Valley View CUSD 365u Board Meeting 4/28/2025

001There's really. Thank you. Congratulations Hallelujah. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Good evening. Welcome to the regularly scheduled Valley View School Board meeting of 28 April 2025. I would ask that you silence your cell phones and join us in the pledge of allegiance led by member Burus United States of America for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Moving down the agenda, board affirmation statement. Vice President Zach. Okay. Our mission is to empower every leader 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 Quigley. Um given the change in uh the board for reorgan reorganization tonight, I am seeking the approval of the agenda as presented with

002the exception of moving item 10 and item 13 and item 14 to be next on the agenda. 10. Thank you. We have a motion. Somebody said second, so there must have been a motion. We have a motion and we have a second. All those in favor say I. I. Question. What are we doing? I'm not clear. I'm just going to tell you like it is. What are we doing? We're moving up a couple business items and then we're going to adjourn signing die and re connect the board. I just want to make sure we're not signing die at the end. That's I just want to make sure I understand. Got to ask. All right. Uh we have a motion in a second. All those in favor say I. I. Post same size. All right. So,

003student staff recognition, student spotlight video. Dr. Wood. Um, do we want to do the Oh, I'm sorry. Yep. Are we doing it? Yeah. Got it. All right. Item number 10, Miss Donado. Yes. Thank you. Action for 10.1 is the consolidated action report for certified, classified, and administrative personnel. The administration is respectfully seeking your approval on all items as presented. Move. Second. Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? Madam clerk, roll call. Blow fees. Member Hy? Yes. Member Sutherland? Yes. Member Buris? Yes. Member Campbell? Yes. Secretary Sakura? Yes. Vice President Zach? Yes. PresidentWigley? Yes. And I would before we go to 10.2, I would like to celebrate and acknowledge two of our um Valley View staff members who are promoted to administrative roles. Katherine Tecttiel, who is unable to attend tonight, is recommended as the assistant

004principal position at J.R. Tibet Elementary School. She started her career as a seventh grade English language arts teacher and then was hired as a dean of students at Jane Adams Middle School in 2023 where she has served that capacity for the past two years helping support behavioral interventions and targeted and intensive levels. Uh we do have um our next staff member, Christina Pek, if you could stand and wave so we can congratulate you. Christina Pek is recommended as a transfer to the assistant director of student services position at Bowling Brook High School. She has served as a special education teacher at BHS since 2018. Her experience in the special education department will be an asset as she advances into this role. So, congratulations [Applause] and 10.2 action for 10.2 is a job description review. We

005are requesting a waiver of second read and approval of the attach due to immediate need. Assistant director of finance performs functions under the supervision of the director of finance. The assistant director of finance assumes primary responsibility of supporting payroll and fiscal activities. A motion to move. Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? I have a question. Um, John, this new position, uh, will this position impact the district financially or how would it impact the position, uh, this position impact the district financially? Thank you for that question. Um, the administrative services team met, we reorganized the team where we're not increasing the amount of FTEEs, we're actually eliminating the position somewhere else. And this it would actually not it would be a savings to the district by the way we're reorganizing anywhere between 45 and $52,000

006to the district by the way we're restructuring this position. So FTE full-time equivalency I apologize. Yes. Okay. Thank you for the clarification. Thank you. If there's no further discussion a roll call vote would be in order for Sutherland. Yes. Member Burus, yes. Member Campbell, yes. Member Hyo, yes. Secretary Sakura, yes. Vice President Zach, yes. PresidentW Quigley, yes. Mr. Donado. Action for 10.3, resolution number 2538 is the authorization of dismissal of educational support personnel employees for reasons other than reduction in force. So move. Second. We have a motion and we have a second. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, hearing none. A roll call vote, please. Member Hy, yes. Member Campbell, yes. Member Burus, yes. Member Sutherland, yes. Secretary Sakura, yes. Vice President Zach, yes. President Quigley, yes. All right, moving down the agenda. Action items

00713. Dr. Wood. Yes. Tonight, we are seeking your approval of student discipline due process cases A and B as presented. A motion. So moved. Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? Roll call vote, please. Member Setterland, yes. Member Buris, yes. Member Campbell, no. Member Hy, yes. Secretary Sakora, yes. Vice President Zach, yes. President Quigley, yes. All right. Now, coming to the flip of the agenda. We are now in section 14. Correct. making sure we're on staying on top of it. Uh, at this point in time, I recognize Vice President Zach and Secretary Zakura for their long and uh, dedicated service to the board and to the community. Uh, if you guys want to join me up at the podium, that would be great. don't get over here very often. Um, before I get going here,

008I just want to really quickly thank them for their service, but also I see their spouses out there. Thank you so much for for lend lending your husband and your wife to the organization. Uh and I I know Deb's been with the school district for 40 47 years and Vic's been on the board for 12. Uh that's a lot of Monday nights and it's a lot of Wednesday afternoons and it's a lot of other things that they are out in the community doing and the dedication that they have to the community and the impact that they have made to the community to the Valley View community but also to the individual schools to students also to the number of folks that they just come in contact in the general public. Uh some days you can't

009go to the grocery store without getting a question and I know they know that and I appreciate all that you guys have done for the district. So with my heart most heartfelt gratitude, thank you from my soul. So with that said, ladies, first proclamation honoring Miss Deborah Sakura, Debbie Sakura. She's always Debbie for her dedicated service to the Valley View School District 365U board of education. Whereas Debbie Sakura has served with distinction as a member of the board of education Valley View School District 365U from 2013 to 2025 including her role as board secretary, demonstrating unwavering dedication, thoughtful leadership, and deep commitment to public education. And whereas Miss Sakura brought to the board of her invaluable experience as a retired middle school mathematics teacher, enriching her contributions with firsthand classroom insight and passion for academic

010excellence. And whereas her tenure has become marked has been marked by a steadfast commitment to promoting student achievement particularly in mathematics advocating for programs and policies that foster analytical skills and academic growth. And whereas Miss Sakura has been a fervent supporter of student athletics, attending countless events to cheer on at student athletes, recognizing the vital role that sports and and development of teamwork, discipline, and school spirit have with the district. Whereas the role of school board member demands extraordinary commitment of integrity and spirit and time of service requiring collaboration, vision and tireless efforts and addressing the educational needs of students, staff and families. And whereas Miss Sakura has consistently exemplified these qualities, earning the respect of the administration, her fellow board members, district leadership, educators, and the community at large. And whereas her leadership has

011left lasting impact on the lives of thousands of students and helped shape the direction and success of Valley View School District 365U. Now therefore, be it proclaimed by the board of education of Valley View School District 365 year hereby recognizes and extends its most heartfelt gratitude to Miss Debbie Deborah Debbie Sakura for her outstanding service, unwavering commitment to public education and wishes her continued success fulfillment in all of her future endeavors. [Applause] Thank you. And we have a lovely parting gift. Not only you get that proclamation, but you also get a clock with all the your years of service and all that kind of good stuff. So, I'm not I'm only going to pull one out. I'm not going to pull yours out, but there it is. So, and Mr. Score would like to address

012all y'all. Good evening, senior leadership, members of the board, and members of the community. I've always wanted to say that. I never get to. Okay. It is hard for me to believe that this is my last board meeting and my last night of being part of the Valley View community. After teaching in Valley View for 35 years and serving on the board for 12, I decided that after 47 years, I was never going to graduate. So, I might as well just move on. I would like to thank several people, so bear with me. I'd like to first thank my husband, Rich, and my children, Jackie and John. John's here tonight. They put Yeah, they put up with their [Applause] wife. They put up with their wife and mom putting in a lot of time preparing

013lessons, working dances and games, and attending many events. They are phenomenal. And my husband attended many events that he didn't necessarily want to. It wasn't, "Hun, do you want to go to this dance? Do you want to go to this?" It was, "Which night do you want to go?" And he came. Then the special people whom I encountered on the board. If you think for one minute that these members of the board don't care about your children, you couldn't be further from the truth. And they go above and beyond all the time for your children. I had been on the board about a year and a half and my f my mother passed away and the superintendent at the time and uh member Campbell drove two hours to be with me for the funeral. Member

014Zach encountered when we encountered CO 19. Member Zach made sure that my husband and I had Thanksgiving del delivered to our house. Then the last year, my husband's been in the hospital for about two and a half months, and there wasn't a day that went by that one of these board members did not text me or call me to see how he was or to see if I needed anything. Remember Quigley during CO? I forgot. Remember Quigley during CO showed up at my back door with toilet paper? You guys remember those days, right? When you needed toilet paper, forgot about that. And other supplies. Thank you. Um, member Sutherland Beduris called me all the time to see how things were going or take me to breakfast to make sure I was okay. I also want

015to thank principals, teachers, athletic directors, athletic trainers, lawyers, and superintendent Wood. their concern during this time, whether it be texting or sending over lunch to help out. You're the best. These are also the people that are in your buildings helping out your children day in and day out. To all the board, I can't thank you enough for your support, concern, and friendship throughout the 12 years. Lastly, I have wanted for years to make this next statement. I ask that all administrators, senior leadership, principles to get back in the classroom, get back in and teach once every couple weeks, once a month to remember what it was [Applause] like to handle hundreds of questions a day. discipline children, write passes, take attendance all while teaching and then after school they go work dances, they coach or

016they discipline children during dances and then the reward is they get to come back the next day and do it all over again. That's the reward they get. Take the time to remember what it was like to be in that classroom. Reward your teachers, if nothing else, with a compliment, a sheet of paper saying thank you, something that denotes that they are special. Once again, thank you for your support and encouragement the last 12 years. Please keep in touch. [Applause] I forgot all about the toilet paper thing, not going to lie. So, as Deb's making her way across the stage, um, the time that, by the way, she that was all written in hand notes and it was all in cursive, just for the record. I was trying to read it over your shoulder. I

017can read cursive. I can write it. But I was like, man, that's pretty good handwriting. But the times that you get those phone calls from somebody at 10:00 at night and you have to call board members and you explain things to them what's going on and then and she was always the first person to grab the phone and say, "Well, this probably isn't good." But then when the good the news was good, she was always one of the first persons to say, "This is great. Thank you for sharing." So Deb, you will be greatly missed. Rich, again, thank you for sharing. and the the entire family. Um, she will be greatly missed, but she's not going far. I know. All I got to do is go to a ball game and you'll be there. So,

018all right. Uh, now, Vice President Zack Proclamation honoring Mr. Mr. Victor Zach for his dedicated service to the Valley View School District 365U board of education. Whereas Mr. Victor Zach has served with distinction as member of the board of education from 2016 to 2025, including his role as vice president, demonstrating unwavering dedication, thoughtful leadership, and deep commitment to public education. And whereas Mr. Zach has con contributed countless hours to the oversight and advancements of a large unit district encompassing 21 school sites, championing the needs of diverse student population and ensuring equitable opportunities for all learners. And whereas throughout his tenure, Mr. Zach remained committed to the principle to the principle of leaving the district stronger than he found it, working to enhance educational programs, modernize our facilities, and support policies that will benefit future generations

