001This is the board of education meeting being held on Tuesday, June 23rd. I'm calling the meeting to order at 5:34. If you can please call the role. Mrs. Asip >> here. >> Mrs. Troutman >> here. Mrs. Hustler >> here. Dr. Henry >> here. >> Mrs. Lewinsky >> here. >> Mr. Brnahan >> here. >> Mrs. Arvanites. >> Six board members present, one absent. Can I please have a motion to go into close session? I move that the board of education move into close session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. Five ILCS 122C1.
002Collective negotiate negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 122C2, the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired 5CS122C5 and discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the open meetings act whether for purposes of approval by the body of the of the minutes or semiannual review of the minutes as mandated by section 2.065 065 ILCS 122 C21. >> I'll second. Okay. Motion made by Mrs. Asive, seconded by Mrs. Hustler. Can we please call a vote? >> Mrs. Asive? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hustler? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Troutman? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brosan? >> Yes. >>
003Mrs. Lewinsky? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Arpanites. Dr. Henry. >> Yes. Six eyes, zero nays, one absent. Motion passes. The board will now move into close session. Okay. Good good evening. Welcome to the board of education meeting on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026. The board has been in close session for items listed on the agenda since 5:30. We have six board members present and one absent. At this time, I would ask that we all stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, we'll start with our spotlights. So, first up is girls water polo team. Come on up forward. All >> [applause] >> right. Good evening, board
004of education and school district leaders. Uh I am very fortunate and grateful tonight. We have a a great group of student athletes uh and different sports represented for our spring sports. Uh we had another successful season and we're going to start it off with girls water pole. Coach Giuliani could not make it tonight, so I'm happy to step in. I watched the girls uh numerous times this year, especially down the their their run with state. Uh and it was fantastic. Here's a couple quick facts. Uh the girls waterpull team finished 247 and one this year. This is the best record uh that we've had in our conference. Uh it's we were also the IHSA sectional champions. We were the IHSA super sectional champions which was new this year. We were the IHSA state runnerup. We
005finished second place. This is the first time the Dukes made it to the state championship game in girls water polo. So the best finished ever by a York team. [applause] Here is an interesting fact about girls water polo. Did you know that the Dukes were down in their last three games to make it to the state championship game? So, they won in the sectional final, they won in the super sectional, and they also won in the state semi-final. We were behind in all three of those games to make it to the state championship game. So, congratulations to the girls water pol. [applause] >> Hi, girls. So, I'm going to read the board proclamation to you. Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment. Um, when I think of water polo, I just think of like a lot of
006things that I can't do like strength and endurance and so it's like to me the hardest sport. So, great job and congratulations. So, here is the board proclamation. Um whereas the York Community High School girls water polo team authored one of the finest seasons in program history, compiling a 2471 record and earning the opportunity to compete on the sport's biggest stage. And whereas the Dukes navigated a challenging postseason path by capturing the IHSA Fenwick sectional championship, defeating Neutrier in the super sectional and advancing to the state championship match with a state semi-final victory over St. Ignatius. And whereas York's memorable postseason run showcased the talent, resilience, and competitive spirit of its student athletes, as well as the leadership and guidance of its coaching staff. And whereas the Dukes concluded their season as a 2026 IHSA
007Girls Water Polo State Runnerup, an achievement that reflects months of hard work, preparation, and commitment to excellence. And whereas the accompl accomplishments of the York girls water polo team brought pride to York Community High School and Elmerst Community Unit School District 205 while serving as an example of perseverance, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of excellence. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of Elmherst Community Unit, School District 205, hereby recognizes and congratulates the members and coaches of the York Community High School girls water polo team for the their outstanding achievements during the 2026 season and for earning a second place finish at the IHSA girls water polo state finals. Congratulations, girls. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Next up on the agenda is the girls lacrosse. team. Can you guys please step forward? [applause]
008[clears throat] So many of us couldn't make it tonight because uh on vacation everything else, but very excited to uh have you girls here and uh it was an incredible season. Um girls lacrosse started probably about 20 years ago. I was the first coach um and we were on a little field out in the middle of nowhere and we became an IHSA sport and um built a a great program and and due due to the great girls, not only are you great athletes this year and and throughout your four years, but uh just an incredible incredible athletes and young ladies. Um there were a lot of firsts this year. Um beat Hinsdale Central for the first time ever in existence twice. two times, not once, twice, uh we were the West Suburban champions for the
009first time ever. And uh when when they were freshman, the seniors, uh they made a bet with me. They said, "If you if we make it to the state championship, we can dye your hair green." Well, I dyed it today and it's not it's not green anymore. [laughter] Uh uh so they won the bet and uh due to their hard work, dedication uh that's that's what we got. We got we got to the state championship and uh super proud of them and it's their hard work and their dedication and loyalty uh to an incredible program. So thank you girls for being so awesome. [applause] Congratulations to all of you. And I know having kids who played sports and nieces and nephews, how much time and hard work and parent support it takes to be a
010part of a team of this caliber. So kudos to you for being so dedicated to that. Um, I know the results of this season were amazing, but it's all the experiences and time spent together and, you know, the things you learned along the way that are going to stick with you forever and are so special. So, congratulations. I'll read the proclamation. Whereas the York Community High School girls lacrosse team established itself as one of the premier programs in Illinois during the 2026 season, compiling an outstanding 21-4 record and securing one of the number one seeds in the IHSA state tournament. And whereas the Dukes embarked on an impressive postseason run, defeating Montini, Glenard West, and Bennett Academy to capture the sectional championship and advance to the IHSA super sectional. And whereas York continued its championship
011pursuit with a victory over Hinsdale Central in the super sectional before defeating Merist in the IHSA state semi-finals to earn a place in the state championship game. And the Dukes concluded their remarkable season as the 2026 IHSA girls lacrosse state runnerup. A testament to the talent, determination, and competitive excellence displayed throughout the year. and the accomplishments of the York girls lacrosse team reflect the dedication of its student athletes, coaches, and families and serve as a source of pride for York Community High School and Elmerst Community Unit School District 205. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of Elmherst Community Unit School District 205 hereby recognizes and congratulates the members and coaches of the York Community High School girls lacrosse team for their outstanding achievements during the 2026 uh season and for earning
012a second place finish in the IHSA girls lacrosse state finals. Congratulations [applause] Ready? One, two, [applause] >> [cheering] >> Come on. Speech. Speech. Okay, next up is our Special Olympic student athletes. want to come on up. [applause] >> Hello. >> Today, I am proud to recognize our amazing track athletes who represented York Special Olympics at state this year. These athletes have worked incredibly hard all season, showing dedication, perseverance, and commitment to ongoing improvement. Their success is a direct reflection of their effort and their teamwork beyond accomplishments on the track. They've shown true leadership by supporting their teammates and representing our school with so much pride. They competed at the highest level in their sport and brought home gold medals in all their events, which include the 4x100 relay, the girls softball throw, and the men's
013shot put. We're incredibly [laughter] That's right. We are incredibly proud of your hard work. And to our seniors here, we will miss you so much on our team next year. It's been so amazing to have you as such a great part of the team. and and we'll always um we'll miss having you and we'll hope that you'll come to support us in the future. Congratulations. [applause] So, I am super honored to be up here to do this proclamation for the board. I have watched in the last seven years the just the change from where Special Olympics was seven years ago when I came on when Mrs. Hustler and I got on the board and how many changes have happened through the through the collaboration of the amazing parents that are here and our district Dr.
