001Good evening everybody. Right. Welcome to the February 9th, 2026 board of education meeting. Can we have a roll call, please? >> Andy Martin >> Here >> Savage Williams >> here. Thank you. All right. So, we have a quorum. So, I'm happy to see that the first item on our agenda is comments from the public. Dr. Davis, do we have any comments from the public? >> Uh, we do not have any comments this evening. >> Okay. Thank you. The next item is written communication. Do we have any written communication? >> Uh, we have no written communication this evening. >> Okay. All right. The next item is items for information. We're there um and we are going to hear the data quarterly update on attendance, discipline, student involvement and well-being. >> All right. So, Dr. McNeel, our
002principal, is going to come and share um some updates on attendance and and things and uh is going to lay some groundwork for um the ideas that she has and uh about how to address attendance and tardies and things of that nature um as we get closer to the end of this year and the start of next year. So, uh turn us over to Dr. McNeil. Okay. Is this right? Okay, perfect. Um, good evening. >> Good evening. >> Yes. So, tonight I'll update provide a brief second quarter update from our data dashboard. This dashboard is one of our key tools for monitoring system level trends across the school year and ensuring alignment between data decision-making and student support. So I'll begin by grounding us in what the dashboard includes and then narrowing our focus for
003tonight. So as you know the quarterly dashboard includes the following sections academic supports attendance discipline student services and special education services. This presentation will focus on our second quarter attendance data. I'm sorry. This this will focus on our second quarter attendance data um because it's a leading indicator um that's closely tied to academic and social emotional outcomes. So I'll start with unexcused absences and what we're seeing at the systems level. So this slide shows cumulative unexcused attendance data from quarters one and two. During quarter 2, 91% of students had less than 5% of their total absences logged as unexcused absences. And this has remained consistent since quarter 1. So that consistency suggests um stability in our attendance patterns for the majority of our students which helps us do some really good planning because we know
004that what to expect in terms of our data. Next I'll share how we actively monitor this data beyond this quarterly snapshot. So in addition to quarterly reporting attendance is monitored weekly at the school level. I work closely with the director of student services through our shared leadership of the MTSS team and we regularly drill down into into our MEX absence data so that we can identify emerging concerns early and that allows us to quickly flag students who may need outreach or intervention and this goes through our SST model. Second quarter trends consistently range from 81 to 85% of students with no unexcused absences week-over- week. And most students with unexcused absences only have one within a week. Additionally, only 1.5 to 2% of students have two or more unexcused absences weekly. So this data has
005also informed a review of our no credit or NC policy which assigns no credit when a student acrus more than six unexcused absences in a single course within a semester. Our review of this policy is driven by concerns about inequitable outcomes and a disperate impact on black and brown students. So we're examining this policy for both its effectiveness and equity of the policy attendance. however, is more than absences alone. I'm sorry. I should have brought my water with me. That's why I keep stopping. I'm so sorry. I was trying to hold on. Um, no need. >> Okay. What I got to say? Attendance, um, as you know, is more than just absences. Tardiness is another important layer of attendance that we track closely. During second quarter, 26 to 27% of students had one to two
006tardies, while weekly data shows that roughly twothirds of students had no tardies at all. Monitoring this helps us address patterns before they escalate into larger attendance concerns. Um, also looking at the data in this way in terms of like the two-thirds of students who have no tardies also helped to inform some of our interventions um and some of our um practices that I'll talk about in the next slide. So this slide comes um this slide sorry this slide summarizes our current attendance and tardy intervention approach. So our primary focus is on tier one within MTSS emphasizing prevention consistency and strong systems that support students being in class and engage in learning from bell-to-bell. Through MTSS root cause analysis and action planning, our team identified tardiness as a key area of focus and developed targeted action
007steps for both staffs and staff and students, including reestablishing clear expectations for recording and responding to tardies. We've implemented a tardy incentive um and that was done specifically to ensure that we're notifying I mean sorry we're noticing when kids are doing the right thing. I call it catch kids doing the right thing or catch kids doing good if you will. Um, but I think that's really really important because oftentimes we focus on um when students get it wrong and not enough on when they get it right. Um, so we've also incorporated in some of our planning we've incorporated feedback from the discipline committee and we're also working on a plan to strengthen accountability through hall checks which used to be called hall sweeps um during passing periods. we shifted to the language of hall checks
008um actually due to feedback from the discipline committee. In addition to our assistant principal of educational services and sorry in addition our assistant principal educational services is leading the development of a more focused enforcement plan um for ty to school procedures because data shows that most tardies occur during first block which might not be surprising because students are arriving to school late. Overall, these efforts um are designed to reinforce positive habits while maintaining clarity and consistency for students for students and shifting us toward prevention um versus uh responsiveness um well not versus responsiveness in addition to responsiveness but not just responsiveness or reactivity if you will. So um that concludes the um overview of my um quarterly update. I want to open the floor now for any questions if you want to um dig deeper
009into anything that I've presented. So, thank you. You know, I I um you actually did answer one of my questions. I was going to ask when the tardies happen, but you said during first block, >> correct? We see um a lot of tardies um happening during um block one and block two, which is an orange day, blue day, but the first block of the day consistently. >> Okay. Got it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Right. >> Right. So, not as much during the day as students go. >> Not as much as first block. Yes. um during the day. >> Well, yeah, >> it occurs not as much as first block. >> Okay, questions board >> pet. >> Um that Thank you. This was really helpful. Um, I'm wondering like what is do you have a rough
010number for those kids who are really either through tardies or unexcused absences are you know they're really the kids you need to focus on and I'm curious what that >> G even if it's a rough estimate of what that number is. Um I'll say specifically for um our unexcused absences for example like as you saw um we only had about like between 1.5 to 2% of our kids who were um tracking as being tardy um week to week. However, what we see is remember that 1.5 to 2% is of our entire student body. Um, and so what that um ended up um what that like attributed to is aroundund and like um I want to say 174 I want to say unique students um actually qualified for an NC that policy I talked about a
011moment ago. That means they had six or more absences for a semester. Um and so um that gives you kind of like a little sense of how many kids that actually is. Um but note that with the NC policy is based on course. So like the course so one student could have six for six different courses, right? Does that make sense? Um, but there that's why I said 174 unique students. So, if you think about it, over quarter 1, 174 kids in our building um were um abs absent more than six times. And so, >> I mean, take that data as you will. Um, some might see it as like, you know, not as bad as it could be or vice versa. But, um, our goal is to have 100% of students in the building,
012of course, and 100 students, um, in class on time. And so, we're always diligently working to get to that 100% goal. >> Right. I guess what I was trying to get at is the oftentimes the number of students that we really have to go deep with and really be creative with isn't that much. Now 174 is not small. >> It's not. But when you think of the greater scheme of the entire student body, >> yes, >> it's not large. Um and that's why um but it does give us an opportunity to do some really tailored and focused work with our students um who are in that um highest need if you will um kind of category. Um but that's also why I wanted to start shifting the focus to the great majority of kids who
