001All right. And I'll call this regular meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:12 p.m. Can you please call the roll? >> Ms. Pearson >> Present. >> Ms. Chavez >> Here. >> Ms. McCall >> Present. >> Ms. Bennett >> Suspense, I'm here. >> Mr. Carpenter >> Here. >> Ms. Haley Ms. Stanford >> Here. >> With six present, one absent, we have a quorum. >> Thank you. We will now take a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. At the start of each board meeting, we remember that the mission of the Rockford Public Schools is to collaboratively engage all students in an equitable first-class education for a changing world. And before we go any further, we would like to thank Kim Patterson and Aaron Hill who are working behind the scenes to
002produce the board's broadcast via YouTube live stream and Comcast Channel 20. We'd also like to welcome Superintendent's Student Advisory Council member Michael Santos from East High School. >> And we will now recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions in the district, which will be led by Miss Stephanie Pierson. >> Rockford University Pathways students is before before my section. >> Yes, you're right. So, we're on item 2A, Rockford University Pathways students. Thank you. Um Mr. Pope, great. >> All right, thank you. I I know I say this every single year, but this really is the best night of the year for Rockford Public Schools or one of the best nights of the year. This is when we get to recognize our outstanding high school students that have decided to start that journey and become future educators with Rockford
003Public Schools through our Rockford University Education Pathway. So, our Rockford University Education Pathway has been just an amazing pipeline for our district to get really great educators into our classroom. These are our students. These are people from our community, from our schools, and they know what it's going to take to succeed and thrive in Rockford Public Schools, and we are excited to welcome this new cohort cohort into the education pathway and cannot wait for 4 years to welcome them into the classroom as certified teachers. Uh we we look back at the education pathway this current school year, we have over 40 certified teachers in our district that have come through the education pathway. Almost a third of those educators are in hard-to-fill areas. We have several that are student teaching with us this semester, and
004we have a large number coming in over the next year that will be student teaching. So, again, very excited to welcome this new cohort into the education pathway. I'm going to invite Ashley Thomas up. I asked her this year to really take the lead on the recruitment for this program this year. Ashley has been the one on the ground working with these students, helping them through the application process, doing the interviews, getting them into the program, and ultimately making sure they cross the finish line. I think it's only right that she's the one that actually reads off the names tonight. >> Thank you all for having us. I want to congratulate all of the scholars here, and welcome them on this journey. We are excited to have you, and we can't wait to welcome you
005back into our schools as educators. I've had the pleasure of sitting down with each one of these students, reading their essays, interviewing them, and getting to learn their stories. When I hear students say, "I didn't think college was possible for me." That's what makes me smile. Like, that's what gives me joy in my job. So, I've had the pleasure of getting to know these students, and I'm going to call you all up one by one. You're going to go around and shake everyone's hand, and then I'm going to ask you to stand up there so we can get a quick photo. Parents, I know we're super excited, but can you hold your applause till the end, and we'll scream and shout for everyone, okay? All right, and Anna's going to pass out your certificates as
006you come up. Stand So, first we have Miss Abigail. Let the eighth grade clap. Miss Brenda Vaeyi. Mr. Saser. Mrs. Destiny Riggs. Miss Grace McHaren. You're just going to go over there. Miss Isabella. Grace >> Mr. Jesus Mrs. Justina Justina is also the recipient of the Shin Scholarship. She will receive additional funds every year she's at Rockford University. Miss Karina Miss Kiera Kristen My E Makaya What did I say? Kristen, My E, Makaya, Nadia Garrett Priscilla Sanchez Riley Mr. Sam Mr. Tyrese and Mrs. Yadidi >> All right, we're going to get a quick photo and then I promise you guys can get out of >> Okay, PARENTS. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU. NOW, WE'LL MOVE ON TO MS. Pearson and celebrate the recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions, other outstanding contributions
007to the district. >> Thank you. Hi, everyone. We are excited to honor our PS 205's outstanding staff, students, and coaches to celebrate their great achievements. After you hear your name or team called, please come forward. You'll make your way through the inner circle this way, so opposite, and head out into the hallway, where you will receive a certificate and patch, and have an opportunity for photographs. Audience, please hold your applause until the end of each group. I apologize in advance if I pronounce any names incorrectly. At East High School, sophomore Saeya Hung Mangkoun earned third place at the IHSA Girls State Wrestling Championships in the 105-lb weight class. Saeya finished the season with an impressive 28 and 2 record, adding to her state championship title from last year as a freshman. She is coached by
008Madeline Hung Mangkoun and Jean Lee. At Jefferson High School, sophomore Kylie Ilken placed seventh in the 190-lb Girls Individual State Finals. Kylie battled through a competitive competitive field with multiple wins to secure her place on the podium. She is coached by Jonathan Porter. At Guilford High School, senior AJ Haywood had a remarkable wrestling season with a 28-7 record. She earned her championship at the Ottawa Holiday Hootenanny and Kayland Knights Invite, claimed a regional title and advanced to deep into the state series, finishing just one match shy of placing at state. She is coached by Rashad Hoel and Heather Kulagowski. East High School also made history in theater. The group interpretation team earned third place at sectionals with their performance of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, advancing to state for the first time in school
009history. The team is coached by Lexi Kolotourou and Nathaniel O'Brien. All sectional cast honors were awarded to Paige Neri, Madeline Bauer Dragelis, Ace Cox, Andre Reyes, Gianna States, Ryker Brochon, Naya Irizarry, Taj Davis, Amira Dock, and Miles Jacobs. Additional ensemble members include Hayden Roach, Cali Strecker, Jazlyn Longoria, Riley Haffey, and Ethel Harrison. Special Special recognition goes to Paige Neri and Madeline Bauer Dragelis, who earned all-state cast honors. Let's give them a round of applause. At Auburn High School, seven students, Amaya Holland, Ruth We know Ruth. Ruth's last name starts with an S. Abigail Manhano, Janelli Villanueva, Colin Lester, Zephyr Ferris, and Lewis Rambold were selected to showcase their work at the Illinois High School Art Exhibition, qualifying for college scholarships Under the guidance of teacher Elizabeth Wood, Auburn seniors earned a total of 1.628 million
010dollars in scholarship offers. Eddie Plath also received an early college portfolio award for a summer program at the Center for Creative Studies. Finally, at Marshall Middle School, students Alex Granados and Tenay Muwada earned first place in the Cal Ripken Senior STEM Super Bowl Engineering and 3D Print Challenge. Guided by their teacher, Stacy Wallace, they designed an interactive Super Bowl stage featuring moving parts, lighting, 3D printed elements, and original music. They demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and innovation. Congratulations, everyone. Let's give them a big round of applause. Thank you guys for coming and have a good evening. And now, we are featuring Roosevelt Community Education Center. Please welcome Principal John Schmelzer, who will present on his school's success. Principal Schmelzer, take it away. >> All right. Thank you to the Board of Education cabinet for having me here.
