District 57 Board of Education Meeting 6/18/2026

001All right. Thanks for being everybody here. Being here everybody. Um, do we need to go into open session? No, we closed down. We're already back in open session. Okay. >> Can I get a roll call? Member Deech >> here. Member Dorner >> here. >> Member Fay >> here. >> Member Qualch >> here. >> Vice President Leto >> here. >> Member Nelson >> here. >> President Bennett Kell >> here. All right. Okay. Um we're going to start with the pledge of allegiance. Pledge [clears throat] allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right, we are going to start this meeting with board recognitions. Um, and we're going to start out with the Lincoln

002track and field state qualifiers. All right. Do you guys want to come on over here? >> Yeah. Yeah. Come on up. Let's just celebrate you guys. You want to go on this side? Okay. I think we got one more. Hold on. Oh, Diego. Perfect timing. come on up. All right. Um I am so honored and excited to be here with you guys tonight. Um all of the coaches wishes they could be here, but um they're actually on vacation. So um I am very proud of each of you as well as um everyone else and it's just been an incredible season. um track. The theme that we have for this year is first and the reason for that is that we have set so many different records and it's just been a incredible year. These students

003are so talented as athletes um and just their personalities really shine through. Um we have set state medals as well as record um for the school and have just hit tons of different milestone performances this year. So, um it is the first time in the school's history that both sixth and seventh grade boys have uh won at the sectional meet as well as the sixth seventh grade girls. So, woohoo. We also had the sixth seventh grade boys team finished second at state overall, which is huge. Um, this is the first time ever that Lincoln has brought home a trophy. So, that's just a big big win. And then overall, we've had multiple new records sent at Lincoln as well. So, way to go for all of that. Um, some eighth grade highlights. Diego, do you

004want to wave? [laughter] First time at sectionals, he did long jump, 18th at state. Way to go, Ethan. We've got you are a second time state qualifier for discus and first at sectionals, 25th at state. Way to go, Millie. Fourth in the 16th00. You had the fastest time in the school record. So, woohoo. You came in 12th in the 800 and you ran a 515 which is a school record during the season. Way to go. We're going to miss you guys. As for our awesome talent from our seventh and sixth and seventh grade girls, we have Alex who's not here. Uh she ran 12th in the 1600 which was also a school record. We have some 4x2 relays. We um came in first at sectionals. Where's my relay group? Way to go. And then we

005have the 1600 relay and they came in at first. I'm sorry, fourth at state. So way to go to them. Is that just Julia? Way to go. Then some individual highlights. We have uh Karolina. She came in at first at sectionals for the 400. And Julia, you came in ninth in the 800. So also a school record. Lots and lots of awesome records beat this year. Did I miss anybody? Girls, I don't think so. Okay, so sixth and seventh grade boys, they had an overall really strong performance. They won some medals. They made some records. Um, our 4x4 relays came in six at state, which is a school record as well. Woohoo. Who is that? We got a couple of you JP. Yep, there you go. Our medley reelers. These are our state champions. They

006time of 405, which is a school record and a 4A state record. Awesome. Awesome job. And to top it off, they [clears throat] are Lincoln's second ever fastest uh state event winners. So, we've got some fast kiddos here at Lincoln. And then some individual highlights. We have Cole. He was first at sectionals, first shot put, and disc. AJ, where are you at? Came in second in long jump and beat the school record of 18 feet 9 34s. So, way to go, Peter. You were second at state in high jump, which is also a new school record and came in for a state qualifier in the 200. Really proud of you all. And then Chris. Chris, exceptional. Fourth in the 1600 at 455, which is a new school record. fifth in the 800 at 211, which

007is also a new school record. And to top it all off, he has the most medals ever by any athlete. Way to go. So, overall, best season ever. Not only just from their talent and what they can do, but it's just been a really honor and a pleasure. And I know I speak for all the coaches that um you guys are exceptional. It's the team community that we really are able to come together, have fun events. Um not just the state qualifying team, but all 175 kiddos that come out and participate and just want to be involved. And um especially this year, you guys rearranged, juggled, [clears throat] walked distance to kind of um accommodate around the construction. So, um, really great job. So, to just kind of sum it up, this team, this group

008here, they are our state medalers and champions. They have all of these school records. As you heard me, just numerous numbers of records being shared. They also are now going to be known as a historical team and one that's going to be definitely difficult to beat and set new program standards for their track at Lincoln. So, way to go. Proud of all of you guys. Um, keep up the hard work. We have a really a um short video that um was put together just to kind of sum up the seasons. Um and then afterwards, I will go ahead and give out to you guys your certificates. So, [music] >> [music] >> Hey [music] guys. It's coming. Hold on. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. [music]

009>> [music] [music] >> Hey, [music] hey, hey. [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] Heat. [bell] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat up here. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Do you want me to do this? Go ahead. Okay. No, that's fine. I just want to make sure. Um, but as you guys can see, these students have just and athletes have just worked so hard to get where they're at, and they just deserve a really um big round of applause for all their hard work, dedication, and time. So, way to go, guys. Okay, when I call your name, you can come grab your certificate and then are we taking a picture? And then we'll take a picture. Julia, great. Max, congrats. Skyler, not

010here. Carolina. AJ, congratulations. Marley, let's see. Ethan, congratulations. Liam, congratulations. Jackson, congratulations. Peter, congratulations. Alex, Millie, congratulations. Chris, Cole, uh, Arthur, Olivia, Anya, Diego, congratulations. Lily, Avery, JD, congratulations. Natalie, Alec, and Maya. Let's give one more big round of applause. Way to go, guys. Thank you. >> I just wanted to say a quick thank you from the board and from the district. You guys represent us so beautifully and we couldn't be more proud of your efforts and your success for this year. So, thank you so much for the work that you've put in for our district. And let's meet in the back for a picture. All right, if we can get started with the rest of the meeting. Next up in our board recognition is a recognition for Pride Month. >> Yes. [clears throat] Each

011June, District 57 joins communities across Illinois and the nation in recognizing Pride Month and celebrating the contributions, resilience, and diverse experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride Month serves as an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of equity, dignity, and belonging for all people. It also reminds us of the importance of creating environments where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered to be their authentic self. In District 57, we remain committed to fostering school communities where all students, staff, and families feel a sense of belonging. As we recognize Pride Month, we reaffirm our commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive learning environments where every member of our community can learn, thrive, and grow. >> Thank you. Can we now have a recognition for Junth? >> Yes. Uh, tomorrow communities across the country will observe Junth, a federal

012holiday that commemorates June 19th, 1865, the day when news of freedom finally reached the last remaining enslaved African-Ameans in Galveastston, Texas, more than 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Junth is both a celebration of freedom and a time for reflection. It honors the resilience, achievements, and contributions of black Americans while reminding us of the ongoing work of building a more just and equitable society. As a school district, we recognize the importance of learning from our history and fostering understanding across our community. We remain committed to creating schools where every student, staff member, and family feels a sense of belonging, is treated with dignity and respect, and has the opportunity to succeed. >> Thank you. All right, we are now at the community comments portion of our agenda. The District 57 Board of Education welcomes community

013participation. In an effort to both listen to our stakeholders and keep the meeting moving, I want to remind everyone of our public participation procedure and guidelines, which is available in board policy 2:230. Individuals wishing to address the board can do so during the community comments portion of the agenda. Individuals should provide their name and limit their comments to 3 minutes. Please remember that this is not a dialogue between you and the board. The board is in listening mode during this time. Individuals wishing to contact the board of education are welcome to do so via the D57 website under the board of education tab. Individuals should behave with respect and civility towards others and abide by board policy 8 col 30 visitors to and conduct on school property. Would our community member like to make a

014comment? Hi um Vicky Chong resident. So, thank you, President Bennett Kell, board members, and Dr. Gore for this opportunity to speak tonight. And thank you also for the leadership um you've shown in working to address Cook County's failure to issue and distribute property tax revenues on time. So, I'm here to tonight to share my strong support and appreciation for line item 11.3, the proposed IASB resolution amendment to position 2.12 on local tax collection and distribution. So, as you all know, the core issue here is Cook County's repeated delays in issuing and distributing property tax revenue, a breakdown tied to Tyler Technologies tax system problems and administrative failures. And as you know, it is deeply troubling that after all the delays we've already experienced, county officials recently announced that the second installment bills would be delayed

015again because of issues with Tyler's system. And I understand for district 57, these delays have resulted in a loss of more than $400,000. And in district 214, where 57 sends its um students for high school, we had approximately $1 million in lost investment revenue. And many other public bodies have been impacted as well. So, the current ISB position 212 states that counties should reimburse districts for losses when tax monies aren't collected or dispersed as required by law. However, thank you for recognizing that it stops short of creating a uniform process to report delays, calculate losses, and ensure timely reimbursement. And that's why your proposed amendment is so important. And then lastly, I just want to recognize I know this work doesn't happen in a in a silo. So in addition to the leadership shown by

