001They're not You're one% 20 years. They try to get out of everything they can. Get your brother out. What are you doing? I have to say within like a person of the podium in either direction. She'll be good. >> Do you Which way do you prefer? >> I would say go side or this. >> This side. >> Yeah, I would say probably here. >> Okay. >> This is my good side, but they can probably see me on this side. You see by the exit sign the black camera >> where's the camera? Oh, right there. >> And then >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Good evening. Big crowd. Obviously, the Olympic hockey game wasn't tonight. >> Uh, welcome. And, uh, please rise, silence your cell phones, join us
002in the pledge of allegiance, Mr. Padurus. of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you to the agenda. Let's see here. Executive reconvene agenda approval. Dr. Wood. statement. >> Oh, hang. Oh, hang on. Boarded. I'm sorry. >> Statement. Okay. Our mission is to empower every learner to be college, career, and life ready, and to develop, grow, and achieve as a productive citizen. >> Thank you, Dr. Wood. The agenda. >> Yes. Thank you, President Board. PresidentWigley. We are seeking the board's approval of the agenda as amended. >> Thank you. So move >> back in >> motion and second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those same side. The eyes have it. All right. Moving
003down the agenda. Student and staff recognition spotlight video. Cre Thurman early childhood at Debbie Sakor Early Childhood Center. [music] voice. [singing] [applause] >> I went to school for nursing. So, I got all the way up to the nursing program and then I didn't take the test. I ended up switching my degree to psychology, which I ended up I do have a bachelor's in psychology. And then after that, I was still working in early childhood, but I'm like, "No, I don't I'm not going to do psychology now. I want to do American Sign Language." So then I ended up becoming certified to be an American Sign Language interpreter. And then I just couldn't find myself to walk away from being in the early childhood center. And then I was like, you know what? I'm here. I
004might as well stick it through. I love my jobs. I love getting up working with my students. Um, and then from there I ended up just going to get my master's in early childhood education. And then I was provided with this wonderful opportunity to work at BBSD. >> Pink. Yes, that is pink. >> That's my favorite color. >> Pink is your favorite color? I like pink, too. Oh, >> the frog goes right here. How about you do it? Let's grab my >> Yay! Good job, Kayani. Here, are you going to put it up? >> We are blended classroom, so we have peers um of different learning styles, um different languages, uh different background, ethnicities. So, they are able to communicate with one a student a student b student c. And it's all kind of flowing
005together. So, we kind of work on those little things. Like I said, the tapping, the how are you feeling today? Can you be my partner? Just working with one another. What have we been talking about? >> Clothes. Who remembers? How do we take care of our clothes? >> John, >> we can put them in a washer. >> As a teacher, my goal is to provide a safe space where children love to come to school. And I feel like at 3, four, and five, that's like the perfect age because again, this is the first time they're away from their parents, the first time they may have ever been in a a a room with other children that are not their family members, siblings, things like that. So, I want them to experience something real, something loving
006like in my classroom. What does it mean to you that you and your fellow staff members that work with you in the classroom are setting the foundation for learning for these students that's going to continue for the next decade and a half? >> We really work on is like social emotional skills. Um being able to understand your emotions, being able to calm your body when needed because those are foundations to where you are able to move to the next step which is like zipping up your jacket. Because if you're not able to get those little pieces together, it can become frustrating. But at the end of the day, we know we can calm our body and try again. >> True or false? The most difficult day for an early childhood teacher of the year is
007the first cool day in the fall when they have to get their jackets on before they can go [laughter] outside. >> True. True. Because we have we have friends. So we have this thing called the zipper club. So that's our friends who we know know how to zip their jacket up and it's like, "Oh, you're part of the zipper club. Can you help me help a friend?" Oh, look at that. My friend is helping a friend. So we we do like a lot of like encouraging, a lot of teamwork, a lot of peer interaction um just so they know like they don't always have to ask Miss Creed to zip their coat. They don't always have to ask Miss Cre to tie their shoes because we have friends in the classroom who can support that.
008But yes, that first cold day, it's like, "Oh, we on a we got to get outside. Oh, friends, who needs their jacket zip?" Everybody, [laughter] let's work together as a team. But I love it. I wouldn't change it for a thing. [applause] I want to go and take her class. All right, moving down the agenda. We are uh kind of going a little bit out of batting order as I understand from Mr. Blayy. So we're going to go middle school STEM Kathlon first. All right. I just wanted to check to make sure this was on before I started talking. Um thank you board president Quigley, board members, senior leadership Dr. Wood, and our community members. My name is Patrick McGinness. I am the proud principal of Brooks Middle School. Um tonight we are here to
009recognize um our 2026 Valley View STEM Kathlon champions in Brooks Middle School. The STEM team, STEM standing for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics compete in five events amongst all middle schools. Of those five events, the students are scored and then compared across the five teams. this year's champions placed in the top three of all five events, which is a great feat to have. Um, I am proud to introduce our wonderful coaches, Miss Skellyy and Miss K. [applause] Uh, thank you, Vard. I'm Mrs. Kenchnney. I know they all call me Mrs. K. So, um, and that's Mrs. Skully. and we are just really proud of our team this year um for all the hard work they put in. Um I think the best part of the competition was just watching them to come together as a
010team. It wasn't one one group outshining the whole thing. It was different groups each competition, you know, coming together helping each other. Hey, you've got this. You can do this. And you know, just really supporting each other through there. Um and it was just nice to see them work through those challenges that they had. um never, you know, getting down, just staying positive. We can do this. Um I'm gonna keep trying. Do that. Go back. Remember what we did in the practice. And so it was just really good to see them do all that. And we're just really thank you, Lord, to have this opportunity to give these students a chance to do hands-on work, to come together as a team, and just to like have a chance to shine in a different environment, not
