us a wonderful opportunity. There was a story built in there with uh Dr. Mitchell and him being here and present with us. So, of course we grabbed that opportunity. So, uh um we maintain membership with the National School Public Relations Association. Uh it's an an avenue for us to do a lot of professional development and get network with peers across
012the country. They offer these awards every year and I don't submit nationally every year, but I I did this year because of again we had such an impactful and powerful uh story with Dr. Mitchell. So, that is what you saw in your report. Um it was very well received. I'm proud of that work. I was able to work with our graphic partner who's a graduate of the high school and now a graphic designer for the University of Florida. He's done phenomenal work with us and been a good partner. Uh the some of the things that you see in this room with Conway Graphics. Uh and then also with uh Milo Besanti Gonzalez who is a very talented videographer. So, when collaboration with those folks, we were able to put out some really nice products that
013again were recognized at a national level on a panel that said, "You all did good work." So, I'm grateful for the opportunity and very excited that we have that for us. >> So, I would like to thank you publicly. SO, EVEN YOU KNOW, THESE AWARDS are fantastic and what that continues to do is continues to put DeKalb D428 on the spotlight across the country. And because they see and hear us when we're presenting, when we're talking as all of you are. And all of the work, the great work that this district does, it then it it functions this this um this work that teacher that Rita does functions us even further so that everybody gets to see it. Everybody understands it and really does understand what our work does. So, definitely although Rita and her
014team put us out there, couldn't be done with all of you of course. So, thanks to everybody for making sure that we're doing the work and then for Rita making us look fantastic at while we're doing it. Thank you so much. >> If you ever have any branding questions, you all know where to find me. You know what to do. Thank [applause] you. >> Thank you. >> All right, moving into old business. And it says item B on the agenda, but it is item A. YMCA Before and After School Program is recommended Board of Education approve the MOU as attached for the 2026-2027 school year. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Jackie, roll call. >> Jose Jacquez. >> Yes. >> Christopher Boyce. >> Yes. >> Mark Sherwood. >> Yes. >>
015Nick Atwood. >> Yes. >> Steve Byers. >> Yes. >> Item B. RTM conference requested is recommended Board of Education approve attending the RTM conference. Do I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Jackie, roll call. >> Christopher Boyce. >> Yes. >> Mark Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Nick Atwood. >> Yes. >> Steve Byers. >> Yes. >> Jose Jacquez. >> Yes. >> All right, and before we vote on the press plus release, there are just three questions that we have to go through. They're questions that already just have an answer. We just have to get consensus to put down the correct answer. First question is some attorneys find the open meeting act posting requirements for special meetings to be unclear and recommend that the board post notices and agendas of such meetings at the district's
016main office and at the location where the meeting is to be held. Long story short, we already do that. If we host a meeting at the high school like we do for retirement every year, we post it here and we post it at the high school. So, we just need to get consensus to vote yes that we do both. So, do I have consensus? >> Yes, that we do both. >> Question number two is that do we take a roll call vote on all action items? We do. So, do we have consensus that we do that? >> Yes. >> And the last question is essentially just stating do we have 50 or more employees? We do have more than 50 employees. So, do we have consensus to say that we have 51 or more employees?
017>> Yes. >> All right. Do I have a motion to vote on press plus? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Jackie, roll call. >> Mark Sherwood. >> Yes. >> Nick Atwood. >> Yes. >> Steve Byers. >> Yes. >> Jose Jacquez. >> Yes. >> Christopher Boyce. >> Yes. [clears throat] >> All right, into new business. Item >> six or item A, 2026-2027 unaffiliated salary and benefits. This is information presented by Director of Human Resources, Teacher Salas. >> And my friend Armir, if there are questions that pertain to the financials. So, the document that's before you, um, we bring to you annually, um, for your approval for the unaffiliated benefits as related to our unaffiliated benefit staff. This year the changes are very few, so I'll go through those with you. On the board, um, agenda item,
018it is attached and the changes are in yellow. In the first box, category A, the only thing that's changed is titles of positions. Um, so I updated the title for Director of Student Services to Director of Student and Family Services. Looks like I missed a space, so I will fix that and put that in. Um, and then what was previously updated, but I just want to reiterate, is the Director of Innovation and Improvement. I need to put a and in there. Um, then if you look over at category F, in that same line, I updated it to add the Assistant AD position, Assistant Athletic and Activities Director, because that previously was not included on this document. The only other change you will see under TRS {slash} this, t h i s, member contribution paid, and
019that is for categories A through E, and for any of those, uh, individuals that contribute to TRS, we updated the language just to clarify it. And what it means is for our individuals that are tier two members of TRS, there's a cap to how much can, um, be contributed, but the district, um, is committed to fulfilling that obligation to match what happens with our tier one employees. We have very few at this point that have reached that cap level. We have three. Um so, this is not necessarily a change, but it's a update to the language. Any questions I can answer? >> I got some for Armir, maybe he'll be able to answer these. I went back and looked at what the board approved last year and then back in 24-25 and back in 24-25
020the annual increases were CPI uh limited to maximum allowed for the levy calculation. Why did we change that from 24 to 25 from to 25-26 to 5%? 5% seems exceptionally high to me, so >> That was actually a recommendation from the board. Initially, it was brought by administration by Dr. Garcia-Sanchez, brought to the board. The board then had a variety of questions, specifically, why does everybody get the same increase and why isn't that tied to um performance or um merit-based. So, they asked us to go back to the drawing board, look at the proposal, and make it associated with uh performance. And that's what the board requested. We brought it back and the board approved it. >> So, there's nothing that would stop us this time from perhaps going back to the 24-25 CPI level.