014Rubenstein, big shout out because seven years ago there was there was one Special Olympics, you know, event, sporting event, and now it's an all year thing. And you guys are amazing athletes and um I've got to watch front row as Hannah, my daughter, has been a coach along with you guys her three years here. And so I am just so grateful to have this opportunity to celebrate you guys. So, here we go. And Hannah gave me the pronunciation. Grace, your name really challenged me. So, Hannah told me how to say it. So, blame her if I'm wrong or All right. All right. You can blame me if I pronounced it wrong. It's fine. Um, student athletes from the York Community High School Special Olympics Track and Field Program competed at the 2026 Illinois Special Olympics
015State Track and Field Championships and represented Elmherst Community Unit School District 205 with pride, determination, and sportsmanship. and York student athletes delivered outstanding performances at the state meeting meet earning multiple first place finishes against competitors from across Illinois. Mark Falco, which one is Mark? [laughter] Captured a gold medal with a first place finish in the shot put event. You want to demonstrate for us, buddy? Show what does it look like? There you go, bud. The 4 by1 100 meter relay team of Kate Sloan, Abby Pasy, Kylie Story, and Grace Jotishi earned a gold medal and first place finish through teamwork, dedication, and athletic excellence. Whereas Grace Jotishi also earned a gold medal with a first place finish in the softball throw event, highlighting her exceptional effort and achievement. The accomplishments of these student athletes reflect
016their hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence as well as the support provided by their coaches, staff, families, yay, and teammates. And the success of the York Special Olympics track and field program serves as a source of pride for the Elmherst Community Unit School District 205 and demonstrates the power of inclusion opportunities that allow all students to thrive and reach their full potential. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the board of education, Elmherst Communities Unit School District 205 hereby recognizes and congratulates Mark, Kate, Abby, Kylie, and Grace for their outstanding achievements at the 2026 Illinois State Track and Field Championship and commends them for their dedication, perseverance, sportsmanship, and commitment to excellence. Thank you guys. [applause] Look right here on three. Ready? One, two, three. [laughter] Parents, jump in. Thank you guys. [applause] Congratulations. >>
017[applause] >> Okay, next up is Carllin Janowski, fourth place girls track and field. Come on up. [applause] Carlin is no stranger to these board meetings. Real quick, I'd like to mention that York had three uh female student athletes that were all state and track. Besides Carlin, there was two others. Uh Julian Booth, who meddled in the 200 meter dash. Something notable notable about Jillian is that she was the first York athlete in girls track to make it to the finals in the 200 meter dash and she will go down in the history books as one of the fastest to ever compete for the York Dukes. [applause] Also, the Dukes had a freshman Abby Bars who competed in Pov. Uh Abby uh finished sixth place and was all state. And this is not notable because she
018is she became the second highest achieving palter in York history as a freshman. Also, it's been brought to my attention that Abby is currently the top 1% as a 15year-old of all the vters in the nation. So, she's a freshman. Worth noting. [applause] And the reason why we have so much success is because of this individual in front of you because Carllin uh is contagious in regards to her uh what she brings to the table every day. These are the words from coach Leon who cannot be here today. As a sophomore, Carllin Janowski has made her mark in York's history books as one of the finest track athletes in school history. But to her teammates, peers, and coaches, there is a deeper side to her legacy. she will be leaving behind. Now, she's only a
019sophomore going to be a junior. Carlin is quick, and Carlin is often first, but not just in ways measured by a stopwatch. She is quick to show up to serve others. She is first to be event cheering for her teammates. She is quick to call out the good she sees in people. And she is first to share her confidence and belief in the greatness of those around her. >> [applause] >> In regards to what Carllin did at state, she finished fourth in the 3200 meter run with a time of 1024.62. I think it takes me longer to put my shoes on in the morning and Carlin can run two miles while I do that. It's her no, it was her new personal record and right now she's currently number three all time in the record
020books at York for that race. Congratulations Carlin. [applause] >> Hi Carlin. Congratulations and good to see you again. [laughter] Yes. Um, you know, I I looked up and I was trying to figure out the pacing and I'm a runner so I was like, how fast is a 10 again? 10 minutes 24 seconds for 2 miles. That is a 5 minute and 14 second mile. I mean, some people are excited to be to do a mile in 10 minutes and the fact that you did two is unbelievable. And then and again twice in a row at five minute pace essentially. Um and then I was looking to see what can you do in five minutes and like you said, put on your shoes in 10. It takes my son twice as long I think. um answer
021five emails in five minutes. So maybe you could answer 10 emails on a good day. Um return a phone call, listen to a story, maybe read eight or 10 pages of a book if you're good, if you're a fast reader. And you ran two miles in that time. So I mean I'm in awe. I'm a runner and I'm in awe of how fast you are. Um and I think again you've provided inspiration. I know several girls on the track team and you provided inspiration to them during practice as well as um during competition. So, congratulations. Um, whereas Carl Janowski of York Community High School demonstrated outstanding dedication, perseverance, and athletic excellence during the 2026 track and field season. And whereas through hard work, discipline, and commitment to her sport, Carllin earned the opportunity to compete
022against the state's top student athletes at the IHSA girls track and field state finals. And whereas Carlin delivered an exceptional performance in the 3200 meter run, recording a personal best time of 10 minutes 24.62 seconds. And whereas her achievement reflects not only her talent as a distance runner, but her determination, resilience, and commitment to continuous improvement. And whereas Carllin's success serves as an inspiration to her teammates, fellow students, and the entire York community, high school community. Whereas [snorts and clears throat] her accomplishments bring pride to York Community High School and Elmherst Community Unit School District 205 and exemplify the values of hard work, sportsmanship, [snorts] and excellence. Now therefore, be it resolved that the board of education of Elmherst Community Unit School District 205 hereby recognizes and congratulates you, Carlin, for your her outstanding achievement
023in the 3200 meter run at the 2026 IHSA Girls Track and Field State Finals and commends her for her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Congratulations, [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Once again, Congratulations to all of our students. Um, next up is our field spotlight. [applause] Doesn't feel nearly as exciting as that. Uh, thank you so much for the opportunity to share. Um, okay. should go around. >> Come stand in the middle. >> Awkwardly face this way while people talk at you. Yeah. >> Okay. Yep. All right. Um, thank you for the opportunity to share a little about the work taking place at Field. I'm Heidi Thomas, the principal at Field. Um we reflected a little about what we wanted to share in June um with you guys and we kept coming back to the
024idea um that students need to feel like they belong before they can truly thrive. Um when students feel connected, valued, and supported, they're more willing to take risks, build relationships, persevere through challenges, and engage in learning. Uh while academics remain at the center of our work, we know that creating a positive school culture is an important part of helping students succeed. And one of the things we both love most about Field is that our staff is incredibly intentional about creating those experiences for our students. Through common expectations, social emotional learning, student recognition systems, and opportunities for celebration, we work to ensure every student feels connected to our school community. Um, and tonight we'd like to share some of the ways we intentionally build belonging, trust, joy, and growth at Field. And before I forget to