019of Valley View School students. And whereas he has been a steadfast advocate for financial stewardship, ensuring that the district resources were used responsibly and transparently to support student success while safeguarding the long-term sustainability of p public education in this district. And whereas Mr. act prioritized expanding post high school opportunities by supporting initiatives that prepare students for both college and career pathways, including access to work-based learning experiences, vocational training that reflect the evolving needs of today's workforce. And whereas the role of schoolboard member demands extraordinary commitments of integrity and spirit of service qualities Mr. Mr. Zach exemplifies through his collaborative approach, clear vision, and tireless advocacy for students, staff, and families. And whereas Mr. Zach's leadership has left a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of students and has helped shape the direction and success

020of the Valley View School District 365U. Now, therefore, it be proclaimed that the board of education of Valley View School District 365U hereby recognizes and extends its deepest appreciation to Mr. Victor Zach for his exemplary service, steadfast leadership, enduring legacy, and wishes him a continued success and fulfillment in all future endeavors. You get the clock, too. Deb has summed it up really well. This is like a work family. The six of us, there's six of them. Over times, we would fight and argue, but we always agreed to disagree. It was always about the best. Um, truly, you're going to miss them because they do feel like my work family because when you're self-employed, you're always by yourself. So, I will miss you all. I would like to thank my wife Patty, my three children Darcy,

021her husband Juan, my grandson Gel, my boys Mitchell and Jeffrey for allowing me to spend the last eight and a half years on the school board, missing a lot of family gatherings and family time together. I wish the new board members success. I believe the board of education will continue to do what's correct for the community that we all live in and we all call home. I just want to touch on a couple of items that the board has done over the years in the past years that were important for the future of our children and the district. The first one is the village of Romeoville's early childhood center that was built. The parents and the children of this district are fortunate that we had the ability and the resources to build Bowling Brooks Early

022Childhood Center. This gives our earliest learners every opportunity to catch up and surpass the surrounding districts. We have raised our bond rating since we've been on the board [Music] together to a double A1. That's less than 39 school districts K through 12 in this district that have a higher rating than ours. We're equivalent to to a Neapville school district. That doesn't mean a lot to you people out there. What it does mean, it's like a credit score of 850 being perfect. It's about 820. We have one of the most diverse school districts in the state. We are one of the most diverse school districts in the country. The present board and the past boards had a vision and I hope the new board will continue the vision about diversity. It's what makes our children successful

023in life. I believe that the children that graduate from our communities, Bowling Brook High School and Romeoville High School, they have come from a diverse district. The rest of the world is diverse out there. They see nothing. That's the world they live in. That's why they'll succeed in the future. I wish the administration, the teachers, the staff the best. These are the children of the future generations coming. They des they deserve the best this community could give. Please, please leave the district in a better shape than you found it. Thank you everybody. [Applause] again. Patty, thank you for so much. very much appreciated and the [Applause] All right, moving down the agenda. We are now on for our agenda purposes 14.1 has been done. 14.2. A motion to adjourn this Valley View School Board siny

024die. For those of you who do not know what sin die means, it means end of all things in Latin. I need a motion. Move. Second. We have a motion and we have a second. All those in favor say I. I. Oppose. Same sign. The board is now adjourned. At this point, we will swear in the newly elected board members. And I believe Mr. O'Driscoll is going to come down and do that for us. So, the newly electeds, would you please come forth and get ready for a very long swearing in speech. This is part of state statute. swear that I will I will faithfully discharge duties of the officer member of the board of education with the Constitution of the United States. Constitution of the State of Illinois. Laws of the State of Illinois

025to the best to the best of my ability. Further swear I shall I shall respect taxpayers interest by serving as a faithful protector of the school district's assets I shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion my My fellow board members and others and others receive a hearing hearing before the board while respecting while respecting the privacy of students of students and employees. I shall recognize that a board member has no legal authority As an individual, decisions can be made only by a majority vote at a public board meeting. I shall abide by majority decisions of the board. I'll retain the right to seek in such decisions ethical and constructive channels. As part of the board of education, I shall accept I shall accept the responsibility for my role the equitable and quality education.

026every student in the school district. I shall foster avoid extensive participation of the community. Formulate formulate goals. Define outcomes. Set the course. Set the course. Community 365 view. I shall assist establishing a structure and an environment to ensure all students. All students have the opportunity obtain their maximum potential organizational framework. I shall I shall strive to ensure continuous assessment of student achievement and all conditions affecting the education of our children. compliance with state law. I shall serve. I shall serve as education's key advocate on behalf of students and our community school and our community schools to advance to advance the vision for Valley School District District 65 and second half. I shall strive to work together with the district with the district superintendent lead the school district for fulfilling the vision board has created fostering

027excellence fostering excellency for every student area of academic skills knowledge Citizenship citizenship personal and personal development. Congratulations. [Applause] Photoid. you. See, I told you it was a long speech. Swearing in done it enough times. Mr. O'Driscoll, thank you for that wherever you are. I know you're standing around here somewhere. All right. Uh, Madam Clerk, roll call of new of the board, please. Member Sutherland. Yes. Member Hy here. Member Campbell. Yes. Member Burus here. Member Pipkin. Yes. Member Member Shva. Yes. President Quigley. Yes. We have a quorum. At this time, I need a motion to nominate a president prom. I make a motion to nominate Steve Quigley, president prom. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, hearing none. A roll call vote, please. Member Hy, yes. Member Sutherland, yes. Member Voris, yes. Member Campbell, yes. Member Pipkin,

028yes. Member Schrova, yes. Memberwigley, yes. All right. Uh, now we need a motion to nominate the board president. I nominate Steve Quigley to be the board president. We have a motion and we have a second. Is there any discussion? Are there any other nominations? Seeing none, hearing none, nominations are closed. Madam clerk, roll call vote, please. Member Sutherland, yes. Member Hy, yes. Member Campbell, yes. Member Burus, yes. Member Pipkin, yes. Member Shrova, yes. President Promwigley, yes. All right. At this time, we need a nomination for the vice president of the board. I nominate Elizabeth Liz Campbell to be the vice president of the board. I second. We have a motion and we have a second. Are there any other nominations? Seeing none, hearing none. Nominations are closed for vice president of the board. Madame clerk,

029please take the role. Member Vader, yes. Member Campbell, yes. Member Hyle, yes. Member Sutherland, yes. Yes. Member Pipkin, yes. Member Shrova, yes. President Quigley, yes. All right, moving down the agenda. We need a nomination for We We need a nomination for board secretary. Uh I make a motion for Victoria Vicky Sutherland to be the board secret. Second. We have a motion and we have a second. Are there any other nominations? Seeing none, hearing none. Nominations for board secretary are now closed. Madam clerk, please take the role. Member Hyle, yes. Member Sutherland, yes. Member Beduris, yes. Member Pipkin, yes. Member Shrova, yes. Vice President Campbell, yes. President Quigley, yes. Moving down the agenda, I need a motion to appoint a board treasurer. I make a motion for Patty Areola to be the board treasurer. Second, no,

030that's board secretary. Oh, John Renish to be the board treasurer. Sorry about that. You need a Can you withdraw that nomination, please? I withdraw that nomination. Do we have a second to withdraw the nomination? Second. Okay, we have a motion and a second. All those in favor say I. Oppos? Same sign. You guys have it. Okay, now we need a nomination for board treasurer. I make a nomination for John Renish to be the board treasurer. Second. We have a motion and we have a second. Are there any other nominations for treasurer? Seeing none, nominations for treasure are now closed. Please take the role. Me clerk. Member Hy. Yes. Member Baderas. Yes. Member Pipkin. Yes. Member Schroa. Yes. Secretary Sutherland? Yes. Vice President Campbell? Yes. PresidentW Quigley? Yes. Now we need a motion to appoint the

031recording secretary for the board. Let me let me try this again. I make a motion to appoint the recording secretary, Patty Areola. Second. We have a motion and we have a second. Is there any discussion? And are there any other nominations? Seeing none, hearing none, nominations for board recording secretary are now closed. Can I have a roll call vote, please? Member Verurus, yes. Member Hy, yes. Member Pipkin, yes. Member Schroa, yes. Secretary Sutherland, yes. Vice President Campbell, yes. PresidentWigley, yes. All right. Congratulations to all and thank you for the confidence. You know, we only do this once every couple years. You'd think we'd have it figured out, but sometimes you hit a bump in in the road, right? All right, moving down the agenda. Student and staff recognition. Dr. Wood caught you off guard. By

032the way, this guy came out. I'm not I you care if I say something about your total knee replacement. He's limping along, but he's doing very well. So, thank you for making it here this evening. That's right. Certainly happy to be here to serve. Um tonight's teacher spotlight is Jennifer Cooper, prepare professional for secondary transition experience program. Um let's take a look and see what um Jennifer has to say. For this edition of Staff Spotlight, we have gone on the road, so to speak. We're at Juliet Junior College. We're with Jennifer Cooper, who is a paraprofessional at STEP. And the reason we're here, Jennifer, is because for a long time, the STEP students have run their own coffee shop in the STEP building at Brooks Middle School. And now you've taken the coffee shop on

033the road. So tell us a little bit about why STEPPP has taken on this task and what's the benefit to the students. Uh yes, it's a next level and this is an opportunity for the students to reach out to the community and show all of their excellent skills that they can uh show all the things that they can do. They can show that they have life skills, that they can serve, that they can make excellent drinks, that they can they can just show how they can show they have excellent um community and life skills, and that they can do all of these things. What you looking up? You did a great job. How you feel? Yeah, you did a great job. You going to make some cold brew today? Yeah. Yeah. I think we need

034to make some. You want to go get the container out and see how much we have left? Yeah, you get your gloves. Your gloves. And then you see where the container is. I'm actually a job coach. So, we teach we teach uh life skills and job skills. So, we're teaching them that um these are the things that you need to know to live your everyday life and to actually have a job. So in order to do these things, this is what you need to do every day of your life to have an actual job. I have always loved to work with kids always. I think it's been one of my passions. So that made me want to be with VBSD. I've always loved it. So the better question is though, you've been with us for

03522 years. So it's one thing to go to a place and say, "Yes, I think this is a place where I can work." It's another thing to stay. What makes you stay? You know what? I love the students and I think that I want to encourage them and let them know that you can be the best that you can be and also I feel like I learn from them all the time. I feel like they encourage me and not only do they learn from me, but I learn from them all the time. Tell us about the various different job roles you have had in your 22 years with VBSD. I have been uh oneonone. I have been an instructional aid. I have been a worked in stellar. Um I have I really enjoyed this being

036a job coach. I have um worked in the summer school program. I have done 21st century. I have worked with yry. I have um all of those all of those in this 22 years. You were recently named as one of the winners of the Illinois State Board of Education those who excel awards. What does that type of recognition mean for you? How many of each? I was very honored. I was very honored and surprised, but I was very honored. And it was such an honor to even receive that. I'm so grateful to even get that. I'm so grateful. I'd be so glad to attend that in in May. [Applause] So certainly um Jennifer is an outstanding um example of what it takes to um support um our students. Um and it is just amazing how

037dedicated the STEP team is to creating these um opportunities u to build our students work and life skills. And I also do also want to recognize the um businesses in Bowling Brook, Romeoville, um that if you were to go into any of the stores, you will see some of our students um at work um and doing quite well. So, thanks to um Jennifer, the STEP um administrative team, the STEP staff, and um just pair of professionals across the district for putting in um just tremendous work supporting our students. Thank you. [Applause] what he just said times 10. Uh if you've never had a chance, uh new board members, you need to take a tour of the STEP program. Uh much gratitude for all those who have been involved in that program for all these years.