021Cuz CPI is 2.9%. I think setting 5% across the board is a little problematic and it sets somewhat of a precedence here. I'm not sure um if how the rest of the board feels about this, but I and I I'm just uncomfortable with the 5% overall, so I'm not sure if there's any other discussion, but I don't know if we can look at that or do we have to approve this tonight? >> It's on for information. >> Okay. >> Up to 5%, right? It's not just a 5% across the board, so it's based on merit. So, they be have to be reviewed, [clears throat] performance reviews, and all that. >> Yep, based on performance evaluation, um uh sum summative. >> Mhm. >> Just so that I understand the first wave, I guess, of the contracts
022where hey, this was the 5% deal based on your merit, we've already gone through for this year, correct? >> Correct. >> This is for the next >> Right. >> Correct. Yep, this is for year 2026-2027. So, next year, um most people, except for the new people that were hired this year, most people are on their second year of their 2-year contract. So, then it would >> Okay, so >> This is recommending being the same. >> would be the first school year where most of admin that signed the 2 years would then be reentering another 2 years. >> Most, not all, but most. >> But it that that would be the proper space for the board to probably reanalyze it then so that admin didn't enter a contract on a verbal agreement that the board then
023decides to change, I guess, is what I'm more thinking. >> But the word most, we're going to focus on that because as we've hired people this year, um because what is approved for this year is a two 2-year contract. So, there are people that were hired this year that will be on a 2-year contract for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. >> Okay. >> So, just to I mean, go back to what Nick said, up to 5%. >> Up to, mhm. >> Let's say financially, worst-case scenario, everybody gets 5%. Um retention, worst-case scenario, no one gets any raise and everyone gets zero, and that would still fulfill what the requirement is. What >> No, because there's a structure. >> No, no, I'm just saying is that because it's up to 5%, it if for For reason everyone just
024has a really bad year. >> Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. >> Or if everyone has a great year. >> Yeah. >> There's nothing saying everybody gets five or everybody gets zero. Everybody's individual and the highest they can go is five and the lowest they can go is zero. >> it. >> Okay. >> You got it. >> And we able to look at these numbers based on revenues available. Let's say we take a major tax hit or something like that. Are we forced to go with the 5%? >> No. >> So at the point that the board approves it, it is what the board has approved unless the board brings that agenda item back and makes different recommendations and approvals, then it is what the board has approved. >> We don't have any estimate and I know
025with it in your initial letter it said cost to be determined. Let's say everybody got the 5% across the board. What would that amount to in terms of an added cost to the budget and to the tax? >> So the reason it says to be determined because it's not just salary or increases. It includes all benefits, everything that's associated here. So we don't know how to calculate that um because it's not just the annual increases, it's what people elect for their insurance benefits, it's what's paid um on behalf of individuals for TRS and uh T TRS, THIS and IMRF, um the usage of sick days, those that declare retirement and get a 6% increase. So there's so many different factors and so many staff members, we don't know how to predict to calculate that. >>
026Do we have any estimate of since this was passed last year of what it cost us this year? >> Um we don't have >> I know I don't I don't mean to throw another question at you. >> No, that's okay. We don't readily have that available. That's something we could work on, but we don't >> I'd be curious to see what it cost us from last year to this year, so. >> Okay, we can work on that. >> But teacher of the again going back to my scenario you know, everyone gets five. If we were in a a budget situation and before that memo that came up two weeks ago comes up to us, >> Mhm. >> you know, we give the direction saying, "Hey, our our budget cannot handle it. The biggest rock star
027can only get a 3% raise." It just That's That's all we can handle. That's We're still following the guidelines that we're approving with this. >> If that's what the board comes back and approves, it's what has been approved by the board. >> Right. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> And we can verify that with our legal counsel as well, but that's my understanding. >> Seeing [clears throat] as we don't have any other comments or questions. >> I don't know this would be the appropriate place to motion for an amendment, but that 5% number just hits me hard. Uh I don't know if there's any interested anybody has any interest in lowering that amount to perhaps 4%. So, I'll set that out there as a motion, whether I get a second or not, that's up to the
028rest of the board, but >> Can you state the motion just so Jackie can >> The motion is to instead of the wording that says up to 5%, up to 4%. >> Did you get that, Jackie? Okay. >> Cuz five It It's 5% to me at 2.9% CPI is almost double of the cost of inflation right now, so >> We have a motion on the table. Is there a second? Hearing no second, the motion dies. Do we have consensus to bring this back? >> Yes. >> No. >> Yes. >> All right. So, we'll bring it back. Item B, National Science Teaching Association 2026. This is presented to us by Sarah Shafer and Amy Broadcourt. >> [clears throat] >> I had a brain fart. >> Hello. So, we are coming here today to request to bring
