001body. We're going to be calling this meeting of the board of education to order. March 18th, 2026, 60:06 p.m. >> And I have a roll call. >> David Shepard, >> present. >> Rachel Marquin, present. Dr. Michael Thomas, >> present. >> O'Neal Gray, >> Lauren Dowen, >> present. Denise Jones. >> Yes. >> Michael, >> present. >> Uh, if everyone could please stand and join me 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. >> Thank you everybody. If the board of education could review the agenda in front of them and if there are no additions or deletions to be made. Uh I'd like to have a motion to approve the agenda.
002Motion to approve the agenda. Excellent. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Very good. Roll call, please. >> Dr. Michael Thomas, >> yes. >> Rachel Marquin, yes. O'Neal Gray, >> yay. >> Denise Jones, >> yes. >> David Shepard, yes. >> Lauren Dowen, >> yay. >> Michael Miller, >> yay. Excellent. All right, we're going to jump right in. Staff reports. Dr. Woodland, if you please. >> Okay, first off, we have an update from our student advisory board. And I'm going to start with the group that's presenting on PE uniforms. If you could come up here, that would be greatly appreciated. And please remember to introduce yourselves to the board. I'm Colleen Rank. >> Oh, I'm Cameron Brennan. I'm an eighth grader at Central Middle School and I'm on the student advisory board. >> My name is
003Jaden Nelson. I'm an eighth grader and I'm on the student advisory board at Central Middle School. >> All right, we're ready to hear your proposal. Our first reason is that teenagers at Central Middle School go through a lot of ghosts at this time and that can lead them to having to it's leads to them having to reby gym clothes throughout the school year and also leads to them just having to spend extra money on everything. Do we want a redo? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Well, there's always time for redoss, guys. You got this. >> Okay. These are like the three main reasons on why we think gym uniforms should get changed at Central Middle School. Teenagers at this age go through a lot of girls spirits that lead to gym uniforms having to be rebought
004throughout the school year. Our second reason is that the material from with the gym uniforms can cause people to be uncomfortable and distracted during during gym class. And our third reason is that some people may not be able to purchase the gym uniforms due to them being quite expensive. In total, the shirts are $10 and the shorts are $12, which can be kind of pricey for a gym uniform that we use every day at school. >> Mhm. Um for the first reason, if teens don't have a correct size fitting gym uniform, they may feel uncomfortable and not want to participate in gym, which can lead to a worse education environment, especially in like a physical class. Um the second reason uh as an explanation uh if you have to focus on irritable irritable material material
005then you might be distracted during gym which again creates a bad learning environment and can like not make you want to participate. The last reason is if a student cannot afford a gym uniform that will lead to them not being able to participate and it's unfair to them as other kids have a gym uniform when they can't. >> That was it. >> Great. Thank you so much. >> I have a question. >> YEAH. LOOK AT THAT. You guys did so good. First of all, >> does anyone have a design for this uniform? >> Um, so what we were thinking, I think it was actually her who brought it up in the meeting. Um, we thought that different gym classes should have different colors because in the locker room you can get your gym uniform mixed
006up really easily. Um, so I would just probably keep the same design. Like usually it's just the central logo and then your name is right here on the shirt and then your name is right here on the shorts. >> Do you think each grade level have a different >> No, each like gym class like let's say because there's usually around three gym teachers so each class has a different one. It would make it easier to differentiate your uniform. >> Question. What don't you all like about the uniform? I got the reasons why you want to change them. You know, they don't fit, cost too much, gross verse. I got What don't you What is it that you all don't like? >> Um, I think that like the gym uniforms are kind of made as like
007a co-ed. So, it's like kind of fit for like males and females. So, many people from both genders have kind of said that it's uncomfortable and that the designs are more specific to fit everyone opposed to like specific. >> Okay. So they're uncomfortable and pretty much you all just feel like they're just general regular generic kind of uniforms. You want something that pop that's more comfortable. That's >> what I also heard too if I recall was choice. Is that accurate? >> Yeah. >> Do you want to speak to that? >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I think that there should be more options for >> because right now there's only a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and a t-shirt and shorts. I think that there should be more options than just that. >> Girls really like leggings. >> I
008have a question for any of our educational professionals. >> Why do we have gym uniforms? Is it just like a hygiene reason? >> It's definitely a hygiene reason. Um, and I I have heard directly from our staff that we would still recommend and actually the students that they wouldn't like to be in the uh >> like regular streets, >> especially if you had like PE and first period. >> Yes. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you so much, GUYS. >> All right. Next, we have a group presenting out on information regarding our fifth to sixth grade transition, which also leads into our calendar that will be presented this evening. All right, come on up. Did you have a presentation that you wanted to share with us? >> Uh, it's we should have sent
009it to you. >> I'll send it to you. >> Okay. >> Wait, you're really putting me on the spot. >> You know what? You guys are really smart. Dan Lee, can you send it to Dle24.org? >> Look at that delegation. >> And who are people up here while she's signing? >> Um, my name is Talia Knight. I am in the seventh grade for student advisory board >> for Central Middle School. >> Hi, I'm Sylvia. I'm in eighth grade at Central. >> Welcome. I'm Sophia Das. I'm on the student advisory board at Central. >> Hey, Diana, are you able to present it? >> Sorry about that. Who's got their brackets done? >> Nobody. I did. I >> I'm sure I'm sure Eric has his done, too. >> Oh, hello. >> You don't do the playin games,
010huh? >> I respect that. Get the field finalized. >> Just to also provide everyone with an update, too. So these topics actually come from the students directly, but I was also very passionate about this topic. So even though they are currently seventh and eighth graders, they are passionate about making sure our transition from fifth to sixth grade is as smooth and solid as possible. There we go. >> Good. >> It was worth the wait. Very nice. >> Uh, >> ready. We're ready. >> Okay. Incoming sixth grade orientation. >> Uh, for backgrounds, as a student advisory board, we want incoming sixth grade students to feel welcome at Central. This transition from elementary school to middle school can be very overwhelming and scary for kids. We want them to feel comfortable with their transition and provide them
011with extra support. We want to be very positive and encourage students so that they want to attend CMS. Those students need to be as prepared as possible. So, we are recommending a sixth grade orientation day. >> Orientation day. For this day to happen, the incoming sixth graders will be the only ones in the building the first day of school. The rest of the students will come in on the following day. >> Things happening that day. Incoming sixth graders will start the day in advisory and travel to all their classes, practice their locker combinations, and we will educate students about the hectic schedule and hallway crowding. And lastly, we will talk to students about procedures like hallway lunch and how important it is to wear their ID. >> How crowded all are those hallways? >> It
012seems something I noticed this year is the seventh grade class and the sixth grade class is very large. So, we have to like like Mr. Murphy's classroom is used by sixth graders and eighth graders which have a really large grade. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Some things that could get students excited about school is talking to them about athletics, clubs, and activities that we provide at Central. Um, popsicles and ice cream on Fridays, which we already usually have in the lunchroom. Allocart options. Allocart is it's basically this tall cart in the lunchroom that at the end of lunch they flip it around and it has chips, fruit rollups, stuff like that that's available to purchase. Um, fun Olympics, it's a PBIS incentive. Um, basically they have it. It's once a year >> and if you don't
013have any type of like suspensions or detentions or anything like that, you can go in the gym, either stay in the bleachers or play the games that are provided. Um, culture night, I don't know that much about culture night, but I think isn't it at Southeast? >> We had culture night at the middle school. We had Black History Month at Southeast. That's probably what you're thinking of. >> Um I think that's really important because it makes I mean evergreen's already fairly diverse and I think that really does create a safe environment for everybody in the community come. Um the Gr just something kind of fun during like the winter season. Um field trips. We have a lot of fun ones for eighth graders as long as you don't have any type of suspensions or I
014think it's just suspensions in schools or out of schools. At the end of the year, eighth grade goes to Great America. And then seventh grade has Springfield, which I thought was super fun. We got to go and see like uh Lincoln's Old House and Tomb and stuff like that. And then of course the assemblies. We just had someone come in from the high school. I can't recall his name, but he talked about mental health and everything and he was really interactive with everybody and I thought that was really important too. >> Also suggested by our student advisory board. >> Um I hope the administration board will consider making this transition possible for these incoming sixth graders. Um honestly I think no one can truly be prepared for middle school. It's just I mean it's a
015difficult transition, but everyone gets a hang of it eventually, but I think this would really help out those incoming sixth graders. Thank you. >> Thank you so much, guys. Excellent job. Very well done. I love the branding. You picked green. >> So impressive. All right. Thank you to our student advisory board members. We'll definitely follow up with you. And of course, you have the freedom to leave. You're welcome to stay, but of course, grab a cupcake on your way out. >> All right. Next, we have our review of our audit. And so, Eric, are you gonna introduce her? >> There he is. No need. >> Hi, Bear. How are you? >> Hello. even I do have to say before I start warms my heart that there's so many people interested to hear about the school
016district's audit >> right >> see you go through every page >> um so my name is McKay Thorp audit principal and Aean um I can say um it was another successful audit um and that's only due to all the hard work that Eric um and his team does throughout the year. Um you know, we come in and their day-to-day job doesn't end. Um we essentially add more stress to their plate and asking for support to be pulled and questioning um certain increases or decreases. Um which Eric and his team, they do a wonderful job um and working with us and really kind of providing some really well thoughtout answers. So, uh, we just want to say thank you again to Eric. Okay. So, I know you guys got a lot to go through today in
017your in your board meeting agenda. Um, so I'm going to do a very highlevel overview. Um, but if there's any questions at all when you're going through the packet, um, Eric has my contact info, so please don't hesitate to reach out. Um, just because I know it's it's a school night, so um, all right. So, we'll start with your ISBY AFR score. Um, and so what the ISBY and this isn't in the packet. This is uh something separate that we submit to ISBY. Um, and so what essentially what we do is we take this whole entire book. Isbby sends us a format of files that we need to put all this information in. And then with that, ISB calculates a financial uh finance finance profile score uh which is between one and four where four
018is the highest um and the district once again for uh fiscal year 630 2025 received a score of 3.9 so we love to see that so awesome awesome job >> okay so we'll start with this big packet first um and we'll go to page number one. Uh so this is the most important page of the whole document. Uh this is your audit opinion. Uh which the district once again for fiscal year 630 2025 received an unmodified opinion. Uh this is the highest uh level opinion that we can offer. Um which this is consistent with all the prior years of your opinions. Um, so once again, congratulations to the district on receiving that opinion. Okay, so if you flip over to page five, uh, it's titled management discussion analysis. Uh, this is more of a narrative.