016this board and administration, I know that other school districts, public libraries, and the Cook County Tax Coalition have been advocating and working hard to address this along with several of our Cook County Commissioners. And I'd like to thank them as well. So thank you so much. Thanks, Vicki. [clears throat] Excuse me. Thanks, Vicki. All right, since our community member has spoken, um we're going to move on to our consent agenda. No, superintendent reports. Apologies. So, we're going to start with Cook County Tax Coalition update. What a perfect segue. Um, thank you um to our community member and former District 57 board member who we miss so dearly um 214 board member Chung for that introduction um and those comments. Um in the board packet tonight, there's an update from me about this topic. Uh many

017of the points were previewed actually in the community comments we just heard. Um, we continue to advocate on this topic and make sure that not only District 57's interests are being represented to our elected officials at the county and state level, but also um other taxing bodies um and most importantly our taxpayers because we feel that um there really has been a absence of elected official representation on this issue that has resulted in a timely solution. It's not that there haven't been some efforts or some acknowledgement, but as we know, the actual outcomes are what demonstrate the highest level of respect, and it's been a challenge. Um last week um members of our Cook County Tax Coalition did um attend the Cook County Commissioners hearings um which were on um the topic of the Cook

018County um tax issue and there was a hearing that had all elected officials um relevant to tax collection from the assessor's office to the clerk to the board of review to the treasurer. Um, and these parties were all presented um, their testimony um, and made available for questions by commissioners. Um, it was a very productive and informative experience and also a bit frustrating. There was a representative from Tyler Technologies which was illuminating to hear in the same room um different um perspectives uh from the vendor versus the treasurer's office on topics that were openly disputed. Um today just about an hour before today's meeting um we received updated communication from both Tyler Technologies to uh Commissioner Britain as well as communication from the treasur's office to Commissioner Britain um who is chairing this hearing and

019both kind of retorting and positioning themselves as um innocent of any uh responsibility for the present situation. So it is definitely to be continued. Um but I would I would proudly say that the work of advocacy um of the district and our coalition and many others have resulted in a pressure of um our elected officials to stay focused on an outcome and hold accountable um all parties because this is unacceptable to have such waste um and just such um dysfunction when it comes to collecting taxes and distributing them. It's really not an absence of taxpayers doing their civic responsibility of funding services um such as schools, libraries, municipalities, fire departments. It's the failure of the government to properly do their role and distribute these funds which is resulting in the moment we're here. So, um

020the next step will be um in July there is another Cook County Commissioners meeting on the 15th. Um but we remain in frequent contact with members from President Prewinkle's team. A meeting was scheduled for today with our coalition members, but that had to be cancelled due to an emergency, but we are meeting Monday afternoon. Um and we will stay um close in contact with all of the different channels that we have including the press which we um believe has been instrumental in keeping this issue front and center for the public as well as elected officials. So, um I do want to point out before questions that Jason continues to work really closely with our um consultants at PMTA to make sure that we are anticipating the impact of delayed um tax revenue again. And unfortunately,

021um, that means keeping more, um, revenue liquid and not doing long-term investments because at this point, it would be irresponsible to tie that money up and not be able to, um, respond to our obligations. Um, but it's very problematic. And I think the other important thing is um although the county announced um a desire to have a expanded bridge loan program which we think is a step in the right direction a that wouldn't be specific in details until action taken at the July 15th meeting. So we don't have the types of information we would need to feel confident about what that would look like on the ground for us. Um, but more importantly, that's truly a band-aid in a very broken system. It still doesn't address the fact that districts like 214 and 57 and

022all other taxing bodies can't responsibly um invest revenues to maximize the earnings and and this is just, you know, multiplied on the fact that this is now going into a second fiscal year of this problem. So the losses continue um and need to be front and center when we are describing what the impact is. So we hope to keep cultivating outrage with taxpayers and and really the public and understanding how devastating this is and how irresponsible it is to not have a solution. >> Thanks Mary. Are there any questions or comments? I just wondered, Jason, if we have any specifics at this point about what we might anticipate the impact to be. I know we talked, you know, the previous time we experienced something like this, it cost us $400,000 in in the scheme of,

023you know, missed investments and things like that. I know it's still early on and a lot depends on whether the delay is 2 months or more than two months. So, I just wanted to know if you could speak more specifically to that. >> Sure. Um at this time we ant anticipate when we were budgeting and and working on our cash flow we um had no idea what the delay would be. So we did um build a cash flow um around um anticipating a delay just in case. And so at this time I don't anticipate that we would need to go out and and um receive a tall like we did or tax anticipated warrant like we did last year. Um, I I couldn't tell you about the the loss in earnings for interest, that stuff,

024but at least we would have the money um to be able to pay our bills and pay our staff and and move forward until that the taxes are paid. So, the good news is that we will have that money. The bad news is we're not receiving money in August or whenever to start investing. >> Anyone else? Chris, >> not a [clears throat] question so much. is just a a comment, Dr. Gore, just thanking you again for your leadership on this issue, not just participating, but but really leading and and I think you've done a highly commendable job of representing our community in this regard. I I hope everyone watching this meeting, whether it's tonight or whenever, is outraged by this. Every member of our community should be angry about what's going on here. and and

025I I really appreciate you as the leader of our district working to hold hold those who have caused this mess accountable and and try to do what we can to make sure that the situation is remedied and hopefully doesn't happen again. So, uh I know you have an extremely busy day job. Uh but this is really important work and I I truly uh thank you for for all your hard work on this. I mean, uh, and just to reiterate, Chris, I you've been doing a fabulous job and showing the extreme waste that the county is doing with all of our taxpayer money. So, we appreciate everything that you are doing for us. So, thanks. Well, I've said this and I will say it again for district 57 um residents and community members and really everyone.

026you know, we were situated to be the recipients as a district of such a significant investment, you know, that came in from after much deliberation from this community. And the the outcome of that referendum signified people's deep support of services in a way that was historic. And to know that those dollars are being wasted because of dysfunction just doesn't sit right with any of us and shouldn't sit right, you know, with anyone. But I think we were so connected to what um we were asking of our community and how recently and how the response of the community that I know um that impacted I think our moment to say we were uniquely situated to have this voice and elevate I think a lot of different stakeholder groups that maybe either just didn't have the capacity

027or they were just barreling out the water to try to keep you know their their libraries afloat. I mean, it was really devastating and continues to be so. But I'm grateful for the leadership of this board and really the 214 team because um Dr. Row has been instrumental to in our advocacy efforts and it really has been um a great project for us to see how um how much power we can have as a county when we are organized and focused on advocacy. It's been rewarding to see some slow movement and we would like even more. So, >> thanks Mary. Um, >> oh, Pam, go ahead. >> Oh, thank you. I just wanted to um thank you for being a partner to our public libraries and for enveloping them along the way because now there's

028more leadership and more uh community awareness and I thank you for that. and Mount Prospect public library director um Sue has been renders has been really instrumental especially in the library side. So this community has a lot of representation. So thanks thanks Mary. Um, I know it's frustrating. Uh, board member Kalchek at one point in time said before the board, uh, the Cook County Commissioners that basically they're lighting money on fire like it's it's irreoupable >> and, um, wildly irresponsible. >> Um, I did have a quick question. Um, do we have any bond payments that are coming up in this year? >> We do. I think the the issue last year was it was our first bond payment. So, because we had not received those taxes, we weren't able to pay it. Now, we'll be

029um in more of a position to be able to pay the the bond at that time. >> Okay, great. Any other questions or comments? All right, moving on to the next agenda item, the 2023 2028 strategic plan update. Okay. Well, um being that it's June and as we close out year three of our 5-year strategic plan, um and also considering some of the feedback the board has given along the way and a desire for um some recommendations about this moment as we enter years four and five. Um just reccalibrating and making sure that as an administrative team we're really um ensuring that the the focus that we have around our priorities is aligned with the moment we're in now, not the one that we anticipated being in back when the plan was developed in 2023.

030Um and so in the board packet you'll see um a proposed matrix. Um and I really am interested to get your feedback and make sure that um the board sees this to be the right track and if not uh feedback about what um adjustments would be preferred. But you'll see in the first column the different strategic plan goals that exist already in our plan which are outstanding student experiences, staff growth and support, family and community partnerships, and fiscal stewardship and facility planning. In the next column, you'll see the strategic priority associated with each plan goal. And then potentially the most important for tonight's discussion is what we hope to improve. Really trying to um focus in on what change we would like to see. And then the remaining columns are connected to those goals. So

031when it looks at outstanding student experiences, we really expect to be able to show student learning outcomes aligned to that focus area um displayed through MAP growth in our students AR achievement and really um evidence of subgroups of students improving their performance and narrowing achievement gaps. Um in the example activities, this is uh significant in or signifying what types of um activities would be aligned to um these improvements we intend to to yield. So, portrait of a graduate work, implementing our new math curriculums, refining our ELA um implementation and continued uh collaboration with district 214 to make sure that um students are showing outcomes and readiness as they ant uh transition to high school. Then we go on to another outstanding student uh experiences goal and this would be strengthening student engagement and belonging. What

032do we hope to improve? students connection to school. We know that when students feel deeply connected and belonging, all of their outcomes improve. So things like their attendance, um measuring and monitoring chronic absenteeism and reducing this, um tracking participation rates in things like clubs and activities, intercolastics, as well as climate data for our students that we are actively collecting. So you can see um work in our advisory groups with students um ways of really uh monitoring and measuring how strong our multi-tered systems of supports. meaning, are we um systematically identifying kids that need more support and are we targeted in the way that we're aligning supports with needs and doing so in a way that's both efficient and just the right amount to have not too much restriction, but get them back into a place