011just in the classroom, but outside the classroom, having fun doing it. And now we'll go ahead and give out our awards. Ditto all that. Nathaniel Buford, [cough and clears throat] [applause] Emily Bena, [applause] Julian Arthur, Jana Deil, [applause] Dylan Gibson, [applause] >> Luke Johnson, Tomas King, Kian Seno, >> Avery. Did you miss Avery? >> Oh, and Avery Bobbit. Is over there. All right. BHS chess team. Mr. Merrick. >> Thank you for PresidentWigley, uh, members of the board, Dr. Wood, senior leadership, and members of the community for having us tonight. I'm Chuck Merrick, uh, activities director at Bowling High School, and I'm excited to introduce our chess team and our chess coach, Mike Herz. Our chess team qualified for the IHSA state final tournament for the eighth consecutive year and finished with a record of four
012wins and three losses at the state tournament against some of the most in intense and competitive competition you can find. Um they finished in 49th place which is a terrific accomplishment. Please welcome Mike Herz, our chess coach. [applause] >> Thank you Mr. Mayor for the introduction. Um the Bowling Brook High School chess team had an amazing year this year and I'm so proud of everything that we've done together as a team. But some of our individual accomplishments include um during our open comp conference competition this year, Osher and Jim Bey tied for first place in the open competition, we had three of our players in the top 25 of all the chess players in our conference this year. Um but as a team for the first time we hosted our largest chess invitational that we
013had this year and this past December for the entire season we went 15 and 10. We came second in our conference and as Mr. Merrick said we did we did an amazing time this time at state going four and three this year. So without further ado here are my players. [applause] Hello, my name is Kendrick. [applause] >> Hello, I'm Daryl Johnson. [applause] >> Hello, my name is Joseph. [applause] Uh, I'm Anderson Bohannan. [applause] >> Hello, my name is Chase Lewis. Hello, my name is Aaron Quan. [applause] >> Hello, my name is Reed Nab. [applause] Hello, my name is Fredos Nuradin. Right. Congratulations chess people. Now we are moving down to 5.4 US State Youth Program RHS. Oh, Senate Youth Program. Senate. Senate. I forgot about that. >> Yes. Good evening, PresidentWigley, members of the board,
014Dr. Dr. Wood, members of senior leadership, members of the community, and members of the audience. It's wonderful to see so many uh smiling faces in the audience to recognize the wonderful students here at VVSD. Uh but tonight, it's my privilege to introduce one of our assistant principles at Romeoville High School. She's been with me for over 14, 15 years now, part of our duo team leading Romeoville High School, Mrs. Gina Smith, assistant principal of curriculum instruction. [applause] >> All right. Thank you so much, Mr. Kinder. Good evening. My name is Gina Smith and I'm the assistant principal for curriculum and instruction at Romeville High School. I am honored to introduce Romeoville High School senior Elanie Tjo, whose leadership and commitment to service make her one of the most exceptional students I've had the opportunity to
015work with. Elanie's leadership at Romeoville High School is both expansive and deeply impactful. She is president of Key Club and Lasso, which is our Latino academic and social organization, where she leads servicedriven initiatives and empowers others to engage meaningfully with their communities. She also serves as an executive board member of Interact Club, Sparty Nation, which is our school spirit organization, and the student leadership executive board, where she helps plan schoolwide events that enrich the culture at Romeville High School. As a Valley View School District student board ambassador, Elanie serves as a liaison between our student body and district leadership. Recently, her commitment to civic engagement extended beyond school grounds when she interned with Illinois State Representative Avalar through Will County's summer internship program. In addition, Ellanie is a talented student athlete. She serves as captain
016of the girls flag football team and captain of the girls soccer team. Elanie Tjo does that all and more with passion and humility. She's not just involved, she leads. She doesn't just participate, she inspires. Tonight, we recognize Ellanie for her selection to the United States State or Senate Youth Program, where she will join Senator Dick Durban and Senator Tammy Duckworth to represent Illinois at the 64th United States Senate Youth Program in Washington DC on March 7th through the 14th. Ellanie was selected from among the top leaders in um in Illinois and she will join two students from each state for a week-long study of the federal government and the people who lead it. She'll meet with senators, the president, a Supreme Court justice, and other highlevel officials. She will also receive $10,000 for her undergraduate
017studies with encouragement to continue coursework in government, history, and public affairs. So, let's give Ellanie a big round of applause. [applause] Great opportunity. Congratulations. Moving down the agenda, Illinois State Scholars, AP Scholars, National Merit Scholars from Bowling Brook, Romeoville High School, and Bowling Brook High School. >> I'm back. >> Back. Thank you, President Quigley, members of the board, senior leadership, Dr. Wood, community. Uh not only do I have the distinct pleasure of supporting activities at Bing High School, I also support uh our advanced placement testing. And we're going to have quite a few kids come through here that are absolutely amazing individuals and especially students from both Romeville and Bowling Brook High School. I would like to give you some background about the recognition that these students are receiving tonight. AP scholars are students who
018scored a three or higher on at least three advanced placement exams. AP scholars with honors are students who scored a three or higher on at least four AP exams and had an average score of at least 3.25 on all of their exams. AP scholars with distinction are students who scored a three or higher on at least five AP exams while earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all exams attempted. Illinois state scholars are selected by the Illinois Student Assist Assistant Commission. The selection of this prestigious award is based on student academic performance after six semesters and standardized test scores. And finally, our National Merit Scholars. Approximately 1.3 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program each year across the country by taking the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, otherwise known as the NMSQT.
