Valley View CUSD 365u Board Meeting 11/17/2025

001[music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Good evening. Welcome to the November 17th regularly scheduled 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 >> Burus. 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. See, moving down the agenda, board affirmation statement. 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. >> Thank you, Dr. Wood. The agenda. >> Yes. Thank you, board president. Quickly, we are seeking your approval or the board's approval of the agenda

002as presented. >> There a motion. >> So move. >> Second. >> Motion and seconded. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Post. Same sign. Eyes have it. Student and staff recognition. Dr. Wood. >> Yes. Our staff spotlight video tonight is Miss Angie Wells, math educator at Brooks Middle School. >> I do have a question. I have some students that ended up with a positive five for number three and some students that had a negative five. >> Anyone want to tell me what they think it should be? Thomas, >> I think it's five because because a negative negative divided by a negative is always a positive. >> So you had what did you divide at the end? >> Um -20 / -4. >> Okay. So -20id -4 gave us the positive five. Correct. When

003I went to high school, I had some friends that wanted to like copy for me and I wasn't going to just let them copy. It was important for me to like show them how to do it. And so when they started like, "Okay, well, go ahead and you could show me how to do this." And then it I was like, "Oh, I kind of like doing this." It was satisfying. It was a challenge for me to help my friends versus just giving them the answers. I wasn't quite sure if it was going to be middle school or high school, but then when I did my student teaching experience, I realized that middle school was the place for me. I feel like they're funny, they're unpredictable, and they are challenging, and I do appreciate a challenge.

004>> We're just looking for that final answer. >> 13. Everybody, thumbs up. You agree with 13. >> Okay. Did anybody solve it a different way? Go ahead, Anthony. Um, I would do uh 1,00 / 10. I mean 100 = 10. 10 + 3 = x, right? Everybody agree with that? >> So, he divided first versus using the distributive property. Any other ways you could think about solving that? >> It would seem that math as a subject lends itself most to develop critical thinking skills. What does a critical thinker look like in your classroom? >> Well, I'll tell you what it's not. Um, I feel like when we learned math, it was memorize these steps. This is how you're going to do it. And that could work for a lot of people that have a good

005memorization. But it's not about memorizing. It's discovering and trying to figure out like what patterns, what can I see that's going to help me help lead me to get the correct answer. >> So, I did 5 - 5 and 15 - 5. Um, and that's 4 -4 m = 20. >> Okay, stop right there. >> I like what you have here. You have -15 - 5, which is what Jeremiah has, right? But did you get a final answer when you subtracted those numbers? >> You have been a lifelong resident of Bowling Brook. What was it like growing up in this area in the 70s and the 80s? I loved growing up here. I made a lot of friends. I have a lot of good connections um that I'm, you know, I've actually had some of

006my friends, their children in my class, so that's great to see. That was probably a while ago, but now I'm actually seeing some of my former students and I have their children in class now. Um I just think Valley View is a great place to be. We have great teachers. We have great families. We have great administrators. >> I am imagining there are times when you tell people you grew up in Bowling Brook, they ask you what schools you went to and your answer is Brook View, BJ Ward Middle School, and Romeoville High School. Do they look at you quizzically and think, "How is that possible?" >> First they say, "Well, what's Brookview?" And I say, "Well, Brookview is now Tibet Elementary, and actually Mr. Tibet was my principal when I went there." And then

007they say, 'Well, I thought BJ Ward was an elementary school. I said, 'Well, it is now, but when they opened Brooks, this became a middle school. Used to be a high school. BJ Ward became an elementary school. And then Romeville High School. I said, "Well, yes, when I went to BJ Ward, some of the students went to Bowlingberg High School, and then they had to bust some of students to Romeville High School just because this building wasn't big enough to house all of us." I'm going to share with you a statement that I'm sure every math teacher has heard in their classroom since the dawn of time. I want to know how you respond to this. I don't know why I need to learn this. I'm never going to use it. >> It's not about

008the exact content that I'm teaching them. It's about the problem solving. And you're going to have to solve problems every day in your lifetime. Whether it's in middle school, high school, college, or in your real life, you have to solve problems. and how are you going to get from point A to point B. So, it's not necessarily about how I can solve a two-step equation or why -2 * -3 is pos6. It's about how am I going to solve these problems that I will encounter from day to day. You have to be able to speak to other people. You have to be able to communicate and figure out how you can get from point A to point B. All right. [applause] So, um, did anyone else struggle with solving for M, or was that just

009me? Um, kudos to Mrs. Wells for the recognition she truly deserves and to all math educators who provide spaces where their students feel comfortable making their thinking visible for their classmates and um, other teachers that work with them. Um, congratulations to uh, Mrs. Wells. She's truly an outstanding and exceptional educator. >> You, Dr. Wood? >> Yes, I can. Next up, we have uh, students being recognized by the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children. >> Good evening. I'm here to present our amazing staff member, our multi- needs teacher, Lauren Werki. She's going to tell you more about the award. Yes, I can. And she's going to tell you more about our student, Jenny Escobedo. >> Hi, my name is Lauren Warski. Um, it's my second year at Jane Adams. I was previously at RC Hill where we

010started this tradition of nominating students for the Yes, I Can award. Um the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children has um several categories that you can nominate students for to get an award and get recognized at the state level. And one of them is technology. Um we have several students in our multi program that utilize um AAC devices um that's augmentative and alternative communication devices to either augment or um uh be in place of their voice um in place of verbal speech. So Jenny came to us from Chicago public schools last year as a seventh grader and we were able to get her a device for the very first time. Um and she has just grown leaps and bounds. So you submit a video and um a little essay about your student and demonstrate the growth

011they've made and then they'll select if they think they're um a winner. And Jenny was um has made us so proud and just did wonderful. She was recognized at the Marriott in Neapville where they have their Ray Graham um banquet every year. Um and she was able to have a lunchon and be recognized in front of everybody um at the at the event. So we are very proud of her. And um and this is Jenny. [applause] You ready? All right. We're gonna go this way. Good evening everyone. It is my pleasure to introduce one of Oak Oak View's cross categorical teachers um Mr. Wong. Hello. How's everybody here? So, uh, Shiz was also, uh, a nominee last year. He was in my, uh, first grade classroom last year. And, uh, Mrs. Duffy, who was not

012here, she had, um, recommended, hey, do you have anybody in your in your classroom that shown a lot of growth? And we had a little discussion. I was like, yeah, I do absolutely do. So we had started having discussion about shise over here and uh there's different categories as was mentioned earlier for our students and um the one I picked for him is self- advocacy. So what's happened with Shiz and the uh when he was with me last year we saw an incredible amount of growth with his ability to communicate and speak for himself. And that's something that as a crosscount specialized ed education teacher we want to see as our students be able to communicate effectively. And we see him blossom and grow last year where he was asking for things appropriately. Um he

013was uh having really really um positive and healthy relationships with his peers and his teachers. So we're really proud of Shiz uh for earning this award. It's the Yes, I can for self- advocacy. So congratulations Shuise. >> [applause] >> Hold on, Sharice. You get another fancy certificate. >> [applause] [applause] >> I'm just excited watching them. >> Yes. Yes. Thank you all for what you do and especially for awards like this are fantastic. All right, moving down the agenda. Uh, treasures report. Mr. Reich. >> Treasures report 6.1. The treasur's action report 6.1 for the month of October. Includes the normal schedule of finance reports, balance sheet, summary of revenues, expenditures, interim obligations, and debt service payments totaling 44,648,776.83, which includes a very large debt payment for your approval. >> There a motion. >> So move. Motion