038And if you're, you know, some of you kids that are sitting out there, it probably good, do you good to go check it out, too, because there's it's a it's a wonderful program. Uh, if you haven't toured it, you should probably do it. All right, moving down the uh agenda number six, treasures report. Mr. Renich, no report. I know it said that, but I figured you just got a point of treasure. Maybe you'd have something idea, you know, something you want to throw out there. All right, Dr. Wood consent agenda. Yes. Tonight we are seeking your approval of seven consent agenda items as presented. Um 7.1 board meeting minutes April 14th 2025. 7.2 executive session meeting minutes April 14th 2025. 7.3 gift to Jonah Sulk Elementary. 7.4 intergovernmental agreement new Linux district 122. 7.5 student

039activity contract adrenaline fundraising baseball high school. 7.6 Six. Student activity contract SNAP fundraising softball Bowling Brook High School 7.7 resolution number 2537 semi annual review of executive session minutes to determine need for continued confidential treatment and authorization of destruction of executive session tapes more than 18 months old. We have motion second. Motion and seconded. There any discussion? Roll call vote, please. Member Hy. Yes. Member Baderas. Yes. Member Shrova. Yes. Member Pipkin. Yes. As to 7.3 through 7.7. Abstain as to 7.1 and 7.2. Okay. Did you get that? I got it. All right. Secretary Solderland. Yes. Vice President Campbell. Yes. President Quigley. Yes. All right, moving down the agenda. Item number eight, board leazison reports. Any from my right? Any from my left? Oh, Secretary Southern push the button. There you go. There you go. Okay.

040So um on um April 17th um the safety work group met um for the purpose of having a tabletop discussion regarding re reuniting uh parents and children after an active shooter was present in their child's building. A tabletop discussion is basically participants gathered to discuss and explore a specific scenario or problem in order to evaluate plans, clarify roles, and identify potential issues related to an emergency procedure. Although we although we hope we never have to use such a plan, it's important and imperative to have a plan with every minute detail planned for and who is responsible for each of the assignments um and a step-by-step detail of every aspect of I can't stress that much as much as I can. It literally takes a village to plan for and to execute this plan um in

041as seamlessly as as possible. first responders, which would be our law enforcement and our firefighters and paramedics, community agency, different district departments to name a few, participated in the discussion. It always amazes me how much goes into planning and I appreciate all who are involved. Again, I want to thank Dr. uh Larry, director of safety and security, and his team for all the hard work that they put into it. So, thank you. [Applause] All right, student ambassador report. Jordan, if you would please. Good evening, board of education, fellow student ambassadors, and VBSD community. My name is Jordan Elizabeth Jumbra, and I am a senior student ambassador at Bowen Brook High School. Tonight, as a graduating senior, I have the pleasure of sitting on this board one last time. This experience has been nothing short of

042amazing and enlightening, and I am glad to have been a part of an atmosphere that allows my fellow students and I to have representation at a level that we had never imagined before. With that being said, I would like to thank Dr. Pascavage, Dr. Lennox, and Miss Joel for their support throughout this school year and their efforts to make sure that we are successful in our roles. In addition, I would like to thank Mrs. Chenise Artist, member Campbell or Vice President Campbell, and Mr. herder for advocating for students on this board. Now, on to a few announcements. On Wednesday, we held our senior honors concert. Congratulations to Laura Dogium, Ricky Salceto, V Victor Alvarez, and Denene Hernandez for winning their awards. Also, on Thursday, our National English Honor Society held their annual induction ceremony. Congratulations

043to all the new inductees and to the graduating class of 2025 for their accomplishments. This past week, RHS hosted the class of 2029 for their annual StepUp Day and had an engaging environment welcoming the future leaders of our district. This past weekend, BHS's Skills USA and Mathletes competed at state. Congratulations to all of our nationals qualifiers. This coming Wednesday, the BHS boys track team has a home meet. Please come out and support at Bowling Brook High School. In addition, the BHS marching raiders are having a fundraiser to help support our students pay for their lunches. Some of our ambassadors have flyers if you are interested in supporting them in any way. And also on the back table where the agendas were held, there's also flyers promoting this fundraiser. Lastly, BHS and RHS prom is held

044this weekend. Remember to stay safe and make smart decisions throughout this weekend. To wrap up, I'd once again like to express my appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of a group such as this one. I would also like to give a special shout out to the student board ambassadors, James, Isabelle, Hayden, Elanie, and Caitlyn, for their courage displayed at the last board meeting. They exemplified the importance of student voice and representation within our community and showed that students should always be given the space to advocate for themselves. I'm so grateful to have been able to share this experience with each and every single one of the student ambassadors. And one more piece for the students in our community. It is never a bad thing to be different. Being your true authentic self should

045never be met with hostility or punishment because our differences and uniqueness are the aspects that make all of us shine through it all. Keep being unapologetically you. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you, Jordan. Moving down the agenda, this is the audience participation. If you wish to address the board this evening, please state your name clearly for the record. Uh please kindly keep your comments to five minutes or less. We will have a clock going. Uh, also in light of some of the last meeting we had, I'm just going to say it. If you can't let the people who are at the podium talk to us and and have to say things, take it outside in the hallway have comments, we are here to hear what they have to say. You will be afforded that same courtesy.

046And if you will can't do that from inside this room, you will be asked to leave the room. Uh, I believe everybody has their right to be heard. And remember something, there are students watching this as well and hopefully they will hear from a couple students tonight. But I I do appreciate and we respect your input, but please make your comments towards the board. And we're not going to get into discourse back and forth between the speakers and the audience. This is not the forum for that. So, thank you. And first speaker, thank you very much. Good evening, BBSD board. My name is Elena Humphre and I want to first start with a congratulations to all the new board members sworn in tonight. We are so very glad that you're here and I hope you

047know that you're stepping into something truly special because this district, our district, has been leading with courage and compassion to make our schools safe for every student. I'm not here tonight as a stranger to this work. I'm not here just as the chair of Bowling Brook Pride. I am here as a mama bear. My child has relied on the support systems this district put in place. And I have seen with my own eyes how absolutely critical they are. Not just helpful, not just nice to have, literally life-saving. I've also had the incredible privilege of being a secondary mama bear to many young people over the years, especially those who didn't always have safe homes of their own or spaces to figure out who they were. I've watched these kids grow and thrive when they were

048encouraged instead of erased. When they were protected, not policed. When they were told in no uncertain terms, "You belong here." Let's talk facts, though. Despite what some groups might have you believe, there is zero evidence, none, in the entire state of Illinois that shows allowing transgender students to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender puts anyone in danger. In fact, a 2024 Trevor Project survey found that transgender and non-binary students who attended affirming schools where they had access to spaces that match their identity, like VVSD, were significantly less likely to experience suicidal thoughts or attempts. So, when we say affirming practices are life-saving, we're not being dramatic. What is dangerous is forcing these students into unsafe, isolating or dehumanizing situations. That's what leads to bullying, to mental health crisis, and to suicide. Transgender and

049gender non-conforming kids are not a threat. They are children, and they deserve safety and dignity just like every other student. Outside groups have come back again, spreading misinformation designed to stir up fear and division. Fear about what it means to support all of our students. But here's the truth. We've seen it before and we've already showed up because we know better. Because protecting kids isn't controversial, it's compassionate. This entire uproar started because of one student. one student in a school of over 3,000 in a district of roughly 16,000 kids. They called in outsiders to threaten our school board with monetary penalties. Penalties federal judges have already blocked. Our community isn't falling for it. We know who we are. We know you stand with our transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive youth. And we know that the

050loudest fear-mongering comes from voices outside of our district, not within it. BBSD has been doing the work quietly, steadily, and bravely, just like we should. Let me be clear, executive orders are not laws. And every executive order aimed at attacking transgender and gender non-conforming youth, partially, particularly those attempting to pull funding from schools, has already been blocked by a federal judge. States govern themselves, and here in Illinois, these orders do not override our legal protections, such as the Illinois Human Rights Act. They don't override the Constitution, and they certainly don't override basic human decency. So, please don't ever back down. You've been doing the right thing. Keep doing it. Keep protecting these kids like mine. Keep believing them. Keep showing up for them. And to any student listening tonight, especially our trans and non-binary youth,

051please hear me. You matter. You belong. You are not a problem to solve or a debate to be had. You are a human being with a future worth fighting for. And we've got your back. [Applause] Hi, next up. Please state your name. Good evening. My name is Tiffany Dembeck. Um, I have three kids in the Valley View School District. All right. And I apologize. I'm not a public speaker, but this is important. So, my daughter is braver than I am. She came out as transgender when she was eight. She was gender fluid from the moment she could express preferences and her coming out just made sense. It was the next step on her journey. I, on the other hand, waited until I was 30 to come out. At about 14, I realized that the way

052I felt about girls was the way my friends felt about boys. This was in the early 2000s and I didn't know anyone who was a part of the LGBTQ plus community. I knew the word gay only as an insult and I knew that I needed to forget about this part of myself. So I did. I forgot myself all the way into an 8-year marriage to a man. This was not purposeful forgetting. This I know now was my own shame, internalized homophobia, and self-hate. If I ignore it, it's not true. Eventually, that secret that I kept from everyone, even myself, surfaced when I finally said those words, "I'm gay." It felt like the truest thing I had ever said. And my 8-year-old daughter paved the way for me. She came out two months before I did.

