001Oh. No way. Oh, yeah. >> Okay. >> [music] [music] >> Good evening. Welcome to the April 27th Valley View School Board meeting. I would ask that you silence your cell phones and rise and join us in the pledge of allegiance led by member Beduras. All right, moving down the agenda. Board affirmation statements, Secretary Sutherland. Our mission is to empower every learner to be college, career, and life ready and to develop, grow, and achieve as a productive citizen. Agenda, Dr. Wood. Yes, thank you, Board President Quigley. We are seeking your approval of the agenda as presented. We have a motion to approve. So moved. Second. We have a motion and second. Is there any discussion? All those in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed same sign. The ayes have it. Student and staff recognition. Spotlight video, Martin
002Bennie, paraprofessional Jamie McGill Elementary. >> [snorts] >> This is the letter G. Can you trace this with your finger? You're going to get one, too. G makes the guh guh sound. So, can you think of an animal that starts with the letter G? These kids, most of the ones that we work with are what's considered non-verbal. Um but they do communicate, you know, and they communicate in different ways, whether it's uh with gestures or sounds or uh all kinds of other ways. They also have these devices called communicators, which are these uh My son has one, as well, which are these little iPad kind of things that help them speak. And uh we want to encourage them as much as we can to continue to communicate, even if it's in their way. Non-verbal does not
003mean non-communicative, you know, um and it sometimes we just have to be creative uh you know, we we have to do a lot of improvising on the spot with kiddos like this. Um and yeah, we have to encourage them to communicate in their way as opposed to trying to force them to communicate in our way. Oh, you can do panda or polar bear. Which one you want to do? Panda. Oh, wait, let's go back. Panda That's gorilla. That starts with the juh G sound, guh guh guh. But we want puh panda or puh polar bear. Excellent. Excellent. What does success in your job look like? When we see the child grow uh and learn in any way, um because they're going to learn at different paces than, you know, maybe a typical child would. And,
004you know, when we're able to to see them learning, see them growing, um uh whether it's about letters and numbers and things like that or even just life skills things as far as, you know, putting on their own shoes and tying their shoes or zipping up their own coat and getting their own lunch together, um with kiddos like this, life skills are as important as the academics. You know, so when we see that growth, it's pretty cool, you know, and it's definitely like that with my son, you know, anytime we see growth with him, it's just a really fun thing. As you mentioned, you are the parent of a special needs child. How does that experience as a parent help you in your job in the classroom? I think having Luke makes me help helps
005me with this job, but also I think this job helps me be a better dad to Luke. Um cuz I see so many different scenarios and I learn some a lot from so many great professionals here. Um and even get a little bit of you know, actual training um you know, certain classes and things that we have to go through that explain a lot about how the brain works and how the brain learns and specifically in a neurodivergent child, you know, kids with autism or you know, things like that. So Yeah, I think you know, having my kid helps me with this job and this job helps me being a dad. Outside of the classroom, you are a jazz musician. Tell us about your life as a jazz drummer. I was about 3 years old
006when a drummer named Barrett Deems gave me my first pair of sticks. Um uh my father was playing with him. Barrett used to play used to work with Louis Armstrong. And uh and Barrett brought me up on stage with him and had me playing on a chair next to him with his drum set. And of course, you know, the audience seeing a little 3-year-old boy up there just went nuts and started cheering and I think that's where I kind of caught the bug. And uh and so I don't really remember not playing drums, you know, um I started taking lessons uh formally when I was about five and uh been sort of studying and learning ever since. Um my dad started hiring me on gigs when I was 12. Um I've gotten a chance to
007do some traveling. I've uh been around Europe. I got to live in Dubai for about 6 months playing with a singer there. And uh and yeah, music's always just been a part of our lives in our family. Okay, I have to ask you to name drop. Tell us some of the famous people that you've played with in your music career. Me personally, not nearly as many as my dad, but I got to work with Rosemary Clooney. I think is the biggest name. She's the first one on my resume. Um I got to play uh with a singer named Kurt Elling, who I know has won a few Grammys now. Uh when he first was coming on the scene, he used to use me locally here in Chicago on some gigs. Um and yeah, and not
008a whole lot of other real famous names, you know, I've worked with uh a singer named Ann Mason and uh Chicago Rose, uh who actually she's been spending some time working in China, but um you know, uh my dad has had a chance to, you know, my dad worked with people like Benny Goodman and Sarah Vaughan and Freddie Hubbard all kinds of greats. Um and just growing up getting to meet a lot of people. I got to meet some of my idols like I got to meet Buddy Rich as a kid and I got to meet Elvin Jones and Max Roach and you know, to me that's like meeting Michael Jordan. You know, um I'm as starstruck by people like that as other people might be by meeting a movie star or something. >> [applause]
009>> Dr. Wood, I noticed there was a script there that I they started the video before you had a chance to do your thing. You want to read that? About the April is parapro month? Or do you have it? April is paraprofessional appreciation month honoring paraprofessional educators, who are also known as paras. Instructional assistants or teacher aid, paraprofessionals perform a variety of teaching related jobs and often assist teachers in the classroom. In in recognition of the valuable role parapros fill, Valley View VVSD, we introduce you to McGee Elementary paraprofessional Martin Banning. So, the rest is what he just said. So there you go. So, thank you parapros and have a wonderful April paraprofessional month. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right. Uh where are we at? State bowling qualifiers. Good evening, everyone. School board, thank you