014and seconded. Is there any discussion? Roll call vote, please. >> Member Pipkin, >> yes. >> Member Hy, >> yes. >> Member Shrova, >> yes. >> Member Burus, >> yes. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. >> PresidentWigley, >> yes. >> 6.2, >> I'm sorry, 6.2 is the schedule bills. The schedule bills for the month of November. We have six funds totaling bills payable of 5,75,462.92 for your approval. >> We have a motion. So moved. >> Second. >> Motion and seconded to pay the schedule of bills. Is there any discussion? If not, roll call vote, please. >> Member Hy, >> yes. >> Member Sha, >> yes. >> Member Burus, >> yes. >> Member Pipkin, >> yes. Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. >> President Quigley, >> yes. >>

015Mr. Renich, >> in your packet, you have 6.3, which is a summary of investments for the month of October, along with 6.4, the state funding update, 6.5, property taxes received, and 6.6, all schools trust account activity. This is anformational agenda item. I did real quickly. I know the interest rates are starting to bounce around a little bit and come down. We've got a lot of money in CDs and what have you. I'm sure you keep an eye on those things. Just if if opportunities open up at a higher rate, so on and so forth, you guys transfer those, but you and the treasur move things around. >> So, our CDs are locked in at a six-month term. And part of our strategy is is if we took $10 million of chunk of money and invested

016it at a bank, they would have to collateralize that money. But by investing at a $250,000 threshold, the FDIC ensures that. So we in turn get a better rate on our investments. Plus, it diversifies our our money across several several banks, hundreds of banks versus having it in one bank. But we do watch um those opportunities and we do bid out our investments when we can. >> Thank you very much. All right, moving down the agenda, Mr. Renich. Anything else? State funding update, property taxes received, school trust fund activities. >> I just mentioned that. >> Got it. Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. Moving down the agenda. Consent agenda items. Dr. Wood. >> Yes. Tonight we are seeking your approval of 10 consent agenda items as presented. 7.1 board meeting minutes October 20th and

017October 23rd, 2025. 7.2 Executive session meeting minutes October 20th, 2025. 7.3 Intergovernmental Agreement Extension with School Association for Special Education in DuPage County. 7.4 Student Activity Contract Interstate Studio for Jonas Sock Elementary School. 7.5 Facility Dog Agreement Woodview Elementary School 7.6 Romeoville High School Trips 7.7 Gifts for to Jonas Sock Elementary School 7.8 8 gifts to Woodview Elementary School, 7.9 gifts to Oakview Elementary School, and 7.10 Bowling Brook High School trips. >> There a motion. >> Second motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? >> Yes. >> I had a question. um for the um Bowling Brook High School and Romyville High School trips. The proposal is to have a list of um of events and and uh trips. So, is that supposed to be uh renewed every year the list revised every year or is

018it going to be an ongoing until it's been adjusted or revamped as it as needed? >> My question. >> No, I'm sorry. >> Okay. So the list shows like where you know like football, high school and everything like that. So the proposal is to have the list in place and and so then in case there's a quick turnaround. Just want to know if that's going to be an annual request or is it going to be um continue until something needed to be changed? >> I understand that's coming up later in the general. We'll um discuss that at that point. There is a shift in our process which um Dr. Pollson will review. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. We have a motion and second. If there's no further discussion, roll call vote would be

019in order. >> Shova, >> yes. >> Member Badurus, >> yes. >> Member Pipkin, >> yes. >> Member Hyo, >> yes. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. >> PresidentWigley, >> yes. Leazison reports from my right, from my left. Secretary Sutterland, have >> quite a few. I've been busy. Okay. So the first one um on November 6 uh member Schroa and I had met with um Dr. Pollson, Dr. Lindsay, Mr. um herder to discuss the student and uh student learning and growth work work group and um we also had our some of our student uh ambassadors were able to attend the um the work group which was always uh welcome and beneficial to get their perspective and viewpoint on different things and also to help them with understanding educating on the process

020as well. Uh so Dr. Dr. Pollson will be sharing this uh this uh presentation this evening on the district's 2025 report card. We have much to celebrate, but there are also some areas that still need uh continue to be improved on and that will be presented to you um this evening on those areas. The next one is uh member Schroet and Dr. when and I had met with our policy work group on November 11th to discuss the protocols and reviewing, amending, and developing new policies. We'll be having future discussions and establishing guidelines. And then on November 13th, the finance and uh facilities board advisory committee met on Thursday, November 13th. As I said, the meeting focused on three primary areas, finance, facilities, and print shop. Helen uh Romeo, director of finance, provide a first quarter

021update. Helen discussed how salary increases had not been applied to the first quarter and that retrop pay for the aft was scheduled last Friday. She also introduced a new dashboard which will be in the December's board packet. Mr. Lopez, director of facilities, shared a presentation providing an update on the district's annual life safety inspection by the regional office of education and the district continues to score a rating of excellence. He updated the committee on his uh department um in planning stages for the capital pro projects for uh next fiscal year. Mr. Locom locom. Yes. Director of I had practice this name. I know Miss Keith, so it's like I'm sorry. I apologize for messing up the name, but director of print shop shared a presentation on the overall operations of his department. Keith shared that

022they received an an average 500 orders per day through the digital print shop and they produce over 50 million copies a year. They print years um ban assigns um banners, magnets and embroider school apparel. It was discussed that the district yields significant savings by performing these tasks in house. The next meeting is scheduled for January 22nd, 2026. My final one is on Wilco. Um and just a kind of a brief update on what's going on there. There are always so many things to discuss, but I just kind of pick out a few things to highlight. Um AVM uh Humphrey Brooks middle schools toured uh Wilco last week getting ready for the high school making decisions whether or not they would like to take some courses there. Um right now they are accepting bids to replace

023the HVAC system at their um early childhood center and then also the culinary program at their first buffet. continuing to work with they are continuing to work with Joliet Junior College to create programs that the students would be interested in participating. Um so that's kind of it from me. Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Secretary Sutherland. Uh in that finance committee meeting when they announced that they do 45 million black and white prints a year, I I would have done a trivia question in here. I don't think I would have gotten that right. Uh we do that in-house and uh I'm I'm happy to say that uh we don't those machines get an average of seven to eight years of lifetime out of them and uh so that's a really good thing for the

024district. We don't have to send that stuff out. It consolidates it in in one location. It's much more efficient uh than having it spread out and having multiple machines and all that kind of stuff. But I was stunned by that. And another six million uh color prints go out every year. So that's a enormous amount of uh effort and I want to thank people in the print shop. That's a small group of people who do a lot of work. So uh thank you to them. All right, moving down the agenda. Student ambassador leaison report. >> Greetings. I am one of your RHS ambassadors. My name is Elanrejo and I'm a senior at Romeo High School. Greetings to our board and audience. So to start for our house shouts out, I had the pleasure of helping

025to organize and execute this year's Coco E Cafe Vos Muertos event at Luke Kenzac Middle School on November 3rd. This event brought JJL families together for a beautiful day of the dead gathering. Thank you to all of those who attended and helped organize the event. Romyville High School's Illinois State Scholars were announced this past week. Congratulations to the 44 seniors who were honored with this prestigious award which is based on students ACT and performance after six semesters of high school. Bowling Brook High School state scholars will be announced later this month. Both RHS and BHS state scholars and advanced placement scholars will be recognized by the VVSD school board at our February 23rd meeting. This past week, the MCJOTC program hosted a cake cutting ceremony in celebration of 250 proud years since the establishment of

026the United States Marine Corpse, as well as conducting the birthday ball ceremony for the Neapville Marines this past sun Saturday. VVSD had a variety of Veterans Day events and services occur last week. We thank all veterans, active duty personnel, and their families for their outstanding service. Congratulations to all the schools included in the Illinois State Board of Education list of commendable schools. Three of our schools were rated as exemplary, which puts them in the top 10% of schools in Illinois. Jane Adams Middle School, Hermanson Elementary, and BJ Ward Elementary. Congratulations to the Bowling Brook High School football team for making it to their first quarterfinal game since 2017. We are so proud of you and thank you for making VVSD proud. And now for our old business. Parent teacher conferences were two weeks ago. We