019Um, so this is really great because essentially we take all this information and we put it in more of a story uh mode where uh what we do is we fill in numbers, send it over to Eric and he's able to kind of review and explain uh in the district's own words uh why certain areas either increase or decrease. Um, so that's really awesome uh to see. Also, there's some charts and graphs uh later on in the pages if you're more of a visual learner. Um, so if you go to page 18, uh, once again, I'm doing a very high level, so if you guys have any questions afterwards, please don't say to reach out via email. Um, but page 18 is your balance sheet. Um, so this is your assets, liabilities, deferred, and fund
020balance. Um, and you're going to see this is primarily your ma your major fund. So general which is primary educational capital projects and non- major uh which would be like your transportation fund. Um and but assets driven by your cash and your property taxes. Uh so taxes you haven't received yet for the 2025 levy. Uh liabilities uh primarily driven by um your accounts payable or payroll. So these are the summer pays um that are going on. Uh, and then your deferred items, uh, which you'll see is the same dollar amount as receivables. So, it's again related to the property taxes. Uh, then you flip over to page 20. Uh, you're going to see it's going to look very similar and set up with the general capital projects. I've announced your income statement. So your revenues,
021expenses, other financing uh sources uh which for this year main driver and the changes were uh the debt issuance um that came in this year. Um and so revenues primarily driven by your property taxes uh and then any of your state and federal grants expenditures once again uh your uh salaries are the main driver there. And then like I mentioned before, other financing sources, that's the uh debt issuance that came out. All right. And then we'll flip to page number 22. Um so this is called notes to the financial statements. Um I always say if you can't sleep at night, turn to this page. You'll be out within five pages. It's very dense. There's a lot of accounting terminology, verbid, but pretty much just goes through um how we conducted our audit to make sure
022that the district is in line with Gazsby standards, which Gazsby is a government accounting standard board. They essentially tell us how we have to audit you to make sure that you're fine standards of of them. Um, and so it goes into your capital assets. So, uh, how much buildings, equipment, and then it also touches on, uh, your long-term debt. So, that new debt that was issued last fiscal year. It kind of shows principal that's made and any principle that's due in the next year. So, I'm going to pause there. Like I said, it's a very high level because I know you guys got a lot going on. Um, is there any questions or anything you want me to dive into before moving on to the management letter? But just real quick, just overall though, very
023clean audit. Um, like I said, Eric does a real great job in writing the district and everything. So, yeah. All right. Perfect. Sweet. Um, all right. So I'll just quickly I'm not going to go dive too deep in the management letter. Just kind of want to explain uh what it is. Um so best way to look at it is you break it down to three levels. Um so what we do as your auditors is we always want to give recommendations, right? Um we audit um all other school districts. So we kind of see what they do. We also listen to Gazsby and they kind of provide um some recommendations to us that we want to make sure we share with the district. Um, and so the three levels are the first one's more informative. So
024if there's any new gazy standards coming on the pipeline, obviously want Eric and the board to know just so there's no surprises. Uh, second level is best practices. Uh, so like I mentioned, these are practices that Gazby sees, you know, districts in California, you know, Washington, Texas, and they say, "Hey, this worked out really well. We want you guys to share this with your districts." Um and then a third level is operational. So if there's any like internal controls, um very happy to say that we found no issues. Uh in the third level is more so just best practices um and just areas to kind of beef up um some in and out stuff. So um I said very I'm doing very high level. Um, so if there's any questions on the management letterations, all
025right, sounds good. Well, that's all I got. >> Thank you. Next up, we have Rebecca Turo presenting our ISP award of excellence to our school administrator, Megan Black. So each year the Illinois State Board of Education sponsors the Those Who Excel in Teacher of the Year program to honor educators who have made significant contributions to public and non-public elementary and secondary schools across the state. All applicants are reviewed and scored by committee composed of ISBY staff, representatives from educational organizations and current and past award recipients. Based on this rigorous selection process, honores are recognized as one of three levels. Award of excellence, award of meriurist service, and award of special recognition. Today we proudly recognize Megan Lach for her outstanding achievement and receiving the award of excellence, the program's highest honor. This distinction is reserved
026for educators who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to equity and the success of all students. Actively collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to foster positive school cultures and serve as lifelong learners who inspire others within and beyond their school communities. Megan is an outstanding ed educational leader whose passion, knowledge, and dedication have left a significant mark on our district. Now in her first year as assistant director of student support services, she has seamlessly transitioned into this leadership role after serving three years as a case manager. Her path is grounded in extensive classroom and program experience, including teaching in a self-contained autism program, leading a transition program, serving as a resource teacher, and working as a lead case manager at a middle school level. These experiences have provided her with deep expertise in curriculum, programming, instructional strategies,
027scheduling, and behavior interventions. However, it's her humility and approachable approachable leadership style that truly distinguishes her. Megan is known for speaking, thinking quickly, speaking and thinking quickly and creatively, often generating innovative solutions that thoroughly balance the needs of students, staff, and families. She is a leader who believes in action, consistently modeling strategies, working alongside staff, and ensuring that new practices are implemented with confidence and support. Her willingness to step in, collaborate, and lead by example has made her a trusted resource not only for teachers, but for fellow administrators. Colleagues frequently describe Megan as their go-to person, someone who provides a listening ear, fresh perspective, and practical solutions to complex challenges. Her positivity and unwavering commitment to special education inspire those around her to continuously grow and improve. She approaches every situation with empathy, professionalism, and
028a deep belief in the potential of all students. Megan's impact extends beyond the school environment to the families she serves. Parents consistently express appreciation for her accessibility, her advocacy, and her genuine care she shows for their children. She builds strong, trusting relationships that reinforce her belief that every student deserves not only a quality education, but also a supportive and empowering environment. In every role that she has held, Megan has proven herself to be an innovative thinker, a dedicated advocate, and a leader who builds trust through action. Her passion for education, commitment to equity, and compassion for students and families make her an invaluable member of District 124 and a truly deserving recipient of the award of excellence through ISBY. Megan will be honored April 18th downstate with other recipients. But for now, please join me
029in congratulating Megan on this well-deserved recognition and the meaningful impact she continues to make across the district. Thank you, Saki, for all of the kind words. Um, I'm really shocked right now. I was not expecting my family to be here. Um, I have really valued my time working in the district and I really um appreciate being recognized for the work that I do. Although I think that the greatest recognition is just like the day-to-day interactions I have with these kids and their families um and the staff and I appreciate all the staff that came out tonight as well. Um so thank you for giving me an opportunity and continuing to believe in me and supporting the work that I'm doing here. So thank you. Congratulations. Next up, I have Dr. Banick presenting on a nomination
030for our 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching, Siobhan Brewer. Aren't you glad you got those head shots now? Aren't you glad we got those head shots? >> This isn't actually one of the head shots, I'll be honest. >> Uh so we're very excited tonight. Uh Miss Brewer is with us. So the Golden Apple Foundation recognizes uh teachers that show excellence and help improve student achievement. And so uh Miss Brewer was chosen out of over 500 applicants to be one of their 30 finalists within the state of Illinois. So this is a GREAT SO, Miss Brewer does an amazing job. She's currently our fifth grade math teacher and she always finds ways to make learning exciting for our students. So, everything from using a program called Pair Deck where she puts problems up. So,
031students go in, they put their answers in and then engage each other to interact and figure out the answer to having a nurse log in the classroom with bugs. She actually made me put the bugs in, but after that, she the students were able to like watch them and see them interact within that environment. and even going so far as dressing as Colonel Sanders to teach her kids uh using KFC. I think it's what is it? Um for >> Oh, for dividing fractions. >> Dividing fractions. Yep. So, she goes out of her way to make the learning accessible to her students. Outside of the classroom, she also finds a lot of ways to get involved. So, she uh started our drama club at the school uh doing musicals from Frozen to Finding Nemo. This year,