033of success? and are we expanding those supports as kids need it both academically but also social emotionally with their behavior with their um attendance things like that. When we look at outstanding student experiences we want to really focus this year on promoting healthy and purposeful technology use. We've always wanted to do this, but we think the moment continues to demand of us a really critical look at um how our technology is enhancing the experience of our students and getting us aligned to the values that we have and in what places is it not aligned to those values and is it maybe impeding or conflicting with those values. So, we really want to be intentional at looking at student screen time trends, looking closely at our software renewals, um making sure that we're analyzing how kids

034are reporting being engaged when they're in uh their learning settings. Look at feedback from not only our staff, our students, but also our families, knowing, you know, what is their opinion about this? What are they seeing at home? What would they like to see from district 57's experiences? um making sure that we have alignment between the resources we have available with the actual goals. A lot of stuff in the tech world, it can look really flashy and really present glossy, but is this really the best method and material to get to our instructional outcomes for kids? And we're in a place where we have the right team um you know, and we have the right people to really um go deeper into this work. Um, so things like really um continually refining our take-home device

035practices, evaluating which sophomore, as I mentioned, um giving more uh tight screen time guidance and um investing more attention into our digital wellness education and um how technology is used for instruction. We do see this as a really tight partnership between our schools and our families as well. So, some of this would connect over to um family and community partnerships for outstanding student experience. When the strategic plan was first developed, I think the end of the 5 years was hoping to have some nebulous idea of full day kindergarten. And look at us now. Um we're on track to um actually offer full day kindergarten by 2027. And we want to make sure that this this school year is just maximized in the way that we are preparing for the experiences that kids will have when

036those doors open. And so Dr. Vanderhar and her team have worked closely with um the Westbrook team to make sure that you know everything is um in its place. So our early learning opportunities and readiness, we have strong implementation planning. We've got milestones that we hope to reach across the year and hold ourselves accountable to. Making sure that we have the most qualified and outstanding teachers ready to teach these extra sections. And um looking closely at evaluating what are the program uh professional development needs that our existing staff and new staff will need to be able to offer a highquality program a full day for staff growth and support. As always, the number one influence in outcomes for kids is the quality of the staff that they are with all day. And our educators are

037top-notch. So, we want to make sure that we're continuously improving our workforce stability and the capacity that we have. So things like our retention and fill rates as well as qualitative data from stay interviews, what what keeps our staff um staying in District 57, as well as exit interviews for staff when they either retire or choose um to leave the profession or go elsewhere. We want to understand what trends we're seeing as well as ongoing professional development data to keep making sure that we're aligning um the way that we're developing staff in a way that they see to be valuable as well as our programs and outcomes for kids are showing a connection. All right. We also um really want to lean into our wellness initiatives. We know that this um is a profession that

038demands a lot of um its employees. It's the human [snorts] side of the business. And so we want to make sure that we are um really being proactive in the way that we are um not only develop people's skills when they're employees here, but also developing them as people and as relational um caregivers for our most precious um people in the world, which is our children. So, as long as our staff continue to feel that they're um fully developed and and cared for, they are that much more able to do so um when they're with children. All right. So, for ongoing, we want to make sure that our um professional um and instructional effectiveness continues to strengthen. And so you'll see that there's um categories of making sure that um how we implement our evaluation

039and our supervision is strong as well as again what is our data showing us from our staff's experiences around what they need to get better and what their experiences are with our offerings to make sure that we're aligning them on a continuous path to improvement. We're fortunate in a district like ours, we have a lot of veteran staff who have been doing this for a long time. Making sure we're continuously differentiating to the way that we're providing them access to continuous improvement and altering that in the way that someone new to the profession might need a entirely different menu of experiences. So, how are we continuously providing that within the reality? We're a small district and we have limited resources and and people to do that. So, how are we leveraging everything we have available

040to do that in a way that's effective and innovative for family and community partnerships? We really hope to continue strengthening these and I think that we are on track to do so in a way that continues to stretch what's possible. When we look back at the last three years and where we started, I think we've grown leaps and bounds in this work in the way that district 57 has really strong interconnection not only within our organization but outside to the greater world. Um so we want to look closely at our students transition experiences both into the district within the district and as they exit district 57. We want to continue leveraging our intergovernmental partnerships, our advocacy work, some of which we talked about tonight, and make sure that um we're really orienting District 57 to

041be a very critical heartbeat of a community and the world around us because um we believe that we are the most important organization in the world because we are working with children. we are um the biggest influence aside from families into the future and so how can we lean into that and be the best in the world at doing that work really. So um those are some of the things that we believe partnerships are going to open those doors. We also want to make sure that um our partnerships are driven by the best communication possible. Again, this is an area we continue to be really proud of the progress we've made in the past three years, but we think there's way more to go when we think about what's possible. So, we want to make

042sure that all of our stakeholders have access and um are excited about the way they're receiving communication. We want them to feel like they know exactly how to get in touch with anyone from the school that they need to talk to. We want to minimize confusion or um distance that might happen that might be a barrier. And we also want to continuously expand what our families in 2026 and 27 needing from their school district communication, not just sit back on our, you know, laurels and say, well, in 2023 they were excited about this. We want to continuously evaluate our data to say, where are the trends? How are people receiving information? What do they need now? And um shout out to Heather Serno um for being really um awesome at at leading that work as

043well as um Mark Fork who you know together they've done a lot of exciting work and brought a lot of people along with and are highly motivated to keep pushing the envelope of what's possible. This is really exciting when we look at fiscal stewardship and facility planning for 2627. Again, by the end of 2028, we had an aspiration of maybe having a a plan of how we might look at what to do about Lincoln. And here we are on track to open a brand new Lincoln in 2027. And so this really just speaks to our building brighter futures initiative um is so exciting and so central to the focus but making sure that we're delivering the highest quality outcome staying on track overperforming and you know limiting costs as much as possible. So staying ambitious

044in the way that we can deliver the highest quality product or outcome with the resources that have been entrusted to district 57. So making sure we are hitting those milestones and exceeding expectations and no one is more committed to doing that than Dr. Case. Um and then in addition to um the work of building brighter futures, we felt it was important to also acknowledge that so much of the previous plan or the original plan spoke about Lincoln and full day kindergarten as focused possibilities and [snorts] wonderfully we are so excited as I just mentioned. But we do want to continue to use um years four and five to continue to analyze what other work needs to happen [snorts] um in our district and that includes our updating the master's facility plan. Now that we have

045such a comprehensive solution for Lincoln and Westbrook, what do we need to do in the big picture that needs to be addressed? It doesn't mean all of those items are intended to be solved by 2028, but it's really to acknowledge we have a really solid robust plan for the board to um analyze and give feedback to administration about where we want to prioritize our resourc resources into the future. So, um that would be work that um Dr. K's would be leading and and obviously with a lot of feedback and involvement from not only our citizens finance commun uh committee architects construction management firm his maintenance teammates as well as the board and administration and stakeholders. So you're going to see um the themes that are familiar and they should be because they in fact came

046from our existing plan. But hopefully this suggests a refined and tighter focus on the goals of the team. And if um deemed acceptable or if this seems on track, the next step then would be to come in July with some proposed you know tightened around you know data that would shape into the superintendent goals for August. So, I realize this in its current iteration doesn't have some of the specifics and the crystallized measurement tools, but I didn't want to do that until this seemed to be a direction that fit with what the board was liking. So, questions or comments? Okay, >> I had one. [laughter] >> I was wait. >> Um, so Dr. Gore, I commend you again second time a night for for the I it is it is actually really really diff having

047gone through this in my professional life. Taking a strategic plan, making one is hard enough and then trying to check and adjust on it halfway through is is equally difficult if not more. Um, I just wondering about from a broader messaging standpoint because I mean obviously our our strategic plan is all over our website and and everywhere else people can see it. We got the dashboard and all that. is the idea that we would sort of replace that and say, "Okay, you know, recognizing where we are and that we really need to focus. These are now going to be this is kind of the revised strategic plan for the next two years and we're we're going to not forget about everything else because it was all good stuff, but deemphasize everything that is not on

048this list. Oh, turn it off. Reverse. Um, yeah, I think that again, um, pending the feedback from the board, um, a lot of the way that we had originally, um, developed the, uh, original strategic plan for the first three years was probably a little too much um, in the specifics and like the activities. And so I think that again in anticipation that if this is a direction the board likes to see then I think we can make sure that our dashboard that shows the work and the um transparency of the work is can still be available because a lot of the activities that we've designated will still be um milestones that we can hit but I think this really focuses in um specifically for the cabinet myself in the way that we're directing and our

049district level, you know, our building level leaders to focus in on their school improvement plan. So, it would help us narrow in and focus. And one of the challenges of up to this point is that it has it got big because of life, you know, and some of the needs and I think and the ambition and it be it started getting harder and harder to keep our arms around some of the the focus as as had been noticed and observed by the board I think in feedback that you know some stuff was started to envelope in a way that especially in the teaching and learning department it was like Dr. Dr. Vanderhar and her team were just like chasing such challenging um targets. Um so it's not to say that this will solve all of