025say it, I'm Julie Ford, the assistant principal of Fields. So for us, academics remain at the center of our work, but we know that also creating a positive school culture is an important part of helping every one of our students succeed. The images on this slide represent the experiences that we want every student to have at field. A sense of connection, opportunities to build relationships, and moments that help them feel proud to be part of our school community. The work directly supports districts 205's commitment to educating, engaging, and empowering every student. So, how do we intentionally create those experiences for our students? As we reflected on the work of our student culture and climate team this year, we realized that the most meaningful impact isn't found in a single event or an assembly or a
026recognition system. It's found in the daily experiences students have throughout our building and the consistent messages they receive from the adults around them. Uh first, we teach expectations and social emotional skills so students understand what success looks like and have the tools to navigate the challenges that face them daily. Next, we reinforce positive choices so students feel recognized, valued, and encouraged. And then we create opportunities for joy and connection through shared experiences uh that bring students together and strengthen our community. And together those help students feel like they belong. At Field, we don't assume that students automatically know what success looks like. We intentionally teach expectations across all settings of the school. We teach them, model them, practice them, and revisit them throughout the year. Through opportunities to be social detectives, which is the picture
027in the middle on this slide, students learn to think about how their actions impact others. They learn how to navigate friendships, solve problems, and better understand the perspectives of those around them. At the same time, the other pictures on this slide come from our whole school Falcon Focus assemblies. Those assemblies help us create a common language around social emotional learning. Each month, we focus on one of the core competencies that help students be successful both in and out of school, including self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. What makes Falcon Focus especially powerful is that it expands beyond the assembly itself. Students hear those same messages during morning announcements, in classrooms, through recognition systems, and during schoolwide events. When students understand the expectations and have the skills to navigate challenges, they are better
028equipped to be successful learners, classmates, and leaders. Of course, teaching expectations is only part of the work. We also believe it's important to recognize and celebrate our students when they demonstrate those skills. One thing that our staff does incredibly well is celebrate our students. Um through falcon feathers, golden feathers, classroom recognitions, and PBIS incentives, we create opportunities for to acknowledge students when they demonstrate responsibility, kindness, perseverance, and positive decision-making. What we appreciate most about these systems is that they help students see themselves as contributors to our community. uh they recognize that their choices matter, that their actions impact others, and that together they can help create the culture we want at Field. So, as we close, we wanted to share one of our favorite moments from this school year. Throughout the year, we talked about
029how we teach expectations, reinforce positive choices, and help students develop important social emotional skills, but we also believe that school should be a place that is joyful and fun. The video you're about to see is from our endofyear PBIS schoolwide celebration which was voted on by our students. It was one of the many opportunities for students and staff to come together, celebrate a successful year, and simply enjoy being part of the field community. While the inflatable race may just look like a fun event, and it absolutely was, it also represents something much bigger. It represents a school community that laughs together, celebrates together, and creates shared experiences that students will remember long after they leave elementary school. Some of the most meaningful parts of a student school experience are not found in a lesson plan
030or on an assessment. They're found in the relationships they build, the memories they create, and the feeling that they are part of something special. We hope you enjoy this snapshot of this experience as told through our PTA. Thank you for the opportunity to share a little of what makes Field such a special place for our students. [applause] >> [music] >> makes you want to go. N [music] [music] put your hands together now. [music] Everybody put your hands together now. Sometimes it hits you when you least expect it. When it feels [music] this good. When it feels this good. When it feels this. When it feels [music] this good. Makes you want to go. N [music] we we figured we would end uh end the spotlight with some just a little bit of fun. Thank you
031for the time. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> just thank you so much for sharing and I'm as you put up your slides and I saw I'm like made me tear up as our field journey is ending and just how much love and just that true sense of belonging that every child feels at your school. So it's because of your leadership. So thank you. >> [laughter] >> All right, the next up on the agenda is public comments. Um, the public comment section of the board meeting provides an opportunity for community members to share information and perspectives with the board of education. And while the board does not respond during public comments, we are listening and thoughtfully considering the messages being shared. Each of us have high expectations for our community and ask that public comments
032are respectful and do not mention any individuals by name. There will be 30 minutes allotted for public comments with up to three minutes per public comment speaker concerning items on the agenda. The board secretary will give a reminder when you have 30 seconds left. Let's begin with our first speaker, Dana Magnus. Hi. Um, good evening members of the board. I am speaking tonight to add my voice to that of the speakers at previous meetings regarding rising concern with 1:1 devices and increased screen time in our schools. Um, for clarification when I refer to onetoone devices, I'm talking about the individually assigned Chromebooks and iPads. Um, I'm a member of the newly formed schools beyond screen Elmherst and a parent of an incoming kindergartener at Hawthorne Elementary. Since the last board meeting, our large group of
033concerned parents became an official chapter of Schools Beyond Screens and created a petition that garnered almost 1,000 signatures in a few weeks time with minimal networking. This rising concern is due to the fact that we now see all the data revealing that screen usage is having a negative effect on our children's learning, attention spans, and behavior. Numerous school districts around the country are revisiting their tech policies, including LA, the second largest school district in the country. Their board voted unanimously to remove devices for their youngest learners and transition to carts and screen time limits for the older grades. Children and humans in general need tactile books, materials, pencil, and paper to learn. A screen is proven nowhere equal to the tra traditional way of learning, no matter what may have been touted from the industry.
034The use of screens and learning has been shown to actually have a negative effect. There are so many studies out there, but I'll reference a very large one. It was a study of nearly 300,000 students across the US from 2023 that found that even small daily amounts of digital devices in the classroom which here was only 30 minutes was neg negatively related to scores on reading comp comprehension tests. Uh I was personally shocked to learn that my kindergartner would be using a 1:1 device. 1:1 devices are especially not recommended for our youngest learners. I'd assume that D205 would be leading the way with bre best practices in this area. to add, I've been home with my daughter every day for the past 5 years, and she has never used an iPad or device at home.