053My coming out story has a happy ending. My daughters does as well. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. I work at a residential treatment center and I see what happens to trans kids who aren't able to show up authentically in this world. Their community, their school, their family rejects them, so they reject themselves. They become trans adults who use male adaptive behaviors to try to push away that part of themselves to make it not exist. And when that becomes too much, they seek treatment and begin the journey to healing that trauma to healing that trauma and living as themselves. Awake Illinois, is this what you want for our kids? I'm gathering from the last board meeting that many of you have kids of your own. So why are you here spewing hate at others

054kids and creating an increased risk of risk of exactly this? Thankfully, this school board and district have policies in place that keep our schools and our K and our trans kids safe. There are more of us than there are of you, and we will continue to show up and continue to fight. I don't usually give speeches in public. However, I would be doing my daughter a disservice if I didn't speak up tonight. She won't be erased, and I won't be silenced. [Applause] Thank you for your comments. Next, please. Hey there, my name is Bob Scarina. I have uh three kids. You probably remember me from last time because you made the announcement about what I was doing. Uh I didn't think I'd have to follow Debbie, unfortunately. So, this isn't as good as it should

055be, but she did make a great point about everything that teachers do daytoday, day in day out in that classroom. So, how anybody thinks that teachers have a chance to brainwash your kid into the trans agenda is just nuts. But, uh, tonight I'm here, as before, with the same love for my kids, disdain for transphobia, and a better understanding of the opposition. I've been able to do a bit of research on them and listen to their remarks here and at other stops on their Bigot Palooa 2025 tour and all I have to say about what I've learned is yikes. The weaponized ignorance is astounding and the worst of all it's willful ignorance. I mean it's 2025 any ignorance is going to be willful. So with that in mind fact the regret rate for knee replacement

056surgery is around 4.8 8%. Regret rate for hip replacement surgery is from 13 to 33%. I should know I've had one knee replaced and both hips. It is not a fun experience. However, gender affirming care, including surgery, has a regret rate around 0.5%. Fact. The existence of transgender people in public spaces predates the discovery of plate tectonics. Fact, more than 50% of transgender individuals have reported being assaulted. According to a Harvard School of Public Health anonymous survey of more than 3,600 youth ages 13 to 17, transgender and non non-binary teens face a higher risk of sexual assault when forced to use bathrooms and locker rooms that do not match their gender identity. Fact, it is not the trans people who are doing the assaulting. Fact, if you're worried about men in the girls bathroom, your

057problem isn't with trans people, it's with men. And as one, I get it. I was raised in the 80s. We get it. And a fact, threats are the language of the weak. The opposition speaks only one language. I could go on, but I know that my friends are eager to share their views and figures and facts. And facts uh seem to be the theme of my remarks tonight. I guess it's fitting that we're in a school right now. Facts are important. That's what schools are for. If only the classrooms weren't locked right now. the opposition and I maybe we could go seek out a math room where they could learn facts that about numbers and how none of them since November 5th, 2024 have resulted in anyone having a mandate for anything. Then we could

058venture to an English classroom, look up the distance between or the difference rather between causation and correlation and get a crash course in pronouns while we're at it. next to history classroom to learn about what the founding fathers actually said regarding a country still in its infancy and then flip forward a few hundred years and learn about Stonewall and the pioneering yet controversial work of people like Harvey Mil. If we have time we can even look up what in a historical sense what it means to be woke. Lastly, we could visit a science classroom. And this would be my favorite. There, between the mitochondria and the aforementioned plate tectonics, we could see that gender is at its base a social construct and that sex is in no way binary. With any luck, perhaps it'll finally

059click with some folks that maybe we didn't learn all we needed to know about one another in sixth grade. And just because you graduate from school doesn't mean you stop learning. Our kids seem to understand this. But that's only a positive if we let them speak their mind and live their truth. Because children aren't our property. They don't belong to us. The sooner some in this room acknowledge that, the better the next generation will be. Check your ego. One last fact. Most trans kids know that they're trans between the ages of three and seven. My daughter and Tiff's daughter, she knew around two and a half years old. She knew. I didn't. I didn't know what the heck I was doing. But as I often tell my kids even today, I'm not smarter than you.

060I just know different things. and the things our kids know that we don't, those are the things that will make all the difference. Thank you for your time. Thank you. [Applause] Hi, please state your name. My name is Timothy Antel. Um, I hadn't planned on speaking this evening, but after seeing the love and support coming from the community members here, I just wanted to stand up here and add my voice to all of those that are um requesting the board to reaffirm their support for our trans youth in the community. Um, and again, just wanted to say thank you for everything. Uh, thank you for the community and uh, thank you [Applause] Hi, please state your name. Uh, my name is Reverend Suzanne Anderson Hurdle and I'm using my title because I earned it and

061because I watched the last board meeting and was concerned with some of the things that I heard put out by uh fellow Christians. Some of you on the board know me. I've been in this district since 1998. All three of our children, the oldest of which is going to be 33 and the youngest 26, uh have been through the entire district. I pastored a church in Romeoville for almost 20 years that was the only, to the best of my knowledge, the only church in this community that was publicly and very boldly welcoming of all God's children and in particular those in the LGBTQ plus community. And I'm proud to say that that has continued as I now serve a church in Lockport that's the same. I read the complaint and I will tell you my

062husband and I sat through the last board meeting in our kitchen eating dinner. I kept thinking he was going to not want to watch, but he kept wanting to watch and I wasn't going to come tonight. I had a pretty rough day at my chaplain job in one of the hospitals around here. And then I realized on my drive here that too many people fought too hard for me to get lazy and say I was too tired to be here. So here's what I want to say. I'm not an expert on the Constitution, but I have a lot of experience with people. I've had the privilege of being a parent of this district and as a substitute. I have learned so much from our kids, including my own. I grew up and graduated high school

063in 1987. Yes, that makes me 56. I had a very dear friend that was gay but couldn't come out. Throughout my time in college, I started to see things changing, but it was clear that there were still much for us to learn from our young people. When my daughter came out as queer, I was like, "We can't use that word. That's not a good word. That's a slur for us." And she said, "Mom, we're taking it back." She has been a um an amazing brave young woman and has taught us so much and her grandparents are fully supportive of all of our children. One of the reasons why we went into this district, not just because my church was here, but we wanted a district that represented the diversity of this United States. And I

064will say it's much more diverse now than it was back then. and it thrills me to no end. I also want to say in the complaint that I want to commend the dad for speaking up for his daughter, for bringing up an issue that he felt strongly about. I think all of us as parents want to do our best to protect our children. I continued to read though and saw that there was more going on there. And maybe this is where Awake Illinois got involved because it became about more than just this man's daughter feeling uncomfortable in that bathroom. And this is where I just want to focus for one minute. The idea of not having rainbow flags or not having DEI or not using pronouns in email signatures are so insignificant in so many

065ways. For the ones that need to see them, they are a bright light of hope. And for those who don't want to see them, they can look away. I read on there that they wanted to change uh that it should be Good Friday. I was one who came to the board years ago as a pastor and said it should not be called Good Friday because we are not a Christian nation. We are a nation of all and none. And that is what the board should reflect as well. years ago, I was proud to be part of an anti-bullying task force in the district when our youngest was at RC Hill. And unfortunately, we wanted to do the week, but our former superintendent heard from a handful of parents who were concerned because the organization Glisten

066was the backing of that um anti-bullying effort and we weren't allowed to do it and I was crushed. So, I want to thank you. I'm super emotional today. It was a rough day at work. I cannot tell you how proud I am to be in this place and see how much you all have grown as a board and as a district. I want young people and adults who care about each other, who can sit and talk to each other, even if they don't agree on everything. They are leading us. And I pray every day and send up good thoughts to the universe and put good love and hope out there that we will listen to all of the voices and always remember the ones who need us most need all of us behind them. I

067thank every parent for speaking last time and I want you to know we heard you and that's why I'm here tonight. Thank you so much. [Applause] Hi. Please state your name for the record. My name is Peter Rivera. And what is it? Peter Rivera. Peter. Got it. Thank you. Uh, and I'm a resident and taxpayer of the district. Unlike Shannon Adcock, who does not live here, does not pay taxes here, and does not represent us. The only resident she could find to stand with her is someone who has repeatedly made an absolute fool of himself before the board. at one point wearing a piece of cloth on his head in some sort of ethnic mockery. Shannon Adcock refuses to denounce it. She refuses because she agrees with it. She has also refused to denounce the

068violent, hateful rhetoric of the extremists she surrounds herself with, groups like the so-called Moms for Liberty, because she agrees with them, too. This is a group whose members say things like, and I quote, "If I had any mental issues, they would have been plowed down with a gun by now." That's what they say. That's the level of extremism that Adcock stands alongside without apology. Their bigotry is her bigotry. Their tactics are her tactics. And history gives us the clearest warning about what happens when people like this are allowed to fester unchecked. Julius Striker was one of the most infamous propagandists of the Nazi regime. He didn't command armies. He didn't run death camps. He used words. Words to dehumanize. Words to incite. Words to prepare the ground for violence. For that he was tried at

069Nerburgg, convicted of crimes against humanity and executed. Because words have consequences. Because incitement has consequences. Because silence in the face of evil has consequences. Today we are facing a modern version of that same poison. Shannon Adcock is a modern-day Julia Striker. She doesn't have to make the threats herself. She paints the targets. She winds up the mob. She steps back, pretending her hands are clean while others carry out the hate that she fuels. Let's look at Downer's Grove. After a Wake Illinois whipped up hatred over a teen drag event, the library didn't just receive angry messages. They received death threats. Someone mailed them a bullet. And what did Shannon Adcock do when the terrified staff canled the event? She celebrated. She called it a victory. She reveled in the fear and the chaos she helped

070unleash. And it doesn't stop there. Her followers last week photographed children, minors, with the intent to intimidate just because they dared to stand up at a public meeting and speak against her hate. children being targeted simply for having the courage to speak. Adcock falsely accuses others of being groomers while saying nothing about her own supporters behaving like predators. And if you think giving up to this movement will stop the attacks, think again. Just two two weeks ago, another Awake Illinois speaker stood before this board and ranted not just about transgender women, but apparently against any tall women or women with large shoe sizes. Their paranoia knows no bounds. And if you give them what they want today, it'll be something else tomorrow. Anyone who doesn't fit their narrow, hateful definitions of femininity or masculinity will

071be next. We've seen this pattern before. Every argument now being used against transgender people is identical to the arguments used against gay people. They make us feel uncomfortable in the locker rooms. They're asking for special rights. Think of the children. All lies then. All lies now. This was never about safety. It has always been about exclusion, dehumanization, and fear. And if you give in now, you will be asked to give in again and again and again until there's nothing left. You are not dealing with people who want dialogue. You are dealing with people who want submission. We know from history what happens when good people try to appease hate. Good people didn't stop Striker by giving him what he wanted. They didn't stop him by saying staying polite. They stopped him by fighting back. They