019Out of those students, the Commended Student Distinction is awarded to the top 3% scorers nationwide, and the National Merit Scholars are among the top 1% of scores nationwide. At this time, I'd like to introduce Gina Smith, assistant principal, Romeville. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Merik. What an honor it is to be here tonight to celebrate the academic achievement of our students. Each award that Mr. Merik detailed is a testament to the hard work and determination of our students. But let us also remember that this success is not achieved alone. It is built upon the support and encouragement of dedicated teachers, caring school and district level staff, and of course, the unwavering support of parents and families. We couldn't be more proud of our students at Bowling Brook High School and Romeoville High School. So, let's
020get started with our recognition. Students, please come up to the podium. You'll say your name, your awards, and then please walk the stage for your recognition. We're going to get started with the students from Romeoville High School. [applause] Jasmine Alcantara, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] >> Sean Alexander, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] >> Marian Hilaros Chaon, AP Scholar. [applause] Sophia Beo Avara, AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Briana Blake, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] >> Zara Batmpo, Illinois State Car Scholar. >> Hey, I'm Joey Shaboy and I got AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] [cheering] Sydney Cunningham, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Austin Dmalerio, AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Jillian Dimal Liot, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. Alexis Estrada, AP Scholar with Honor. Brienne Joel Garcia,
021Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction, as well as 2026 National Merit Commenation. [cheering] Sienna Grant, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction. [applause] Zachary Gura, Illinois State Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, 2026 National Merit Commenation. [cheering] >> [applause] >> Ricardo Hernandez, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. >> Briana Ydre, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] >> Camille Jerkowski, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] >> Payton Lewis, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with honor. >> [applause] >> Bruno Lopez, Illinois State Scholar. [applause and cheering] Alan Loza, AP Scholar. [applause] >> Jaden Marquez, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] >> Yan Caro Martinez, AP Scholar. [applause] >> Axel McNeil, AP Scholar. Samantha Morales, AP Scholar. [applause] >> Caitlyn Moreno, AP Scholar. [applause] >> Eastston Neely, AP
022Scholar with Honor. [applause] >> Danielle Okasio, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] >> Abigail, AP Scholar with distinction. >> [applause] >> Bianca Rihanna, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Christina Zawa, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] >> Addison Podigil, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Morgan Potoil, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Amelia Peritt, AP Scholar. [applause] No Ramirez, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Danny Razel Soul, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Lillian Roberts, AP Scholar with distinction. [cheering] >> Bobby Roberts, AP Scholar. [applause and cheering] >> Kaylee Shonfeld, AP Scholar. [applause] >> Julia Torres, AP Scholar. >> Elan Trejo, AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] Alex Trillo, AP Scholar. [cheering and applause] >> Vanessa Vjo, Illinois State
023Scholar and AP Scholar. [applause] >> Waen Vad, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] [cheering] >> Warren Voglin, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Uh, Nathan Wait, um, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] >> Melissa Suniga, AP Scholar. [applause] The following students are scholars from Bowling Brook High School. [applause and cheering] Victoria Gir, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. >> [applause] >> Shashan Aurora, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] >> Iomi Asbury, AP Scholar and State Scholar. [applause] >> Emmanuel Bavaro, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] >> Gabriel Butler, state scholar. [applause] Valerie Cahudo, AP Scholar with distinction. >> Lillian Chin, AP Scholar with Honor and Illinois State Scholar. [applause and cheering] >> Matthew Cherry, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] >> Daniela Kundai, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] Maya
024Cuthbertson, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] Alice Dhy, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] Karina Esco, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] >> Jasmine Fischer, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] [cheering] Amaya Gray, AP Scholar. Isabella Gross, AP Scholar. [applause] Hayden Harbisk, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] >> Adon Ho Avarado, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] Brooke Hosabus, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] Emily Irwin, AP Scholar with distinction and Illinois State Scholar. [applause] Nailani Joyce, AP Scholar with distinction. [applause] >> Aaron Quan, AP Scholar, honors. [applause] Uh, Timothy Quac, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] >> Amanda Lama, AP Scholar with distinction and Illinois State Scholar. [applause] Zoya Mia, AP Scholar with honor and Illinois State Scholar. [applause and cheering] >> Ava Monsolude,
025AP Scholar and Illinois State Scholar. [applause] [cheering] Abby Moretti, AP Scholar, [applause] >> Aiden Noatne, AP Scholar. [applause] Uh, Sarah Holly, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] Lily Okan, AP State Scholar with distinction and Illinois State Scholar or [applause] Sharon Oansa, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] >> Titus Ramir Pierce the second AP Scholar. [applause] >> Uh Dominic Petrifki, AP Scholar. [applause] Tyler Pinas, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] >> Andrew Primusberger, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] >> Leah Prell, AP Scholar with Honor. [applause] >> Iet Kintana, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] Shant the Ry, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] >> Katherine Rodriguez Hernandez, AP Scholar. [applause] Ryan Saravia, AP Scholar. [applause] >> Hope Scaria, AP Scholar. [applause] >> Isabelle Scott, AP Scholar with distinction and Illinois State Scholar.