029along total of six uh participants to the National Science uh Teachers Association conference. It's in Indianapolis November 5th through the 7th. Um we would be needing to it the conference itself is it's on a national level, so it's got hundreds of workshops, breakout sessions, exhibits, networking, a bunch of opportunities for our It's our high school science teachers to really engage. Um they have not gone in 4 to 5 years, so we would be able to bring them along and get some great ideas and uh have them share out to their colleagues. >> Does anyone have any questions? >> I attended the NSTA conference when I was a teacher about a decade ago, and I think it is a very worthwhile conference. I brought a lot back and I thought it was great, so. >> Thank
030you. >> I agree. >> You put in transportation You put in transportation costs and obviously I mean it's Indianapolis, so you don't need to fly them. Are you taking a BART bus or Everyone's taking their own vehicles? >> So, I think there's going to be two drivers. >> Thank you. >> Mhm. >> All right. >> Do we have consensus to bring this back? >> Yes. >> Item C, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents summit. This is presented by Director of Teaching and Learning, Billy Reynolds. >> Good evening, everyone. Let me click on it here. >> Howdy, howdy. >> So, I had the opportunity, thank you to Dr. Garcia Sanchez, to attend this conference in Chicago last October. And it was first time I had I had ever attended. I have to tell you it was
031one of the turning points of why I decided and giving me the confidence to be able to apply to be the future superintendent here in District 428. Um, there was quite a bit of professional development. You can see here that paragraph that as I continue growing my leadership journey, that is really what I like to go and learn. Um, registration is free because I filled out a survey um, feedback form and I got a free registration. So, that's good. Um, but everything else I I have we have to pay the or the district would pay the expenses out of title two, um, which comes to a total of 1,740. Um, Mr. Byers, I know you don't like us to go alone, but um, you know, if if you're open [snorts] to me finding somebody who
032maybe would be a good candidate to I just don't have any more Latino administrators, but doesn't mean that they can't go. Um, it's just um, it'd be a great opportunity for somebody maybe coming up the pipeline wanting to be a future superintendent to come along, but I did just put this in for myself, but if you want me to explore, I most definitely will explore um, to have somebody else attend. >> Um, I do, of course. I guess just a question and this is probably less a question for you, maybe more a question for you and Deidra. For how the contract is actually laid out with the superintendent, is the superintendent I guess required to come before the board to get permission to go or is it just for the contract agreement to inform the
033board president that they'll be out? >> So, our past practice has been all out-of-state travel comes before the board and because there's an expense, the expense, um, the contract says that you'll pay it, but we're fully transparent. >> Okay. Does anyone have any other questions? Do Do have consensus to bring this back? >> Yes. >> Consensus to bring it back to see if somebody else >> See if we can get another one. Anybody? >> Oh. >> The question is do we have money in the title grant for >> We do. >> Because when you learn all this stuff, you got to bounce ideas off people, you know? You got to You got to digest and it's better when you have another brain. >> All right, so >> Can I make the suggestion [clears throat] that
034we bring we >> No. >> I I wouldn't mind going, but it's I'm that's not that's not an appropriate >> expenditure >> I would qualify for the fund. >> I'd say that that we can adjust next meeting if you find somebody and make that decision, we can move to add that person. >> Okay. >> There's no need to bring it back again and then yet again. >> Okay. >> Yes, I filled out the survey. >> We hope that everybody would be okay. >> I'll make sure that person fills out >> So, do we have consensus that Billy is okay to add an additional person if he can find one? >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you, Billy. >> Thank you, everyone. >> Item D is the NEDC National Executive Directors Council National Convention 2026. Due
035to timing, this is information and action brought to us by Director of Athletics and Activities Peter Goff. >> Good day, everybody. It won't cost us anything. >> [laughter] >> That's great. >> Take my word >> Do I have a motion? >> Uh I would go to Denver, though. I'll go out to Denver. I got nieces and nephews. >> I have a second. >> Second. >> Jackie, roll call. >> [laughter] >> Yes. >> C Byers >> Yes. >> Jose Jacquez >> Yes. >> Mr. Boyce >> Yes. >> All right. Before we move into superintendent update, got two things. First one, just want to congratulate Elise who is now moved from being in a dean of students to assistant principal at the high school after today's meeting. So, congratulations. >> [applause] >> And then, I'm sure as