013are doing the right thing. Um and so the tardy incentive that I started um that we started um this year focuses on students who are on cl on time to class um for the entire week. And then students who are on time to class for the entire month, they also get a larger prize. Um and so we've had students um show some excitement around it. Um we've had students come to pick up their um uh their prizes with their friends and they're like, "Oh, I maybe I can get it next month." And so that's really cool. Um, and so, um, I do want to, um, be intentional around making sure that we catch kids doing right. >> Absolutely. I think that's really great. Um, what are some examples of like the tier three interventions that
014you're doing? I mean, it sounds like you're in the process of really digging in and and trying to be, >> you know, think of other things, but what are some things we do right now? >> Yeah. So, we um, one of the biggest things for um, unexcused for absences particularly is um, we have work with North Cook and we have attendance advocates. um they work on our um in our building um but they technically you know are employed by North Cook um but they work wonderfully with our students um and they've really integrated and acclimated to our culture um so much so that they um attend our MTSS meetings um they are using our systems to track data um so Panorama the system we use track data they're track they're logging that and logging in
015that system and tracking that um and so um that's been a huge support for us um to make sure that we can um focus on those students who um aren't yet um attending >> right that's great Thank you so much. >> No problem. >> The power of yet. >> The art yet. >> Yeah. I I I think it it makes total sense to keep in perspective the your numbers and think about our bigger number, our broad number because um you know the numbers can sound sound big but what I like to think about when we when we look at this >> is that we know who the students are. >> Absolutely. So, we know the students and even those students that you're doing that that are in tier three. >> Yeah. >> You know, I'm
016I'm sure you know exactly who they are and this isn't their only issue. >> Yes. So >> um and another um support I will mention um at tier three speaking to what you um just brought up um is that we also have t um so we have SST teams which is our student support teams um and so we have a SST3 meeting um which actually um allows um the team to bring in the parent and have a in-person meeting um to focus on those student um interventions and see like what can be done at home as a partnership um and so that's a level of care um that we can provide because of those numbers um that allow us to get really focused and drill down. >> Wonderful. Okay. Oh, Eva. >> Yeah. Eva, >>
017sorry. I just had one more comment about that acronym SST. There's a class at ETHS called SST. >> Oh, >> sports specific training. >> Oh, yes. >> So, that might get confusing. >> Yes. So, student support teams. >> Okay. >> SST. Student support team. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Wonderful clarification. >> Thank you for that. Yes, >> all right. >> Other questions? >> Okay, thank you very much. >> All right. Of course. Thank you. >> Right. So, next we are going to hear our sustainability update. >> All right. So, um going to have John Crawford, our director of operations, come uh with his team, which he will introduce and uh take the board through our annual uh sustainability update. And um I'm pretty excited about what John and the team's going to share tonight. Um
018because regarding um some of our uh sustainability efforts, what we're going to hear tonight is a huge step forward for this district. So, uh take it away, John. Uh thank you for the introduction. Thank you board. Thank you administration. Uh my name is John Crawford, director of operations and sustainability. Um tonight we're going to present um we we purposely structured our presentation tonight over the 2-year anniversary of the passing of the ETHS Green New Deal sustainability policy. So February of 2024, this board, this administration supported uh the work that we're doing. And this is showing how we're moving that policy from from words to action, right? First through our students, through uh operations, and and later we're going to show how we're looking how we could uh scale this work uh responsibly. Uh student leadership
019in action. Um over the two years we've seen that it's very clear that the most meaningful sustainability work at ETHS is coming from our students. Um tonight two students are going to present on the work that they're doing and how that is impacting curriculum operations, facilities, and community partnerships. Uh up first is Olan. Olan uh identified a practical need here on campus. uh went out and secured funding funding for it and now is working across institutions um to bring his vision to life. So Olan, take it away. >> Echo echo echo. Okay. Um hello everybody. So last year around this time I came to you with a proposal for a bike shelter over the bike racks outside of the of Door 2. Um, this has been a a need that many students have expressed, especially
020when they're wanting to ride their bikes when it's raining and snowing, but there's not that secure location for them to store those bikes. Um, and so last year, I was up here saying how we had applied for a few grants. We were waiting to hear back. Since then, a lot has happened. We've been able to receive a $5,000 grant to go towards this bike shelter. Um, once we received that grant, we were able to partner with some architectural students at Northwestern University and with the help of their professor, they designed a rendering that looks something like that. Dorian, it's not going to be all gray. We're going to add colors. We're going to add wood. We're going to add all that. Um, but so yeah, so that this kind of gives you a basic idea
021of the structure that we're going for. Just something simple to protect the bikes from the rain, the snow, and then the wind coming out of the west. Um, and so so far after partnering with the NU students and they've gotten the design now looked over by their professor, um, we've moved forward with purchasing those materials. So, so far we've purchased phase one and phase two. Once the weather warms up, uh, John's maintenance crew will be able to go outside and actually put the concrete in the ground and then once those first concrete pillars are in, we'll be able to partner with our geometry in construction programs to build some more of the roofing and whatnot. So, we're super excited about this. We're grateful for the support that we've received from the school to get this
022done. So, thank you. >> Uh thank you, Olan. Olen is basically running a capital project right now, so it's pretty good. Yeah. Uh up next is is Izzy. Izzy is uh besides athletics and and her committees and clubs and uh running Etown Sunrise and everything else she does, she still has time to track down every administrator needed to move her work forward. Um, and she's also one of our students that scored a perfect 36 on her ACT last year. So, Izzy, here we go. >> Um, hi, my name is Izzy. I am a senior. Um, great job. >> Shout out to Olan. Um back so back in the fall we organized in partnership with climate action Evston which I'm on the board of um one of the first um ETHs climate action accelerators and out
023of that came a lot of really great studentled um projects in partnership with administration with John Crawford um and other and parents and everything. Um right now what Eton Center is focusing on most is partnering with Dr. Bavis um to meet with all of our department chairs um to make sure that we're integrating climate curriculum into our classrooms not just as a checkbox during a freshman year biology but that it's fully integrated as a lens of how are we approaching um climate change holistically and how that affects our communities. um and what can people actually do about that? Like not to fear-monger, but to actually approach it um without fear um throughout all four years. So, we're now meeting with department chairs to work on that. Hopefully, we will have some kind of plan formed
024by the summer that can then be in um introduced in the fall to comply not only with our own ETHs sustainability plan goals, but also the new state law. Um and then also as um from that climate action accelerator came another big student project. Uh are you going to talk about the trash audit John? Okay, which I will pass off to John for. >> Uh thank you Izzy. It's perfect transition. Um so there's two things that we knew coming into this school year. Number one was that we were going to be part of the Illinois Green Schools project. We're one of 20 schools across Illinois uh in the program. And then the second one is we we knew there was a huge opportunity for uh garbage can waste reduction uh throughout the school. Uh our