011Uh and I especially want to thank the Roosevelt staff. There's a number of staff members here, and without them, none of this would be possible. And we're also fortunate to have a couple of our students here as well, cuz that's what it's all about. Uh so, thank you to Malia and to Ashton for being here as well. Um So, Malia, why don't you come on up, since you're going to be uh participating in this presentation. Uh so, this is an overview, just briefly, of what Roosevelt looks like. We pull from all four high schools in the district, and it really is uh representative of what the Rockford community looks like. Um but, Roosevelt programs uh they consist of more than just the high school program. Um, our high school program currently we have approximately 509
012students enrolled. Uh, but this year we've served over 663 students thus far. Uh, we have an adult GED program as well. There are 81 current students, uh, but we've served 124 over this school year. We also have a daycare, which, uh, is for the students at Roosevelt. We have 15 infants and toddlers in that program. And then we also have an early childhood program which has approximately 60 uh, 67 students right now. So, there's a lot going on at Roosevelt, and all those programs run concurrently during the school day. Um, one of the the themes you're going to see tonight for Roosevelt is really it's it's about the staff and the students. And it's about providing opportunities for our students, uh, so they can really see what the world has for them. Uh, this picture
013here actually is our daycare, um, students, if you will. Students and babies and the staff, and they're out on a field trip to the apple orchard. And we really wanted to provide an opportunity for them to bond as mother and child, but also get to know the staff, and really to do something that they maybe normally wouldn't do, uh, at a high school. Uh, this here is a group of students who went to PCI as part of manufacturing days. Again, to experience, uh, workplace, uh, find out, you know, what the real world is really like. Cuz again, it's about opening their minds and providing opportunity. So, Roosevelt's theory of action is really about the staff being committed to disrupting the inequities and adversities faced by our students, um, through these strategies. Really, building strong relationships,
014individualizing instruction, uh, maximizing project-based learning, providing appropriate tiered supports and interventions, and connecting students to college and career opportunities. And through this commitment, we accelerate student learning, close the achievement gap, and provide a pathway for Roosevelt students to discover and pursue their full post-secondary potential. Um unlike the other schools, our school improvement plan looks a little bit different. We really don't have a state report card like the other schools. However, um our grant is funded through ICCB, the Illinois Community College Board. So, we do have some goals established by them and we also try to align with the district. Um so, our first goal is a literacy goal. Um when students come to Roosevelt, they have to take what's called the CASAS test. It's a an adult functional literacy test. They have to take it
015upon enrollment uh when they start, when they leave, and then for every 70 hours of class time, they have to take it again. So, we're constantly testing kids, it seems like, in this. Um what we're looking for over time is a measurable skill gain, so they're moving up levels. Um the the state set a goal this year of 41%. Um currently, we're sitting at 44%. But, we still have a lot of the year to go. We see a lot of gains at this time of the year as students are finishing up. Uh student sense of belonging, we use the Panorama survey to measure this. Uh currently, our students are sitting at about 48% with that strong sense of belonging. Our goal is to increase from 46 to 51, and that is from the winter results.
016Our uh the spring window is actually open right now. It closes tomorrow. So, hopefully, we'll hit our mark. And then, our final goal is about chronic absenteeism. And like across the district and across the state, absenteeism is a problem. So, we're looking to increase our average daily attendance by uh 5%. Um last year, we finished the year at 68%. Currently, we're sitting at right around 76% uh with um attendance. And that's important for us because our grant is also funded um and driven by student attendance. So, stories that matter. This is why Malia is here. She's going to share her story with you. Um so, Malia, I'm going to let you take over. Step right to the mic. >> Good evening, everyone. My name is Malia. Am I loud enough? >> Yes, check your voice.
017>> My name is Malia. I'm 16 years old and I'm proud to say I am graduating early thanks to Roosevelt. Before I came to Roosevelt, I was never in class. My grades were were not the best and I was passing at a low D. I was skipping class, getting into fights, and getting suspended. I never thought I'd get the chance to graduate earlier or even graduate. Roosevelt's awesome support and structure helped me to accomplish my achievement. My amazing teachers made sure I understood all my work. They also helped me to feel safe and comfortable. With their help, I was able to succeed tremendously. While at Roosevelt, I experienced great support from the MTSS staff, Christie and Nicole, both and my counselor Melissa. The principal John and the assistant principal Ryan contributed great care during my
018time at Roosevelt. Attending Roosevelt helped me grow as a student and a person. Thank you. >> Thank you, Malia. Malia is just one story. I could have had 200 kids up here, truly. You know, every student is a success story in some fashion. So, this is another story. This is Trayvon and Trayvon came to Roosevelt into our adult education program and he was referred to Summit Academy for an informational meeting and he brought his mother Crystal with him. She was not just there to support him. She actually enrolled alongside him determined to finish what she had once started kind of a long time ago. So, now this mother and son show up every day for themselves and for each other. Trayvon leads with patience, encouragement, and care as his mother returns to school after decades
019away and navigates new technology. Both have already passed their first exam. Their commitment is creating ripple effects. One classmate inspired by their journey asked to enroll his sister, who is now part of the program. This is what opportunity looks like when it becomes shared, supported, and sustained. And I'm actually happy to report that Trayan took his fourth and final GED test today and passed it. So, as of today, he has his Illinois State High School Diploma. So, one of the things we look at at Roosevelt is the number of graduates. And I've got some updated numbers here. Currently, at the high school level, we have 65 high school graduates, and we have another 40 in the adult GED who have completed it. So, we're right around a hundred. Typically, by the end of the year,
020we'll we'll have a graduating class of right around 200. That's That's seems to be the trend. Um but again, it's we're we're trying to create opportunities for students. We know that a high school diploma or a GED is that first step. So, these are pictures here. These are actually uh students in the adult ed side, and they are reading to our early childhood students, and they're practicing the literacy skills they learned in their reading class. So, again, we try and do some uh cross-program opportunities for students as well if it benefits everybody. So, the other thing in in creating opportunities is we bring in weekly speakers. We have speakers come in every Thursday, and they speak to the students. It's voluntary on the students' part. They're not forced to go. They sign up to go.
