Board of Education - Public Hearing & Special Meeting, April 9, 2026

001hearing regarding the potential closure of Perry Elementary School. to order with the pledge of the American flag. >> 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. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Diesel Meyer, >> here. >> Mr. Herrera, >> here. >> Mr. Hempy here. >> Mrs. Help here. Mr. Mueller >> here. >> Mr. Piggy >> here. >> Mrs. Young >> here. >> Before we start the public hearing of the board, as a reminder, all board members are expected to follow our approved meeting norms and board protocol. At this time, I will hand it over to Dr. Shu for a brief presentation on the possible closure of Kerry Elementary School. Uh, I would like to begin

002by asking if anyone here this evening requires translation services. Okay, seeing none, uh we will go ahead and proceed. Thank you very much for being here this evening. All right, many of you have been here uh for the past two public hearings. As I've said at the past two public hearings, I'm going to be giving a very very brief presentation uh and then we are going to turn it over to you. This is really your opportunity to be heard. Um, I do want to note that we do have uh the special board meeting which is scheduled to begin at 6:55. We will hear all public comment here this evening and then we will adjourn to go into the special board meeting at the special board meeting. We will again have a public comment period. So,

003everyone will have the opportunity to be heard and speak this evening, but we do want to honor the start time of that uh special board meeting so people listening at home uh can tune in and know we've begun that. Again, we are committed to hearing everyone who is here tonight to speak. All right. So, I'm going to run through this presentation one more time. Uh it begins with how did we get here? Uh many district buildings had been aging and were designed for different educational safety and accessibility standards than what students need today. Uh facility conditions varied across our district creating inequities in learning environments, safety features and and accessibility. In response, back in 2022, the district began a long range facilities planning process to better understand building conditions and system needs, enrollment trends and

004capacity, educational program requirements, and our long-term financial responsibilities. Uh that brings us to where we are today. Uh today we have a communitydriven facility master plan that was developed with input from staff, families, students, community members, board representatives as well as a third-party consultant. Uh we had a team of about 50 stakeholders that engaged in that work. We are now involved in active actively implementing phase one. Phase one projects are focused on safety and security improvements at all of our schools, critical building systems such as roofs, HVAC, and infrastructure, accessibility, and code compliance, as well as updates to expand Everest High School, to move the district wellness center in order to allow for that, and to remodel Perry Elementary School. In phase one, projects were prioritized based on need, impact, and equity across the district.

005Tonight we are here to look specifically at Perry Elementary School and I'm going to give you a brief overview of that. Perry Elementary School was built in 1897. It is a historic building here in Belvadier. Additions were made in 1954. It's a multi-story building with three main floors that are used for teaching with a current enrollment of approximately 175 students. Excuse me. In phase one, the scope is approximately $6.8 million. Uh, this phase was approved in September of 2024 by the board and includes a new secure entry sequence with an office remodel that is specifically uh related to that safe and secure entrance. ADA compliance and modernization, the tier 2 remodel in conjunction with the elevator, restrooms, and stairwell modifications, access control updates, and roof restoration. Projects that are not included in that phase 1

006scope are listed below, include things like LED lighting, a sprinkler system, fire alarm for code compliance, PA system, emergency generator, and an HVAC system. There is uh and the final slide here talks about projects that are not addressed uh in this uh Perry has an approximate replacement value of 17.5 to $18.5 million. Phase 1 is approximately $6.8 million investment. A potential additional investment would take place in phase 2 of about $7 to $9 million. That would not address the items listed on this slide. So, why have the conditions at Perry not been addressed sooner? This is a question that we have gotten consistently. Uh, Perry Elementary School, like many of our district buildings, uh, had many defer deferred maintenance projects that needed to be addressed as a part of the facility needs assessment. The work

007at Perry after phase 1 was approved was always scheduled to take place later in phase one due to the complexity and scope of the nature of the work. For example, to be strategic in spending at Perry, it would not be cost-effective or efficient to replace the roof before the issues of secure entrances and ADA compliance issues have been addressed. The design for Perry is scheduled to take place in July of 2026, which is why the board is looking at next steps for Perry. Now, why is the board considering a potential closure? The board in September of 2024 approved keeping Perry open. Uh it is now time to begin the design for the remodel that is necessary at Perry School. That means it is now time to begin significant investment at Perry to keep it open

008for the foreseeable future. The board is considering the cost necessary to keep open the demographic study that indicates that we are not expecting significant growth and that we do have capacity at our other elementary schools at this time to serve our Perry students. providing comparable spaces for all of our students and stakeholder feedback. The board truly values our Perry students, staff, and families, the history and importance of neighborhood schools. The board also takes very seriously the responsibility of being good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and that is what brings us here this evening. I'll turn it back to President Herrera. >> Thank you, Dr. Chug. We will now have our hearing of visitors. Members of the public and employees of district 100 may make public comments. As a reminder, any person appearing before the board is

009expected to address the board only at the appropriate time and follow the directives of the board president to maintain order and decorum. Identify oneself, limit your comments to three minutes, and conduct oneself with respect and civility towards others, and otherwise abide by board policy 8 col 30. V visitors to and conduct on school property. As a reminder, our As our special board meeting is scheduled to start at 700 p.m. tonight, this evening with the public hearing. Therefore, we will conduct we will conclude the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. If we do not get through all the written respect uh I'm sorry, all the written requests to speak, we will finish those during the public comment portion at the special board meeting. We will make sure all voices are heard at this time. >> Can I

010just uh make one statement that I neglected to say in my opening, which is that uh we aren't doing a question and answer session this evening. However, there is a frequently asked questions portion on our website. There's a QR code here. Uh, and for anyone listening at home, you can access it under the board portion of our district website uh for any questions and previous uh information that has been shared around the facility master plan. Sorry, Mr. >> Thank you, Dr. Shug. Okay, at this time, would Mrs. Carla Mabel please come forward? Mayville 121 trails. Hi. So, uh, I know I wanted to come talk to all of you tonight. It took me a little while to figure out what I wanted to say. Um, I'd be out of here. I get another meeting by

0116 o' So, it's going to be brief. Um, to my knowledge, I'm one of two people in this room. Knows how it feels to sit up there. And who knows how it feels to sit out there and uh and be in front of a board who was looking to close my children's school. Um 13 years ago I sat on this audience as the school board closed my kids school. Um they were finishing their kindergarten and third grade year and about two months later I became vice president of the school board. Um two years ago I was the lone vote on this board Perry. uh my feelings on the matter of it changed and neither of my sympathies for the Perry families and staff. I met some really great people from Perry um who were very

012kind and respectful to me despite me being the lone vote to host Perry. Um I'm sure some of them are probably in this room today. Um and and I hope no matter what the vote is, all of you are treated with the same kindness and respect I was two years ago. Um, so nothing I say tonight is going to change the minds of anyone sitting behind me. And so, um, I'm just kind of here to remind the people in this room that Germaine and Brian and Holly and Jorge and Jeff and Barbie and Scott are people. They are your neighbors and um, they are just people in this community. They're parents. They're friends. Um, they're just regular people. Um, so I know all of you to some extent. I served on the board with three

013of you. I served on a committee with another one of you. Um I've had interactions with all of you at one time or another. One of you is my best friend. Um this is a really good board. I don't I'm not known for saying things that I don't believe. Um and with the obvious exception and I I don't come to meetings anymore. Um everybody's heard plenty from me. Um but I pay attention to what you're doing. I pay attention to the questions you ask and the work that you do and the decisions that you make. And you're doing a really really good job. Um, people here will probably yell at you tonight and imply that you're corrupt and that you're liars and that you only care about money and that you don't care about children.