025our grant specialist Candace San Roman uh piloted a program this summer in the in the business and accounts payable offices where she uh consolidated some waste bins, centralized them, and we were able to remove a bunch of them out of those offices. Uh it worked flawlessly. So, we knew there was an opportunity to bring this schoolwide. Uh through Izzy's climate action accelerator, we had a new group of uh enthused students who wanted to form a sustainability club. Um we thought it was a great opportunity to partner with them on this project. Um so, in the fall, the sustain sustainability club operations and Etown Sunrise partnered. We did an entire building, office, and classroom waste audit. And uh the results were pretty eye opening. We realized that we could remove over 350 garbage cans uh throughout
026the building which would divert over 64,000 plastic garbage liners from the landfill every school year. Um we we launched this a couple maybe 10 days ago and the results so far have been mixed to say the least. But once we explain to staff what is going on, um it it's it's hard to argue with the with the you know, we're not asking anyone to take their trash home with them, right? There there's still waste bins around the building. Um but so what two years have shown us, right? Uh student leadership is obviously very strong in driving measurable change. Cultural shifts are underway and are effective. We're seeing environmental and financial benefits. Um but these projects alone are limited, right? they're not going to get us to to meet our policy goals. They're not going to
027get us to meet the city of Evston's healthy building ordinance goals. So, we have to look at more of instead of projects, we have to look at systems, right? How are we going to upgrade our facilities? How are we going to, you know, add renewable energy on campus? So, for that, there's a tool school districts use across Illinois, right? It's a energy savings performance contract. We have John Roco here from Honeywell to explain to us what it is and what it isn't and what a potential project here on campus would look like. >> Okay. Well, thank you all for having me. Thank you guys for presenting with me here, too. Um, so we got together with uh John and Kendra. And what we were talking about is um we knew that you all had worked
028towards a grant previously to bring some renewable energy to the district and that was a priority. and we know the city has high priorities for that as well, right? So, we thought this was a good opportunity for partnership. So, the energy ser energy savings performance contracting law in Illinois allows schools to look at the money that they're currently using to spend on utilities. And if we can reduce the amount of dollars going out on utilities, those are the energy savings that we then can calculate over a 20-year term and allow us to accelerate projects. Okay. So where the renewable energy really comes in is when you bring in the the solar energy, it really reduces your electrical spend which really increases those savings. And the calculations that we did, um we have our one of
029our engineers here, Bill. I can't take credit for this because he does all the numbers and he looked at all your systems and he looked at your capital project plans and all of those things. But we estimate between the renewable energy and other systems upgrades that are needed within the building that we can save approximately $600,000 a year um that you guys are currently spending just for Nyore or you know um Constellation, right? Those companies where those checks go out to. By reducing that on the 20 years, we come up with a $12 million project. that $12 million actually pays for your renewable energy and then other things that don't quite pay for themselves like fan upgrades and things like that that are also needed to upgrade in the facilities. So the renewable energy is
030really a driver of those savings which allows the pull through of other capital projects to be moved forward under the contracting law in the state of Illinois. So, if you think about it, what we're talking about at the $600,000 and the 12 million is if you guys just looked at the current operational budget and you did not make a change of a dollar over the next 20 years, everything that we could do with those $12 million, you would have just been paying to the utility companies anyway. So it is no impact on budget, no impact to the taxpayers, but being able to pull forward some of those capital projects. So there's a lot of opportunity that loops in here with the kids. We know you guys have done a lot in the STEM areas. Um,
031you know, just a local advertisement, Bill, I think, told me we have two engineering jobs open in the area if you guys have any graduates that are looking. Um, but there's a lot of things that we can do with all of you guys have in place already in that CTE path. Um, allowing the students to be a part of it, even in the construction phases and things like that. The IBW has a renewable energy fund that comes out and talks about these careers that um, you know, are pretty well-paying jobs that aren't going away. So, there's a lot of opportunity to engage students in the community in these projects and get them aware of the benefits um, but also the career opportunities that they would be as well. So, what we're working towards here is
032we've done a preliminary assessment. What we are going to be passing through to Kendra and John and the team is what we call an investment grade audit. Um, what that does is takes the preliminary numbers that we've already put forward and formalizes them. So, so far, Bill, our engineer, has come through. We've worked with our solar engineer to put numbers together. What we will do if the board feels that this is a good idea to explore the partnership, we will bring in contractors that will bid out those projects, give us real numbers and then we will talk about the real numbers that would be guaranteed at construction. So we would guarantee the construction project gets done for the number that we all agree on and we would also guarantee and agree on the savings. So
033the 20-year span of savings, the state of Illinois guarantees something called renewable energy certificates, which is a very significant portion of the savings. So basically, um, each unit that you create of renewable energy, the state pays for that. Um, the federal tax credit upfront, we can still get in under that time frame and that comes off the top. Um, the savings that we will just generate, we will take all of those numbers into consideration and we will guarantee those numbers. So, we will not you will not have a change order. We won't come back and ask for more money on the construction side. And then if there's ever a shortfall in the savings that we guaranteed, Honeywell is on the hook to write a check for that. So, if we say you're going to save
034$600,000 a year and you save $597, we have to write you a check for $3,000. Okay? We do this. We invented the business in 1986. We have 7 billion on our books. Um, and we pay out less than 300,000 a year. Is that right? >> 1.1 billion. >> There we go. We currently have >> 1.1 billion. >> Since 1986, we've implemented seven billion. >> Yeah. So, we pay out a very low percentage. So, our engineers like Bill are pretty good at their job and we agree to a number that we can actually deliver. Um, but if we don't, right, that's that's our issue and not yours. >> Great. Thank you, John. Uh to that we'll open up for any questions. >> It's pretty exciting. It's very exciting. >> Um John, >> yeah, I mean it
035it sounds fantastic. You know, it's something that we, you know, we need to make these changes in order to see the the larger impact. Um I wasn't quite following with the 12 million over the 20 years in savings. like where does the the cash come from for that to to pay the upfront costs? Is that >> Yeah. So, there are a couple avenues that we're able to take. Uh Honeywell has if if we were to partner with Honeywell for this, they have a finance um arm that would be able to provide the upfront cash and then we would use the savings throughout the 20 years in order to pay that back. or we could do the route of like debt certificates which we've utilized in the past for a number of capital projects. And so
036similarly, if we were to issue debt certificates this spring, then we would uh determine what we wanted the terms to be on the payback and we would use the savings in order to make those payments. >> And I can get into them. So when Bill did the the analysis of your buildings, if we add the solar and we upgrade some of the other systems that were on your capital plans, he projected out that we could reduce your utility spend by 42%. So the $600,000 is reflective of 42% of what the district spends on gas and electricity in a year. So we're predicting that we can basically knock a 1.3ish and try to do math. we need Dale here. Um, but if yeah, you know, we're basically knocking down almost half of what you would spend
037on your energy cost. So, that's where that savings comes from and that's where the math, you know, then works for the Illinois 20-year law. Okay. >> All right. I think I think I'm good. >> Does that make sense? I'm I guess I'm still trying to understand what the 20-year law means. Like, >> yeah, it's it's a statute that's been in place. Um, and its main purpose is to allow schools to accelerate facility upgrades. They noted that it's very difficult for public schools to take on these large capital projects. Right. Right. So, this law was put into place to help schools use those savings. Right. And if we um if you think of it from a financing perspective, >> yeah, >> if a company like Honeywell is guaranteeing debt, you know, and that is money that