010for having us here. Coach uh Martin is unable to make it tonight, so she asked that I read her statement. This year marked our second full year offering bowling across all five middle schools in our district. Third year overall and what an incredible season it has been. What began as a growing opportunity for student athletes has become quickly a program that unites our schools, our families and community throughout a lifelong sport of bowling. From five different middle schools and four elementary schools, 40 young athletes came together and represented our district with pride, determination and sportsmanship. Each athlete brought something unique to the program and together they helped continue building something truly special. One of the most exciting parts of this season was seeing just how much our program has grown. We had 11 athletes from
011five different schools qualify for state this year. An amazing accomplishment that reflects the hard work, dedication and growth of our bowlers throughout the season. Even more exciting was the this was the first year in our program history that we placed second in sectionals and qualified as a as a team for state competition. That achievement is about as much more as much more than scores alone. It speaks to the commitment our athletes made every week at practice, the support of their families and the way these students came together to encourage one another and compete as one team even while representing different schools. This season has had a tremendous step forward in our program. To have 11 state qualifiers from five schools to qualify for state as a team is a first time ever. It's a milestone
012worth celebrating. These student athletes have represented our district with excellence, heart and pride and they have set a new standard for what this program can be. And now it's my honor to recognize some truly outstanding performances. First off, we have Devin Kirkland, season high game of 289, second place at the Homer invite, ninth place at Troy invite, third place uh individual at sectionals, second place as a team at sectionals. He advanced to state and then state finals. He finished fourth place overall as an individual out of 138 boys. Devin is has now qualified and placed at state three consecutive years. >> [applause] >> Tyler Tyler Mershon season high game of 190, helped the team earn second place at sectional sectionals, advanced to state as part of the Romeoville boys team and placed 10th overall at
013sectionals. >> [applause] >> Brandon Trujillo, season high game of 224, helped the team earn second place at sectionals and advanced to state as part of the Romeoville boys team. >> [applause] >> Gavin Gavin Colvin, season high game of 186, helped the team earn second place at sectionals and also advanced to state as part of the Romeoville boys team. >> [applause] >> Emiliano Garza fifth grader at our our Robert C. Hill, season high game of 125, he helped the team earn second place at sectionals and advanced to state as part of the boys Romeoville team. >> [applause] >> Brandon Kay Brandon had a season high game of 234, 10th place at Troy invite invite, sixth place at the Homer invite, ninth place individually at sectionals and advanced to state. He finished 22nd in state out of
014138 boys and accomplished this as a sixth grader. >> [applause] >> Ariana McCollum Ariana season high game was a 256, she placed ninth place at the Troy invite, sixth place at the Homer invite, fourth place sectional and advanced to state and state finals. She finished 22nd in the state out of 137 girls. >> [applause] >> Emmy Trujillo, season high game of 167, placed 14th at sectionals and qualified for state. Emily Raywood Emily uh season high game of 176, placed 18th at sectionals and qualified for state. >> [applause] >> We are incredibly proud of each and every one of these students athletes. Their dedication, perseverance and love for the game has been truly inspiring to watch throughout the season. She also wanted to extend her sincere thanks to the parents who have become more like family
015and supported the program so wholeheartedly. As we as well as to our volunteer coaches, who have given so much of their time, whether that meant answering emails, calls or supporting our athletes across 44 lanes at the bowling alley. With the success of this program with the success this program has achieved in such a short amount of time, Bolingbrook High School and Romeoville High School will be incredibly fortunate to to welcome these athletes standing before you today. We are excited to watch their continued growth and success in the years ahead. Please join me in congratulating this phenomenal group. >> [applause] >> All right, if my agenda is correct. Uh Battle of the Books VVSD Elementary School Battle of the Book Champions. Good evening, senior leadership and members of the board and Valley View families. Um there
016is no doubt in my mind that this will not be the last time that these wonderful young ladies will grace this stage. But I am proud to present them as the Battle of the Books champions for Valley View this school year. First up we have Prejal Kansara, um who probably read all 20 books before Christmas. And when she's not reading, she enjoys swimming. >> [applause] >> And next up we have Linnea Pavlik who is a creator of cat-themed comics and books when she's not reading Warriors. Next up we have Yetunde Olatunji who is aspiring to be a future designer when she's not reading. And then we have Valerie Wilson who when she's not reading, she enjoys acting in the Bolingbrook Community Theater. These ladies worked really hard this year and I'm really proud to be