026>> [applause] >> Madison Soderquist, AP Scholar with honors. [applause] Sierra Stubs, AP Scholar with honor. [applause] >> Leia Tharu, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] [cheering] >> Oliver Vidazel, AP Scholar with honor. >> [applause] >> Mildred Vargas Hernandez, AP Scholar, Jacqueline Vervac, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] >> Jason Vervac, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. [applause] >> Randy Vervac, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. >> [applause] >> Ryan Vervec, AP Scholar with distinction, state scholar and National Merit commended student. [applause] Sophia Velace, AP Scholar, [applause] >> Caleb Wallace, AP Scholar. [applause] Farrell Weekly, AP Scholar with distinction and state scholar. Okay, I'm back one more time. We have two um two students to give some special recognition to. Earlier I when I talked about the NMS NMSQT 1.3
027million students, the top 1% are National Merit Scholars. These two gentlemen are not only National Merit Scholars, they are the best of the 1% and are recognized as National Merit Scholar finalists. that [snorts] and they will come up. They'll tell you all about their awards and also national merit finals. [applause] Joshua Orwin, AP Scholar with distinction, state scholar, and national merit finalist [applause] for Dosner, AP Scholar with distinction, state scholar, and National Merit S finalist. [applause] Oh, if you want a preview to graduation, how fast it goes, you saw it there. Except they don't read their own names. Uh, as they're clearing out the room, I want to congratulate them all. I'm blessed to have uh my son was one of them and uh he went on to great things in in in school and
028so on and so forth. But I also know the hours that these kids put in. So, moms and dads, thank you for all the the back of the house help. And to the teachers and uh the administrators, uh that number has grown and grown and grown. I know since you and I have sat here, Liz, uh the number of kids who have achieved those honors and uh it's a great recognition for the district, but it's also more important for them. And what's really important is when you get some of those higher average grades, saves you on money for college. I learned that the easy way. So congratulations to all involved. [applause] I think I got yellow tear in my eye. All right, let's move down the agenda to Well, we have no treasures report. Is
029that correct? >> That's correct. No report. >> We spent all paid all of our bills last time. Uh consent agenda items. Dr. Wood, if you would please. >> Yes. Thank you, Board President Quigley. Tonight, we are seeking the board's approval on five consent agenda items as presented. 7.1 board meeting minutes, February 9th, 2026. 7.2 Executive session meeting minutes, February 9th, 2026. 7.3 Romeoville High School Trip. 7.4 Gifts to Romeoville High School. 7.5 Bowling Brook High School trip >> approved. Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, hearing none, a roll call vote, please. >> Member Pipkin, >> yes. >> Member Hy, >> yes. >> Member Schroa, >> yes. >> Member Badurus, >> yes. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. >> PresidentWigley, >> yes.
030Leazon reports. Let's go any and all from my left. >> Go left. >> Secretary Sullivan. >> Yep. Okay. All right. I have two reports. The first one is from the uh staff safety working uh group which met on Thursday, February 19th. The first item on the agenda was a report regarding residency verification and truency. Mr. Hampton reported that the courts and the regional office of education addresses the truency cases once they are referred. Um, as far as residency verification, the district is using all the resources that are provided to verify the information of residency, including using the state of Illinois and also um the clear ID system. Next on the agenda was the student walkouts which occurred several weeks ago. It was reported that overall our students were very well behaved. Um, Dr. Larry acknowledged
031and thanked um district uh senior leadership Romeoville and Bowling Brook police departments um building leadership and building security teams and the staff for their help and support. The police department reported positive feedback from the community on how the walkouts were handled. Um next was weapons detention um detection beta test was conducted at BHS Bloomberg High School basketball game. The setup included cameras and a conveyor belt. There was positive feedback from parents and attendant attendees. Next agenda was the district safety assessment walkthrough with Pro Camcom. The license plate readers are in the process of being installed and the community diff and community's different agencies like the police and the uh fire department also have access to the readers per assigned agency. There was a brief discussion regarding additional cameras and radios as well as improving the
032key card system. Next is um the board meeting from Wilco Center which also met on Thursday uh February 19th. Uh a number of board policies were approved. Also there um is an offer was approved there was a course offering that was approved for welding during the summer school. Um the uh the next year's calendar was also approved along with the um to approval to go ahead with the with the toilet room and laundry room facilities and there was also an increase in the cost for the kits from the professional choices. Mrs. Pereella was recognized for the Will County Educator of Ex excellence award. uh Will County Center had a hard hired a roaming aid as part of a grant and the position has been finally um filled. It had been quite a while. They they
033were looking for one earlier in the year and they finally were able to find uh find someone to fill it. It's a formal former student. Wilco spirit week is being held this week. Discipline issues have been um have been better this uh last semester or this semester. So, it's improving. Wilco will be capping the number um at 54 students to attend summer school. Joliet Junior College is looking to add enrollment to their agricultural program and we'll be meeting with the director. Open house for Wilhold uh Wilhel Center is April 9th from six o'clock to 8 o'clock am. There is a request for there was an request for a full-time population coordinator for special education ESL and students with disciplinary issues. The students in the career and tech courses showcased their projects last Friday at Julia
034Junior College. They also heard about CR grants and programs to continue their education and training. Today, the cent's law enforcement students were able to hear about dispatch jobs um from the regional office of education, and they are able to apply for these jobs when they're 18 years old. Um so, the next meeting for the board of Wilco will be March 19th at 6 o'clock at the Wilco Center. And that's the end of my reports. Thank you. and any off my right. Okay, moving down the agenda board. Oh, student ambassador report have Gerelle. >> Good afternoon. [snorts] My name is Jerel Tipe. I'm a senior at Bowenberg High School and I'm going to try and get through this fast because it's already pretty late. >> Good afternoon. My name is Jerel Tipe. I'm a senior at
035Bowenberg High School. I'm going try and get through this fast because it's already getting late. Uh, first off, happy Black History Month. On the 13th, students from BHS and RHS went to the black teen summit at JJC. That same day, hundreds of BHS students safely and peacefully protested against ICE. Ramadan began last Tuesday for many members of our community as classmates and staff members are fasting from sun sunrise to sunset. Please be mindful, understanding, and support. I want to congratulate uh Sarah Ole who plays full the state full speech this weekend. I also want to congratulate bowling girls and boys basketball teams for being full conference. The Ghost have their first playoff game 6 o'clock tomorrow at East Aurora. If you can't make it out there, the Black History Month fashion show is tomorrow in
036the auditorium at 6:15. We also have a Luna New Year event in the cafe on the 27th. I want to let parents know it's not too late to sign up for the parent teacher conferences which will be held Thursday evening and Friday morning. So, we don't have school Friday or Monday. So that's great. And that's it. That's all I have. [applause] >> Audience participation. There's anybody who wishes to address the board this evening. If so, please keep your comments to three minutes or less. If you have any documentation you would like to provide the board, please hand it off to the clerk and state your name. And if you have want to get back to us to get back to you, please provide your information. Thank you. Welcome. >> Thank you. >> Good evening, school