050that, but I think it'll focus in on how we're measuring and evaluating our effectiveness as a district. So >> it makes and it'll probably not surprise you to hear me say that. I still think there's too much >> too much. Yeah. >> But and and actually I guess my and you touched on it, but I think to me the the real key next step and you said it is all right. Well, how are we going to measure success for these? >> Mhm. >> And what is the gap, right? I mean there the the different items you have here have different gaps of where we are relative to where we want to be. >> Mhm. And and my only suggestion would be that we use that exercise to possibly pair this down even more to say,

051well, you know what? >> Yeah, this is a good thing to do, but we're really not >> that far off from where we want to be, but oh, this area, we got a big gap. >> Mhm. >> And and really use that to maybe focus this even more >> to really make sure we're we're tackling a manageable number of things, but the most impactful things and then really getting those done. But but this is an outstanding first step. So thank you >> Kim. >> I think I just wanted to clarify my understanding of this chart. Um you know not having the original strategic plan in front of me. I have sort of a vague recollection that there were specific things that were tied to sort of specific years. And I think like you mentioned for

052some of these things like full day kindergarten and Lincoln, >> we sort of went from year two to year five all in one go. >> Um and so that of course you know shifts priorities and you know maybe gives us room to focus in other areas that you know we had anticipated for further out. Um, and I appreciate you, you know, going through the chart and kind of explaining how all of this is meant to work together. I think when I looked at it initially, there wasn't a lot on here that stood out to me as like a new endeavor. >> A lot of it reads to me as sort of status quo, right? Like these are the things we need to do in these areas to kind of keep on track. And I guess

053maybe I'm like confused or misunderstanding what the intention is of I don't know of the strategic plan in the first place. I guess when we had discussed as a board or the feedback that we've given about kind of revisiting and refocusing there was a part of me that I think expected maybe some furtherlooking goals to be communicated. At the same time, I understand it probably makes sense we committed to five years of a particular thing. Let's finish that out and then you maybe year four we start talking about what the next five would look like. Um so maybe this is just kind of a recalibration between what I had in my head and >> what um what we're talking about. >> But I guess >> I don't know. Is there any part of that? >>

054I I I don't I totally understand what you're saying and I you know I'll be honest. I mean I think there's a there was some dissonance around like you know how how much do we want to completely change a path at this point and I think that what my team and I had a lot of uh conversations around this and and really mold through this and discuss this and I think in our reflection and thinking about the last 3 years and what it's meant in the district and where we are I think we feel proud of the ambitious place that we are going into four and five. You know, I think we're like whoa. Well, we you know what what has been accomplished and not with any sort of let's slow down and let's kind

055of rest now. I think it's to say let's dig deeper and make sure that the tracks that have been laid in the first three years of this plan really are paying the residuals of outcomes now and [laughter] how are we and I and that's been a theme I know the board has pushed too that you know some of that those early years of change are really the benefit of them is seen now in four and five that you're going to start seeing the reward of those systems. So I what I what I hear and tell me if this meets what you were feeling is that the work given the board's kind of saying yes go forth with this the next step would be really digging into what do we hope to improve I think the

056question has to be where are we right now and what what evidence do we have that suggests we should be improving in this which believe me all of these we believe we have it you know this comes from us saying we we acknowledge there's there's data that this isn't this is a gap for us >> and it doesn't mean it's a failure or that it's a disaster. It's just that there's there's work to improve in a targeted way. um and what do we think now looks like and what you know what what do we have as our baseline and what do we think we could end the year with right >> so like the coming with those um I think in the past we might have taken more of an approach as we will deliver

057you know an curriculum adoption and we will do these things and I think we were feeling like well those were major major lifts and really comprehensive work but I think in reflection and through the years of living it it may not It may have been too specific in the activities versus why are we doing that? Because we want to see improved outcomes for kids, you know, and I think that that's come through us living through it and kind of refining. But I think this is going to give the cabinet and leadership the freedom to I think be more specific in showing change versus being more um focused on describing activities >> cuz all of the activities should be contributing to these demonstrated changes, right? >> You know, and that's that's the push I think that

058we're trying to keep nudging towards. >> Sure. And I I do think that is the disconnect and I appreciate you sort of helping me to synthesize it, right? Um I think where I'm having a a challenge is maybe I either don't understand or it hasn't been clearly communicated what the intended outcome in many of these categories actually is. >> Such that you know when we talk about um you know continuing Danielson, we talk about Danielson a lot. M >> such that you know it's on this chart and I'm sitting here wondering what more is there to do with it right where are we going what is it that we're trying to achieve by having this still on our list and on our radar >> understood >> um and this the same for even our um

059you know our external communication our communication to families these are things that we do and we do well and so to see them still on this list I think it it makes me wonder what more are we intending to do that we still feel like this has to be a focus. >> That is very helpful to us because that that gap between defining where we are at in these proficiency levels and defining that and kind of setting that within a continuum will be the work that I will bring back because I think that that is a good point. I I actually think it's true that some of these we're we're moving really well along, but we would argue that there's work in years four and five that will strengthen and deepen in a much more

060developed way that needs to be even more strong going into the end of this plan. So, I agree. I mean, and I think that probably is um reflective of things that are on the right track because the plan in fact was this 5-year plan that we wanted to build too, you know, and to now kind of change off because we've hit those targets. I don't think we've hit, you know, even the Lincoln and stuff. I mean, yeah, that wasn't that was anticipated, but now we're saying what is the next two years of delivering on this, you know, mean. So yeah, I I hear what you I think it's helpful these comments. So I appreciate you sharing and I think that will be the work I need to clarify and articulate next month if this is

061collectively a >> sure >> direction you >> and I think looking ahead to a new strategic plan too right because this one was I think as a board even our first endeavor with it >> um so understanding given the feedback that we've given in these first three years of like how to really >> grasp the goal goals aspect and the evaluation component of it too. Um I think moving on to a new strategic plan, it would be good to kind of have that at the forefront. The idea of if I'm going to set out to do an activity or to make this a goal, communicating what the intended outcome is, where where is it that we're trying to get to, right? >> So, thank you. >> Um I I like where this is going going.

062I think it's more honing in on the issues at hand here because I kind of think the strategic plan was kind of flip-flopped because full day kindergarten a new Lincoln the construction [clears throat] all that was talking about towards the end of it possibly even past and that's completely jumped to the beginning of the strategic plan pretty much and so I do think there's opportunity to hone in and develop more these strategies um I mean parent square is one strengthening that making it e more easily accessible for parents to make payments on. I know that was one thing. So, there are places of growth and I think now you have a little bit more opportunity since the referendum's passed. Construction is on the go and and hopefully Cook County gets its act together. Um but

063in those terms hoping that what we originally kind of started with you hone in more and can develop more and you know when you bring to us what you are exactly kind of hoping to get I think you're in the right direction. I see the strategic plan right now as on a higher plane than strategic plans that I'm used to where I were in library land. In library land, a strategic plan has has one goal. So, say that you want to um increase computer access for your patrons. >> After after you've done four or five steps, that goal is complete. You mark it complete and you don't go back to it. And then um strategic plans now are more year one through three because of such rapid change. They're not 5 years out. um unless

064it's a developing business and and you're at the at the uh ground level and and you're seeing all the things you have to do. But um being able to mark one of the one of the the uh strategic plan goals, one of the things um as complete and then move on from there and then report it um you know quarterly. Well, this goal is complete. This is why it's complete. This is what we've done. Um, now we're going to focus on this. And that's that's the strategic plans that I'm used to in public libraries. And and just as a um as an exercise, you might want to look at Mount Prospect Public Library strategic plan. >> I because that that's something libraries have um done strategic plans for 20 years. um used to be a

065five-year plan, may have even been a 10-year plan. Now, it's a three-year plan because technology and and communities are moving so very rapidly. But I but I think to hold on to goals that like um once we're open, purple day kindergarten, you know, once the school is built, that that goal is complete. you know, you don't have to keep revisiting it and saying, "Oh, you know, we we really were wrong with the color paint we used in this room. Let's repaint it." I mean, mark it complete. And then for our next strategic plan, have goals that can be completed. And as Chris said, um, don't don't try and do the whole world, you know, focus on on the community needs or what you're seeing and then have fewer fewer goals and then when you reach

066them, mark them complete. I mean, that's just what I'm used to. It doesn't mean it's right. It's just um my experience with those. Alan, >> to echo a little bit of what Kim was saying and maybe simplify it a little bit, it would be helpful to me to when I look at these indicators of success, what is the measurement instrumentation to be used so that we all know how we're progressing? Said a second way differently, are some of these goals binary like what Pam is saying, they're done or not done or is there a scale? And having that extra content or context would be helpful to understand how do I know attendance, chronic absenteeism, participant rates and climate data is changing positively or negatively. So just more to noodle on. >> Go ahead first. >>

067No, you can go ahead. And I just thinking about what what all of you said actually it it crystallized another thought in my mind is that I think and I feel like we've been guilty a little bit of it here is there's a difference between a strategic plan is not meant to be a comprehensive list of everything we're going to do. Right? In my view, the the best strategic plans are the intersection of what is absolutely critical for us as a district and where do we have the biggest gaps in those areas, right? That intersection should be where we focus. So I I think to Allen's point, to Kim's point, I think the the real crucial exercise here is to understand where do we want to be in these areas and where are we now?