072fought back against hatred. They fought back against lies. They fought back against fear. And I urge this board, fight back. Fight for every child. Fight for every family. Fight for the very soul of this community. Thank you. [Applause] All right. Please state your name. Hello, my name is Johnny Rice. I live in Romeoville. I'm a gay man. I went to Valley View School District for 12 years. Graduated Romeoville High School in 1997. So, I just want to show to the students you're in a good district. They molded me. I'm here. And I'm still queer. So, I just want to say tonight, you will grow up to be fabulous. You're in the right community. Live, laugh, and stay fabulous. It's getting warm outside and I don't sweat, I sparkle. Good night. Hi, please state your name,

073where you're from. Name's Adam Navy. Uh, graduate of Bowlingberg 2002. Um, also in 1997, my dad passed away. I wanted I'm so sad to see Miss Sakora left already. I just wanted to wish her a really good retirement uh as well. Uh cuz I she was one of the people who was there that 1997 day that my dad's funeral was there and she was there. And in that time frame, I had wrote in a card to my dad pretty much saying that I was gay before I was even completely comforted. Uh like I couldn't take it. Uh, it took a lot longer for me to come out publicly, but I was in the shadows hiding my demons, doing whatever I could just to stay quote unquote straight. Uh, I dated a girl who was very

074physically abusive and I just said enough is enough. I didn't have a date to prom that year for my senior year. I didn't go to prom. Uh instead, I went to dinner with a friend and the friend pretty much knew that something was up with me and I told her my secret. She said, "It doesn't change who you are. You're still my friend and just keep your head up and you'll keep on going. Well, it took until after my high school graduation in 2002 on that very hot summer day in June. Um, yeah, it was like 97 degrees out and the graduation was totally outside. H, but what can I say about history? Um, the year that I started kindergarten with Valley View was 1989. Uh, that year I believe was the final year of

075the USSR in what we call now Russia. Um, see things could change. Political lines change, parties change, countries change. There's no longer Yugoslavia as well. and that happened about in fourth and fifth grade when that war took place. I just want to say that history has more or less been on the side of progress and with this school board and with this school district I should say I'm glad that I'm seeing the progress forward. any chance of running backwards. I don't see that with this place. It's why I left living in Orlando for about three years to come back here because here felt like home. Living in Orlando at the time. I was on it was under Jeb Bush, governor. And I just saw a whole lot of like messes. They had their school districts

076to done totally weird and everything wasn't right. It didn't feel like home. So I came back here to my home and as a lifelong Bowling Brook resident other than those three years in Orlando, I've considered Bowling Brook my home. And also I just want to say that I am one of the co-founders of Bowling Brook Pride. And it took a lot of coaxing from my friend to tell a story on Facebook one day. Story being the former mayor of Bullyberg was a homophobic idiot. Let's just use that word. Uh and I had a couple people see that message and message me privately. It's with not a doubt. Thank you, Elena, for helping Byber Brook Pride be the best uh organization that got fostered in this time frame. And I just want to say, kids, keep

077it up. You're the future. Let them laugh and lead the way. Thank you. [Applause] Hi there. Please state your name, where you're from. My name is Carli Zabinski and I've been a teacher at Jane Adams Middle School for the past 21 years. And I am also the co-sponsor of our school's GSA. And I wanted to say I support our school district and you, our board, in your commitment to following the Illinois Human Rights Act and protecting our trans students rights. I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart and I am so proud to be an educator in this wonderfully diverse community. Thank you. [Applause] Hi, please state your name. Where you from? Allison Wald and I live here in Bowling Brook. Uh have been a resident for 22 years. Um again, I feel

078like I'm going to be here at every meeting speaking, but I don't plan to really. Um again, I want to thank you guys um so very much for being supportive of trans students. My son Charlie is a trans student and um I I welcome anybody who questions, you know, trans students to come talk to me. Uh live in walk in my shoes, walk in my son's shoes. Um it's it's scary. Um I I've always worried about my child always. now that he's out as a trans child, it's even more worrisome of being a target of many people and things. Um, and so I appreciate the school board and the school district being very supportive and especially Carly Sabinsky who um has had an a profound impact on our family just being so supportive and helpful.

079Thank you again. [Music] [Applause] Hi, please state your name, where you're from. Good evening. My name is Ameilia Bumer. For 22 years, I have been a Bowling Brook resident, a District 365U resident, parent, and an ally to the LGBTQ community. Um, I support our district board, teachers, and staff in their commitment. So, thank you very much for following the Illinois Human Rights Act and protecting trans students rights for those wanting change from the board. What are they truly hoping for? The request is for a punitive policy, right? How could that even be enforced other than with fear? Those people thinking that students should report on other students would just be handing bullies tools to harass, intimidate, and embarrass other students by reporting them, whether they're actually trans or not. Anyone who does not conform to

080stereotypes could be targeted. Students who may need gender affirming care are protected by the board's wise decision. I have a child who has had to receive hormones on a monthly basis for years, they had to get that to trigger puberty since due to medical reasons, they don't actually make it, right? And they'll never make it, right? They'll never make those hormones that they need. They are in fact cisgender, but due to their issues, they could easily become one of those targeted people because they simply do not conform to gender stereotypes. Trans students are no different than my child. No one is asking them to be different. No one is making them be different. They just are. And they have to write the right to be who they are just as any other human being. We

081all deserve to be respected. No one is asking for unreasonable accommodations. My child understands justice and equal rights for all. My child has gotten many accommodations due to medical issues, for heart issues, and more, right? They help. So, thank you very much board members for giving all students the dignity they need to succeed because that is the goal of this board is to give students what they need to succeed. Thank you. [Applause] Hi there. Please state your name where you're from. Hi, I'm Moren Ornellis. I've been a resident of Romeoville for the past 25 years. I've sent all four of my children through the Valley View School District. I want to thank the board, thank the district, sorry, for really looking out for the kids that when they go home don't have the parents to

082look out for them. These children need a safe place. They need somewhere where they can feel that they can thrive. They can be their true unique self. And who am I or anybody else to tell them that they can't be who they are and who God made them to be? Cuz my God doesn't make [Applause] mistakes. Sorry. I remember when my youngest daughter, who's a member of the LGBTQ community, had many friends who didn't feel safe at their own homes. A home should be the safest place for students. And thank God we have a board like you and a district like you that gives them a safe space to go to every day where they can feel accepted and loved and included and to be who they are. I think a lot of this, as

083with anything, life goes down to the fear of the unknown. The opposing group bringing this lawsuit as a fear of the unknown. Do I know everything about the LGBTQ community? No. But I'm willing to learn. I'm willing to listen. I'm willing to open my mind. And I'm willing to to have that experience and accept these people for who they are the same way they accept me for who I am. Cuz some people might not think I'm their cup of tea. But you know what? I'm still a human being and I deserve dignity and respect and so do these trans students. So I want to thank the board. I want to thank everybody that comes out to support everyone. And please, please don't do a disservice to the children cuz they truly are our future. And

084the way they're treated now has long listing ramifications on their life. Treat them with kindness. Treat everyone with kindness. Everybody out here. Life's too short. Don't raise your blood pressure getting angry. It's not worth it. I love everyone. We are all God's children. and God bless and thank you. [Applause] Hi, please state your name where you're from. Jim Fischer. I am a resident of Bowling Brook. I have a student in the school now. I had two that graduated from this school. I want to welcome the new board members. I believe there's three net new. one one more tour of duty. So that's good for everybody. Uh if I say anything about the board in the past, please ignore that because you inherit this. You inherit what they did and what they did not do. So

085hopefully we can get you guys down the line to support the community that you signed up to do. And I appreciate the time you spent to do what you do here today. My pronouns are father, as I said before, Rosa Parks, and Donald Trump is our president. I do want to clarify, there is no lawsuit up against this board right now. The lawsuit took place a couple of years ago when parents came to this board and said, "Hey, take the mask off my children." And you said, "No." And so the parents got together with the organization that I'm going to talk about in a little bit and we won the lawsuit. The masks came off. Right now you have a grievance sitting before you about inappropriate use of female bathrooms taking away women's rights. You

086also have a formal civil rights complaint against you that basically says the same, but it focuses more on titles nine that you are violating. I'd also like to thank Shannon and the Awake Illinois organization for partnering with me to do this. I found a winner. I brought her to town. We're gonna win on this one, too. She I also thank all the people that contributed their stories, their feedback uh on Title 9 support. So, it's not just the folks that made it to the room, which is great because we get to hear their opinion. Well, we are watching for the federal agents to descend on this town where we will share with them how you under a dark cloak of secrecy stole women's rights. We will be preparing additional evidence of wokeness and weakness on

087the previous board. Hopefully, this board's better. For example, the same board that lowered the American flag that you see as you came in and as you leave today at half mass to honor Pope, a religious figure Francis, his death perial order by President Donald J. Trump cannot f but you cannot follow a second presidential order issued by the same president that states there are only two biological sexes in this country reconfirming the text and the intent of title nine. I am a father here to reinstate women's rights for my child and for any other child that's a female in this school district for locker rooms, bathrooms, and showers at Valley View School District. Also, for all of you who have interests in the American flag, President Trump wants to put a 100 foot flag in

088front of the White House. So, there's there's some feedback from you guys about flags, but I have one more notice to give to you guys. Today, the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, has found that University of Pennsylvania violated Title Nine of the Education Amendments of 1972 by permitting males to compete in women's intercolgic athletics and occupy women only intimate facilities. Thank you for your time. [Applause] Hi, please state your name. Where you from? Hi, I'm James Estrada. I'm from Rome Romeoville. I'm a Romeoville High School student. I'm a senior. I'm about to graduate in a couple of weeks. Um I spoke at the last meeting and uh I just wanted to come up here um to address two things. First, um I know I can't speak for every student, but I can

089speak for majority of the students at RHS and at BHS and understanding that we all love and accept each other. In every message that I send, every way that I talk to my to the fellow students, I call everybody family because we are a family. So, I wanted to address that and conform that. However, that's not the reason why I came up here tonight. Tonight, I came up here to address something that was introduced at the federal level. that was bringing back the term Columbus Day. Now, I'm taking a very fortunate class in our district called social justice where we learned a lot about Columbus. And I would like to bring this up to the board and kind of get your feedback on how we're going to ensure that it's no longer referred to as

090Columbus Day, but rather Indigenous People's Day, because we are all aware of we're Thank you. We're all aware of the atrocities um that had resulted as a result of Columbus coming uh coming to the new world. Now, there's a lot of different opinions about it. However, I feel like Indigenous People's Day is a great way to respect it. So, thank you for allowing me to be up here. I won't take any more of your time, but I would just like to bring that up to the board and kind of get your feedback on that. Thank you for your comments. [Applause] Hi there. Please state your name, where you're from. Hello, my name is Isabelle Scott and I am a current student at Bowling Brook High School. First, I would just like to say that all