032it's Dorothy and Wonderland. um she always does a great job pushing the students. We and students love being in the program. We have over 40 we usually have 40 to 50 students involved within that program um each year. In addition to that, she runs our student ambassador program. So she gets uh volunteers and the students do various things for um the other students within the building for Valentine's Day. They made hearts to put on everyone's lockers with um motivational statements that they could um use to encourage one another to do better. She also does mentoring with students within our school and she serves on our PBIS tier 2 committee. And then she does uh homework club as well as tutoring students as well too. So she's just a great example of of great teaching and
033she really takes the students interests at heart and really tries to push them and move them forward. So we're very excited to have um her win the award. The next steps is they're doing a site visit actually on Monday. We just found out. Uh so we're busy planning on that. And then there's an awards ceremony on April 18th for all the finalists. And then shortly after that, they announce who I think it's nine nine winners that that'll be announced. So, we're very excited. She's a great teacher and we're excited to have her recognized tonight. So, >> thank you so much, Mrs. Brewer. and we really wanted to honor you tonight to send you on your well wishes. I'm certain the site visit will go exceptionally well on um Monday >> and we wish you the
034best of luck in the process. Congratulations. >> I'm honored. Thank you everyone. Um it's a it's it's been a very surreal moment, but I'm glad that I made it this far and I'm glad that I mean I'm thankful that you know it's being like you know all my hard work and efforts are being noticed and I'm thankful that even one of my little kiddos is here the ones that and her mom. So I'm just thankful for the community and I'm thankful to be part of Evergreen evergreen. >> And who else do you have with you? Oh, yes. And I have my mom and daughter and I have my son. >> My other daughter couldn't make it. She's at drama club practice herself. So, >> thank you so much. And please take cupcakes on my own.
035>> All right. Next up, we have DA Architect Firm. They're presenting out on two different con concepts tonight that include updates from our middle school recommendations as well as our bid for paint. Eric's talking too. Hello. So before I introduce DLA, FH Passion, and also PMA who are all going to be presenting about the middle school, um I wanted to go over real quick the Northwest Elementary School painting bids. The bid occurred on March 5th and the opening was at 2 PM. We had five contractors have submitted bids and we are bringing forward the recommendation today to approve Booster Bands and Suns Company with the following bid value. Base bid of 162,460,000 I mean 460. They were the lowest bid by about $8,000. >> And now um DLA and FH Passion are going to go
036over middle school. And then we have Tammy from PTMA to talk about the costs. >> Hey, it's time for everyone tonight. >> Thanks, Eric. I really wanted to be part of the team today. So, >> it's good to see all of you. Last time we were here, we were uh given a call it a significant challenge to >> go back and and look at ways to try and reduce cost at the middle school project without sacrificing too much. Um, ultimately we looked at a number of options, some of them with a lower cost attached to them, but in talking with administration, they really didn't actually meet the programmatic needs that you had. They were stripped down too much. Uh, there were versions that looked at trying to save existing portions of the building, but then
037it didn't solve some of the underlying issues that you have, like the crowded hallways, accessibility issues, and ultimately, while the the cost was lower, it it didn't meet the needs. So what we have to present today is a reduced version while still meeting all the needs that you have programmatically and solving a majority of the issues. So with that I will turn it over to Heather who's put in most of the work on this. >> All right. So the first thing when we learned that we needed to reduce scope is we met with the district to learn what the really important things are things that we needed to keep in um and then some of the things that could be maybe reduced or changed. Um so this is a list of how we were able
038to cut uh 15,000 square feet out of the original um design. Um and that's really how we save money is by cutting square footage. So the first item on here is we originally had a full kitchen that was serving all the schools. So food we made there and delivered. Um that was a lot of square footage for that kitchen. Um so that cut a lot out if we reduce that down to a smaller warming kitchen. That does mean a change to how food service is delivered. Um but it it saves a lot of money. Um we looked at the student population and how many students you have, how many students per classroom. We had been we had built in a lot of extra or not a lot a few extra classrooms just to plan for
039future growth. Um that is something that was determined that could be a future addition should that growth happen. >> So we we reduce those down from 29 to 25. Um we have a plan for how that future addition can happen and you'll see that on on the plan. Um but that cut some square footage out. And then looking at how science is delivered. Um so right now there's there are um six full science labs and it was determined that a lot of times they are they only need a classroom. They don't ne necessarily need a full lab. And so we in looking at the scheduling changed that to be three full labs and then just four flex rooms. So those could be used for science, they could be used for a physics lab or for
040something else. So we have flexibility built in there. The music room based on we resized that based on the actual size of the band um that is being served. So those music rooms got smaller. We had a learning stair in there which is kind of a gathering stair component which I'm sure you've all seen. Um not necessary, nice to have. So that got eliminated. And then uh we had some additional student breakouts and flex spaces. is we were able to retain some of those but we reduced some of those and then the fitness room um got reduced as well. So if we go through the the plans we can kind of point out. Um it will look very similar uh on site. So the site circulation was really important. We kept that and um kept
041the the drop off and pickup the way that it had been oriented. But you can see everything kind of shrunken. So it doesn't look a lot different but everything kind of shrunk in. And um you can see where that future addition can happen. So the the building will be planned um in such a way that that could happen should you need it in the future. Uh moving on to the first floor here, some changes. Uh we were able to this is another um cost savings that that area in in red is the storm shelter. So that's actually the most expensive square footage. So, we took uh the stage that had been part of that and pulled that out and added it on to the cafeteria. So, if it's a cafeterium now, um so that kind
042of got reoriented, but the the general orientation of everything is very similar where we have that cafeteria in the middle. It's kind of an open light space. It's still like the light well for the building and then everything else is is gathered around that and has been kind of shuffled a little bit uh to fit. And then moving that to the second floor, library is still looking down into that uh cafeteria space. Um you know, fitness is still looking down into uh the gymnasium space and the science labs, those ones that dark green are still stacked. And then the third floor um you know just the additional classrooms and and um STEM lab and everything are are still in included. So that's that's how we got to that reduction. Those are the kind of the
043decisions that we made with the district to get there. >> Any questions? Everyone, I'm Josh C. I'm with FH Passion, the construction management firm. So, um, we worked collaboratively with DA through this process as they were revising this design, optimizing the design to support that with cost estimating, budgeting. Um, I don't have any attractive images to share. I live in spreadsheets. So, um, so yeah, we we really worked with them, you know, as this design was optimized to to support that with our cost data. I mean, at the end of the day, it's it's quantifying this, making sure that there's a responsible budget, that we're maximizing the value. Um, so we really leveraged our our in-house cost estimating, looking at um our cost database, similar projects, looking at the current market data, um, and really
044projecting this out um, to when this work would happen. Um, so the most important thing was that this budget captures everything. So it's when we're talking about the the project, it's it's the building, it's the demolition of the existing school, it's all of the site work that you've seen, it includes all the management, all the architectural services, um, all the required insuranceances and bonding, um, and then the furniture, everything that's going to need to go into building this project, delivering the project. So um we really wanted to make sure we are giving cost certainty uh to accompany this design that's being presented. Um you know having said that there there's risks right there's a lot of uncertainty in the market right now. Um it was you know tariffs six eight months I think the last
045time we presented it was the the big risk risk on tariffs. Now there's gas prices that are SP. So obviously there's there's risk that we're trying to um quantify and manage as part of this without being overly conservative. So um that was what we had looked out looked at internally as well. Um and and carrying the proper escalation. Again, if this is this is being presented on a a November referendum, there's design time that needs to happen. This this work is occurring in 27 into 2028. So again, looking at that very strategically and making sure we're capturing that proper escalation, looking at at what goes into building on a dense occupied site with an active uh building in place, and making sure all that's basically getting incorporated into the the phasing and the pricing and
046the budgeting. Um, and then like I mentioned, just making sure we're addressing that market uncertainty, carrying the proper contingency, and really th this we want to have full transparency. So we want to give you cost certainty that you can depend on this number and then as as this if this were to uh progress we would continue to just show all of this transparently. Um I think at there would be opportunities for looking at certain items to break out into alternates as some of these risks are kind of more more quantifiable when we're at that point where this is really going out to bid. Um, so that all of that was kind of built built into this um revised budget of the $68 million that that represents this um new new design. So that's the update
