001The provid Township High School special meeting of the board of education will not come to order on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 6 p.m. Madam Secretary, please call the role. Mr. Mr. Pampo present. Mrs. Dixon present. Mr. Beras present. Miss Grant present. Miss Patterson absent. Mr. Alexander absent. Mr. Barban present. We have quum. Would everyone please stand for the 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. Madam Secretary, we read the district vision statement through expectations of excellence and by providing equitable educational opportunities to empower each student, our graduates are prepared for college careers and serve as contributing members of a dynamic global society. Thank you. On behalf of the board of education,
002I formally acknowledge the certified results of the recent election as provided by the county clerk's office. We extend our sincere congratulations to the newly elected board members of the board of education. [Applause] What is it? [Music] At this time, we recognize and thank the outgoing board members for their service to District 209. We would like to also present the honorary flags to our outgoing board members in appreciation for their service to Reviso Township High School District 29. When I call your names, will you please come down and receive the flag? Uh we will then return to our seats and each board member would have each halfway board member will have an opportunity for for some remarks. Amanda Grant [Applause] President Sanders. [Applause] [Music] We also have plants and sweatshirts for Del Patterson and Rodney Alexander.
003I would just like to take an opportunity to thank them for their service to the board um over the years for for them and for Amanda and Sam as well. I really appreciate everything you've done, not just for me, welcome to the district for everything you have done for the district over the past few years. We know there's been a lot of change. There's been a lot of struggle, but through it all, you have landed a better place and we know that the district even in your absence is going to continue mov. Thank you. As we prepare to reorganize pursuing section 1016 of the Illinois school code, I say a motion to adjourn the sign of day sign of Madam Secretary. Sam, before we move on, we're going to give the board members an opportunity.
004Yes. Thank you. Um, every eight years I have just a few things that I wanted to say before I leave. Um, first of all, thank you so much to Mr. Chris Moip who came here despite all the craziness and all the people trying to prevent this change from happening. Um, you came here, you came here for the right reasons and I um I'm glad that sometimes we have to play the long game and it works. So, thank you. Um, I'm really excited for the new board members. I really am. Um, and thank you so much to Proviso 209 United who I think has finally realized the dream of proviso together eight years ago to really have eight people on the board who are here for the right reasons. Um, I want to thank the Democratic
005Party of Illinois who spent $48,000 to show that this election for the proviso 209 high school district for education cannot be bought. [Applause] I still see that um some tentacles are trying to creep in. And I urge all of our board members um two years old and and newly elected to stamp out that corruption whenever you see it coming because if it gets a foothold here, we know from the past it will take over. Yes, you have to be vigilant with yourselves, with each other, with everyone who comes through these doors because if they're not for students, they have no business. Um, I want to thank my two kids who are the [Music] two the two of my heart that walk around outside my body. And for the last eight years, I feel like you
006guys have gotten the short end of the stick. I was too busy worrying about thousands of kids um and being here for meetings and other things I needed to be that I missed out on important events of yours. I specifically remember missing your birthday, a few years ago because I was here. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your support. And thank you for always um being there and listening to an event and not repeating it outside of my house. That is very much appreciated. Um, I'm so proud of you. I love you both. Um, and finally, thank you to my husband, Paul. Um, eight years ago when we started, um, I was a single mom of two kids dating this guy with big hair. And, um, and I I said I wanted to
007check into the high schools and and why they're not doing well. and he came with me to all the meetings and when I decided to run it was a joint decision and I could not have had a full-time job and two kids and the board and the Westchester food pantry if I did not have an amazing person holding down the board at home. [Applause] So, we always always need good people to run find a Paul to be with you at home, okay? um to make sure that there are groceries and kids being picked up and dropped off and just handling everything that I never had the energy to do. So, thank you. Um best of luck to everyone. You're going to be great. Proviso 209 is in wonderful hands. [Applause] I'm just going to back
