Board of Education Special Meeting: August 13, 2025.

001Mesa cafe. What was that? >> Oh, hamburger. >> No, there's a pizza place there. >> Oh, yeah. Giant pizza. >> I was there. Was it there when I was in the dorm? >> The bluebird was the whole building when I was there. >> Paul River. >> Yeah. Paul River. That's what it was called. >> Yeah. >> Doesn't exist. Well, they gave away their pizza, so no wonder. >> Yeah. excuse to not blow your lawn. I used to use shut down. >> All right. >> 7 o'clock. I'd like to call the meeting to order. Uh please rise for the pledge of allegiance. [Music] 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. >> Kelly, would you call

002the role? >> Michael Dvito >> here. >> Christian Coppel >> here. >> Beth Marie Evans >> here. >> Alex Grados >> here. >> Cole Ry >> here. Heather Tomlinson, >> Alan Zantu, >> present, >> is present. >> As a reminder, our board governs by policy aligned with state law. These policies are not just guidelines. They are legal and ethical obligations that ensure transparency, accountability, and consistent leadership. When policies no longer meet the district's needs, it's our responsibility to amend them within the bounds of the law to better serve our community. The board acts only as a whole in a duly convened public meeting with a quorum present. Outside of this structure, no individual member has authority. Adherence to policy protects the district from risk and ensures that all decisions are fair, lawful, and aligned with

003our strategic goals. Our mission is to empower all learners to succeed in their world. And our vision is to provide an ideal learning experience where students and staff are engaged and want to come back the next day. Our board policies and actions should reflect that mission and vision. Good evening. Welcome to the regular meeting of the Sycamore Community Unit School District 427 Board of Education. Guided by board policy 2230 and the Illinois Open Meetings Act. This is a business meeting that's held in public. The seven of us seated here are your neighbors or volunteers entrusted by you to care for your schools. We're greatly We're truly grateful you've chosen to spend a portion of your evening with us. To balance participation with the board's agenda, we've reserved up to 30 minutes for public comment. Each

004speaker is kindly asked to limit remarks to three minutes. Unused time may not be transferred to another person. Any extension requires a majority vote of the board. When you're recognized, please approach the podium, state your name, share your thoughts. The board will listen without debate this evening. Questions or concerns when called for will be rooted through the appropriate administrative channels for followup consistent with our chain of command procedures. If you'd like to speak, please raise your hand. Wait to be called. Thank you for lending your voice and helping us model effective self-government for our students. >> Thank you. Would you please state your name? >> Sure. Dan Leart, 628 Park Avenue in Sycamore. >> Thank you, Dan. Hang on one second. Hopefully it's helpful. >> Good evening. My wife and I have been proud residents

005of the Sycamore community for over 15 years. I've graduated one daughter through this school system and currently have one attending another end high school. In the past, we've been pretty hands-off when it comes to local school politics. However, the actions of the current elected board has brought me here tonight to have our voices heard on behalf of ourselves, every taxpayer, parent, citizen, and who was directly or indirectly affected by its recent decisions. When we look back at our former superintendent's record, we should all commend him on the massive task he undertook. moving his family across the state while kids were in the midst of elementary and high school. Leading our district through a pandemic while handcuffed by overreaching state regulations, a teachers contract negotiation soon thereafter that polarized our community and came to a resolution

006without a strike. And sadly losing a schoolboard president that was a fixture in our community and led for so long with a steady personality and everyone's best interest in mind. a superintendent and his family being engaged in the community and was part of many boards visible at many community fundraisers and outreach events that are above and beyond the normal job requirement. A superintendent who is regularly seen at every school district in and even during driving a school bus while there was a shortage. After doing all these things and receiving a nearly perfect score on his performance review and salary increase, you would think he would have been recommended to have his contract renewed and extended and be able to finish his teaching career off at a district he so proudly held. but how we are

007all mistaken. In a special board meeting called on the first Friday in August, while many families are away trying to get their last bit of summer vacation and activities in, our school board unanimously decided that we no longer need to have Mr. Wilder actively involved with our school district and will gladly compensate him to stay away until March of next year. When questions are asked about the decision, the schoolboard leadership offers the same canned responses that appear to be generated by chat GPT or AI. While the school board and its leadership are unable to com comment on this matter, we are the open meeting act regulations were filed at the special meeting. However, the secrecy and the separation in the way it was handled, the lack of communication about this meeting, and the unanimous decision

008this school board came to shows me that this board wants wants to say they are open and transparent with their business, wants to be all-inclusive with their special subcommittees they have formed and engage on social media what a great job they are doing and how everyone can access the school documents and calendars. But to me, it shows just how self-serving, backhanded, and closed dooror politics they are truly undertaking and feel they don't need any leadership to descent from their views, how they conduct their business and their future agendas. What activities does a squ have coming up they don't want Mr. Wilder to be involved in? The biggest and most apparent one is the upcoming negotiations for the next teachers contract. The actions of this board clearly show me they want to do business. If you

009don't agree with the direction you're handling it, they will gladly pay you to sit at home and without having business done with you. You should all be embarrassed by your recent actions and you need to realize the only way we grow is by having healthy debates, dialogue, and communication when when we disagree and finding ways we can compromise together. >> Move to extend his time. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I appreciate it. >> Go ahead. I'll put another three minutes on. The most concerning thing I have about the current bill board. >> All right, hang on Dan. One second. Apologies. Fumbling over. >> All right. Go ahead. The most concerning thing I have about the current board is their inability to separate a school business from

010their personal lives. We have seen promotions being voted on by members of the board for staff they directly have a conflict of interest with. And while having a personal relationship with board members and teacher union leadership is not prohibited, making personnel choices, and more importantly, negotiating a contract behind closed doors with your close friends without the full-time superintendent is wrong, completely unethical, and is the groundwork the board has laid for its recent actions. If we're going to continue to conduct business this way and how it's being handled recently, we are no better than the political theater we have all come to beone in our state, country, and beyond. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Dan. Appreciate you. >> See if I can get this to work. Right. >> Cancel. Is it? There it is.

011Thank you. >> Okay. >> I know. Seriously, my two-year-old is here. You can figure it out. Is it? Yes. Hi. >> Hi, Lisa Smith, 1364 Axel Lane, Sycamore. >> Thank you. >> Um, I spoke last week. Um, many of you probably heard me. I want to talk again now that the newspapers came out. If you read the comments on the paper, you'll see that people are outraged by the fact that the the staff at the high school had a had a um hand in how this how this guy got off completely. Really, he really got off completely. Um going counseling and is nothing. Anyway, I want to go back over I want to revisit what happened after the police investigation opened and he got into the building after the police investigation opened. Um the police

012investigation opened on February 11th. He was in the building February 12th. It was 12:47 when I got a message from my daughter saying it's scary that an alleged sexual assaulter is allowed here. All the kids were messaging. I can pinpoint the times. He was there about 15 minutes. Especially I especially want you to hear this right from my mouth. My daughter went to the to the administrative office and was told he wasn't in the building. I called and I was told he wasn't in the building. The whole time he was in the building and he was cornering some students. Um, so I called a second time and yelled and then all of a sudden he was in the building. Um, police were never called. I know this because the day after this incident, my daughter

013was interviewed by police and the detective was mad that police were not called. Um, usually a person in Mr. Jamrock's situation is told to stay away from victims. I talked to a police friend of mine, that's standard, and I asked him, "Is it possible that if the police had been called that he would have had extra charges or something?" and he said, "It's possible. It's possible. We don't know." Um, in my mind, the students were victimized three times by jamrog, by the admins doing nothing about him being in the building, and by the plea deal. Many of them were very upset. One of them contacted me today and thanked me for speaking out, and I'm going to read, which I think I left my phone. Anyway, she said something to the effect of, "I'm really

014glad you spoke out because nobody at the school cares. This is the high school. This is how the kids are feeling." Um, I'd like to see some kind of policy come out. He should not have had his key once the police investigation started. He should not have been allowed in the building. Um, and one other thing I I just wanted to mention, I do not think I disagree. I do not I really do think that you all have our best interests at heart. I do not see anything shady about this board, but um these kinds of things, the one thing is Mr. Devito, you you did send me an email where you kind of you said a more effective path in public comment may come from board discussion, which I read is kind of dis

015discouraging me from coming to the meeting last week and the paper did not even know that Jamrog was sentenced. So, I don't think any of this would come out would have come out if I didn't come to the meeting and that really really bothers me. That's it. I'll keep it to my three minutes this week. >> Thank you very much. >> Would anyone else like to address the board at this time? >> Would you state your name and step up to the podium? >> Michael Rexford, 1810 Massport. Uh I just wanted to come back. Uh just want to talk about the extra points about the bus. Um, I'm just here with uh some of uh the parents and I just wanted to remind everyone about um the factories with the truck traffic that's increasing on

016Park and Bordon and there's no cameras and um the firehouse construction and the open water uh with the walking paths and um I just think that we should be qualified for the bus and then uh I think that a hazard point should be rewarded for us. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate you taking the time. Is there anyone else from the audience who'd like to address the board? Yes. >> Would you state your name and come to the podium? >> Sarah Rexford, 1810 Main Court. I'm just also here to um request those judgment points for our bus route to be re reinstated. Um just to reiterate, the only route to our school is through factory traffic along with busy highways. Um there's no backup cameras on any of these semis that are

017backing up into these uh loading docks. So to it's pretty unrealistic for expectations for kids who are under for kids as young as five to maneuver around these vehicles um parked and loading into these docks. Um just saying that the uh also from from our neighborhood a child has already been struck. He was going to school and he was he was hit by a vehicle. So, I feel like that's pretty much a red flag like that should be continuing bus traffic for that because of those factors. Also, removing these this bus route only increased vehicle, foot, and bike traffic. And for a parent that gets multiple emails during a school year of issues about pickup and drop off line and how chaotic it is, it's only going to get worse. Um, as of now with

018our petition, there is 256 people in our community that care about this issue and do not agree with the removal of this particular bus route. Um, lastly, there's also, I don't want to be too dramatic, but um, there are unused parking lots out there that are not monitored by any sort of device. Um, I've had a friend that had an issue with someone that was sitting in that parking lot um, doing things that they should not be doing. like every community has said it before, it won't happen here until it does. So, this is something that we should really look into. Um, and then the bus option is a necessity for working families. Um, we both work. We do not have a job that has working hours that coincide with school hours. There's no way

019for us to just buzz over there and get it. We we do have to work and pay our taxes and whatnot. So, we're just reiterating that we really would like to add those judgment points for um the bus hazard process. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Would anyone else like to address the board? >> Sorry, I lost my voice yesterday. I'm going to try. >> You state your name? >> Eric Jones. >> Good evening. I'm here tonight not just to express disappointment with the board's separation with Superintendent Steve Wilder, but to express a deep concern about the process that led to his departure and the lack of respect shown in its handling. Steve arrived during an unprecedented time, July 2020, inheriting a district reeling from CO 19 and facing immense challenges.