021And we've had uh speakers from RVC trade programs, uh Mayor Tom, Goodwill training programs, the fire department, uh State Rep. Maurice West, Rockford University, OSF nursing, uh the International Brotherhood of Electrical um workers. It and they come and they speak to the kids. And to date, we've actually had um 29 speakers, and we've had 1,609 students participate in these. And again, the speakers are focusing on opportunities for students. What trade school looks like, what college looks like, if you're going into the workplace, what that looks like, what the skills are needed to be successful. So, this is a couple of photographs of Mayor Tom when he spoke. This was the one um speaker that we had the whole school school attend. Um and he was originally scheduled to speak for about 50 minutes with students,
022and a lot of it was Q&A. Um but the students were so engaged and the questions were so good that he just continued and um after about an hour 20 minutes, we had to kind of wrap things up a little bit. Um but you know, the students were very impressive. Their questions were very thoughtful uh and I know he's been out yearly for the last few years and is really impressed with our students. Um field trips. Another way to create opportunity for our students. And we're not talking about field trips to necessarily to the museum or to the zoo. And those are important, don't get me wrong. But these are field trips out to RVC, to the NIU School of Art and Design, Rockford University, Winnebago County Sheriff's Department. These are field trips designed to
023allow kids to experience a workplace, to experience post-secondary education so that they can see the opportunities they may have. Um and just as a side note, we were talking today, right? And you were applying to some colleges and >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah, so even Maleah here who, you know, just a year ago wasn't even sure she was going to graduate, now she's got college on her mind and she's looking at programs and wanting to apply and and get started. So, we've done actually uh 36 field trips to date with 601 students. And oftentimes these field trips, some may be in large groups, but oftentimes they're like groups of six. Um so, in this picture here, you can see there are students at RVC Aviation Center and WTVO. Um again, the small group allows the
024students to really get an idea of of what the job entails. They can ask a lot of questions and get a hands-on experience and and in fields that they never maybe dreamed of. And then finally, we have job shadows. And those job shadows include going to Header Tool and Die, Rockford Toolery Machinery, WTVO, um many of our RPS 205 schools. Um they're good partners. The Rockford Police Department. Um and so we've had 16 job shadows thus far with about 70 students participating. And a lot of times those are very small group, one-on-one. Next week we actually have five more job shadows planned in our health pathway with about 28 students participating. So again, lots of opportunities so the students can see the possibilities. So this was a trip to Winnebago County Courthouse. Uh they got
025to meet the judges and really ask a lot of questions about the judicial system. So we just had some students honored with scholarships. Last year we had uh four students earn the Rockford University Education Pathway Scholarship. This year we've had eight students go through the Rock Valley College Forklift Certification. So those are you know, that forklift certification, that's a a skill that is immediately transferable into a job. Um we our students earned the Early Childhood Education Credential Level 1, which allows them to be assistant teachers in a licensed daycare center. So we've had 20 students earn that um credential. And we had our first student pass the WorkKeys Paraprofessional Exam. So now she is fully employable as a paraprofessional in RPS 205. So that's exciting. Like again, providing those opportunities so they can continue on
026in their life. This is a a high school uh visit to Rockford uh Career College. So a number of students went there. And then the other piece is we have a many of our students work full-time. So they earn work-study credit and actually today we've issued 110 of those um credits. Many of our students actually work overnight. So they're working overnight at PCI, at Amazon, at UPS, and then they're coming to school after their shift ends and putting in a day's worth of of school. And so, many of our students are supporting their families, supporting children, and really trying to get ahead. And so, they're they're really committed to doing the work. Um one of our favorite guests, uh Rep. Maurice West, he always comes out. He's very engaging with the students. Um on top
027of all that, the Roosevelt students and teachers also earn many awards throughout the year. Um this year at the Anderson Japanese Garden Path of Pumpkins Pumpkin Carving Contest, our team won first place. At the RVC High School Art Show, we had a juror's mention and an honorable mention. Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition, they won the Linda K. White Spirit Award. Uh teacher-wise, uh Greg Johnson, one of our social studies teachers, uh was a 2026 Golden Apple Award finalist. And then Jim Becksel, one of our English teachers, um won the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois uh community grant for her gardening um she participates with our Gardening Green Thumb Club. Um and these are just representative of many of the great things that uh our staff and students do. And I do want to point out we
028another award that's not up there cuz it's just so new is Ashton um Moore Edwards, who's Ashton, where you at? He just won the uh I want to make sure I get it right, the Machesney uh Park Mayor for the Day for their 45th anniversary. And so, actually yesterday, he wasn't at school, but it was excused because he was mayor for the day. And we're actually at the very end, I have a a short video that Ashton created uh under the the guidance of his media teacher Kyle Wolf. So, we're we'll see that in just a moment. Um so, some of the Roosevelt partnerships cuz it really is about the community supporting the school. Uh Uh, we work with Stateline Youth for Christ, they do a trauma-informed Rebounds program. That was new this year. Uh,
029Winnebago County Health Department distributes Pack 'n Plays to the parents in our daycare who need that. The Baby Bank has been a great partner this year on providing diapers and baby hygiene supplies. Easter Seals comes in every week and teaches a class a parenting class to our students in the daycare. Um, Rockford Women's Club has all kinds of resources they provided to us. Um, most recently they've been providing sewing machines to our business entrepreneurial class. And then, um, Tad More Tailoring has been coming in and teaching the students how to sew as they're working on these project-based learning opportunities. And with Tad More, what started out as they were a guest speaker, and then it morphed into we went out and visited their facility, to now they're actually sending employees in to teach students how
030to sew. And I don't know if you know this or not, but sewing is really taking off again. So, you know, you want to get your uh, machines. Uh, and then finally we have Teddy's Closet. Um, that is a Ro- Roosevelt-based uh, clothing closet that's available to our students, but also available to any of the students in the district. So, that's a lot. Um, in terms of opportunities, not only do we like do a lot within the community and the community provides for us, but we also want our students to kind of serve the community as well. So, this is a group of students that went out to Rockford Rescue Mission to serve. This was done earlier in the year, but actually today we had another group go out and they were serving at Rockford
031um, Rescue Mission. So, again, just trying to be a a part of the community. So, my closing thoughts before the video. Roosevelt's ultimately about possibility. Many of our students arrive carrying challenges that may that have made success in traditional settings difficult. Our responsibility is not simply to provide a different building or schedule, but to create meaningful opportunities for students to rediscover their strengths, rebuild confidence, and see a path forward. When our we focus on relationships, high expectations, and flexible learning experiences, we open doors that students may have believed were closed. Alternative education reminds us that potential is not fixed, and that with the right support structure and opportunity, every student can find success and purpose beyond high school. So, now we're going to play the video. >> Hello, this is Asher Moore here, aka Peter
032Parker. Today, I went around the school and filmed some students explaining why Roosevelt is a very good school. Please enjoy. >> My name is Kiwan Davis. I'm an ambassador at Roosevelt Community Education Center, and I think it's a very good place for you to attend because in the libraries, we always host every Thursday speakers that will come through with business cards and everything that you will need to start your career. >> I like how Roosevelt gives everybody an opportunity to graduate, whether you are doing the high school or the GED program. >> Like certain things specifically, and all the teachers. As long as I talk to them, they know how to work around the tough person that I am. >> It feels like a family, and they let you know that you're not alone, no
033matter what battles you're going through. >> I like that the teachers here are very supportive. Um we also go on field trips, and that's very fun because you get to explore different careers that you want to go to and try out. Um I like Roosevelt because how positive the environment is, and how the teachers push the students. >> I'm new to Roosevelt this year, and honestly, it's been a lot, a lot better because honest- the teachers have been so much more caring in a way. >> Our focus >> So, >> they keep showing me showing me what to do, how to move forward in my life. >> Roosevelt has a daycare where you can bring your babies and toddlers here. We also have Taste Closet where you can get things and supplies for your babies