017with them and in my career a pioneer. >> [applause] >> Kinder Good evening President Quigley, members of the board, Dr. Wood, members of senior leadership, members of the audience, and members of the community. Um before I introduce Liz that I have to introduce that she's going to explain our award recipients, I just want to thank the board on behalf of both Romeoville High School and Bolingbrook High School for the continued relationship that this board has established with the Wilco Career Area Center and the work that they do with both of our students at both campuses, the wonderful opportunities that Wilco creates for our kids, the skills that are practiced at hands-on activities, and the goals that are set and achieved by an extremely valuable and wonderful program for all um all students have the opportunity
018in Valley View. So thank you for that continued relationship between us and Wilco. And with that being said, Wilco is an outstanding uh program, extremely well run, and the relationship that we've had with the executive director over there, Mrs. Elizabeth Kaufman, has been wonderful and just as it's my pleasure to introduce Dr. Elizabeth Kaufman. >> [applause] >> Thank you Principal Kinder and the Valley View School Board and senior leadership. The partnership between Wilco and the Valley View School District will be celebrating 50 years next school year. The cooperative agreement allows students to explore pathways while in high school strategically planning their futures. One such opportunity that the students get to explore at Wilco is Family, Career, Community Leaders of America, FCCLA. Core elements of their pathway and of FCCLA is a defined learning plan. During
019students' junior and senior years, they can come to Wilco, earn dual credit while pursuing industry certifications. They can engage in leadership development. FCCLA acts as a vital career and technical student organization within Wilco focusing on leadership, problem-solving, interpersonal communication skills essential for the workplace. Students engage in real-world application. Tonight students were able to create a project present it before professionals and address real-world situations. At this time I would like to introduce their advisor, Gina Salvador Lemus, who will recognize the students for their achievements at state this year. >> [applause] >> So taking silver at our FCCLA competition in Springfield, Lloyd Jackson. >> [applause] >> Next up Abigail Abigail Oles took gold in Springfield at our FCCLA competition. >> [applause] >> And then last but not least, Jenna Jarmusz took gold at FCCLA competition. Congratulations. >>
020[applause] >> By combining the academic infrastructure of Valley View, the specialized training at Wilco, and the leadership framework of FCCLA, these students are equipped with skills for life necessary to thrive in a global economy, but selfishly we want to see them thriving here in Valley View. Thank you. >> [applause] >> If you had problems hearing some of the previous speakers, I'm guessing you won't have a problem hearing Master Gunny. If you would, please, sir. All right. All right. All right. Thank you President Quigley, Superintendent Dr. Wood, members of the board and the community for uh showing up. So in the sake of uh saving a little bit of time, I'm I'm going to make it a little bit brief. I'm sure everybody knows that we went to Nationals. We put Romeoville on the map. We
021took second place in the nation. We beat out >> [cheering] [applause] >> Just like I told you when we when I stood up here before we left, "Hey, we're going to go down there not be intimidated. We're going to act like we belong there." And to come away with second place beating out multiple previous national champions. The only ones we didn't beat out were the defending champions. Uh but so many tremendous tremendous comments at Nationals from the other instructors, headquarters of Marine Corps JROTC. I personally talked to the director and multiple other people uh at headquarters. So it was great to see such a small program go up there challenge and come away uh with such a historic placing. Uh we certainly could not have done it with all the support from the community, the
022families, the board uh approving the trip, funding it, to all the veterans organizations, and to the to the group of parents and friends that made the trip down to Colquitt Vir- uh Georgia. Thank you guys so much for all that support. It really showed. It lightened the mood uh when we were there. Uh the tensions were pretty high. Didn't start off well, but we certainly ended really really well. All right. So uh I just want to thank uh everybody and just show my level of gratitude. Just we need to show our gratitude to the to everyone that showed us uh support. Now, if you look behind me, you see all these phenomenal cadets. One thing that I teach uh in the program is number one to show gratitude. Okay? And I want everyone to know
023that when we were down there and throughout this whole process, uh I think it's important that we represent very very well. Not only their family names, not only this program, but Romeoville and all of Valley View School District and all of our supporters. So I unequivocally uh am proud of this group and how well they represented and obviously how well they performed. So thank you. Thank you everybody so much uh from the bottom of my heart, particularly with the recent news of shutdown, then a lot of work being done behind the scenes, President Quigley, Dr. Wood, uh Dr. Paulson, family members uh all getting involved, team effort, and now we're back on track. And I'm going to leave you with one request uh of the board, of this community. Hey, we're back on the table.
024We're going to continue at the high caliber we are, but we simply cannot do it without the recruitment. That's where it all lies. That's where the rubber meets the road. We need more of your sons and daughters of this community into this program. And think about what can be achieved. Think about that. Thank you so much for everyone's support. Thank you so much for the board. Please hold off on round of applause so everyone can hear their names being called. All right, here we go, cadets. Isabella Andrade Melanie Arrellano Jazmine Asamoah Brandon Atkins Keith Beachler Aid Davalos Sadie Gill Sebastian Hernandez, Neon Ibanez, Caitlin Moreno Tristan Wynn Evelyn Nicassio She's not here. Joanna Nunley Cesar Ortiz, Fatima Palamore Leah Peachy and Cody Rivera. That is your national drill team, Romeoville and Valley View School District.