014And what they don't realize is there is no way anyone would put themselves through what you guys go through um if you didn't care about kids. Um, and that goes for our staff as well. Um, Holly and Jorge. Um, people tonight might call you hypocrites if you change your vote. Um, they might say that you lied to them and that you deceived them. And I want you to know that there are people who understand we are in a very different economic climate than we were two years ago. Everything's a lot more expensive. Um, federal funding's been cut. Our bud we have a budget deficit in the district. Um, and we don't want to be in a position like Rockford and other districts who are cutting staff. Um, my time's almost up. I got to get

015to my meeting. Um, but I wanted you guys to see at least one friendly face tonight. Um, I know you're going to do what's best for the district. Thanks for taking this on. Good luck. >> Thank you, Mrs. Mabel. >> At this time, would Elena Bennett please come forward? >> Hi, my name is Alana. I don't want school to close because school is not just a school. It is a family. Imagine this is your child in this situation. What would you say? What would you do to save your child's school? Every weekend my uh brother says, "When is it school?" I say, "It's not school yet." My brother cries. The next day, my brother asked me the same question. I say, "No, it's not school yet." He cries. My brother tells me about his uh

016his friends. My brother tells me about his friend tells me about his school is his home. Don't put a price tag on my school because it is priceless. Thank you. Isabella, can you please come forward? Whatever you want to tell. Hi, my name is Isabella and Perry school is a friendly place and I like my teachers and everything in there and people don't want to leave their friends so I not want to pay school. >> Thank you. >> That took a lot of courage Isabella for coming forward. Thank you. >> At this time, would Amy Martin please come forward? >> My name is Amy. Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I recognize the decision before you was not an matter outcome, there will be strong emotions and differing opinions and

017I truly appreciate the weight of that responsibility. I'd like to share my perspective based on my experience. I've had the privilege of working in the district for the past 11 years as a library assistant, splitting my time between Calonia and Perry. Monday through Wednesday at Cal and Thursday, Friday at Perry. At Perry, I work in a small library space located in the lower level. While it may not be the largest or most modern facility, it is a space that is warm, welcoming, and meaningful to the students. Because I serve in both buildings, I also greet students in the mornings. And what stands out most to me is that the students at both schools arrive with the same smiles and energy. Their sense of belonging is not defined by the building or amenities, but by the

018relationships and community school. I would also like to share a concern regarding absenteeism. Many Perry students currently walk to school, which allows some flexibility if they are running late. Transportation shifts relying on buses. A missed bus could result in a student missing the entire school day, especially for families who may not have access to the vehicle. Thank you for your time, your service, and your thoughtful consideration of all perspectives that you make this import. >> Thank you, MR. >> OKAY. Would Mr. Matt Ziggard please come forward? I'm sure that um what I wanted to talk tonight about was I'd like to echo what Miss Mel said. We don't agree on a lot of things sometimes, but we do agree that everybody needs to be respectful and that everybody is conducts themselves in a in a

019way that is reflection for our kids to see. um a motion of closing versus facts um versus a motion. I was I sat up there as a board member. I sat up there as an assistant superintendent when they closed KISH. I've been a principal here twice in the district at BHS. Um I saw the thing Dr. Shug Shift showed up about things that have changed since the last time we voted on this. All those things were all those things were the same back then. I mean, we have capacity at the elementary schools. We got all that stuff. I mean, we did a we did a the population study wasn't any different now than it was back then. But I think what happens is I've seen how the sausages were made both times. I've seen how

020the sausage was made when they wanted to close Kish. I saw how the sausage was made in some extent when we wanted to do Perry the last time. This time I'm obviously not as familiar with it. Just seems that it's a little it just seems a little different than what we expected, what I expected. So now we talk about facts about credibility. Facility study for 600 grand. That was one of the few things as a former board we'd all agreed on. We were all livid. We saw that $600 thing that we never heard a thing about 6 months after the fact and we're told why we had to do that. Delayed preventive maintenance. I've talked to the people for the old group that did it. Let's just say that there's a a disagreement of opinion

021on whether that stuff was really delayed or not. Whose spa it really was. the RFP that I've heard from with Nexus that maybe we had one, maybe we didn't. And excuse me, and what the price was for their services. It was my understanding when I was on the board was going to be 350 to 500,000. And maybe that still is, but I've heard people now say it's 5 million plus 10%. um questions on who paid for the survey on Perry and who wrote the questions and where any questions ever changed and what facts changed from two years ago to bring this back. Um when the cost of Perry was the 6 million plus I'll be honest with you in my opinion when we throw the 15 or 16 million up there it's it's done for

022a reason. It's to make it look like it's a lot more expensive and it it catches your attention better. Um, I think what we need to do is when we talk about the teacher contract, we were told that was doable and it probably was at the time until we started adding on a lot of stuff. I mean, we've added on a lot more administrators then. That's not the only thing we've added a lot to. I was probably the most physical conservative person on the board in my opinion. And I'm telling you, I brought all this stuff up all along about federal funding was going to go down. I talked and when we cut when we add something we need to cut something else and prioritize but we never did that. Um we added all those

023jobs over the years. Um we spent $600,000. You guys approved $600,000 for intercon at the schools. Not saying you didn't need it, but we did. I'll finish up because I know Carla got a little extra time. Um elections do matter. In three in less than 11 months, you're gonna elect three new board members that may or may not run that are sitting up here. Also, I will tell you when you look at what PAC supports these last board elections, look at the United for students, United for Students of Excellence and look who the major donors of that were and you make up your own mind. >> Thank you, Mr. Zicker. At this time, please come forward. Is that Is it on? I don't >> Hello. Hello. Hello. >> In here for the live stream. We

024can hear you. >> Use your teacher voice >> recording on the live stream. >> It's just not amplified in >> All right. Hello again. I am speaking up again in favor of Perry School. My last two speeches had facts and feelings in them. This time I would like to share some suggestions and ideas for options. First off, remember you are in charge. You are making this decision. You have the right to adjust the plan. doesn't have to go exactly like it is spelled out on all these things. Um, first off, so I want to reach uh I would like to offer the following suggestions for investing a Perry. First, the drop off lane. Regarding the drop off lane issue that is being said that Perry needs, I have an idea. Make Crosby Street a one-way

025street. This makes uh this would make this would work great. It wouldn't cost much. If anything, it could be an option. the playground. I've said it before and I'll say it again and other people have said it. Put a fence around it. That is your choice. Even though I don't believe it needs one, a secure entrance. Um, how about building a new office right outside the wall of the current art room between Crosby Street and Perry Building? There is plenty of room instead of changing the floor plan inside. This could work. Then the current office would be used the way it it is for some of our other staff members like speech, TPI, interventions, whatever. My next suggestion is accessibility and elevators. Have you ever been to Leno's restaurant in Rockford? I'm sure plenty of

026you have. Um I have. I've been to many events there in the basement. What do they have at the top? One of those elevator lifts. One of those wheelchair lifts. They um there's a wheelchair lift there. It meets the ADA compliance without putting a pricey elevator or two that would need costly repairs in the future and is a huge part of the $7 million price tag on Perry. There are currently um they are currently putting one of these actually in the church where my kids go to 4 club meetings. I know the um the guy the company that is putting it in and he said it's only $100,000 from the the the work plus the lift itself. Even if we were to put in three or four of them into Perry, it's still cheaper. they

027would um take up less space and wouldn't affect the beauty of the school as much. If you are thinking that Perry that keeping Perry open would be nice but too expensive, there are options. Doesn't have to be exactly like those presentations. Take the time to look over options. Have you had time to look at any of these suggestions or options or any other ideas? Um, with the rush of this this decision, I don't think you were given enough time to think, research, or brainstorm ideas. Have you thought of other ideas yourself? Maybe you guys could think of some. There are also options when um there are always options when you are willing to look for them. Let me say that again. There are always options when you are willing to look for them. I ask

028you to choose the path of investment and creativity rather than closure. Thank you for your time and please KEEP okay at this time with the Perry kids please step forward. I'm sure I 22. I'm going to read. I'm going to read. I'm going to write at fair school. When the doors are open wide, I'll walk in with I'm going to ride at school. A 1 2 3 I'm going to read. I'm going to ride. I'm going to read. I'm going to ride at school. When the doors are open, wide open right at school thinking, acting safe, working hard, showing respect. It's really cool after school. I feel it in my hands. I feel it in my feet. Feel it in my heart. I feel it in my soul. Feel it all over me. I'm going

029to read. I'm going to ride. I'm going to read. I'm going to ride at school. When the doors are open wide, all kids are very proud. I'm going to read you right after school. Thank you kiddos for coming in and singing. We appreciate that. >> At this time, would Mr. Fort Zachary please come forward? >> Good evening. My name is Fort Zachary and I'm the ESL teacher at Perry for now. I serve students across every grade level, including special needs. I'm in every classroom and outside each morning as students arrive. I open the door, the first face of the long line of staff who welcomes them in. I give up my planning time every day to run the junior coaches recess program. And after school, I'm on the playground playing four square and basketball with

030neighborhood kids. My job allows me to do all that. I love my job. All that ends with a vote to close Perry tonight. We've been guaranteed jobs, but not the jobs we've built our lives around. And what of the teachers we may displace? You said no position will be filled until Perry's staff is placed. Yet, principles have already moved people internally. And then there's no transition plan for after next year. Is that when the teacher layoffs will happen? And will students then be forced to move again, too? You have given all teachers and parents reason not to trust you? Or you could start to rebuild that trust and honor a promise to this community and its children made by this district just 2 years ago. Since March 16th, I have gone on record explaining how

031this whole process is leading to a new EC center. And foyer requests now confirm that. I've shown how neighborhood schools like Perry create stronger relationships, more individual attention, better outcomes, and greater parent involvement. You've heard about the manufactured imbalance in percent of students serviced by Perry and cost per student driven by deferred maintenance and the denial of additional sections. I've explained that real investment in Perry is cost-effective, preserves community value, and is fiscally sustainable. It opens access to grants and historic preservation funding and allows phased improvements so you can spend on what we need and save on what we don't. Perry doesn't have inequities. It has unique spaces that our students have improvised, adapted to, and overcome to thrive, building real character, knowledge, and values along the way. I run recess at Perry. If you