038you guys were already spending to the utility company, we're not changing your operating budget. Um we're not changing anything that you guys currently pay out um within the same budget. We're actually able to use the money that we save over 20 years to do projects sooner. Okay, >> I'm going to take a stab at it. >> Yeah. All right. Great. >> Yeah. So if we wanted to do a solar project that is in line with our goals uh for sustainability and then in an effort to also reduce our our energy consumption and cost, we would need upfront capital in order to do that, right? We need money to do it. We don't have the money to do it. However, we could borrow the money to do this project and the money that we're going to
039save over the course of 20 years, we would use those savings to pay for the money that we borrowed today. >> I see. So, so this provides the avenue to for that borrowing essentially. >> Yes. Because otherwise we would have no space in our budget, >> right, >> to pay it back, right? But the savings will provide us that. like what type of rates does that come at? >> I'm sure it's all folded into the savings or diminishes it somewhat. >> Of course. Of course. So, there is a cost uh for interest. We would have to see where the mark like >> first we would have to determine that we want to move forward with with this >> and then we would figure out the timeline and then we would go to the market and
040see uh what's the best rate that the district is able to obtain. So like in talking about the 42% um is that something that you would see immediately upon completion of the project and what what's that duration look like for the implementation of of everything? >> So >> is that like three years is that span the 20 is that >> yeah so >> six months >> right? So, so the work that Honeywell does, they lay it out yearbyear um what they expect we would save each year and those amounts do not be like those amounts would not start getting paid until after the completion of the project. >> So, the way that the terms are set up, the project would be completed before we would make our first payment. >> All right. >> And the
041the the construction peri Yeah. The construction period depends on, you know, different factors and the systems that we're involving, right? And your summer school >> far enough out to >> Correct. Correct. We will have all those conversations and by the time we would come back to the board, we would have another, you know, time to talk with Kendra, talk with John, um, and get a little more solid in those plans, get a little more solid of how we're going to go out and search out the financing and get you guys the best numbers to put in front. So, those things are things in process that would happen over about the next month or so, too, that we would come back with more um more exact information. >> Yeah. >> In those spaces. But um the
042the fact of the matter is is we we have a a really strong opportunity here to do something that's really budget neutral. >> Yeah. >> When it comes down to it in order to upgrade the facilities now um and finance it over time. >> Yeah. And so just to frame this conversation uh board, you have heard from John Crawford, uh from our wonderful students before about all of the different things that they've been trying to do here, um to further our sustainability efforts. And so, uh we've been partnering with Honeywell to just kind of figure out what is possible here and wanted to, you know, bring you along and understand that this is just something that is available to us. But if we were to be moving forward with this, of course, we would have
043more concrete information. But this is kind of the start of the conversation and with the sustainability update, it was a good opportunity for us to be able to talk about what we could make poss, you know, make happen. >> Yeah, that's great. >> Um Liz, >> um yeah, I just I was glad to see um just kind of looking at the the current initiatives and the outcomes. I I remember over the years these are all things that you came in with ideas and now I'm actually like seeing them happen. So that that's great. I'm really happy to see that. Um and then I'm just looking at the the sort of Honeywell um the recommended measures and there's more things that you've talked about over the years like we've talked about geothermal and solar and everything.
044Um I'm just kind of wondering I know that was kind of a big dream that you all have had um and it was kind of out of reach. So, are we really thinking that those types of things would be plausible or is it still kind of like a longterm like highle goal? Cuz I know it was it's a big investment in the infrastructure and everything. So, >> yeah. No, the the solar is definitely very plausible. Um, and the geothermal is is becoming more and more plausible. Um there's new technology that that Honeywell is is currently working on a project in Minneapolis where less wells are needed so that that drives the cost down uh significantly. We're also working on an a grant um to develop the plans that would be it would take to do
045the geothermal which is a part two of that plan which you know is a $5 million grant that we'd also be applying for. So it's it's becoming more plausible. still not there, but it's not the hundred million that we were talking about just a couple years ago. It's >> it's more like what 30 million now, right? Or 30-ish million, right? So, it's >> I'm going to shake my head. >> Yeah. You know, so it's it's it's definitely becoming more plausible, but it's still not quite there. But >> yeah, that's great. I mean, I just it's great that every time we see you, you know, we are definitely moving forward in all these initiatives and outcome measures and everything. So, um just keep up the good work. I support all of this. So, >> thank you,
046>> Pat. >> Well, I'm glad I went last because I just wanted to thank you all. This is first of all, Kendra and John for bringing this interesting possibility with Honeywell. I think it just shows how creative you all are and uh that's really exciting. But I really want to thank the students. Um I vividly remember John when you first came. I don't remember his name, but he was a tall guy with blonde kind of longish hair. And he blew us away with this plan that he had, you know, through with you and other students had developed. And to see it come to fruition and to see what you all are talking about just from two years ago when we got the original plan. Um, first of all, I'm going to keep track of you
047guys because I need to vote for you for Congress or something because you're going places. Um, but seriously, it's just amazing what you've done and what you're you're doing. And I just it's incredibly impressive. And John, I continued to be really um appreciative of you for listening to the students for, you know, this came from the students and you really embraced it and listened and have supported and grown this work. So, it's just amazing and I it just really speaks to uh what a special place this is, you know, that our students are really this um empowered and and passionate about the kinds of change that we need to make in the world and that we have amazing staff and faculty that support that and and help n you know, nurture it to expand for
048us and beyond. So, just a lot of kudos for everybody. Thank you. >> Thank you. So I um thank you for for saying that and thank you board for your questions and comments. I agree. I was just remembering where we started with this conversation a few years ago and um I would have never guessed we would be here today. Um, but I am very impressed every time you come bringing students, making sure they're they're involved in and um putting together these these these plans. Um, I appreciate you uh wanting to get involved with uh with our with our teachers with in the curriculum and the department leaders to really make this a part of all of ETHs. So that's that's very that's really impressive and um and I I can't wait to see more from
049Honeywell and see what happens with with this. I don't know if it's a formal proposal at this point. Um but it's certainly a very creative very creative idea. um and um wrapping my head around um the money and and and how it would all get um distributed and what we would save and how that would all happen and thinking of several years out. Um may take me some time. Um but thank you for coming and thank you for being patient with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate that and we'll continue to talk and talk to Kendra as well >> and we will be providing more details to Kendra and John and they will be able to keep you updated with um exactly what you mentioned. What things are we looking at upgrading in
050the facilities, what that translates to? Yes. Um and making the connections in between and what the next steps of the process look like. >> Yes. Good. Wonderful. >> Wonderful. All right. Thank you for having us. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. It's very exciting. >> All right. So, we are we've had an audit committee meeting and we are going to hear about our fiscal year 2025 annual comprehensive financial report. >> Take it away, Rudy and Kra. >> Good evening, board. All right, good evening everyone. >> Good evening >> and thank you. Um, so tonight we're going to be presenting highlights from the FY25 annual comprehensive financial report. This report reflects the district's financial activity and position for the year. My name is Rudy Mayo. I'm director of business services. Um, I've had the privilege