020He didn't just manage those challenges, he embraced them, demonstrating a level of dedication few leaders possess. The public likely remembers witnessing him driving school buses to ensure students got where they needed to be, substituting when teachers were out, and consistently putting the needs of our children first. That kind of commitment deserves more than a quiet exit. Let's not shy away from acknowledging the context surrounding Steve's departure. The board that hired him brought with it a combined 64 years of board of education experience, individuals who understood the complexities of leading a school district and valued stability and continuity. a hiring process that included at least a dozen candidates, multiple rounds of interviews, and a due diligence trip to his home community to interview staff, board, and community members conducted by two of our own board members,

021including this one. It took less than four months for a board with no more than 10 years of collective experience to undo that and put our district on a questionable and periladen path. Steve inherited an aging administration, navigated contentious contract negotiations while balancing taxpayer concerns, and tackled difficult issues like redistricting and replacing our updated administrative building. All while all while rebuilding a new leadership team from within the district itself, promoting talented staff members to positions of responsibility. He built an exceptional exceptional team, demonstrating his commitment to fostering talent and ensuring a strong future for our schools. and yet he has departed without the customary recognition or farewell that someone who dedicated so much to this community deserves. This isn't just about Steve. It's about setting a precedent. It sends a message to current staff and

022potential future leaders that dedication and hard work are not valued here. It goes directly against the board's goal being agreed upon tonight, specifically cultivating a measurable positive district climate that attracts, supports, and retains top talent with collaboration across the district. I understand change is inevitable, but the manner in which Steve was treated speaks volumes about the priorities of this board. It's time to ask ourselves some difficult questions. Are we prioritizing experience and stability? Are we valuing those who dedicate themselves to serving our students? And are we creating an environment where exceptional leaders feel supported and appreciated? Steve Wilder deserves better, and frankly, so does this community. Let's learn from the situation, ensure that future changes are handled with the dignity and respect they deserve. Thank you. Thank you very much for your comment. Would anyone

023else from the audience like to address the board at this time? All right, we'll move on to the next item on the agenda. Just want to add to thank you everyone for coming to speak at public comment. I understand uh how stressful public speaking can be, especially addressing a group of people in a large audience. Um, and it takes a lot of courage and bravery. Uh, and I commend you for that. So, to everyone who spoke tonight, thank you. Uh, first day of school update. >> The slide is off. I think we're missing that one, but uh, >> I feel like July 4th hits and, uh, the anticipation begins. Uh, teachers can probably attest to that. there's this buildup to to this point and to uh to next week that uh it's excitement, it's stress,

024um sometimes overwhelming, but it just builds and builds and uh we've started to kick off events that lead to that day, but there's been work going on all summer with teachers and I had to make a list because there's so much. Um so throughout the summer, uh teachers have been taking part in optional, uh math PD at night. Lisa Wyers have been hosting night events that teachers have uh chosen to be a part of. There's been essential standard work going on, teachers on their own time. Uh coaches have supported uh training for the pilots that are coming up. This building's been full the last few days of teachers that are opting in uh to do things. Uh last night was kind of the first event with uh students. So, if you got a chance to

025be at back to school night, great event um that showcases our community partnerships, just people wanting to be out there supporting our students that aren't directly involved with the school district. It was awesome seeing families. Um so, with everything else going on, our students don't necessarily know what's going on. They are excited to come to school and there's excitement there. Um today, we had all our administrators in the building for CPI training uh to know how to to intervene when students are escalating. Uh tomorrow we welcome 18 new educators that are excited to start a new job um first thing in the morning tomorrow. Monday we have staff back in the building. They're at their own buildings working with principles uh having staff meetings doing PD getting ready for the school year. Um, Tuesday is

026our all staff day where we welcome everybody in one spot. Um, where we're gonna have opening remarks, celebrate um, things that staff have done over the summer. Um, but then provide a lot of PD as well, a full day of PD for elementary teachers. Um, with the math adoption, a lot of AI, there's been a lot of talk around artificial intelligence. Um, some of our other teachers are going to be doing a lot of AI work. And then our paras and our cessa group are going to be taking part in CPI training again to help our students um when they're most in need. Tuesday night is backpack night, right? Students are dropping off materials, meeting teachers for the first time. There's excitement there. And then Thursday is the day that all this anticipation uh builds

027up to students coming back into the building. So, lots of excitement, lots going on. Um kind of just spinning as it all uh is coming because we're running every which direction, but it's all exciting. And then as soon as that hits, it's December before we know it. So, uh, lots of buildup, but there's a lot of exciting things coming up with new staff, with, uh, staff coming back, and then ultimately students on on Thursday. So, we're excited. >> Thank you, Nick. Appreciate it. I got a lot of really good feedback, too, on the back to school night. It was it was pretty wild. Like, I don't know if you guys had a chance to to go to it, but it was You probably saw the pictures. Oh my gosh. Like, it was the turnout was

028wild. So big kudos to the team who put that together. Um so >> shout out to to coms. That's uh Jen Eiffel and um Lauren Holtz and and their team and a lot of others, but they take the lead. >> I saw a picture that was like everybody was involved. It was just like hu I mean it was a big undertaking. I know they were talking about like, oh, is it going to rain? Isn't it? So anyway, that was awesome. Thank you. >> Uh board reports. Uh just standing items. There may be something to report, maybe not. But I'll just leave the floor open. We'll go down the list. Teaching and learning, learning and teaching for that matter. >> Yeah, we had a a good first meeting with our full committee. They were they were

029seated on July 8th. We had a real nice presentation from Mike Rice really going through um the pilot process both from the math looking backwards last year bridges and looking forward in ELA as well as uh how professional development works and then quite a bit of focus on academic achievement metrics and measurement processes. Um so it was a really good introduction I think for the committee as a whole. Looking forward to our next meeting September 18th. We're going to do a deeper dive into the annual academic achievements scores and kind of how that trends um this past year and prior years to get a better understanding there and then get a better understanding of the the pilot programs, where we're going, how we're measuring them, what we're hoping the outcomes are going to be, and

030then obviously all the professional development related to to math bridges that Nick spoke to. So, it should be a really good meeting. Hope you can all make it if you can. Um should be a good discussion. >> Cool. Thanks. >> Business services. >> I do have an update. I apologize if it's a little long form with so many people here. I really wanted to give everybody an update on what we've been working on so we can give you a brief history. Uh the business services committee is relatively brand new. It's had three total meetings. The first meeting was in on May 10th. That it had a very full plate on May 10th because on April 22nd was a board meeting at which the what we call the tenative tenative budget was first displayed. So, we're

031actually going to approve or well, we're going to vote on approving the tenative budget this evening. So, the very first time the board talked about that was in April 22nd. And then when the board saw that, they they charged the business services committee with um fleshing it out with forecasting and projections because there was some question of well, how does this map to our five-year needs? So, that was part of the plate of the first business services committee meeting on May 10th. At that meeting, there was some projections shown. They had some numbers in them that sort of raised some eyebrows and caused some alarm, but also was tempered with the fact that all the information wasn't complete. So, we didn't have all the data loaded up properly for the modeling. Nonetheless, the board uh

032saw that from the business services committee and said, "Let's call a special meeting." We called a special meeting for May 19th, at which time the business services committee was charged with making sure we dialed in these five-year financial projections. So then the business services committee worked uh with the administration hand inand went back and forth on uh you know what do these projections need to look like what information needs to be in them and we had the June 10th business services committee meeting which was its second meeting and the first meeting which we sat the new community members so there are four people on the committee myself Josh Hughesman Dr. Kinchetta Maniachi and Meg Kors. Those other three are community members. There was an application process. We read their apps. We did interviews. We sat

033them on June 10th and we saw the and all these meetings are, you know, you can go back and look at all the presentations that were shown to us. They're they're all reflected in the in the packets that you can see online. On June 10th, we were shown some projections about the fund balance. And so, not to bore you, but the fund balance percentage, you can think of it as the amount of money in your checking account. And so, you know, you don't want it to go down. You know, stay the same or go up is usually good. Now, sometimes it can go down a little, but then you should have a plan for it to go back up. And so, we were shown some projections. It was the administration's assessment at the time, and

034you can correct me if I'm wrong at any point, please. It was the administration's assessment at the time that to hold the fund balance flat over five years, that is to keep our checking account balance flat over five years, we would need an increase to the surplus of about $1.3 million. Now, that was admittedly um a conservative estimate in the in the sort of you know the way you'd want to be conservative. So, we traditionally overestimate expenses and slightly underestimate revenues. So there was some discussion at this meeting about clarity like okay well is this 1.3 you know um totally off base or could it really be zero and and it was like well no it's somewhere between zero and 1.3 probably and we said well you know there was a lot of discussion at

035this meeting between the business services committee the administration who was there as public meeting and um you know was like well we don't want to do anything crazy anything fast anything reckless what we what we need is a steady hand and um smart decision-m so We all talked about it and we thought, what if we uh suspended the fund balance floor to allow us to dip below what our board policy says is the lowest fund balance you could have, but make incremental changes over five years. So at the end of that, you could position yourself to be regrowing the fund balance. So that you could make small changes in a year, evaluate the next year, small changes the next year, evaluate the next year. And if you had to dip your fund balance a little

036bit, that would be okay because it would be married to this five-year plan that would then at the end of that allow you to begin to grow your fund balance in a responsible way for the community, limiting any impact on students, making sure that we telegraphed our intentions and, you know, get as much buy in as possible. That was the June 10th meeting. That was the recommendation. I mean, that wasn't the exact recommendation. I could quote, you can look it up if you want to see it. Um that was the recommendation of the business services committee at that time. Again these subcommittees cannot take any action. So they can only create recommendations. They can't actually do anything. So that recommendation flowed to the whole board where it was more or less adopted. Um and then

037the administration and the board and the business services committee uh have been working together to create um you know to bring that to life. And I it's my understanding that the tenative budget that we're going to discuss a little bit tonight that was also discussed last night at the third business services committee meeting ever um will allow us will position us to begin a plan like that um you know for the next year. So I know that's a really long history but I think that this is a good time to share that update and I wanted to brief everybody on what what we do what we've been doing. So >> thanks. >> Uh anything from policy committee? This will meet on August 25th at 7, right? >> That's >> seven. That's what it says. 7

038at night >> potentially. But yeah, that's what I see here. That's the >> proposed time. Yep. Yep. >> Perfect. Uh anything from PTAC? >> We're going to be done December 9th and we have our our bankers selected. So we should be our first meeting as a whole um to begin reviewing the handbooks. Cool, cool, cool stuff. IASB update. I want to just say kudos to Heather uh and Christian because you guys tag team this week. Some context I'll give the Illinois Association of School Boards in November uh has a list of resolutions that they include for the general assembly uh of school boards basically. And so like each school board in the state sends a representative from their board to vote in this general assembly meeting uh regarding potential resolutions for the IASB to advocate