037board administration. My name is Dean Canauer and tonight I'm representing the Romeoville High School band boosters. First of all, we'd like to extend our deepest oops, sorry, appreciation to the board and administration for their continued support for the RHSA band program. To refresh your memory, the marching Spartans have received numerous awards both locally and statewide. The past fall, for instance, the band competed at the Illinois State Marching Band Championships and won class 4A. Only 15 schools statewide were selected to the final round and we placed eighth. Our marching Spartans also are talked about statewide forums and have been noted as one of the best bands in the state. Also, a good percentage of the scholars that were announced today are RHS band marchers. Our pep band also received numerous accolades. Next month, we will be
038performing at the boys state basketball tournament at Illinois State. Um, it's a we've been announced for 10 years running that we've one of the best pep bands in the state. So, our band has built a long tradition of success under three decades of leadership from our band director, Clark Anderson. As you may be aware, he is retiring this May. And frankly, we hate to see him go. Which brings me to why I'm here tonight. Our concern is that as of this morning, no job posting for the high school band director has been added to the list of employment opportunities for Romeoville High School. >> [snorts] >> This is highly specialized position that requires enthusiasm, time, and dedication to continue to meet both our students and parents expectations. The director doesn't simply teach during the school
039year or school day, excuse me. They are many evenings and weekend rehearsals, marching band competitions, basketball pep band performances, jazz clinics, and concerts throughout the year. The director also has to work in tandem with the choir and theater directors to ensure the spring musical is a success. We need candid we need a candidate who will work closely with our parents in addition to our students. We have a large volunteer presence at competitions often bringing more than 30 parents to to help to make a competition run smoothly. I'm almost done. I promise. [laughter] Band directors throughout the state are already preparing for the marching band season in the fall. Another reason we are expressing urgency for the position to be posted. Marching season starts in June for percussion, drum majors, and color guards and and in
040July for the entire band. Our band boosters organization works year round and we are preparing for the new board for the 2026 2027 school year and we'll be setting our budget in June which is we've raised our budget to almost $100,000. So good job Bambooers. While we know district policy and union regulations must be followed, we hope that the job posting is soon added to so a transition to the next school year can be seamless as possible. We look forward to meeting a new director who will bring the same level of dedication and enthusiasm that our students deserve. >> Thank you for your time. [applause] I I will defer to our HR folks and I don't know when that will get posted but if you have jump in please. >> Yes. At the March 9th
041board meeting is when we will be discussing our staffing for the next year and after that meeting we will be able to review and have all of our available um current staff to see if anyone is um certified in that role should anybody be able to transfer into that role first and then we'll be able to post it right after. >> Thank you. And thank you guys. And I would think we'll have a good candidate pool because it's a wonderful program. [snorts] So, and boosters. Thanks. [applause] Uh seeing seeing no one else, we'll move down the agenda. Um I need a motion to separate >> Oh, we have one more. Oh, >> pardon me. >> You come up. Speak. >> Oh, yeah. Go. Sorry. >> Same thing. >> Okay. I'm going to speak really quick.
042So, um, good evening. My name is Jackie Gil. Um, I'm here tonight to respectfully ask the board to reconsider the decision to close the Romeoville High School Marine Corps, um, Junior Reserve ROC program. Um, I've seen the impact of this program firsthand through my daughter. Um, before joining the program, she was shy, quiet, reserved. She struggled with confidence and often stayed in the background. But something even more um important changed. The program made her start to enjoy school. She began looking forward to going to to school each day. She found purpose, connection, and pride in herself that simply wasn't there before. And that change is clearly affected reflected in her attendance. In the past three years of high school, she's only missed two days. Um the level of commitment doesn't happen by accident. It happens
043when students feel engaged, supported, and motivated to be there. um through the structure, mentorship, and leadership opportunities the Romeoville High School program um provides um she pres uh she persevered, grew stronger, and found her voice. Today, she's a leader. She manages a platoon and proudly serves as a platoon commander. She's confident, responsible, and respected by her peers. The growth in her self-esteem, discipline, and maturity has been extraordinary. This program didn't just teach her skills. It changed how she sees herself, um how she's experience, her experiences in school, and it's changed her future. [snorts] Uh what makes the decision even more difficult um to understand is why Romeoville High School is the only school in Illinois that was actually just selected to appear at nationals in April. Um this isn't a small achievement. It represents years
044of dedication, countless hours of practice, and extraordinary commitment from the students and the instructors. It is a source of pride for the school, the district, and the entire community. For the past two years, the Marine Corps program has um reduced the funding to the students 100%. And on that, our students have worked hard, incredibly hard to fund raise to keep the program going. They've organized events, put in long hours, and showed remarkable responsibility and dedication. They did all of this without help or support from the school's booster club. Um these students didn't quit, they stepped up. Before any final decisions are made, I would respectfully like to ask which other program or sport in the Valley View School District has achieved a comparable accomplishment, specifically being the only school in Illinois selected to compete in
045nationals this year in April. If the Romeoville High School program stands alone at this level of recognition, then we should be asking why are we considering closing a program that is setting statewide standards of excellence. We are not just uh discussing numbers on a spreadsheet. We are discussing students confidence, leadership, motivation and opportunity. Um, MCJOTC changes lives. It shapes character. It builds leaders. And I respectfully ask the board, please reconsider this decision. Um, because for many students, this isn't just simply a class. It's their identity, their support system, and their reason to love coming to school. So, help us fight for our students. When a program is producing leaders, strengthening attendance, and bringing national recognition to this district and our community, the question should be not why close it. The question should be how can
046we pro protect it. Thank you for your time. [applause] >> Thank you. Uh, next is there someone else who wants to address the board? >> Hi, good evening. Um, my name is Priscilla Peachy and um, it's on behalf of um, students again, ROTC from the Romeoville High School. Um today I come before you before all your board members here and I again thank you for your um your time here and I come before you not as um an angry parent but um you know as a concerned parent looking for um clarification and con you know answers to concern. Um you know these cadetses they've put their heart and soul in this program. Um they're not just a number. Um, you know, they put everything that they have into this program and, um, with the elimination