068And then I think that should guide us to the things that are really impactful for us to do. And then the other things might just be, you know, we're we're done with these or we're 90% done. Now it's just a sustain, right? It's just let's make sure that what we thought was going to happen is still happening. But that doesn't mean it's on the strategic plan anymore. It's a it's a it's a run the business kind of thing, right? It's are we still where we want to be? If not, why? And all that. But um but yeah, I mean I think as I said, I think that exercise of really really articulating where we are in these areas versus where we want to be is is crucial and I know you said you're going to

069do that. So I think that will lead to the next uh next steps. >> I agree. >> Ray, did you want to comment at all? Um, [snorts] I I think my thoughts and I appreciate everybody's feedback is um I think I echo Chris's sentiment and and have uh certainly felt similarly about, you know, trying to make sure that we're, you know, not having too many things on the list and trying to focus on too many things at one time. Um, I appreciate the general uh sort of direction that this is going and I and I think we're all sort of like we want to see the the next iteration, the thing that you're going to bring back in July. I think everybody wants that because I think that will maybe answer a lot of questions,

070but I also can appreciate you being like I don't want to do all the work and then have you tell me like that's not at all what we want you to do. Um, because I know that takes a lot of work from you and your team. So, I can appreciate it. Um, I also think, you know, at least a couple of these items on this list are essentially not going to be items anymore for the fifth year of this strategic plan, right? So like the full day kindergarten will be implemented at the end of year four. Same with the construction projects will be completed or essentially completed. So there will obviously be two big items that wouldn't even be a part really of the year five. And and I guess my last comment which again

071I don't know if this is any anything really helpful other than commentary to give you direction Dr. Core but um you know I would think that you know the uh a next strategic plan would want to start basically at the year of at the end of year four which means you're sort of building the next strategic plan while also being in year five. Um and it sounds like um you know the board will be will have learned some great lessons from the experience of building out this strategic plan which it will I think then help to inform the development of the next strategic plan cuz it's kind of like right and and because I even think of this a little bit with the construction projects is while those projects are so top of mind right

072now it's like in a ve you know probably even starting right now as you talk about a master facility plan. It's like you almost have to start thinking past those construction projects because before we know it, those projects are going to be done and like while they are so much time and energy and and thought and is put into it, it's like before you know it, those things are going to be done and then and you don't want to start thinking about what is past those projects when they're actually complete. Um so again, I don't know, put that in your soup of of of I hope that's helpful. Everyone's comments have been very um helpful and constructive and I think um will help the team um and me just keep refining and making sure we're

073even more specific and and if we bring it sounds like if there is an even more condensed presentation, but it's very specific to the most critical work. Is that a potential direction that would be received, you know, by the board as a potential direction that might be a way to go? So, okay. Yeah, >> you feel director. >> Yeah. I think maybe Pam Pam, >> I I just wanted to add um one thing. The webinar that we listened to today um gave a few uh tips to the board and strategic plans should be also from the board working with the superintendent. rather than the superintendent having the full burden of it. So, we as a board should be looking at what we hear from the community, what we know from the community, being alert, being

074aware, um looking at other school districts to see where they're at, like Chris with with his action interaction with NSSO, those kinds of things. Um, at this point we we should be looking ahead and not putting the full workload on administration. We can talk about what we think is needed and then the superintendent can work with her team and develop strategic plans and come back. And once you have those strategic plans, you can build your superintendence goals and and work forward from those goals that will be reported on at the end of the school year. Um and the those goals that the superintendent will have for her own um um are only a small part of the work that the evaluation um looks at. >> It's a very small small part was what I learned

075today. >> So it it reiterated what I had what I had thought. So, >> thanks Pam. >> All right. Feel good to move on. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Great. All right. The fiscal year 27 treasur and treasur appointment. >> So, each year uh annually the the uh board approves a treasurer and a treasurer bond. Um and I am the treasurer of the district. So, um it's approving uh my ability to then invest money when we have the money uh to invest money um for the district and to ensure that it's done right. So, I can answer any questions you might have. Anybody have any questions or comments? >> Does this mean you could be advising the Cook County? [laughter] >> All right. Thanks, Jason. Um, and you're still up. Can we get a building

076brighter futures update? >> Absolutely. So, it continues to be exciting. Um, uh, with school up for the summer, just changes a little bit in how much, um, we can be doing with construction, especially at Westbrook, um, as we, um, are able to really fence off more of the area and start, uh, doing, um, more of the construction for the addition. Um I believe there's a PowerPoint that was put in the folder or Yep. Perfect. Thank you. Awesome. Uh if you can go to the next slide. All right. So Lincoln uh continues uh to move along. It's really um exciting. We um are excited to see the elevator starting to to be built. Um they as you recall we had section A is the three floors um for the really the core curriculum area. Section C

077is where over near like the gym and and uh band choir orchestra area that you've seen. And then section B is kind of in the middle where the office and the library is. So they've started um digging those found foundations in section B and really that final area. So it's exciting because uh soon we'll be able to see the entire outline of the the school. Um, and so really, um, just enjoy seeing it. I I love this picture because it does show how close we are, um, to the existing building. We really used every square foot we could. Um, but really um, just neat opportunity. If you can go to the next slide. Um, and so this, um, you can see everything that looks bright and gray um, is the new building. And so on

078the right is the three-story area. At the top uh, left is the gym. And then as you move to the right, cafeterium. And as you continue moving right, the maintenance area. The bottom left is that band choir orchestra. That's the storm shelter. Um and all that dirt kind of in the middle is going to be where that um section B is where if you had a picture today, it would look much different cuz they're starting to dig all the footings and things. So um just really exciting times. Um over at Lincoln at Westbrook. Perfect. Um, it looks uh not I don't know about that picture anymore now that I'm looking at it, but uh it's on purpose that it looks that way. Uh this was the mobile classroom, so they were taking it down. Um

079or this was done I think the Monday after school was out. So school's out Thursday and by Monday uh by Friday we were taking everything out and on Monday they were taking it down. So Monday or Tuesday and so uh that is now gone at this point. um they um have begun to um dig uh where the um addition is going to be. And if you go to the next slide, it's really neat. So, what's neat about Westbrook uh and I was just comparing the two projects is Westbrook. We're not going to see things like this, I think, at Lincoln for for another year. Um whereas you know at the end is when we'll start putting in grass and getting landscaping ready because of how Westbrook is just being done and and the fact that

080we're building an addition that's going to enclose uh the courtyard. We had to do this work first. And so the courtyard is done. The path actually looks like it's done. It's definitely not. That's just stone that's going to be below uh what's going to be on top. But um really a neat opportunity. We are putting in I believe it's eight raised flower beds um mainly on the top and maybe to the left a little bit. Um, a big part of Westbrook is in the spring they do plant um as part of their curriculum and then they come back in the fall and can see it. So um so that is something that'll be a part of that. But you can see to the right um the area kind of on an angle and going a

081little bit to the right. That's um that's going to be like a deck, an outdoor deck um on the inside of the courtyard but next to the new addition. And then the addition goes straight up. And so, um, just a really neat, um, just really, um, lots of good pro [music] progress, I'd say. Um, the other thing that we're working on at Westbrook is, you know, as part of this, uh, process is that we are sprinkling the building. Um, and so that is a big overhaul. It's much easier in a new building to to make it happen in an old building. It takes a lot of work. And so, uh, this year they're doing the lower level. Um and then next year, next summer, they'll do the upper level. Um and so just um getting

082all the piping in and making sure that everything's sprinkled and um we have um lots of different areas to to address. And so they're doing a great job. They're working through it. I really appreciate our uh custodial crew who has been working really hard. I don't um it's very difficult as they move furniture around so that contractors can get and vendors can get there and then they have to move it back so they can get to the other area. So, they're really doing an amazing job of just um supporting and helping and understanding that this work just needs to be done. It's going to be a tough two summers and um and probably the year in between as well, but um but we're going to get through it and be ready for August 2027. Under

083budget and on time. That's the goal. >> Questions? [laughter] >> I usually start with it. I forgot. >> Uh one question. >> Yes. >> How do you water the inside courtyard? >> We have a spot inside. Um the bigger question right now is is about cutting the the grass, which we've had conversations. We have lots of different options, but once it's built, we're going to see uh it may be landscapers coming in because we have some double doors coming in through the new addition. Um it may be us letting them keep keeping equipment in the there's a boiler room on the bottom left there with a ramp so they can come out through there. [snorts] So yeah, the watering is is it will be fine. It's the uh the lawn mowing that we've talked a

084lot about. Any other questions or comments? Continues looked great. Yeah, Ellen, >> I noticed the bridge. There's work being done on the bridge. >> There is work being done on the bridge. We were very >> ready for school year summer August. >> So, the issue with the bridge is that once the bridge is done, it's still going to be blocked off because of construction. So unfortunately because yeah they people can come over the bridge but then there's nowhere to go once they get there. So we are working on the bridge. They started it um it was either a week ago or two weeks ago and they've been working hard um on fixing the bridge and um it'll be done soon but unfortunately it'll be closed probably till the end of the summer of 27. >>