032are truly concerned about the playground, ask me about it. We have a barrier of parked cars around it. It's not on a hightraic street, and its proximity to the building is a positive in an emergency or when kids just need to go in and out for the bathroom. Investing in Perry is cheaper long-term than building a new EC center, which I've heard you plan on building two blocks from Perry. I can't think of a bigger slap in the face to the neighborhood. New buildings mean hidden costs while EC funding is being cut by the state. That's your potential money pit. Look at what just happened to EC at Parker Center in Harlem. Spoiler, they gutted it. Close Perry and you gut this community. Because once a neighborhood school is gone, it's lost forever. In a

033time when education can feel increasingly large and impersonal, Carrie reminds us of what truly works. Sometimes the best way forward is to preserve what already makes a difference. At this time, would Mr. Rory Peterson please come forward? I hope the board will consider the tangibles in dollars and cents as deeply as the intangibles that will outlive us all and with an incalculable future benefit to be builders and not scrappers. administering the end stage of our last classic iconic schoolhouse and our jointlyowned district 100 inheritance. As a school age kid, it never occurred to me to be anything but appreciative of the architectural integrity of the great brick monuments those long ago school boards gifted us. On the other hand, all except Perry wound up abandoned, boarded up, and blighting their neighborhoods, disgraced by their school

034boards, they chose to build new cookie cutter block buildings without any concern for the decommissioning or reuse of those former neighborhood anchoring fortresses. >> That's right. >> There is a cost to neighborhoods when government turns its back on them. It has been happening to Perry School for a long time and deferred maintenance of basics like roofing and fixed plant maintenance provided deserving students. It is unconscionable to try and paper over the truth of this by throwing even more of the taxpayers money away while creating even bigger problems. The board cannot escape its responsibility for the permanent damage created when it chooses to flee the neighborhood and damn it to a spiral of disinvestment. Again, why build or acquire buildings when the old ones are not maintained? Moral courage is that which requires the most forethought

035and pointedly allows our soul all due consideration no matter the amount of information the mind must process. Moral courage is even harder to come by than physical courage yet must bring in equal honor. Any processing that doesn't conclude that the Leatherman survey at whatever its highly secret price was provides a miserably poor basis to justify the ir irreversible permanent loss to our community's culture of the last of the breed. Takes no moral or mental acuity worthy of that landmark. The survey was a red herring, deserves all the skepticism it created, and worse, it disenfranchises our voters completely. We were not given a credible voice on either the abandonment of Perry School or the support of or opposition to board candidates proposing to do so. I respectfully request the board to thoughtfully confirm the merit in

036Perry school's continued grade school future or graciously hand that decision to voters and to their posterity via referendum and the true consent of the government. We are owed that much. Thank you. Okay. Would Mrs. Lisa Woodcom please come FORWARD in 2024 in a six to1 vote the board said to keep Perry whether it was a new building or to repair the one with was left to administration to make to make happen. We relied on the integrity of a superintendent who during the interview process said, "If the board tells me no, I'll want to know why and then I'll follow the directive of the board." Two years later, three public meetings and another vote asking this board to approve ignoring the mandate of the prom board. Where's the integrity in that? We spent $40,000 to change

037the logo and rebrand. That's just the company that did the work. Not to mention all the beautiful new signs and all the cost of everything associated with its implementation while not moving forward with plans to address the needs of Perry. Where's the integrity in that? $122,000 has been spent on administrative professional development so far just this year while nothing has been done to implement plans to begin to enforce the mandate to keep Perry. Where's the integrity in that? Double-digit numbers of additional administrative positions have been added to the district at an increase of 37% in total administrative salaries during the tenure of this superintendent. While nothing has been done to begin to implement the mandate of the board to keep Perry, where's the integrity in that? I'm asking this board to show your integrity tonight.

038Tell administration that you can't simply ignore the mandate of a prior board to keep Perry while you wait for a new board to be seated simply to circumvent their mandate and achieve the original intended outcome. The rest of the district should take notice if this happens. Are you the next Perry? Is your building already experiencing neglect? Is your leadership being reassigned or silenced when they ask questions? Are the repairs left undone? Is your building left? Is your building the one to experience the next educational interrupting event like the flood at Perry after its deferred maintenance? Are you hearing murmurings about programs that central office wants to do away with? Has the board seen the directive of prior boards ignored? The answer to all of those things is yes. Where's the integrity of that? Belvadier, if

039this happens tonight, wake up. There are three board seats up for election in just 11 months. Demand integrity from this board or purpose defined representatives in the purp in the future who will hold accountable and accountable an administrative leader who demonstrates a lack of integrity and keeps them accountable. At this time, would Andrew Kitson please come forward? >> Bring in Mr. K. >> I'm back again. >> Many of you have read my emails. Some of you may have not read the emails. I do not want it to come across as I have in any personal attack with Dr. Shug. I've been in very many conversations with Dr. Shug. This is nothing personal. It is questions. As you sit here today, I hope you've considered all the options. There have been many emotional presentations that will

040pull at your heartstrings and can sway your decision to know you will not be breaking any hearts. However, I understand this school board needs to run this like a business decision. This is why I've been here speaking every night with facts, not emotion. I presented facts and nothing that I cannot back up with paperwork that I have the documents for. When you look at the money, yes, it's a lot of money to spend on a building. That is correct. No, you do not have to spend that much to make this school function for yet another hundred years. There are options. When you look at cost per student, actually look at the numbers and see what the cost per student is. Look at the cost, the operating costs annually for each school over the year per

041student. See which one does better. I think Perry is going to be the cheapest one to operate. Look at the numbers. Have you done that? Have you looked at the numbers for operating costs? If not, why? How can you justifiably vote to close a school you do not have all the information on? For example, the new track and tennis court came in at $1.6 million. What's the cost per student on that for the students that will use it? With over 7,000 students in the district, how many will use that track? That's a lot of money. for those track and tennis court. They will both need to be replaced many times over before Perry would ever need this kind of investment again. I bring up the timeline again. Miss Hornbeck was removed from Perry in November.

042That position was not filled. It was not posted. Why did Dr. Shug know in November this was her plan to try and close Perry? If that's the case, why were you not notified until just what a month ago? It seems very strategic to me. And yes, when I ask these questions, I have asked Dr. Shug these questions as well. Seems very strategic to me that you have no time, no time to look at the options. The last board, in Dr. Shug's words herself, the other board did look at all options. They looked at all of it and they did their due diligence. I believe that they chose to keep Harry. Dr. Sh confirmed. They looked at all options and they chose to keep Harry. So why are we back here? Why are we here? This

043appears to be nothing more than the biggest situation of mom said no. So I'm going to ask dad. The last four voting to keep it. We didn't like it. Here we are again. This is not asking mom if you can have a ball of ice cream. And she says no. Yes, dad. This is people's lives. Thank you, Mr. KITSON. >> OKAY. At this time, would Mrs. Man uh Amanda Mangold please come forward? Um it says on behalf of so uh she is a parent at who cannot be here tonight and she asked that I share this with the board. I did ask if this was okay and was told yes. So um good evening and thank you for taking the time to listen to my plea to keep Harry open. I am writing to you

044on behalf of my son Maxwell who is a third grade student at Harry. I have asked his teacher, Mrs. Cameron, to speak on my behalf as I'm a full-time healthcare worker at a busy hospital in Rockford, as well as a full-time student and have a meeting this evening that I could not reschedule. Maxel and I moved to Belvadier at the end of October from Rockford after Max got bullied and beaten up four times in 5 days at a Rockford public school. I picked him out and he was not I think she said I pulled him out and he was not enrolled in school for almost a month. We moved to Belvadier specifically to get him into a better environment. He has been at Perry since November and has made so many new friends and is

045thriving. His confidence, his grades, his happiness have all skyrocketed. He loves going to school. It's hard to describe how special Perry is if you have never been there. The intimate and supportive environment is something we never would have imagined being a part of. Now, after being traumatized and being let down by RPS District 205, he is facing the possibility of being let down by District 100. If Perry closes, it would be devastating for not only Max, but everyone that goes there, went there and their families. He would lose the amazing environment that Perry has to offer and be uprooted once again. He would be separated from his friends and go to his fourth elementary school by fourth grade. I beg you, when you vote tonight, please take into consideration how closing Perry would affect our

046children. Please keep Perry open and invest the money that was already promised to them for upgrades. Thank you again for your time. Okay. At this time, would Mr. Dance please come forward? >> Hello again. Um, one of the things I want to mention again is that the dollar amount seems huge, but in the overall scheme of your budget, the drop that they have >> I'm sorry. >> Okay. Sorry. Um, it's not Perry's fault that the administration and or previous administrations neglected the building. It will be your fault if you don't vote yes because the previous board voted yes and everybody thought it was a done deal. But again, whether it was prioritized or not, the fundings were not provided and the projects did not move forward in any um shape. Um, and I think you