025>> [cheering] >> Okay, back to back for the program. National drill team, national raider team. Come on back here. So, I'm going to toss it over to you, the head coach of the raider national raider team, First Sergeant Efrain Casas. >> [applause] >> All right. President of the board, good evening. Members of the board, good evening. Community, good evening. Thank you very much coming out and supporting our kids. So, this was our first year competing at the national level for our raiders team. Now, what what can I say? There was a lot of learning. Uh there was a lot of great experiences. But the trip to Fort Knox, Kentucky is one that these raiders will remember for the rest of their lives. So, it was about a 6-hour trip. Uh our cadets stayed in military
026barracks. So, they definitely got the full military experience, to say the least. We did a a formation run. We did some exercises, but nonetheless, they competed in in in six events. Um our best event was our 5K run, which the cadets ran through multiple terrains, different elevations, climbed a steep hill with a rope. Oh my god, it was it was great. The kids had fun. It was cold. It was raining. And what could I say? If we if if it ain't raining, we ain't training. We ain't training. All right. But uh you know, I just want to say thank you very much for your hard work this year. Being that this is our first year, we accomplished a lot. You guys set the foundation for future raiders. And I'm sure that we're going to be
027building upon the the foundation that you guys set forth this year. All right, so awesome job. Okay. Please hold your applause until after I'm done reading the names on the on the certificates. Melanie Arrellano Brandon Atkins Keith Beachler Logan Blake Sebastian Hernandez Neon Ibanez Kavana Malaho Caitlin Moreno Njala Andua Cesar Ortiz Fatima Palamore Jaden Velasco Please give a round of applause. And as I said the last time they're here, that's what this is all about. Gentlemen, thank you. Students, thank you. Cadets, hoorah. >> [applause] >> Now, go home and study. And if you like the rain, you're going to love your walk to the car. Ah, Dr. Paulson. Good evening. I can't help but to start the next section with a hoorah. Nobody? There we go. >> [gasps] >> All right, good evening President Quigley,
028members of the board, members of senior leadership and our communities. It is with honor that I stand before you to recognize somebody that is not a stranger to this podium for many years, but especially this year. So, um this evening we are excited to announce that um Jane Addams Middle School Principal, Mrs. Sonia Ruiz, as the 2026 national national Association of Secondary School Principal National Middle School Level Principal of the Year. And that was a national, in case you missed it, in front of it. Sonia was announced as the winner of this honor at the annual National Educational Leadership Awards Gala on April 18th in Washington, D.C. So, though we started with a hoorah, I think this deserves a huge round of applause for Mrs. Sonia Ruiz. >> [applause] [applause] >> So, just to put
029a stamp on it, Mrs. Ruiz has um completed this year, and it's not over yet. So, there might be more to come. But she has received regional recognition, um state recognition, and now national recognition. So, a huge um celebration for Mrs. Ruiz as the principal of Jane Addams Middle School. Thank you for your leadership in supporting the whole child and seeing the whole piece, not just pieces. We thank you for that with the leadership with um the Jane Addams staff along with you. And she continues to continued she continues to lead of um supporting Jane Addams along with the staff and students in the community of being exemplary year after year after year. And what does that mean? They're in the top 10% of the entire state of Illinois. So, again, congratulations, Mrs. Ruiz. >>
030[applause] >> Good evening. Thank you so much. Um I wanted to share something real quick. It's not going to take that long. I had a student stop me. They were super excited, and they gave me a high five. And they were like, "Mrs. Ruiz, we're so excited. This is so good for Bolingbrook. This is so good for our village. This is so good for our community. You put us on the map, and now we're going to be seen and respected." And isn't that what all of our children should feel like when they're at school? So, I'm extremely grateful that I have a staff that believes in our kids along not just academics, although we have high expectations, but we do believe in the whole child, and we will do what we can to make sure
031we support them so they're successful in every area of their life. I'm also extremely grateful for this board and our district leadership for supporting us to do the work that we are doing, because every kid, every learner, every day should feel respected, valued, and seen. And I am just grateful that I am representing not just Jane Addams, but Valley View and Bolingbrook and our community. Thank you. Jim, bring the camera. >> So, Ms. Reese, we are quite proud of you. Thanks for shining a bright spotlight, as you mentioned, not only on Jane Adams, not only on Bolingbrook, not only on the district, but this great nation. Thank you again. >> [applause] >> Let's see, going down the agenda. Treasurer's report. No report. Kind of nice. Consent agenda items. Dr. Wood. Yes, thank you, Board President.
