001I would like to call to order the City of Lake Forest School District 67 Board of Education organizational meeting for May 8th, 2025. May I have a roll call, please? Mrs. Shan here. Mr. Reis here. Mr. Kurar here. Miss Engleberg here. Mr. Adamo here. Miss Yan here. Mrs. Bernol here. Motion carries. I will now ask all members of the board, administration, and community to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over their heart to recite the pledge. At this point, the board will now offer the opportunity for public comment. Members of the public may use this time to address the board. Are there any members of the public who would like to address the board this evening? Seeing none, we're going to move on to the action items. We have three action
002items uh immediately up for adoption and those are resolutions for the retiring board members. I will now read those resolutions. So bear with me. First, Miss Chahan. Whereas Ms. Shama Periq Chahan has faithfully served the students, staff, and families of Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 as a board member from 2024 to 2025. Whereas Ms. Chahan brought to the board her expertise as an attorney and child advocate with more than two decades of legal experience focused on family law and the best interests of children. Whereas Miss Chawan has contributed her knowledge as a business owner and community leader, bringing both professional insight and practical problem solving to the work of the board. Whereas Miss Chahan has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating a school environment that reflects the diverse values and needs of all students,
003families, and staff. Whereas Ms. Chahan has consistently championed responsive governance rooted in advocacy, equity, and transparency, listening thoughtfully to community voices, and acting in the best interest of all learners. Whereas Mrs. Chahan has been an active and engaged resident of Lake Forest and a proud parent of students at Everett Elementary School. Whereas Miss Chahan's dedication to public service is reflected in her ongoing work with numerous civic organizations, including A Safe Place, the Lake County Bar Foundation, and the Supreme Court of Illinois Committee on Equality. Whereas, Ms. Chahan's thoughtful contributions and collect collaborative leadership have enriched the work of the board and advanced the mission of District 67. Therefore, be it resolved that the Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 Board of Education expresses for itself as well as for the parents, guardians, students, staff, faculty,
004and citizens of Lake Forest, its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Miss Shama Periq Chahan for her distinguished service, leadership, and dedication to enhancing educational outcomes and operational excellence for all students in our community. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be entered permanently into the minutes of the Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 Board of Education. Next up, Mr. Krar. Whereas Mr. Carl Kurrar has faithfully served the students, staff, and families of Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 as a member of the board of education from 2020 through 2025. Whereas Mr. Krar has served as secretary of the board of education during the 2024 to 2025 school year as well as president prom in June 2024. Whereas Mr. Kar has served as chair of the finance and operations committee from 2023 through
0052025 and is a member of the education committee during the same period. Whereas Mr. Kurr has demonstrated steadfast leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and transparency, helping guide the district through the CO 19 pandemic by supporting a hybrid remote model that balanced in-person learning with public health guidance and contributed to a safe student- centered reopening. Whereas Mr. Kar has provided strategic insight and long-term planning to district 67 particularly in the areas of infrastructure operations and fiscal stewardship. Whereas Mr. Krar has exemplified servant leadership by consistently asking what the administration needs to best serve students and by advocating for academic growth alongside social emotional wellness. Whereas Mr. Kurr has been a visible and engaged community member, including as a speaker on the see it to be it professional panel where he inspired students to consider careers in
006public service. Whereas Mr. Krar's strategic mindset and tireless commitment to continuous improvement have enriched the culture of excellence at Lake Forest Elementary School District 67. Therefore, be it resolved that the Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 Board of Education expresses for itself as well as for the parents, guardian, guardians, students, staff, faculty, and citizens of Lake Forest its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Carl Kurr for his distinguished service, leadership, and dedication to enhancing educational outcomes and operational excellence for all students in our community. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be entered permanently into the minutes of the Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 Board of Education. Miss Bernal. Whereas Miss Emily Bernal has faithfully served the students, staff, and families of Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 as a member