039for at the state government level. um recommendations or like proposed resolutions from IASB either bear the do adopt recommendation from the Illinois Association of School Boards um resolutions committee or do not adopt. Uh Sycamore for the first time in at least my time on the board proposed a resolution that Heather came up with. Uh and that resolution was advocated for on August 1st by our very own Christian capell uh to that committee of 21 members and uh the result of that proposal and uh advocation was a do adopt from that committee which if voting records hold true means that there's a very good likelihood that the general assembly will also uh recommend to adopt for that resolution. The resolution was related to uh seat belt uh regulation and I think largely unfunded mandates that come

040from the state with the idea being that we'd really like to have some funding tied to them. But Heather, uh given it's your resolution, do you have any comments about it or anything else that you want to say? Um, well, I think that now that we've got it, so the funding should be mandated, um, we should try to think of suggestions of where that funding is going to come from because passing a bill in Congress is all good and great, but if you don't have the funds allocated, then they're moot. So, >> next steps. >> Oh, awesome. Well, good to see that uh, you know, we're on the map. So, thank you for Thank you both for doing that. the board as a whole approved that uh resolution in June. So, excellent work. Uh and

041the resolution is available in the board doc. So, if anyone wants to see it, there's a multiple pieces to it. So, uh item 5.06. Uh, and I'm going to lean on the administration here for this update, but uh, in consultation with uh, the board's uh, legal adviserss, the uh, selling of the 245 East Exchange Street, uh, public sale steps are available in this um, document that's in the board uh, packet, so to speak. Uh, pulling it up here. Sorry, my computer's a little slow. So, if you guys had a chance to look at this, it's just like a real highle overview because it's funny when like attorneys send you things, you get paragraphs of things that you there's you can't decipher it. So, this is a much more abbreviated uh version uh of what that

042process looks like. And so, the timeline outlines one, setting a minimum price uh which is optional, but we have to obtain a valuation and then adopt a resolution. And the board right now, as I understand it, is in the process of waiting for that valuation, right? >> Yep. So, we'll present that at the August 26 board meeting along with the resolution to publish bids. >> Okay. Um, then we approve a bid auction notice with sale date. We publish the notice uh for three weeks. I believe it runs in the newspaper once each week. Uh we accept bids uh or apparently you can conduct an auction too. So, there's some options we'll have on that. uh then uh we can accept the highest qualifying bid or we can reject all bids and resolve to hire a

043broker to sell the building. So that's a nice kind of option you have too. Uh if we go the broker listing route, the broker will market the property. Uh any offer at or above the minimum uh may be accepted. Uh then there's of course executing the contract, due diligence, finalizing the sale. So that's the step by step for the 245 Exchange Street building. We're going through that process. There is some hurdle that is the antenna on the building. I know that that's something that um we'll have to address just the usage of that for uh radios and I know it's on everybody's radar. Um so things to think about but kind of a dot dot dot till the end of the August meeting. So, that's an update there that I have for you. So, any

044other board reports? I don't think I think we're good on that. >> We're anticipating to take action on Exchange Street on the 26th >> to set a minimum >> set the reserve >> to set a minimum bid price and to publish bids. >> Gotcha. And we'll publish for three weeks and then hopefully I'll have a contract to bring you guys at the September board meeting. And we have to do this twice just be because it's the law because didn't we already >> we've done this three times actually. >> Yeah. It's it's like it's just we just have to to use a broker though, right? >> Yeah. >> The first time we didn't get any bids. >> Yeah. >> So then we went out to bid again. We set no minimum threshold and we did obtain

045some bids. Then the board chose not to accept a bid that night. Um, and so now we're going to set another minimum threshold working with a realer consultant company. And then if we don't get any more bids this time around, then we can engage with that broker um to help us sell the building. >> So this is just the path to the broker essentially if we don't get a bid we like along the way. >> Yep. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Yeah. And as I understand it, the bidding process too, like you have to have cash in hand. There's like some there's a lot more restrictions to purchasing a building through the bidding process than there would be if you sold it through a broker. >> They can finance it. Yeah. >> Yeah. As long as

046I mean we're okay with that. It usually draws out the process. Um Okay. >> That would be the only downfall for that. >> Then we got to figure out and then there's like hopefully the antenna thing isn't a huge hindrance. So, but there's like I said it'll be a decision point again. So, great. Uh okay. So, old business. Uh first item item 6.01 1 approval of press issue 118 policy updates. This is going for second readings. The board um has gotten this already on first reading. Uh so the second reading uh I'm going to solicit a motion to approve the press 18 policy updates as presented. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Any discussion? I don't believe that there's any substitute changes if any changes at all to the press um 118

047updates from the first reading. I think there were a couple for the nonp press very minor. >> Um, but the only the only revision I recall >> was the medication distribution. >> That's 118. >> That is in 118. Okay. So, I guess I'll give my little spiel about that now. Sorry, I thought that was part of the >> board policy updates. Legal count the policy committee requested that Mr. Devito reached out to legal counsel to seek a review of our medication distribution procedures and legal counsel took a while to get back to us and the response was between the first reading and now so it's that policy has been updated there were no substantive changes there were a couple minor wording tweaks but I just want to disclose that it's not that policy I can't

048recall the the number is not exactly the as it was 7270. >> 7270 is is slightly different, >> but the committee is still recommending do adopt. So, this is allowing students to self carry medication um and incorporating updates on opioid antagonist and related laws. Does anybody know what that is currently with the opioids. >> The as I understand it, Alex, and correct me if I'm wrong too, the the revision is on it shows it. So they have it in red highlighted text on page 96 of the 110 page press update. >> Okay. And then if you go under processes for administrating med medicine to students, I think the inclusion is a student may also possess the supplies and equipment necessary to monitor and treat diabetes in accordance with the student diabetes care plan andor the

049supplies, equipment, and medication necessary to treat epilepsy in accordance with the student's seizure action plan. And so it's my understanding that that's the notable inclusion. and then the statute reference uh that it's related to which is uh statute 105 ILCS 150 seizure smart school act >> and and legal is just recommending we remove the process for administrating medicine which was a locally um added section remove it from our policy manual and insert it into an administrative procedure >> right >> which do we we don't have an admin Do we have >> they said they gave admin one. >> Okay. >> In that little annotation. >> Okay. Good. Good stuff. >> And this puts us in line with press policy then for >> Yeah. >> No, I don't I don't >> No, the the green language

050is process. >> Some of some of it is, but some of it's customized to what our legal team thought was suitable for our district. >> Okay. >> This has been vetted by legal is is what I'm and this is what they're recommending we adopt. So the committee is recommending to adopt as well. The green language is the >> Makes sense. >> Where the hy where with the little like citation is any other comments. >> Is there uh Okay, we have a motion in a second. Uh all in favor >> I >> Any opposed? Motion passes. Next item 6.02 approval of board review policy updates also for second reading. Uh let's see the recommended action to approve the board review policy updates as presented. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. Any discussion? >>

051This had no revisions. >> Just a quick recap on this one, Alex, if you don't mind. >> Just a nine page. >> Okay. >> Yeah. There's a couple of pieces in this, right? >> Yes. >> Do you want me What? What? >> I mean, I can Do you want to highlight it or I can highlight it? will highlight >> just like okay so the >> we've already deliberated at the first reading of this but it's revisions to policy 460 related to purchases and approvals revisions to policy 640 regarding uh curriculum development the 460 purchases and approvals policy namely adjusts the threshold for um uh contract approval 640 talks about um the uh pilot program process policy 445 talks about auditor recommendations uh and insufficient fund checks and debt recovery which was just guidance from the

052auditors. >> Well, here I I guess you want to Sure. It was for 445. It was the auditors recommended we add some language for procedures on handling outstanding checks. The insufficient fund checks and delinquent debt recovery language remains constant. It is in alignment with press. However, our auditors recommended we add that outstanding check section to that policy because was it Gazsby? Was it 101? Were they there was no or was it No. >> No, this didn't have anything to do with Gatsby. It >> had nothing to do with it. >> We just didn't have anything in policy regarding it. And that was that was a finding others. Yeah. Okay. my personal favorite student board member uh revision. So policy 240 um outlines uh a recommendation that came from IASB for amendment to board policy to

053allow the inclusion of a student board member. Um, so IASB or Illinois Association of School Boards outlines a really neat policy uh language that can be included based on uh revision to state statute that allows the inclusion of a member uh who can sit on the board as a student. Um, a lot of other districts do it. So, kind of a neat thing. It opens that door for us to be able to do that. Uh, okay. Okay. And then there were the uh press 118 review pieces which we had talked about and there are I think press 118 if I'm right in reading this and correct me if I'm wrong Alex there were 30 revisions that press put out for the 118 mostly in the section se 7 portion but some in section six and

054five and two. So uh any other discussion related to the second reading of the uh uh policy updates is presented. Just had to comment that there's a lot here obviously but this is second reading after a many many many hourong meeting among many of us and and definitely us within the policy committee a lot of discussion of each one of these including with administration. So just so that it's not our first time looking at it right. So I think I feel pretty comfortable with it personally. >> Right. >> It's my third >> third time. Yeah. It was like a 4 hour meeting, I think. Right. >> A couple of them. >> Letter by letter felt like >> Well, we got through it. Is a big package is what it was. Uh, okay. Uh, all in

055favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All right. Motion carries. All right. The next item on the agenda, item 6.03, 103 three hazard study approvals to send to ID do relating to policy 4110. Uh the recommended action is to approve the submission to ID do um applying uh the maximum number of judgment points to the uh in question roots. Uh, is there a motion? >> Is the I'm sorry. Is it just to apply the judgment points to the board and park route that we >> pull up the memo? Hang on. >> Um, there's uh of the three locations reviewed. There's Haron Creek, Brier Drive, Park Avenue, and Bordon and Freedom Circle and surrounding streets. >> Creek already qualifies as a hazard, just FYI. Um, the only discussion that Lacy and I heard uh last time

056was the the Bordon and Park >> crossing. >> And I and then I I looked at these and I saw that the Bordon one reflected the judgment points given that this was the intersection that there was a student struck by a bus. Um, that was the long conversation that we had several meetings ago. >> A car, not a bus. >> A car. I'm sorry. Thank you. Sorry. Right. Either. Yeah. Not good either way. Um but the the other forms don't reflect them. So So if we just approve these as written, it'll be the two judgment points on the intersection that was deliberated on for a long time and then the rest will basically follow the guidance from Lacy from Transportation and Nicole. >> Correct. >> What is the motion that's on the table? >> So