091of us are human and that every child has a place in every single one of our classrooms. Something I am a major advocate for is that every child needs a proper education, a proper, equal, and just education. And as uh Jordan said, um there is no place for hate in our schools and all students must be welcome in the district. And I would like to thank the district for ensuring that they have made sure that students are welcome in our classrooms. Once again going back to the fact that we are all human, we have to speak for each other. There is a very famous poem that I saw for the first time. exiting the Holocaust Museum in DC when I was in fifth grade. For those of you who don't know it, it was given

092by a Lutheran pastor in occupied Nazi Germany. He said, "First they came for the communists and I did not speak out because I was not a communist. Then they came for the socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, but I did not speak out for I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me. We have to speak for each other. Even if this doesn't impact you personally, it will impact you one day. You have to fight for what you believe is right. And everyone has the opportunity to fight for what they believe

093is right. Make sure that your voice is heard and it's heard respectfully. Thank you. [Applause] Respectfully. Thank you. Hi there. Please state your name where you're from. Hello again everybody. I am Hayden. I am a proud Raider and one of VVSD's student ambassadors. I would just like to thank the board for forming a district that molds students to be empathetic intelligent individuals who can come to recognize when injustice and hate is spreading. I'm here up again because it seems that people in this room did not get the message last time. So I thought I'd come up and hear and say it again in simplest terms. It is really weird that grown people, adults are the ones that were our leaders are concerned what is in minors pants. Secondly, trans women and men have never been

094a threat in schools or in my life. I have met several trans people within BHS and they are some of the most intelligent and impactful people I have ever met. Many of my peers have been made to feel uncomfortable and this district has supported all students. I hope that this remains this way to support all students. As my AP US history teacher said again, Miss G, love you taught me, Title 9 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex and education programs and activities receiving federal funding. As a female living in the United States, I have in my school for the 13 years probably I've been educated, never been discriminated based on my sex because of a trans woman or a man. I get the same opportunities as all my other peers. And

095that's not something I'm ashamed to admit. And I think that's something we should recognize that's within this district. What you are trying to do actually violates this law. you're pushing out and excluding such a small minority community all because it makes you feel better about yourselves and more comfortable. Lastly, since many people seem to be confused about legal legalities and what is right and wrong in this situation, I thought I'd say it say it loud and in plain simplest terms. The Constitution of the United States states that every person has inalienable rights that should never be infringed on. What you are doing is infringing. And to close this out, I would like to thank all the advocates and adults in VBSD who continue to stick up and create a safe space for our communities most

096vulnerable like the ones on the board. So I thank you and I would like you all to know that when you look back these days in the future and many days to come, you are on the right side of history. Thank you. Have a good night. [Applause] Hey there. Please state your name, where you're from. Hello, I'm Ryan. I'm from Romeoville, uh, Illinois. I, uh, I'm a graduate of Romeoville High School. Still live here at the moment. Um, I want to, uh, uh, thank you, the district as well. Uh, I had a pretty good time, uh, as a student, uh, all 12 years in the district. And, uh, I thank you for the policy that, uh, it seems you currently have. Uh, I admit I'm not that familiar with it, but if it's protecting trans

097people and the LGBTQ plus uh youth and people in general, uh, that's pretty cool. So, let's keep that going. Uh, I showed up a little late from work, so I apologize if I uh repeat some things that other folks have said, but I do want to uh try to go against some things that other folks have said. Um, one thing uh about the like trans bathroom or trans sports or whatever uh debate is usually just focusing on trans women or trans boys and that's because uh people that are anti-trans are viewing it very simply and this is crude terms that I don't exactly agree with but it's just a man that is uh a woman and and they view it as a man that is uh they think a trans woman is a man that

098is just like growing out their hair maybe or throwing on a wig and throwing on a dress cuz they want to go into the bathroom and hear a women use the bathroom. Uh, that's a lot of work, dude. That's a lot of work to go do that. Uh, it seems that the problem isn't with trans women. It's that, uh, people on that side of the, uh, issue think that it's just a man going to great lengths to be creepy to a woman. Uh, let me say that again. They think it's a man going to great lengths to be creepy to a woman or to a girl. Well, that's not a trans issue. That's a man issue, dude. That's, you know what I mean? Uh and uh we never also talk about trans boys and trans

099men. It's always to serve women's rights, always to serve girls' rights. But there are trans boys, there are people, again in crude terms that are not exact, a girl who is now a boy, right? There's a trans boy. And so if there were to be some sort of punitive policy or policy that says like you have to uh use the bathroom that coincides with whatever it says on your birth certificate, whatever sex it says on your birth certificate, if there was some sort of policy that if it says female, you have to use the girl's bathroom, then a trans boy, again, someone who was a girl and is now a boy, trans boy has some private parts that are female perhaps, and so you're making a boy use the girl's bathroom. Oh, that's kind of

100the whole problem that we came up with this. You know what I mean? Uh whole problem that led to this. So, what what then would happen with a policy like that is that there would be boys in the girl's bathroom. And on the flip side, there would be girls a a a boy who is now a girl. There would be a girl who maybe outwardly presents as others have said, who expresses themselves, I am a girl or I am a boy in the wrong bathroom, which you do not want, right? You don't want them in the wrong bathroom. Well, guess what? If you have a policy like that, there's going to be a lot of people in the bathroom that like you're wanting the the opposite thing, man. Like, if you don't want boys in

101the girls' bathroom, you're going to get them in the girls' bathroom. I'll say it again. The lengths that men will go to be creepy towards women is that they're going to take some hormones and throw on a dress. They can walk into the bathroom at any time. I got to poop a lot of the time, and sometimes there's only one stall in the men's bathroom. You can go in the girls' bathroom. And guess what, dude? I'm trying to get out of there as fast as I can. I don't want anyone hearing me, regardless of the gender. Yeah. So, dude, dude, it's a bathroom. And if that's even one little bit that a a trans kid needs to feel affirmed about who they are, you don't get to tell them who they are. You don't get

102to tell them who they are, man. I was a from when I was 7 to 17, I had really long hair. I I'm I'm a boy. I'm a sis dude. You don't know what that means, probably, but I I'm a boy. And um I had really long blonde hair. And a lot of times I'd be in the bathroom washing my hands, a little 10-year-old, and some dude would walk in and then they'd like freeze and they look check on the door and they're like, "Oh, okay. I'm in the right spot." Uh maybe this is just like a kid with long hair or it's a girl and and and she made the mistake. So what happens if there's a policy and I'll wrap up. What happens if there's a policy that we can just decide based

103on how you look? If I'm some authority or some authority comes in on me as a 10-year-old with long hair, I'm a boy. I am a boy and I have long hair cuz that's how I want to express myself. But some like authority figure comes in and is like, "Hey, someone said that there's a girl in here and you look like a girl to me cuz you have long hair." Then I'm deciding what you are. I'm deciding who you are. And that's what we want to do. And then what if I go with my long hair? No, I'm a boy. I'm a boy. I'm a boy. Right? Because I I'm a boy. And then what's going to happen with some sort of policy where what someone has to check? You want someone to check? How's

104that protecting children? How's that protecting girls? How's Yeah. Smile at me, dude. Smile at me, dude. Yeah. Keep your federal agents out of our school. Keep it out of this town. Keep any of those federal fascists out of here. Get your fascist self out of here, dude. Sorry. Thank you very much again for your uh for your stuff. You taught me well at this place. You taught me well. You taught me well here. Thank you. My name is Eric Reeb. I use he him pronouns. I grew up in district attending Jonas Elementary Middle School and I graduated from BHS. I now live in Oak Park. I am not here as a trans person defending my human rights. Nor am I am I here as the father of a trans person protecting the rights of my

105child. I'm here as an alum of BHS. You may remember me from a couple of weeks ago when I read from a list of demands for Valley View that Awake Illinois had posted to their website. These demands were so ridiculous that after hearing them read out loud, Shannon Adcock threw Flagpole Fisher under the bus and said, "That's not our list." Meaning the list published on their website on their letterhead. Last month, I called them crackpots and bigots. And I want to apologize. I didn't know that the board already knew some of these folks so well. At least a quick run through the school district's YouTube channel showed me that at least one of these people has put in a lot of time to let the board know what a crackpot and crank they are. So,

106I apologize for pointing out the obvious at the last meeting. Board, thank you for defending all of the students. I'm here to remind you that no matter how loud one voice is, there is a larger community out here. parents, students, staff, and even alumni who support you. Thank you. [Applause] Hi, please state your name. Hi, my name is Cameron Micah. I'm a Bowling Brook resident. I am a transgender man. I was here at the last meeting to speak about my experience. I came out at 16 years old and began transitioning 14 years ago. Um, I don't have a big speech this time. I wasn't really planning to speak, but I just wanted to thank the board for holding strong against intimidation and threats. I came in here last time feeling angry and scared for trans

107youth, only to be utterly overwhelmed by the level of community and board support. Coming back here tonight, the 16-year-old in me is in awe. In awe of not only a school board, but the vast majority of a community that loudly and openly supports people like me. I I had supportive friends in my community, but I absolutely did not have non-LGBTQ peers who would speak for my community the way these incredible student ambassadors have done tonight. Um, from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of that scared 16-year-old boy, thank you for standing firm and continuing to carry some of the burden that has been placed on these vulnerable children. You are without a doubt changing their lives for the better. Thank you. [Applause] Hi, please state your name. Where you from? Charlotte Dugan, 164

108Cabberry Road in Bowling Brook. I was here two weeks ago, but I feel like I'm compelled to come up and talk again because I see a lot of teachers that I'm very familiar with. So, besides being a retired third grade teacher, I am also a lay community minister in a church in Joliet. And on a Sunday when I was leading the worship service, a family of four children and a mom came in just before we were getting started. And one of the little people was dressed in a sparkly dress with sparkly little shoes. Looked like may have been four or five years old, hopping around happy as can be. We were having a worship service to support our gender explorers group and they just seemed to happen on that miraculous day because for that worship

109service I was reading the book Jacob's New Dress and that little person was sitting there smiling away in that little person's outfit for the day. But that was probably maybe the first time that that little person saw a book that reflected his little personhood. And afterwards, I talked to the mom and her four kids. And it was a family struggling without a dad in the home, a mom with three other kids who was so happy for somebody in a church to acknowledge her child and their family that was struggling. So, as a former teacher, got to tell you how important the literature is that you have in your classroom. And my very two favorites are Holly Has Two Mommies and Jacob's New Dress. [Applause] Please state your name, where you're from. My name is Mark.