047that I have. Any questions on that? >> Okay, great. Appreciate it. >> Okay, next up we have Cammy. Hi Cammy. How are you? >> I'm good. How's everybody? >> Good. It's hard to follow an exciting audit and talk about bonds, but I'm next. So anyway, um, thanks for having me out. Uh, just wanted to give you some numbers since we just heard some updated cost estimates. So I'm going to start off with kind of the highle detail first and then we can look at a little more individual information a second on the structure. So what we did was we took a $68 million project scope and we uh, paid it back over 30 years. We used current market rates and we added 0.25% 25%. We talk a little bit about uncertainty and cost uh estimates,
048not being sure where some things may go with construction. There's uncertainty in the markets right now, which I know we all understand given what's happened uh geopolitically. But I will tell you that actually when there's things that influence oil prices negatively, that actually bodess well for the bond market historically. So the bond market has actually for the first quarter of 2026 been really outstanding and that's largely because municipal supply can't keep up with demand. There has been a little bit of some volatility in the last couple weeks no doubt but the bond market in general the tone is very very strong but we still felt it was appropriate to add some cushion into the current market environment that we're in. So we estimate with that 0.25% 25% of conservativism. You would sell those bonds over
04930 years at a true interest cost of a 4.7%. That would result in a tax rate increase estimated of about 64 cents in levy year 26 because we assumed for today that this was a November 26 referendum. So if it passed, it would impact property tax bills payable in calendar year 27. And so for someone with a $300,000 market value home, that would increase their property tax bill by just over $600 as you can see here. Okay. If we go to the next slide, I know these numbers are really small, but I just wanted you to have the detail. Again, we ran it over 30 years. The average annual payment is just over $4.3 million per year. And if you look at all the detail in your spare time, you can see how that increases
050that tax rate projected as by about 64 cents as I mentioned. Okay. And then if we go to the next slide, just to show you in a graphic representation, the blue bars on this graph represent the payments that are on file with the county clerk for non-referendum bonds that you as a board and district have sold before. So we're assuming again is the green bars are the referendum hypothetical payments. We're assuming those are flat every single year. As I said, that roughly $4.3 million number. So, you can see obviously there's an increase, but then it drops down in a couple years and then several years later. That's just because again, we're trying to be conservative with the referendum payments. You're in a community that it's not like you have all this vacant land. You're going
051to get all this new tax base with all this commercial industrial coming in. It's appropriate when you're more landlocked um that you have those level payments for 20 years. So, I or 30 years, excuse me. So, I just wanted to mention that that's why we structured it that way. Okay. Do you have any questions at all about the numbers? >> Tammy, can you explain um just again publicly for everyone, how do you find the assessed value of your home? >> Sure. The best way to do that is to look at your property tax bill. So, and they present it in a couple different ways, but that's going to be the most reliable source for what the value of your house is. A lot of people think about, well, I could sell my house for this,
052and that's great, but truly, the the value that's communicated on your property tax bill or the assessment notice that you get is going to provide the most uh updated information. And ultimately, if the board were to decide to go to referendum at some point, we would provide this tax impact calculator. You've seen it before. I think it's derived right from what comes off your tax bill so that someone has that bill, they can input the number into the calculator and get the best accurate number based on current information. >> Great. Thank you. So, if I understand it correctly, between the work that our construction manager and DA has put together and what you put in front of us, it looks like it's been cut roughly in half. A >> little shy of half. >> Based
053on our original, I think >> based on the original, sorry, originally it was going to be about a thousandish. >> It was >> annual and that was 6004. Yes. >> So that Yeah. A little more than >> ish. >> Is for sure. That's a technical term. Sure. Yes. >> Yes. >> A lot of >> significantly less. Yes. For sure. >> Yeah. >> Excellent. >> Yeah. >> Well, I really appreciate everybody working with us on this. I know it's never fun when we have to call an audible late like that. Uh but I just I appreciate everybody just going back at it, especially all the rerenderings that we asked you to do and uh taking our our feedback uh with a grain of salt. I know it was uh it's work and then we get some
054of the proposals in front of us and I'm like so I appreciate nobody taking it personally. >> Any other questions? We have all the people in the room tonight. So, >> all right. Thank you so much. I really appreciate >> a cupcake on the way out. >> You can absolutely get a Make sure you bring one home for your daughter. >> Make sure you bring one home for your daughter. >> A tooth today so she gets a >> Oh, there you go. That's great. That was exciting. >> Was that exciting? >> That was exciting. >> All right. Next up, we're going to welcome Central Middle School to give us an update on discipline. And you have this lovely colored sheet in front of you that I also believe that they will be referring to. >>
055Yes. >> Good evening everyone. So, I'm proud to present tonight with our deans, Danielle Wesson and John Jensen, um to give you all an update on CMS behavior. So, I'm going to share um current progress monitoring towards our goals and then Danielle and John are going to share what we've been currently doing to reach those goals and then what we're going to continue to work on for the rest of the year and next year. So, um as Mr. Al Miller and Dr. Woodland actually discussed at our last board meeting, it is important to live our strategic plan. And so at CMS, we have a yearly school improvement plan that we co-create with all stakeholders to guide our continuous improvement process. So we have academic and instruction goals, behavior goals, attendance goals, leadership goals, and culture
056and climate goals. And all of these goals at the building level help us reach the district and strategic goals under the culture, student support services, and curriculum and instruction umbrella. So you can see on the sheet in front of you, our two behavior goals this year are related to um improving upon student behavior by increasing the percentage of students receiving zero and run referrals for a minor behavior from 60% to 70%. The 60% was where we ended last year. So that was our baseline data that we started with this year. And then our other goal was improving upon student behavior by decreasing the percentage of students receiving six or more referrals from 17.88% to 15%. So we ended last year with 17% of our students around so almost 18% of our students receiving six or
057more referrals. So you can see the data on the left reflects our related to our goals and we are on track um to meet both of our goals with our current progress at 82% of students in the 0ero to one referral category and 4% of our students receiving six or more referrals. Then you can see on the graph on the right which shows our overall reduction in the number of referrals from last year to this year. We are seeing a 63% reduction in referrals. the deans will speak more to like what we're currently doing to contribute to this success, but I really just wanted to note the importance of strengthening our tier one and schoolwide practices because the more clear we can be with students, staff, and families on the expectations and like what will
058happen if you don't meet them and what will happen if you do meet them, the more students we have in the tier one, which means there's less students in tier two and three, which is exactly what we want. So, I am going to transition now to the deans. But before I do, I just want to take a moment to say thank you to my administrative team, Miss Wesson and Miss and Mr. Jensen and Miss Lavin for all they do every single day in the trenches to put out all the fires to support students, staff, and families. And really to thank our staff members because they have been doing a phenomenal job building classroom culture in their own classrooms and high quality tier one instruction which all go together. So, I'm really proud of our work
059and I'm going to hand it over to them to talk a little bit more about what we currently are doing and what we will continue to do. >> Hi, how's everyone doing? Uh, so our current action items, right, are be consistent and clear with the consequences with followthrough and use to progressive discipline. So, really being transparent with families and students. Um, always including in the conversation we have with them talking about like, hey, this is where we're at, but also this is the next steps and the next next place we're going to go. That includes though not just consequences but including the different um things we can do to help them in that process. Uh next we have incentive criteria for PBS tier one assemblies which the kids love to go to our fun Olympics
060and have challenges. We and we just had a schoolwide assembly for IR the other day that went really well. We did minute to win a game. It's a really fun time. Um out of the blue days where kids can just randomly be rewarded for doing the right thing. So, uh, wearing your ID, uh, having your charger was the most recent one for your Chromebooks because we're doing I testing. They get rewarded with those things because, hey, you're doing a good job. Not just because you have to, but let's reward you for it. So, the other day we had popsicles that were handed out. We've done uh suckers. I know Danielle does a really good job with like intent attendance incentives as well. Um, we're doing a fun like bracket challenge right now even too between