057I would move to um I would move to submit these forms as presented. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> Um, yes. Um, I want to be sure that we're not voting to remove this bus route. >> This rout's already been routed for this year. The kids Okay. All right. Okay. That's all I want to be sure because that's something I can't vote on. I'll say that up front right now. A child was already struck and I can't vote on the chance another child would be struck there or damaged or hurt in any way. Will that include the submission? Will it include the memo that Alan and I because there's a request for the board to have a memo. >> So the administration Yeah. That wasn't

058our recommendation. So we would send in your memo. Correct. >> So would you I guess how would the rest of the board so they're all aware over the weekend Allan and I worked on a memo for Isby in accordance with the request of admin that was in the board packet. Would anyone like to see that memo? It touched on some of the It's in the board packet. >> It is. >> Yes. >> Okay. I couldn't >> I couldn't find it. >> Yep. >> Where is it? >> It's the second item under 6.03. Memo for hazard studies judgement points. >> That's a different title. >> That's a different memo. >> That's the one that >> Yeah, I did read that. I just wanted to make sure I understood. Um, so we're just submitting. We're not voting

059on removing the bus route. As long as I know that, I'm good. >> I just have one quick question for clarification. Um, regarding the board and avenue hazard form, under type one, we included the judgment points regarding walking along a roadway. Um, and then under type three, we did not. I just wanted to make sure like that's we can only award the two under one of those types. Is that correct for doing the >> judgment points? I'm getting a nod back from the person who who I know knows the answer. No, they're separate streets. So, Park would get Park Avenue the length of Park Avenue would get a street designation and then the Park and Bordon cross section and then Bordon would get its own street designation and then the park and boarding cross-section because

060they're two separate streets. So, the type one is for Park Avenue, there's a type one for Bordon and then there's the crossing. The intersection would be for both areas because both areas have to cross. >> Okay, that makes more sense. Thank you. Yeah. Would we need to re award two judgment points for each street? >> Yeah. So we did. Yes. So we did that. So you basically when you submit it to the ID dot, you're submitting it as a packet. So the judgment points will be submitted as a packet whole as a big picture item with the appendix that you wrote. >> Well, okay, then that's good to know that appendix. Then I'd need to revise it because I thought we were submitting them collectively for both streets. One for each. >> Yes, it is

061correct. So park Gordon all in one packet. the intersection. Everything related to park and board is submitted as a packet with your appendix that includes all of the streets. >> So it is okay then how >> everything is going together. Yep. And they'll look at it collectively as a as a whole when they do their study. >> Yep. >> My apologies. It is not out there. >> No, you're good. >> I know it's confusing because it does say well I guess Yeah. Does anyone want to see it before we vote on this or are we okay? I trust I mean do you >> one he list over there? I I think it's worth looking at. I mean, it's nothing that we was wasn't discussed at the was it May the May meeting. When when did

062we have >> I think if everyone's in agreement to give the judgment points, I don't think you necessarily >> I think it might be good supplemental information. >> Can I just tell you guys too, this is our first official submission of this hazard to I do. So, what I think will happen is we will submit it. they might come back with maybe some clarifying questions which we would then answer and present to you guys though this is kind of a learning experience for all of us and so I think we'll learn a lot from this particular study that we can then utilize for future so um Martha who does them through ID do is very helpful she's very logical she's very specific she's very clear in her direction so if she has questions we'll run

063those by you and we'll communicate as she kind of returns things so um it will be collaborative when it happens. >> Thank you. So yeah, I think just as a supplement, >> I think it's a good >> to send it to us and then >> shouldn't there shouldn't be any surprises based on discussion to the board on that. I think we're ready for any other want to wait on voting until everyone's seen that or >> I think we're good to move forward. >> We're good to move forward. Okay. >> I have one question though. So this is just for a supplemental income for the bus route. We're not going to take the bus route away if this doesn't go through. It's sounds like it's currently routed for this year, right? Current school year. >> If

064I do does not determine a serious safety hazard per their standards, meaning they would not reimburse us through the state, then we would come back to you with that recommendation and then you would have to decide how you would like to move forward from there. >> If we were going to just pay for reimbursement for the route, >> we'll have it'll be a route this year no matter what. And then it would just be for the 26 27 school year if that decision was made. And the importance of the judgment points is it puts it over the threshold to potentially qualify >> or up to the threshold >> or up to right >> depending right. Yeah. And Lacy just so there's three routes in question. >> Yes. >> One one qualifies from a points perspective

065to be submitted. >> There's this other one the Hering Creek uh qualifies. There's the Park and Bordon >> um which the board has decided we want to advocate for those judgment points. And then there's the Freedom Circle that doesn't qualify for the points. We haven't yet discussed as as it's as it's presented. No judgment points. >> Are are any of those routes I guess is the freedom circle route? >> Everything is consistently running as normal. >> Okay. >> Um just because we did not have direction and we had not submitted it to ID do. So we'll get that and then decide for next year how we want to move forward. So no one's impacted middle of the year because that is not our desire. >> Great. So status quo for this coming year and then

066>> Yep. Yep. And everyone got their bus routes as normal. They have those. They'll be ready on Thursday. >> Thank you for that. >> Yep. >> I guess sort of going off that Freedom Sandberg and Zagreb and I suppose Brier and Parkside were not within the two judgment like those were all lower, right? >> Yeah. So the the judgment points if you read the language and I think we gave out the packet to you guys at one point the judgment points are specific to >> vehicular peculiar year you know items. So in that area um the average daily traffic count is not great. Um, one of the things we did focus on too, specifically where Independence and Freedom Circle are, I know you can speak to this as well, some of half of that area

067is already considered walkers. It's just a small section that are considered busers. Um, when the route was originally established, there were no houses out there and it was basically kind of open area with no established sidewalks. Obviously, in the last five years, even greater, um, each time they build a house, a sidewalk is added. So, um, if you look at the average daily traffic counts, you're not getting measurable traffic. You have to have at least 100 cars in an hour to qualify. They're just not getting that traffic volume in that space. Um, and so that's why the judgment points were allotted. We did not have, to my knowledge, we looked into no accidents, no peculiar situations that would allow for those. Um, no bodies of water, no no anything related to what we did for

068park and board. So because of that um we did not issue judgment points and one that you guys to my knowledge did not suggest those after reading through that. So we kind of just went with that. >> Do you do you know approximately Lacy how much the reimbursement will be for Heron Creek if approved? >> I don't I don't know that. No. And we only get about 70% of what it actually costs. >> But this is I mean a really good find still. And I just want to commend you Lacy again for taking the initiative to go through this process so we could potentially get reimbursement from the state on some of these. >> We'll learn a lot either way. If they don't approve Park and Bordon, then that will be a direction that you

069have to a decision you'll have to make um internally and then what that ripple effect looks like for other areas. Um if they approve the Heron Creek and Brier, that will then be our first reimburseable and we'll know how to do that process moving forward. So then we can just continue to bring some back to the district from that perspective. So both of them are going to be a learning curve um no matter what. So >> still net positive from >> where we were last year. So >> yeah. >> Awesome. >> Any other comments on this? >> Okay. Um there's a motion. There's a second. Uh Kelly, would you mind restating the motion? >> Um >> put you on the spot. Sorry. >> Yeah, because it got it changed twice. I'm sorry. >> No, you're

070fine. The motion was to um approve submitting the forms as presented. >> All right. Motion and second approve submitting the forms as presented. We had some discussion. Uh all in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Motion carries. >> All right. Item 6.04, approval of board goals. Second reading. Um, just some context on this too and Alan, Alex, you guys were kind enough to lead the charge on this. I think you have a little bit to cover, but I want to also just add the amount of time and effort that went into this goal setting process. Um, and I want to commend uh everyone who participated because I know that that was it took a lot of meetings, more than more than I think we'd bargain for. So, a lot of deliberations, a lot

071of time. um uh is I won't solicit a motion at this point as I understand there's a presentation. >> It's more of a recap so that the board and the admin and the community are all on the same page with what we're trying to do here um with the the goal setting process. So at our last meeting I should have put this in the PowerPoint. We took a look at that document. It's included in diligent that has the outcomes, the intentions and expectations, deliverables, and timelines all wrapped up into one document. Um, got some feedback from communications office that that was a bit too dense of a document. So, Alan and I went back and uh revised not the content. The content is exactly the same, just formatting so that the documents are more digestible

072to the community. And that's what I'll just go over in this presentation. I just recap that. So we're proposing instead of having one massive document, four smaller documents. So two of those documents will be public facing, two of those would be internal. the public could still access them, but they just wouldn't be posted on the website because they deal with more personnel related goals than student achievement and student outcome goals. So, the first document would include what we saw last time, the public section of the overall goals, including the outcomes, intentions, expectations, deliverables, and timelines. Um the second document would be also publicly available on the district website and it would include progress towards meeting the deliverables. So we got rid of the outcomes and intentions and expectations columns because it was too just too

073much information for one document to have. It was it was a bit overwhelming. And then like I mentioned earlier, we want to have some internal um documents that again will be available in diligent just not posted on the website because they don't relate to student outcomes and achievement. And those would be the internal goals document which is similar to what I previously described the have the outcomes, intentions, expectations, deliverables and timelines. And then we would get updates from admin on that through this which just shows pro progress towards the deliverables because the deliverables are essentially where the rubber meets the road and a product or something is produced to show that the growth or outcome or just thing that the board directed admin to do was completed. So to recap on the district website, we'll

074have the mission, the vision, and the core values. Those didn't change. We didn't look at those, so we're not going to change them. Um, and we'll have the public goals document and the deliverables progress document. And then internally on diligent, we'll have the detailed goals document and then the deliverable progress document. So tonight I'm going to recommend that we sorry the power I made this in PowerPoint then converted it to a Google sheet and all the colors got messed up so everything looks kind of odd but my recommendation tonight from the the sub the goal subcommittee would be to direct admin to create a final version of the four documents for approval at the next meeting. And when I say create a final document I I want to be clear here. I don't mean take

075like you don't have to take what the committee produced and just put it on the website. Do whatever you want with it. It's just the content is what we're looking for. But comms can spruce it up however they see fit. If they want to reformat it, whatever. That's that's not the board's job. We just want these outcomes basically. >> Yeah. I think one of the challenges is >> doing being new to the board is really understanding what are the goals of the board. what are we trying to do? >> Where are we going directionally in alignment with the administration's you know administration? And so one of these is a way for us to more >> clearly communicate to ourselves, the community and the district as a whole what those goals are initially and then also