085Got it. Cool. >> Everything continues to look great. I was when we first saw this uh aerial photo, I thought you guys were sending us like a picture of a plan rather than an actual photograph of where things are. So, it's really neat to see those kind of things coming. >> It definitely happened very quickly and all of a sudden I saw the drone picture and I hadn't gone and seen it in person yet. Same thing. Yes, >> that's awesome. All right. Thank you for all the work that you're doing on that, Jason. Um let's move on to the communications report. >> All right. Well, um Heather Serno, our communication specialist, has put together a summary of um the work from January through June 2026 and just really some incredible achievements and continued progress in

086the category of communication. Um and then um what she'll be working on next is putting together uh proposals for the work she has for the coming school year. So just um great work Heather and thank you for your continued efforts to make sure that we are shining in this area and doing so in a way that really centers our students experience and greatness at the center of all of our storytelling. I think that's been the most exciting to see. So any questions I'm sure I could answer or Heather is here as well. >> I do just have a really quick question. Um I know that we track some data in terms of how many I guess individuals or clicks or whatever it is um how much interaction we get online or with various types of

087communication that we have. >> I wonder do we have a breakdown of that engagement or that interaction by language? Like I know we translate a lot of our communication and make it accessible for families whose primary language is not English. Mhm. >> I'm just curious if if we're tracking, you know, how much response or how much visibility those other languages >> we we definitely have, you know, the data of which of our families have preferred um receiving translated content, but in terms of how that is related to their continuous, you know, interaction, I don't know that we have that on a on a the scale of, you know, parents wear, but that is something that um if you want to speak to it, but I know even Dr. Vanderhar, you could probably speak about the

088multilingual teams um anecdotal about the way that some of this technology has changed the way families are interacting. Um but I I think that the simple answer to the question is I don't think we have it at the you know at the specific level that you're asking, but I think we have other types of data that speaks to the general topic. >> I'll just speak briefly about the from the multilingual team. it has really been monumental uh in terms of communication. And I I recognize this is anecdotal right now, but just the format of parent square and being able to have those messages that go back and forth has just been huge for our team and and they've been so appreciative and teams feel like they can reach out to any school and ask about

089different clubs and activities, too. So, it's been really positive. Again, that's anecdotal, but it's it's been a great tool for us. And I just uh for the future, I'd be happy to pull together just numbers of communications that have occurred over the past year. I think it would be an interesting data point just to to see the volume of communications that's happening in different languages. >> Yeah, I think it's one thing to make that information available. Uh, and I know that was kind of a long hard-fought effort in the first place to even get the capacity to be able to do that for many of the languages that are represented in our district. >> Um, I would be curious to know sort of what have been the fruits of that effort and is that communication

090really [clears throat] meaningful? Is it having the impact that we hoped that it have that it hoped that we hoped that it would have? Right? It's it's one thing to send out an email in Spanish to a family, but if the family never reads it, then it didn't it could have been in English. It doesn't matter. Um, so it's that aspect that I'd be curious about. I don't know to what degree, you know, >> and maybe even surveying the families who do opt to have translated content, you know, maybe it'd be interesting to see how they report um a change with that skill or that resource. So, >> right. And certainly in the context of our like strategic plan conversation, right? I think it fits in with with some of that. Not to add more

091to your plate, but this is the these are the types of things that are happening and I think um it's helpful and important that the board is interested in this data because this is the types of you know work that is continuously happening. But yeah, I think those are great questions and helpful for us to keep measuring. So, thank you. >> Any other questions or comments? Chris, >> just a comment. Uh, and I I know I said this in a closed session, but I I want Heather to hear this because I don't think she did, but you know, I look at where we were in the general topic of communications four years ago when I joined the board to where we are now, and it is just like orders of magnitude better. And that is

092in no small part to Heather and the job she's done and to you, Dr. Gore, for having the the vision of what that role could be and then hiring the right person to execute it. And it's just been wonderful to see what what Heather's done with this role and how it's grown. And it's just awesome. And it's just so great to see, you know, where we've come where, you know, we had a lot of room to improve in this area and now I think we are an example of absolute best practices in this area. So just awesome to see. So great job, Heather. >> All right, moving on to our foyer report. All right, District 57 received eight foyer requests between May 21st, 2026 and June 15, 2026. The detailed report is available in your

093board packet. This concludes the report. Thank you. All right, moving on to the consent agenda. All right, can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows? Meeting minutes, personnel transactions. >> Bills. >> Oh crap. Who did the bills? How were they, Ellen? >> Wonderful. [laughter] Bills were great. Jason uh taught me a whole lot about bills and [laughter] I am uh much more learned now than I was a week ago. So yeah, all the bills checked out great. I mean um in all seriousness, there's a lot of line items and um they all summed up to what they should be. So great job and awesome stuff. >> Awesome. Thank you. Have I forgotten anything? No. Okay. Um, can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda as follows? Uh, meeting minutes,

094personnel transactions, financial reports, and account payable bills. I see I was going to get to it. Um, school treasurer, school treasurer bond, district consolidated plan for fiscal year 27, administrator salaries for fiscal year 27, amendment to extend the superintendent cor's contract through June 30th, 2031, exempt staff salaries for fiscal year 27, and the updated staffing plan for fiscal year 27. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Member Dorner, >> yes. >> Member Fay, >> yes. Yes. Member Qualch. >> Yes. >> Vice President Leto. >> Yes. >> Member Nelson. >> Yes. >> Member Deech. >> Yep. >> President Bennett Kill. >> Yes. >> All right. Let's move on to unfinished business. Um, can I get a motion to approve the press plus policy update issue 121? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Member Fay. >> Yes. >>

095Member Qualch. >> Yes. Vice President Leto, >> yes. >> Member Nelson, >> yes. >> Member Deech, >> yes. >> Member Dorner, >> yes. >> President Bennett Kilt, >> yes. >> Okay, we now have our second opportunity for community comments. Would any of the members of the community present like to make a comment? >> No. All right. Um, we do not have new business to attend to. >> Bond resolution, >> do we? No, the bond resolution is next. >> Oh, I'm sorry. At the new >> Right. Apologies. Okay. >> We got it. We got it. All right. Can I get a motion to approve the resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $31 million in general obligation school bonds for the purpose of paying the costs of those capital projects set forth in the

096ballot proposition approved by the voters of the district at the November 5th, 2024 general election, providing for the levy of a district of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof. So moved. >> Second. >> Member Qualch. >> Yes. >> Vice President Leto. >> Yes. >> Member Nelson. >> Yes. >> Member Deech. >> Yes. >> Member Dorner. >> Yes. >> Member Fay. >> Yes. >> President Bennett Kill. >> Yes. >> All right. Let's move on to communications. Um NSSO. >> Yes. Uh the NSSO governing board met on Wednesday, June 1st. June 3rd. Sorry. Boy, I'm already getting that wrong. Uh we had uh a great shining star is always one of the best parts of every NSS NSSO

097meeting. Uh [snorts] this month it was a Prospect High School graduate. So, a uh you know, one of our own um who is part of the life transition program, which is District 214's program to help students transition uh to support independence and daily life and and you know, just being able to uh to work as independently as possible, you know, in all aspects of their life. Uh this student worked at the Hyatt in Shamberg, uh which apparently has been a big supporter of programs like this, which is awesome. So, uh, shout out to the Hyatt for for offering, uh, our community students this kind of opportunity, which is awesome. Um, but really, uh, doing a great job with that and shown a lot of independence and and kind of leadership in her work. And so,

098uh, just awesome to hear about those kind of stories, which are always great, always a highlight of every NSSO meeting. Uh, we voted to move forward with a draft resolution uh, around ICE activities. Uh it is actually uh almost an exact replica of the one that district 214 passed. So shout out to to the D14 folks. Um [snorts] this will be I will have this sent to all of you for review and this will be in the board packet next month and we will vote on it as a board next month uh to agree that I will move forward and vote on our behalf at the August NSSO meeting. uh we officially ratified the 2026 2027 NSSCO budget and thank you all for voting uh to or giving me the approval to vote on our

099behalf to move that forward. Uh every year around this time uh an SSO does a uh a company called Humanex that does a survey that measures staff engagement and satisfaction. Uh they've been doing this a long time I think as long as I've been uh on the board. uh you know an SSSE always does very well in this area uh but to their credit they're always trying to figure out ways to improve uh continuously improve uh so the way that they look at the overall statistics for this is they have on the x-axis they have engagement on the y-axis they have satisfaction and [snorts] human x has what they call the dream box which is when you're in the the top right quadrant of that 2x two matrix which is high engagement high satisfaction And

10093% of the respondents were in that that dream box which is great. Uh and just to kind of share some of the top items, the highest scores on the survey. Uh I feel great pride in the work that I do. I mean it's awesome that that is the number one uh scored response from the staff. Um I am fully engaged in the work that I do. In my role, I have the opportunity to do things that I both do well and I enjoy. Uh, and I am driven to contribute to the success of our organization. So, I think it speaks very well of NSSEO that those are the highest rated or highest scored things on the survey. Uh, some of the the lower scored issues. Um, and again, every organization has opportunities to improve. NSSEO