061the classes. So, tying in that March Madness piece into it. um intention with our advisory schedule so the students know and the staff know what what's going on every day in the rooms and they can um kind of step back and if there's like on Fridays they send the email home look their grades they have their which I'm kind of jumping ahead in the bullet points but their lessons are planned throughout there so then they know what they're doing and and how to intertwine it all bless you >> bless you >> uh we have our monthly PBIS meetings which uh in those meetings we sit down look at the data can talk about what's happening data wise and just it's a collection of um various people in the building. So feeling the vibe off of
062them of like hey what's going on? What's working right now and what's not working and what can we do to fix it if it's not working. Um so being very transparent which is nice to staff and AB and I feel like have a pretty solid relationship. So there is a pretty open line of communication there to where if something is going wrong or isn't working the way we thought it would they could come to us tell us about the problem. We kind of problem solve it together as a team. Uh we do do have our student of the month nominated by each team. So that again just including everyone into everything. Uh like I said jump to this part of our lessons are all aligned um to expectations and goals. And we do step back
063at times and modify those. So if we see something as an uptick, if it's um inappropriate language, disruption, disrespect, whatever it is, we can step back and address those individually in those moments. Um adding a deans group as a tier 2 intervention. So having students come down and not in a punitive way to talk with us. Um, I know a lot of times kids come to the office and they're like, "What did I do wrong?" And I'm like, "No, I'm just checking in with you." >> Um, so adding that, yeah, adding that into tier two. So there are other things there, not just, hey, here's your consequence. Here's what's happening, but kind of building that positive relationship. Um, having proactive communication. I kind of talked about that earlier, but um, with students and families. So
064again, kind of setting the precursor for kind of where they're going if this behavior continues. Also, what we're doing positively with the student. So, if it is a student who has a reward basis and tied into it, letting their families and parents know that they are meeting those things and hitting those those marks that we're looking for, not just making it all negative. Um, proactive tier one instruction, specifically classroom culture and tier one and classroom management. I know Dr. Dr. Miller just touched on this, but staff at the end of the day is doing an awesome job in the classroom with their students, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and they can access the curriculum and just kind of access each other in the classroom to where they can make relationships with each
065other in the classroom, friends, acquaintances, or even just with their staff members and the teachers. Um, and then our updated tiered process. So, adding our tier three meeting. So, we were able to kind of step back and look at big picture this year a lot with um a lot of our students and see who's meet who's checking the boxes in every category and coming together as a whole team of people to see what we can do to help solve that. And we actually have had a lot of kids roll off of our tier three as a whole group because we have been able to sit down, look at what were we doing individually with them and see what we need to tweak and modify and track with them. Because even something as simple um that
066we were working on with one student is is just what was the way we're tracking their data and then communicating it with the student so they kind of understood what we were looking for a little better actually like greatly improved her behavior because she's like, "Oh, this is what we're looking for in the situation now." not just what am I getting in trouble for, you know, it was really breaking down what what is the goal of what we're doing here and it worked really well. So, um kind of tying all that together is what we're currently doing and then Danielle is I'm going to pass it off here is going to talk about kind of what we plan to continue to do and our next steps. >> Great. All right. And like I said, I
067am here to talk about the continued work. So our focus moving forward is making sure that the systems we have put in place over the last year remains consistent and continue to support students effectively. One of our continued priorities is strengthening tier 2 and tier three interventions to ensure students who need additional support are identified early and receive the appropriate interventions with fidelity. Um being proactive is one of our major goals instead of being reactive instead. are also rebooting our common language around behaviors especially related to disrespect, disruption and defiance because we talk about that in our PBIS teams and we see that that is consistent across the board. So the goal is to ensure that staff have a shared understanding of these behaviors and respond the same way across the building. Another focus will
068be continuing to support teachers with tier one classroom management that's using the resources we already have which is c capturing K's heart to help maintain a strong classroom culture and clear expectations for all students and we will also continue to review our inschool intervention supports to ensure that they remain effective and responsive to student needs. In addition, we will continue to strengthen our SEAL implementation and advisory time to make sure that students are developing stronger emotional regulation skills and taking greater ownership of their own behavior. You saw we have some of our CMS leaders, but we would love to have that for all CMS students as well to make sure they all feel belong and that they all have ownership of their own education. And we're always looking for ways to use advisory time more
069intentionally, incorporating wind time so they can have time to study as well to give students opportunities to additional support and connection throughout the school day. So overall, our goal is to just continue to strengthen our tier one systems while ensuring students need who need additional support receive it early and this will help us sustain progress and make sure that we stay on the right track. Thank you. say as a parent and as someone who probably spends more time with middle school age children than I would like >> that like I just I I love this. I think you guys are doing an amazing job in terms of getting the kids to not only like do the things that we ask, but also like to make those conscious choices like to step back and sometimes think
070about like what it is that you're about to do or say because we know that this age group is very impulsive. >> Um, and I just think that it's awesome. I mean, like you guys, the communication's great in terms of from the parent lens. Um, and I just think that like I'm very proud of looking at these numbers and seeing kind of like where was Central and kind of like where are we at now and I think it's like all because of you guys the staff like really buying into this process. So I thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> Really quickly I saw in the newsletter that the esports team just won the Swick Championship. So good job. >> Amazing. >> Snuck it away from all All right, Jean. >> Hi. Um, my name
071is Jean Hector and this is Allison Wilson. We are here to represent the Evergreen Park uh Federal Credit Union. And what we do, the credit union itself, for those that don't know, it's made up of all the Aero Co-op um employees is district 231, the high school, and us, of course, district 124. And what we do um once a year we give out three $1,000 grants we're going to call them. And what we do is we just put it out to everybody in the three facilities that they can write a proposal with the hopes of getting a thousand dollars. And this would be to enhance the students, something that they would do that they don't typically do. So the winner this year the um it's Rick Katie wrote and unfortunately she is not here um
072but she her um proposal was swinging for change. It's a golf thing which I know some guys are just thrilled about. We were lucky we were lucky enough to listen to Katie >> and Katie got the idea. She actually went to her, she's a PE teacher, of course, so she went to the PE classrooms and she said, >> "What would you like to see here?" And they go, "Oh, you know, we don't know." And she says, "Well, what about a golf unit?" And they were super excited. And then her and her fellow PE teachers went to it conference. And it was >> she was able to try out the material and really like get some hands-on experience with some of the material that she then um wrote in her proposal to you know use um
073the grant to purchase to um expand her curriculum so that the students would be taught um variety of different golf skills um starting at Southwest and then this um this the materials and the curriculum itself would pass through every elementary school to give all of the K5 students the opportunity to um practice their skills in golf. She did talk about um a lot today about how, you know, some students, you know, they're not necessarily team sports kids. >> Um and it's really a good opportunity to give students who maybe want to do more of a solo sport. Um an opportunity to practice things like that instead of kids who just, you know, are volleyball, basketball, um sports kind of kids. And she also and she also said that she's bringing in what is it? A
074golf pro. Yep. >> And they're gonna and this person is going to teach him how to >> chips >> chip long and swing. >> Yeah. >> But she's super excited about it. But the thing is too about this program, she can adapt it to the skill levels of everybody. It's not like you all have to do one thing. she can basically drop it down or bring it up to whatever class that she is doing. And it is thrilling that the whole district is gonna >> Yeah, I love that. The opportunity to learn to golf. >> So, congrats Katie Rose. Congratulations. >> Thank you so much, Gina. My next update is a brief update regarding registration for 2627. So just to preference kindergarten and new student registration, if you saw my most recent email to the