076how are we collectively as a district um progressing towards those goals. Some will do really well, some we may not and that's okay. It opens up a discussion of areas that we need to have more effort and emphasis, areas that we need to celebrate. Um, and I think what Alex just presented was a way to do that. But, um, we're certainly not >> artists in any sense and graphic designers to be able to make anything look nice and and, uh, presentable like Lauren and the team. So, in whatever format makes sense, but presentable on the website, being able to clearly and easily find it, I think, is really important. And I think that's been a discussion of the entire board as far as making sure that those are able to be seen hopefully clearly communicated

077and then we can see uh individually as board members but more importantly as community members how we're progressing and areas of improvement and areas that we're succeeding. >> Cool. >> Um could I just would you mind if I took a minute to just share some of the outcomes and specific goals with the people because I think it is great work and and this again you can all these are all posted. You can see you've been able to see these for I think a couple months now. But there's they they've we've come up slash they've come up with three outcomes. One of which is advanced student success through board academic oversight, student recognition, post-graduation readiness, and adaptive curriculum strategies including emerging technologies. Now, I know that doesn't sound like anything because that's the big outcome, but

078it breaks into these deliverables which are tangible and measurable. One is to aim to ensure 90% of students in grades 9 through 12 are passing all of their classes at the end of each semester. share the final pass rates with the board. That was I remembered if I believe that was developed based on feedback from Brian I think is at the at the uh high school right the percentages >> and then cannot you know implement instruction strategies across all relevant grades K through eight with the aim to ensure 50% of general education students meet their projected RIT MAP score growth from fall to spring in ELA math and science 78 only aiming for high achievement and high growth status share the final rate with the board. So these are um and there's you know there's

079not tons of them but there's more than you want to hear me go through right now but of course I'd encourage you to read them all and uh but they are measurable tangible things that the uh that the goal setting subcommittee worked with the whole board to develop for many months and I just wanted to we keep saying goals there's an example of a few >> and those goals are uh education or academic based goals so the learning and teaching committee that'll be at each meeting Mike and the team whoever may be presenting We'll give an update on how we're progressing to those. Um, and again, just more of an update. There'll be touch points along the way at the committee member committee meetings as well as here as well. But yes, thanks. >> Personally,

080just looking at it, one of the goals, you know, district will ensure a June 30th fund balance will maintain a rate at or above 20% while maintaining a balanced budget. Um, you know, I think that's a really relevant goal. I also like the dynamic public financial dashboard pieces which kind of like underscores the point you were making earlier, Alex, which is like and I think ultimately where we're going to go with this, which is I think could be two motions. One would be a motion to formally accept these goals as the goals and then potentially a second motion um that looks to have these goals presented to the community and then used by the board uh in a way that uh makes it relevant and trackable. So I just don't want to hold up our

081ability to approve these goals u based on some of the formatting pieces. So tell me if you think we're >> I agree. >> Yeah. Okay. So just and we'll have some discussion on this too, but I'll just solicit a motion first to approve the board goals as presented. >> Second. >> So moved. >> Gotcha. Moved. Beth second. >> Yep. Uh any discussion on approval of these board goals? >> This is the second reading of these board goals. >> Right. After And how many meetings do how many goal setting meetings do we have? Two. Too many. >> Three. Was it three? You guys put a lot of time in after put a lot of time in. There was a lot of feedback loops. >> Well, the intentions and expectations were developed by the goal and the

082senior administration and then the administration as a whole helped to develop the deliverables which are really the measurable ways and the the methods in which to um achieve those intentions and outcomes. So yeah, very collaborative I think along the way. Uh and the minutes for all those meetings are available too. So um okay uh we have a motion, we have a second. Any other discussion on approval of the goals? Right. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Motion passes. All right. So, I'll solicit a second motion now based on the information that you guys have presented here, which relates I believe more particularly to formatting in which the goals are then presented to the community at large. And then I think we're we're using the word internally, but like I think just

083as I would almost feels like as general reference for the board. And a clarifying piece to this is in board docs there are documents that are like specific to the board that the community can access still. They're not internal in the sense that only the board can see them. >> Um so I'll solicit a motion and Alex uh maybe you have a a crafted motion or intention. >> I mean I didn't really think we'd take action on it was more of guidance. There's not >> you don't want to have a like you're not thinking >> if we wanted to really >> maybe maybe it could look like a future agenda item. >> I was I was hopeful that the the PowerPoint would just sort of give admin an idea of what goals are internal and

084which ones are not internal and then some potential ideas as to how to share them with the public. But I I wasn't looking for them to, like I said, take >> my Google sheet and put it on the website, which is what it sounds like that motion would do, which is not really what I'm looking for. >> So, we've approved them. So, >> yeah, we've approved the goals. >> I was we've got acting superintendent Nick Reinick right here and probably you're we've approved these goals. You work with comms to get them posted nicely, right? >> Yeah. I was going to ask a clarifying question just on next meeting. Which meeting? Is it the next goal setting meeting? Is it next meeting in August? Is it September? >> Just what did you have in mind for

085that time? >> August 26th. >> August. >> Well, let's see. >> If possible, if that's not possible, um >> I mean, minimally, we can have this document that we've already now approved available. >> That's the most important thing. It's it's >> however however you your side of the house, however you want to end up putting it on the website or displaying it or you know if you want to put some kind of tracking bars next to whatever comms and you think is the most effective way to get this done. >> Diligent has too embedded in it. Kelly, I know you you're like shaking your eggs so you know what I'm talking about. There's like a goal section in Diligent that we haven't like dusted off yet. Um do you know does it have a capability

086to like link like with these map to that because that that's already an existing infrastructure. >> We can um have a link to agenda items >> um like the goals and then as you add an agenda item. >> Okay. >> Um and then it can link to that. You can also I mean it does have a tracking bar but that would be more um it's kind of like how you would track it. um you have to you have to move the line. It doesn't have like an automatic like if you meet these certain things you would have to look at it say okay well we've met 10% of that or we've met 50% of that. You would have to move it manually. >> Okay. Is is there like a some sort of summary document that

087the public can see? I guess that's what my ask would be is that just we want or at least as one board member I'd want anyone in the community to see what the goals are and the progress we're making towards them. I that's >> but I don't know if MOT I just assumed that would be done like I don't know if we need to move to tell I just figured that was kind of a given but >> Lauren also had mentioned the website has the capability to like situate goals the way it was situated last time was it just sat as like flat HTML which worked but it wasn't super dynamic. Um suggestion >> just a thought. >> Sure. >> Maybe what we should do as a for is determine if that general content is

088something that we're interested in the way it's been presented by Alex. If that's the case could do two things. Nick, if you think there's enough direction for Lauren to take a stab, great. Or maybe one board member could work with Lauren to create a small short very, very minimal presentation. Hey, this is what we're thinking. what do you think? We can take a look at it. Maybe it's at the September meeting of how it how it looks. Maybe even provide an update of hey, we met in September or in at the the August meeting if it makes sense. But it's maybe more of a question of do we want to have this trackable document in some sense or another and then what capabilities we have that could be a discussion that we might be able

089to bring back to the the board to review. I I figured that would be more admin work than >> work, but your board member sure could attend, but >> minimally though, I think having just like a a baked in to the agendas uh revisit of the board goals on a recurring basis would be a good idea. So, and I know something I like that DLE does is they have for each of their agenda items, like kind of what Kelly was alluding to, is like they reference what goal it ties to. And so so there's some options, but yeah, I think a future agenda item related to the way the goals are presented to the community. >> Well, that's what I asked for is on the on the slide direct admin to create a final version

090of these document. I mean, we can move to do that. >> Yes. >> Or just have them do it. I just I don't know if we need >> Can I just recommend that maybe um by August 20, whatever the date is, we just get this. I know it's um not dynamic, but just at least get this forward facing to the public and then whether it's in August or September um I could give you an update on my conversations with Mo and what she's kind of thinking this could look like in a more dynamic fashion and then at one of those future meetings maybe show you what we've come up with and then if it needs to change we could change it. >> Sure. >> I think that sounds great. Thank you. >> Yeah. Cool. Great.

091>> Okay. Uh next item. >> I had one more. Oh yeah, you had something else. >> It well kind of we never really discussed if there's going to be any expectation or goal on how often we get reports towards the progress like is there >> what was our timeline? There was a goal. Um because I believe there was a >> they're annual >> but do we want a semianual review? Do we want a quarterly review? >> I'm talking about the timeline in the annual like board calendar because I I had >> Oh the intention >> Yeah. Yeah, we're going to review them on a regular basis, >> right? Like I mean I think minimally it should just be a >> probably a standing item on the agenda. You think like it just is a just

092for the relevancy piece. So >> we need to hold ourselves as accountable as possible the goals that we've set. >> And not only that, but you know we owe it to people to show them that we're holding ourselves accountable to these goals. >> Yeah. >> So however we can do that. >> Yeah. So I think minimally like a standing item on the agenda. So would that ex would the expectation be admin comes to every board meeting with an update on goal? I don't want to be unduly burdensome. That's that's sort of it has to be >> you got to remember the cadence that was already built in. >> That's what I'm saying because I know >> for that maybe we could have that included in our next packet on the 26th, >> right? To keep

093that progress. >> Yeah, I'll make a note of it for a standing item. it can be part of what you come just like how often do you think you could update that on the side like I don't I mean I think doing it monthly is a lot to ask >> right well and that's I'm not suggesting that we get updated monthly but more or less that we revisit and if anything just focus attention on the fact that these are what our goals are >> you know point of order is there what part of the agenda are we at and or do we have any motions on the floor >> 6.04 4. Uh, and there are no motions on the floor. So, >> do we need a continued discussion? >> Maybe quarterly. I mean, I don't

094think monthly seems like a lot. >> So, we'll put a future agenda item together related to the cadence of goal setting. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Sure. >> All right. >> And then goal setting. The motion simply be >> We already have a motion for the goals, so we're in good sh I don't think I don't Yeah, I don't know if we need >> Yeah. So, I'll move on to the next item on the agenda then. 6.05 uh business services committee revised timeline. Do you have a revised time? >> Yes. The business services committee recommends an updated timeline. This reflects some adjustments on account of the recent leadership transition, but more importantly extends the timeline through February to align our meetings with important district financial dates. The October meeting will deal with the levy and

095a discussion of an optimal bargaining cost model. The February meeting will be considered the kickoff for the year. There we will weigh in on the tenative tenative budget to make sure next year's budget aligns with our overall goals and district needs. So instead of doing it in April, uh we'll try to do it in February and that will be sort of the first proper meeting of the of the business services committee's sort of first year because you know had three meetings this year but they were sort of off cycle. the next year. Um, that's what we're looking for. So, um, that's the recommendation and we're looking for just a motion to approve the timeline because you approved the last timeline. Um, and we've updated it. >> Cole, is this the timeline from yesterday? Yes. >>