047should give Harry the funding as Duke preserves deserves and obviously it produces great students and great facilities and people and community and community um, schools matter. Thank you. >> At this time with Mrs. CATHERINE IN PLEASE COME. BUT NOT THAT. OKAY. All right. So, Captain Inley spoken at all meetings so far. I took uh I heard that we wanted to talk off the bat. So, I looked some stuff up and I wrote him down and I'm not going to be super emotional. Um I would like to point out that Perry was honored at the state spotlight school um for it fosters deep community relationships. Great schools have recognized that Perry uh for its strengths on family engagement. Stuart Grower, he uh works for or does something with small schools coalition.org, but he says that small

048schools consistently show superior student outcomes, including high attendance, improved safety, and better academic achievement compared to large schools. The data indicates smaller environment, foster tighter relationships, reducing achievement gaps for at risk students, and improving student attachment. Small schools coalition also provides comprehensive analysis and evidence-based reports showing that smaller schools generally outperform larger ones in terms of student achievement and personal growth. The Wing Institute did reviews that show that there is no single optimal school size, but the literature strongly suggests that attendance is better and dropout rates are lower. The American Federation of Teachers, AFT, highlights how intimate, smaller settings foster a better professional climate for teachers, resulting in stronger academic results for students. The National Center for Education, NCES, statistics shows data that indicates that school leadership in smaller settings often reports higher rates of

049personalized instruction. Um, provided by the District 100. I looked up some of the stuff about budget and expense reports. Um, when we talked about revised budget for repairs and maintenance, I was getting numbers like for Calonia is 50,000, Lincoln is 40,000, MINA is 40,000, Seth Whitman is 25,000, Washington is 200,000, Perry's 10,000. And that goes for things like repairs and maintenance, electricity and gas. The activity for those schools, Calonia is 2002, 202, 87, 20 and Lincoln is 224,000. Mihan is 186,000. Seth Whitman is 148,000. Washington's 285,000. Perry is 69,000. So, I mean, in the numbers, Perry is not that much to maintain and keep up compared to all the other schools. So, again, back to if you could just have a little bit of investing in the small school. There are lots of benefits. It's

050not more than anybody else. We're not asking for anything extra. Um, also investing in old buildings. Many older buildings qualify for the federal historical preservation tax incentive program which offers a 20% federal income tax credit. >> Um there's also property value appreciation. There is preserving embodied energy. There is uh job creations. Again to renovate the school would be a lot cheaper than demolishing the school. Um also with like reduced landfill waste. I was looking at a whole bunch of things. So again, if we take time to look for answers, we can find them. We can look for more reasons and uh more options. But I just want to end with I don't blame you for the decisions made before you. Um but the decision is not tonight is yours. Please give us the money we

051need for renovations. I'm almost done. Follow through on the promise the last board gave us. Be the board that keeps Perry open for future generations to continue to enjoy and keep our family together. and let generations of families be able to experience the love and education we've all been privileged to experience. >> Thank you. >> At this time, uh, would Jess Leonard and Lincoln come forward? Lincoln. >> Hi, I'm Jessica. This is Lincoln. Um, he is a third grader at Perry Elementary. Um, he is the one who has been telling me and I've been telling you that he does not want to go anywhere else. He would rather homeschool than not go Perry. >> You want to tell us why you like Perry is my favorite school. I do not want it to close. And

052um, Perry is just the best place I've ever been to apart from my house. So, a lot of what I was going to say you've already been hearing, so I will just let the next person go. But thank you. This is just we are very passionate about our school. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Bunner. Thank you, LINCOLN. >> OKAY. At this time, would Mr. Clint Morris PLEASE COME FORWARD? I DON'T KNOW. DOES THIS MICROPHONE WORK? >> Doesn't work. >> It's for the live feed. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> All right. Well, thank you, President Herrera, board members, Superintendent SH. Good evening, and thank you for the opportunity to address you tonight. As mayor, these are my observations and my opinions. Education in Belvier is one of our greatest assets and one of our greatest

053challenges. I see this as a repeat of 2024 with mostly new board members. 66% of property taxes to district 100 makes up the piece of pie for residents. It's my understanding 5.416 416 million is to pay a Wisconsin consultant from Nexus. As well, there were 400 surveys sent out to claim a depiction of what our community wants regarding Perry School. I don't believe that Nexus knows better than this community um regarding Perry School and I don't and to me 400 survey is an insult and recently a $ 1.4 $4 million project has been approved with the purchase of former Poke Chiropractic building in recognition support to alleviate the cost of burdens to taxpayers. For the past three decades, the city has collected millions of dollars in impact fees, capital investment dollars. The city collects these

054fees as a as a supporter of our taxing districts. the school district is the largest beneficiary. Recognizing that the expense burden that a new development brings to our community and education uh is essential to meet without handing it off to the taxpayers. The county does not. In 2024, the county does not collect impact fees. The city has for decades. In 2024, the city of Belvadier collected $520,000. Um, when I had presented that check uh to the school board, I had asked where that money would be spent. Um, you know, and I want to clear up some confusion about that. I was >> I was told mulch. My presumption was then that the school roof needed to be repaired and the 520,000 that we give to the school district would go to the roof. In 2022,

055the district tax levy equal 57.2 million. In 2026, the tax levy increased to 65.5 million. Yet Perry once again faces closing by this administration. I see a design pattern to close Perry. Administration hiring since 2022 increased 17 to 32 administrators 1.9 million to 3.4 million. Is that a topheavy? I guess I would say so. We're back to the same question with a different board. I would ask that you realize the impact that closing a neighborhood school has on not only children, but what it has on the neighborhood, what it has on families, what it has on the city of Belvier, because you already serve an underserved community in Perry School. And believe me, blight usually follows. So, I thank you for your time tonight. Um, I thank you for your hard work and I hope

056that you will make a reasonable decision regarding Perry School. Thank you. Okay. At this at this time with Anna and Bella Blit Blit Blit, please come forward. UM, I'D LIKE TO SAY that it's not a good idea to close Perry because so many kids live so close and their parents rely on them to be able to walk to school because some parents can't drop off their kids. And yes, I know you're thinking, well, they can take the bus. But that's not the case because some parents don't feel comfortable with their kids on a bus. And I don't blame them. So that's why we need Perry to stay open because in the end it's not Perry that's your closing, it's a family. And I'd like to say that even no matter what happens, I'm glad that

057I was here to see everyone do their best to eat Perry. >> Um, Perry is not under sized if it's just right for us. We don't just learn, we grow our hearts here, as well as our family here at Perry. It's like our own home at Perry. No matter what, we've stayed strong and persevered through tough times. I also know that we are completely safe from harm and our teachers and staff will do anything if it comes to our safety. And I want to give appreciation to all of our teachers if THEY'RE Thank you, Anna, and thank you, Bella, for coming forward speaking with us tonight. Uh, Amanda Holler. take the >> unfortunately tonight um my mom that normally watched her the last other nights um had her cast taken off and she has no

058electric guitar. That is why she is here with me tonight. Um so closing Perry school is going to decrease the property values of the houses in Perry district. um with that and it's not good for the taxes payers on that end. Um now you have a abandoned school, crime rate, vandalism. Um these kids feel comfortable where they are. Now you are throwing these kids into another situation. That being the case, oh let's not watch our kids anymore and close the school. I know there was talk about tear down of the school. So, you can pick almost half a million dollars to tear down the school. Can't put that half a million dollars in to rebuild the school. Um, the other weird thing I found is the birth rates of Boone County. Um, in 2017 there

059were 623 life births in Boone County. Um, 2018, 19, 20, 21, and 22 are all over 500. very odd that we are actually at a stable birth rate of good counting. Uh you look at everyone else, they are hundreds off. Um so obviously students decreasing. I don't see that. Um actually I'll see an increase because we have the Walmart distribution center planning on opening next year 2027. Um that can open up to 400 to 700 jobs. And then June of 2028, we are looking at Chrysler coming back and opening up over 3,000 jobs. If 1,000 of those people move to Boone County and they all have kids, where are these kids going to go in the future? You're going to be struggling to find a building or shoving them wherever you can. Um, so this

060survey stuff has not really been focusing on the actual future, what Belvadier is actually projecting as a economy to Belvadier. We need to start thinking about schools. If this is all set in stone, we need that. Um I know on the frequently asked questions um that there is four buses going um in Perry district and shipping out. Um I think 119 students is what I saw that are not attending Perry that is in Perry district. Um so that's four buses. Um I figured that bare minimum you're going to need to add an extra four buses bare minimum. Um, and that cost I figured to be $251,2.92 per year um to add those four buses. >> Do do you have a another sentence or so you want to finish up on >> uh I mean I