008up for one moment and have board member Patterson come down. We have a flat pan for you. We'd like to present it to you now. I'm put there's Okay, great. With that being said, um, first of all, with that being said, I would like to thank u my wife that is here that has supported me for at least eight years. Um, she came to the first meeting and she here for the second meeting. like a man who here we miss we missed a lot of family time in those eight years I believe um my mother died my mother-in-law died I also um had just two granddaughters that were born so a lot of things happen in life bad good and it's just amazing how fast eight years to go by um I am a product
009of the proviso high school graduate graduate of 1990 My wife is also a graduate of Provisor West in 1994. My son, Mario, he graduated from Provisor East in 2016. My other son, um, Emmanuel Valtier, graduated from this very school in 2018. My other son got my other son graduated from proviso east in 2021 and I have a still a student at proise. He's a freshman. So I have a best u I am proud of the new board members that have been elected. It reminds it reminds me of the uh the original board members were elected in 2017. was a I mean a team of eight people that were willing to to work for the community for the students and I think uh you have a um you have a set table with everything and if
010anybody's going to mess it up it's going to be but you're not going to mess it up we going to work together and strive for our students because that's what we do we have a vest vested interest in this community uh a lot of things are going to happen in your life but stay strong stay focused and do the right I think so at night you know that's something I always tried to do not perfect I failed many times but I think I did the right thing I never follow the way I always follow the cable I am Christian and I always follow my moral values to do that and I always measure myself where so that's what kept me you don't have to be Christian but that's what kept me in line and gave
011me the ability to make the right decision decision. So I pray my Lord Jesus Christ for that because he's my Lord and said through that I was able to make the best decisions I could and most fairest decisions I could for the community for the students and for everyone even staff members anybody that ever that I have to make a decision for. So I congratulate all the newly elected board members. I congratulate the the board members that are retiring because it really took a lot of us. It took a lot of our energy and effort to to get a lot of these things accomplished. I was just telling Amanda that um I believe in destiny, right? We would not be here if it wasn't for the previous world members. So you would not be here
012if it wasn't for me, right? It's just worse that way. So if you're here, you're here to do something great. I told Chris, Chris, I just have that feeling that you guys and I said all from the elected board members and the existing board members. You are here to do something great and I feel that in my spirit and I just had to say that because I told him that when he first came back and he's here to do something great with you guys. You are here to do something great. I don't know what it is. I just know it's great. So I congratulate you and welcome. I'm always a phone call away. You could call me after 6 months. But uh but yeah know that's all. Thank you for my wife, my kids. that
013helped me throughout this whole eight years just seems like a short time. It was very long honestly, but it was rewarding and I learned a lot and I thank you and I thank everyone. Thank you. Good evening family uh fellow community members. I stand before I sit before you tonight proud of the campaign that I ran with my slate mates and the values we fought for. Although we didn't win tonight, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the democratic process. First and foremost, I would like to thank my family, friends, and supporters who work tirelessly to help spread our message. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and trust in me have meant the world. To the voters who supported me, I'm honored that you put your faith in me. I understand that this outcome
014may be disappointing, but I urge you to stay engaged and committed to our shared vision of our schools. To my opponents, I offer my congratulations. I encourage you to work tirelessly on behalf of our community to listen to diverse perspectives and to make decisions that benefit all students. As a community, we must continue to prioritize our schools and ensure they provide worldclass education. We must educate. We must advocate for policies that promote equity, inclusion, and excellence. This election may have been over, but my work is far from it. I will continue to be a parent, student advocate as I was prior to getting on the board. I will continue to be involved, volunteer, and push for positive change in our school. Thank you again for your support. Let us move forward, united in commitment to
015our children, our schools, and our communities. I was I ran a positive campaign. I was very disappointed to see false misleading information being shared about me via social media. I was committed to running a positive campaign which I did. I want to assure this our community that the claims made about me are entirely untrue. I continue to work to serve our students and families. The allegation that was made such as I have stole millions of dollars. I've been arrested. The allegations such as one of our current teachers, driver's ed teacher, called me a criminal. I have retained an attorney and she should too. You can say I look like a criminal. I act like a criminal. I smell like a criminal. But when you call me a criminal, you better be able to prove that