035So, it baffles me that she would need to use one for her limited hours in school. In the first few years years of schooling, hands-on and play-based learning is so important. This time should not be displaced with any time on a screen. Our group has also spent time speaking with the principles at many of our schools and found that device usage varies from school to school, especially at the elementary level. Um some schools um have even been using them as during indoor recess instead of playing with their peers or using the device as a reward. Some other schools are using them more sparingly. Um this is why we do need you the school board to ensure that our school district remains one of excellence following the current recommendations of education experts and neuroscientists. We've let
036the edtech industry and Silicon Valley experiment with our children's minds for profit for too long. Until these products are proven safe and more effective than a human teacher, they should have no place in our children's classrooms. >> 30 seconds. >> My ask is this. If you have not already read it, please read this book, The Digital Delusion. It is a newer book. Um, it includes all the history and studies and data that you need to make truly educated decisions on the subject. Um, going back to proven ways of learning, removing all 1:1 device use and instead utili utilizing computer labs or shared laptop carts would be amazing. But at a minimum for the next school year, we should be stopping onetoone device usage outside of mandatory testing for our youngest students, setting enforceable screen time
037limits for other grade levels, and finally allow parents the right to opt out of one device one device use altogether. Thank you very much, [applause] >> James Graham. Hi everyone. Sorry you can't respond, but uh appreciate the time. I'll be brief and I'll keep it simple. So, we've all heard the adage uh a picture's worth a thousand words, right? So, as we think about branding from the Nike swoosh to the uh iconic Sears Tower, yes, I know it's called something different. I don't know what it is exactly. To the Mona Lisa, right, the evoke emotions, feelings where you were. So, my wife talked eloquently about a few data points. I'm much more simple. So, um, I have pictures. So, this there's a lot of words or it's maybe small font. Fourth grade math, science. Eighth
038grade math, science. On the left, no screen time. On the right, daily use. We can all see, right? Downward trend. So, this is what scares me and frightens me about children's learning. We've done it effectively. Teachers have been fantastic at what they do. This shows a different trend than what we're used to. Second, um this is all countries in school CPU use around the world. This is what we got 2012 to 2018. Same story. The trend goes down. Left is no screen time. The right is daily use. So simple imagery. This is what captivates me. This is what keeps me up at night. When I think about my daughter, there's a lot of information. I certainly burst myself in it. This is what is burned in my brain, though. So, thank you so much. Appreciate
039the time. [applause] Next, Jill Nicole. >> Good evening. My name is Jill Nicole. I have three D205 children. An eighth grader at Brian, a fifth grader at Lincoln, and a kindergartener at Lincoln who graduated Madison this past spring. Since being active in district, I have seen and heard how technology is not providing our children its intended benefits. Last year at Madison, with the exception of a single snow day, our child did not touch his schoolisssued iPad. We hid it the moment he we pulled it out of his backpack. Later, I learned many other families had done the same. One mother hid it so well she could not find it when it was time to return it. at Lincoln and Brian D205 students have access to Gimkit on their devices. Have you played it? I have.
040I had to understand why my children and my friends children would fervently ask to play Gimkit outside of school hours. What I found was a highly addictive dopaminefueled app masquerading as a tool for learning. I was particularly saddened to learn of one D205 third grader who, as an advanced reader, discovered without supervision books on her iPad that may have matched her reading level, but also contain content inappropriate for her age. The books she found described murders in people's bedrooms. With a new fear of the dark, this nine-year-old girl is experiencing nightmares and now refuses to sleep nights alone. This girl's father had died at a young age, making this seemingly benign event distressing for her entire family. A school librarian, a human, would not have made this mistake. Overused technology is regularly failing our students.
041A student at York told me she watches her classmates pull their phones from their backpacks during testing to cheat and feels discouraged when they ultimately receive higher scores than her. A mother of a York student who is a professor herself attempts to personally locate and purchase physical textbooks for her daughter because she knows it is a superior way to learn when compared to looking at the same textbook on a screen. I've heard some York teachers now use handwritten paper to prevent AI from authoring student work. D205 elementary and middle school students should rely less on typing or worse talk to text and more on paper and pencil to build the endurance and complex motor skills necessary for high school and adult life. >> 30 seconds. >> We have a problem in our district, but I
042know we have the right people in our schools and in our administration to fix it. If district-wide changes do not appeal to the board's long-term vision, please at the very least offer tech intentional parents like myself the ability to opt their children out of devices and allow them to use analog alternatives wherever possible. We do not want our children to be test subjects for edtech any longer. Thank you, [applause] Laurel Shanti. Good evening. I'm also a part of the schools beyond screens group here in Elmherst and I have um actually worked in edtech for well over a decade. I'm here to voice my support for the district moving to a more balanced intentional use of technology in our schools. You've heard from other parents tonight about why limiting tech use is so important and we'll
043continue to share our stories with you as well as our school principles. Um, but what I want to talk about tonight is how we can create limits and how we make intentional choices about using technology in meaningful ways. To start, as parents, we would like to see a list of all the educational technology vendors that D205 currently has contracts with. And for each of those vendors, we'd like to be able to see the following. I'll list the questions, and I'm happy to email them to you afterwards. These are actually really common questions that I get from school districts when uh sharing the products that my company sells. Question one, for what purpose is the platform being used in the classroom and what evidence that using the platform is superior to non-technology dependent alternatives? Question two,
044what data privacy policies are in place for each platform? What student data is being collected? Why is it necessary to be collected? Who is it being shared with? And how is security being insured? And how is that data deleted when our contract ends? Three, how is AI used in the platform? If it is used, is our students data being used to train the models? How are inappropriate content and hallucinations being flagged and dealt with? And how does the platform prevent algorithmic bias from impacting our students? And question four, what ESSA tier of evidence supports the use of that technology platform with our students? And if a platform that we as a district, as taxpayers have purchased, doesn't have an ESSA rating, what is the district's rationale for its efficacy? Thank you so much for the
045time tonight. will be back at future meetings because this is something that we care so deeply about. I provided my email address when I signed in, so I look forward to hearing back from you with that list of educational technology defenders that our district works with. Thank you. [applause] Okay. Thank you to everyone who took the time to voice their concerns, support, or perspectives to the board of education. Common practice of the board is to follow up with public commenters after the board meeting as needed. Thank you. Okay, next up on the agenda is approval of board meeting minutes. Um, so first up is approval of regular board um minutes from May 19th, 2026. Are there any changes to the meeting minutes? Okay, seeing no changes, meeting minutes stand as presented. Next is the approval
046of close session minutes from May 19th, 2026. Any changes? Okay, seeing no those meetings minutes stand as presented. Okay, our report and presentations is the Sassid overview. Thank you. Elmherst Community Unit School District uh 205 is a member of the school association for special education in Dwage County um known as Sassid. It's a special education cooperative that provides highly specialized programs and services for students with disabilities who needs um might not be able to be appropriately met um within their home school district. Um we have been very pleased to partner um with SASID and be able to access specialized services and placements, consultation, professional um learning opportunities that supports the district's continuum of special education services. For tonight, um I've asked Dr. Rubenstein, our assistant superintendent, um to share for student services, uh to share