075district, it is now open. Upcoming important dates specific to kindergarten and new student registration. So, we will have an open residency verification night for kindergarten new students, particularly on one evening, April 29th from 5:30 to 7:30. And you would receive additional information whether or not you need to attend that event. All kindergarten, incoming kindergarten students and new students will be required to attend that event, just to clarify. Um, in terms of returning students, um, returning student registration will open this summer and that is to allow administration to take a deeper dive into residency requirements. And so I just want all families as well as board members to be aware that they will need to upload residency documents to powers school. That is new and it will be a requirement. This was optional in the past,
076but again, this is something that will be required for all families in order to ensure residency guidelines. As part of the registration process, there may be a request for families to provide additional documentation and information um as deemed necessary by administration. And this step is obviously essential in maintaining residency requirements as outlined in Illinois school code and board policy. And D124, our registration team does have the authority and may conduct home visits, which is important for the board to be aware of. We do have the authority to do um that process as well in the event we're quest we're questioning residency. Um and we would do that in partnership particularly with the Evergreen Park Police Department. Um Charmaine Wright, our SRO resource officer, has been ex exceptionally um supportive of that in the past as
077well. So that is big picture registration updates and please be on the lookout um for future communication. All right, my last report. Only 10 tonight, guys. I mean, um is highlights from our school calendar. So, I am going to briefly review. It's very similar structure to last school year. Um so, our school calendar for teacher institute day would start on August 17th with our half day of student attendance starting on August 20th. If you see September, we do have a holiday on September 7th. that is Labor Day. Moving into October, our teacher institute day is on the 9th and we have a holiday on the 12th. Our end of quarter um one would take place on October 23rd. Um November we do move into our holiday and we are recommending that we observe Veterans Day
078which means that students would not be in attendance. Uh our parent teacher conferences would take place during Thanksgiving break. So we'd have a full day of parent teacher conferences on that Monday that lead into the evening and a half day of parent teacher conferences in the morning. There is no student attendance on that Wednesday and then Thursday is Thanksgiving and no student attendance on Friday. Students would resume classes on the first and we really did do our very best and we are in alignment with the high school in terms of Christmas break. And so Christmas break would be starting on the 23rd with no student attendance on the 23rd and then we would be returning with a teacher institute day on January 6th. Um so this is always a tricky topic in terms of when
079Christmas or the holiday season actually falls. Um we did really recommend um although it might be typical in nature that we have the three weekends um we are prioritizing again students returning to school in an effort to release students as close to um Memorial Day as possible. Um with that um we move into January. Um so we have the holiday on January 18th um and then we also have our holiday on February 15th with President's Day. I hear they're moving the Super Bowl >> in Army. >> Yeah. So, that's exciting. Um, two less calloffs. Um, and then in March, uh, I am recommending that we keep Pilaski Day. Um, the main reason why is in coordination also again with the high school. The high school is not they are not in attendance on that day
080as well. um along with other parochial schools um within the um community. And then recommending from there we would have our spring break that starts on the 26th. Again, it is backed to Easter uh the Easter holiday which is um typical of this community to recommend that our spring break follows the Easter holiday. It is very early next year which then does create somewhat of a long stretch but I know we can do it. And so ultimately there the one last thing to note is that um in our collective bargaining agreement teachers are provided the opportunity for clerical day. So the clerical day will be held on June 1st. That clear cold day provides teachers the opportunity to complete all of their um grading and make sure report cards are completed and then they would
081be distributed to students on that half day of attendance on the 2nd which is really early. >> I was I'm pretty impressed with that. It's >> the earliest we've been in a long time. >> You're right. >> Look at that Denise. She can plan her vacation. probably'll be at the high school next year. >> I have one question about it. >> Yeah. >> Uh, traditionally in the past, we are closed on election days because our school serves as polling places. I didn't see that on there. Are we not acting as polling places this time around? >> We are still acting as polling places. We do have the uh authority to mark that as an e-learning day and that was just new newly released. >> Um, we do have a system in place. We have currently
082three buildings that are considered polling places um where we could still have student attendance. Um it is just a matter of student safety that we can discuss more um intentionally. Um I did however have a preferential conversation with Jim about potentially no longer um holding them as polling places if that's an option for us. >> It would be my preference >> to not have them listed because it is Uh, it's not a presidential election. We're allowed to be in attendance. >> Okay, gotcha. >> Does that make sense? >> Yes. >> Okay, >> great. Any question other questions about the calendar? It's my favorite topic. That was sarcastic. >> All right, Eric. >> Hi again. >> Oh, this is B. We're doing really good. >> It's 7:15. We went as fast as we could. >> We're
083doing great. >> I'll make sure to go fast this time. >> Um statement of expenditures. Nothing crazy changed. Um prior month, salaries and benefits, revenues. We started receiving revenues from property taxes, which is good. Not the amount that we thought from the original allocation that they gave us. But the good news is as of today we received 94% of what we're supposed to receive. >> So a lot of it's coming with the March. Um and as a result our fund balance is roughly the same. >> Does anyone have any questions? >> So our we're going to be rolling up on when the next yeah >> tax cycles should be coming in. Do I mean I'm sure that they're saying that it's going to be on time, but like is there a sense amongst business officers
084in the township and such like should we expect more of the same in terms of delays or are they gonna get >> it's this stuff uh >> the conversation's kind of like they say it's on time but they also said all this other stuff and so it's like either the wrong amount, >> right? So like what do you what do you want to believe? So we just >> we hope they're telling the truth but you know you have to be responsible and act as if they aren't telling the truth just so you can make sure that education can be continued. >> Yeah. Okay, >> great. Thanks, Eric. >> Summer school. >> It is. We're here. We're ending. We're almost there. Okay. So, this year summer school um program dates where children will be in attendance
085um June 9th through July 8th. July, I'm sorry, June 8th will be a teacher institute planning organizational day. Our daily schedule is 8:30 to 11:30. Um, it will be at Northeast School this year. Um, so it's all current preK and uh to 7th grade. Co-principles are myself and Dr. Vermier. And then um surveys uh have gone out to the staff members regarding um interest in working. So I'm compiling that list right now. in um checking it twice. And then student recommendations. Um lots of staff members already have theirs in and ready to go. So those are due um before we leave for uh spring break, so March 26th. And then parent letters will go home once we get back from spring break. So any questions? Okay, great. Thank you. >> Yeah. All right. At this
086time, we are at the public comment section of our meeting. >> I don't think anybody's left here. >> Wait, do I have any green cards? >> I don't have any green cards. Well, I'll just read my thing real fast then. Per board of education policy 2230. A few reminders specifically about the logistics for the public comment portion of every meeting, including this evening, as is posted on our agenda publicly for every meeting. to respect all of our stakeholders, our commenters, our board, our public. We adhere very closely to the three-minute limit for everyone. We will set a timer and we expect everyone to respect their three minutes. In addition, we do not respond to public comments at board meetings, but we do hear them. We respect, listen to, and take into account all community members
087concerns. If there's a specific question that comes up that we can respond to after the meeting, we will do so in a timely manner or designate an appropriate appropriate staff member member to do so. All right. Board reports. What do we have here? District review team. Dr. Woodland. >> Yes, we've reviewed the calendar. You saw great. >> Beautiful. >> Right. Move right along. >> All right. Uh the safety and security committee met uh last week. So, uh Dr. Michael Thomas, if you don't mind sharing with us some updates. >> So, we started off talking about um an interesting issue, I guess, for our community. Um Jim mentioned the idea of a phone tree starting between like the the district primarily Southwest Elementary School would be involved there. Um St. St. Xavier, Mother McCaulay, Brother Rice
088again because those that corner of the village is Chicago. Um sometimes if there's an issue that happens on one of those campuses, if Chicago Police Department's taking care of that, sometimes we're not notified in Evergrade Park. Um, so to be proactive, they started a phone tree where if something happens, they can alert each other. And the same thing if something was to happen like on the corner there, like 99th in California, we could call them um and let them know just in case there was something that's going sideways just so buildings can be alerted, make sure that all the kids are safe, you know, make sure that the kids are indoors and things of that nature. Uh, we talked about elevator issues at CMS. Um, and it's just it is what it is. um CMS