007of the board of education from 2021 through 2025. Whereas Mrs. Bernal has served as vice president of the board of education from 24 through 25. Whereas Ms. Bernal has served as board secretary from 23 to 24. Whereas Mrs. Bernal has also served as the board's liaison to the association of parents and teachers and as a member of the policy committee throughout her term. Whereas Mrs. Bernal has represented the district 67 board on the true north educational cooperative 804 board since 2023 advocating for shared services and inclusive educational practices. Whereas Mrs. Bernol has played a key role in ensuring stability and continuity during leadership transitions, including the search for and onboarding of a new superintendent. Whereas Mrs. Bernal approaches board service with thoughtfulness, integrity, and a commitment to respectful collaboration, believing in the power of a
008unified board to represent all voices. Whereas Mrs. Bernal champions flexible academic supports and individualized learning pathways with a strong belief in educational equity and access for all students. Whereas Mrs. Bernal's service reflects a deep commitment to the long-term excellence, inclusivity, and well-being of the District 67 community. Therefore, be it resolved that the Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 Board of Education expresses for itself as well as for the parents, guardians, students, staff, faculty, and citizens of Lake Forest its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Mrs. Emily Bernol for her distinguished service, leadership, and dedication to enhancing educational outcomes and operational excellence for all students in our community. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be entered permanently into the minutes of the Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 Board of Education. May I
009have a motion to adopt the resolutions of the retiring board members as read? So move. Any discussion? Yes. I'd like to thank Shyam. Thank thank you so much for coming on to the board this past year. It's never it's never easy, but you you came in and you jumped right in. It was fantastic having you. and Emily, it's been wonderful serving and working with you for the last four years, getting to know you a little bit and and uh talk about some challenges that we've both faced and you faced uh personally and it's it's it's been great being on this board with you. Thank you so much. Any other comments? And the board can have comments after we vote as well. If I can just briefly also say thank you so much for this experience.
010Um, I know my time on the board was very brief, but I learned so much and um, I just can't wait to um, you know, continue to see all of you and, uh, continue to be a part of the education and future of our children. So, thank you for all you do. I just want to say thank you to all of you. I've enjoyed getting to know all of you, Shamba, for the last year. Um, I know you're involved in the nonprofit space quite a bit, so I have no doubt I'll run into you at some point there. Um, Emily, I think you ran for the board when you were fairly new to the community, which is not an easy thing to do. So, I've always appreciated that about you. And you served on the
011policy committee and True North, neither of which are very easy. So, thank you for your service for that. and Carl was stuck with me on two committees during my time here, the education committee and finance and ops. Um, and you are a mentor and a cheerleader and a friend. So, I appreciate all of you guys and wish you well in whatever you do next. I'll add to Monica's comments. Um, in particular pointing out a few things that I think are important to note about all three of you. Um, Carl, the large mammal of the board. Uh, your your fiscal oversight has been invaluable. Um, you've been a true hawk that makes people like Matt and Dr. Hermes nervous, which is good because that's the job of a good board member. Um, so thank you for
012your financial oversight. Um, Emily, your devotion to all learners, including learners that need a little extra help and support, has been fantastic and and tremendous and uh a true benefit to the community. And Shama, thank you for stepping up and and filling the vacant uh one of the vacant board seats that we had. Um, you know, it it is a significant commitment of time as as we can certainly appreciate. Um, and not everybody puts their their time where their mouth is and you stepped up. So, thank you for stepping in. We appreciate that. All right. May I have a roll call vote, please? Mr. Remis, yes. Miss Angelberg, yes. Mr. Adamo, I. Miss Yan, yes. Mrs. Bernal, I. Mr. Kurr, you couldn't go with I one time. I, Mrs. Shoan, I. Motion carries. All right.