016I'm a criminal. I've never participated in criminal activity, even though you may think all blacks. Steal, kill, and destroy. Allegations such as Dela should never be around anybody's children or families. Well, I've been working with children since I was 12 years old. I've never been in contact with DCFS. and no one else for that matter. I have a fundamental responsibility of anybody that work with children, teachers, my fundamental responsibility is to make sure all students are safe. And if that means that I have to get written up because one student was attacking another and I got involved, then so be it. I'll do it all over again. But if you don't know the facts and you put and post things like that, it's unfair. I've had the opportunity to see over 3,000 babies born in
017Proviso Township from students in Proviso Township Schools East and Proviso West as a parent student coordinator uh parent that students that had children. So, I say to you, when you make allegations such as that, be very, very careful because I'm not going to back off of that. All I have is my new government name and I refuse to let anyone taint my name by alleging I stole anything. As he offered the gift, I refused to accept it. Let me tell you why. that was on social media. She gives out gifts and she used the taxpayers's money to give gifts. I'm not going to take that, but I just say thank you uh for affording me an opportunity to be here. I'm not done yet. I'll probably be back. Um I will attend every board meeting
018as I did from 1998 until 2017 when I was elected. I will fight for the people. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you, veteran board members. As we prepare to reorganize pursuant to section 1016 of the Illinois school code, I seek a motion to adjourn Senate. Senai so moved. M secretary, please call the role. Please note this adjourns the current board only. The meeting self-contained. Mr. Campo. Hi. Mr. Dixon. Hi. Mr. Bel. I. Miss Brand. I Miss Patterson. Hi. Mr. Alexander. Absent. Miss Gman. I motion carries. Thank you. Retired board members. May I exit the board? [Applause] At this time, I would like to invite each of the newly elected officials to the DA so that you can take your oath of office. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Please insert your name with prophet and repeat after me. I
019your name. I do solely swear soly swear that I will faithfully discharge I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of member of the board of education the duties of the office of member of the board of education of township high school district 20 of township district 20 in accordance with the constitution of the United States in accordance with the constitution of the United States the constitution of the state of Illinois, the Constitution of the State of Illinois and the laws of the state of Illinois and the laws of the state of Illinois to the best of my abilities. to the best of my ability. I shall encourage and respect I shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by my fellow board members. The free expression of opinion by my fellow board
020members and others who seek a hearing before the board and others who seek a hearing before the board. while respecting the privacy of students and employees. while respecting the privacy of students and employees. I recognize that the board of board member has no legal authority as an individual. I recognize that a board member has no legal authority as an individual. And that the decisions can only be made by a majority vote at a public board meeting and that decisions can only be made by a majority vote at public meeting. I shall abide by majority decision of the board. I shall abide by majority decisions of the board. While retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels through ethical and
021constructive channels. As part of the board of education as part of the board of education I accept responsibility for my role in providing equitable and high quality education. I accept responsibility for my role to provide equitable high quality education To every student in the school district, I shall foster with the board extensive participation of the community. I shall foster with the board extensive participation of the community. Formulate goals. Formulate goals. Define outcomes. Define outcomes. And set the course for the Proviso Township High School District 209. and set the course for the township high school district 209. I shall assist in establishing a structure and environment I shall assist in establishing a structure and environment designed to ensure that all students have the opportunity designed to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their