051of taking the lead on the audit for the last couple years. um worked closely with our auditors and then also our business office team. Um they made sure everything was accurately and submitted and timely. So I want to give a shout out to them. Um the team puts in a lot of effort and time. Um and they do a lot. So I want to give them a quick shout out. Um and then also it's a very detailed report. Um, I like to walk through and talk through everything in the entire document, but in a meeting like this, it'll be hard. And our goal tonight is just to really focus on the key highlights. So, um, we'll get started with that and I'll jump right into our our overview. So, as you see here, um, the
052audit committee reviewed the report in detail and we we received a clean audit opinion. um that's the highest opinion you could receive and it means that the audit the auditors found our members and our numbers to be accurate. Uh so tonight we'll touch on a few highlights and other important information so you can get a big picture without us reading the entire report. All right. So some uh deficiencies and process items before we get started on this. Um I do want you all to see um that the uh these are not financial mistakes. These are just process recommendations. Um so for unearned revenue, one item was an adjustment to unearned revenue tied to our transition from cash to cashless in the cafeteria. Um we made a shift. Um we had to make some timing adjustments
053on how we uh how revenue was recorded. So this didn't change our financial position. and it just ensured revenue is recognized in the correct period. So that's for uh unearned revenue. For capital assets, we also had a note on capital assets. Uh we moved into a new system mid year. We had um einance and then we transitioned to Tyler. Um that transition happened in October. Um so within that that meant reconciling assets between both systems was a little challenging for us this year. um that created some cleanup work, but now everything in the system is in is in one system now and it should be good going forward um for our our next fiscal year um audit. The next session was document retention. Document retention was another item. As more records become digital, this is
054something many districts continue to refine. We're tightening up our procedures here. So um document retention should be um something that will will be good going forward for us. The next section is technology and data security. Technology and data security is something auditors are flagging across districts. Um with cyber attacks increasing um schools are not immune to it. Uh so our IT team uses a layered approach like multifactor authentic authentication um email filtering domain blocking um and some strong backup schedules. So those were some sections that uh um process items that we do look forward to uh cleaning up here. And then for this next slide is some revenue and expenditure highlights. Um on this slide you'll see revenues at about 134 million um and expenditures around 142 million. That gap is what contributed to the
055general fund balance decreasing about 4.2 million. The main drivers behind that were higher health costs, salary increases, lower replacement tax revenue from the state. Uh those were all contributions to that. U those are areas we're seeing pressure across uh many districts right now. Um at the same time, we are careful in other areas like operations and maintenance spending which helps offset offset some of those costs for us. So now with that I'll I'll hand it off to uh CFO Kra. >> All right, next slide. >> I think before I move to the next slide, I just want to further highlight um you know here we do have a deficit of $4.2 million that we don't take lightly and recognize that this is a challenging time that we're navigating financially and that um you know adjustments
056need to be made to ensure that this is not uh a trend for us. And so, you know, some of this may also feel like um like you've heard it before because we've been talking about a lot of this, right? Even just last month, I had an opportunity to update the board on the district's finances. And so, some of the things that really came up in the audit are in line with that presentation and that healthc care costs have gone up significantly with us uh being self-funded for our medical insurance. we sometimes, you know, based on our claim experience and just the general market has been going up um for for health care costs. And so with those, we've seen significant increases there. Salaries as well have been outpacing um the the increase in revenue.
057And then uh CPPRT as well. I I feel like CPPRT always rolls off my tongue like it's really quickly, but um for that one uh we've seen some volatility there. Uh that's a tax that's colle collected by the Illinois Department of Revenue. They collect it from businesses throughout Illinois and then distribute it to schools and also uh government agencies. And so with that one, we saw where CPPRT went up pretty significantly for three years and then came down just as significantly. And so even from um 20 four fiscal year 24 to 25, I think that was a $1.7 million decrease in CPPRT. And so we've just had um a lot of pressure uh with these with these budgets, with these fiscal years that we're navigating and that have really um led to the need for
058us to pivot to ensure that we can um get back on track with maintaining um our budget at a level that allows us to be uh sustainable uh fiscally sustainable and accountable to the public. So I just wanted to highlight that. Um yeah. Oh, speaking of funds and fund balances. So for our operating fund with um our fund balance per board policy for operating funds, so that's the education fund, operations and maintenance, transportation, and working cash. Uh it states that the for the combined funds that there should be a minimum of 33%. And so, uh, if you combine the, uh, expenditure budgets for fiscal year 26 for those funds and then you take 33% of that, that means that our minimum fund balance should be 33 million, uh, $33.6 million just about. Right now, we're
059at 37.3. Um, sorry, that should actually be for FY25 ending fund balance. So, we are within the range of the board policy minimum. However, as you can imagine, if we were to have another year like we did for fiscal year 25, we would no longer be above the board the board policy minimum. So, we're in a situation where we have to pay attention and move accordingly. And so, um, of course, you know, that has come with some difficult decisions, um, that we are navigating. But I, you know, this is almost like the report card that's showing, you know, everything that we've been talking about, um, is being shown here, um, on in these financials. And so, I know that it's not new information, but I just don't want to shy away from highlighting what's going
060on here and making sure that we're able to have that discussion and have the clear understanding about why we've had to make some of the decisions that we have. And then IMRF and social security uh from from our board policy that is 40% minimum. And so that minimum would be 1.6 and we're at about 3.3. So a little bit quite a bit stronger uh for those funds. But still wanting to make sure that we're paying attention to those fund balances and making sure that we're staying within the uh board policy minimum uh debt service fund. So, our debt service fund ha uh has like our long-term debt um payments and that decreased by 2.9 million uh in fiscal year 25. And with that, we often see that um the pattern is that it will decrease
061in one year where we do not issue new debt. However, um when we issue new debt, then we would expect to see an increase in that year. So, in fiscal year 25, there was no new debt issued, hence there being a decrease. this year. Um if moving forward with the same uh cadence that we typically do, we would be issuing debt in fiscal year 26, which would lead to there being an increase um at the end of that this fiscal year. And so we know that we issue debt so that we're able to address our capital needs because our capital needs outpace the available funds that we have. Uh we also see that when we pay attention to the depreciation that's reported each fiscal year where our building um when you look at uh depreciation
062of over $4 million and then we're really only able to invest like $2 to $3 million a year based on the amount of debt that we're issuing um into our capital projects which is you know the case for why we uh receive so much support from the foundation thankfully in order to address some of the capital needs that we have in the building uh because with our debt service fund, it's just not enough. And so uh in 2025, we had 1.2 million that we also uh transfer from the educational fund to the debt service fund in order to cover the payments uh for some debt certificates. And so moving on to the capital fund, um that the capital fund balance decreased by 2.8 million. Sorry. Um this is also related to like I said the