032Quickly tonight, we are seeking your approval of five consent agenda items as presented. 7.1, board meeting minutes, April 13th, 2026. 7.2, executive session meeting minutes, April 13th, 2026. 7.3, gifts to Jonas Salk Elementary School. 7.4, resolution number 2628, workers' compensation settlement agreement. And 7.5, gifts to Romeoville High School. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, hearing none, a roll call vote would be in order, Madam Clerk. Member Kyle? Yes. Member Schuler? Yes. Member Bederis? Yes. Secretary Sutherland? Yes. Vice President Campbell? Yes. President Kuczek? Yes. Liaison reports. And then off from my left, Secretary Sutherland. I actually have three to present. >> Three? Three. Sorry. >> Three? All right. Member Pipkin was supposed to give one, but she was unable to attend today, so I'm
033doing it. Okay. Um the first one is the Advisory Financial Committee, which met on um April 21st. Ms. Romeo, Director of Finance, gave a third quarter update. The primary focus of this conversation was on the shortfall of revenues that are putting pressure on the 25-26 current budget and will affect the following year, 26-27 budget. Mr. Lopez, Director of Facilities, um gave the committee an update on the long-term capital projects, including $95 million of identified life safety projects. The meeting continued with a presentation from Elizabeth Hennessy, Managing Director of Raymond James financial firm, to discuss the restructuring of debt based on the current economy that would potentially save a million dollars. In addition, the presentation included issuing bonds for safe life safety projects, along with the timeline and the the process. The next um report is
034on the safety working group. The safety working group met on Thursday, April 16th. The working group mainly consists of district senior leadership, a union representative, um members of security, members from the villages' police and fire departments, and member Pipkin and myself. Alan Hampton, Valley View's safety and security supervisor, has been working with the Regional Office of Education to develop a truancy program in order to address the chronic absenteeism um in the district by holding parents and students accountable. Mr. Hampton and the ROE have been working with the judge and to conduct meetings at each school with the parents and students. Um Member Pipkin wanted me to also share that uh after the session, she spoke with Dr. Larry uh regarding the district's truancy policy, and that there can be no referrals to the court system
035until after at least 15 days of missed school for no valid reason. And that is a lot of school to miss. Um there has been an increase in swatting incidents in the district as well as nationwide. Swatting um is a term used when schools receive a false bomb threat or an active um shooter threat. The purpose of these false threats are to either interrupt instruction or to uh to have the students evacuate from the building, or to distract police from an criminal activity engaging in the community. The calls [snorts] will continue to be taken seriously, especially because they have become untraceable. Protocols will continue to be followed and the police will be contacted. The students will remain in the buildings. Um the district has adopted a bomb threat response guide, and every building administrator and
036secretary will have a copy of this guide. Guidelines. Also, this there will be an additional training. >> [snorts] >> Um ideas were also discussed on ways to educate our students during prom season, which I believe Romeoville's is coming up this weekend, and to reinforce the importance of making self-safe choices, specifically refraining from drinking and driving. Romeoville already has something in place. Dr. Larry is looking into other ideas as well. >> [snorts] >> Um we have the the honor of having Director Elizabeth Kaufman from the Will-Cook Center and students who have placed in different categories. And there was a board meeting for the Will-Cook Career Center on Tuesday, April 21st, and the next board meeting will convene on May 19th at 6:00. All board meetings are held at the Will-Cook Center. Board minutes and agendas can
037be can be viewed on the center's website under board minutes and agenda. The highlights I pulled from last week's board meetings was basically about the students. And there's got a list of students names of students for scholarships, student of the year, and national technical honor students, which will be submitted to the to the different schools, high schools. A request was submitted for students to attend the Health Occupation Students of America Nationals in June in Indianapolis. There were 104 attendance contracts issues issued for students who have had greater than 10 um 10 days of absences. So, that also is creating some problems there. The students continue to show strong overall performance with 42% of the students earning an A, 34% of the students earning a B, and over 17% of the students earning a C. Quarterly
038reports have been shared with each of the um schools. And the last uh is a report that um Dr. Kaufman had um shared. Uh last week, the Will-Cook Career and Tech Center hosted their dual um enrollment orientation at JJC. Parents and students had an opportunity to meet the instructors, and information was sent to those who were unable to attend the orientation. Currently, their um architecture, management, and engineering program, advanced instruction maintenance program, aviation, and um business finance academy are are full for the upcoming uh school year. There are still openings for the cybersecurity, Cisco, and cloud programs, and applied engineering uh technology. Their accelerated nursing assistant assistants assistant, criminal justice to health, and fire safe science uh classes will be engaged in a community emergency response team simul- simulation. Let me say that again. Will
039be engaged in a a community emergency response team simulation tomorrow and on Thursday. The center has submitted scholarship information to the uh schools, along with honor society participants. And that's the end of all my reports. Thank you. Anybody else from the left? Anybody from the right? I did get a chance in these last 2 weeks to attend the Brooks Middle School Career Fair, which was it was a great opportunity to see the students and how they took those periods I um to uh engage with all those that was there. So, thank God for all the people that put it together and the community that was there. We even had an attorney uh some of the attorneys there, but young man that did graduate from um Bolingbrook High School. So, that's always good to come back
040home. We like to grow our own, right? And then also had opportunity to see the Armadillos over at Aryan King. And then I got to get some exercise in the second grade classes. They were performing for their concert over uh where was I at then? Um Where was I at? Oh, at RC Hill. I was there. And uh so, uh they're inviting us uh to come back. So, we do get an opportunity come out and to visit as well as give reports to know that we are all a part of this every student, every day, every LION every way. So, thank you. So, real quick, uh what Secretary Sutherland was talking about to the finance committee, uh the state of Illinois passed a bill a couple years ago that will give us the opportunity to