089is what it is. Um so we talked about that need needing repairs done. Um I think the elevator is approximately 50 years old. Um so to fix that, you know, it's kind of beyond its its lifespan here. Um so hopefully as DLA said, there'll be a new CMS and we don't have to worry about that. Um we talked about uh software. I know Dan was talking about the idea of we've got new cameras. We actually increased our software package to where we can store more files or store files for a longer period of time. Um the storage will also allow us to have like the HD camera so you can get better clearer images just in case something was to happen on one of our properties. Um we do have that footage to make sure
090that you know things if we need to things could um be shown. Um and then we talked a little bit just about like building security. Um, an example was given um of another school where the signin was actually in the vestibules. Like at CMS, if you go there, you get buzzed in and then by the time you're showing your your ID, you're already in the office. Um, you know, that idea of, you know, to be able to like scan your ID, go through the raptor system and do some of those things from in the vestibule before you actually enter the building um would be a nice thing and we're going to look into seeing um, you know, the logistics on that piece. Um but again just the primary thing of thinking like how can we
091continue to make sure that our schools are safe that our kids are safe um because that's always like priority number one um you know when people are signing their kids to us. >> So when you talk about the uh storing finals longer that's uh closed circuit television recordings. >> Yes. So like if something happened you know you want it to be where sometimes if there's an investigation it might there might be a length of time between when the incident happened and when people are coming back to us. Um, and just being able to have that footage for a longer period of time. Um, you know, sometimes it's it's not a week, sometimes it's a couple weeks later where they're coming to you. And being able to have that is is good for just the community
092safety piece. >> Do we know how long they're currently stored for? >> Approximately 28 days. >> 28 days. Okay. >> So, we went from 28 to 60. >> 60. Better clarity. >> Yeah. >> And are we the only ones that have access to the to the images or does the the hosting because I'm assuming it's like a cloud storage? No, it's all internal. >> Dan has it. >> Dan purchase servers. >> Okay. I like the >> We talked about that before the cloud. >> No, it was all it was all good news. Like it was all >> I feel like I mean again the committee I feel like is doing a really good job in terms of making sure that you know safety is a priority. I mean it's priority everywhere. >> Um so I
093think anytime we can update our systems to to meet the needs of the kids in the community that's a really good thing. >> Agreed. Well thank you very much gentlemen. I appreciate that. Uh let's go into the aerrow governing board meeting. Uh Mr. Shepard if you please. >> Yes, I attended the meeting. I was there. >> Very good. Moving on. >> Uh we open the meeting as normal. Um in the beginning we discussed personnel. They were saying that um Dan which was not there. I don't know who Danny is but he did a really good job of doing job fairs trying to know attract fans. Yeah I he wasn't there. They said Dan. I'm like okay Dan I got you. Um however they say you you should expect some resignations around this time. uh but
094have full confident that uh they'll be able to staff what's needed and keep going forward. Uh we talked about ERA was having a little problem financial wise because Cook County was holding back money as we all know. They got the money in budget's going good. Have full faith that the finances on track and they're doing what they need to do. Uh they did transition over from Rich Van Lee for transportation services over to first student which is the newer company. I guess first student is a larger company which is a better position to facilitate the needs at Arrow. They have a longstanding, you know, reputation of doing what they do. And they also bring to the table something called um student halo system which allows for parents to get tracking and uh like >> daily
095updates and things like right then and there. So it's a better benefit. So they're looking forward to that. Um we went over the calendar. We approved it. It's fine. We did talk about the strategic plan which was presented and approved. Understand this was a fivemon thing. It was five months. They did 22 meetings and it was 36 uh team members over a 60 hour plus period to get this plan put together. It does go for six years. So, you know, all the effort in it. But it was it was pretty cool the way they set it up, you know, because I sat there as a parent and as a you know board member and I was able to push out my ideas. Those ideas went to the staff. The staff looked them over, then it
096went to the administration. Then we got feedback and then we rearranged things and it just kept going back and forth until they came up with this massive plan. And um the plan pretty much covers instructional excellence, uh climate and culture, and then it's going uh to cover student growth and achievement. So, it's it's round and it's it's very well structured to carry everything. Um, Arrow has a large uh concern with making sure you're comfortable no matter what aspect you're whether you're working there as an administrator, as an educator, as you know, a volunteer parent or whatever it is. They want you to be comfortable at all times. So, I was really impressed that they put all this effort into coming up with this plan. Uh, we then moved on to the Federal Credit Union Education
097Grant. We were looking for that large check. Everybody kept saying, "Where's the check?" They didn't bring a check. I'm like, "What check? I see a check." >> But that was uh issued to Melissa Ferry, which fair, she gets a lot. She gets a lot. She's a very good I mean a lot. She's going to use it to purchase outdoor playground equipment for the students. So, that was a plus plus win-win. There was some other awards given out to uh some students. We then talked about that we need to look at the articles of agreement to revise some of them because they don't fit right now with the new um way that arrows required to collect payments with the >> idea >> with a new um code s funds and and all this stuff. So there's
098some restructuring we have to do to make sure that the articles match the way that they need to collect things. Things need to be eliminated and some things need to be modified. Last but not least, I believe we had the talk about the health and life safety inspection that they had, >> which they passed with flying colors. They had exactly zero violations. >> Hey, >> and that's their third consecutive year with zero violations. >> That new building, they better >> new violations whatsoever. And last but not least, we had a foyer request. We had several federal requests, but one was really intense. I mean, they going back and forth, back and forth, back and forth, but it's all said and done. >> Then went to close session, and I have no notes from there. >>
099Excellent. Thank you. >> All right, let's get this moving. Item nine. Oh, no. I'm sorry. We're going to do item eight, board comments. So, if there's any just hopefully categories of things people want to talk about, uh, now is the time that we're going to do it. Otherwise, we'll just jump right into board action, but I want to make sure everybody has an opportunity to >> There's a couple things I'd like to jump in on. I love the idea of that sixth grade orientation. >> Yes. >> You know, um both my kids have already, you know, one's already in high school, one's already in sixth grade. That would have been a great thing to start the year off where they have the whole day there. I know we've done, you know, that day in the
100past, you know, but I I love this idea. >> Well, you will be very grateful to hear that Dr. Mohler approved it. >> Oh, good. Good. So, we will work on communication to families and make sure that it's solidified. >> That it sounds that I was really excited about. Um, and then also the prop the new proposal uh regarding the building. I mean, that shows the community. We took what they said, they went back, we came back, that was a great number to come back with. And I think I can't see how community members couldn't see how that was a huge change. I mean, it would be so beneficial for our our students. Um, and I'm looking forward to getting that thing on the ballot and hopefully it passes. >> Yeah. Second. >> Got a
101quick comment about the gym uniforms on the presentation from them. >> But one, could we make it broader? Could we make it a competition? Like, could we have the different classrooms maybe like design what they would want the the gym uniform to look like and you know, and somebody wins in the end, you know, kind of like evergreen. when we used to have that you would have them uh design the the sticker. Yes. >> For the vehicles and then that was somebody awarded that a child want you know >> make them more involved you know to it appears that they want style different color and softer material. >> Well they want a lot of things. >> Yeah. Yeah. You know so they want a little bit of p whatever pizzazz or whatever you want to
102call it. So maybe make it a competition and see either grade or classroom or activity, club or whatever it is and have them compete and come up with it because therefore then they'll be proud of it. >> Yeah. >> They'll want to put it on because they respect it because it was their idea and should make it easy for everyone. You know, they weren't they they were talking about like every teacher as a teacher. >> I could see it being different colors for every grade level, but I think it would be difficult to difficult class, especially changing and I think it would be nice division with different colors. Like my daughter lost her shorts, you know what I mean? Because it is they pick them up and whatnot. But I >> I mean I could
103see the different colors for different grade levels. But I mean, >> yes, >> just my opinion. I honestly hadn't thought of gym gym uniforms in probably 20 plus years, >> but as soon as they described it, I was like, "Oh, yeah. I remember what those probably look the same." >> It was really cute, too. One of the girls came and demoed it for me. Like, she came and >> Do you see how ugly this is? >> Oh, wow. >> I get it. Okay, >> I get it. Yeah. >> Any other board comments? All right, moving along. Item nine, action items. We have a the consent agenda which includes one, approve monthly transaction reports for February 2026. Two, approve fund balance reports for February 2026. Three, approve expenditure report and projected payroll report for March 2026.