047of the program, it led to a lot of concerns, a lot of unanswered questions, questions as to who made the decision. Um, you know, the conversations that we've had just recently in the last couple of days, I believe it was Thursday, is when we found out, when our cadets found out. Um, and it was heartbreaking to see them and what it did to them emotionally because I don't think that it was brought into any consideration at all. You know, and and the tough part about it to realize is that it was six cadetses to destroy this program. That's all we needed was six. So with that said, you know, my questions are as a parent, why did we let just six cadetses, the number six, just wreck a whole program? And with that being said,
048as the other parent just had mentioned, we they qualified for nationals, minus six cadets. They still made it to nationals. And not just one of the teams, both of them with no funding this year at all. And they still did it. This is the most tight-knit group I've ever seen. And I'm a parent of collegic athlete of travel sport athlete. And this by far has been the tightest group knit of kids I've ever seen. And they probably write better emails than some of the people unfortunately that I work with. and I'm in the medical field and this program has done nothing but helped them become better leaders. So I ask you, you know, what have has the board done to help keep this program? Have any of you seen a competition? It's on the YouTube
049pages. It's on, you know, the social media that Sergeant posts. And I encourage you guys to take a couple minutes and take a peek at it. It's It's really good. Thank you for your time. [applause] >> Thank you. >> Go ahead. >> Hi. Hi, my name is Nicole Gomez Alanise and I wasn't planning on talking today at all as I told Principal Kinder. Um, I actually have lived for almost the past 20 years on the south side of Chicago in the Englewood neighborhood. I'm a former educator. I worked at an all boys charter school just for African-American young men for almost seven years. Um, and I continue to work in the community with young people. The population that I am the most concerned about are young men of color. And um I know today we
050saw a huge amount of young people and a lot of young men um walking up here being congratulated for their AP um exceptionalism um awards. And I'm so happy to see that. But I'm also extremely concerned about the young men who will never walk inside of this space and will never get to shake the hands of all of you. And um what I'm looking at and what I'm concerned about uh is specifically programs that are helping and targeting those young people. And I'm also specifically referring to of course um communities of color, but specifically my community, which with all due respect, I don't see represented up here today. So, um because of that, I just wanted to come up and speak on behalf of the parents um at Romeoville and who have empowered me to
051say some words and [music] um also on behalf of my community and my stepson who falls into that at risk category. Um that just this past Wednesday, we found out that Romeoville was going to be decommissioning their ROC program. As someone who has a lot of siblings who have served, my husband has served. Um, and obviously we have a young man in our family, this program has been immeasurable. Um, and I know it's not just been from my family. It's also been for a lot of other families as well. There's a few questions that I want to pose to you and I'm looking forward to meeting with you all individually because I don't feel like this is really a space where we get to have conversations and I'm a firm believer that the best change
052comes from conversations. So, I'm looking forward to um reaching out to your offices and and um maybe asking some of these questions to you guys and hearing what you guys have to say. But I just wanted to give you a couple questions. Um the first is what data did you guys use um to make this decision? Um we talk about for education that datadriven decisions. That's really important. I'd love for you guys to share some of that data with us. Um I have been to every single ROC competition, every single ROC meeting, every single ROC ceremony. Um and I would like to invite some of you all to come to um some of the remaining ones. So you can see that and maybe have more current data if you haven't been to one recently. Um
053I'd also just like to ask how has the school been negatively affected by the low numbers in the ROC program. Um so I would love to hear your feedback on that. I would also like to ask why there was no action plan or pathway given to the cadetses or the parents to help this program stay in existence. If we're all truly partners and we're all raising these kids together, why was there no opportunity given to very involved parents to possibly help this decision or provide feedback? So, I' I'd love to hear your um just some responses because I know you guys have thought about these things. And lastly, because I know I'm over my three minutes, and I thank you for your generosity in that, um, this is one of the very few highly competitive
054programs in Romeoville's high school that compete at numerous competitions. They showcase for the community via color guard. They do tons of volunteer hours. Um, and then you know what? They don't have any tryyouts. You don't have to try out for this like football or track. And there's no annual tryyouts. It's an incredibly inclusive program. So, I'd just like to know, can you talk to me about another program that you guys are supporting at the school that is nationally recognized, has a full trophy case, is going to nationals, is is working for the community, is bringing in double digits of community service hours, teaching life skills. How do you plan to fill that gap, especially for our students who are possibly collegebound and will need to show this information on their college um essays? So, I
055know I've given you a lot to think about and I'm so grateful for you um to be here. And President Quickley, I know this is an honor that we get to speak in front of you because I know sometimes there's not everybody fully here. So, thank you for your attention. I want to say thank you to Superintendent Wood who did attend one of our meetings and gave us our support and I'm really grateful to all of you and I look forward to meeting with all of you as well. So, thank you so much. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Hi. >> Hello. Uh my name is Elizabeth Blake and I'm a parent of one of the students who are in the JOTC program as well as um one of the students in the marching band. Uh
056so tonight I just wanted to say thank you for allowing us to speak and for um allowing us to hopefully garner your support in in our efforts. I wasn't planning on speaking tonight as well. So, as you just learned that we just found out um this past Thursday. So, as we do our research and as we kind of formulate a plan moving forward, um you know, you'll be seeing us again. And I just wanted to say thank you especially to Superintendent Wood for taking the time out to be in that extendedly long meeting that we had. So, thank you so much. and um hopefully you'll also be receiving some information and some emails from me as well as we kind of move forward in this process. Thank you. [applause] You >> evening good afternoon board
057or good evening board members. Um, my name is Patricia Gross Taylor and I am addressing the board because I've seen what unstructured time away from people that can give you a background how it impacts lives. I work for the juvenile justice system. So, I see and I do apologize. I had a a root canal done before I came here, but this was so important to be able to speak about this because seeing how juveniles that's 16, 15, 14 that's in my center and they've never had structure as a jun as a ROC cadet having that poured into their lives, poured into their characters and then we have that opportunity to give life to them but yet we take it away and I see that impact. I see how it hurts their characters. They have no
058structure. They have no human nature in them. It's zapped out. They're walking around without anybody that cares because this program cares about their character. It gives them backbone. It gives them structure. It gives them the things that they need to be able to walk as a a functioning human being in life. It gives them that structure that says you don't have to fail, but you can be more. We can't leave them alone and just pull the plug on them and say it's done because you've thrown them out there to the wolves to come to where I work. My daughter work in corrections also in the juvenile area. So it's not that I'm seeing this by chance. This is a real thing. When we allow them to fall by the wayside, they go by the wayside.