036many of you are aware this is going to be your last meeting with us, so I truly just wanted to take a very quick moment from the Board of Education and just as an individual to thank you so much for these last few years that you've given to the district. I mean, when we look at all of these people in the room and just see this is a structure and an organization that you really have built for us that has allowed us to excel in the ways that we have. And even on a personal note, when I've needed a mother to tell me I don't dress the best, you've always been there as well. So, I'm just really appreciative for the ways that you've poured into this district professionally, but also personally to enrich all
037of our lives. >> Thank you. >> So, we've got this very pretty bag and flowers and fun stuff. >> Thank you. >> You got the honorary board cutting. And now you get to talk to us. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate this, everybody. And and I I've written something that I feel like I It's best if I read it than I try to speak. >> [clears throat] >> So, good evening, president, board members, staff, family, and community members. Tonight makes my final board meeting as superintendent of the Cal- CUSD 428. As I reflect on the journey, I find myself filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve, for the relationships built along the way, and most importantly, for the children who have given purpose to every decision we make. Public education is a sacred
038trust. Every vote cast at this at this table, every budget approved, every policy adopted, and every difficult conversation ultimately comes down to one question. What does this do for children? Is this in their best interest? Over the years, I have learned that leadership is not measured by titles, buildings, awards, or headlines. Leadership is measured by whether our decisions improve the lives of students who depend on us. As board members, you are entrusted with the extraordinary responsibility. You are stewards of public resources and taxpayers deserve accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. But, I leave you with this conviction. Before we are stewards of taxpayer dollars, we are stewards of children's hopes, dreams, opportunities, and futures. The dollars matter because the children matter. Every line item in a budget represents a student learning to read, a teenager discovering
039a career path, a child receiving support that they desperately need, an artist finding their voice, or an athlete learning perseverance. We should never lose sight of the human beings behind the numbers. There's a line of thought made famous in a song many of us know. If you want to make the world better, we must first look in the mirror and be willing to change ourselves. That message applies equally to public education. Progress begins when we have the courage to ask ourselves difficult questions, challenge our assumptions, and continually seek better ways to serve our students. The future will bring new challenges. Demographics will change. Finances will tighten. Expectations will evolve. There will be moments when the easiest decision is not the right decision. In those moments, I hope this board continues to ask, "What decision creates
040the greatest opportunity for our children? What decision perseveres their dignity preserves their dignity, I'm sorry. What does What decision expands their possibilities? And if you keep students at the center, the answers will become clear. I leave this district optimistic because I have witnessed the extraordinary commitment of our teachers, our support staff, administrators, families, and community partners. I have seen people choose service over convenience and purpose over personal interest. That spirit is what makes DeKalb special. To our staff, thank you for dedicating your lives to our kids. To our families, thank you for trusting us with what matters most. To the board, thank you for your partnership and your willingness to engage in the difficult work of governance. And to our students, you have been the reason for every early morning, every late night, every challenge,
041every celebration. You are the heart of this district and the promise of the future. As I close this chapter, I do so with confidence in the work that will continue because the mission is larger than any one individual. Leaders come and go, but our obligation to children always remains. May we always have the courage to see them, hear them, believe in them, and invest in them. May we remain faithful stewards of their future. May we never forget that the future that the true measure of our success is not what we accomplish for ourselves, but what we make possible for the next generation. Thank you for allowing me the honor and privilege of serving the students, families, staff, and community of DeKalb CUSD 428. It has been my privilege of a lifetime. Thank you very much
042for everything you do. Thank you for always making me look bright and special. Because without all of you, there is no me, there is no us. So, I appreciate everything that you do each and every day. And please remember that we don't do this for anybody but for the children and our future. Thank you. And with that, I turn it back to our board president. >> [applause] [applause] >> On that note, it is recommended the Board of Education adjourn at 7:34 p.m. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor, say aye. >> Aye. >> [applause] >> Thank you everybody. Have a good night.