047and provide the board of education with an overview of our partnership with SASCID, the role that this cooperative plays in supporting our students. Um this presentation also highlights um the comprehensive and extensive continuum of programs, services, staffing supports as well as consultation that is provided through SAST. At this time, I will turn it over to Dr. Rubenstein. >> Great. Thank you very much. Um, and so, uh, for those of you who don't know, um, uh, because it is not a commonly known fact, um, the, uh, individuals with disabilities education act um, is meant to cover all students with disabilities um, in every school district across the country. So whether you have a high incidence disability like a learning disability um or whether you have a low incidence disability um sometimes like autism or um deafness
048or blindness um school districts are required to service all students um as a part of their uh full continuum of services. And so what many school districts across the country do is that they uh partner with special education cooperatives. and special education cooperatives um were brought about to provide um services for students with disabilities um in uh really uh cost-effective and efficient manner um to make sure that every student could be educated within their schools. So um as Dr. Campbell talked about um SASID stands for the school association for special education in DuPage County. It's been around um for uh over 30 years. Um and it's a special education cooperative that provides really highly specialized programs and services for students um whose needs cannot appropriately be met within their home school district. Um it provides
049us with access to specialized expertise. Um so they have um board-certified behavior analysts uh as an example. They have um highly trained aiologists and other staff members who are on their team um that we wouldn't um regularly employ within our school district. Um they also provide several highly uh specialized educational placements um for us. So um for students who um need a different level of programming, SASID provides that to some of our students. Um they also a big portion of what they do for us in district 205 is that they support with um the provision of related services. So all of our occupational therapists and physical therapists within the district are um actually employees of uh SASID um as their um employing organization. They also SASID provides us with um professional learning and consultation um
050on a variety of different needs. So when a student is in crisis, uh we can call SASSID, they partner with us to make sure that the student gets the support that they need and also that our classroom teachers then are able to return to the classroom, you know, the next day with new tools um and the support that they need uh in order to support their students. So in terms [clears throat] of uh student programming, SASID really supports a small number of district 205 students um whose needs uh require really highly specialized programming. So, um there are some therapeutic day school placements. Uh they provide on-site behavioral supports uh for students um services for students who are uh deaf or heart of hearing. Um and then um the piece here um that I want to
051really drive home is that we um have partnered with SASID um but it's really a small number of students that we have actually placed um within the SASID cooperative. So um during the course of the last um five years our average has been around six students overall. Um so somewhere between um a low of five to um I think at one time we had a high of eight um placed within um uh the SASID programming there. [clears throat] They also provide us as I talked about before um with occupational and physical therapists. Um there is a position called um orientation and mobility specialists. So um to uh support uh students who are um blind or visually impaired or who need that level of additional support. Um they [clears throat] provide specialized hearing assessments, behavioral consultation,
052some of our program support and um specialized staff training. Um we uh pay the cooperative um about $2.9 million over the past year. Um and about 65% of that goes to the things that you see on the right hand side of the screen. Um and so um uh that those are things that we would not be able to provide within the school district um that they are supporting us with. [clears throat] So, our students benefit from the access to the highly specialized programming and um individualized supports and uh the outcomes for students who are placed within SASCID and within their programs are um vastly improved over other placements. Um and uh make sure that we as a school district are able to provide a full continuum of services um as required under IDEIDA. Um for
053the school district it uh provides us with some access to programs uh that we would uh be hardressed to operate independently. Um so where you uh maybe have uh two or three students in a district the size of ours um who require that level of programming, they have a full classroom um or several classrooms uh of students just like that from the surrounding area that come together and also provide a community of learners for those students. Um so uh access to high-quality professional staff uh in some of those difficult um to staff positions um finding an occupational therapist um or a physical therapist uh is really very difficult um and also provides us a network of providers in similar school districts. So we regularly rely upon um the other directors within that network, the other
054um uh staff members within that network to make sure that we are able to provide highquality services uh to our students uh with disabilities all across the district. So we are um just bringing you a couple of updates. a number of years ago, I think two years ago, three years ago, um the assessor assessed governance um structure changed um and so the superintendent is now a member of the board of directors. Um and that board of directors meets monthly. So it's usually um the Wednesday after our board meeting um and so Dr. Campbell attends that meeting on our behalf. And then one school board member is a member of the governing board which meets uh three times per year and that is um Beth Hustler. Um and so we thank them for their service um
055because that is an added board service um uh and service to the school district. Um [clears throat] something else that we wanted to um just uh bring to your attention um that SASID uh board of directors um has been um considering for uh close to a year now um considering taking on additional debt um in order to purchase property um to streamline their programming. Um and so right now they operate in a number of satellite uh programs all throughout DuPage County. Some of them are um pretty far from us like in Winfield um school district 34. Um and um so what they are considering doing right now um is as a board of directors is to take on some additional debt um to purchase real property um and um have their programs centralized in one
056place. um we [clears throat] uh that will be passed along to us in um payments to our uh tuition bills. So um because of the low number of students that we educate within the SASID programs um the average of six over the last couple of years um that average will be used to determine our financial share um of those additional costs there. Um there are also some things something [clears throat] that you are going to be voting on um later this evening. There were some recent updates to the school code um which require changes to articles of agreement um and it specifically has to do with um [clears throat] how a school district um gives notice to uh get out of the special education cooperative. there was another uh special education cooperative to the north
057of us um uh that um had a number of issues and as a result of that um there is there are some changes to the school code um and so those changes to the school code um and the related um pieces under that require some updates to the articles of agreement um and they must be approved by each member district um in order to move forward. So the Sassid board of directors has um approved the initial piece. Now it is out at all of the school boards um to be voted on um over the course of the next month um and then we will send that um back um with our message from us. So um that is all that I have on um Sassid. We just wanted to provide you with a very brief
058update um since we had not um talked about it in a little bit of time and they're making a number of moves and also um those updates to the articles of agreement. So, um I'd be happy to take any questions, >> questions, comments from the board. >> Beth, thank you Kevin for going over all that. I know not a lot of us um know about what a special education co-op is. So appreciate that. Um I've been on involved with SASID since 2019. So I've heard a lot over that time about the challenges of providing individualized support that looks so different for every student to such a wide a large number of students over a large um area. And um it's there's a lot of challenges that come with that. And so over the past few
059years, a lot of really dedicated people including superintendent from the member districts and leadership that's been put in place at SASD have come together to try to address some of these challenges and they've done a ton of work to do that. Um putting a strategic plan in place, assessing all of the needs. It's been a long uh process of really assessing how to best um address um supporting all of these students. So, I just want to say thank you for all of that work and I think they've done a really good job of finding a way to uh centralize the location so that there's not as many students having to go to different locations. It stops staff from having to drive to all different locations. I believe they said they're going from um right now
060there's 20 different buildings and only three of them are Sassad um owned. So an additional three are Sasset buildings. So this would that's a lot of rent being paid. And so that those funds also would be funneled into the cost of this building they would be acquiring which would just I just think it's a great solution for for students and for staff and for districts that are involved. So I just wanted to um being kind of front and center and seeing the process. I know it's been a ton of work and a lot of collaboration. So thank you for all your work on that. >> Thank you. Thank you, Miss Hassler, because um those meetings are in the evening and and they're they're late and and being able to be um caught up in and