034and yourself. >> One thing positive I will say about the daycare is my son did an internship when he was a newborn and the teachers are wonderful. They're very nice with children. They're very careful with children. >> What I like about Roosevelt is that they take you on very educational trips and they also help you out one-on-one time. You get to bring your babies here and they take care of your babies for you. And the teachers are very sweet. >> It's a school where they help you more than they would help you at a regular school cuz the teachers instantly help you. At a regular school teachers got to go from this to that to that cuz the teacher usually teach in the front of the class. At Roosevelt everything is on your computer so
035it's really your own pace and you get to work on your own pace and it's quiet in the >> Like about Roosevelt is how fast you can get credits. >> School. What I love school. >> And what I like about this school is that you can work at your own pace and the teachers are really nice. That's it. Into the camera. >> So as you can see Roosevelt really is a special place and it it it truly is the staff and the students that make it that way. So I just want to thank all of you for giving us the opportunity to work in a school like Roosevelt. Thank you. >> And before you step down just want to see if anybody had any questions. Ms. McColl. >> I don't have any questions. I just
036have a comment. I wanted to thank you and and congratulate you all for all that you do at Roosevelt. Been there a few times during the speaker Thursdays and it's just a a real joy to hear the students come out and and share their experiences at Roosevelt and just keep it up. Thank you. >> Thank you. Uh Ms. Pearson. >> First of all, I just want to say thank you. Thank you and your team for all of the hard work that you do. Um I want to say to Malia, uh thank you for sharing. It is your story uh that gives me reason never to give up on our students and to always figure out a way for opportunity to education. So, thank you for sharing your story. Uh to Roosevelt's entire team, you make
037the difference. The non-traditional way of learning makes a difference and believe it or not, it it makes it leaves an impact on our community when opportunity is given despite of the circumstances. And it is literally you're helping generations to come. If you have early childhood where it all begins and parents and students doing education together, sends a strong message that education is definitely a priority and thank you so much for all of your hard work. >> Thank you. >> I just had two uh quick items. One, can you talk a little bit about Teddy's Closet? So, I've been able to visit and see it, but it is very unique compared to um other schools' closets. So, can you talk a little bit about all of the different things you have and how students maybe at
038other schools if they need any of the items could access to? >> Sure. So, most of the uh the items in Teddy's Closet are donated. And it's not just clothing, it's housewares. It's really anything somebody might need to set up an apartment or a home. Um and our uh parent community liaison, uh KK, is the person who kind of oversees that and then she works closely with our business entrepreneurial teacher Sarah Werkel who is using her class to kind of market market it and create like a storefront. Um and then the students as needed kind of work through KK to go down and get items they need. Now if other schools need items typically we would have their social worker just reach out to either our social worker or to the school directly and we
039can set up appointments for them to come over. Um and Teddy's Closet is also available to our adult ed students as well. Um so really it's it's just about trying to support our learning community. And we take donations at any time. >> Okay, that was going to be my next question. So you have the babies, you have the infants. Like I have two packs of unopened diapers at my house for example that my son outgrew. So are there things that you specifically need or any ways that if the community is interested in donating that would be helpful of things that are useful to you? >> Yeah, any I mean diapers and wipes are huge. We it seemed to always need those because not only do we provide them um to a lot of the parents
040as they need them but we use them in the daycare as needed. So that that's always a need. Um really any kind of hygiene products for students. Um deodorant, soap, shampoo, body wash, uh any of that is very popular and it's really hard to to keep that in stock. Um you know a lot of our students um are unhoused and so they're uh you know sometimes when they come to school they're very self-conscious about some things and and so just any clothing that can be provided really the the bare necessities we'll take it all um and we always find a home for it. >> Okay, thank you so much. Great job. >> No, thank you. >> Mr. Stanford. >> Um would you have your team members stand up and your students that you have here
041with you? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> So we can see who's here. >> to stand up and It's about you. >> Thank you so much um for all that you do and for and for coming out tonight. Um obviously the students appreciate all of you. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> I'm Ms. McCall. >> Yeah, and since you brought up KK, I just want to give a a shout out to her. She accompanied a couple of your students um with the spring break through uh to the Chicago State HBCU uh Black College Expo. So, I got to spend the day with with KK and some of the students. And also um Ms. Pronty Autumn and Pronty, who's been a a long time employee there at at Roosevelt. So, just you guys just keep it up.
042Again, that's I can't wait. When is the picnic? I didn't get an email yet about the block party. >> We're actually doing a breakfast this year. >> Let me know. So, let us know. But, thank you. >> I'll add to that shout out. KK and Diana were also both celebrated and recognized as nominees for those who excel at the banquet last Thursday. Um would you mind kind of telling us how students end up um going to Roosevelt? Just for the sake of community public knowledge. >> So, some students are referred directly from their their home high school. Um typically it's for credit deficiency. Um but we also have our enrollment is rolling and so almost every month we have informational meetings and all the high school uh guidance counselors are provided with those dates. Um
043and so then students can come to that informational meeting to get more information about it. And what we're seeing is you we do get students who are credit deficient. Um often times that's due to uh maybe some behaviors or for lack of attendance. But, we're getting more students too who also maybe um just feel like they don't fit in in a traditional setting. Maybe the the school's too big for them or it's overwhelming. Um there may be some SEL concerns. And so we're having more It seems like more students come for that as well. And so they come to that informational meeting and they they complete a an informational packet for us. And then we kind of look at their profile to see if they're a kind of a good fit for Roosevelt based on
044kind of the requirements of the grant and where they're at in their their high school career, if you will. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> All right. Thank you very much for your presentation. It was great. Informative. All right. Thank you. We're now on to item three of the agenda, which is the petitions and communications portion of the meeting. Where we invite the public to make comments. Public comments are governed by board policy 2.230, which states that at each regular and special open meeting, the members of the public and district employees may comment on or ask questions of the board subject to reasonable constraints and for a total time period not to exceed 30 minutes. Individuals appearing before the board are expected to follow the guidelines, including addressing the board only at the appropriate
045time as indicated on the agenda, and when recognized by the board president and identifying themselves by name and comments shall be limited to 3 minutes, but at the start of public participation portion of the meeting, the board president may shorten the public comment to conserve time and give the maximum number of individuals an opportunity to speak. And individuals also need to conduct oneself with respect and civility towards others and otherwise abide by board policy 8.30, which is visitors to and conduct on school property. Public comment section is limited to 30 minutes. No person may speak more than 3 minutes, and speakers may not yield their time to other individuals. Request for speaking time must be submitted on designated cards and turned into the designated staff. The cards will be accepted until 10 minutes before the
046prior meet before the scheduled beginning of the meeting. A person must indicate on the card what issue they intend to address and whether they will speak for or against the issue. The speaking order is determined by the subject and order of cards received. The same issue may not be addressed a second time until the opposite side on that subject has been heard. No subject may be spoken on a second time until all subjects have been addressed at least one time, and the person speaking is responsible to limit their comments to the issue indicated on their card or be declared be declared out of order by the board president, which requires the speaker to lose the remainder of their speaking time. The board president shall have the authority to determine procedural matters regarding public participation not
047otherwise defined in board policy. The board will not respond to comments at the time of the meeting. Comments requiring response shall be the responsibility of the superintendent. To ensure compliance with fire and safety regulations, all members of the audience shall remain seated during the meeting except when recognized by to address the board of education. And when all public seating is exhausted, no further visitors will be allowed into allowed to enter the the meeting room. Um Slurs, profanity, harassment will not be tolerated. If any speaker uses such unacceptable language, they may be directed to immediately surrender the remainder of their time and be restricted from public comment in the future. Uh it's not appropriate to discuss matters that would otherwise be confidential in open meetings. If you look to your left, there are two digital clocks.