013At this time, members of the community are welcome to come up if they have anything to share with the retiring members of the board. Is there anybody who would like to speak? Mr. Remis, we have a couple of remarks that were submitted by our former board member, Alice Levert. And great. So, the first uh is to Mr. Kurar. Ellis says, "It's the end of an era. Congratulations on completing your many years of dedicated public service to School District 67. You stepped up in the middle of a term during the height of a global pandemic, filling a sudden vacancy with grace and determination. From the very beginning, you never looked back. Your tireless commitment and generous spirit helped guide our schools and community through unprecedented challenges, ensuring that the children of Lake Forest continue to receive
014an excellent education. You've devoted countless hours to the school board, bringing sharp analysis, thoughtful decision-making, and unwavering dedication to every conversation. Your ability to distill complex information and lead robust discussions was invaluable as we faced difficult decisions together. District 67 and the entire Lake Forest community are fortunate to have benefited from your leadership and service. You're a strong leader, a trusted adviser, and a dear friend. Your steady presence, sound judgment, and healthy sense of humor served us all incredibly well. Thank you, Carl, for your many contributions to our schools, our community, and our country. It has been an honor to serve alongside you, and I'm personally grateful for your support and friendship throughout the journey. Alice, and to Emily, also from Alice. Emily, it has been a pleasure to serve alongside you on the District
01567 school board. Your quiet demeanor combined with your thoughtful questions consistently guided us toward the best decisions for our community. I know you were I know there were many personal moments and challenges you navigated during your time in the board. Yet, you always found a way to balance it all while continuing to give your best to District 67. Your perseverance and dedication did not go unnoticed. I hope you know just how important your contributions have been. You've made a lasting impact on our schools and your service has undoubtedly made them better for generations to come. Personally, I'm grateful that our shared passion for service allowed us to work together toward an important cause and that it also led to the friendship we now share. Congratulations one again once again and best wishes for whatever comes
016next. Alice Any other community comments? Nope. All right. The city of Lake Forest District 67 Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the certified election results from the county clerk of Lake County, Illinois for the Board of Education elections. Based on these results, four candidates shall be seated with four-year terms. Greg Adamo, Teemo Berger, Lori Fitzgerald, and Jerry Lavin. At this point, we will move on to the oath of office for the newly elected school board members. Um, Jerry and Teemo are are remote. Do you guys have a copy of the oath? Yes. Yes. Stand up. they're in standby if it's easier and then Greg and Lori can kick things off that way. Jerry and Teemo can pick up when they see you guys start. So, with that, I'll let you guys begin the oath. Wait,
017hold on. Hold on, guys. We do need the microphone because Jerry and Teemo can't hear you without the microphone. You hit it. Okay. Okay. Can you guys hear us? Yes. Okay. Okay. Sorry. Let's take it from the top. Okay. because Jerry and Teimo need to join in too. So do it again. Three, two, one. I Greg Jerry do solemnly swear that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office office of member of the board of education of the city of Lake School District 67 in accordance in accordance with the constitution of the United States. United States, the Constitution Constitution of the State of Illinois and the laws the laws of the state of Illinois of Illinois to the best to the best of my ability. I further swear that that I shall respect I
018shall respect taxpayer interests by serving as faithful protector protector school district's assets school district's assets. I shall encourage encourage and respect free expression of opinion by my fellow board members fellow board members and others all others who seek a hearing before the board while respecting while respecting the privacy of students students and employees shall recognize recognize that a board member has no authority as an individual and that decisions decisions can be made only by majority vote at a public board meeting board meeting and I shall abide I shall abide by the majority of the board while retaining the rightain seek changes seek changes in such such decisions through ethical ethical constructive channelive channels I shall as part of as part of the board of education I shall accept responsibility for My role my role in