061working with me and meeting with me to kind of understand where we are in that process. In addition to serving on the board, I'm also um a part of their um policy committee. Um and so really looking at and making sure that our policies as we've done this work here in D205 really align with our practices and that we're meeting the needs um of students that have you know some you know very um diverse and very specific needs. And so it is and has been a part I think uh district 205 we have continue to benefit greatly. Um we are in terms of u being a unit district um one of their uh largest uh sitting districts that's a member of of this Sassid um uh cooperative but I think the um benefits have greatly
062um um been uh weighed heavily and and the thoughtfulness and so I appreciate your support. I appreciate um Dr. Rubenstein's our directors um within the student services also uh directors come together and meet and collaborate and just the change and the uh of of practice and ideas have has also um bolded well and has been a great benefit to our district and our students. So um thank you. >> Thank you. >> Other questions, comments? Go ahead. >> So um I'm just going to Beth, thank you so much. seven years. I mean, you have been our rep on Sassid and it's just not just the work, but the passion you've put into volunteering for the, you know, extracurricular part of the job. I really truly appreciate. I've I've been a backup over the years and going
063to those meetings. It it is a group of amazing, passionate people that are just working toward this one common goal and it makes it when you're sitting in that room, it really makes you feel like, yeah, we can do this. And so, thank you so much for seven years of doing that. I really truly appreciate it. And I don't and I appreciate the presentation because I don't think the community understands how much goes into this cooperative and how grateful we should be because even, you know, everyone at this table is passionate about giving all of our students the services that they need. We're also managing by law to do that. And I know I'm going to ask one of those rhetorical questions where I already know the answer. Could we possibly provide our six to
064eight students per year the services that they get through SASID if we were not part of this cooperative? I mean uh it would be extraordinarily difficult to give the same student experience. There is um a significant amount of research to support the idea just as an example that um uh students who are deaf or heart of hearing um should be educated together with um deaf and heart of hearing peers. Um and uh we wouldn't be able to provide that classroom experience at scale the way that they do. >> Yeah. And and I don't think I don't I certainly didn't know before I was on this board and learned about SASD how much we rely on that amazing cooperative of resources. So I am super grateful that we're part of this cooperative. I I love the
065idea of centralizing all the services for all the the the I don't know therapists and teachers and counselors and every all the resources that we get in one location because I just I mean I I think that we later have to talk about if we're going to commit to this cooperative and I can't imagine not being a part of it um for the it doesn't matter to me if it was one student or 50 students I mean, it it just is the right thing to do for anybody in our district. So, thank you guys both. Appreciate it. >> The the centralized um location is going to really produce significant um I know this board is very uh sensitive and oftent times elevates the student experience. Um and right now in terms of where satellite classrooms,
066there will be still a few satellite classrooms, very few satell satellite classrooms, but majority of the program um we're looking to centralize and bring in one um one space and um we are really excited. Um I will keep the board um apprised as we move through this process. Uh right now we are in um very strong negotiations with one particular location that is extremely promising. Um and uh we are very excited about the location of that location. I'll just leave that teaser out right there. Um but I will definitely um as as we move through that process, Dr. Rubenstein and I will keep you um uh up to date on on how how things are moving with securing that. Amazing. Thank you. Any other questions, comments from the board? All right. Moving on to the
067next up is uh consent agenda. Is there anything anyone would like to pull from consent agenda? Okay. If not, can I have a motion for consent agenda, please? I move that the board of education approve the following consent agenda items. A, personnel reports. B report. B, financial reports. C. FOYA Freedom of Information Act request. D. 2026 2027 school year exchange student York High School. E. Athletic trainer contract. F. Consolidated district plan. G. Disposable disposal of equipment. H. First read section 2 board of education policy review 22 200 2220 22 250 22 260 22 265. I first read section for operational services policy review 440 4165. J first read section five personnel policy review 530 550 5250 5330 K first read section 6 instruction policy review 650 665 6100 6145 6170 L first read section 7
068students policy review 720 750 7100 7185 7220 7230 7240 7260 7280 7300 M first read section 8 community relations policy review 890 and that's it. [laughter] It's like at the end of the page I'll second motion made by Mrs. Asive, seconded by Mrs. Hustler. Can we um call a vote? >> Mrs. Asive? >> Yes. Mrs. Hustler? >> Yes. >> Mr. Brznahan? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lewinsky? Yes, >> Mrs. Troutman. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Ranites. Dr. Henry, >> yes. Six eyes's, zero nazs, one absent. Motion passes. Okay, now on to agenda action items. First um item on the agenda is amendments to SASID's joint articles of agreement. So, as we just discussed um under the prior agenda item, um we are bringing to you this evening um some re proposed revisions to the SASID articles of
069agreement um and asking for your approval this evening. So, the proposed revisions really make several changes to the articles of joint agreement. Um the first one is in um the area of updates to the school code. uh there were a number of uh primarily administrative changes that were needed made to that. Um the second is uh the bigger one um and that is procedures for withdrawal. Um so there are um uh several notification requirements. Um but this sets uh into motion an 18month um withdrawal uh procedure which is uh now required by school code. Um that is really a big thing and then also spells out um more specifically the financial implications that that carries along with it. Um there as I alluded to in my last board presentation there have been a number of
070cooperatives that have struggled through this over the last um couple of years and so um they are making changes to our articles of agreement to um make sure that that is uh safe and sound and then um as Dr. [clears throat] Campbell talked about um we are spelling out in the articles of agreement the procedures for acquisition and future ownership of property. So um those uh areas had not been updated since um the last districts uh came on board in the late 90s and early 2000s um and spelled out that we would um not have access to certain bits of property and have access to other pieces of property. Um, and so this clears everything up moving forward about what we would pay um if they acquired future property um uh and um if we
071were to eventually leave the cooperative, how much we would be um uh required to um pay out um over a period of time. And so, um, our recommendation is that the board of education should approve, um, the resolution to ratify the proposed amendments, um, to the articles of joint agreement, um, for Cassid. >> You, Dr. Ruben, can we have a motion? >> I move that the board of education approve the resolution to ratify the proposed amendments to the articles of joint agreement for the school association for special education in Dwage County as presented. I'll >> second. Okay. Motion made by Mrs. Hustler, seconded by Miss Sloinsky. Any comments from the board. Okay. Seeing none, can we call a vote? >> Mrs. Hustler? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lewinsky? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Troutman? >> Yes. >>
072Mrs. Asive? >> Yes. >> Mr. President? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Arvanites. Dr. Henry, >> yes. Six eyes's, zero nays, one absent. Motion passes. Next item on the agenda is transfer of interest from debt service fund to education fund. Mr. Blumquist. >> Thank you. Uh state statute allows school boards uh to elect to transfer interest earned in the debt service fund to uh a fund of of greatest need. Um as long as debt service uh payments can be funded through um other revenues within the fund. Uh I can safely say that the revenues we receive through our property tax levy for debt service is more than enough to to cover the expenses of our debt service and it is our recommendation to transfer uh $200,000 of interest earnings from the debt service fund to the uh
073to the fund of most need which we've identified as the education fund. >> Great. Thank you. Can we have a motion? I move that the board of education approve the transfer of $200,000 of fiscal year 2025 2026 interest earning from the debt service fund to the education fund. Second motion made by Mrs. Troutman. Second by Mrs. ASF. Comments from the board. Okay. Seeing none, can we call a vote? Mrs. Troutman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. As? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hassler? >> Yes. >> Mr. Breahan? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lewinsky? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Mr. Vanites, Dr. Henry. >> Yes. Uh, six eyes, zero nazs, one absent. Motion passes. Okay. Next item on the agenda is the school year student handbook. >> Are you up? >> I am. Okay. I am. Yes. We are happy to