048One shows the total time allotted to the public comments and one shows the total time for each speaker. Thank you for your cooperation with our guidelines. Our first speaker is John Tech Brantley, who will speak in support of trying to call and email elected officials um regarding a trip to uh a trip in Illinois. >> Uh we're looking at getting a school a school bus, but I noticed Earl Dotson Jr. is no longer here. I understand I'm going to congratulate Dr. Reed because I understand he got another job. I I'm I talked with Morgan about the getting us a school bus to make this here trip. And just to the say the difference between a pyramid and a mile, we had over 1,000 miles right here in in Wanamaker from uh my building North Main
049Manor all the way to 15th Avenue was now. Rockford College also sit on top of a mound. The old railroad sits on top of a mound. We call it the Honey Highway 251 from Nicholas Conservatory all the way to the Beloit was Beloit Road, but they dug up the mounds and they removed the mounds from there. So 251 once was all mound. Morgan was the the plantation only back in 1852. So my thing here is to educate and show our young people the mounds was built 500 500 BC and for them to take them to see a mound and see a pyramid, we ain't got to go to Mexico, we ain't got to go to Egypt, we ain't got to go to Nevada. We can go right here and show our young people something positive
050by taking them to this mound. I tried calling and emailing our board members to let them them know, but I haven't gotten a response from our board member. I'm going to contact the president of the board member to help us work this out to take and I'm blowing away five principles with PhDs and doctorates that's African-American teachers did not know we had a pyramid right here in Illinois. So we not only educating our young people, but we educating our adults to show them that we have things. We have taken them to Chicago to Shabbona Lake Gem. We have taken them to Freeport the Underground Railroad. We have taken them to Springfield and for them to even sit with State Representative Maurice West. So talking with John, me and him going to team up and we're
051going to have because a lot of things what he's doing and what I'm doing in the community, we need to do together. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you. Your time's up. >> My time up? >> Yeah. Thanks. >> Thank you. I'll be back. Let's work on me with that uh button. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is um Next speaker is Sarah Gray speaking in support of in-person speech and language services and overages. >> All right. To the members of the school board, I stand uh before you today as a 25-year speech-language pathologist for Rockford School District. I'm here to ask for adequately compensated extended time for the RPS 205 employed uh SLPs. Over the past several years due to SLP shortages, we have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars on contract and virtual
052SLPs. While an MOU is currently in place until the end of the school year that offers us a stipend, um the stipend does not fully reflect the additional level of services and responsibilities taken on by the in-person SLPs. Nor is it commensurate with the stipends or additional pay provided to other uh special education staff. To most people, a speech therapist uh works on speech sounds only, maybe fluency, maybe some stuttering, maybe some speech disorders. Those are things that most people are um comfortable or familiar with. But, there is so much more to being an SLP. We and we play a critical role in supporting students' overall communication development. We are diagnosticians, we case manage, we create therapy materials, we do data monitoring, we collaborate with staff and students and parents, and we do a lot
053of programming and implementation of alternative augmentative communication systems. While the virtual therapy has provided continuity of services due to staff shortages, it can be limiting for many of our students. In-person speech and language services allow for immediate feedback, more accurate assessment of student performance, and much stronger engagement, particularly for our younger students or those with attention, sensory, or behavioral challenges. Additionally, in-person therapy fosters more naturalistic communication opportunities and better integration with classroom activities, creating much more meaningful progress. For many students, especially those with more intensive needs, virtual platforms can reduce participation, limit responsiveness, and ultimately slow progress toward IEPs. Due to an increase in student needs and service requirements, the current workload has exceeded allocated time that we have. Approving extended time and adequate compensation would ensure that all mandated services are delivered with fidelity
054and allow for strategic shift toward a more in-person based intervention. This adjustment is not simply a matter of workload management, it is a step toward improving the quality and effectiveness of our services that we provide to our students. Investing in increased in-person speech and language services will better support student outcomes, reduce the risk of regression, and contribute to the overall academic success, aligning with the RPS 205 philosophy of being the first choice for all students. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Next speaker is Leslie Labaw speaking in support of in-person SLP services. >> Hi. My name is Leslie Labaw and I'm a speech language therapist with the district. I would like to petition the board and the special education department to consider all in-person options before hiring virtual therapists to fill therapy shortages
055in the district. Sadly, as the need for speech therapy has increased over the years, the district has hemorrhaged in-person positions. Um I've watched as my department has dwindled in size as practitioners quit and retire, and people are not available or willing to take their place. Um I remember in the 2010s, we had over 70 in-person therapists, and now we're down to under 40 direct hire full-time SLPs. Uh the reason for this ranges from inadequate compensation, increased caseload, expectations, and low morale. Um granted, sorry, can you read that? Are you okay? >> I yielded, sorry. >> You okay? >> I'll finish. >> Okay, you got it, you got it. >> I got it. All right. Sorry, I didn't breathe and I was like, "Oh my gosh, I'm going to pass out." Okay, the reason for this
056um is okay, despite uh this need for um for speech therapy, um instead of offering point twos to help fill gaps, um the district has looked more closely into offering virtual services. This is not a cost savings to the district as virtual therapists have their salary, a salary for their facilitator, and agency fees. Granted, um even with offering uh point twos to the available SLPs, we would still need to probably have some virtual services. However, um offering point twos would make it more lucrative to future SLPs um and help um help build our community back up. Offering point twos to help fill the gaps in coverage, thank you. Offering point twos to help fill the gaps in coverage helps the district save money, helps with retention of current therapists, and helps attract new SLP talent,
057and most importantly, allows for our students to receive in-person speech language services. This is not asking for more money to allocate for SLPs, but it's asking for the board and the sped department to allocate funds in a way that benefits everyone. Thank you so much for your consideration. >> Thank you. Next speaker is Elizabeth Olrick, who's speaking in support of REA grievances and demands to bargain. >> All right, in In of the demand to bargain, action is desperately needed for our procedural coaches. We need to save those jobs. In addition, well, first of all, excuse me, it's so short-sighted to cut them. It's not asking for a lawsuit. It is asking for a number of lawsuits in several buildings. Procedural coaches do so much for special education and an IEP is a legally binding document.