027would like to thank all parents and guardians who came out and were actively involved in their students education. We would like to continue to encourage students, parents, and guardians to ensure that they have student square and parent square downloaded as an app and to have notifications turned on to receive direct communication from teachers, your school, and from our district. for new business. Final exams are coming soon at RHS and BHS. Finals are set for December 16th, 17th, and 18th. December 19th is for makeup exams if needed. Be sure to attend tutorials and after school review sessions to get ready. Good luck to all of our students. This week, the RHS ambassadors will be working with our eighth graders as they prepare for Romeoville High School. We will visit during the school day for our special

028presentation at AVM tomorrow and JJL this Thursday. Our incoming freshman night at RHS for students and families will be on January 22nd. So, be sure to save the date and look for more details to be shared on Parent Square soon. Be sure to save the date for the second annual VVSD family symposium on Saturday, February 21st. This will include dynamic workshops, guest speakers, food, refreshments, community resources, and more. See you there. Schoolboard member appreciation day was November 15th. We are very, very grateful for all of the work and time that our board members dedicate to our district. So, thank you especially to you all. Make sure to keep an eye out for upcoming fall and winter band and choir concerts. Our music programs throughout the district showcase the amazing talent of all of our students

029and their performances. And the ones are all ones that you would not want to miss. As we transition from fall to winter, sports seasons are ending and beginning. So remember to stay updated aboutformational meetings and tryyout dates. If your student is interested in a winter sport, and don't forget to check out all the upcoming schedule so you can catch a home game this winter at BHS or RHS. And now to close, I want to acknowledge concerns that I have heard across our district, our state, and our nation. Many students and families are living with the real fear in the current climate of our country, particularly those who are worried about the possibility of being detained by immigration authorities. I want to reassure our community that in VVSD, your safety, dignity, and right to an education

030remains our unwavering priority. Our district continues to work across lines, partnering with community groups, state organizations, and bipartisan stakeholders to make sure that we are implementing protocols that protect every student and family on school grounds. We have also ensured that know your rights cards are available in every VVSD school and families can access immediate support through the ISER family support hotline at 1888 855-43576-93. These measures are aligned with the Illinois Safe Schools for All Act, which goes in effect on January 1st, and reflects our commitment to ensuring that every family, regardless of background, can enter our buildings knowing that they are protected, valued, and seen. Imigas. Puerto Rican. As Thanksgiving approaches, we are filled with gratitude for our amazing students, families, and staff who make our district such a wonderful community to be a part

031of. Thank you. and I wish everyone a joyful and restful holiday. [applause] Uh President Quickley and the board, I do want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow school board members as well as she uh highlighted that uh this big paying job that they do a lot of is volunteer and they do a lot of service. We had a lot of uh I was waiting on some of my other members to but they didn't want to highlight themselves. So, I want to highlight all them that's sitting up here and the work they do. And over here, we see she's hopping around, but she's still coming to all the functions that have a lot of the military functions in it. I want to highlight again the secondary transition experience program. They had a a transition

032night and it was off the charts. So, we want to thank all our staff and um our community, like you say, it it takes a community really. So, I thank all you for serving and then just give a round of applause for my fellow school board members, please. [applause] Thank you, Vice President Campbell. All right, moving down the agenda, audience participation. Is there anybody in the audience who wishes to address the board this evening? If so, please keep your comments to three minutes or less. If you have any documents, please provide them with the clerk. Seeing none, hearing none, moving down the agenda. Miss Donado. >> Yes. Thank you. Action for 10.1 is to approve the consolidated action report for certified, classified, and administrative personnel. For the next board more board meeting, please note there

033will be a new report view as we will be pulling this data directly from our employee management system. The administration is respectfully seeking your approval on all items as presented. A >> move a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, hearing none. Roll call vote, please. Badurus. >> Yes. >> Member Pipkin. >> Yes. >> Member Hy. >> Abstain. >> Member Schroa. >> Yes. >> Secretary Sutherland. >> Yes. >> Vice President Campbell. >> Yes. >> President Quigley. >> Yes. >> Mr. Renitch. Moving down the agenda. Action items. Resolution 2605. >> Thank you, President Quigley. Um, before we begin our presentation, I just have to state that in accordance to the Truth and Taxation Act, the district must officially determine a tenative levy at least 20 days prior to its final adoption of the

034levy. If an increase of the 20205 levy is in excess of 105% of the previous year's aggregate extension with the exception of debt service, a public hearing must be held for a set of levy. So um because you adopt a levy once a year, I just going to go quickly over some of the terms um to help support this this presentation. So, a levy is just a formal request that a school district puts in to the um clerk's office for a certain amount of money that we ask for. And that levy is due the last Tuesday in December. Detail, which is the property tax extension limit law is uh otherwise known as tax caps. And what that really means is is that we can ask for any amount of money we have. The county is

035going to implement this law and cap our increase um based on the consumer price index which I'll talk about in a few minutes. So the consumer price index is just a way that the government measures a basket of goods and where we will be capped at this year is that our levy will be capped at 2.9% and that was the consumer price index uh for this levy. And so the extension is just what the county will go through, do the calculation, and tell us exactly what amount of revenue uh the district will receive um for its levy. So here's a chart that I put together to show you how much our equaliz assessed evaluation is increasing over the last 10 years. And uh you can see that we're estimating uh the amount of uh equal

036equalized value that the district will generate. The important thing to note about this and I've seen this reverse is that our property values are going up much better than if it was going the other way. It's showing growth and it's showing an increase in value of our of our homes. One of the things that we track that I track every month for the last 20 years, sounds exciting, is the consumer price index. And you can see over the last 10 years what the average uh consumer price indexes, you can see we had a high year of 7%. Remind you that we were capped and we could ask for no more or receive more than 5% even though CPI was at at 7%. This is a chart that I've put together that it kind of shows

037what inflation does with the school district. And if we bought something for a dollar back in 2011, that now would cost us $140. And if we received revenue that was equal to a dollar, it is now worth 72. And uh I put this chart together for the IASB when we uh had legislation going through to increase the threshold for supplies um for that amount. And they use this chart. This chart shows the extension what we got last year, what our levy is, and the increase that we're asking for, which is 4.94%. One of the things that is new to this levy and um newer to our district is that we have a tiff tax incrementing finance district coming onto our tax roles. And why is that important? Um or what is a tiff? Maybe give

038you a little background. Um the at the time that the tiff was valued, it was at $6.8 million. Um, and the village uses our tax money to help finance development within that area of that colored square. And now that that TIFF is coming off after 23 years, the AV increment is uh 38 um million. So you can see that the TIFF helped out. It helped improve that property value. And when it comes off the tax rules, it's treated as new property. And we're estimating that it's going to generate an additional two million $2 million for for the district and something that we have to take into account technically for our levy. So the board has always asked for me to put together a new property. That's the only item that we don't know when trying

039to project out how much dollars we're going to get. Less than anticipated, anticipated, and greater than anticipated. So, I'm I'm less than anticipated would be $45 million of new money and that would generate about $200,892,318 of tax revenue is what we're projecting. New property projected at 50 um million um would be $21,150,68. And that is most likely outcome that's going to happen that I believe um when we produce the levy and then the c the clerk does its calculations. And the last one is greater than expected and that's at 55 million and that's and that would generate $21,47,818 based on my calculations. So you can kind of see the difference of what New Property does and why it's important for us to make sure we capture that when we're doing our levy. And lastly, this

040is a chart that the board has asked me to put together and be sensitive to um the burden on our taxpayers. And when I project out um at a $240,000 home, uh this levy would increase monthly taxes by $11. A $300,000 home would be $14 a month and a $350,000 home would be $15 a month. >> Any questions? >> Have any questions, Mr. Wrench? >> Nope. I do uh have a recommendation though if if I don't have any questions. Okay, >> fire away. So, we're proposing a 4.94% increase to the 2024 extension exclusive existing debt. So, at this time, the administration is recommending that the board of education approve resolution 2605 to set the estimated 2025 tax levy as presented. We will be bringing the final levy to the next month's board meeting for approval.