074present to you um for approval the uh 2026 to 2027 um handbook uh that is printed in grades 6 through 12 um for all students and um provided online um with access uh for all families across the district. Um several we brought this to the parent teacher advisory committee um at our meeting in late April. Um and the board reviewed it then. Um all several changes have been madeated made for the 2627 school year. Um so all letters, student fees, calendars um IHSA policies and district contacts have or will be updated. Um there have been uh several sections which um are updated to align with new or current board policies. So, curriculum content, um some of the bullying prevention and response, um uniform grievance procedures, um all of those are updated in there. Um there
075have been updates um made to reflect updated practices um related to grading at York High School. Um and then there's just some stylistic changes and content updates have been made to other areas like student assessments and fees and discipline and behavioral expectations. Um so, I would be happy to um take any questions. First off, can we have a motion? >> I move that the board of education approve the updated 2026 2027 parent student handbook as presented. >> Second. [snorts] >> Second. >> Okay, I'm taking Brian on that one. Okay. Motion made by Miss Sinsky, second by Mr. Breahan. Um, any comments from the board? >> You know, I think this is a this is the Bible for all students and parents, every elementary, middle school, and York. Um, and I'd encourage any parents that have
076any questions about it to go back and review that um, committee meeting um, where there was a robust I wasn't even there, but I did go back and watch it. There's a robust discussion about the handbook and I appreciate the effort that goes into this every year to um, align what's happening in our buildings to what's happening in our, you know, that it's reflected in the handbook. So, I I continue to thank the committee that spends the time working on it and um the people at the district that do it as well. I appreciate it. >> Absolutely. >> I just want to add too that um it's it's a really great resource like for the community members and and parents out there. Um I've had to look at it just as a parent for like
077oh what was that like procedure with attendance or you know or grades or whatever. Um or I've had friends be like what's the homework policy you know whatever. So, it's it's a good I actually was just talking to someone today who had some didn't really know how to access it and I just kind of showed them. I mean, it's right on the website. Just a a good resource if there's questions. It's just an easy way to kind of access um quick answers. So, just it's um it's a good resource. So, thank you. >> Other comments? Can we call a vote? >> Mrs. Lewinsky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Breznan? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Troutman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Asive? Yes. Mrs. Hustler? Yes, Mrs. Urbanites. Dr. Henry. >> Yes. Six eyes, zero nazs, one absent. Motion
078passes. Next item on the agenda is districtwide security services. >> Good evening. I shared a little bit at the May um board meeting about a recent RFP that the safety and security committee com um conducted. It was a uh RFP that provided us an opportunity to do a review and compare an analysis of security services for the district. Um following the thorough review of proposals, product demonstrations, uh implementation plans and service capabilities, our evaluation team is recommending and requesting approval for district 205 to enter into a contract with Crisis GO beginning with the 2627 school year and continuing for a total of three years. The implementation of Crisis GO would expand many areas of our current services for safety and security, including internal emergency communication and notification abilities for staff and first responders, as well
079as provide a significant increase in the functionality while maintaining all core emergency notification capabilities that are currently being utilized throughout the district. In addition, we would be pre preserving existing services and crisis go offers a comprehensive suite of tools that enhance prevention, response, communication, accountability, medical emergency management, reunification, and post incident recovery services. The evaluation team believes that these expanded capabilities represent a meaningful investment in the safety and security of students and staff and facilities and requests for your approval. >> Thank you, Mrs. Daniels. Can we have a motion? I move that the board of education approve the contract with crisis go for security services beginning the 2627 school year for a total of three years as presented. >> We'll get second. [laughter] >> I'll second. Okay. [laughter] Okay. Ke Okay. Motion made by Miss
080Troutman, seconded by Miss Asiff. Now, are there any questions, comments from the board? [laughter] Yeah, I just have a quick question. Um, is this replacing another app that we have used? Okay, so it's not replacing an app. Uh, we currently have a service called um, Bluepoint, which it ensures that we're in compliance with um, a federal law called Alyssa's law that requires that everybody has um, emergency buttons to notify um, first responders in the event of an emergency. It would replace that and dramatically expand it. Thank you. I just I said app because I actually have that app from my job. But um yeah, so that's um that's good. Just wanted to understand if it was something brand new or a new um system we were using. So, thank you. >> Other questions or comments?
081>> I'm just And I know I'm a a nerd when it comes to this stuff, but I can't um begin to express about what an upgrade in security and safety processes this will bring to us. Um, you know, one of the in the event of an emergency, the reunification process is like the most chaotic possible thing ever. And this will so greatly enhance our ability to get parents back in touch with their students or their children in the event that that happens. But I mean, that's just one facet of it. Crisis, I mean, it's just such a great platform. So, I can't um tell you how excited I am that we're bringing this to the district and how much um there's just so many benefits to it. So, I thank you for all the work
082you put into it and uh I look forward to seeing how seeing a presentation in the future about how it's helping everybody. [laughter] >> Yes. >> All right. Can we call a vote? Mrs. Troutman? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Asip? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hustler? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lewinsky? >> Yes. >> Mr. Breahan? Yes, >> Mrs. Arvanites. Dr. Henry. >> Yes. Six eyes, zero nays, one absent. Motion passes. Next item on the agenda is the 2026 2030 district 205 SEIU local 73 collective bargaining agreement. >> Yes. Uh good evening. Our current agreement uh between the board of education and our custodial maintenance union, SEIU Local 73, is set to expire on June 30th. Uh for the past few months, we've been negotiating a new 4-year agreement with the union and came to a tenative agreement
083on June 9th. The union membership ratified the agreement just last week. The agreement aims to attract and retain highquality, purpose-driven employees while remaining fiscally responsible. Uh we also want to take the time to express our gratitude and appreciation for the work of our custodial maintenance teams. Our students and staff depend on them daily. And simply put, our schools would not operate without them. I want to note uh Chief Steuart Darren Bliss is here in attendance tonight and we appreciate his collaboration during this process. And with that, we recommend the board approve the collective barney agreement that would become effective July 1, 2026 and expire June 30th, 2030. >> Thank you, Dr. Schumacher. Can we have a motion? I move that the board of education approve the 2026 2030 district 205 SEIU collective bargaining agreement as
084presented. >> I'll second motion made by Mr. Breahan, second by Miss Hustler. Any comments from the board? Okay, seeing as Oh, go ahead. >> Oh, go ahead. I'm just gonna say >> I just wanted to say just wanted to say thank you for everyone involved in this process, this very collaborative process and just working together to come up with an agreement that works well for everyone involved. I appreciate I know it's a lot of time spent doing that. So appreciate everyone's efforts. >> Sounds good. Thank you. Can we call a vote? Mr. Brezen? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Hustler? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lewinsky? Yes, >> Mrs. Asive. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Troutman. >> Yes, >> Mrs. Dr. Henry. >> Yes. Six eyes, zero nays, one absent. Motion passes. Okay, moving on to superintendent communication. >>
085Thank you. This has been a very efficient meeting. Dr. Henry, just saying. >> Yes. So there are um several uh communications. I I want to uh first just echo um as [clears throat] uh my colleague Dr. Dr. Schumacher has stated uh our sincere appreciation to our SEIU unit. Um and the uh one of the things that I want to just highlight is um the intentional collaboration um and the very very necessary but important discourse where I think both sides uh listened and and heard and I'm really excited about the the forward momentum um and the leadership um from our administration as well as as from the union. So once again just want to say thank you. Um uh a couple of updates that I want to share with our board of education and our community.