104Four, approve board minutes from the regular meeting of February 18, 2026. Five, approve the closed session minutes from the regular meeting of February 18, 2026. Six, approve destruction of closed session tapes from November 2021. Seven, personnel recommendations. There are six FMLA leaves of absence. Uh, and resignations. There are also six. Do we have a first? >> Motion to approve consent agenda item A. >> Very good. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Excellent. And a roll call, please. >> Dr. Michael Thomas, >> yes. >> O'Neal Gray, >> Lauren Dowin, >> David Shepard, >> yes. >> Rachel Maroquin, yes. Janice Jones, >> yes. Michael. >> Yay. >> Motion passed. >> Very good. Thank you so much. Item B, approve new human resources director effective July 1. >> Can I say the the name? >> We
105got to post it out first. >> Motion to approve new human resources director. >> Very good. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Excellent. Uh, roll call, please. >> Dr. Michael Thomas, >> yes. >> Rachel Maroquin, yes. Denise Jones, >> yes. >> O'Neal Gray, David Shepard. >> Yes. >> Lauren Dowen, >> yay. >> Michael Almiller, >> yay. >> Motion pass. >> Excellent. >> Nice. >> Congratulations to Dr. Elevating. >> Yes. So, I have asked Dr. Verier who just finished her dissertation today. at 3:00. >> Not only did she announce to her staff that she's leaving, but she also defended her dissertation today at 3:00. >> It's a day. >> She wouldn't let anyone go. But I think Dr. Mohler and Scott and Ashley finally got an invite because it was virtual. So, she finally
106changed her mind. So, >> yeah. >> Welcome. >> Thank you. Um, I just want to say thanks for this opportunity. I'm super excited um to take this next step in my career and I appreciate the trust that you've placed in me um to take on this role. Um, I want to start by just thanking Patricia for all the work that you've done um to set up this. We all know you've worked really hard to build this department um to set up all the systems within the department and I'm really excited to jump in on the foundation that you've started and to continue to move it forward. >> I wish you nothing but >> Thank you. Um I also want to just thank the administrative team to the principles who you know I came in here
107as a firstear principal five years ago and they have been nothing but supportive to me throughout the process and I've learned from all of you. Um, so I'm excited to continue to work alongside them um, in this new role. I'm especially thankful for the Southeast staff. Um, I will say the hardest part of this for me is to walk away from Southeast. Um, I absolutely have loved the job that I've had. Um, and have truly loved going to work every day for the last four and a half years. Um, it was hard to tell them this morning that um, you know, that time is coming to an end, but everybody was so understanding at the same time and um, was just so excited for me. So, it was bittersweet, but I have learned a lot
108from the teachers at Southeast who um every day I think really truly work so hard for um this community and for our students. And I've seen that um and I'm just super proud of the growth that I've been able to experience with them and alongside them. Um also to our Southeast families, um I came in right after COVID, so just kind of rebuilding that relationship with the families. Um, and I really just appreciate the the trusting relationships that I've had with um, the Southeast families, and I'm certainly going to kind of miss the day-to-day of seeing them. Um, as I transition into this role, I'm excited to bring my leadership to the district level and work to align the goals of the human resources department along the district strategic plan. I think that HR plays
109a critical role um, in supporting our staff who ultimately support our students. So, in the area of belonging, I look forward to continuing our equity work by strengthening standardized hiring practices, supporting equitable allocation of staff and resources, and ensuring our minority staff members feel seen, heard, and valued. This also this also includes continuing to diversify our staff so that our students see themselves reflected in the educators that they learn from every day. In the area of curriculum and instruction, I hope to support a strong and consistent teacher evaluation process and that helps ensure that expectation and practices are aligned across the district. In the area of special ed, I look forward to partnering with Becky and Megan to continue to strengthen equity across our buildings in terms of staffing programming, including looking at workloads, case
110load, and IEP minutes while also incorporating parent communication. So, I truly appreciate this opportunity and I look forward to the work ahead. Thank you. So, Dr. Vermeir, >> if I understand it correctly, you informed your staff this morning. >> Yeah. >> You defended your dissertation today. >> Yeah. >> And now you've just gotten a new job. >> Yeah. >> What's your favorite kind of wine? >> Will you be having some today? >> What a day. >> I think she probably is looking forward to going to bed. Well, that's amazing. >> I'm tired just thinking about it. >> Okay. Item C, approve new associate principal at Central Middle School effective July 1, 2026. Do we have a first motion to approve the new associate principal at Central Middle School? >> Is there a second? I'll second.
111>> Do we have or could we have a roll, please? I just love the way he >> Dr. Michael Thomas. >> Yes. >> David Shepard, >> yes. >> Denise Jones, >> yes. >> Rachel Maroquin, yes. O'Neal Gray, >> Lauren D, >> yay. >> Oh, wait. Michael Ala, >> yay. >> Motion B. >> Very good. Congratulations. >> At this time, I'd like to introduce Miss Danielle Weston. She is about as CMS through and through club and we are so excited for her leadership and she would also like to say a few words to the board. >> Yeah, back again. >> Um I would just like to say it is truly an honor to stand before you tonight. Um I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the students, staff, and families of Central Middle School
112as associate principal. CMS is not just where I work. Um as she said, it's part of my story as well. I once walked those same hallways as a middle school student when it was a junior high. And now years later, I have the privilege of helping lead the school that helped shape me who I am today. Um, Central has invested in me as a student, and I'm now honored to invest in the next generation of students walking those same hallways. Serving as dean this past year has been an incredible experience. I've had lovely teammates and staff and also colleagues that I love and has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with students, support our teachers, and help strengthen the culture and climate of our school. Every day, I'm reminded that when students feel seen, supported,
113and challenged, they rise to the expectations we set for them. As I move into this new role, my commitment remains the same. I will continue working alongside our staff to support students academically, socially, and emotionally while helping ensure that every student who walks through our doors feels valued, supported, and prepared for what comes next. Thank you for your trust and support. I'm excited to continue serving servicing CMS community and helping lead the way of work and preparing every student for successful future. Thank you. Amazing. >> Okay. Item D. Approve Stervon and Suns Company base bid including allowances of 162,460 for 2026 interior painting project at Northwest School. Do I have a first >> motion to approve the painting project at Northwest School? >> Excellent. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Could we have a
114roll call, please? >> Dr. Michael Thomas, >> yes. >> Denise Jones, >> yes. >> O'Neal Gray, >> Lauren Dowin, >> David Shepard, >> yes. >> Rachel Maroquin, yes. Michael Al Miller, >> yay. >> Motion passed. >> Paint paint. >> No, but honestly like the paint does such a huge >> Yeah, it does. It does. It really is cool. >> And it came in significantly under our projections. >> That is a positive. >> All right. E. Approve school calendar for 2026 2027 school year as presented. Is there a first? >> Motion to approve the school calendar as presented. >> And a second. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Dr. Michael Thomas. >> Yes. >> David Shepard. >> Yes. Yes. >> Denise Jones. >> Yes. >> O'Neal Gray. >> Lauren Dowin. >> Rachel Marquin. Yeah. >>
115I never have spring break with my kids. I >> push it back. >> Excellent. Thank you so much. All right. Item F, approve summer school program. Is there a first >> motion to approve the summer school program? >> And a second. >> I'll second. >> Roll call, please. >> Dr. Michael Thomas, >> yes. >> Rachel Maroquin, yes. O'Neal Gray, >> yes. >> Denise Jones, >> yes. >> David Shepard, yes. >> Orin Dowen, >> Michael, >> yay. >> Motion passed. >> Very good. All right. Item 10. We are going to be resusciting to close session gazenti to discuss the appointment employment compensation discipline performance or dismissal of specific employees of the district or legal counsel for the district including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the district to
116determine its validity 5CS120/2C1 and the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students 5CS120C10. Uh, all in favor of recessing to close session, >> I >> wonderful. All right, everyone streaming at home, this is where the stream ends. Thank you so much for watching. Everybody here, thank you so much for attending. You're welcome to stay. We don't know when we're going to come back, so there's no hard feelings. If you wish to go, grab a cupcake on your way