061have more >> just one just one more sentence and then you know what we conclude. >> Open enrollment is a option to get other students to fill in that um spacing of student capacity which is wrong. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> YEP. >> OKAY. At this time, would Mercedes Long please come forward? All right. Hi everyone. Um, I'm Mercedes. I'm a parent to a fourth grader, Jayce Kenny. Um, he's attended here since kindergarten. He has always been shy and quiet mannered. He actually made a speech on Tuesday addressing a room full of adults with his feelings towards possible closure. He also spoke positively regarding the small size of the school. For a boy that shies away most times from a simple hello and how are you doing conversation, it was a big deal for

062him to come up here. It shows me and everyone who knows him just how passionate he is about Perry. I've gotten amazing opportunities to help with a little bit of PTO at Perry as well as being a chef on numerous field trips. I've seen firsthand how the school operates. I am currently employed at Washington. My first choice was Perry, of course, but as of the start of the 2025 2026 school year, I was not needed there. The principal at Perry gave me a direct reference to the principal at Washington. The smaller setting at Perry allowed for more personal interactions. I could have just been another parent. So even though I haven't played a huge role there, it was enough for someone to confidently recommend me within the school district. While I may only spend 3

063hours a day at Washington as a new, I feel I can make some valuable points towards the things that the board leads these meetings with. The part that is too close to the road. Washington has two parts. One being next to the road. This park is fenced in with no issues. The other playground is farther from the road, but consists of basketball hoops and play areas directly next to parking spots, which is also a part of the roadway. I also want to add needing a drop off line. I drop off students at both Perry and Washington almost every morning. It's necessary I go to Perry first as it is a quick and easy drop off. I absolutely could not make it through both schools if I did it the other way around. We have about

064eight new at Washington, but the volume of children there is it seems to most states that is not enough. Perry has two. If the ratio of students was equal, there would have to be more new at Perry. This is just an example of how a tightknit school and community is able to function more smoothly. What happens when you summon them somewhere else and there isn't enough coverage. Things will slip through the cracks. My son mentioned that because his school is smaller, he doesn't have to worry about being bullied. There's always someone nearby and he has his full trust in the people that he has been around. All staff that works at these district schools make an impact on our kids every day. However, we simply cannot change the life of each and every child that

065comes in with a student to staff ratio if we expand it this large. This little school we call Perryville, they have absolutely been able to do that. As a parent, we do everything we can to help our children grow, mature, and socialize. I promise that if it hadn't been for the past 5 years that my son has spent up here, he would never have had the confidence to come up here and speak. I can literally pinpoint the first time I see my son interact with another adult freely, openly, and confidently. And that started at his very first parent teacher conference in kindergarten. The way his eyes lit up in that classroom, and every class since then has been life-changing as a mother. I feel as though the board has already made up their mind. But

066I hope that after tonight, we can take the time to explore other options and keep a legacy alive. Okay, at this time would Payton Jonas and Nicolia >> Nicholas Niko >> Niko Jonas please come forward. >> Now you get to meet my family. This is Nico Payton. It was her birthday today and she really wanted to tell you her birthday was supposed to keep Payton open. >> Per but she has dance class and she missed last week and so we really had to take her to dance class. So, but she was sitting on the end. I think you saw her >> with the crown. >> Yeah, with the crown. >> Nico, do you have anything you want? >> Mrs. Harsh. >> Huh? >> Do you want to tell them what you think? Okay. He's very

067shy. >> You have any other Jonases on there like me or her? >> Uh, let's see here. Just a moment. There's an Eric Jonas. >> Perfect. >> We can start with Eric. >> Thank you, Nico, for being up here. >> Well, you met Nico and I also have a daughter, Payton at Perry. Uh they are both uh one's in kindergarten, one's in first grade. They are both currently enjoying being at a small neighborhood school. We are enjoying being parents of them. Give you a little bit of a taste of what we went through last year. Had a bit little bit of a rough start to Nico's school career. About three weeks after they started school, my wife fell and broke her jaw walking to school. Not only did the school rally around her, but all

068the neighborhood moms, she adds, rallied around her and us to help us get through that. What do you need? You need me to pick up Nico, bring him home? You need you need uh you need me to watch him after school for a few minutes, whatever. That's what neighborhood schools do. That's what neighborhoods neighborhoods do with neighborhood schools. Couple months later, unfortunately, completely separate incident. She broke her leg. >> So again, what did the school do? The principal, Miss Hornbeck, called me up and said, "What do you need?" Said, "I need a couple parents to help us out. What do you think? Do you know anybody?" Said, "Give me an hour. She calls me back an hour later. She's got like three parents lined up to help either pick Nico up from school or pick

069him up at our house to bring him to school in the morning while I go to work while she recovers from her broken leg. That is what a neighborhood school is about. Kids don't care about LED lights and whisbang stuff. They care about learning in a safe environment with teachers that care about them. These teachers would run through any wall for any of our kids. There is no doubt in my mind I have a job that deals a lot with safety. And everybody wants to talk about safety. I have no qualms whatsoever dropping my kids off at that school. Never. This is a great school. It's a great community. That's all I got to say about that. >> Okay. Uh, would Veronica join us to come forward? >> I have my tissues. Oh, somebody put

070tissues here. Oh yeah, somebody used that first step. Okay, >> to be continued. Here we go. Um, if the school shuts down, what happens? It lays abandoned, vandals take over, windows break, vacant lots, grow weeds, park goes downhill with no upkeep. If it stops, they will not need the park. They will want to rebuild, making a much bigger building and a bigger parking lot where people will lose their houses to a parking lot and those that are left have a parking lot to look out at their window. Prices of houses will drop for the neighborhood. No convenient school nearby with park with a parking lot at its head, a harp instead. traffic going back and forth to that business makes it not as safe for the kids playing and biking around. Now, um if the

071city tears down the building, there is the cost of tearing down and repurposing of the land. Our schools become crowded and soon overcrowded while the new plant and plant um plant and center the uh you know the center open and family moves in and suddenly someone had someone says hey let's make a new school and sink tens of millions on the building of a of a school in the outer limits of our city where everyone will have to be bust meanwhile that venture takes up to 5 years to actually come into fruition. Um while the kids suffer in huge class classrooms and overwhelmed teachers on that I am on that I am concerned. Um my last point um regarding the idea of building there is a build there's that building word again a centralized school

072for the prek three and four classes or early education to make room for um in the soon crowded schools. Let me get this straight. We are spending my school tax money to tear down my school in my neighborhood to bring my property values down to build a new school from scratch somewhere else so that we can have a prek which we have to then pay for our kids to be able to attend to be able to attend. That seems a little outrageous to me. Now, we may not um have had the time to get the support this time. Intentional, I'm not sure. I don't know. But here's the fact. In one and a half hours time yesterday, I walked around half of my block. I stopped at every house. I talked to every person and

073I told them about the petition. And do you know that I got 30 or more people to sign that petition in an hour and a half? If I had had even a week or two more weeks, I could have covered the whole damn neighborhood. And I called people all over. I called friends in other parts of this whole Belvadier. And they all said the same thing. They wanted the school, too. They didn't want to see it go down. I worked really hard to find that. >> Thank you, Mr. JONES. UM, GORI, is it Caro? Caron >> Caron. Okay, please come forward. Hi. I've heard a lot about what Perry School doesn't have. I'm here to say what it does have. My two grand girls went to Perry for five years each. Okay. first grade through

074fifth. I'm a grandmother helping my son raise two granddaughters. Perry has a welcoming staff from the office secretary, Miss Patty, to the teachers. Emily, who is in eighth grade, really wanted to come tonight, but she had softball practice, which is her passion. What a great experience she had at Perry. She said from having friendships to caring teachers, a couple of them were Mr. Snider and Mr. H. They both have gone to watch her softball games encouraging her meant a lot to her. I've never had raising my children, grandchildren, anybody else do this. Mr. Snyder would put in extra time to make sure they succeeded. Emily struggled in math, but he would tutor her in the summer. He would have her stay after school. She's an honoral student at Central now. And he this school prepared

075the kids to succeed in middle school. I have never met a staff a school like this. They were I mean everyone was on under on I'm sorry to keep every kid on on task and I haven't found that experience at Washington the friendliness in the office or Lincoln when I pick up go to pick up other grandchildren it's like you know but Perry is It's a totally different thing. If there's issues with mental health, depression, which I've had a granddaughter with that, Barry took it seriously. I can't say that about the other the middle school, but um they care about their stu students. Emily and Bella have lifetime skills they learned at Perry. They made sure their academics were on task and they loved going to Perry. Please don't close a good thing in Belvadier

076Perry School. Thanks for your time. >> Thank you Dory. >> At this time would Mike speak please come forward. permission to approach the board. Of course too much, but I've got plenty to go around in case we get to see the day. And in case I come in a little house, I truly appreciate you guys. Thank you for today. Today I wanted to talk about some of the things that we could that we could uh could could lose at Perry. Possibly some of the things we've already lost. What are some of the things that are unique to Perry? Well, we walk to school. We don't have to worry about bus system. We have parents on site. So, so the the playground gets packed. We're not the uh we're the only ones that are getting left

077out of the phase one plan. We'll also be bringing bringing our kids to school so so that they can take a bus to go to the to go to another school. According to Texas Christian University, uh when families and educators feel blindsided, trust erodess. Districts could should hold listening sessions and include parent, student, and teacher perspectives from the start. We weren't asked how we felt. We weren't given any sort of warning. There were no polls at Perry, no polls at the other school. We were simply given three months to come up with defense. Uh, you Chicago consortium on public education examined a study of the Chicago mass school closures. The study determined students who had schools closed, had short-term drops in reading and math, and overall GPA drops were present 3 to four years later.