041>> Can I say one last thing, too? >> You have a motion. >> Sorry. I just want I just wanted the board to know that even though we will be levying under 5%, anything over 5% we're required to have a public hearing, put the notice into paper and do other um measures uh per the the tax code. But because this board is transparent and believes this important, we will still publish the the notice in the paper and we will still hold a public hearing um through this process even though we're not required to for next month. So, >> and so we have a motion in a second. Correct. >> No. >> Oh, we need a motion. >> Move. >> Second. >> Motion and seconded. Uh John, traditionally, even though we're at leving at 4.9, it

042comes in lower than that. That's that just can you briefly explain that? >> Yeah, that's that's with the tax caps that I talked about. PEL, the property tax extension limit law that will cap us at 2.9% of what CPI is outside of new property. So most homeowners or the increase would be at 2.9 but for that tiff that's coming off the the tax rules. So >> thank you. >> We have a motion and we have a second. Actually I think Mr. Madurus made the second. Okay. Uh if there's no further discussion, a roll call vote would be in order. >> Member Schro. >> Yes. >> Hyo. >> Yes. >> Member Pipkin. Yes. >> Member Burus. >> Yes. >> Secretary Sutherland. >> Yes. >> Vice President Campbell. >> Yes. >> President Quigley. >> Yes. >> All

043right. Moving down the agenda. 11.2 resolution. Green leaf tax abatement. >> So, uh, this is an annual action item that we bring to the board each year. The resolution is providing for partial um real estate tax abatement for the Green Leaf Apartment Complex. The resolution directs the will county clerk to limit the year-to-year increase no more than 3% and not to exceed $3 million in total abatement. This arrangement is limited to 15 years and it's important to note that the 10-year average uh has been right around 2.9 to 3%. So it is the administration's recommendation that the board of education approve the resolution 2606 as presented. >> Move second. >> Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? Roll call vote, please. >> Member Hyo, >> yes. >> Member Schroba, >> yes. >> Member Burus, >>

044yes. >> Member Pipkin, >> yes. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. >> I'm sorry. >> Yes. >> President Quigley, >> yes. >> My hearing aids battery is going out. I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. Moving down the agenda, employee benefits renewal. >> 11.3 is the employee insurance benefits renewal for 2026. So next is our employee benefits renewal for 2026. From our third party perspective, we are recommending a renewal of our contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois as a third party administrator for the district's self-funded health insurance plan and dental plan effective January 1st, 2026. Blue Cross Blue Shield is providing an overall increase to medical and prescription rates of 5.51%. The district was a able to limit its exposure to project which was a projected increase

045of over 18% initially should the district stayed with the current PO plan. By moving to Blue Cross Blue Shield's blue choice option, the district was able to save a projected $5.5 million. This change is a strategy strategy allowed the district to provide the same level of benefits, no change in our plan document, no change in our insurance coverage, and does not affect 97% of our district. Traditionally, um, we've had to either raise our out of pocket, raise our deductibles or raise or eliminate, uh, procedures and make plan changes. We felt as this was a win-win, uh, option for the district that the fact that we'd limit uh, the increase to only 5% and had no changes to it to our plan document. So, in terms of the dental coverage uh, renewal, uh, um, the renewal

046is 0% increase. With regards to the in um vision, we're in a four-year lack agreement, so that's not changing. And finally, life and accidental debt um debt is at 0% increase. So, the administration is recommending that the board of educ education approved the renewal of BlueC Cross Blue Shield of Illinois as our third party administrator for the health and dental plans effective January 1st, 2026. We are recommending a renewal of stop-loss coverage with the Bluec Cross Blue Shield for the calendar year 26 as presented. Is there a motion? >> So moved. >> Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? >> Just a couple questions. Um >> number one, did you get it give the staff that would be impacted an opportunity to hear from the provider what some of the changes would be? >> Yes,

047we actually held um well, it was done in two phases. First, as you know, we were negotiating. So we held uh meetings with our um insurance broker or consultant in which we hadformational meetings for all of the collective bing agreements that we were negotiating at the time. Then once that was approved, we held informational meetings with um our insurance um employee that manages our insurance and hadformational meetings for them. But we also set up office hours where employees could come in and our insurance benefits person came in at 7 a.m. to make herself available and stayed later at night um to accommodate anybody's schedule should they come in and have personal questions that they needed to ask or do research or need support in enrolling in the the program. >> Any other questions? If not,

048>> yes, Mr. Renish, I just would like to reiterate that year-over-year we're still going up $2.3 million change. Correct. >> Yes. Our insurance plan was projected to go up $49 million. That's what we spend um where we're projected to spend. And with um making this change, our insurance will be uh spend will be around $44.3 million. So, yes. >> Just I just wanted everybody to understand that we were going up without the change 7.6 $6 million and with the change we're still going up 2.3. So, >> thank you. If there is no further discussion or questions, a roll call vote would be in order. Madam clerk, >> member Burus, >> yes. >> Member Pipkin, >> yes. >> Member Hyo, >> yes. >> Member Schroa, >> yes. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell,

049>> yes. >> PresidentWigley, >> yes. I want to just commend the human or the business services department for the efforts that went into this because every year it's different, but we've all seen it massive increases or you've seen it on the news about health care costs and all those types of things. And it also goes out to, you know, to our staff, too, just being able to take advantage of these programs that we have and the wellness and all the various things. But it pays to have a healthy staff, you know, and that's that's a good thing. So, John, to you and all your staff, uh, thank you for digging in on these things and and finding us the savings that you can when you can because otherwise that $7 million that member Dur talked

050about, that's a big punch in the nose. So, thank you for those efforts and continuing those forward. All right, moving down the agenda. Dr. Pollson, English 10 AP Seminar. >> Yes, thank you. Action item 12.1 is a new course offering at the high school level English 10 AP seminar. Tonight, we are seeking your approval to offer a new English um 10 AP seminar course. Information was presented at the last board meeting on October 20th and the administration is seeking your approval as presented. Move >> second. >> Motion and seconded. Any discussion? >> Roll call vote, please. Member Pipkin, >> yes. >> Member Hy, >> yes. >> Member Shrova, >> yes. >> Member Baderas, >> yes. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. >> PresidentW Quigley, >> Yes. Next, um 12.2 for

051action is for our high school summer programming for this upcoming summer. Yes, we're talking about summer already and it's No, not yet. Okay. Um, we're looking to seek your approval for our high school summer programming. Information was presented at the October 20th meeting as well and we are requesting your approval as presented. >> So motion >> second. >> Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? Roll call vote, please. >> Member Hy. >> Yes. >> Member Shrova. >> Yes. >> Member Beris, >> yes. >> Member Pipkin, >> yes. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. Yes, President Quigley. >> Yes. Dr. Wood, action reports. Student discipline case. >> Yes. Thank you, board. President Quigley, we are seeking your approval of the recommendation of student discipline due process cases A and B as

052presented. >> Motion. Second. >> Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, hearing none, roll call vote, please. >> Member Sha, >> yes. >> Member Bader, >> yes. Pipkin. >> Yes. >> Member Hy. >> Yes. >> Secretary Sutherland. >> Yes. >> Vice President Campbell. >> Yes. >> PresidentWigley. >> Yes. Information reports. Dr. Wood. >> Yes. Thank you. Board President Quigley. I have my superintendent update. Um Ellanie and um board vice president Campbell did such a phenomenal job of presenting some information that they kind of stole some of my thunder, but I'll try to do my very best to um include some highlights. Um tonight is school board members appreciation day. Each year on November 15th, Illinois celebrates school board member day, a time to recognize the dedicated volunteers who serve on local boards of