058The procedural coaches oversee a whole lot of things, such as appropriate placement in classes, such as special ed classes, regular ed classes, working with the process when an IEP student needs placement at a therapeutic day program, or some type of behavioral help. When transfer kids come in with an IEP that's completely different than our system, procedural coaches help us as counselors so that we can schedule those kids appropriately. Again, legally binding, those kids need those minutes, whether it is speech and language, whether it is social work, whether it is specific special education minutes. They need all those minutes, it's legally binding. Please don't try to be penny um penny wise and pound foolish. Do not cut these Do not cut these positions. Please respond to the demand to bargain. Our procedural coaches are a vital
059part of the evaluation process. If there's a new student that we see is not able to keep up, is having whatever emotional regulation problems, and we need to see, is this kid someone that needs special education help? The procedural coach is a vital part of that process. They're knowledgeable about about kids with different kinds of disabilities, with different kinds of behavioral needs, academic needs. In addition, so many of our case managers are brand new. So many of them are stretched thin. Many of them pick up additional caseload students to get more money. We all need more money, right? They get stretched so thin, we need PCs procedural coaches to look at the IEP to see is the software being used correctly? Is it being written correctly? Again, I know I'm repeating myself, but these are
060legally binding documents. And more important than a lawsuit, what about the kids? Okay? For whatever reason, you know, I've been to many of these board meetings and watch many of them at home. The um the mission statement never sunk in. I was always busy checking my notes. We want an equitable equitable first-class education, right? We heard from Malia from Roosevelt. She gave a wonderful testimony about the things she's experienced, right? We um Bella is a former student of mine and she was honored for the education pathway program. So many of our kids have an IEP and they need that equitable first-class education. I'm nearly out of time, but I do stand behind the REA and our grievances for the PLC time. We need to get rid of late start or settle the grievance so that
061we can have our PLC time during that late start. Bilingual grievance, I'm out of time. Thank you. >> Thank you. Our next speaker is Lou Watkins who's speaking in opposition to children being put in focus room as punishment. >> Uh good afternoon, good evening, everyone. I don't really know too much about this refocus room, but Mr. Reed said refocus room wasn't a penalty room. Around the city, the children being put in a refocus room whenever they do something wrong. They said the children are able to talk to the grads in the refocus room, all of this, but they're in a booth like this, up like this. They can't talk to no one to the right or left. Their lunch is eaten there. And they're in there for an indeterminate amount of time. I have a
062young man that has maxed out in his math his reading, he doesn't miss school, he's going into the honor classes next year. He got put in the refocus room for 4 days because he didn't line up as quick to go to lunch when they had indoor recess and they was on the chromes. They said he he didn't line up a minute after they told him to. 4 days they put him in there. They asked for the referral, Tuscaloosa Win Center referral. Still haven't got it. Now he asked cuz he felt intimidated and threatened asked the principal to call his parent. The principal told him, "This is not a private school. I'm not calling." Why would you threaten a kid telling them this is not a private school? He scored high on his standardized test, he
063finished early. So he closed it up. Cuz he didn't take the full amount of time, they penalized him and put him in the refocus and wouldn't let him go to celebrate what he did. Now last the other week one child was talking about I'm going to guess on these answers cuz I don't know. He said, "Don't guess." He had finished the test. They had 1 minute left, 2 minutes left. They got upset with him. Now he hasn't missed a day of school. He don't be fighting in school, nothing. They tried to get us to change him to a private school. "Don't you want to put him This was a Mr. Reed talked to him." I said, "Mr. Reed, don't play with him." Cuz he's not a dummy. He's sitting there and he he wrote down
064everything that they've been doing to the kids at the school. They got pissed because the parent called them on it. The person in the refocus room license ran out to be legal last year. And she in there trying to counsel the kids. When the parent called them out on that, they threatened him. Then they went above the principal, administrator here sent a threatening letter cuz she talked to Mr. McNamara. You don't send nothing to Mr. McNamara, you'll be put out of District 205, any school district, uh if this happens. You don't need to send nothing to try to talk to him. But All right, thank you. Your time has expired. Thank you. I'm sorry. Thank you again. >> All right, we're moving on to item four on the agenda, which is report and action that
065on items that preceded through the Performance and Monitoring Committee. Item 4A is the RPS and Rockford University Special Education LBS1 endorsement. May I have a motion and a second to approve item 4A? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, would you please call the roll? >> Ms. Pearson. >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall. >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter. >> Yes. >> Ms. Sanford. >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses, one absent. >> Thank you. Moving on to item five on the agenda, which is the consent agenda for Performance and Monitoring Committee. May I have a motion and a second to approve the items listed in section five? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Are there
066any consent items in section five that board members wish to have pulled for separate consideration? >> Seeing none, would you please call the roll for uh items in section five. For the motion. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall? >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses and one absent. >> Thank you. We're moving on to item six on the agenda, which is report and action on items that proceeded through the planning and development committee. Item 6A is the Carnegie Learning Math Resource for Marshall Middle School. May I have a motion and a second to approve item 6A. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Is there any discussion on item 6A?
067Is your light on for discussion, Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> Okay, Ms. Pearson. >> Thank you. I just have a quick question. Do we foresee um additional curriculum coming through for with uh Carnegie? >> Sorry, Dr. Gallagher, I just wanted to talk to one of our speakers, I think. >> Um this is um Mr. Bartel, you you're not aware? >> I can jump in on that one. I I'm not aware of anything else coming from Carnegie, but we are going to have additional curriculum resources coming yet this spring. >> Okay, thank you very much. Well, I need to know. I don't need to hear from Morgan. >> All right, thank you. Any other discussion on item 6A? Seeing none, would you please call the roll? >> Ms. McCall? >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett? >> Yes.
068>> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses one absent. >> Thank you. Moving on to item 6B, which is permanent landscape and drainage easement at Montessori at Marsh. Um the May I have a motion and a second to approve item 6B? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Is there any discussion on item 6B? Seeing none, would you please call the roll? >> Ms. Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall? >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses one absent. >> Thank you. Moving on to item 6C, which is the bilingual Arabic curriculum material update.
069May I have a motion and a second to approve item 6C? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, would you please call the roll? >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall? >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett? >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses one absent. >> Thank you. Moving on to item 6D, which is the secondary ESL curriculum material update. May I have a motion and a second to approve item 6D? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, would you please call the roll? >> Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall >> Yes. >>
070Ms. Bennett >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses and one absent. >> We're now moving on to agenda item seven, which is the planning and development consent portion of our meeting. May I have a motion and a second to approve the items in section seven. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Are there any items in section seven that board members wish to have pulled for separate consideration? Seeing none, would you please call the roll for the motion to approve the items in section seven. >> Ms. Pearson >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses and one absent. >> Thank you.