063debt service fund and that when we we issue debt um we then use that debt for the capital fund and so we would expect to see an increase in the capital fund uh in this fiscal year as well. And so the projects that we were able to complete in fiscal year 2025 include the south and uh south and west roof alumni hall and then also some technology upgrades. And then uh for summer 2025, we know that we had the groundbreaking of the studio theater that is still uh in progress right now. And then we were also able to replace a good deal of windows in the arts and innovation wing. And so um so and then uh the spending for the capital fund is typically uh related to these cap is is all related to
064these capital projects. And then the revenues for the capital fund, like I said before, uh will either be the debt that we issue or the money that we receive from the foundation. And so these are factors bearing on the district's future. You know, we've gotten to talk about locally uh some of the challenge challenges that we're going to continue to address. And then these are just some of the broader items as well um that we're that we're concerned about or subject to. So whether that's um employment contracts with mandatory financial obligations, the state of the economy, um also tax caps that really limit the amount that we're able to increase our largest revenue stream, property taxes, and then also um we got to talk about this um a bit during the audit committee meeting, but
065just the cost of the TRS pension system, and um what reform may look like one day if the state were to decide that the district should pick up a bigger uh share of cost uh related to the pension system. So, just things that you know sometimes are tossed about that we always have to make sure that we're keeping an eye on. Opened up for questions or comments. I look at you. Um well, you know, I've looked at this audit. It's really good. And and one of the things that you didn't um highlight were the awards. Um and I want to make sure where are they? That they are highlighted. Um you received you and your department. Of course, a certificate of excellence in financial reporting was presented to our district. Um, and this is this
066is really amazing. You've gotten two big awards. >> Yes. >> Is that correct? >> That is correct. >> And these aren't um these don't come easily. >> They only come to a few school districts. Um so I just think it's really important to highlight that and then the certificate um from um is it the government finance officers association >> uh so wonderful congratulations for that. >> Thank you. >> Uh it really does speak to the fact that you know as Rudy was saying this took a lot of work. This was a lot of effort, a lot of hours. You and your team uh spent a lot of time looking over these numbers and the reports that we got um the rating that we got is is the highest. Mhm. >> Uh they found a few
067a few things here. But I think really for me when we had our meeting it helped me to understand um that transition that we had the accounting transition that we had and and and how that um that impacted us. >> Right. >> I remember you said um you'd never do it again in the middle of the year. >> No, I would not. Definitely was a learning experience for all involved. >> Yeah. Yeah. But thank you. Thank you for that. Um any other questions, John? >> Yeah. I mean, I was just the questions I had were pretty much answered in the audit committee meeting. So, um I I won't repeat them for for those in the public that are interested. I think that that was an open meeting, right? So the me the minutes are out
068there and um you know I I would love to to dig back into the numbers again and tick and tie but um I know that's not for everyone so I'll I'll spare I'll spare you that um but but you know but just as you were saying it really echoes you know like yeah a deficit is not ideal but we found ourselves you know there with a very particular set of circumstances where we see our you know expenditures grossly outpacing their inflationary rate as compared with our our income capabilities and and how those are capped. So the the management of the funds I think is absolutely in tip-top shape and that's you know as related to our AAA bond ratings. So you know it it looks good. You know um maybe the county will start collecting
069and paying property taxes in a in a repeatable timely fashion. We can all hope. Um, but you know, kind of getting away from that would obviously be ideal, but but well done. I thought this was great. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Pat. >> Um, well, thank you. This was a helpful and the report was really good. I I just want to lift up that um you know I think rightly we have a great reputation thanks to the two of you and the people that are on your teams um as a you know very fiscally sound organization and we are um but we are not immune to the world and the inflation and financial policy and the state of the economy all impact us just like everywhere else. But I think that um the advantage
070we have is we have you um who know these things and watch these things. So we knew I mean even though I think last year it hit us hard, we still knew where we were headed. You did not surprise us. Um you'd been telling us for a while where things were going given where the economy was going and and our um our expenses and the caps on our revenue. So, as much as it's not fun, it wasn't a surprise and it is being handled and managed really well and you still are focusing on our valuesbased budgeting and the equity work. And I just I just need to lift that up because there are school districts that can't pay the electric bills. You know there are school districts not even far from us who are struggling
071for the very basic things and we are I will use this word I don't often but we are really blessed to have the kind of um sharpness and attention and forward thinking that you all have provided. So, um, I just really thank you and I just want the community to know how lucky we are to have you as individuals as well as this kind of really deep systemic approach to watching our money and making sure we're balancing that we're still doing the important work, but we have to do it carefully because we, you know, money is not an endless resource. So, you all are amazing and thank you. >> Thank you. I think that um I I think that we've been talking about some of these um possibilities for a lot of years, the pension,
072you know, we've been talking about that for a lot of years, but I think that with um the the more more recent changes in administration and what we've been seeing happening in the world. Um these these dangers just seem so close now. >> And um and as great as as all of this is, we know that that it could change very quickly. And uh so that's just the reality that I'm sure several districts, but you know, we we we live with that. We live with that reality. Um, I'm still not sure how you did it. I'm not sure how you got us through the last like seven or eight months. Really? How did you do that? I I I don't know. Don't answer. I've heard some of your answers. So, but um but I commend
073you for really pulling a rabbit out of a hat. >> Indeed. And that's almost what you did. You found a way. And um for the most part, our what we need to happen has been happening. Our students have continued to receive the quality education that we value so much. We've c we've been able to continue the to to support our mission and our values and lift up what we think is important and we've been able to do that and that's not changed. So that's amazing. Thank you. >> Yep. Thank you board for your support because as it was said, you know, we are committed and we are unwavering um in that commitment to make sure that we're supporting students to the best of our abilities and we know that that happens when we take care
074of the finances. So, >> we're going to continue to do our work and um we'll be updating you >> and yeah, thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. I just want to say for the record, we do plan to bring a balanced budget to the tenative uh to the meeting in June. Right. >> Have it another way, boss. >> All right. I think Kendra, you're staying there, right? >> Yep. Right. >> Right. On to the next one. look at our fiscal year 20 26 midyear budget review. Speaking of All right, so we're going to be going through um right, we just discussed fiscal year 2025, the conclusion of fiscal year 2025, and already we're a bit past the halfway point of fiscal year 2026. And so we're going to go through and kind
075of do a snapshot of where we were halfway through the year. So it's February 9th today, but we're really discussing um what that snapshot was at December 31st cuz that's the halfway mark for our fiscal year. So we're going to be going through that. And uh what I will say as we go through this midyear analysis uh just some things that you know to make the board aware of is that this year was unique as you can imagine because we did not receive um our property you know any property tax revenue uh until December 28th and so and we did not receive 100% of what we would have anticipated ated that we would have been that we would have received by then. And so as a result at December 31st, our revenues are lagging. And