059And then another thing I my son is in the band also. We need we understand you're gonna post the position, but is it going to be a position with somebody that has the education and the ability to give us what we need to continue to be strong, to continue to win championships. Don't give us somebody that's just going to fill that position. We need somebody with the actual strength and the endurance and the character and the knowledge to be able to continue to get a job done at a level that we are continue to strive at. Don't just give us uh anything. We need the best for the best. Thank you. [applause] >> So, a a couple things. Number one, we always try to hire the best teachers and instructors and administrators that we can
060find. Uh the ROC thing is much more involved than just us. As you know, if you're involved in the program, it's the United States Marine Corps. It's finding uh acceptable instructors on their behalf. And I have been very supportive of that and have family members who have gone through ROTC and currently serving in the military. I was at the recent fundraiser for the ROTC in Romeoville. I will do whatever I can do to help and I know that it's a recruiting issue to a certain extent. We have to have a certain number of students in the program or the USMCO JRTC will not certify the program. If there is anything that we can do to to make that happen, trust me, we will do what we can do to make that happen. Uh they have
061been giving us grace for a few years now. Dr. Wood, is that correct? >> Yes, that is correct. And and in fact the United States Marine Corps uh they had that that I don't know what they called it a roundup last summer at at Romeoville High School. I attended that as well and it was wonderful. Uh and there was Marines from guys I forget where they came. Some of them came from DC in a helicopter. Uh and they showed these kids opportunities. Uh again I have everybody in my family except me has served in the military and that's cuz I broke my back and the military doesn't want somebody who damaged goods when they come in the door. They don't mind sending you out with a broken back but they don't want you coming in.
062So, if there's anything I can do, I will guarantee you I will put my efforts forward. And I think I'm not speaking for everybody up here, but I kind of think I'm speaking for everybody up here. We want to see this program continue and thrive, but it's not just us. So, I just want you guys to know that and please let the parents know that. And I know the administration's in a tough pickle here, too. So, if I could add [clears throat] and just for clarity, we know um the ROTC program at Romeoville is top-notch. It is a premium um organization, premium program. The last thing we want to do is lose it. The decision is not at this day. It's not with the board. It's not with the leadership team. We will continue to
063um look at opportunities to engage in conversation with the command, but the decision is not ours. If we were to take a vote right now, it would all be yeses. It's the military command based upon instructors availability and at the end of the day, um numbers in a program. And this is not just this year, it's over a decade. And I know it's hard to to hear that message, but that is the reality that we're at. But we're we look forward to continue to engage in conversation with the parents who spoke and the parents who attended the meeting last week because it is a premium program that we would love to keep. >> Thank you, Dr. Wood. Um, as you can tell, I'm a little passionate about that, but um, again, we will do what
064we can do to make this happen. Uh, where do we leave off at? Okay. Now I need a motion to separate section part the five certified administrators from the consolidated dashboard. Do I have that? >> I make a motion to five. >> Action report. >> We have a motion. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. Same sign. The eyes have it. Now I need a motion to table the five certified administrative actions. Five certified administrator action items. >> So moved >> table the five administrator. >> Second. >> We have a motion and we have a second. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Post. Same sign. The eyes have it. Okay. Consolidated action report. Miss Donado. >> Action for 10.1 is
065to approve the amended consolidated action report for certified, classified, and administrative personnel. The administration is respectfully seeking your approval on all items as presented. >> Move. [snorts] Second >> motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? >> Just I believe we need to say as amended because she said as presented. We need to actually have it as amended. >> I indicated amended. Yes. Thank you. [snorts] >> We do that. >> Yes. I I indicated amended. The amended. >> Sorry. That's okay. >> Okay. [snorts] >> Uh we have a motion and a second. There's no further discussion. Roll call vote, please. >> Member Hyo. >> Yes. >> Member Shrova. >> Yes. Member Vader, >> yes. >> Member Pipkin, >> yes. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. >> President Quigley, >> yes. >>
066Job descriptions. >> Action for 10.2 is for two job descriptions that were brought to the February 9th board meeting for information. The elementary honors teacher position is being updated to reflect the evolution of this role since it was first developed in 2009. And the purchasing specialist position is being revised to reflect the evolving needs of the department. >> [snorts] >> There a motion >> to approve. >> Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? >> Roll call vote, please. >> Member Shva, >> yes. >> Member Baderas, >> yes. >> Member Pipkin, >> yes. >> Member Hy, >> yes. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. >> PresidentWigley, >> yes. 10.3. >> Action for 10.3. The administration is respectfully seeking your approval for resolution 2613 authoriza the authorization of dismissal of educational support