041for lack of better term, float some life safety bonds to do general things that we need to do for the district, HVAC improvements. Uh as we've said before, this is a very big district. It costs a lot of money to run it. Uh but there'll be security and safety things that'll be in that bond. We'll be bringing that back for a presentation, Mr. Rench, couple meetings from now. The next meeting we would have with Hennessy. >> Uh and also, if you've paid any attention over the last few years, if you see our bond debt, we are at the peak of or actually on the downslide. We still have about $60 million worth of bond debt. Those bonds are going to be retired in 2 years. Is that correct, John? The bonds the bond amounts will
042begin to decrease over the next 2 years. >> the next 2 years they'll start to drop. So, all that being said, we'll be able to go out and finance some of these improvements to the district. Uh and also, more importantly, save the district money and even more importantly, save the taxpayer money. So, that's the goal. Uh John and his crew and the team from DLA with the life safety, Raymond James. Raymond James will be explaining it in greater detail. It's a lot of There's a lot of numbers and a lot of math. Uh but if it makes sense, we should refinance our debt and do this to save ourselves money and also to make the improvements that we need to do. And it's hard to believe that some of these machines and some of these
043buildings are plus 20 years old as in the one you're sitting in and Bolingbrook High School is now over 20 years old. All these things that went through the last big bond debt referendum. Uh they're just old. It's you know, it's been 20 years. So, uh again, Mr. Renz will be bringing that back uh for further. Also, while I'm just while we're talking, I just wanted to uh congratulate the Village of Bolingbrook and I'm I'm sure they did one in Romeoville as well, but the Arbor Day celebration uh behind Village Hall, Mayor Mary Basta and her team and the out the park district folks in Bolingbrook did a wonderful job. If you're looking for something to do at Arbor Day next year, uh they had a lot of stuff for kids in particular. They had
044hawks and owls, live ones, armadillos, all kinds of stuff running around. Uh but they also taught you about trees and the value of planting and all this kind of things. There's an old phrase that goes something like this, young people don't have the foresight to plant trees and old people don't get to enjoy them. So, go out and plant a tree every year the rest of your life cuz somebody will enjoy it at some point in your life in their life. So. Uh move Moving down the agenda. Liaison reports. Student ambassador, Isabel. Good evening, everyone. My name is Isabel Scott and I am one of the senior ambassadors for Bolingbrook. I would like to thank the board and the administration today for allowing me the opportunity to speak. First, I would like to announce that
045applications for the student ambassadors for 2026 and 2027 for both RHS and BHS have opened. If you're an incoming junior, make sure to check it out and get those applications in. These past few weeks have been very busy for all of the schools in the district. Uh this last weekend, RHS and BHS both had their SkillsUSA teams compete at state. Congrat- congrats to Claire Mitchell from BHS for finishing second place in state for t-shirt design. Additionally, BHS had their final senior concert. Everyone performed amazingly and we are so proud of all of our seniors. On the topic of seniors, tonight is also the senior night for the BHS volleyball. A big congratulations to you all. And looking at our little ones in the district, this past Friday, Pioneer Elementary had both of their career day
046and their school dance. Looking ahead, this week BHS has their senior concert for choir on Thursday, May the April 30th and make sure to get your tickets on bhsmusicboosters.org. And then in very exciting news, RHS and BHS have their prom this weekend. Everyone have a great time and make sure that you're safe. Can't wait to see all of the amazing Instagram posts. To end this off, because it is my last time on this board, I just wanted to say thank you and let you all know how grateful I am for this opportunity. This has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. There have been many hard times and a few tears shed, but more importantly, there have been an infinite amount of good times and so much laughter enjoying this position. To
047my fellow ambassadors, both current and previous, thank you. You are the ones who have made this the most amazing thing ever. You've changed how I look at problems and conflict. And to my mentors, Dr. Pascavage and Dr. Lennox, I couldn't have asked for better. You have taught me so much when it comes to resolving issues and how to look at things from different angles. You've given me perspectives that I wouldn't have found otherwise. And to my parents, thank you. These past 4 years, you guys have been my biggest cheerleaders and supporters and there is zero way I could do this without you. So, in all, thank you all for being so amazing and welcoming. I'm going to miss this deeply and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this program. Thank you.
048>> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you Thank you, Isabel. Uh let's see, is there anybody in the audience who wish to address the board this evening? Please keep your comments to 3 minutes or less and identify yourself. Somebody coming down the stairs. >> [snorts] >> Good evening. Good evening. My name is David Poniatowski and I am a senior at RHS and a Boy Scout in Troop Microphone. Turn it up. There you go. Sorry. Good evening. My name is David Poniatowski and like I said, I am a senior here at RHS and actually a Boy Scout in Troop 22, Romeoville, Illinois. I just wanted I wanted to thank everyone in this Valley View School District community for not only helping out with my journey here, but also helping out with my Eagle my Eagle Scout project. With
049their help, we actually gathered around 3,000 types of hygiene donations for my Eagle Scout project, Hopes for Hygiene. And with it, we donated all of that to the Valley View School District's outreach program to help those that are in need for types of products such as those. With it, I just wanted to say thank you again for letting me have this time and hope you all have a great evening. >> [applause] >> Thank you. Uh seeing no one else, moving down the agenda. Action report, superintendent human resources, Dr. Miss Dr. I'm sorry. You want to be Dr. D Donato, but you know. I'm good. I'm good with what I've got. Thank you. All right, let me get to Everything froze. Okay, so I'm going to wing it. And when I saw a former student of