086Uh first being one uh that we had a data showcase um and what we entitled a school improvement uh planning collaborative. Um this was a plan um and led uh by um our assistant superintendent, Miss Lions, assistant superintendent, Miss Lichel, as well as assistant uh superintendent uh Rubenstein. And this was such a phenomenal moment in time to bring together school teams uh to review and to celebrate uh preliminary summitive data uh while also identifying some of those key goals and priorities for the upcoming school year. Um on uh the screen right now uh in the uh hallway uh school teams as they met as they celebrated um there was an opportunity to come and and take a picture. Um and this time we not only brought together administrators uh but there were representation of our
087teachers. Our teachers were in the room, instructional coaches, um, and really, uh, thoughtful, um, dedicated, passionate, um, educators, uh, that are really, um, coming together to be thoughtful about how we continue, um, to elevate the student experience in a positive way, um, as well as have the outcomes that we've set out to to meet. Um, new this year was every school also established a school improvement um, planning team which is what I just mentioned. Um, that included not only those administrators and instructional coaches but department and division chairs and teachers um, ensuring just broader uh, stakeholder engagement um, involvement in the planning and absolutely just the ownership. Um, I [snorts] was so excited um, when my team shared with me and went over the agenda in the day. I actually called a couple of my
088colleagues uh superintendent friends and was bragging about this moment that we were creating and I said listen this is something you all need to come and see um and learn from. I didn't have anyone taking me up on that but that's okay. Um and and and and during this time uh schools shared their initial data analysis their improvement priorities their planning um strategies with colleagues fostering authentic partnership and crosschool learning. school teams uh will now continue that work and have continued that work within their leadership teams to refine uh to to finalize their professional learning plans and establish support um structures to advance their identified goals for this coming year. Um, our team also was very thoughtful um, in having moments to to put our schools together within their their cluster tracks. And so having
089elementary, um, feeders into their middle schools and just talking again and sharing the work and looking at that consistency was absolutely phenomenal. And so, um, I just want to just again to elevate how fortunate we are in D205. Um this was after the school year but the level of engagement, the energy, the excitement, the passion, the thoughtfulness um elevating the celebrations but there was also this continual um you know energy around what and how we can do things better and how we can support even more students. And that um is is just something that I think speaks to the culture and the climate that has been built here um with our with our school team. So k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
090k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k k kudos and congratulations to to all of our leaders um for the work that they've done this last year as well as um coming um up in preparation for next school year. As always um we will bring when that data is made um available, we will bring uh that to the board of education as well as share um in our annual state of the district um with the broader community. But that was one of the first things that I wanted to um just share with the board. Next, uh summer school is underway. So, I'm going to uh kick it to my uh colleagues. Is Miss Lishel, I'm sorry, Miss Lions or Dr. Rubenstein. And I'm looking
091at you. I'm looking at you. I'm looking at you. Did you grab Did you grab the mic? Were you ready, Miss Lel? Miss Lions share a little summer school. >> Yes. It is hard to believe that we're here. We're we're just a few short weeks uh away from summer academic, athletic, and um art programs wrapping up, but we're still we're not quite there. Um elementary ends this Thursday, and then we have our uh programs at York uh that continue in the second semester. Yes. Um, we're thrilled that enrollment in these important and engaging programs remains strong and our enrollment stays consistent as it has been in the past few years. This year, we've had 1,22 enrollments in our academic programs, which includes acceleration, extended school year, exploratory, and our York credit bearing programs. We've had
092301 enroll or we have 301 enrollments in fine arts programs and 2004 enrollments in our athletic programs. So feedback is being gathered. Um and if you haven't if you have a child in one of the programs and you haven't gotten the feedback survey, it's coming. Um but we're excited to gather that feedback again this year from our staff, our families, and our high school students to continuously improve our program offerings and participant experiences. and we look forward to reporting on our summer full of discovery, creativity, and connection at a board meeting in the fall. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, also happenings this summer um across our district is our summer capital projects. And so I've asked my colleague Mr. Blumquest just to share a brief update on our progress. >> Yeah. And unlike summer
093school, we are not close to wrapping up, but we we we are we are progressing very well. So, uh our our summer capital projects are in full swing. Uh some of these pictures aren't exactly the most uh thrilling, but at the same time, I figured uh you want to see some visuals because hopefully you have not been up on the roof, but you can see there uh roofs at York, Brian, and on the next slide, Churchville are well underway. Uh with work scheduled for completion by the middle of of July for each of those three. Also at Churchville, the third floor has undergone an extensive ceiling and lighting replacement. Uh so you can see all that work being done right there. Um there was there was a lot of stuff above the ceiling tile that
094we also removed. So we're very excited to to to see if there's some efficiencies. Um as part of the bathroom renovations at Emerson and Jefferson, new epoxy floors are being laid this week and equipment should be in place by the end of July. Also at Emerson and Brian identified classrooms have gone through flooring removal including asbestous abatement that is complete and the new floors are expected to be put in place in mid July. Edison has finished its installation of the expanded uh fencing encircling the entire playground and the adjoining grass field. Uh some some other items that are not that do not have pictures. The Sandberg drainage project is entering phase two. Uh that's going to entail some uh replacing some cracked piping under the auditorium floor. Uh additional testing will take place immediately following
095that replacement to ensure all areas of need are addressed. uh projects will continue into July and even into the fall uh without disrupting instruction or any student activities with the installation of boilers at Jackson and Edison in July, replacement of chillers and Brian at Brian and Churchville most likely um extending into the winter or spring uh due to uh uh due to the the long nature of of obtaining the the chiller uh units and continued replacement of exterior doors all schools. Um, and installation of new cafeteria tables at Fiser and York. Um, one other item that I will have pictures for in the future is our brand new uh digital scoreboard in the Campbell Gym, which we are very excited is installed. uh we just uh engaged in a training on how to use the
096uh the software system uh so we can utilize it um as soon as uh we need to uh in the fall with our fall sports uh particularly girls volleyball. I think we'll be the first one to get to use that new digital scoreboard. So, moving on to our communication highlights. So, the 16th edition of our community connections newsletter will be um hitting the printing press um probably tomorrow and we'll be in mailboxes within a week after that. One of the stories that is featured in it is the senior walkthrough of the elementary schools that started uh two years ago. Three, this was the third year. Um it was such a special experiment experience experiment experience. three years ago it was [laughter] um and we we really wanted to kind of highlight it and share a
097little bit about it and we wanted to talk to the students about why it was important to them and talk to some of the teachers about what it meant to them to see their students come back and so we um have a short clip of the full video that you can view on our YouTube channel and you can also scan it in the newsletter when it arrives in your house so here's a little teaser of >> [clears throat] >> The senior walkthrough [music] is a really awesome experience for the senior students to return to their grade schools and walk the halls. I think it's a nice piece of nostalgia for the seniors to return to their grade schools. They get to see the halls. They get to see their lockers. They get to [music] see
098the places where they ate lunch and had recess and all those friendly, familiar faces. It felt so different to be here [music] as somebody that doesn't go here and has gone through the whole D205 school system. Um, but it's just it's [music] so different to see the ways that the building has changed, the people, the teachers. Um, but it's so nostalgic to be back here walking around today. And [music] it was so special and I'm glad that we had the opportunity to do it. I've been emotional [music] ever since I saw them because I was able to have these kids for two years in third and fourth grade. And [music] when I just made eye contact with them, I just flashbacked to when they were in third and [music] fourth grade. And so many memories
099came to mind. funny ones, heartwarming [music] ones, and being able to see that they're still excelling and they're still [music] doing so well, it just really means the world to me [applause] with me. I [laughter] >> [gasps] >> Okay. Thank you. Okay. Is there any board member communications? Okay. Seeing none, um upcoming meetings. Next meeting is July 28th, 2026. Board of Education meeting at 7:00 district 205 center rooms 20 215, 216, and 217. This meeting is now adjourned at 8:36. Thank you.