022maximum potential to reach their maximum potential through a sound organizational framework through a sound organizational framework. I should strive to ensure continuous assessment I strive to ensure continuous assessment of student achievement of student achievement and of all conditions affecting the education of our children. All conditions affecting the education of our children in compliance with state law in compiance with state law. I shall serve as an education advocate. I shall serve as an education advocate on behalf of students on behalf of students our community our community and our schools and our schools to advance the vision for township high school district 209 to advance the vision for high school district 209 I shall work together with the district superintendent I shall work together with the district superintendent to lead the district toward fulfilling the board's vision
023to lead the district toward fulfilling the board's vision Fostering excellence for every student in the areas of academic skills. In the area of academic skills, knowledge knowledge, citizenship, citizenship and personal development. And personal development. Congratulations. [Applause] Please come forward to receive your home of office certificate. After receiving your certificate, you may take your seat at the board table. Evony Smith. [Applause] Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. [Applause] Smith, [Music] Rolanda Morris. [Applause] and William Trish. [Music] Any open [Music] At this time, I will I will invite the newly elected members of the board of education to make a statement. Okay. Um, howdy. Uh, first off, thank y'all for supporting not just me but us up here. the board members uh and I need that for the community. But specifically like to thank my wife taking care of
024her. She's here for outside my um so thank you all three of you. Um, I like to thank my new friends who are with me their current as well and providing provide [Applause] [Music] other strive to fulfill obligations to help our students best. All right. [Applause] We're excited. We are all excited to be here. Um, I want to thank 209. Thank you for believing in us. Thank you for all the hard work that you put in uh in front of the scenes and also behind the scenes. We really appreciate you. We appreciate the teachers. You guys came out, knocked on the door, made phone calls. I mean, you guys did everything. We appreciate the support. Um, we ran on uh being transparent. We ran on uh community engagement, fiscal responsibility, and that are those are
025some of the things that we are going to deliver on. And but we can't do this alone. We need y'all. We we need y'all support. We need your ideas. We're open. Come talk to us. Tell us your concerns. Tell us uh what you'd like to see. We we can't do this alone and we need you guys. So I hope that within the next four years with actually within the next year, we get more community engagement. We get more caring. Um here I mean you guys voted for change and we appreciate that. Uh change is here. We need you guys to help us deliver. Thank you. Being a current student, I had a speech today um that I wrote uh for tonight. We have a powerful potential in our youth and we must have the courage
026to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power towards good ends. Mary Mcloth. That potential is what fuels my passion for serving on the district 209 school board. It's why I stood out in the rain to get those 14 winning votes. I am devoted to our students. My ecological side embraces expanding and supporting diversity postsecary options. My civic side is grounded in integrity, democracy, and uplifting the voices of the majority, ensuring every young person has options that align with their strengths and dreams. The black rose I wear is more than a symbol. It represents racial harmony, the value of diversity, and a deep dedication to education. Public education is right, not a privilege. It is both an honor and a humbling experience to hold this position. To know that thousands of
027people voted for me fills me with gratitude and responsibility. My journey here is personal. In sixth grade, after changing districts, I struggled to keep up with math. Throughout high school, I often felt I often felt like I fell through the cracks, failing a semester of English. I was an average student who needed to work instead of pursue college like many of my peers. A work ethic my grams instilled in me. Today I tutor students while continuing to learn myself. And this May, in my 40s, I will proudly graduate as a first generation college student. [Applause] When my grand passed away, I thought my heart would break. But her memory became a source of strength, pushing me towards this purpose. She taught me to work hard, stand up for what I believe in, and to always
028give more than I receive. I began attending Proviso 209 board meetings when the recording stopped. But I witnessed that my first meeting moved me to tears. tears I quietly shed for several meetings until I found the courage to speak up during public comment. I was appalled by the behavior I saw and knew I had to be a part of the change. We are stronger as a township when we stay united. United we can build an education system rooted in mentoring, inclusion, and growth. As Mary McCoy Bthoon emphasized, enter to learn, leave to serve. Becoming a mother taught me more than I could have imagined. Hi, George in the audience. My son inspires me daily as I've juggled parenting, work, and college. You all have made me a board member, and for that, I thank you.