050mine, David, I got very excited, so. 10.1, uh action for consolidated action report for certified, classified and administrative personnel. The administration respectfully seeks your approval. We have a motion? Motion. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Roll call vote, please. Member Hile? Yes. Member Sherva? Yes. Member Bedaris? Yes. Secretary Sutherland? Yes. Vice President Campbell? No. President Quigley? Yes. Job descriptions, 10.2. Action for 10.2 is to approve two job descriptions, one for the payroll specialist one and payroll specialist two. The payroll department has been uh focusing on um separating the two job descriptions so that there are more specialized duties for each of those different roles. This was brought at information at the last board meeting and we respectfully request your action today. We have a motion? So moved. Second. Motion and
051seconded. Is there any discussion? Madam Clerk, take the roll. Member Sherva? Yes. Member Bedaris? Yes. Member Hile? Yes. Secretary Sutherland? Yes. Vice President Campbell? Yes. President Quigley? Yes. 10.3. Action for 10.3 is resolution number 2626, the authorization of the dismissal of an educational support personnel employee for reasons other than reduction in force. The administration respectfully seeks your approval. So moved. We have a motion? Second. And a second. Is there any discussion? Madam Clerk, take the roll. Member Bedaris? Yes. Member Hile? Yes. Member Sherva? Yes. Secretary Sutherland? Yes. Vice President Campbell? Yes. President Quigley? Yes. 10.4. Action for resolution number 2627 is the authorization of a dismissal of tenured teacher from employment for reasons other than reduction in force. The administration respectfully seeks your approval. So moved. Second. Second. We have a motion and we have
052a second. Is there any discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Member Sherva? Yes. Member Hile? Yes. Member Bedaris? Yes. Secretary Sutherland? Yes. Vice President Campbell? Yes. President Quigley? Yes. Action reports, 11. Mr. Renz, technology device replenishment, which is replacement, I assume. >> Uh at the last uh Board of Education meeting, this was presented as an information item. In alignment with the district's strategic plan, the technology department has developed a comprehensive 4-year device replenishment plan to support our students and staff. The technology team has done an outstanding job in outlining the plan's components, including the detailed cost projections for each area. A full breakdown plan is included in your packet for review. I'm currently working with Mr. Gilmore to ensure that this plan is fully integrated into the 26-27 budget. So, based on this, the
053administration is requesting that the Board of Education approve the technology device replenishment plan as presented for fiscal year 2026-2027. Do we have a motion? I move. Second. Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? I just want to make a comment. We're buying like 7,000 or 8,000 or 10,000, whatever it is, a lot of devices. Uh so, John and the tech team, thank you for pulling this all together and I'm going to give Mr. Mitchell credit. A couple years ago, he found a better way to do this rather than put it on credit cards. We're doing it on a rolling uh process. So, here we are. Uh we have a motion and second. If there's no further comment by me, why don't we do a roll call, please? Member Hayo? Yes. Member Schrova? Yes. Member Butera?
054Yes. Secretary Sutherland? Yes. Vice President Campbell? Yes. President Quigley? Yes. Action item 12, no report, Dr. Treacy Polson. No report. Just making sure. Action reports, Dr. Wood, 13.1. No report. That's like four in a row. I like it. Uh Superintendent's information report, 14.1. Yes, I do have an update. Thank you, Board President Quigley. I am struggling with technology this evening, but we will make sure um to get it done. All right. Um first up, our theme, to kindergarten and beyond, has left the launch pad and is still in orbit. All right. We encourage all families to register now and you can do so Monday through Friday by appointment. Um and those times are 7:30 to 4:00 p.m. The last appointment that can be made is at 3:30 and we'd love to have more families signing
055up um their kindergarten or soon-to-be kindergarten students. On the left, last week, Valley View School District had the pleasure of hosting their third Tyler user group in collaboration with Tyler Technologies. [clears throat] This creates a community network of surrounding and neighboring school district personnel to connect and share ideals on way we can support every learner, every day, through day-to-day job functions. And on the right, we celebrated administrative assistant appreciation day last week. And pictured is Frida Carfopius. She's the executive secretary for the secondary transition experience program. She is one of many individuals who keep the district and schools going behind the scenes and I'm sure that all of our building and district leaders will attest to that. Thank you to all of our administrative assistants for all that you do for Valley View. And finally,
056in partnership with Romeoville and Bolingbrook Police Departments, we invite our parents, family members, and members of the Valley View community to join us for our walk, bike, and roll to school day, which is scheduled for May 6th. Take a look at our participating schools for the year and all their mascots. More information can be found on our social media. It's going to be a great event and I have my bike helmet ready to go. And some important upcoming dates, April 29th is early release day and May 11th is our next board meeting. That brings me to the end of my update. Thank you very much. Thank you, Dr. Wood. Let's see, legal services report. No report. Thank you. Uh some of you might want to know why we put legal services on there. They do
057a lot of work behind the scenes and on occasion, uh they report to us on things that keep us out of trouble and protect the district. So, Katie and John and your team, thank you. Uh association federation reports, Valley View Local 604. Seeing none, moving down the agenda, 16.2, Valley View Office Personnel Council 604. Come on down. Hope she's skateboarding accident. Oh. >> [laughter] >> You know, there's they're talking about rules against those. Okay. Um good evening, um Dr. Wood, members of senior administration, and members of the board. My name's Maria Reyes, president of the Valley View Office Personnel. On behalf of the Office Personnel Council, we acknowledge and appreciate it appreciate the collaborative open dialogue that has taken place throughout this negotiation process. That transparency has helped build mutual understanding and we remain committed