076you'll be able to see that as we go through, we're going to kind of go through and do like the snapshots fund by fund. You'll be able to see that uh revenues are lagging as compared to prior uh the prior year uh and not really in line with what we would have expected to see at that point. And that is in a large way attributed to the property tax revenue not coming in in a timely manner. And then as a result of that um we obviously were faced with some cash flow challenges where we had to make the decision that where possible we would defer uh the payment of expenditures. Um so you know typically we are paying our invoices every week. Um, and you know, our vendors love that because we get invoices in
077and as soon as they're processed, if they're processed by Tuesday, they're getting paid on Friday and it's just like clockwork and it keeps on moving. Uh, we were in a situation where we were not really able to do that as readily. And so, you know, we had to rely on some things like the Illinois Prompt Payment Act that gives schools 45 days to pay an invoice instead of 30 days or, you know, things like that. we had to uh start really um uh navigating uh the payment of expenditures a little bit differently than we had in the past. And so uh you're you while we're you know doing this for December 31st that's another thing that is lagging somewhat our expenditures and that's because we were making some decisions about you know okay this is
078going to get paid this is going to wait >> and uh yeah so that that's that was one of my tricks. >> Yeah that's how we did it. Yes. All right. So, I'll let Rudy kind of go through the fund by fund. >> All right. So, we'll go through some of the funds. Um, for this slide here, the education fund, uh, this is our largest fund, and it covers staffing, benefits, and student services. As you look at these graphs, you'll notice FY26 percentages appear lower compared to FY25. Um, the rate the biggest reason is uh revenue timing for this year. as as Kendra mentioned, um Cook County tax distributions were extremely late. Um we started receiving those funds. Um but midyear snapshots don't always reflect the fullear picture. So this is more about timing than
079a change in expected revenue on the expenditure side. Um you see costs are moving as expected especially in salaries and healthcare. >> All right. >> Yeah. because there were some things that we could not defer such as payroll. >> So, you >> I wouldn't be in front of you today. So, >> none of us would be here. >> All right. Uh on this slide for operations and maintenance. Um, this fund supports facilities, maintenance, and utilities. Spending is tracking in line with expectations. Um, some variation year-to-year is seasonal, especially utilities. Um, and similar to the education fund, the mid-year revenue timing plays a role in how these percentages look right now. for bond and interest. This fund is tied to scheduled debt payments, so it's very predictable. This one's a little different. Um, revenues and expenditures
080follow as a set schedule. So, there there there aren't any concerns here for transportation. Um, transportation is where we continue to see cost pressure. >> Yeah. >> Um, vendor fuel costs have increased. there's just so much cost tied to that. Um, but we're still in line with budget. Um, but it's something we monitor very closely with transportation for IMRF and social security. Uh, this funds moves with with payroll with staffing levels consistent. This fund is tracking um as expected. So this one's pretty much in line with what we expect for tort fund. This fund covers insurance and risk management. We budget conservatively uh conservatively here um and it's performing within expectations. And I'll just add that this one is one where we typically because you can see here that expenditures are 70.75 uh% or yeah
08170.75% and that's what we would expect because we typically make those payments in the beginning of the year. The bulk of the payments get paid um usually in July. And so uh with that that's why you see it's so much higher than like that 50% that you might expect to see in a different fund. Um so just a little context on that one. And then our capital improvement fund. Uh the revenue in this fund mainly due to donations secured through the ETHs foundation. And then um expenditures are on target with CIP uh capital capital improvement budgeted projects and have been primarily related to the finishing of the studio theater edition. And then we've gotten a chance to really talk about the budget concerns extensively in the um the audit presentation. But just to reiterate that,
082you know, rising transportation costs, as Rudy mentioned, uh increased health care costs that we've talked about, all of these things are things that we're keeping an eye on and trying to uh mitigate the effects as much as we can in order to uh end this year in a better position. Any questions or comments board questions? Pretty much the same. >> Yeah, >> it is pretty much the same. Mhm. >> Looking at these numbers, looking at the patterns and that last slide where we could see what's going up, >> the transportation, the healthc care. >> Yeah. >> It's just impacting all of us. >> Absolutely. >> So once again, thank you. Thank you for keeping us Thank you for keeping us informed. >> Of course. I just so appreciate not being surprised. >> I've never liked
083surprises. >> Nor do I. >> Not those. >> Yeah. I guess there are some that I don't mind. >> Thank you. Thank you, Ruby. >> Thank you. >> All right. Moving along on our agenda. We're at foyers, Dr. Davis. >> Yes, we have seven foyers. Um, we have one from Randall, one from Miller, another one from Randall, one from Meyer, one from Kim, and two more from Randall for a total of seven. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Okay. We're at board committee reports and there's a discipline committee report in um in the packet. Um Mon'nique was not able to be here tonight. Um but we've sort of heard some things from that report uh even as uh Dr. McNeil was talking about um getting feedback from the discipline committee uh for some of the
084changes that they're looking at to make and uh looking at tardies and other issues in our schools. So we've we've heard some of that. So read through that report. I'm sure you have and if you have any questions, let us know. Um there's also uh there was also a a city schools liaison committee and uh both Liz and I attended and we will report on that next month because we may have somebody from the city coming to talk to us about some pieces of of that. So we'll talk more about that next month. Yeah. Fingers crossed. Yes. Are there other committee reports? Anything else? Okay. If not, we are at the student board report. Eva, >> hello everybody. >> Hello. >> Okay. Hi. Um, I hope you're enjoying this winter season. On January 23rd, it
085was very, very cold and ETHS had an e-learning day, which I know is greatly appreciated. Um, most winter sports are wrapping up right now and tryyouts are starting in the next couple weeks. I made a list. Uh, softball, baseball, lacrosse, bad mitten, and water polo. On January 30th, inspired by the protesters in Minneapolis, many students across the country, including many ETHs students, walked out in protest of ICE. Uh at ETHS, hundreds of students left school after fourth block and walked to Fountain Square where they protested ICE with signs and chants. And um I found the collective action of our school very inspiring and I think it was a good example of the power that student voices can have. Um, in terms of the student union, our committees are steadily pushing along. The PE makeup policy
086and enforcement of IEP and 504 committees have both worked with Dr. Levy to put out surveys on their respective issues, and they are getting responses. Now, the mental health resources committee is working on creating an infographic about the different mental health resources at UTS, and they're going to post that around the school and maybe um put it on the Tuesday tidbits to spread awareness about all the amazing resources we have. And then the Delawa committee scheduled a meeting with the edte team and that's happening next week and they're going to um see how they can improve Dela and that experience for students. And then the tardy rollover policy committee and the public spaces committee have both reached out to their points of contact in the administration and are working on those issues. So yeah, thank
087you. >> Thank you. >> Wonderful. >> Okay. >> All right, >> Dr. Campbell. >> Thank you, Madam President. So, um there are no major um updates to report this evening, but I'd like to use this opportunity to recognize the exceptional efforts of our operations team during the cold winter months. >> Uh from responding to a small fire on Christmas Day to preparing and maintaining safe facilities and challenging weather conditions. Their work is steady, responsive, and essential. They report on e-learning days. They report to work on e-learning days. arrive early on late dark days and work behind the scenes to ensure our building is safe and ready for students and staff. I should say our 102year-old building is ready for students and safe and staff. This means clean cleaning snow and ice before everybody gets here.