101is no different. Uh but one was our organization selects the right people for the right job. Our organization selects highly talented individuals when hiring. Uh business decisions made are are made consistent with our mission and core values and our organization provides the right training for me to excel in my role. Uh so one of the things and again this is a credit to the the the leadership team of NSSO they always take those items and say well what are we going to do to address that right and and actually last year to this year uh the lowest scored items from last year's survey all had pretty significant statistically significant improvement uh which is great. And so one of the things that as a governing board we always push them to do is to say all

102right articulate what you're going to do about these things and then let's hear about the results and uh they will they've done that every year and they will do that again. So uh one of the things also on that survey uh used to be that it was given twice a year kind of at the beginning of the school year and the end and one of the conclusions that that we've drawn is that you know giving that survey at the beginning of the school year is really not terribly useful. uh everybody's in a good mood at the beginning of the school year. You have a lot of new staff who really haven't experienced their job yet and really can't give relevant data. And and we noticed that the scores at the end of the year were

103always lower than the beginning. And I think that's kind of natural, right? But you are much more likely to get accurate real input at the end of the school year than the beginning. So going forward, we're only going to be doing this at the end of the school year, which which I think is a good idea. Um, one other thing, uh, we do not yet have a ratified CBA, uh, with NSSCA, unfortunately. Uh, you'll recall last meeting that the, uh, the tenative agreement that was agreed to between the, uh, governing board and the union representatives at the table, uh, was voted down pretty resoundly. uh a uh a new uh proposal was made by the board that went to a second tenative agreement and was voted on again and ended in an exact tie 4747.

104So off by by one vote and all you need is a simple majority to pass. So what NSSEA has decided to do is to cast a new vote. uh they asked for and and we agreed that we would not have a vote done during the summer. So they will come back uh August 10th, 11th and 13th to revote and this will be on the existing proposal. There's not going to be a change made just to revote. I think the hope is that with some time maybe some time off some time to think about it that you know we will push this over the edge a little bit but uh unfortunately no agreement just yet. Uh, as I kind of alluded to, there is no July meeting. So, our next meeting will be Wednesday, August 5th.

105>> Thanks, Chris. Um, at Foundation, >> we're on holiday. >> Awesome. >> See you in a couple months. >> Are any of the PTO's meeting? Do you have anything to report? All right, perfect. Um the only thing on the president's report is the Fourth of July parade and could you share the details for that? >> Yes. Um, we will be meeting usually we meet at like 12:45 at our float and we are always the best float and it usually takes off right at 1:00 and I can just say that Robera Flack is the best in the world and she is making sure that we will do the whole parade with the most candy and the best candy. And last year we got to the end, I think, and we actually exceeded our district strategic plan

106in keeping candy till the last stretch, but there will be no one that attends this parade that does not receive candy from the district 57 float that are that we say that publicly and we will deliver on that. And it is super fun. So hopefully you can attend and if your family is available, they can attend and we'll be putting something out to encourage any staff members who want to march with us. But it's such a great tradition. So we will have a blast. >> Awesome. Get better every year. >> Yep. >> All right. We have several items uh for board discussion. So the first item is uh superintendent evaluation committee. So, I had done a little bit of um communication with IASB to see if there was a time or um staff available to

107do a workshop on the superintendent superintendent evaluation. And unfortunately, there wasn't availability, our availability and theirs did not match until August. Given that Mary is going to be bringing us her goals in August, um I wanted to get some your thoughts on what we should do in the interim like the the the process um of creating or um refining our super our superintendent evaluation process I believe is going to be something that we move forward with. But in the interim, we're not going to be able to give this the guidance that we wanted to be able to give to Mary before she writes her goals. So, I'm looking for feedback on how we're going to manage that. I I actually think the the superintendent evaluation committee will have every intention of meeting before our next

108meeting and I believe we need to try to move something forward so that we can give Mary some guidance before she writes her. That's my opinion. I'm I'm open to dissenting opinions, but I think we need to do that. >> One second, Pam. The issue is uh the issue that I see and why I'm bringing it forward is um mostly because I I am concerned that there won't be sufficient time with the maybe the once maybe twice that the committee could meet in between now and when she's going to start her goals. So that's again that's where the concern lies. I have no issue with us meeting ahead of time or like at any point in time in the next several months. I just want to make sure that we have we give her sufficient

109guidance. >> Yeah. I guess my feeling is whatever guidance we're able to give between now and then would be better than the guidance we've given her. [laughter] It it will not be perfect and we will get better at it as we go, but I think giving her some guidance is better than nothing. >> Pam, um, what we learned today from the webinar was that we work with the superintendent to write the goals. So as Chris was saying that guidance, you know, if we if we meet initially and and discuss things that we think could be um worthwhile goals and then meet with Mary and Mary and there's there's talk back and forth for the goals. um even if it's not uh as Chris said, if it's not um ideal, moving forward in in even a

110limited um step would be of more benefit than just sitting back and saying, "Okay, go to it. Let us know what you think." >> We're go-getters on this committee, right? We can >> Yeah. Uhhuh. Um Yeah. And it was a great it was a great webinar and there'll be a recording so all of you will get to hear it too. It was really great and yes I asked my questions. Kim um I'm just trying to understand the timeline. I guess I know typically we review the goals in August because the fiscal year year starts right at the at well July really. So, um, is there anything contractually other than just like our habit that means that it has to be done in August? Obviously, we want for you to be on track and feel productive

111and have direction, but in light of the timing that we're talking about, >> is there any flexibility? Well, I think the logic is that the beginning of the school year provides the baseline of the goals and so anything later it just changes what tends to be the the relevant >> you know start point and end point but >> okay >> um potentially if the board I know there are some districts that look at like rolling two-year goals too so I don't know the direction that's going to go but >> you know I I don't know what is going to be the outcome I think the only thing that I want to make sure I represent present is that though the committee might be the focused um smaller group of that but it still would need

112to come to the whole group for agreement and I just want to make you know obviously which is an obvious statement and observation but that I think is just the potential >> catch too because it's not just the committee um coming up to recommendations but then >> well that's the other piece I wanted to explore also right because certainly the committee is not going to get any information that the board doesn't get. >> Right? So if the intention is for you to present your goals at the August meeting, >> we wouldn't even necessarily take action on them in that moment anyhow. >> Mhm. which maybe gives time for us to hear the goals, >> have the session with ASB, come back in September or maybe later in August depending on how the timing works out

113and be able to give the feedback >> as between the training session as a whole board and also the committee's >> input potentially. >> Hold on a second, Pam. Does anybody else have anything they want to say? I don't know. Um [laughter] I'm I'm kind [gasps and clears throat] of trying to figure this out too. Um if you were to do the goals and then us having this workshop um to kind of tweak maybe even it like knowing the goals and then tweaking how how we as a board evaluate it like having the scale system that we can see or knowing you know this will evaluate this this is for this does does that rule sooner. Does that change? I mean, cuz you could always have the goals in a way and us having this

114evaluation, this workshop kind [clears throat] of helps us and how we interpret that evaluation. Is the is the is one of the desired improvements a more clearly defined meets versus exceeds? Yes. >> Like that is the place of most tension. Yes. So if um if there's some thought around that topic around you know what would be meets versus what would be exceeds and is it like exceeds needs to be defined in advance so that there's clarity around everyone understanding what exceeds will be. >> That's part of it. But what I learned today um reinforced the way that I thought about doing evaluations >> because I've done them for staff for professional staff for >> decades. Um it's that you don't need to have a goal for every part of the strategic plan. A lot of

115schools and Corin, you were on the webinar too, so jump in if I'm saying something incorrectly. Um, a lot many of the school districts do not have a strategic plan. We um some do and some don't. Um I I'm not going to um I I don't have authority to comment on the value of a strategic plan except that I am used to a strategic strategic plans in my other walk of life. Um and on this webinar there were pres there was a panel of three presenters. One was the uh person who is involved with the writing of the superintendent evaluation software that we use. The other one uh was uh president of a board of Glen View School District 7. >> It was District 7, but that's not Glen View. >> Was it It wasn't

116Nile. Oh, Wood. Um Wooddale. Was it Wooddale? Yeah. Um and the third one was superintendent. So, so perhaps when we get the webinar, you >> could listen to the webinar and maybe your team could listen to the webinar. That would not replace having a workshop where we could ask more defined questions. Um, and it sounds as though perhaps you and maybe some of your team should be in that workshop. be because it sounds to me like like what I am used to which is the goals are jointly set and they are not all-encompassing to Chris's point of the entire strategic plan. The evaluating on goals alone is insufficient. Um, goals are only a and and this is this is the quote, goals are only a small small part of a superintendent's evaluation. So I so

117that was that was interesting too. And I know when I have done evaluations for professional staff, we set the goals together, they come up with ideas, you know, we we I would uh refine it. Um, and there would be maybe three or four goals. Not three or four goals with four subsets, but three or four goals. And when the goal is complete on the monthly report, it says complete. >> I think that's going to be a conversation for the committee itself. >> Yes. Well, I I'm just giving an overview for to to um to be public with with what it is. But yes, because because it is a different way than what we've done before. >> Um, Alen, did you have something you wanted to say >> to the question earlier? What type of feedback