071We're moving on to item eight of the agenda, which um item eight eight which is report and action on items that proceeded through the governance committee. Item eight A is proposed revisions to the board policy 2.10, school governance. Is there a motion and a second to approve item eight A? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion on item eight A? Seeing none, would you please call the roll. >> Ms. Chavez >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses and one absent. >> Thank you. Item eight B is revision proposed revisions to board policy 4.80, accounting and audits. Is there a motion and a second to approve
072item eight B? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Are there any discussion? Seeing none, would you please call the roll? >> Ms. McCall? >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses, one absent. >> Thank you. Moving on to item nine on the agenda, which is the consent agenda for the governance uh committee. May have a motion and a second to approve the items listed in section nine. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Are there any consent items in section nine that board members wish to have pulled for separate consideration? Your light Your light is not on for that, is it? Thank you. Um seeing none,
073can you please call the roll for the motion to approve items in section nine? >> Ms. Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Excuse me, yes. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall? >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses, one absent. >> Thank you. We're now on to item agenda item 10, which is closed session consent items. Um which includes items 10A, compensation adjustment for non-bargaining employees. Item 10B, appointment of Isaac Ashby as 10-month elementary dean assigned to Carol City. Item 10C, appointment of Alexander Carlson as 10-month elementary assistant principal assigned to Brookview. Item 10D, appointment of Daniela Bohr as 10-month assistant principal assigned to Risa. Item 10E, appointment of Alvina Ivy as 12-month executive director of talent development. Item 10F, resolution
074authorizing honorable dismissal of teachers. Item 10G, resolution to terminate probationary teacher Eric Chung. Item 10H, the HR organizational report. May I have a motion and a second to approve the items listed in section 10, closed session consent. >> So moved. >> Second, anyone? >> Second. >> Thank you. Um are there any closed session consent items that board members wish to have pulled for separate consideration? Seeing none, would you please call the roll? >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall? >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett? >> Yes. >> The motion passes as six yeses, one absent. >> Thank you. Moving on to item agenda item 11, which is the student discipline suspension appeals and expulsions. Item 11A is B0 student B0012X-26,
075who would be expelled for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year, the entire 2026-27 school year, and through the first semester of the 2027-28 school year. 11B is student H0061X-26, who would be expelled for two calendar years from the date of board action, April 21st, 2026 through April 20th, 2028. Item 11C is student H0062X-26, who would be expelled for two calendar years from the date of board action, April 21st, 2026 through April 20th, 2028. 11D is student B007X-26, who would be expelled for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year, through the entire 2026-27 school year. 11E is student P0076X-26, who would be expelled for two calendar years from the date of board action, which is April 21st, 2026 through April 20th, 2028. 11F is student P0081X-26 who would be expelled for the remainder of the
0762025-26 school year through the entire 2026-27 school year. 11G is student P0082X-26 who would be expelled for two calendar years from the data board action, April 21st, 2026 2026 through April 20th, 2028. 11H is student P0 P008X-26 who would be expelled for two calendar years from the date of board action, April 21st, 2026 through four through April 20th, 2028. 11I is student H0059X-26 who would be expelled for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year, the entire 2026-27 school year, and through the first semester of the 2027-28 school year. 11J is student H0060X-26 who would be expelled for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year, the entire 2026 2027 school year, and through the first semester of the 2027-28 school year. 11K is student P0 P0078X-26 who would be expelled for the remainder of the 2025-26
077school year through the entire 2026-27 school year. 11L is student P0079X-26 who would be expelled for the remainder of the 2025-26 school year through the entire 2026-27 school year. May I have a motion and a second to approve the items listed in section 11. >> So moved. >> Second if anyone has one. >> Second. >> Thank you. Are there any items that board members wish to have pulled for separate consideration? Ms. Bennett. >> Letter H. P0085X-26. >> Ms. Chavez. >> Uh yes. Uh letter A, which is B0012X-26. >> Items 11 H and 11 A have been pulled for separate consideration. Are there any others? Would you please call the roll on the items in section 11 that have now been pulled for separate consideration? >> Ms. Stanford. >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson. >> Yes. >>
078Ms. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall. >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter. >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses, one absent. >> Thank you. Um and then item 11 A has been pulled for separate consideration. Would you please call the roll for item 11 A? >> Ms. Pearson. >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez. >> No. >> Ms. McCall. >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter. >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford. >> Yes. >> The motion passes with five yeses, one no, one absent. >> Thank you. Item 11 H has been pulled for separate consideration. Would you please call the roll for item 11 H? >> Ms. Chavez. >> No. >> Ms. McCall. >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett? >> No. >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford? >>
079Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> The motion passes with four yeses, two nos, one absent. >> Thank you. Moving on to agenda item 12, which is consent item student discipline EIAs, which includes items 12A P0071-26, 12B P0086-26, 12C P0087-26, 16D P0088-26, and 12E P0091-26. May have a motion and a second to approve the items in section 12 closed session consent items student discipline EIAs. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Are there any items in section 12 that board members wish to have pulled for separate consideration? Seeing none, would you please call the roll for the items in section 12? >> Ms. McCall? >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Yes. >> The motion
080passes with six yeses, one absent. >> Thank you. Now moving on to agenda item 13, which is the superintendent's report. Dr. Brown is here today filling in for Dr. Jera. >> I do not have a report on uh behalf of Dr. Jera, but will turn the time over to our student uh representative, Michael. >> Thank you. So, my name is Michael. I'm a running start senior currently graduating in about 3 weeks, so that's exciting. So, today I came to discuss about the college application process. So, as many of you know, we start our uh we start thinking about applying to college around this time last year during our junior year. As we roll into the summer, we roll into the fall, and then by the beginning of the um by January 1st is when most
081of our application deadlines are due. However, uh in my cohort of Running Start students, many of us really struggled with um the application process in general. So, a lot of us missed scholarship deadlines. A lot of a lot of us almost missed um those FAFSA, CSS profile uh aid deadlines. And I'm really hoping that we could have um a junior day implemented towards the big towards the end of our junior year, where we could have an expert on college application process on to discuss how all of it works, so that we wouldn't need to like walk in blind and figure things out as we go. Um Additionally, I think it would be really helpful for parents to attend these junior events because many of them don't know that you know, our senior fall is a
082really stressful time in our lives. We are figuring things out. We're not for the past 12 years, we've gotten used to coming to school in the fall, winter break, coming back in the spring, and then summer break and over again. We've gone to school for 12 years, and this is something new. We don't know what the future's going to hold for us. So, it's a really scary time for all of us. Um it'd be really helpful for parents to understand that, and for students to like uh feel supported, you know, by their school, by their counselors. Um additionally, I also wanted to talk about how most of our senior events collide with a lot of the Running Start um students' schedules. Since we run on a completely different time frame, some of us have class
083up to 3:00 uh in the afternoon, 4 in the afternoon. Some of us even have it until 6:00 6:00 in the afternoon for those physics classes. Um or in the mornings, a lot of that um What is it called? So, those senior the ones that are coming up um senior I for the graduation rehearsals, many of us have class right before that or during that. And that's during our finals week. When we have all of those final exams accumulating in that last week of Rock Valley. So, I'm asking for a bit more flexibility on those times and how our counselors can communicate to our running start students how to make those times more accessible. So, those two are really the only issues that I've had as a running start senior going into this year. >>
084Thank you, Michael. I'm moving on to item 14, um which is board member comments, other business, new business, agenda recommendations. Are there any board member comments, action steps, other business, new business, agenda recommendations, or any other matters to discuss? Ms. Bennett. >> Um I have a few things I wanted to mention and I'll be very brief. I was able to attend the Conklin Career Day uh that happened recently, which uh was lovely. Some people brought in uh like a fire truck, a police car, animals. So, I didn't have any of those items, but I very much appreciated uh speaking to three classrooms of second-grade students. They were lovely. Um one little girl was like, "Oh, I have I always knew I wanted to be a social worker." So, um that was lovely. Even if she
085just said it for just me, but it was very very sweet. Um and then also just wanted to uh send a shout out to teachers. So I know many teachers, schools are doing a lot of their end of the year trips and events and incentives and things to just continue kids being engaged. I know teachers are doing a lot of extra work for those things and it really matters to kids. Kids are working really really hard. I also appreciate teachers being willing to give them to the very last morning and just be very understanding with kids cuz it means a lot to them to get to do these trips and things. So thank you for that. And then I was also able to attend Mayor McNamara's state of the city address. He had a whole
086segment where he talked about education which was great all the way from our early childhood programs that we have our birth to five programming and then talked about Rockford Promise and I know we talk a lot about Rockford Promise and our students but to just be reminded that Rockford Promise we're one of six cities in the entire United States that have that opportunity. Our thousand student was signed a few weeks ago here. Mr. Carpenter and I were able to attend that signing. So just a good reminder of the reasons people stay here, come here. Just really exciting. So that's all. >> Very good. Thank you. Does anyone else have any other comments or other business? Miss McCall. >> I just wanted to give a shout out to my daughter. Happy birthday, Claire. >> Thank you.