096Because there's no attachment in Oh, I'm sorry. Yes, it's the I I'll just read it to you then. It's >> it it amended the timeline to reflect the fact that we were having this meeting on the 13th. So, that's all done. I mean, that's retroactive. And then it adds a meeting in October and it adds a meeting in February that are already scheduled. >> Okay? >> And they're already scheduled on the calendar. And it just tells the board that we will be discussing the levy and a bargaining cost model in October. And we will be discussing the tenative tenative budget in February. >> Okay. >> I just I had presented to the board a timeline before >> from June. I remember. >> And so then I felt it that it was incumbent upon the business

097services committee to either make good on the timeline it gave you or update it. And so then I updated it to reflect the the current state of affairs. >> So is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Yes. >> Could you repeat the motion please? Uh the motion is to um well I guess yeah sorry my motion is to accept the business service committee's recommendation uh that we approve their updated timeline. >> Motion to accept the business services committee recommendation. >> We approve their updated timeline >> rolls right off the top. >> Yes. >> All right. Second >> motion moved, seconded. Any discussion? >> Seeing no discussion. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> All right. Motion carries. Uh, Cole, can you can we get that timeline? Do you have a written copy

098of it? >> Yeah, you have it. You've Yeah, it's in from yesterday. >> Okay. I'm just because I want to link it to this agenda. >> Yeah, we'll put it in. We'll get it in this agenda. I'm sorry. >> Timeline yesterday being in the >> business services committee meeting. Yeah. >> Okay. Gotcha. >> Yeah, that'll be easier to track it. >> Yep. >> Uh, okay. Next item on the agenda, new business. Uh, the presentation of the Sycamore fiscal year 26 tenative budget, establishment of a hearing date, uh, and then the BSC recommendation. So, we'll have some discussion on this. The budget's been available. Um, the, uh, presentation of the budget, too. The recommended action is to approve the Sycamore fiscal year 26 tenative budget as presented and establish September 23rd, 2025 as the hearing date

099for the budget. It'll allow a 30-day period. Also, just like worth noting on this motion and some I guess more uh uh context to it, we have a 30-day period of time from when we post the notice uh to host the hearing and the next regularly scheduled meeting is uh on September 23rd. So, we're in a tough spot because we have to call the special meeting uh today to be able to or we would have had to call it at the end of September uh to be able to meet that 30-day window and still have the budget published before September 30th. So, um we avoided having a special meeting in September by having this special meeting now. So, some silver lining. Uh so, the motion again is written. Uh is uh there a motion? >>

100So, moved. >> Moved by Beth. Is there a second? >> Second by Alex. Any discussion related to the budget, questions, comments? >> I know we went through it a little bit at the BSC meeting, but Cole, could you or Nicole, could you talk to a little bit of some of the um changes to the budget than we've done in the past? We're moving some things around a little bit. As I said, right, we were taking some from the transportation fund and moving it to other funds to try to help um support the educational uh expenses while drawing down a little bit on our transportation to help to maintain the levy as I as I understand. >> Yeah. >> Is that a fair? >> Yeah. >> Perfect. Okay. And then there was a bit of discussion

101on the um fund ratio, right? Right. So that's a focus point that the BSC is working on. I think this is going to actually help to hopefully as budgeted >> hope to move that up a little bit help our standing in the IASB um what's the term >> Financial profile because we are >> a little low right now. Um >> yes. >> Yeah. >> Although there is a correction to the um the um story that was ran in the chronicle that does indicate we are in financial warning. You're not. You're actually in the next one up. The financial Yeah, the financial watch. >> It moved up. >> Yeah. Just a >> Can it move up? >> What What are the three? Because I I I for FY25. We're in the second one. >> Watch one

102and then one, I believe, or the four. >> Well, we're in the >> second one now, right? >> We were in the We We're making progress. >> Correct. >> I want to get that out there. Yes. >> Yes. The numbers are always a year and a rears. So the story that was ran was actually numbers from FY24. >> Yeah, they haven't even published 25. I just >> Yeah, it'll come out next, >> right? And I took a look at it and we'll be up. Y >> Yep. >> But it's been a good collaborative approach to take a little bit different approach on the on some of the fund balance movements. And I know we've done some of that in the past, but a little bit more this time, which is looks like a positive thing.

103>> Yes. And overall, our budget will be balanced um for fiscal year 26. And then Nicole, in your judgment, does this budget put the district on a path to begin development of a multi-year plan to grow the fund balance that the board and administration can jointly pursue? >> Yes. >> Great. >> Any general concerns, Nicole, or anyone else on the budget? I mean, I I I know we talked to with quite an extent yesterday at the BSC meeting, but just curious if any concerns. >> No, not not with this one. No. >> Great. I think we'll revisit this when we discuss the levy >> in yeah >> yeah the budget will be set at that point but yeah we'll discuss >> can we hypothe I'm not I want to but if could we amend it

104but what's the deadline to amend the budget because I know we can >> 30th >> okay >> so we can amend it all the way FY26 all the way through >> we can >> basic So, I mean, I'm not saying, >> yeah, >> we will. >> Yeah. If you hit a certain if you hit a certain threshold, um, depending on what your actual total expenditures are, say we want to move the budget by 15%. >> Then it would have to be amended. I think 10% is the threshold. >> Okay. >> Legally, you have to with this be. >> All right. Thanks for >> any other comments, discussion. >> All right. Took us a long time to get here. Uh so thank you guys for all of your hard work. >> Yeah, I actually do have

105a comment. Yeah, thank you very much, Nicole, for all your work on this. Uh it's tough, I know, and we appreciate you. >> You collaborative with all of our district. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh take a roll call vote here. Um, Kelly, would you call the role? >> Santu, >> yes. >> Cppel, >> yes. >> Evans, >> yes. >> Raos, >> yes. >> Regny, >> yes. >> Tomlinson, >> yes. >> Devito, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Next item on the agenda. Another uh what seems like um relevant topic now. I know because my tomatoes are coming in. Uh discussion of the community garden or a community garden. This is a request from a board member rather as a future agenda item. So here it is future agenda item. Um there is not

106a solicited motion. It is just an item on the agenda and we'll just open the floor up to some discussion. So any comments? >> Yeah. So, driving by, I realized how much property we have here and I my eye caught a nice little patch on the corner over here that could be used as a garden. Um, I have worked with the community gardens before. So, I do have um some knowledge on getting it started and we do have the food pantry here and we'll also eventually hopefully have the littles here and you know maybe a couple of other programs um that could utilize gardening um just the way we do in our schools. So, just thought it would be a nice little addition to the property. >> That's a great idea. We have that over

107at University Village apartments, too. They have the >> They have nice raised bed, which makes it easy to keep the weeds out. If we could do something like that, >> that would be really great. >> So, this garden, >> we're talking like produce food like we grow lettuce, then we could bring it into the pantry and give it to the community. What? Okay. It's not just we're growing patunias for the sake of it. >> Flowers like, you know, I think it would be nice for the people to go pantry to get flowers. I mean, >> flowers are always great. >> What woman does of flowers? >> Have you had any discussion with the Spartan food pantry about the ability to use produce at the and integrate that with the food pantry? >> Actually, I have

108not, but I do know that they do accept produce donations at the food pantry. >> They do. So, >> yeah. So, the thought is to to partner with Rooted for Good or the Greeny Gardens. I'm just trying to understand. >> I don't know if we would have to or not. We could um you know, that's an option, but you know, as an avid gardener myself, and I'm sure that other people in the community, if if other people in the community are interested, we could maintain this on our own. But if not, then yeah, we could absolutely do that. That's just another >> I don't >> I think their office is nearby and then they send volunteers out too, so it might be helpful to get them involved. >> Yeah, it's close by here. >> Yeah.

109And there's actually a community garden right down the street from here too. So from Rudit through Rudit for Good. >> Definitely like the relevance it has to the Spartan food pantry. >> Right. >> So that makes there's a connection there. Um, I know Nicole and I talked about this a little bit and there was some conversation about maybe there being some interested people who might take some ownership in it. Do you do you think there's anything there? >> Yeah, I think that's always the tough thing is because we have gardens at all of our schools. Um, it starts off really great and then um the participation kind of slides down. So just making sure that we would have enough volunteers to help keep that and then just the costs of it also be mindful of

110that. Um, but no, I think it's a great idea. >> Is it something that like as far as like a like a next steps, it almost feels like if we contacted the Spartan Food Pantry, um, like, hey, is this of interest? Maybe maybe there's already, you know, some ownership that could happen there or maybe they've got their hands full enough and that we redirect to some other place. But, but in general, the idea in concept We like >> in concept if there was a way to have a garden here that partnered with the Spartan food pantry to deliver produce. I think that that would be a win-win for everybody. And so I would be very interested in seeing if we could appoint somebody to talk with Spartan Food Pantry to see how they feel about

111it, see if they're interested, see if it's possible and feasible from their end. It could be an FFA project as well >> or yeah, I'd be I would open I would be open to soliciting um yeah other school-based groups as well to see but to assistant superintendent Stucker's point there has to be um you know a group willing that is interested um you know to make it collaborative >> right >> is my opinion >> yeah it's a nice idea as long as it doesn't become burdensome and I I think exploring and seeing if there's interest is is a great idea, but if if not, that's okay. We've got a we've got a lot going on in this building trying to get transitioned here. If if now is the time and there are those that are

112interested, >> right? Yeah. >> Did you have an idea, Heather, of like what you thought a solicitation of interest might look like? >> Um, you know, just thinking about it, maybe um contacting the FFA, talking to Heather Edwards at Rooted for Good. um you know just seeing because I know that sometimes they are a little short-handed. Um they were in one of the gardens last summer. So you know there's also what they do is they take organizations and contact them and organizations have um kind of adopted plots and they work on those plots as well. So there's several ways to go about doing it and it definitely would just see if there's going to be a core group of people that have interest in it that are going to maintain it. >> So >> I

113think next up Nick and I will touch base um and then we can reach out to resources that we have at the district and get the conversation going and see if it's feasible. Yeah, I think the team mentioned Spartan food pantry. Obviously, some of our district leaders um kind of lead that so I could reach out to them. And then FFA um there's always senior FFA students that are maybe working towards a state degree that need to have a keep a record book or something. Um I don't know if that's any of their areas of interest this year. Um but certainly there's other years where that's something would be studentled, which I think is always what we should be pushing towards is students doing these things um or leading others doing them. So we can

114reach out to those too. >> The good news is >> it's it's sort of the end of the growing season for the most part. So we're no rush, right? Right. This is not it's a nice idea but not a priority. >> Yeah. We could throw this on the agenda for like March or something. >> Yeah. >> Oh yeah. >> After we've done a little bit of research garden going out there, you know, in the meantime, >> you know, there's bug repellent naturally. So >> Okay. Any other discussion on this? >> We'll just put it on the future agenda item then. >> Yeah, >> probably for March. Okay, >> March. >> I'll just throw into white school that'll be house here's another entity that could help. >> Oh, that's true. >> There's some interest. >> Great