029You've given me a chance to serve our communities and students, and I do not take that lightly. I promise to follow my good orderly direction, to listen, to find creative solutions, to stay grounded in self-care while upholding my ethics, values, and morals. Please hold me accountable. When you see me, connect with me. Let's begin the work of healing, rebuilding, and elevating district 209. The past will not define us. United, we will create a future where our students shine. Their gifts are our future and we owe it to them to nurture that brilliance. [Applause] Hi, how do I come behind that? I want to start by um thanking my family um my husband, my children um throughout this process. I wasn't home much at all. You know, I was on the phone a lot um practicing
030in the mirror preparing. Um so I want to say, you know, thank you for your patience. And I know this is going to be a lot, but um I'm doing it for you guys. I'm doing for this community. Um thank you to the community. Um when I get up here and I will not shed any tears. Um but what I saw over my son's last four years is the reason I'm sitting here. I want every parent and every community member to know their voice matters in the decisions that we make. So hold me accountable. Tell me when I'm wrong and let me have the opportunity to make it right. Um I'm not saying I'm going to be perfect, but I'm give this everything I got. And I'm always going to focus on the students first
031before everything. Um, the same way I advocated for my son is the same way I'm going to advocate for every single student in this community. I want to encourage parents to know that your voice does matter. What you are feeling is important. What your student is feeling is important. And if you need help, that's what this district is here for. We're here to make sure each and every student succeeds to the best of our abilities. And I want to make sure that I'm giving you guys everything I got. So, thank you all so very much to the teachers. Um, oh my goodness. Thank you. Thank you for the encouragement. Um, even when people were trying to tell me that I wasn't good enough for this, that I wasn't able to do this, thank you for
032the encouragement and the reminder that I am and I real and [Applause] I everyone out there is very capable. Very capable. With that being said, I would like to know now seek nominations for a member to serve as president pro temporary for the purpose for the purpose of the reorganization process. Nomination I'd like to nominate board member. I want to nominate Sandra Hixon. More nominations. Hear none. There is a nomination for J Barban to serve as president for temporary. Madam Secretary, please call the role on the nomination of Danny Barber to serve as president. [Music] Mr. Okmpo. Hi. Mrs. Hixon, yay. Miss Morris, yay. Miss Pal Mero, yay. Miss Mr. Busher, Miss Smith, and Miss That's Thank you. With that being said, there is no need to uh call out the second nomination. Um I'll
033take Thank you so much. I would like I would now like to seek nominations for a member to serve as secretary for temporary uh for repurposes of the reorganization process. Are there any nominations for secretary? I'd like to nominate uh Ebony Nicole Smith. Any other nomination? Hearing none. Uh there is a nomination for Ebony Nicole Smith to serve as secretary for temporary. Madam Secretary, please call role of the nomination of Ebony Smith to serve. Mr. Okmpo, I. Mrs. Miss Hickson. I Miss Morris. Hi, Miss Molinro. I Mr. Fischer. Hi, Miss Smith. Hi, Miss Garpin. Hi. Congratulations. [Applause] [Music] I would like now like to seek nominations for the president of the board of education for a one-year term. Are there any nominations? I'd like to nominate Jenny Burman. Hearing none. There is a nomination for
034I'd like I'd like to nominate Sandra Hson. There's a nomination for Jenny Bartman to serve as president of the board of education. Secretary Temporary, please call the role on the nomination of Jenny Bartman to serve as president of the board of education for a one-year term. Hi nay Morris. Hi Minro. Hi Fisher. Hi [Music] Smith. That's four. [Music] Okay. So, we're now going to go on to uh the vice president role. I would like to now seek nominations for vice president of the board of education for a one-year term. Nominations. I'd like to nominate Wanda Morris. Any other nominations? There's a nomination for Wanda Morris to serve as vice president of the board of education. Secretary Portray, please call the role on the nomination of Roland Morris to serve as vice president of the board
035of education for a one-year term. Campo, Iris, Iro, Ian, I vice president. I would like to now seek nominations for secretary of the board of education for a one-year term. I would like to nominate Ebony Smith. Any others hearing? None. There's a nomination for Ebony Smith to serve as secretary of the board of education. Secretary Portere, please call the role on the nomination of Ebony Smith to serve as secretary of the board of education for a one-year term. Campbell. I Morris. Hi Mro. Hi Fisher. Hi Smith. I Farahan. Hi. [Applause] Um at this time I would invite any of the newly elected board officers to make a statement if you would like. We can start with secretary. Thank you. [Applause] Vice President. Thank you. And I just have a very short statement. So, I'm honored