087Happy birthday, Claire. From all of us. All right. Seeing no other comments. Moving on to agenda item 15 which is organization of the board. Um in order to proceed with the election of officers, I'd ask for a motion for adjournment sine die. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. All in favor of the motion to adjourn sine to please signify by saying I. >> I. >> All right, so I'm now calling this meeting to order. Nominations are now in order so we're now on to 15c, election of board president. Nominations are now in order for the office of president of the board. May I have your nominations? Ms. Bennett. >> Um Mr. Carpenter. >> Ms. McCall. >> Tiana McCall. >> Are there any other uh nominations for president? If not, a motion to close
088nominations is in order. A motion to close nominations for board president. Does anyone have a motion to close nominations for board president? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Can you please call the roll for the motion to close nominations? >> Mr. Carpenter. >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford. >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson. >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall. >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett. >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses, one absent. >> Thank you. The following board members have been nominated for president of the Board of Education, Paul Carpenter and Tiana McCall. The coordinator will now call each board member's name. When your name is called, please indicate the nominee of your choice. Would the coordinator please call the roll and tally the votes? >> Ms. Stanford. >>
089Mr. Carpenter. >> Ms. Pearson. >> Ms. McCall. >> Ms. Chavez. >> Mr. Carpenter. Ms. McCall. >> Ms. McCall. >> Ms. Bennett. >> Mr. Carpenter. >> Um Mr. Carpenter has votes for four, Ms. McCall three. Mr. Um two. Oops, sorry. Two. Thank you. >> Thank you. Moving on to agenda item 15D, which is election of board Just a moment, please. >> Okay. Um Mr. Mr. Carpenter, congratulations. Would you please take your seat as president? >> All right, thank you. Thank you. Uh moving on to item 15D, nominations are now in order for the office of vice president of the board. May I have your nominations? >> Nicole Bennett. >> Uh just a second, please. Sorry, I didn't call anybody. I saw Ms. Stanford-Light first. >> Nicole Bennett. >> Um Ms. McCall. >> Tiana McCall. >> Are
090there any other nominations for vice president? Seeing none, can I please have a motion to close nominations? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Um would you please call the roll on the motion to close nominations for vice president? >> Ms. Stanford. >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson. >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez. >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall. >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett. >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter. >> Yes. >> The motion is six yeses, Winnie Epson. >> The following board members have been nominated for vice president of the Board of Education, Nicole Bennett and Tiana McCall. Coordinator will now call each board member's name. When your name is called, please indicate the nominee of your choice. >> Ms. Pearson. Ms. McCall. Ms. Chavez. >> Ms. Bennett. >> Ms. McCall. >> Ms. Bennett. >> Mr. Carpenter.
091>> Ms. Bennett. >> Ms. Stanford. >> Ms. Bennett has four votes. Ms. McCall has two votes. >> Thank you, Ms. Bennett. Congratulations. Please take your seat as vice president. Uh moving on to item 15e, which is election of secretary. Nominations are now in order for the office of the secretary of the board. May I have your nominations? Ms. Chavez. >> June June Stanford. >> Uh Ms. McCall. >> Tiana McCall. >> Thank you. Um are there any other nominations for secretary? If not, can I please have a motion to close nominations? >> So moved. Second. >> Thank you. Would you please call the roll on the motion to close nominations for Secretary of the Board. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall? >> Yes. >> Ms. Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >>
092Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> The motion passes with six yeses and one absent. >> Thank you. The following board members have been nominated for Secretary of the Board of Education, June Stanford and Tiana McCall. Coordinator will now call each board member's name. When your name is called, please indicate the nominee of your choice. >> Ms. McCall? >> Tiana McCall. >> Ms. Bennett? >> Ms. Stanford. >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Ms. Stanford. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Ms. Stanford. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Ms. Stanford has five votes. Ms. McCall has one. >> Thank you, Ms. Stanford. Congratulations. Would you please take your seat as Secretary. Um all right, and then moving on to item 11 at or excuse me, 15 F, which is establishment of regular meeting dates and place. I believe we
093have a um proposed schedule for regular board meeting dates. Are there any questions? Okay, and so it was on the agenda online, so I don't know if as long as everybody saw that. Okay. Are there any questions on that um agenda or on that schedule? Ms. Pearson. >> Yes, we we only have one board meeting and that's pretty typical in July. Um will we do you foresee any special board meetings being we have an incoming superintendent and I'm I'm a little concerned there's going to be some congestion and questions may not be answered clarity and I know uh contracts are coming up for very for curriculum. I think that that's really important. Um so what are your thoughts about that or if we're going to do a makeup outside of July? >> Yes, so I
094think that our rules allow us to call a special meetings when needed and so right now for our regular meetings, this is what's what the schedule is, but we can always discuss calling special meetings anytime when it's it's necessary. >> Sounds good. >> Are there any other questions about the um regular board meeting schedule? All right, I would take now take a motion to approve the 2026-27 regular board meeting schedule. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Can you please call the roll? >> Ms. Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter? >> Yes. >> Ms. Stanford? >> Yes. >> Ms. Pearson? >> Yes. >> Ms. Chavez? >> Yes. >> Ms. McCall? >> Yes. >> The motion passes as the six yeses and eight absent. >> Thank you. All right, moving on to item 16, which
095is adjournment. If there are no further comments or agenda recommendations, I take a motion to adjourn. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. Uh all in favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you. >> Can you just say the reminder for our committee of the whole, I think it's at I just looked. Uh Kennedy. >> Thank you. May 5th at Kennedy, great. See you there.