110I might just remind could when when you any speakers are up here, please address the board. Thank you. No problem. My name is Mark Palmer. I'm a 55-y year resident of Romeoville, a 1987 graduate of Romeville High School, the father of three graduates of Valley View, and a proud member of this community. Um, first thing I'd like to say is I'm a little bit alarmed. Um, the bravery of some of the people had to speak today. And the reason I'm alarmed is because they have to be brave. Why do they have to be brave? Because there's fear. Because there are real threats to their lives, to their lifestyle. to their choices. Um, why do they have to tell their truths? Because of all the lies, because of rhetoric and false narratives and fake news. And

111we're not talking about the popular news that, you know, DJT likes to talk about, but I mean the real fake news, the stuff that people make up. Um, this district is often the only safe place for a lot of our students. Um, home isn't always safe. Out in public is not always safe. In the workplace is not safe. Sometimes the school district because we're educating children and creating the next generation of Americans is the only safe place. So, whatever we need to do to make that happen is what we're required to do. I have it really easy. I'm a cis middle-aged male, a father of three, and easily the most dangerous person in this room to most people here. Um, you hate to admit that, but if you think about it, who's dangerous to most

112children, most women, most members of this community? It's sad, but the problem is us. We need to own this. Never in the history of man has excluding anyone placed anyone on the right side of history. I don't care what executive order or what law you managed to push through or what crooked court you managed to follow your edicts. It's still the wrong thing to do. I'm proud that so far this district has leaned in the right direction and I would pray that they continue to do the same thing. Thank you very much. [Applause] Hello, my name is Timothy Hawkins. I've been living in Bowling Brook all my life and I just want to say that I personally have faced some harassment in bathrooms and it wasn't because of a trans person. It was because of

113freshmen. It was because of people who didn't know any better. And I just want to say that you, the community, the board, providing a safe space for people of all types and genders, races, sexualities, whatever, has meant the world to me. It has helped me develop. It has helped me grow. It has helped me live my life the way I want it to be lived. Thank you. [Applause] Hello there. Please state your name. Where you from? Uh Laura Schaefer. I've been in Romeoville for 35 years. Both of my children have gone through VVSD. I'm very proud of the people they've become because of the diversity of this school district. They are very accepting of other people, accommodating. They know people are people. Um, personally, I come from world of science. I work in the medical

114field. I do have an Illinois state medical degree. Um, so I just talk science. Up to 1.7% of humans are biologically interex. You ask what that means. It means they have several sex characteristics of more than one gender. Their chromosome patterns, their gonads, their genitals, they don't match. In practice, I have seen numerous patients who have ambiguous genitals, who have a vulva and testes, who have a vulva and a penis. It happens. It is the way it is. And God does not make mistakes. God has made these people who they are. If we are the type of people who chooses to quote the Bible, God looks after every sheep. Everyone is important to God. Everyone is in God's image. Yes. Regardless of how they are. Furthermore, trans people are not perpetrators. Trans people are victims.

115When they use the bathroom that aligns with their authentic gender, they're putting themselves in danger. There are not records of trans people assaulting sis people in a bathroom. It doesn't happen. There are plenty of occasions, however, where that trans person has been assaulted just for who they are. There are no safety risks for cisgender people with transgender people using their bathroom. And in case this does happen, as some of you seem to be very worried, harming someone in a public restroom is already illegal. So, we don't need to be piling on top of this. uh for people who are afraid of larger women. I personally have a female friend who's 63 wears the size 13 shoe. I have no problem with her. As a matter of fact, I kind of like going out with her

116because I'm not as scared of men who are the scary thing when I'm out with her. Society in general has high rates of harassment and violence. not only against trans people but against cis people who do not conform to traditional ideas of femininity. People just have problems with people who are different from them and think they need to go away. Our illustrious health leader in this country now wants registration of autistic people because they're different. I was diagnosed autistic at the age of 62. I'm autistic. I work. I pay taxes. That doesn't make me any more valuable than the other people that are autistic, that need more help, that need more intervention. Every person has value. Every person deserves what they need to make themselves the best they are. And I thank the school district

117very much for standing up for our children as much as you have. [Applause] Oh, hi there. Please state your name where you're from. Asher Mcmaher. I'm the executive director of Trans Up front and I am located in Berwin, Illinois. Um, first of all, I want to thank the community who has reached out to our organization to gain support. The one thing that I love about coming to these meetings is seeing the community come together to bond, to really show how much they support their loved ones, their children. So, I was here two weeks ago and one of the things that I've seen in so much growth in the community members here is coming back with the laws, the statistics, the facts. And so one of those that I want to bring up tonight is I

118emailed every school board member here this week because Illinois uh Wake Illinois posted on their social media the violent intent to come and physically remove each one of you from your seats with violent action. This is a schoolboard meeting. This is a place where we come to hear about the issues that impact our children. On our side, we hand out etiquette sheets. We talk about not booing. We talk about not inciting violence and allowing space for people to speak. We talk about respect, which some do not follow. And that's unfortunate because here we are all human. We are all layers and layers of intersectional identities and trans people exist within all of them. Whether you're black, you're white, you're Jewish, you're Christian, you're agnostic, whether you're differently aabled, trans people exist in every aspect and

119they always have. And so one of the things that I would love to discuss tonight is not about the one person who again showed up with the same misinformation and trying to make threats that the federal government which my god he must have incredible connections, the ego, the audacity. But a reminder that Illinois is a sanctuary state and if you don't like it here, go somewhere else. I had the immense privilege to sit with our Illinois Attorney General this past Friday and discuss some of the issues impacting our trans kids. Today, I was on a call with attorneys from the ACLU. When I say that I have knowledge and understanding of what is going on in the world, I mean that I talk directly to governors, to state representatives, and I know the law. I'm

120not an attorney and this is not legal advice. I am a legal researcher and an advocate for the trans and gender non-conforming community for the last 10 years. And the one thing that I can tell you is in the state of Illinois, there has not been one case of a trans child abusing a sis one. Not one. All of this rhetoric comes from hateful adults. And as you heard tonight, the community members who stood up, the students who stood up, they told you, "This is not your community. This hate is not your community. It is full of love and compassion and incredible people who come together and sit with you until 9:00 on a Wednesday night away from their children." So, being the last speaker, there's something that we say in our community when we

121go to rallies and protests and it says, "When trans kids are under attack, what do we do?" And the response is, "Stand up. Fight back." So, when trans kids are under attack, what do we do? And I hope the last two weeks has shown you that your community will continue to stand up and fight back no matter how many voices show up here. So unless you really like having school board meetings until 9:30 at night every couple weeks, I would love to see this school board, just like so many across the state, issue a statement that you stand with our trans kids, that you stand with our gender non-conforming kids. If you look at the CTU, they just passed a new contract that states that there is a representative, an advocate in every school to

122make sure that the transgender, non-conforming, and LGBTQ students are protected and cared for. They are setting the standard. Again, thank you so much for allowing me into your community. And I hope all of these statements give you something to think about and continue to do this work. Thank you. [Applause] Hi there. Please state your name where you're from. Good evening. My name is Sean Salsbury. I've lived in the district for 41 years. Uh my subject is taxes. Um as I've stated before, been here in front of the board a couple times. I know we have a couple new members here on the board. And by the way, congratulations to all those that were reelected and elected for the first time onto the board. My total taxes for 2023, because 2024 hasn't been mailed out yet,

123was $17,87.82. The 365U portion of those taxes was $10,6857. I don't live in a I don't live in a customized home. It's a py development. It's a nice home, don't get me wrong, but it's not the Taj Mahal or a palace. And I feel like I'm paying taxes like it's a palace. My assessment is 11.14 for next year, which we'll get the final number obviously at the end of next week or early there shortly thereafter. That'll make my taxes $18,991.40, roughly $8.60 short of $19,000. And if Valley View doesn't change their math, if you will, and just the assessment goes in, it'll be $11,790.36. My understanding is that the district has $20,44 as the cost per student for the spend. I've got a half a student each and every year. I was disappointed last meeting

124that the board voted, though there was a couple no votes on the video board in the gymnasium. To me, that's an unnecessary expense. I know you got a $30,000 grant, but that means you covered, if I remember the numbers correctly, somewhere in the neighborhood of about $130,000. And then you redid a basketball a 21-year basketball court. If I'm reading the report correctly from the Illinois um school district annual fiscal report for dated June 30th, 2024 on page 26, this district and long-term liabilities is 265 million $500,264. That's a lot of debt. If I'm wrong, please let me know. But that's on page 26 of your own report. I also noted because I went back and did a little figuring the district trying to keep this for the district if you will. The district up my

125taxes from 21 to 22 by 9.68%. 68% I'm talking about dollars that I wrote checks for and 8.10 the last two years before that it was all close to reasonable 3.6 4.03 1.49 4.13 6.69 negative.802 that was 19 and 20 2.89 89 and then the last two years the percentage has gone up dramatically. My 365U taxes from 2014 to 2023 because I've been in the home for 21 years is increased 41.99%. That's a heck of an increase. As I pointed out to other boards and taxing bodies, I would like to challenge you to figure out a way to spend at least just what you spent this year. Maybe not increase your expenditure for things like video boards. To me, that seems like a needless cost. Thank you for your time today. Thank you. [Applause] All

126right. Uh, being no further speakers, we will move down the agenda. See, where do we leave off at here? Superintendent's update information report. Dr. Wood, actually, we're at 11. Mr. Renich, action report. production copyers fiveyear maintenance contract. Thank you. On July 1st uh 2018, the district entered into a 5-year production copier agreement with Gordon Flesh. This agreement expired on July 1st, 2023, at which time the board approved a two-year extension. Devices covered under this agreement are now approaching seven years old and have reached their useful life. In response, the district conducted an RFP, which is a request for proposal process to solicit and evaluate uh proposals for the new agreement. Based upon the evaluation of the responses, Canon USA was the lowest and most respon responder. Therefore, the administration is recommending the board of education

127approve the proposal submitted by Canon USA in the amount not to exceed $199,811.77 along with a 5-year maintenance agreement pending the attorney review as presented. Is there a motion? So moved. Second. Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion on the copier machine contract? Seeing none, hearing none, roll call vote, please. Member Hy. Yes. Member Pipkin, yes. Member Shrova, yes. Member Burus, yes. Secretary Sutherland, yes. Vice President Campbell, President Quigley, yes. Bus lease agreement. Mr. Renich, district's 2020 bus lease for Midwest Transit Equipment for 63 buses is set to expire on June 30th, 2025. Planning is underway to renew the lease uh and will continue to prioritize student safety. New fleet will include key safety and operational features such as threepoint uh seat belts, two-way radio communication, GPS tracking, and a comprehensive audiovisisual coverage, including front