067personnel employee for reasons other than reduction in force. >> Is there a motion? >> We have a motion and second. Is there any discussion? Roll call vote, please. >> Member Burus, >> yes. >> Member Pipkin, >> yes. Member Hy, >> yes. >> Member Shova, >> yes. Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. >> PresidentW Quigley, >> yes. Uh, administrative services report. >> There's no report tonight. >> Thank you. Moving down the agenda, Dr. Pollson, educational services report. Thank you. Uh, Dr. Wood, student discipline due process cases. >> No report. >> That's nice to hear. Uh, school board meeting dates 13.2. Dr. Wood. >> Yes. The 2627 board meeting dates were presented to you for review at the February 9th board meeting. Tonight, we are seeking your approval of the 2626 2627 board
068meeting dates as presented. >> Motion moved. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? >> Roll call vote, please. >> Member Pipkin. >> Yes. Member Hy? Yes, >> member Shrova. >> Yes, >> member Burus. >> Secretary Sutherland. >> Yes, >> Vice President Campbell. >> Yes. >> President Quigley. >> Yes. >> Dr. Wood, superintendent information report, the soup update. >> No, actually 13.3. Yep. Um, we presented 14 board policies to you for review at the February 9th board meeting as an effort to keep policies up to date. The following policies were either reviewed, contain minor changes in language, or have been revised to reflect changes in the law or school code. Tonight, we are seeking your approval of the policies as presented. >> We have a motion. >> So moved. >>
069Second. >> Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? Roll call vote, please. >> Member Hyo, >> yes. >> Member Shva, >> yes. >> Member Beris, >> yes. >> Abstain. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. >> PresidentWigley, >> yes. >> Uh, superintendent information report. Dr. Wood. >> All right. Right now, it's time for the uh my superintendent update for February 23rd, 2026. And I'd like to start off with a look inside of our schools. On the left, you see one of our littlest learners u from the Flamingo Room at Mitchum Early Childhood Center. Um she is expressing herself through art as a part of a wide range of learning experiences offered through our early childhood program. and you um heard from one of our fine um early childhood educators um through
070the spotlight video. So they do a wonderful job um preparing different um learning uh modalities of our students and on the right you see um a program called Blind Date with a book and that's at Brooks Middle School. Um, this approach affords students with an opportunity to be gifted with a book they might not normally read or consider. The program is made possible by a grant funded by the Valley View Educational Enrichment Foundation. Just a reminder, the five essentials survey window is still open and we encourage all parents to um complete the survey so that your voice can be heard. And just a reminder again, our littlest learners um for kindergarten enrollment opens next week on the 27th. And speaking of the Valley View Educational Enrichment Foundation, they are having their 2026 annual dinner and
071auction. It will be held on Friday, March 6 at the Bowling Brook Golf Club. The theme this year, as a reminder, is a night in Emerald City. The dinner auction is always a fun event and all are encouraged to attend. Proceeds from the event are funneled right back into our schools to support enrichment programs for staff and students. Example that was shown was blind date um with a book, but there are many many others across all levels of our um district. Add additional information can be found on the Valley View Education Enrichment Foundation page on Facebook. It's a wonderful event. And finally, some important upcoming dates on February 25th is early release February 26 evening parent teacher conferences. Please um check school calendars for clarification on those times. And same thing on the 27th. Uh,
072I mentioned the 27th is the first day kindergarten registration opens. March 2nd is Casmir Pilaski Day. Schools will be closed. March 6, once again, a night in Emerald City and March 9th will be our next board meeting. Thank you, board president Quickigley. This is the end of my report. >> Thank you. I have a question. Are you planning to go in costume to the Emerald City? >> 100% and it's going to be spectacular. Are you going to go as the wizard? >> No. >> I want to be the guy at the gate that goes, "Nobody gets to see the wizard." >> You can do that. >> I don't know who that guy is, but that I think I'm just going to do that all night long. >> You know, the the tin man didn't have
073any hair. Just saying. So, I mean, >> my costume is picked out already [laughter] >> and it's quite spectacular. >> You got some silver paint in the garage. I don't know. Not you. I'm just saying. All right. Moving down the agenda, Oak View Elementary Comprehensive Designation Early Learning Partner, Dr. Pollson, please. >> Yes. I'm not sure how I can follow that up though, but I'll try. Um, for this information item 14.2, Oakview in 2018 with their ESSA designation was considered underperforming. And what that means is during that time um, a student group of students with disabilities was identified as an underperforming student group. Um part of that is B supports additional funding and they were um put into a cycle of improvement. Since then OKU has now been named commendable. However, the state continues to
074support them financially. One expectation is that they must identify a learning partner in the state of Illinois which they have partnered with um 40 west with they they would like to continue to partner with for their continuous improvement um process. So this is just anformational item. We will return at our next boarding with it as action. Thank you. >> Thank you. That's good information to have. Good to know. Uh legal services report. >> No report. >> Thank you. Uh association reports. Valley View Local 604. Apparently no report. Uh Valley View Office Personnel Council 604. Valley View Transportation 3057. Currently no report. Any old business before the board? Any new business before the board? As usual, freedom of information requests are online with Mr. Blay and he will respond to your Freedom of Information requests. Any
075announcements by the board from my right, from the left. Announcements by the administration? No announcements. >> Good. Thank you. Thank you. Uh motion to adjourn general session, return to executive session. There will be no further board activity in public this evening. So >> moved. >> An employee review. >> Second. >> Motion and seconded. All those in favor say I. >> I. Same sign. Have a great evening. Be careful. Stay warm.