088Sultting walkways, drying hallways sometimes all day long. uh common areas uh due to wet conditions, monitoring building systems and taking preventative steps to ensure that pipes and infrastructure are protected during extreme cold. Uh much of their work happens out of view, but is essential to maintaining a safe and functional learning environments and we are deeply appreciative of their commitment and their professionalism. So, thanks to our ops team and John was here tonight and Kendra. It's it's really essential. So, thank you all. And that's all I have. >> That's a lot. That's good. Thank you. Thank you for appreciating that and lifting that that group up. Okay, we are at items for action. The first item is the acceptance of the fiscal 2025 audit report. Can I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second.
089>> Roll call, please. >> Martin, >> yes. Manel, >> yes. >> Rollins, >> yes. >> Savage Williams, >> yes. The next item is approval of resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $17 million general obligation limited tax school bonds of the district for the purpose of refunding outstanding bonds and increasing the district's working cash fund. providing for the levy of a district annual tax to pay the principle and interest on set bonds and authorizing the proposed sale of set bonds to the purchaser thereof. >> So moved. Second. >> Could I have a roll call, please? >> Yes. >> Rollitz. >> Yes. >> Martin, >> yes. >> Savage Williams. >> Yes. Okay. The next item is is a motion that I am going to make. I move that the board of education approve the
090no fault settlement agreement between the board of education of Evston Township High School District 202 and Foyer requesttor Vince Espanza and further authorize the board's insurance provider to pay the attorney's fees in furtherance of the settlement agreement. Second. >> Can I have a roll call, please? >> Rollins? >> Yes. >> Martin? >> Yes. >> Savage Williams? >> Yes. Okay. The next item is the resolution for Black History Month. And I believe, >> wait, did I skip something? >> Oh, resc Thank you. Okay. Okay. The next item is approval of resolution authorizing recall from reduction in force educational support personnel. >> so second. >> Roll call, please. >> Martin, >> yes. >> Manel, >> Yes. Savage Williams. >> Yes. Okay. The next item is the Black History Month resolution and Liz is going to read that
091for us. >> Okay. I'm happy to read this resolution and it looks like it's the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. So, that's exciting. >> Um, National Black History Month, February 2026. Whereas millions of people were taken from their homes in Africa in chains and were held in slavery. And whereas from 1619 to 1865, slavery was legal in the United States of America. And whereas 12 generations of blacks survived and lived in the United States as enslaved people with an incalculable human cost that continues to impact our society and culture. Whereas on the eve of the American Civil War, approximately 4 million enslaved African-Americans lived in the southern region of the United States of America. And these enslaved people were the descendants of 12 to 13 million African forebears ripped from their homes and forcibly
092transported to the Americas in a massive slave trade dating from the 1400s. Whereas this forced migration is one of the greatest human tragedies in the history of the world. Whereas the celebration of Black History Month began in February 1926 with the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a noted historian committed to encouraging all people to learn about the contributions of outstanding African-Americans. Whereas the students and staff of Evston Township High School must continue to learn about and be mindful of African-Americans on a national and local level who have worked to serve the public good. Whereas the ETHs community should welcome and learn from all people of color to support the destruction of beliefs and practices that racially segregate and hinder students from believing that the American dream is for everyone. Whereas the ETHS community should
093also continually dedicate itself to the principle of equal justice for all people, remain eternally vigilant against acts of racism and bigotry, and continue to be a leader in empowering all students through education. Therefore, we, the District 202 school board, proclaim that in celebration of past, present, and future exceptional African-American leaders do hereby proclaim the month of February 2026 as Black History Month at Evston Township High School. >> Thank you. Can I have a motion for approval, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Okay. So, now we're going to have the approval or the resolution read for Women's History Month by Pat Mudsel. Thanks. The National Women's History Month's theme for 2026 is leading the change. Women shaping a sustainable future. In this pivotal moment of history, we
094are called to confront a range of overlapping global global challenges. Climate change, economic insecurity, healthc care disparities, and threats to democratic participation. These issues are deeply intertwined and women, particularly from marginalized communities, often experience their impact most acutely. Yet women have also led the charge towards lasting solutions. Leading the change, women shaping a sustainable future expands our understanding of sustainability beyond just environmental concerns. It encompasses financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and interg generational equity. Whether developing green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening education systems, or building civic power, women are designing blueprints for sustainable transformation. This theme affirms that shaping a sustainable future means fostering systems that support both people and the planet. The goals and objectives include honor, celebrate the diverse contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational, and
095social justice movements. Educate, raise awareness about the important historical and contemporary roles of women in shaping sustainable change. inspire, empower individuals and institutions on how to take action towards sustainability, equity, and justice in their own spheres of influence. Connect. Build bridges across generations, geographies, and disciplines to foster collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. Envision. encourage a long-term vision for our future where women's leadership is central to thriving communities and a healthy planet. The President of the United States has proclaimed March 2026 as Women's History Month to celebrate with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the history, accomplishments, and contributions of American women. Therefore, we, the District 202 School Board, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2026 as Women's History Month at Evston Township High School. >> Thank you. Can I have a motion for
096acceptance, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Rolling. >> Yes. >> Martin, >> yes. Okay. The next item is the consent agenda which consists of approval of school maintenance project grant, approval of arts and innovation wing renovation phase 2 bid approval. Approval of 2026 roof replacement bid. Approval of minutes from January 12th, 2026, both regular and close session. Treasures report from November 2025. Approval of bills and personnel report. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call, please. >> Martin, >> yes. Is there old or new business? Any closing or polling of the board? Any comments? If not, can I have a motion for adjournment? >> So moved. >> Okay. This meeting is adjourned at 9:01 p.m. >> Wow.