019the equitable the equitable and quality quality education of every student every student in the school district shall foster with foster the board extensive of the community formulate goals goals define outcomes outcomes and set the course the course for Lake Forest School District 67 67 I shall assist Establishing establishing structure a structure and environment designed to ensure all students all students have the opportunity to attain to the maximum potential potential through a sound organizational framework. I shall strive to ensure a continuous assessment assessment of student achievement and all conditions affecting the education children in compiance with state shall serve education's education advocate on behalf of students and our community schools to advance the vision to advance the vision for Lake Forest Lake school district and I and I shall strive to work together with the district
020superintendent to lead the school district toward fulfilling the vision. The board has created fostering excellence for every student in the areas of academic skills, knowledge, citizenship and personal development. [Applause] All right, with that, thank you to our retiring board members. We appreciate the three extra days we had with you. We just couldn't say goodbye. You can say as many comments as you'd like. Just wanted to wish the new board members the best of luck. Congratulations on um the election results. To my fellow board members, um it was a pleasure getting to know you. I really consider you all friends. I mean, this role is um very challenging at times and I think you just working through and navigating through some tough issues um really kind of brings you close together as a group. So, I'm
021going to miss each and every one of you. Um to the cabinet, it's been a pleasure getting to know you. I'm truly humbled and honored to be in this role um and served in this role. Um and thank you to the community for entrusting me um with this position and again trusting me um to provide guidance to our mo most prec precious assets, our children. So thank you all. I appreciate it. Thank you. If you don't mind, Mr. President, now that I'm no longer a board member, the floor is yours. Although there your daughter's soccer game starts in 15 minutes. Oh, I'm I'm very well aware. Uh, so I just wanted to say thank you to the 14 other board members since the in the last five years. Uh, so Greg Adamo, Rich Chun, Shyama,
022U Megan, Justin England, Annie Helms, Jeff Folkler, Dr. John, Dr. Rob Lemi, Alice Levert, Jennifer Mason, Mark Reis, Suzanne Sans, and lastly Monica. So, it's kind of amazing. Over the last five years, we've been there's been 15 of us on the board here. There's also been third three superintendent, Drs. Mike Simick, Connie Collins, and of course, Matt Montgomery here. So, thank you for everything you've done. It's been wonderful serving with everybody. Uh, but I do want to really send a thanks out to the Sheridan crew. That's why we got on the board. So, Dr. Michelle Shin, uh, Miss Katie Morehead, and Miss Aaron Bullock, and Miss Lisa Gross. really without them, it wouldn't have been a motivation for me to to be on the board. But what they provided to my daughters is education is
023something I wanted to continue to do and I hope that I lived up to their example by being on the board. So, thank you to everybody. It's been wonderful. Thank you, Carl. All right. Thank you guys. All right, Lori, Teemo, Jerry, welcome. We are in the home stretch here. We just have three quick action items to vote on. Uh, first up, um, election of president. Um, I have indicated my willingness to serve as a president for another year. Um, may I have a nomination for the office of president of the District 67 Board of Education? Um, I guess I'm nominating myself, but is there any discussion? I'll second it. Any discussion? May I have a roll call vote, please? Mr. Lavitt, I. Miss Yan, yes. Mr. Reis, yes. Miss Angelberg, yes. Mr. Odamo, yes. Mr.
024Burgger, yes. Mrs. Fitzgerald, yes. Motion carries for vice president. Um, may I have a nomination for the office of vice president of the district 67 board of education for which Miss Engleberg has agreed to serve. I would like to nominate Megan Ingleberg. Is there any discussion? Second. May I have a roll call vote, please? Miss Angelberg, yes. Mr. Adamo, yes. Mr. Burgger, yes. Mrs. Fitzgerald, yes. Mr. Reis, yes. Miss Yan, yes. Mr. Lavin, I. Motion carries. Secretary. Um, may I have a nomination for the office of secretary of the District 67 Board of Education for which Miss Fitzgerald has agreed to serve? Um, may I have a nomination? I nominate Lori Fitzgerald. Any discussion? May I have a roll call vote, please? Mr. Adamo, yes. Miss Yan, yes. Mrs. Fitzgerald, yes. Mr. Lavin, I. Mr.
025Burgger, yes. Miss Angelberg, yes. Mr. Reis, yes. Motion carries. May I have a motion to adjourn the city of Lake Forest School District 67 Board of Education meeting for May 8th, 2025? So moved. Have a second. Second. May I have a voice vote, please? All in favor say I. I. I. I.