053education established by the Illinois Association of School Boards. This day honors those who devote countless hours to supporting students, families, and staff while guiding the vision and policies of their districts. The 2025 theme, the heart of local education, highlights the vital role school board members play in keeping students at the center of every decision. Their leadership, commitment, and comp compassion ensure schools remain strong, student focused, and connected to the community. On behalf of the Valley View School community, I would like to thank each of our board members for serving in the role by being ambassadors to the community, serving on district and local committees or working groups, attending school functions, and of course, attending board meetings. Your impact is vast. Please, a round of applause to our school board. [applause] And also let's not forget

054um our student board members who serve as liaison between the schools and the board as positive role models for our students and ambassadors to the community. Thank you for your investment of time and energy to make our district the best it can be. Please another round of applause. [applause] Um, we continue with our theme of classrooms to the community. On the left, you see BJ Ward Elementary celebrating their Illinois State Board of Education exemplary designation. Uh, they were recognized by Principal Kathy Nigro. And the um standout for that is she invited sixth grade VIPs who were part of um attaining that level um back so that they could be um participate in the award and recognition as well. In the middle we have over 50 college and career representatives who visited the Romeoville High School

055and Career Fair. And you see the class of 2029 pictured learning about what Joliet Junior College has to offer. And on the right, um, BHS Bowlingberg High School photography students, um, assisted us at the administrative center and took headshot po photos of the VVSD administrative staff to give them an opportunity to practice some of their skills in real time. On the left here, you see Jane Adams Middle School multi-need science fair, which was a huge hit. And in the middle, our youngest students had their trunk or treat where Romeoville police departments partnered with the school. And on the right, Hermanson um celebrated Veterans Day, one of many schools across the district that recognized the contributions of our veterans and first responders. They held an assembly to honor and celebrate the brave men and women who

056have served in the United States Armed Forces. And it was a wonderful event. Just a reminder to um families who have not signed up for parent square um please do so so you can stay in the know. And finally some upcoming dates. November 19th is early release. November 26th and 28th uh through the 28th is Thanksgiving break. Schools will be closing. December 8th will be our next board meeting. That brings me to the close of the update. And again once again board members, thank you so much for your dedication to Valley View. >> [applause] >> All right, moving down the Oh, by the way, uh thank you for your service, Dr. Wood, US Army veteran. Army. [applause] All right, moving down the agenda. Dr. Pollson, ESY, information report. You might as well say it now.

057So, >> I got it. Don't you worry. um extended school year information report. We are um bringing you information prior before seeking approval at the next board meeting. Our special education students who attend extended school year services for the 2526 school year um provides additional opportunities to ensure that their growth is maintained over the summer months. Um you can see in your information report that it's broken down of how the funds will be utilized. This is both grant funds as well as local funds to provide for the services and staff for um extended schoolyear services across our district at all levels. So please within the information if you have any questions please let me know. >> That's the question I had [laughter] wrong place. >> You got your question answered? >> No. She's >> not

058yet. >> She's gonna ask later. >> Alrighty. Uh, high school, you're on a roll, Dr. Pollson. Keep going. >> All right. This is it. Information 14.3. This is, I believe, what um, Secretary Sutherland was referencing a little bit earlier that we are looking at a little bit differently. Often we are able to follow regular process where we can seek approval prior to our high school teams going to state um, and sectionals for athletics. But there sometimes are these situations that we do not have a time because it's a quick turnaround. An example might be um Bowling Brook High School going to the playoff game. We got lucky is it it was local, but if it was further away, we wouldn't necessarily have had time to seek your approval. So, in the information item, you'll find

059all of the opportunities that BHS and RHS could have um in the event that we progress down to state and sectional events for athletics. So, looking to do this only if we need to, if there's a quick turnaround. Um if time permits we will continue our reg regular process. >> Thank you for that update. >> You have any questions? >> Same question. What was the question? >> Same question is is it going to be looked at annually revised or is it just going to be so is it going to be looked at every year you're going to have to resubmit it to be board approved or is it just going to happen with revisions as needed? >> Got it. All right. So, we will do it annually every year to reook at what are the

060um sectional and state opportunities that our teams could have and then we will revise as needed. So, it's both actually. >> So, the answer is yes [laughter] >> to both questions. >> Thank you. >> And the exciting reason you came to the meeting 14.4 the Bowling Brook High School boiler replacement burner. >> Mr. Renich talk about boiler burners. >> This is so exciting. >> I know. >> So each year the district identifies and applies for the school maintenance grant. It is a dollar for-doll state matching grant of upwards up to $50,000. The two main boilers at Bowling Brook uh High School are 20 years old and scheduled for Omaha replacement uh main burner components. This would be an ideal project uh for this grant. In addition to applying for the school maintenance grant, Mr. Lopez

061will also be applying for an energy gas rebate of up to $10,000. So, this is anformational report for your review, and we anticipate bringing the recommendation for the grant approval and contract award at the next upcoming board meetings. >> Thank you, Mr. Mitch. Moving down the agenda, you're next again, aren't you? Certificate of Excellence Financial Reporting. He's going to go to the podium for this one, folks. Been here like three years. I don't think I've ever seen you at the podium except maybe when you do the budget. So, this So, why am I standing at the podium tonight? Um that's because uh the district has received a financial recognition of um reporting award, but the organization that was going to present the the award um wasn't able to be here tonight. So I'm going to

062have to present it on behalf of that organization to the to the board of education. So, um the district um is has applied for the GFOA award and um before we show a video that the >> GFOA stands for >> Government Finance Officers Association. Thank you. >> I'm usually pretty good about that, but um just to put a little in context, uh the district goes through an annual audit from an independent CPA firm and usually most school districts uh complete a standard financial report. Um but this year uh we completed what they call an annual comprehensive financial report and we went above and beyond uh what the what the requirement is and um and in preparing that um I have the report here and if any of you need to be able to fall asleep

063tonight you're more than welcome to take a look at this but it does have some really really good information in it and I'll talk a little bit more about that report but I thought it'd be us to at least hear um from the governor financers officers association about this award. >> Greetings from the government finance officers association. I'm Chris Moral, GFway's executive director. It is my honor to recognize you for receiving GFA certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting. Receiving this award demonstrates your finance team's commitment to preparing an annual financial report that is organized, readable, and transparent. Meeting the high standards required to receive this award is a mark of distinction of which you should be very proud and I congratulate you and your staff. Thank you. Congratulations again on this impressive achievement.

064[applause] So a little bit about the award. Um so then we took our audit report that that was um or our financial report that was audited by a public accounting firm and then we submitted it to a jud um impartial panel of CPA firms about five or six of them to review that report and to make sure that we are meeting the criteria. What this report does, it demonstrates the board of education's commitment to fiscal integrity, transparency, and accountability. And beyond the requirements, we our minimum requirements are to meet the general accepted accounting principles of GAAP, but we did that um by uh showing more and trying to be transparent with our community. So, I try I always try to uh put some analytics to what this means. And I put the number 23. What

065does 23 mean? Out of 840 school districts, only 23 school districts can say that they've uh made this achievement and have received this prestigious award. Um, first time recipient. We are proud to recognize that this is the first time recipient of the certificate of excellence in financial reporting. Never in the history of our district have we received this reward before. 19. There are 19 criteria um areas of criteria that we had to go through and look at and be judged on and we received the highest marks in all of those areas. So I also would like to take a moment and thank uh Helen Romeos uh the director of finance for all her heavy lifting um because she really organized and put this together and facilitated the audit. Uh Helen, can you stand up? So,

066[applause] and then uh President Quigley, would you mind uh stepping up here and accepting this award on behalf of the GFOA? And they gave me a quote that I'd like to uh share with uh the group in our community. The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. its attainment uh represents a significant accomplishment by the government and its management. So on behalf of the GFOA, [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> I know this is get your geek on here. Uh this is a thing that guys like John who are CPAs and they take their profession very serious and this is a culmination of that what they do for the district. Um it is also a testament to the administration and the dedication of our district to