078Students felt a loss of community uh and the levels of suspensions and tardiness had minimal rise. Uh they had difficulty integrating and socializing especially with adults. Students in welcoming schools also felt also felt a loss. Uh they they felt that they had to make adjustments which didn't feel fair to them. Edweek takes this a step further by saying that that closing a school reduces the chances of a student going to college. Uh this also gives a a drop in test scores. Um and this can lead to lower earnings in life after school. University of Toronto uh says that students who walk to school have higher degrees of alertness, independence, happiness, stronger social bonds and lowers stress by busing our kids who are used to walking. Then they make they know they may go through a

079series of changes that reverses their healthy behavior. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I've got two more. Is that all right? Uh, two more sentence. >> We we have we will have another um >> opportunity to speak at the at the special board meeting. I know we've got two more left. That's going to be Megan and uh >> invest in Perry. We are worth this. >> Thank you. Thank you. SO, we'll get through the next two speakers. We will take a break before we start the special board meeting. And again, there will be an opportunity to speak at the special board meeting as well. Go first. >> Hi I love my school. Please don't say but was a little too afraid to say that she asked me to say for her. >> Come back up while I

080stand up. Okay. She wanted everyone to know that if Perry should close, she also would rather be homeschooled than go anywhere else. And that would come probably as a pretty big surprise to many of the staff sitting behind us because they will all tell you that she is the most social creature on the planet. She cannot go a day without seeing her friends. So for her to come to me and say that she would rather stay at home than go to a different school says a lot better. >> Thank you Ellie for coming up. >> All right, Megan. >> Yeah, >> you have your opportunity. We'll start the clock for Megan for three minutes. Thank you. >> My speech earlier. Oh yeah. So I'll be surprised too all day. I'm sorry. A lot. >> I

081know. >> Sorry. >> We talk a lot. >> A lot. Especially when you're really stressed out. >> Okay. All right. Uh, so I wrote this very, very angry speech that I fully intended on giving tonight. And then my mind was actually changed by Carla Mayville. She reminded me that, yeah, yes, you are all people and it's hard and it's not your fault. So, I'm gonna be a little scattered tonight as I change some things as I go. >> Um, but I was I was very upset on Tuesday when it was brought up that the board approved $5.4 million for Nexus. And then I realized that I don't know anything about Nexus. So, I did a little digging in the very short amount of time that I had and I went to their website site and

082found this quote. We listen to your needs first, then apply our integrated planning expertise to help you create a facilities master plan. But we already had a facilities master plan. One was established 2 years ago. So why did we need to spend $5.4 million to pay someone to make a new one, especially when that $5.4 million almost covers Perry's phase one costs. >> Amen, girlfriend. >> Another quote from further down the site. We help you develop strategies, timelines, messages, and materials to effectively communicate your plan. It's been 3 weeks and 4 days since we were told our school was on the line again. That doesn't feel like effective communication to me. It feels like a rush job in an effort to keep us in the dark until it was already too late. So, I started

083wondering why the push to close period feels so much stronger and so much more rushed this time around because you you tell us that it's because the design team is getting together in July to start plans for Perry. It is April. We could have spread these meetings out over two or three weeks. You could have given yourselves a day to process all the things that we're saying up here before you come back to vote on a decision. It there's also a demographic growth projection at a previous meeting that shows a steady decline in students now in 2031. And this was already talked about Tuesday and earlier tonight. The Walmart distribution center bringing 700 jobs. Chrysler reopening in 2028 bring back 3,000 jobs. So if Perry closes then by the 28th 29th school year there very

084well could be an influx of students whose parents move to Belvadier for those jobs and then you're stuck spending much much more on a big brand new school than the 7 to6 million it would have taken to keep this one open. Okay. >> Motion to adjourn the meeting. So move. >> Okay. >> I'll seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. All those in favor say I. >> I. Oppose say nay. Okay. Meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. We will take a 10-minute break and then we will open up the special special board meeting. It is now 7:06 p.m. and I would like to call the April 9th special meeting of the board of education to order with the pledge of allegiance to the American flag to the flag of the United States of America and to

085the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Roll call, please. >> Mr. Da Meyer >> here. >> Mr. Herrera >> here. >> Mr. Hempy >> here. >> Mrs. H. >> Mr. Mueller >> here. >> Mr. Piggy >> here. >> Mrs. Young >> here. >> Before we start the special meeting of the board, as a reminder, all board members are expected to follow our approved meeting norms and board protocol. At this time, members of the public and employees of district 100 may make public comments. As reminder, any person appearing before the board is expected to address the board only at the appropriate time, and follow the directives of the board president to maintain order and decorum, identify oneself, limit comments to three minutes, conduct oneself with

086respect and civility towards others, and otherwise abide by board policy 8 colon 30. visitors to and conduct on school property. Okay. At this time, would Mr. Fort Zachary please come forward? Good evening. Fort Zachary again. Full disclosure, my wife and I are both lifelong public school teachers and we homeschool. Think about that. And we're not the only ones in this room. Like every parent, we work hard and we want the very best for our children. For more than seven years, I've taught middle and high school homeschool students US history, government, constitution, and civics. Last year, you hired my daughter as a teacher. She's awesome. And at 19 and 16, my sons already have good jobs that pay more than hers. Kids data shows as much as 17% of children in Rockford are homeschooled. What does

087that say about the state of our public schools? No one wants to honestly talk about it. discipline, curriculum, content, inclusion, or the impact on the rest of the class. The results are easy to find. You can't walk through downtown Rockford without seeing the F-word chocked everywhere all summer. The news is filled with examples of compassion while forgetting the flip side of that is injustice. Our society is only as healthy as our schools, and teachers and parents are now more than ever voting with their feet. Given this position, Mr. Heni asked me last week, "Do I still believe in public education?" Absolutely. I have dedicated my life to it. I have taught for almost three decades, building meaningful relationships and helping every child. I spent 12 years teaching kindergarten in the worst ranked school in the

088entire Rock River Valley. Two years ago, Mr. Hera, you challenged me to get involved in Dumour. The proudest moment of my career was running for RPS school board last year on the same ballot as my former kindergarten student from Ellis. And then there's Perry. Perry represents all that was right in public education. Small, safe, individualized, filled with teachers performing miracles every day, shaping the productive and free society of tomorrow. It's a neighborhood civic square I love with all my heart. Perry Elementary is more than just an old school building. It is one of only three continuously operating 19th century public elementary schools that still serves its original purpose in the same community. At over 125 years old, it represents the foundational era of public education in Illinois, functions as a multi-generational community anchor and continues

089to serve a deser diverse student population today. Schools with this combination of age, continuity, and active use are exceptionally rare, making Perry historically and socially significant to Belvadier. Small public neighborhood schools are the foundation of our society. Tonight, you're blessed with the opportunity to protect that. Two of you have already voted to do that once. We remember your moving speeches just two years ago. Nothing has changed since then. Perry is where alumni return as parents, generations come together, and where community identity where community identity and civics are reinforced year after year. Closing it would not just move students. It would erase a living piece of Belvadier and weaken its future. Decisions about schools aren't just about square footage or cost per student. They are about children, neighborhoods, history, and what we value. Value parody. Believe

090in Belvadier's past and protect its future. >> Okay. At this time, would Andrew Kitson PLEASE COME FORWARD? YEP, THAT'S ME AGAIN. >> Let's get back to where I left off in the last one. The cost per student. That's been brought up many times. Everest will be a $2.5 to$3 million project to renovate Everest. When you factor in the cost of moving the clinic, $2.5 to3 million for 50 students and you're worried about 6 million for 175 for a building that can have 300 students. How does that math? The math ain't math. Ask yourself, why don't you have time to research options? Why do you not have the time to research the options? That was the plan so you would go along with the agenda presented. Have you seen the questions of the survey? Raise a