115idea. >> All right. Uh, next item on the agenda, item 7.03, approval of the superintendent search firm agreement. So we've got uh here not one but three different search proposals uh from one from HYA which is I believe Hazard Young Associates uh IASB uh so I I worked with IASB at the direction of the board to um aggregate like a process for superintendent searches um and ascertaining context for RFQS. So here they are. So IASB actually also does that as a service. So they have a proposal and then school exec connect as a proposal as well. So we've got three different options here. Um just doing a brief overview. Uh each of these options outlines uh additional like endorsements you could put on them for additional costs. They outline timelines. uh they outlined the uh

116basically the process of public engagement and like at least and speaking from myself, my hope is is that um they're able to engage all of our stakeholders like really effectively so that way we can make sure that we get a pulse to every afflicted group and you know have the process be representative of our community. Um there's a rubric here. Uh it's available as a guide for evaluating the superintendent search firm prop uh search firm proposals as like a point of reference as a sort of cadence. I'm hopeful we can review, deliberate, and make a choice tonight. So I I'm going to ask that we uh make a motion to select a search firm. In having consulted with legal, they've reviewed all of the contract language. um had no major substantive issues with any of

117the agreements um and gave a recommended motion that blank search firm uh has been subject to final review by legal counsel but selected with the idea being that if legal counsel has any issues they can amend it but the board can still approve and proceed with the process. So, uh, I'll solicit the motion. Um, well, I suppose, uh, without having selected a search firm yet, we'll just open the floor up to discussion. So, any general comments about any of the proposals or opinions? So, I read through them all and additionally I used some of the rubric scoring, but the topline most impressive statistics to me was that HYA has 94% of supers placed successfully remain in their position for more than their first multipleyear contract. IASB uses a slightly different measurement, but has only 91%.

118School Exec does not actually advertise that exact statistic. they advertise something else which is that 97% of their superintendent placements are in quote good standing with their boards after the first contract. So I assume that their number isn't as high as the 94 or the 91% that the other two firms are advertising. Um it's I'm of the opinion that HYA's higher retention rate puts them in the front to begin with. They also have unlimited focus groups that you can engage the community with. um whereas school exec has a few has limits on that. IASB does not offer that with their standard um proposal. And so by the time you get all of the community engagement that ISB offers, they're all within striking distance of the same price. Um and additionally, it seems that HYA has

119the more impressive national network, you know, sort of slightly edging out school exec. So those are my those are my thoughts. I agree with all of that. I spoke I called some of the references on the um the packets and I actually spoke with a gentleman who was the board president down in Ottawa and he actually used HYA and IASP. So he was a pretty valuable guy to talk to. Um >> what was it district? >> Ottawa. Okay. >> Um it's not that one failed and then they switched to another. They hired someone, they retired, and then he's been on the board a while. They needed to use a different one. They were not, frankly, very satisfied with ISB. ISB did not attend any of the interviews. They just that's just not part of the

120process. It was more of here's a list of candidates we think would be good. You guys figure it out from here. Whereas HYA and school and exec connect, but they didn't go with them. um HOA was more helpful in guiding them through the entire process up through signing a contract. So you we would pay a bit more, but we would also get a heck of a lot more in my opinion. And between HYA and Exec Connect just because of the ratings and their process was more detailed in how they um evaluate the candidates. They have a rubric um that's very clear. I I would lean towards HY as well. >> Any other comments? >> I think I'd be echoing the the comments of the others other than it did look like ASP was very much

121alleart and it it can it can be a nice way to get some very maybe basic assistance. Um, but I think what we're looking for is more in line with the um, Exec Connect or HYA. HYA definitely had a more professional uh, presentation. I think their supporting documents were a little bit more in line with at least what what I was thinking personally. Um, so I I I I did like both of them. I was I was not as impressed by the ISB um presentation, but I I did like HY. >> Um I kind of leaned a little more towards school exec. Um I'm partial to Byron. I think they have a great school system. Um Byron used them. It was only once, but um you know, out of all of the schools that I

122saw on here as far as references goes, as far as education wise, and I think that that was where I'm stuck at. So, >> I'll say on that, yeah, the um they had good reference districts. HYA I thought had just like an incredibly broad set of reference districts. They've they had um I'm looking for the list, sorry. I know they had Ottawa, which stood out, but they had schools south of us, schools east of us, schools north of us. Um and so it feels like they know how to work with everybody, too. Whereas the school exec connect only listed six sort of uh comparable schools. So that I I hear what you're saying, but um to me it was more impressive to see that um HYA has worked with just a ton of diverse schools

123all around us. Yeah, there was a national component at HYA that you didn't see with the Illinois Association of School Boards and School Exec Connect, which is kind of it raises a set of follow-up questions, which would be like, you know, if the board wants to like how the board would handle a national candidate piece, but we can cross that bridge. Um, any other comment too on this? I did like the unlimited stakeholder events too. That was one of the things with HYA. I had an opportunity to talk with each of them. Um and uh the HYA uh reps are just they're just really polished. Um they've got a it seems like a pretty Loctite system. It's all they do. One of the things um HY is part of ACRA group or is related to

124ACRA group uh who does um like digital enhancements and uh offerings for districts in terms of like consulting and other measures. So their um their portfolio and like the breath of knowledge that they have as it relates to like metrics relevant to school districts is just really deep. So the resource draw that they have is pretty big. Um but IB also um you know obviously but nice local network. Um but I do worry about like the lack of the national applicant pool too. And like I think the key here is going to be to do this well we have to hire the best superintendent for Sycamore. Uh and to do that we have to really I mean make sure that we hit all the notes on the stakeholder events um uh and the community piece

125too. So my hope is is that by the time a decision comes to the board, it's really like abundantly clear who is a really good pick. So um no, I I think this is excellent. Any any other comments in terms of these proposals? >> How much do each of them cost? >> So tough. Yeah, >> so HYA's fee is 18,450 plus 1,000. So 19,450. School exec connect is 169 plus there's expenses of 1,800. So those together are within $500 of each other. So it's uh 17 188 and 195 more or less. IASB and this is this is the one that's that's hard to think about because they have a really really low comparative um entry level package but it doesn't come with any of the community engagement. So we want to have events where we

126invite members of the community and have focus groups and do some sort of customizable surveys. When you option IASB up to all that, I did the napkin math, it comes out to around 14 or 15, but they l they list you real low at say like eight or nine. So theoretically you could get the the max bargain at IASB for eight or nine. Um but apples to apples comparisons is more like 1415 compared to 18 at 19. Do you know if that 15 put you on the spot that 15 from ISB included them coming out and sitting in interviews because it did for HYA and I think for schools that connect. >> Oh yeah. Hy. Yeah. Um >> but I don't know if ISB regardless will come. I'm I am kind of curious what they

127even >> because it it's like they'll give you the template on how to conduct the interview but I didn't see anything about them actually coming and helping with it like >> yeah let's see >> they come out for everything else. So you would think I mean >> well >> yeah told me they didn't they ha they came out yeah you >> they'll do indistrict focus groups at an additional 1500 per day per consultant this is ISB they'll do indistrict practice interview training session with the BOE an additional 1500 they'll do an ind district stakeholder group interviews with semi- finalists identified by the board an additional 1500 so that so they're they're coming out but by the time you get them >> $1500 >> right by the time you get them to do any of the

128things that HYA and SEC are offering which are sort of best practices ways to engage the community to pick the super that fits the community. Um, you know, your your ISB pricing creeps right back up. >> If we do three rounds of interviewing, which seems to be the gold standard, we'd be at 4500 bucks if we wanted to come out three times, I guess, right? Is that >> something like that? Yeah. I mean, I don't I'm not I'm not the IASB rep, but >> yeah, >> I I think um I mean, it sounds like the general consensus is HYA. Is that my getting that? Does anybody want to speak out against that? >> No, >> I'll I'll just >> I don't really care. It It seems like IB would be the more cost-effective one to

129go with. And they're looking at Illinois specifically. I don't know if having a national pool to draw from is >> as valuable to what we're trying to accomplish. I think so. >> I think that would kind of hinder what we're I mean I personally would like to see somebody within a local area that isn't from like too far out because isn't there moving expenses on top of everything else? >> Right. I mean, >> and I think the district has to pay for them, but I ISBA uh they would they were going to be my first choice. But you guys have brought up some good points and my reasoning was because I'm always looking at the cost of everything. Uh that reason that was my main thing. But again, you guys have also brought up good

130points for the other ones. So >> I didn't worry about the like the incremental costs beyond the face value of IASB though, which is an interesting point. like >> right going to really have these hidden charges. That's not good either. So, >> they do have 50 years of experience. But, um, again, he's actually talked to somebody that used them and that means a lot too or used the H Y. >> They used HY and ISB. >> Oh, they used Yeah, they used >> liked HY much better. But that's just one that's one person. >> I mean, it sounds like most Most people on the board want HYA and I'm fine with that, too. >> I mean, they definitely know the area. This is the list I couldn't find earlier, but they've successfully placed in U46,

131in Ottawa, in Huntley, but then also in Neighborville, and at IMSA. So, they're just sort of and Yorkville. So, they're I mean there's there's 30 right here, and they're Decatur. So they're um you know I don't think they're any stranger to fig to understanding what various >> bas aren't they? Are you talking about each way or >> Yeah, I think no both. >> The funny thing about the lists when I was looking there is a lot of duplicates because they're they're covering many decades of service. The different companies are so you'll see some of those multiple times which which caught me off guard at first, but then there there is a fair bit of one being used and then following search someone else being used. Have we seen a trend of any of them using

132the agency more than once? >> Well, Alex spoke to I've spoken I've spoken I've spoken to some people anecdotally who they recommended HYA in this but I don't know that I've spoken to anyone who has engaged two search firms. >> Alex is you have you have spoken to a single person who has utilized two. So, >> right. But has any utilized the same one twice? >> It sounds like this gentleman would have used HYA again >> when they when the individual they currently have is no longer in the position. He'd like to use them again if he's >> there motion. >> Uh what's the recommended? >> The recommended motion is blank search firm has been selected subject to final review by legal counsel. That's all it reads. Insert. >> How's that? >> I move to

133select HYA subject to final review by legal counsel as the search firm to conduct the superintendent search. >> There's a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. Moved and seconded. Any discussion? >> The only thing I'd say before we vote is that HYA is a large large firm, probably the largest of the three that we're looking at. Um, and I think I think we'd probably all agree that Sycamore is a pretty special place. We feel and there's kind of magic in a bottle. So, we really need to make sure that when we define what we're looking for, uh, what's really important for the community as community involved is that we really define that so that it's not a corporate robotic approach. >> Your So, your point, Alan, I kind of want to touch on this

134because I'm glad you brought it up. >> The tenative search timeline for HYA in their proposal. So, a couple things and this is just like some surrounding context. So, superintendent contracts usually run through June 30th of the year and most superintendent have um are hired like in the window of time between November and December and then usually finish out their contract um or get placed sometimes sooner uh but July 1st of the following year. So that's the timeline that they outlined here and they talk about um you know August launching the orientation of the search process uh subject to this meeting's approval. Then uh the board would uh have decisions for dates including board profile presentations presentations the slate two dates for initial interviews and one day for finalist interviews. So like that would get

135published. um individual board members uh would be interviewed regarding desired characteristics of the next superintendent. So like to your point Alan or like Heather you know Christian like you guys are saying you know this is important that's important um that would be that time uh then hya would vet candidates then a survey goes live for two weeks the survey is intended to engage stakeholders uh stakeholder engagement interviews multiple focus groups in person and virtually you can do an unlimited number of focus groups which is um neat >> community or otherwise right >> right Yeah, I think that's the intention is like you get staff, you get and and their handholding piece here is is important. A district tour uh to observe the culture and teaching and learning environment uh would happen between August and September.