067having high financial standards and the entire team as John mentioned that's involved in this. And I just want to, you know, I I have a couple quick notes, but he pretty much said it anyway, but we are uh we we preach accountability and transparency. It's top priority for this board and for the administration, and we really do appreciate the efforts that you guys do. And and I know this will be hanging outside his office door. So, it's like again, if anybody else who's a CPA walks in, they'll understand the value of this and what the effort that goes into that. So on behalf of the the board and the public, thank you John for your old team. Appreciate it. [applause] >> All right, moving down the agenda. Job descriptions. M Donado >> for 14.6. Six

068attached is a job description update for account services representative. As board board presidentwigley discussed earlier, the demand for print job materials has been exponentially increasing and currently this is the only department without administrative assistant support. The position has been budgeted and filled with a subtask force employee. Therefore, there is no increase in budget expenditure. Rather, this job description formalizes the position and the duties and it will will be presented at the next board meeting for action. Thank you. Let's see. Illinois report card. Dr. Pollson. >> Yes. I um would, as I introduced, Mr. Locassio, Secretary Sutherland referenced it a little bit earlier, but we will be previewing and looking at some data around the Illinois school report card update, and Mr. Lassio is making his way down here to give us that update as he

069is the director of K12 data and assessment. >> [applause] >> Good evening. Uh so tonight I will be walking us through the learning and growth in Illinois report card information. Uh tonight's update provides an overview of the newest report card and how our new state performance levels have reshaped our understanding of student achievement and growth in Valley View. Uh there'll be three sections to the presentation. First, I'll walk us through uh the results we had last school year. I'll explain the changes in the new cut scores. We'll go into the report card specifics, a few areas of that, and I'll close with our new summit of designations. And just as a reminder, all families are able to see their children's scores that are referenced tonight through parent portal in Infinite Campus. So, some key definitions.

070So, we're talking about performance levels, cut scores, and proficiency. Performance levels are the score ranges that define divide the full spectrum of performance on this data assessment into categories. The four categories we have are below proficient, approaching proficient, proficient and above proficient. The single score that separates each of those categories is referred to as a cut score and proficiency. Proficiency is the combined score of proficient and above proficient. So why did the states create new performance levels? Uh, for one, Illinois had the hardest criteria in the nation for proficiency on the state test. And what that led to was an abundance of students moving on to college, succeeding in college, yet being labeled not proficient in their high school career. And Illinois wanted to reset that situation and create a system of more equity and

071fairness for all of our students. Uh what this involves is taking the elementary, the middle, and the high school assessments, putting them onto a similar scale of four performance levels per assessment. Uh it creates a new baseline though. So the scores that we show tonight cannot be compared fairly to past scores because they will be higher just by the definition of having a new cut score. And we'll get into how that was created. Uh this table here shows us a great view of the old versus the new. In the pink squares we can see the the new cut scores. Uh for example in grade three we see for ELA it is 735 as the scale score whereas previously it was 750 and for math it is 732 now whereas previously it was also 750. And

072as you go down you can see that becomes progressively more difficult as you move from third grade through high school. At the high school grades you can also see the NAS there. We do have a new assessment at the high school level. The American College test has replaced the scholastic aptitude test or the ACT as the high school assessment. So we do not have a similar uh prior score to share. So I'll begin by talking about IR. I is the Illinois assessment of readiness for English and math that is administered to all students in grades three through eight in the spring of each year. What we see here is a combination of the scores from two years ago, school year 24, and then last year's school year 25 scores and then also last year's school

073year 25 scores with the new cut scores. The first two gray columns compare at the same definition. So we have the same cut score defining each performance level. And so we we calculated this ourselves so that we could monitor improvement. And what we see in grades three through eight, uh the decimal is not showing, but in grades three through eight, we had improvement at all levels in ELA. Uh the red is the new cut score and you can see the dramatic rise that having a new score creates. The data is the same. The middle column and the red column is the same data just defined by different cut scores. Uh same perspective for math. Uh with math we saw less growth, more stable scores uh in grades three through eight. But when we bring in

074the perspective of the new cut scores, we see a dramatic change especially in the elementary grades uh where we go from third low 30s into the 50s just by changing a cut score. And this is our new baseline. So this is comparing ELA and math with the new cut scores in grades three through eight. And our data story becomes clear. uh ELA has reached new all-time highs both with the old scores and the new scores while math remains an area where improvement is needed. This table shows our comparison to some benchmark school districts. We've identified Rockford as the most similar school district in student demographics to Valley View and we've identified Planefield as our proximity or nearby school district uh that we we strive to compete with. Uh from this table we can see in

075dark green the highest scores and light green the second highest scores. And we can see that VVSC is quite competitive. We are higher than the statewide average. We are higher than Rockford in all grade levels. We are second only to PL to Planefield in third through sixth. But even compared to Planefield, we are highest in seventh and eighth grade. Uh for math, we remain competitive. Though we dip below the state in grade four and grade six, we are second highest uh in the other grades. In high school, we have a new assessment, the ACT. The ACT is the statemandated English language arts and mathematics assessment administered to students in grades 9 through 11 in the spring of each year. This is a graduation requirement and unlike AR it does not measure grade level skills. This

076assessment measures foundational skills deemed necessary for success in college. This table here similar perspective. Dark green is the highest. Uh light green is second highest. uh 2025 marks the first year ACT using the ACT and SS we do not have a prior year comparison. The tables show that in grades 9 through 11, Valley View is below the state and below Planefield but is higher than Rockford. We recognize that these scores are not ideal. Our schools are retooling their approaches to better prepare our students for this new assessment, which includes administering next fall a practice suite of assessments to better prepare our teachers with formative data and incorporating more ACT prep into our instructional resources. Uh while not directly a state assessment, another important data point that we calculate for our high schools is the percentage

077of students that meet Illinois college and career readiness indicators. Since inception, Valley View schools have continued to improve our performance on these key metric areas, which includes volunteer hours, AP and dual credit courses, and student coursework. The result has been a steady increase the number of students deemed college and career ready beyond just a test score, moving from 15% in 2021 up to 46% of our students last year. All right, from here we'll move into the Illinois report card. The Illinois report card is available at illinoisportcard.com and we invite all families to go to this website and check out your school district uh or any other districts in the state of Illinois. You can see trends over time uh on various data points. Our first section we'll look at is our students uh student enrollment

078trends. Enrollment has declined 14% since 2018. Has it has stable stabilized in recent years. uh we are down to uh 14,500 uh 14,427 students now. While the rate of decline has slowed in recent years, ongoing monitoring remains important as enrollment trends can impact staffing, resource allocation, and long-term planning. Student diversity remains one of the most diverse districts in Illinois. We are fourth out of 604 districts in the state. Our diversity enriches learning and strengthens community connections. Our student population reflects the rich diversity of communities we serve. Our students have a of a population of 49% Hispanic, 22% black, 16% white, and 6.3% Asian. Uh we also proudly serve students who identify as American Indian, Middle Eastern, North African, Pacific Islander, and two or more ethnicities. EL students now compro comprise 25% of the district underscoring

079the importance of bilingual programming and culturally responsive instruction chronic absenteeism. Uh if you look at the long-term trend there before the pandemic we were in the teens 15% 17% was quite common. Since the pandemic it has risen dramatically. We're almost twice what we used to be. It is a goal for every one of our schools on their school improvement planning to improve our chronic chronic absenteeism rates. As a district, we're also utilizing parent score to notify families uh at each quarter of what their child's uh absenteeism rate is. Currently, as of November 1st, we are at 20% and we're hoping to maintain that number. Uh while progress is occurring, uh partnership with students, families, and schools is needed to continue to grow in this area. All right. academic progress. Much of what's in the report