091hand if you saw the questions of the survey. I bet you're not sure. You think you saw the questions of the survey during a foyer request. I found out that there was an email sent 2 hours after you voted on the the questions of the survey as presented. You approved it. 2 hours later, there was an email sent to Nexus and to Leatherman to not ask or make those calls until Dr. Shug was contacted because changes need to be made. Was it just the verbiage of a question or did the entire question get changed? We don't know. Where's the integrity in that? Where's the trust in that? I say again, as I've said before in the words of Ronald Reagan, trust but verify. That's why I've been here this many times. After seeing discrepancies in

092some of the foyer requests I've gotten and the information to call the attorney general, that's what I did. I called the attorney general, gave him the information I had. Do you know what they told me? call an attorney to file suit to give an injunction before this is this vote takes place. I don't have money for an attorney, especially not to go against the school district. But for the attorney general to give me that information, it raises a lot of red flags for me. What does that say about this whole situation? You have options to keep Perry open and make it even more of an amazing school than what it is now. Let Nexus work for you. Let them design what you need with the budget you want for Perry Elementary in July. Let them

093work for you. All the people behind me, you'll notice a great big P on their shirt. Many of you think that stands for Perry. That stands for passion, pride, parents, power, people with a heart. Make the right decision. Keep Perry open. Thank you, Mr. Kitson with Esme. Ariano, please come forward. >> Hello. Elementary, yes, is old school, but it is still strong. Every year when kids would be in the third grade, they very straight every single year. And now closes down, kids will have to feel that again, except they know that they will not go back to Perry. It closes up. Kids at Perry have a stronger relationship with teachers than friends. Do you really want to take that away from them? Kids at Perry do better with education. Every day when students walk in,

094teachers are always every teacher knows every single kid's names. Teachers at schools will have to learn all of their names. They won't know them by memory shut down. We all really hope make is a home to all. Thank you. >> Okay. At this time, would Mr. Tom Booker please come forward? Hi everybody. I had a lot of notes and I think I'm going to wing it instead because a lot of this has already been set. Um I'm a parent that was in the district who had three kids go through district 100. Um my last one's almost done, but I'm also a taxpayer and I am very fiscally conservative and when I was on the board I think I showed that. Um, to me it's just disturbing that we're going through all of this again when

095we went through it just a couple years ago at at nausea really and now we're spending all this time doing it. And I think part of what gets lost here it's been said is discussion of Perry unfortunately is just about Perry and it's about uh the administration wanting to build an early education sector. I don't think those two things should you know use one to create a need for the other is wrong. Um it I find it, you know, concerning that we voted on something and two years went by and I saw in the board up there that the reason it wasn't done because, you know, they were waiting to do some other things with the school. If your house if your roof was would you wait two years to fix your roof because you

096want to build a deck later? I don't I don't think you would. And that's kind of the way I took that. I don't think it's a very good uh reason. Um, but where I really want to go with this is as being on the board, having been a person on the board, I know it's not easy. You guys have to go through a lot of information and everything else, but really you are the only only accountability for our district, right? That is your job. Your job is for the taxpayers, for the students, for the teachers, for the parents. Um, you are the only one. you're the boss of the administration. And I think that gets lost sometimes. I think some board members don't look at it that way. They feel like they actually work for

097the administration. That's not how it is. And I think every board member needs to ask themselves, am I representing the community? I'm hearing the community here. And I'm sure if you ask the whole community uh in a very objective way where all the information was out there, they probably want to keep par. Um, I also think when you look at things as a board member, uh, obviously you want to do it respectfully, but I think cander and, uh, questioning should be welcomed. And if it's not, that should tell you something. And I hope everyone looks at it that way as what your role really is as a board member. Um, and also how much time has been spent on this, right? I'm totally going off here, but we've spent a ton of time here. we

098did, you're spending it now. Why aren't we spending all that time on having an intellectual honesty to say where are we doing bad? Why have we how much time as a board member I will say during my time here I bet we spent 10 to 20% of our time talking about academics or less right about math about where we're doing bad about some of our programs that aren't doing great that's what all this energy should be going towards not buildings not we shouldn't be like talking all the time about contracting spending millions of dollars with builders I don't see it say build up there I see it learn innovate that's all I have I ask that you hopefully look at it from perspective. Thank you very much. >> Okay, Mike speak please come forward again.

099>> Good evening. Just want to centralize So I believe last I last I mentioned that University of Toronto Dale says that students who walk to school have higher degrees of alertness, independence, happiness, stronger social bonds and lowers stress by busting our kids who are used to walking. Yeah, they, you know, we may see them go through a series of changes where maybe they aren't getting getting as healthy as uh as they once were. Children's Hospital Philadelphia mentions that outdoor play uh can help children be more rested at nights, develop stronger bonds with peers, build problem solving abilities, and generally improves physical and mental well-being. Since we're since we're used to picking up our kids directly from from school, first thing they do uh what's the first thing they do? >> To play on the playground.

100>> Yep. >> Every time 45 minutes. >> Yeah. Yeah. Forever. These these kids have have gotten used to, you know, you know, staying. They're not done with school when school is done with them. They stick around. H lastly, according to the broken windows theory, uh if a building remains vacant and falls into disrepair, that invites that invites much larger problems into the neighborhood. This is a neighborhood where our families still live. If Perry sits in sits empty and we see any broken windows, we'll be contacting you because we we need it we need it fixed. We don't want problems in our neighborhood. Otherwise, our people will become just as broken. There are some things you can't buy back. >> Okay. Um, Miss Justice Lender, please come forward. >> Hello again. Um, sorry, I forgot to

101add a couple things. Um, when Lincoln and I were up here earlier, um, well, like Mike was just saying, these kids don't want to leave school. Um, Lincoln joined garden club and music club just so he wouldn't have to leave school and he could spend more time with his teachers. Um, and I can tell you right now, I've been trying to get this boy to plant garden seeds for the last five years, and he doesn't want to do it with me, but he wants to do it at school. So, to me, that says a lot because we're we're pretty close. We're pretty tight-knit. We do a lot of things together just as we're buddies, you know. Um, um, we have a very good relationship. So, when he wants to stay at school, I fully support

102that. Um, he wants to get in as many things that are school related and with his peers as possible. Mike's teaching him guitar, you know, w with with his daughter Ellie. So, it's and, you know, they're really good friends. So, it's the fact that he wants to do so many things is is phenomenal to me. Um, one concern that I have is the his peers, him and his peers, they're old enough to remember what two years ago was like. They are traumatized. Us's parents are traumatized. I can tell you these last couple weeks, Lincoln has been having a lot more headaches. He's having trouble sleeping. He's wanting to come into my room in the middle of the night, not to embarrass him, but he's scared. He's nervous. He's stressed out. Um, we talk about it

103as much as possible, but what I'm trying to get at is this staff is phenomenal. And have you ever seen a community and a staff fight so passionately to keep their school open? I I never have. I didn't go to Perry when I was in elementary school. I went to Washington. The passion was not there there. But I knew this passion 30 years ago when I was 10 years old because I knew there was magic within those parody walls. Thank you. >> Okay. At this time, would Teresa Bick, please come forward. I guess what I want to say is I just want to reiterate how important this school is for all of us. I understand that you guys have a lot on your shoulders financially, but I my mom used to tell me when I

104was younger, where there's a will, there's a way. And if all of you really have the will to keep this school open, you will find a way. No matter what anybody stands here and tells you, if you really want it, and I'm not sure why, but I have a really bad feeling in my heart that you've already all made up your mind because there's already scheduling for us to tour different schools that's already been up. Talk about changing the lines have already been talked about and buses and a lot of other things. So, I'm very scared when I stand here and I tell you that if you close this school, you're going to be killing these faces right here. And I don't know how you're going to be able to live with yourself. And I

105understand that you want money facts and all kinds of stuff. I get it. I truly do because that's what you have to look at. But I I have to look at these faces and I have to tell these faces that you people closed their school. So, I brought my kids today. So, when you make your vote tonight, I want you to look at them and I want you to tell them what you're doing if you choose to close their school because I'm not going to do it. You all are going to do it. And Mrs. Kitson, what she said, why can't you use what she said? Why can't you figure out a way? Where there's a will, there's a way. And please make sure you look at these faces tonight if you make the right

106decision. >> Thank you, Mrs. Bick. At this time, would Veronica Jonas please come forward? I have a girl who has to go to bed, so I'm going to let her speak just for a second before I speak. Is that okay? >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> Okay. Say your name. My >> Hello, my name is Diana Deleion. I'm a fourth grade student at Perry. Perry school may be the oldest school in the district, but we are the happiest. And if you decide to close Perry, other schools will get more kids and teachers, which means that not just the teachers will be overwhelmed, so will the kids. Not all the kids will get the attention that they need and deserve. And another thing is there's more options to think of. And my other friends that go to

107different schools say, "Wow, your school sounds so much fun and nice." And another one of my friends used to go to my school but moved to Lincoln. They said, "I miss Perry and I love too." So, please don't close Perry. Perry is the best school in my opinion. Thank you for having me. Okay, so our areas, our area is primarily smaller homes made for new families and many new families have moved into this area in the last year with young kids. The people I spoke to that I told you about and um mentioned Harry as one of the reasons it seemed a perfect fit for them. Some were family people that were planning on having families but hadn't started yet. Where do you think those Chrysler and Amazon workers will buy houses? Our neighborhood. But