136Advertising for six weeks. Then a leadership profile is complete. So now it's this is what we're looking for. That's presented to the board of education. We then go, yep, this is the leadership profile we want. HYA then vets the candidates. Um, in October there's a presentation of a slate, board interviews, first and second round. Of course, those are all confidential um to keep matters uh private in terms of respecting the candidates and things to that effect. Um, then in November there's final interviews. Hopefully, we select a final candidate. Um, board would approve the new superintendent in December. January to June transition process begins. Um, you know, there's a board workshop that they have. They have transition support. Um lot of uh communications support too as I understand it which would hopefully like dovetail nicely with

137what um the communications department our district has does. Um so and they outline then more details of their responsibilities related to the engage phase, the select phase and then the transition phase. Um and then they outline what our responsibilities are which are uh more high level. So, so yeah, I think uh I like the timeline. I like the way it's uh situated. Um any other comment related to the motion on the table? >> IASB follows a similar um time frame as well. Uh I'll al be it's less robust in the details, but it's definitely there. It seems like that's the industry standard. >> Yeah, probably August, >> hopefully place in November, start in July because you want to attract the best possible candidates. You want to get them, you want to get that window. Uh,

138and I know that's important. So, any other comments? >> No. >> All right. Uh, so the expense of district funds, we'll call a roll. Uh, Kelly, would you call the role? >> CP? >> Nope. Not an HA. >> Evans? >> No. >> Grados? >> Yes. >> Regary? >> Yes. >> Tomlinson? Yes. Sant. >> Yes. >> Devito. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. Uh, next item on the agenda is item 7.04, approval of the amended board calendar 2025 2026. So, funny uh thing about calendars, uh, getting dates and times to coordinate always a challenge. Um, so I made some last minute adjustments to the proposed calendar just based on um, individual feedback and availability. So I'll pass this out. And one of the things I would just add is I put PTAC. It's scratched out.

139It says LTC. So you go and I highlighted in red the change. Yeah, I know. I didn't have enough time. I noticed this last minute. So I was like, I'll print this. >> So this is But this is accurate. What's that? What? What's >> yeah what you're holding is all >> so what's different between this and what's in diligent >> the only thing that's different is um the red so learning and teaching committee's dates are slightly different uh learning and teaching committee is September 18th >> now being the next meeting September 18th yep I provided these a little bit later um and then just a typo on the March date it's not PTA it's LTC so yeah we've got a September a January a March and a June And just so you know, Nick, I

140worked with uh Mike on those. So, just to confirm those dates, >> copy of that. >> Yeah. >> Sorry, I have a bunch. I didn't >> Could we get her like an electronic copy to put >> Yeah. Yeah. Kelly actually made this. So, she's she's got >> Thank you, Kelly. >> I'm not Okay. I just want to make sure that the admin >> I got this I literally today like yeah we just >> but they have that because Nicole just asked like there's >> no no no and that's why I'm also asking now if these dates work for everybody that's what I'd like to know from them >> that's the other yeah I don't know if they do so >> so if >> because we have standing >> dates this means it's before this other

141meeting correct is that why the policy committee is June >> yeah so the the dates the the column order is not really significant. It's more about just the separation. So like >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. So you would pick up on DSC is August 12th, which we already had happen. Policy committee August 25th. Uh the next regular board meeting would be August 26th. Then September 23rd. >> Here's the difference. Learning and teaching goes from September 9th to September 18th. >> So just pay attention to the dates. >> Yeah. Right. And again in in red. So Nick, Nicole, do these dates seem okay? Just again, the LTC is the only thing that changed is those four dates. >> Yeah, the one thing that sticks out to me, but I don't think it it's change that needs

142to be made, but just to have on your radar, the BSC on February 10th, um LTC should probably be part of that in some capacity just in terms of staffing. So, um because the LTC before that, November 11th, was probably a little soon. So, I just know we talked about that last time at that first or second meeting, I guess, of BSC. So, whether that's just Mike coming and being a part of that presentation or I don't know that it needs to be joined. >> Is January 15th too soon for LTC? It's >> too for LTC. No, I thought you meant for mine. I was like, yeah. >> Um, yeah, probably just barely. We're still getting >> We don't talk to admin. >> Also, like could we swap? And as I know, Alex, this affects

143you. Could we swap the policy committee's February 9th meeting with the January 15th meeting for LTC? And then Alan does that because then they're right next to each other. >> What What day is January 15th? >> January 15th is all of them. >> Okay. >> Is it Thursday? >> It's Thursday. >> Um if press is released by January, I don't know. they'll have their winter out and >> well and that's kind of the thing >> first review but like that's the thing with scheduling these policy committee meetings so far in advance >> why can't we have a and BSC double header on February 10th and just not have the January 15th LTC that kind of sounded like what you were suggesting Nick is that right >> sense >> yeah is that joint >> either way

144right but we why why not have a LTC BSC see double header on February 10th and just not have a a focus topic meeting January 15th. Just move your meeting down a month. >> Yeah, I think that's if if that's better. Um I don't have an issue with it. I think it aligns when when I was working with Mike Rice on this. It was trying to get to the conclusion of the second semester just for academic reporting and then giving time ahead of time uh pilot update so that in March we're able to potentially if we want to take action we can to start the 30 days. Um but we we can give I think that's tenatively fine. we can include that and then maybe Nick if we can work with Mike and your staff

145to see if that if that makes sense to have it as a as a double header like Cole said >> can certainly be flexible >> and I think that November date for LTC was intentional just in terms of reviewing that data you know coming >> maybe fall >> probably the exactly >> final data >> but if it makes sense to be a little bit different from a >> together on the 10th >> correct Um, so then we would be doing one or the other at 5:30, >> right? >> Because these are all for seven. >> I know that's that's kind of the the risky run. >> Or we just do them >> joint. Combine them. Just combine the two. >> You say joint. >> I think it would just be one discussion. Like I don't

146think it'd be separate discussion. >> Okay. So do it as a joint meeting then. Kind of neat. >> Okay. Then still at seven. >> Okay. >> So we're actually just taking a date off this calendar. Well, would we be taking it off or would are we just adding a new meeting? >> Well, there's a joint meeting on on the 10th schedule of February. >> No, nobody's we're we're moving January 15th and adding it to February 10th. So, >> no, I know, but I'm saying because Alan was talking about reviewing the postcurriculum pieces, like because that's going to make that a really long meeting if they're going to do that and also talk about the FTE pieces like will there be too much of a lag between November and March, you know what I mean? >>

147I do know what you mean. Um, >> why don't we I think I I think Nick, we probably want to confirm with Mike a little bit on this on from the LTC standpoint. Why don't we Why don't we approve it as it is and maybe we amend it or we can label it until the 27 26th. Either way is fine with me, but I think I'd like to get I don't know how you feel, but maybe get a little bit more on the LTC perspective. I feel like Yeah, I feel like amending it gives us because then at least we can lock in the rest of this three, four months out for this one particular. >> So that's more than enough time, >> right? >> All right. >> You okay with that? >> Yeah, absolutely.

148Yeah, nothing's impacted. >> Okay. Uh so is there a motion then to approve the amended meeting uh schedule as proposed? >> So moved. >> Second. >> So we're going to leave it at January 15th and but we'll update it accordingly. Is that the plan? Yeah, we're going to leave it as it is and we'll update it accordingly. >> A second. >> Thank you. >> All right. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Nay. >> Okay. Uh we have a calendar for now. Okay. Uh >> rather we wait and figure it out, but it's okay. So the agenda bear with me. >> You can just cite the law. You don't have to read the whole >> Yeah. Right. Okay. Uh, I'm going to solicit a motion to go into executive session for uh section

149ILCS120 uh 2C. Uh, item 5, ILCS120C. You have to say the number after it. 2C1 2C1 2C2. >> Thank you. I solicit a motion to go into executive session uh to discuss matters related to item ILCS120C1. Item ILCS1202C2 ILCS1202C5 ILCS120C6 ILCS 120C ILCS120C 11. >> So moved. >> Moved and seconded. >> No second. >> Seconded. >> All second. >> Any discussion? >> Uh just add that those are for exemptions related to appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance of certain employees. Uh collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives. I'm abbreviating these. Purchase or lease of real property for the sale or use of the public body. Uh The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body. Student disciplinary cases litigation when an action against

150affecting your behalf of the particular body has been filed and is pending before a court tribute. >> 2C12. >> This one I got I've got 2C11 there. >> Yeah. Right. Okay. 2C11. You good? >> Yeah. I thought it was just >> Okay. Uh I'll solicit a motion then. Uh, so we got the motion, we got the second discussion. Any other discussion? No. All in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? >> Roll call. >> Need a roll call vote. >> Thank you, Kelly. It's been a long night. >> Kelly, would you call the role? >> Fredos? >> Yes. >> Regary? >> Yes. >> Tomlinson? >> Yes. >> Zantu? >> Yes. >> Pppel? >> Yes. >> Evans? >> Yes. >> Veto? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> All right. There will be action. All right, we're live.

151All right, we're now in open session. It is 11:17. Uh, item 9.01, approval of the custodial agreement. Is there a motion to approve the custodial agreement as presented? >> So moved. Second. >> Seconded. Any discussion? >> We love our custodians. >> You're here. >> Thank you for keeping this building so beautiful. >> Absolutely. >> Um, we'll take a roll call vote. Kelly, would you call the role? >> Tomlinson? >> Yes. >> Zantoot? >> Yes. >> CPPO? >> Yes. >> Evans? >> Yes. >> Gregory? >> Yes. >> Dvito? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> It's 11:17. This meeting stands adjourned. All right, >> everyone. >> Have a good night, everybody. I'll turn the mic off. >> Yes, >> we've got some signatures.