080card I've already covered, so I won't repeat that information. The landing page is shown here. We welcome families to come and explore. What I will point out is a lot of these metrics only have one year of data because of the new performance levels. While that is true, the the test itself has remained unchanged and the scale score has not changed over time. So the state is able to provide a growth comparison uh using a concept known as student growth percentile. Growth percentile takes students who scored at a similar rate in one year and tracks them over time. If you have a student growth percentile of 50, that means you grew 50% more than students that had similar starting scores as you. What this table shows is that amongst our student groups, we are well

081above the state average, which is 50. In school year 24, we were in the mid to high 50s. In school year 25, we've moved up into the 60s. And this is for ELA. So, we have shown substantial growth in ELA. For math, we are still higher than the state, though the amount of growth is lower. We're in the mid50s for our student growth percentiles. Ninth grade on track. U most student groups were higher than the state average for nth grade on track. Ninth grade on track means that students who have earned 10 semester credits and have no more than one semester F. If we're looking at our ethnic student groups, we see that we're well above the state average in many ways. If we look at comparison to prior year for Valley View, we see

082that black students improved from 88.6 to 94.1. Hispanic students improved from 89.9 to 91.9. EL students, lowincome students, and white students all offered growth as well. Graduation rates. High school students continue to make progress with the four-year graduation rate improving by 4.5%. Value continues to remain higher than the state in the four, five, and sixyear cohorts. Career tech. Over 92% of graduating BBSC students in CTE concentrations earn college credit compared to 48% as the state average. The number of students earning a college and career pathway has improved tremendously over the years from uh as few as just two or three in 2023 up to 102 last year. This is a great example of our partnership with Wilco having a positive impact on our students on our students. To earn a pathway endorsement, students must complete

083two college level courses and 60 hours of related internship or work experience. district environment. For 2025, Illinois reset the five essentials norms for the state survey. As a result, many schools across the state now show neutral or yellow if you were to view their ratings. Uh the areas measured on the five essentials survey include effective leaders, collaborative teachers, supportive environment, ambitious instruction, and involved families. Survey opens in February of each year, and we we are eager to have parents involved. A school needs 20% of families to complete the survey in order for the school to have access to the data. So families, please complete the survey this coming February. And finally, accountability. So ESSA is the state's system for holding schools accountable to various metrics. What we see up here on the screen are the

084two different systems. Elementary and middle has most of the weight on growth on the state assessment for ELA and math as well as achievement on the state assessment. Whereas high school has most of their growth on graduation data and chronic absenteeism. When we go through those ratings, we see that value schools, all value schools have earned commendable or higher as the state summit of designation. Jane Adams continues with an exemplary designation for the seventh time. And for the first time, two elementary schools have received exemplary designations. Kenneth L. Hermanson Elementary School in Romeoville and Bernard J. Ward Elementary School in Bowling Brook. And that is our presentation. Do you have any questions? [applause] >> Thank you. Dr. Wood, do you want to say something? >> Uh, sure. Mr. Lassio, before you run off, >> would

085you say that the addition of the two elementary schools is historic for Valley View? >> It never happened. So, yes, it is a first. That's outstanding. [applause] >> All right, good information and good news. Thank you very much. Uh, moving down the agenda, board policies. Dr. Wood, if you would please. >> Yes, thank you. The following board policies are being presented to the board as an information report in an effort to keep BBSD board policies up to date. Board policy 5 col220 substitute teachers 5 col230 maintaining student discipline and 5 col240 consists of minor updates that clean up some of the language and legal references. board policy 7 col255 um specifically students who are parents expectant parents or victims of domestic or sexual violence is a new policy created in response to Illinois school code

086105526A and is added by public act 102-466. This policy is required under the statute. Redline policies have been provided in your board packet. If you have any questions about these changes, please cons um connect with uh members of the senior leadership team or legal services. Board approval of recommended changes will be sought at the December 8th board meeting. >> Thank you. Legal services report. Thank you. No report. Uh association reports local 604. Apparently no report. Valley View Office Personnel Council Ditto. Valley View Transportation. All right, moving down the agenda. Any old business for the board? Any new business before the board? Oh, wait. There is new business on the agenda this evening. Resolution 2607, approving the appointment of Dr. Terresa Pollson as the superintendent and approving her employment contract. >> So move. >> Second. >>

087We have a motion and we have a second. If you recall uh back in July, actually whenever we decided we were gonna that Dr. Wood was going to be uh only giving us another year, we decided to do a superintendent search obviously for the reasons, but uh we tried to stick to a a timeline and we did a community survey asking members of the community and staff what they thought would be a good uh fit for the district. Using that information, we received numerous applications from around the region and maybe even further than that, I'm sure, uh, putting it out in all the obvious places you would look for a superintendent. And I want to thank my fellow board members for all the time that went through and reviewing their resumes and sitting in on

088the interviews. And the result of that is our own in-house Dr. Terresa Pollson, who is a longtime resident of Bowling Brook and a longtime employee even though she took off for a couple years but came back to Valley View and what she told us in the interview, this is my home and this is where I want to be and uh I want to thank you for putting your name and throwing your hat in the ring as they say. Um, so we have a motion and we have a second. And once that's done, I think you probably want to say a few words. >> Any discussion? >> Do we have any discussion? >> We have a motion and a second. Can we have a roll call vote, please? Madam >> member, >> go first. >> Yes.

089>> Member Pipkin. >> Yes. Member Hy. >> Yes. Member Shrova, >> yes. >> Secretary Sutherland, >> yes. >> Vice President Campbell, >> yes. President Quigley, >> yes. Congratulations. [applause] >> [applause] >> While she's walking up there, she's got a horse voice from screaming at the football game the other night in the cold. The the results weren't what we wanted, but it was one of the best high school football games I've ever seen. So, with that being said, your superintendent elect, Dr. Terresa Pollson. Thank you. [applause] Thank you. I only have about 30 minutes, so if y'all can hang out for a minute, that's okay. Um, no, but in all seriousness, um, PresidentWigley, Vice President Campbell, members of the board, members of senior administration, and members of the Valley View community, um, families, staff, and I

090see a couple of students. I am beyond humbled, honored, and truly blessed to be in this position this evening. I, as um PresidentWigley talked about a little minute ago, I took a little hiatus for a couple of years and um Dr. Wood took a chance on me now twice. Um we had a chance to work with each other at Brooks at one point and after I stood at this very podium when he took a chance on me a couple years ago afterwards, he said, "You made me nervous when you were up there, so I couldn't help but make you nervous one last time before you ride off in the sunset um in your well-deserved retirement." And that was when I returned back home because it truly is my home. Valley View is not only where

091I reside, but it is my heart. It is my passion to be here. Um, working in my own community. And on that night on this podium a couple years ago, I talked about being on a game show. And when contestants come down and they run down the aisle and they what do you notice? They are truly full of joy and excitement. And with this lovely voice I have this evening. Um I truly am full of joy of excitement. And to each of you as board members, I look forward to working with each and every one of you. Thank you for seeing my leadership. I look forward to leading with you side by side to give our students nothing but they what they deserve and that is the absolute best. Um so thank you for believing

092my in my leadership. To the senior administration, thank you for what you've already done. um as upon my return, you've taught me so much. You've given me grace and you continue to teach me. And Dr. Wood, um as the current superintendent, you will never know how much I have appreciated all of the teaching over the last couple of years. Um the guidance and your ability to just ask amazing questions and I can't wait to continue to learn from you until June 30th. [laughter] Mark your calendar. and to the Valley View community. I see so many amazing faces um that I've worked with and I've grown with and each of you have truly poured into me as a leader. I stand here um as a leader because of who you are because I continue to learn

093from you day in and day out and I can't thank you enough. um from I look at faces in the crowd whether your family or your administrators or your teachers or your students my former students as Mustangs um and I see your face I know your name and I see your title but more importantly I see you as a leader and it takes all of us to lead this work of education is really hard it's challenging it's human work so sometimes it's messy But these individuals sitting in the front and a couple sprinkled throughout, they deserve it. They deserve the vital work that we do to make sure that they have what they need and maybe more importantly what they absolutely deserve to be top-notch citizens in our world. Do you all agree? All right.