118and guidance should we provide tonight? I think for me it would be helpful yes to know how to measure. I think one lens is what is the definition of below expectation meets expectation and exceeds. That's a very specific measurement for you and us. But I think if you take a step back, how do you measure it for the children, the staff? I think actually is a much more useful measurement device than than the specific like at the goal checkpoints, but both of them are better than what I was able to understand this time around. So in the smart acronym, the specific part and the measurement part I think will will help immensely. And I would also advise or or or suggest the verb choices, as silly as that sounds, the verb choices were things that

119caught us in a in a long conversation loop. Well, the thing the goal said review XYZ and man did she review it. But but there was no action to the review. So instead of things like review this or review that like improve by x% or reduce by y% those types of things bake in the measurement into the goal. I know the committee will talk further but in general those would be things how you articulate the goals would be just more helpful to understand how the traction and progress of them and then to reiterate what I said last hour which was is this goal binary versus a scaling goal is I think there should be a sprinkling of both some of them are done yes or no some of them are did it and we scored

12072 out of 95 whatever it is right okay Okay, I do want to um just uh so we don't get stuck on this topic for a super long time. Um so I I I think it might be valuable for us then to say we are going to um empower the committee to meet one time and sort of figure out or come up with a proposal to the board of how she can move forward or how we can move forward with with this because I don't think we're going to solve that at the table tonight. Um, I think that's probably the the better venue for hashing out these questions and I also don't want to confuse Mary about what you know she is currently thinking about. Um the other thing was in my own research um

121because I can't leave well enough alone there I have come across um several superintendent evaluation rubrics that are um uh more complete in uh in there and it has a section certainly for review of goals but it also has several other kinds of um review markers that might be um either a foundation for what we need to do or something that we can do moving forward. Um I have a question out to Super Evale as to whether we can just import that rubric into our evaluation tool. I don't have an answer yet, but it's certainly possible that that's there. Um what would my my um I guess my recommendation would or what I would ask of you at this point in time is say like okay let's let's get a a committee meeting on the

122books. Take a look at those rubrics. see if it can help guide us or I can send them out to you guys ahead of time. Um uh and see if that can help us guide a conversation so we can get to a place to give Mary a little bit of guidance before her goals. >> I I 100% agree. >> Everybody good with that? >> Yeah. And I think, you know, we would give that guy we if we agree on whatever the committee comes up with on on that guidance, Mary would take that, use that to draft her goals, present those in August, we can then take that and tweak if we want to or refine is a better sounding word. Uh if we want to involve IASB in that interim period, we we can certainly

123do that. And then I don't recall if we form I think we formally have voted on them in September if I'm not mistaken but maybe I'm is that correct? >> Okay. >> And and well honestly I I I think that is that timeline is is easily manageable in my view >> because yes this is this is very important work. It has to be done right. There's a lot of improvements we can make but I also don't think it's something that is going to bog us down for a year. Right. I think we we can we can make some some real measurable distinct improvements in the short term that I think will help you a lot. >> Kent, did you have something else you wanted to say? >> Um, maybe not. I guess I'm in the

124course of the discussion I'm just sort of formulating what the committee's work will look like. I think we decided to have a committee in the first place with a focus on the evaluation side and sort of creating bringing us all on the same page as far as you know like Dr. Gore was saying what does it mean to meet expectations? What does it mean to exceed expectations? And I I understand that there's a relationship between that sort of back end of the process and the front end of what actually are the goals themselves. I think Alan to your point right it's probably helpful that the goals be phrased in a way that is very clear from the outset what the measurement is or what the expectation for meeting or exceeding is baked in as you

125said to the actual goal. Um but that component of the committee's work at least from my perspective is like a little bit beyond what I thought the scope was initially. So, I think it'll be really important, and this is I guess where I'm ending up at, just a general comment. I think it'll be really important that when we meet, we have a really clear sort of like charter and agenda about what is and is not our work. Um I don't think like Pam to your point it's entirely for the committee certainly or even for the board just us right without collaboration to say these are the things I want you to do. Um so it'll be I think it'll it'll be maybe a bigger lift than I imagined. Not insurmountable but Chris is like no

126we got this. Okay. Um yeah. No, I'm I'm happy to get that rolling. And I think I'm understanding Karen though your concern, right? Like >> even if the committee meets, we still have to bring it back to the board and then there's all of this back and forth, right? So trying to do that in a timely way that yields a meaningful >> at least something relatively meaningful, right, given the time constraints, I think will be a challenge, but we'll we'll do it. We'll do it. >> I I'd like to make one comment based on the evaluation. the evaluation, the superintendent evaluation, if if we base it only on goals, that's only a very small part of the entire evaluation. So that's so that's what the committee will talk about and everyone should you know be

127before we disseminate um suggestions because it's suggestions and you all would vote on it before we we um lay concrete ideas down uh what we're looking for for an evaluation I think there has to be an understanding of what the goals are and what the purpose of the goals are and that the the the smaller amount of goals that Dr. Gore puts forth will not encompass the entire evaluation that we use to determine a salary level. >> Right. And I understand what you're talking about, what you're referencing, the conversations that we had and everything. And I think that there's um uh that the rubrics that I had looked through is going to help address that. So So um we'll move forward with um scheduling a committee meeting before the next board meeting. Um and I

128will send out those rubrics to to the committee and then we'll start to we'll take it from there. Okay. Mary, do you want to be part of this committee? >> Sure. >> I think you should. >> Yes. I as much as I am available, I will be taking a little bit of time in July. Back to Kalahari, I go. But um yes. Yes. Screaming hyena, my my weekly or my my annual. Sorry, this is tmi. Um but yes, to my availability, I would love to. Okay. All right. Well, we'll work on that. Thank you everybody. Um the second item for board discussion is about um a request for uh the attendance of the board president and superintendent at the 2026 COSPA federal advocacy conference this um coming September. Uh included in the board packet was

129a uh a rationale as to why it would be helpful for the district for us to attend and what we hope to get out of it. Um, I had offered to answer any questions ahead of time, but I hadn't received any questions. So, are there any questions or comments or thoughts on that? Uh, comment. I wish I was coming. Um, no. I think uh it's great that you're going out there. Uh, advocacy is great for the district and I we've seen things that we've done already within our state legislature already. So, this could help us even more. And so I appreciate you going out there and and doing this. Given um the um destruction of the federal department of education, I think that this is extremely important not only for what we can do within

130our D57 community, but what leadership and support we can add for um people in other school districts. Just as you are helping um other uh entities with the debacle, with the property tax debacle, we we could um form a a strength within our community that could be um shared for districts that are not able to attend the conference. And I am 100% in favor of it. questions, comments. Um [clears throat] just one piece of information that I received prior to um or after I had sent out the email with you know the addition to the agenda was to um Kristen Fitzgerald Fitzgerald who is the uh federal advocacy director at ISB to see if there was anything that we as a district would add to um an Illinois delegation what have you. and her response

131to me was that um and I'll just it's easier for me to read it. ISB does not currently have representation for RepresentativeWigley who is our House Representative um and he is a key member of the House Appropriations Committee with some key retirements next year. He will be the most senior member of the Illinois delegation and the most senior Illinois person on either the House or Senate Appropriations. So, um, they're really going to be leaning on him as a leader with the fights against education cuts and budget cuts and such and such. So, I just wanted to share that that there was some specific impact that we could make as a leadership team in um in representing uh our district. All right. Does any havebody have any objections with us uh attending and moving forward with

132all the um logistics? Okay, awesome. Thank you so much. All right, last item of board discussion. This is the proposed IASB resolution amendment. So, um the goal of the proposed resolution is to advance the tax collection issue as a legislative advocacy priority for IASB. So this is not putting us in a position where we are um having to take any any formal action. Um it's simply moving the uh amendment along to the next step towards adoption by the delegate committee in November or the delegate um not delegate >> delegate assembly. Thank you. Um in November. So, um I open it up to any questions or comments um about whether we should as a district move this forward to the the next level of admission for consideration. I say we move it forward if anything of

133the last year actually five 10 years has said I mean we need to enforce this more or strengthen it more for our benefit. I second. >> Go ahead, Ray. >> Uh, I I just had a question more about uh still being relatively new and understanding. So, is this a resolution amendment that our board is moving along or like we or is somebody else moving this along and we are signing on to say yes, we agree with this, I guess. So in order to every year the um resolution committee from IASB calls for uh resolution proposals from member districts. >> Um this is a resolution proposal from a member district just happens to be from our district. So this is to um put it before the resolutions committee for um consideration to adopt or to a

134uh give a recommendation to adopt or not adopt for then the delegate assembly to um to vote on. And again, this is sort of like I I don't like that they call them resolutions because it it's hard to make the distinction between that and other resolutions that we do. But um but it really is to say like that ISB is going to take this position and advocate for it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Does anybody have an issue with us advancing that to the next step? >> All right. Great. Thank you. All right. Uh the next agenda item, board topics for future meetings. Is there anything that anybody would like to bring forward? Excellent. Um, we don't have a need for close session. So, can I get a motion to adjurnn? >> So, moved. >> Second.

135>> Vice President Leto. >> Yes. >> Member Nelson. >> Yes. >> Member Deech. >> Yep. >> Member Dorner. >> Yes. >> Member Fay. >> Yes. >> Member Qualche. Yes, for