036to accept the position of president of the board of education. I want to thank my fellow board members, both the newly elected and our continuing members, Sandra and David, for their trust in their partnership. We didn't step up to play it safe. We stepped up to make a difference together. We represent a renewed commitment to the accountability and the success of every student in our district. I'm excited to work collaboratively with um everyone up here as we move forward with a clear focus on stability, excellence, and growth. We have an amazing opportunity ahead of us. Together, along with Mr. Mohead, we're ready to roll up our sleeves and make real change. Our students, staff, families, and taxpayers deserve nothing less. I can't wait to get started and do this important work with all of you
037as one strong team. Thank you again for this honor and look forward to the work ahead. At this time, we will open the floor to public comments. You will be asked to address the board of education in the order in which your count sheets were received. Please note that your time for making comments in this section of the meeting is for three minutes. Uh will the secretary call for speaker? But I have to give you the Do you have a timer? You want me to? Okay. Our first speaker is Taylor Alice. [Applause] [Music] Good evening, President Barberham, Vice President Morris, and other esteemed board members. Also, welcome to the new board members. I can email the new board members to bring them up to speed in regards to what I'm presenting tonight. My name is
038Taylor Allen, and I serve as the head of security at PMSA. I last spoke with you. I last spoke before you in January. It is now May and I regret to report that the retaliatory actions I initially raised continue to persist and rapidly. On March 28th, I was scheduled for surgery. I submitted all required documentation in a timely manner. Yet, my initial FMLA request was denied. Only after receiving additional guidance and support was later approved as unpaid leave. I had communicated in advance that I would need only two weeks of recovery and that I will be clear to return to work by April 11th with restrictions. Despite three separate return to work notes provided by my apologist, district 209 HR decline each citing the absence of a fit form a form that to my knowledge
039does not exist within the proviso township protocols. According to the department of labor, when such documentation is required, it is the employer's responsibility to provide it. Instead, I was informed that I cannot return until I had zero restrictions, which I found interesting because I was appointed to return in October 2024, having just started radiation the same day. HR also issued me a medical release form, which in this context is a violation of my rights. I was then told I had been granted I'm sorry. I was until I had been granted an unpaid short-term leave of absence as though it were a favor rather than a legal and medical necessity. I would like to remind the board that I had already gone a full year without pay due to medical hardship. This leave was not a
040gift. It was a necessity to live. In addition, I commended a request for a site reflecting that support provided supervisor over a period of approximately 5 months. I was later informed that my request is now under legal review. It is important to note that both Mr. Wack and Mr. who covered in my absence while I was undergoing treatment for stage two breast cancer received sentence without delay legal review. The despair treatment raised the serious concerns regarding fairness and genderbased discrimination. I have previously raised issues of gender based and other forms of discrimination. This is now day 162 of blading retaliation since my return on October 9th. I'm counting. I was asked to resolve this behind closed doors by family. Unfortunately, that approach has given no resolution. Tonight, I stand before you a public comment to
041respectfully request the site owed to me for the five months I provided support. Based on public available records, Mr. Wack and Mr. Grant received a monthly statement of $1,780. I am requesting compensation for five months consistent with that. Lastly, I'm the product of an attorney. We're going to leave with that. I understand all jargon and scare tactics that agents of the courts use. I also don't scare easily. I urge District 209 to do the right thing in regard to my pending investigation. Thank you for your time and your consideration. The next speaker is Cararissa Gillespie. [Applause] Good evening, board. Um, I'm usually full of words, but tonight I'm at a loss of words. Um, I did prepare something, but I just want to make this quick. I'm proud to see you all sitting in these
042seats. I truly believe in each and every one of you, including you, Mr. Mo, to do what's right. Move our district forward for every single student. I want us to truly truly make our schools what our students and communities deserve. It's been a lot of hard work and I don't want it to go for not. We truly deserve the very best. So, thank you. Thank you for those that have been sitting. Miss Barban, Miss Hixon, Mr. Okample. Thank you for those of you that are just getting in these seats, getting ready for this journey. I know I know in my heart that this configuration is the configuration of the board that's going to make sure our students get what they deserve. Thank you. That concludes public comment. May I have a motion to adjourn the
043meeting? I move to adjourn the meeting. Second. All in favor? [Music] We are journey. [Applause]