094Um, so thank you. and a couple of mentors that I have. I'm not going to mention them, but some of us have um well maybe you have one or two. I have a whole phone full and um some of them I talk to yearly, some monthly, some weekly, and the lucky ones every day. Um and I have a feeling I might be tagging on them a little bit more often in the next couple of months and years to come. Um so I just thank them in advance for their continued mentorship. And lastly, my family and my friends. Statistically, I shouldn't be standing here. So, thank you for being my rock. I have a feeling I might need you a little bit more, too. Um, but I am grateful for all that you have given to

095me. Um, two things that my family um instills, and that is that you are always a servant. Always a servant. and no matter what you do and you serve no matter and that you h work hard constantly. So, thank you for instilling that as um my family and um maybe I need a little uh what I like to call you might hear me say real talk and that is maybe your family is like that. They keep it real. My family does too. So, continue to keep it real with me as we continue to um grow together in my new leadership capacity coming up. Um, so I just wrap this up and I just thank each of you individually as I look forward to leading with every single one of you. Um, all seven of you

096and we continue to I see Valley View as a powerhouse already, but we absolutely can even be more of a powerhouse. So there's nothing less to do but let's get to work. Thank you. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you. And one of the things that we discussed when we were doing interviews is especially when you hire an internal candidate, one of the hard things is to figure out who's going to replace you. So that's one of the things you need to start focusing on. and I know you'll be making great decisions and all those things. So, thank you so much. No, you don't need to have anybody right now. Anyway, uh moving down the agenda. Congratulations, Teresa, Dr. Pollson. Um we did old business, we did new business, we got a new superintendent. Any

097uh freedom of information requests will go through Mr. Blay in the back on our website. Thank you, sir. Announcements by the board from my right. announcements from the board on my left. >> Yes, I do. First of all, thank you to all the school. Congratulations, Dr. Pollson. [applause] Once again, congratulations. Um, I do want to state though that was it wasn't part of what we were discussing there, but we did have interviews and she came to the plate and so it wasn't a, you know, you're just in because you're here. It really was, you know, can you meet the standards? Can you meet our goals? And and she came with it. Um the next thing though, what I want to say is I had the pleasure of going to um Hermanson's uh Veterans Day assembly

098which was awesome. I was so thankful. We have some upcoming events and I'm asking that everyone participates if you can. There's some pajamas and pancakes and pajamas at RHS. There's um the Bowling Brook High School Magical Dinner which is on the 5th and the 6th. Please buy tickets. Right. Yes. And then we have the um we just we also just had the uh night evening of honor and I just want to say that at BHS and u Dr. Will was there. Um but I really appreciated that particular concert. We also have the holiday concert coming up at Bowling Brook High School. Please get tickets. Um I think it's BHS music what? Boosters. That's right. Yeah. BHSmusicboosters.org. Is that right? Okay. Thank you. BHSmusicboosters.org. Please get your tickets for the magical dinner as well as the

099holiday concert. They're on sale now. And then um the uh pancakes and pajamas is that exact same weekend at RHS. And I think there also is a pancake and pajamas at R at BHS. I can't remember the date unfortunately, but please go online, get your tickets. We need you there. Um support our students. Thank you. [clears throat] >> Thank you. Um, we we kind of glossed over it, but I I want to acknowledge the veterans and I also every veteran. I I I have a list that's long and distinguished in my family from uncles that served in the uh American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. Uh my great would be my great great uncle, great uncle, my great uncle. Uh my grandfather served in World War II, aunts and uncles has served in Vietnam

100and sub subsequently my brothers all served in the military. I did not because I broke my back in high school. But you see a veteran, they're not all sometimes where you want them to be. And uh this time of the year in particular, there are veterans who are struggling. And if you know one, reach out to them. Everybody appreciates them for a day or two and they appreciate being appreciated. Don't think that they don't. Uh but there's a lot of scars for some of those particularly those in combat missions uh that they don't show outwardly but if you know them they show it inwardly and I really appreciate the efforts that we are making in this district because I was not keen on not having on having a school during Veterans Day but I got

101a commitment from this administration a couple years ago when we changed the calendar that we would be educating our students K through whatever all the way up about things that what veterans do and the people who served in the armed forces and the debt of gratitude going back from, you know, 1775 until now that this is the greatest country in the United in the world in my humble opinion and I've been around the world and I've seen a lot of places. So, if you can find one better, let me know. But a lot of that is based on on on the blood, the sweat, and the tears of not only the veterans that serve, but the families back home who have to suffer through loss or are missing somebody for years, if not, you know,

102multiple years on end. And I just I'm very grateful for the efforts that those people who volunteer to put theirelves and make the ultimate sacrifice on occasion. uh unfortunately not as much as it used to be, but those are the people that deserve our respect and our gratitude at the very foundations of what this country is. So, thank you very much to all our veterans and thank you to our administration for keeping your word and doing what you said you were going to do and educating our youth because we don't it's not just a day, it's every day that we need to reach out to those people and thank them and give them the appreciation for the efforts that they put forth. So, thank you very much. >> [applause] >> And while I'm at it,

103uh, we live in a community where we have people who aren't necessarily financially as well off as others. And if you have the opportunity to help some people out on Thanksgiving, uh, or before Thanksgiving, we have food banks and there's other services that can be provided either through the schools, through the churches, through other social groups. Uh, just be cognizant of that as we go into the holiday season. And there are people who are maybe not again not as well off as you. Uh maybe and maybe you're one of them. Everybody I I just went to a lunchon where they said a third of Will County residents get some sort of support and services from various entities and groups in this county. Uh United Way, so on and so forth. So be conscious of that.

104If you have the ability, please reach out and help other people. That being said, I want to wish everybody a happy Thanksgiving. If you're traveling, be safe. If you're going to the airport, go much earlier than you planned. Uh, I just know that because my wife worked for their but for the airlines. But all that being said, please have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Teachers and staff, I know you guys have enjoy the few days off. Get yourselves recharged, get ready for finals as we go into the Christmas holiday and all that stuff. So, uh, there's any announcements by the administration? [snorts] >> Yes, >> Dr. Wood. >> All right. So, I just want to um connect to what you're speaking of, board president, regarding um giving, especially during this holiday season. We have

105micro pantries spread throughout the community, so give as you can, but also take um what you need. Um it is a tremendous help. Um board member Pipkin was a little bit humble. Um, she referenced the evening of honor at Bowling Brook High School, which was a phenomenal event, but what she did not say was she was a guest conductor and she did a phenomenal job. I would like to um echo the thanks um to our administrative services team, Mr. Renich and um Helen uh Romeos and their team for getting the GFO certificate of achievement for financial reporting. Um it is an exceptional honor for our district. Historic and um job well done. [snorts] And um finally finally finally I'm extremely pleased to um with Dr. Poston's appointment as the next superintendent of Valley View School

106District and I look forward to working closely with her. She noted to June what 31st. All right. All right. June 30th, 31st, whatever. Um, and the board as she transitions into a role. I am quite certain that Valley View will be in great hands. Congratulations once again, Dr. Pollson. [applause] Not that you're counting, but how many days is it? [laughter] >> I'll bet he knows by the next meeting. Uh, all that being said, thank you all for attending this evening. If there is no further business for the board, a motion to adjurnn would be in order. >> So move. >> Second. >> We have a motion and second. All those in favor say I. >> Post. Same sign. Have a safe evening. Thank you. >> Our student ambassadors, please um sit tight. We have something

107for you. All student ambassadors.