128forward uh cameras. Additionally, special ed buses will be equipped with air conditioning. The district plans to depreciate the new lease over a 5-year period with the portion uh of depreciation eligible for state reimbursement. So, the administration is recommending that the board of education approved resolution 2536 for a 5-year bus lease pending attorney review as presented. Is there a motion? So, move motion and second. Is there any discussion? One question um just regarding the leases that existed before and then the new ones that will come. Um what is the approximately change in pricing for those leases? May I ask? I'd have to go back and take a look. We have several leases to look that up um and um review those leases and I can provide an update to the board um that communication but I

129don't have that number in front of me what prior leases are and what the total amounts are right now. So may I ask another question? It's the same similar but just would you say there's a substantial change just from what you researched earlier? Was there a substantial change or it was relatively um minimal? Well, I I did provide you with the per bus cost that we had on our last lease, but I'd have to look and see how many of those buses in the passenger size and what that lease consisted of and what that really means. Um, so I tried to provide it in a per bus term and as you can see that uh we only spent $2,000 or $3,000 more per bus. So from that uh standpoint in review, not much has changed

130from that lease, but it could change based on the number of that we purchased and the size of the buses. I appreciate it. Thank you. And from what you provided me, you did show that for those similar types of leases, there was less than a $5,000 change overall. So, I appreciate that. You're welcome. All right. No further questions. Roll call vote, please. Member Badurus, yes. Member Shrova, yes. Member Hy, yes. Member Pipkin, yes. Secretary Sutherland, yes. Vice President Campbell, yes. President Quigley, yes. Moving down the agenda, Wilco fixed asset donation. Thank you. Uh this year the district purchased a replacement vehicle for the nutritional services which is used to delivery uh of products. The administration would like to donate the replacement vehicle to Quilo for their auto service education program, something we've done in the

131past. This vehicle has reached its useful life and it has dimminitive value. The vehicle being proposed to be donated is listed in your board packet. and it contains the year, make, model, and mileage. The I I worked with the district's attorney to develop a vehicle sales agreement, which is also included in your packet. So, the administration is recommending that the board of education approved this vehicle sales agreement for the one vehicle to Wilco as presented. So, moved. We have a motion. There second motion and seconded. Roll call vote, please. Member Baderas. Yes. Member Shrova, yes. Member Hyo, yes. Member Pipkin, yes. Secretary Sutherland, yes. Vice President Campbell, yes. President Quigley, yes. All right, moving down the agenda as we hopcotch back. Superintendent's information. No, wait a minute. Dr. Pollson, I don't want to leave you

132out. Diligent community update board doc software. Yes. Um, diligent community is an electronic platform that is replacing um, board ducks which is being sunset and the administration is respectfully seeking your approval on this item as presented. So moved. We have a motion. Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, hearing none. Roll call vote, please. Member Hy. Yes. Member Shrova. Yes. Member Pipkin. Yes. Member Bader. Yes. Secretary Sutherland, yes. Vice President Campbell, yes. PresidentWigley, yes. All right. Assisted technology iPads. Yes. Information was presented at the last board meeting regarding the purchase of hardware and software for iPads um to support our students that have um unique needs for communication and we are respectfully seeking your approval on this item as presented as well. Motion second. Motion and seconded. Is there any discussion? Roll call

133vote, please. Member Badurus, yes. Member Hy, yes. Member Shrova, yes. Member Pipkin, yes. Secretary Sutherland, yes. Vice President Campbell, yes. PresidentWigley, yes. All right. Now, superintendent information reports. Dr. Wood. All right. Thank you, Board President Quigley. I know you're so excited to get to my um update. Um just a um running reminder that uh 202526 enrollment is open for all students. Um you can seek um out additional information and next steps using the link um that's there. And just a reminder you can enroll now and um wait until July to pay your fees. Um, spirit week was a phenomenal success and I just want to u recognize our student board ambassadors. Um, give them a round of applause for bringing some positivity to our district. Um, as you can see from the pictures, um, students

134and staff from across all levels of the district were able to participate, which is like that's the first time that we've ever done it. So, it's phenomenal. It was a nice touch for our ambassadors to attend school sites um to connect with students and staff. And here you can all see um representation um for sports day and um cultural heritage day. Some additional announcements. Um would like to congratulate Jane Adams Middle School um mathletes for winning um this year's district middle school annual mathematics competition. and they did a phenomenal job and students are always quite excited to express their academic side. So, congrats to Jane Adams. I am very pleased to announce that our very own Mrs. Sonia Ruiz, principal of Jane Adams Middle School, has been nominated to be a national distinguished principal of

135elementary school principles representing the state of Illinois. [Applause] she along with 49 other school leaders will go to um Washington DC to be formally recognized. This is a huge accomplishment and um for Mrs. Ruiz specifically and also an honor to our district and I know she will represent us well and of those one I think it's one yeah one of those 50 will be recognized as the national um administrator of the year. So she's in the running for that. So let's um keep our fingers crossed for that. And um the final picture is um the village of Romeoville hosts an Arbor an annual Arbor Day poster contest and this is the third year um that a student at RC Hill Elementary School won the contest. And you can see clapping for that. Mayor No likes

136to come out and um as typical they um plant a tree in memory of um just in recognition of our Aubber day. So, I would just like to say specifically kudos to third place winner Paisley Peters, second place Mia Thomas, and our first place student who is MJ. And this is a very interesting last name, Peew Warzik. I'm hoping that's correct. If not, I'll I'll say it again at a later time. But, um, congrats to MJ for um, his first place win. And special thanks to Mayor Note for keeping our schools and community green via the annual tree planting event. Um, important upcoming dates, April 30th and May 14th, our early release day. Monday, May 12th is our next board meeting. And May 26, schools close Memorial Day. Um, I want to remind everyone, and

137it's hard to believe that we are at this point already, but hey, we're going to finish strong and some additional upcoming dates. High school graduation, Sunday, May 18th. Um, May 21st is our U step exit ceremony. May 27th, our middle school promotion ceremonies, and Wednesday, May 28th, is our final day of school, if you could believe that. That brings me to the end of my report. Thank you. Thank you. You want to report on your knee or no? I'm good. You're good. Just checking. All right. Legal services report. There's a technology Oh, 15.2 technology initiatives. Who's got that? That's me. Mr. Renitch, of course. Thank you. So, in support of our strategic plan, department has created a four-year plan uh for device replenishment uh to support staff, students in our district's infrastructure. The uh we

138do this every year. Uh the technology team has done an excellent job in detailing all the particulars including the expenses related to each of the plan which is contained in your packet. I will be working with Mr. Gilmore to incorporate this plan into our 2526 budget. This is an information report and it's the administration's intent to bring uh this to the board of education uh meet next meeting for consideration. So if you have any questions, any intro, please let me know. Thank you, Mr. Renich. All right. If you got questions on that uh legal services report, no report. Thank you very much. AFT Valley View Council 604. No report. All right. Valley View Personnel 604, come on down. Uh, good evening, Superintendent Dr. Wood, senior administration, and school board members. Also, congratulations to the new

139members of the board sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sw sworn in this evening and returning member Campbell. Um, my name is Maria Rayis, president of the Valley View Office Personnel. I'm here with the rest of my executive board. Um, building department secretaries have challenging roles in their position. A non-stop stream of students, visitors, calls, and administrative dis details that must be attended to during the workday. Stressful successful school secretaries like our amazing retirees and promoted ladies pre possess good organization skills, strong knowledge of office operations, excellent computer application and software skills, solid administrative and communicative communication skills, leadership, problem solving and decision-making skills. If you've had the privilege of working with any of these

140secretaries that possess some of these skills, you can appreciate how difficult it is to see them move on. I'd like to congratulate Beth Beth N, I could never pronounce her last name right over at RHS and Carmen Maldonado at um Early Childhood Center on their promotions to executive secretary. On behalf of the Valley View office personnel, congratulations and best of luck. Collectively, our retirees have served a lifetime, approximately 90 years amongst the five of them. Carrie Juel, Bowling Brook High School since September of 2003. Carol C at Oakview since October of 2004. Jackie Dup Prey at Pioneer since December of 2005. Lori Dick at transportation since August of 2011. Denise Trumbetta at Woodview since February of 2012. On behalf of the Valley View office personnel, please join me in congratulating and se celebrating our retirees

141for 2025 as we countdown the last few days of the school year. Wishing you a peaceful, healthy, and happy retirement life ahead. Your loyalty, commitment, and service is greatly appreciated. Thank you and good evening. Thank you. Valley View Transportation. Anyone? Apparently no report. All right. Old business before the board. Any new business before the board? Any freedom of information requests? Mr. Blainy is not here this evening, but those are on our website. And Mr. Blainy is your point of contact for that. Any announcements by the board from my right, Miss Campbell. Uh just Vice President Campbell. Uh just welcoming uh our new school board members. just glad to be able to have more members to come and serve with us as we serve the community. Community from my left. Um, basically the same thing. I

142want to say again, thank you to the outgoing two board members, uh, Debbie Sakura and Vic Sack for all their service and and dedication to the community and to welcome our new board members and returning of our now vice president of the school board. So, thank you and I look forward to working with all of you. Uh, any announcements by the administration? Wood. Sure. Yes. I would just like to um say welcome to our um new board members. Um speaking on behalf of the administrative team and our Valley View community, we look forward to working in collaboration um with you as we um strive to make sure that um Valley View School District is second to none. And um congrats to everyone in um your new roles. Um those who were um motioned and seconded

143and things of that nature. So um we look forward to uh our uh upcoming school year. So uh just because I got the microphone on last, uh welcome to the board all the newbies and congratulations to all those who put your name on the ballot. Uh done it many times. It's not easy. It's a lot of work. Uh this is a lot of work. Again, um most of the people between here and there aren't paid. One, two, uh we are volunteers and we put a lot of time into this and those of you who are new to this board are going to find out it's probably a little more time than sometimes you think about, but it's also rewarding. So, welcome aboard and look forward to working with everybody in their new capacities and on

144the board and wishing everybody a very safe and uh hopefully supposed to get some pretty bad weather this evening. So, hopefully that won't occur, but uh have a safe trip home and uh as you said, we're counting down. We got six weeks left. Oh, Dr. Wood's giving me the the not the finger, that finger. Dr. Wood, go ahead. Yeah, I just wanted to also add to um on behalf of our the administrative team and our school community just um just extend a a note of gratitude um for the faithful and tireless service of um board member Sakor and u vice president um Zach for his many years of service as well. It it takes a lot to um come up here um sometimes twice a month, but also to on the many days that are

145in between to talk about our most important um I guess people which is our students and our staff. So I just thank them for leaving a legacy um a solid foundation and um just a reminder um to them that you know we will continue um with initiatives that they were um very passionate about and um we'll again strive to um just build a better district as we move forward. All right. If there is no further business for the board, a motion to adjurnn would be in order. Motion to adjurnn. Motion and second. All those in favor say I. Post. Same sign. Eyes have it. Have a safe night.