058to continuing the good faith work as we await a response to the financial proposal submitted on April 14th. Tonight, we want to ensure that the full context of the workforce remains front and center. Approximately 130 secretaries who serve in the district are not just employees, they're the backbone of daily operations and a vital members to this community. They are, sometimes, the sole financial provider of their household, single mothers, especially meaningful as we approach Mother's Day, caregivers to aging parents, members of both large and small families, widows, and individuals navigating significant personal responsibilities. These realities exist alongside a challenging economic landscape with average monthly rent in Illinois ranging from $1,700 to over $2,000, many of our members are forced to take on second jobs, aka a side hustle, just to meet the basic living expenses. Meanwhile,
059starting salaries for secretaries begin as low as $28,592 annually, approximately $2,800 per month, or $17.87 per hour, step one of the B schedule of the current schedule. That wage um structure does not reflect the value, skill, or responsibility required for this role. As one of approximately 37 bilingual secretaries, I was hired in 2006 and I'm grateful for the opportunity that I was given. However, it's difficult to imagine entering the profession this this day under the current starting conditions. The gap between expectations and compensations has grown far too wide. Currently, 84 84 secretaries reside in Bolingbrook and Romeoville. I myself am a homeowner for the past 24 years and an active taxpayer. As a resident, taxpayers, and community members, many of whom live in Bolingbrook and Romeoville, we recognize and respect the board's responsibility to be
060financed financially accountable. We see the work that you do as good stewards and public and using our public funds responsibly. In turn, we ask that you recognize I'm sorry. In turn, we ask that you fully recognize us, not just in words, but in action, because the reality is that the district already knows the value of its of its office professionals. Recent survey from data collected from its administrators throughout the district with the Valley View School District, they named the secretaries as rock stars, exceptional, dependable, compassionate, the heart of the building, the reason the office runs like clockwork, critical operational assets that are unmatched efficiency. They're also described as solution finders, adaptable professionals, and jacks of all trades. Team members who keep the district functioning every single day, 365. The prime example of loyalty, service, and
061dedication can be found among the retirees celebrating a year of lasts with the combined 64 years amongst the three of them as service to the Valley View School District. To Julie Hanson with maintenance, who has started in May of 2012 at in the facility operations, she's thankful to work with such great to work in such a great department with wonderful coworkers. Juanita Hernandez at the Administration Center for the Student Services Department, began in 2006. She started as a volunteer mom in her daughter's classroom in 2003, in spring of 2004, volunteered in enrollment, and in 2006, she was a substitute secretary. Come July of 2006, she was hired in special education as a student services secretary. We do have one more retiree who elected to keep her confidential information private. Um however, we do want to
062congratulate congratulate all of our upcoming retirees. May you enjoy every moment of this new journey. This is not an anecdotal praise, it's a consistent district-wide recognition of essential work. And essential work deserves fair compensation. Our goal is clear. We want to make Valley View School District to become an employer of choice, a district known for its top-tier wages, strong benefits, and a culture that attracts and retains high caliber personnel. A place where employees build long-term sustainable careers, turnover is low because workers are valued and supported. Positions are also sought after because they provide an economic stability. We should be working towards a future where secretarial positions are rarely vacant, not because of limited opportunity, but because but because employees choose to stay. The future requires investment. We look ahead in our next bargaining session on
063May 6th with expectations that meaningful progress will be made towards a fair agreement before the current contract expires come June 30th. Finally, we call on Valley View employees, all Valley View employees and allies of many of which I've spoken to throughout this process, to stand in solidarity. We invite you to wear any union swag, Valley View blue, and a visible sign of unity and collective strength. When we stand together, we move forward together. Respectfully, in unity, with professionalism and purpose. Thank you. Have a great evening. Thank you. All right, Valley View transportation. Apparently no report. Any old business before the board this evening? Any new business before the board this evening? Freedom of Information requests are with Mr. Blaney and done online at valleyviewfoya. something. com.org Uh announcements by the board from my right. Or
064on my left. I have two, but they're really one. Uh I want to congratulate Dr. Wood and Mr. Bednarz for getting the Liz Campbell award at the Focus dinner the other night. Community service awards. That's it. Any announcements by the administration? Dr. Wood. Yes. Um [clears throat] so you kind of stole my thunder a little bit um for President Quigley cuz I did want to um specifically note um that our very own uh Vice President um Liz Campbell won a lifetime achievement award. Um Go ahead. Everybody clapping. >> [applause] >> And I'm sure she'd be the first one to say I don't need the applause and the recognition, but um Vice President Campbell, your your service to community um serves as an example for others to follow and we really do appreciate what you do.
065Not just for our community, but I mean across the Chicagoland area from what I I understand you also go state to state. So, thank you for all you do. >> [applause] >> If there are no other announcements by the administration, motion to adjourn would be in order. Move. We have a motion. Second. And a second. All those in favor say Oh, wait a minute. Dr. Paulson. She got in under the wire. >> One last announcement. Um for all of the administrators across the district families, it is a big day on Friday, May 1st, it's Principal Day. Um and we extend that to all of our administrators. So, please make sure to recognize them, celebrate them because the work that they do that we see and there's a lot that we we don't see. So, thank
066you for your leadership across the district. >> Thank you, principals. You're sure? Motion and second. All those in favor say aye. Opposed same sign. The ayes have it. Dr. Paskavich Dr. Paskavich received a award on Friday, also. >> Oh, I forgot about that. Yeah. Oh, wait a minute. Can we resend the adjournment? Dr. Paskavich was named What was he named? Principal What did you get? Administrator What was it? Excellence in Leadership >> We will We expect a full report at the next meeting, Dr. Paskavich. And a and a like a plaque or something, whatever. >> Yeah, you were there to see it, also. Yes. >> Thank you all for what you do. Much appreciated. Everybody have a good night. Stay dry. Thank you.