108unless we don't have a school, in which case they might try to get one closer somewhere else. Keith Perry here with the ability to open up our unused rooms and there are some for two classes per grade again and shortage. Thanks. Here is an out ofboxing. If you fix our roof, okay, add some solar panels, have it green, maybe we can make some of the money to keep our school open by just keeping the energy flowing, selling it back to the energy people, and making some money during the summertime when you'll be there. Okay, that's it. Thank you. At this time, is there anyone else that would like to approach the board? Okay. >> And again, as a reminder, uh please identify yourself as you approach the board. There's a negotiation. >> Hello, my name

109is Jaylen. Um, I love Perry school because all my teachers and um, everybody in the school is really nice and I feel like that if the school shut down, I don't know where to go for the um, where to go for a school. Like I feel like I would prefer being homeschooled than Lake Perry. And we moved to a house just so we could stay at Perry instead of going to like Washington. So we moved to a certain house so we could stay at Perry and um not go to another school because I really love this school. I've been going here since I've been going there since um kinder and all my teachers are very nice and um every single student is really nice too and they all um they all have like they're all

110really nice and they're kind and they're not rude. And this school has like it's tiny school, but it has students that are kind to each other and they all are nice to each other and thank you for your time. >> Thank you, JAYLEN. >> JAYLEN, UH, for the record, what is your last name? >> Oh, Farmer. >> Farmer. Thank you, Jaylen. Hi, my name is Can you hear me? >> Yes, go ahead. >> Hi, my name is Mia and I'm in fourth grade. Why is Perry so important to me? I love how small it is, which makes it easier for everyone to know each other. I love how the teachers at Perry challenge me and motivates me to do better. Perry is not just a school. It's where a place where everyone become everyone becomes

111family. The teachers at Perry are amazing. Mrs. Hers was the first teacher I had at Perry. She made me love school and taught me to be independent. Mrs. Kitson, she taught me to add up big numbers and made fun. I loved when we did science experiments and we made pancakes. Mrs. Cameron, she was the first teacher of mine to have a class pet. She taught me how to do division and multiplication. Miss when she is so fun to be around. She makes school exciting and that is why I don't want Perry schools to shut down. >> And Mia, just same question as Jaylen. What's your last name? >> I didn't hear it. >> Winkleman. >> Wkelman. Thank you. Thank you. Perfect. Is there anyone else that would like to approach the board? Please uh come

112forward at this time. And it again. >> Hi. As you may have guessed, my name is Patty. I worked in district 100 schools for 20 years. Recently retired. Highly recommended. I started my time at Washington Academy and ended a Perry school. I've worked in the largest school and the smallest school. So along with Angie Manali and Jen Lil, I think I have a unique perspective on our situation today. When you work in the office of an elementary school, you're on the front line. You are literally the connection between the parents and the staff. My time at Washington School showed me that Washington School is filled with caring, dedicated professionals who are committed to their students, but they don't really know them. This is not a flaw for the staff. It's a flaw in the system.

113It's logistics. There's just too many students. When these parents back here tell you that Perry offers a unique experience, they are 100%. Correct. Larger schools cannot lean into families the way that we can. This is an experience that should be celebrated and preserved, not sold out for a new EC center. Many times over the year, we have heard that children are resilient, and after closing their school and moving them to a new one, they'll be okay. Is that what we're striving for? Just okay? Is that what District 100 wants? In a district that has been centered on social and emotional well-being, okay seemed a little bit dim. Dr. Shut, you were the only superintendent out of five that ever knew my name. And I know you were handed this. You did not create it. I

114have argued this point with my neighbors and colleagues on often occasions. But after the back and forth and the closing and not closing and the super shady poll, it's not an easy thing to do anymore. The task before you is a difficult one and I do not envy you. But I do challenge you as you sit in your comfy chairs behind your big desk and make your decision. Should you close Perry, then go to Perry. Gather the families, the students, and the staff and tell them that it's okay to go back on your word. Tell them that they just didn't make the cut. They're not worth it. But most of all, please tell them how they're going to be okay. THANK YOU. THANK YOU, PATTY. Is there anyone else that would like to approach the

115board? Uh, we have a couple people up in the front if you want to come forward. Again, please state your name first and last. >> Hi, my name is Alana Bean. I don't want Perry school to close because if it does it means that my family's going to be taken away and my home is going to be taken away from me and all these students and teachers are amazing. If I lose them, I don't know how I will be competent and not try anymore. Thank you. >> Is it okay? >> Hi. Good night. Good evening, not good night. Um, I'm Kayla Matthews. I have been in Belvadier for two years. I've worked in a number of local districts, just three. I want to say three things that we haven't talked about yet. Data. I like

116numbers. Uh, Perry School achievement in math from the historical data that I have pulled has gone from 40% achievement to 69% achievement in math in the last six years. So that's accounting the COVID test. They've gone from 53% to 65% in ELA. that is in spite and despite of a brand new curriculum that they are doing brilliant things with when you look at the face as you do I see I get to see them every day that I'm at Perry I do also like Miss Patty have the experience with Perry and Washington amazing children at both places but it's different it is different at Perry they have as of March 2026 Perry has the top or the second top highest math scores Envision the curriculum that we use for math. That is what some people

117would say, well, there's only a few students there. You're right. When there are less students in a room, you have more impact. You have higher scores. despite losing a leader in the middle of the year and a scramble of subs who are amazing and covered in a way that I didn't know anybody could. We achieved HRS level three. We had a commendable summitive rating for our school. These are just a few things that are happening that are really, really effective and efficient. It is because these students are so intelligent. There are programs that could be put in place at Perry. Advanced learning could flourish in that building. Green learning could flourish in that building. There are so many things that we could do. The other thing that I would like to say and the point

118that I would like to make is that I have been in a situation where I have been in a district where schools have closed. I just narrowly missed another district who just closed two buildings. When I was in Bo and schools were closed, it was tragic to that community. They have spent the last 5 years trying to put it back together again. They cannot because sometimes you cannot fix what has been broken. And I do know and I do believe this district has amazing potential. I would not have left a district and at year 20 in education, which as anybody who is in education knows that's a very scary move to put yourself at the bottom of the pool again when you've been in this game for so long. But I never hesitated for a

119minute to come here. I've loved every minute. And even though I won't be here next year, I will be pulling for this forever. Thank you. Okay. >> Hello. My name is Jessica Ferguson. I'm the secretary. I took over the reigns for Miss Patty back there. Um I'm also more importantly the mother of four children in the school district. My oldest graduated last year from Belvadier North. She is at Carol University now studying nursing um with the influence of one of her amazing teachers at Belvager North. Um my twin boys, they're in fourth grade at Lincoln Elementary. Um one of them is in class with one of the board members daughters. Um the other one is in dual language. I'm going to talk um a little bit about our experience of dual language. It is not

120it is we have had wonderful teachers at Perry but um you know like one of them both my twins started in duel. One of them I pulled out because he was not making the progress I felt in fourth grade and the other one is still in duel. Um I've heard he's not making the progress as well. We still do have an amazing experience. We have amazing teachers there who care and love about our children. We do not feel when they come home they are not cared for. Um I had something written up. I didn't email it to you guys. I hope you read it and took it in. Um, so I'm usually one-on-one on the phone, not in front of a board of a panel of people watching me. But anyway, I just wanted to

121say Harry is amazing. You know, I have I can tell you all of these students names, you know, after being there for almost two years. I have people calling me asking me what their names are because I know that the power of a small school is that I know what they are. I know their first and last names just by looking at them. Um, my children I one of my fourth graders I gave him a challenge. He was I was talking to him a little bit after watching one of the hearings on Monday on the way home from baseball. I wasn't able to come because my kids are very involved in baseball. Anyway, um I gave him a challenge. I was like, Tommy, I want you to go into Lincoln tomorrow morning and I want

122you to count how many staff members tell you good morning. I was really looking to see how many staff members knew his name, but let's start with good morning. He came. So the next day, that was Monday night. The next day, Tuesday night, I was home watching the hearing again, um when my kids were being kids at home, and he was listening to me watching. He's like, "Hey, mom, guess what? I asked or I counted how many staff members told me good morning when I came into school today, and guess how many told me good morning." I'm like, "Oh, how many?" And I I was shocked and saddened by how many he told me. And he said zero. That's heartbreaking. But it again, my children are loved at Lincoln. We have staff members that love

123and care and really, you know, strive to have them make as much progress as they can. But the power of Carrie is that a secretary coming in new knows all of their names for after being there for almost two years, after taking the reigns from someone who was there for 20 years. Um, it it's telling to me again, my children are loved at Lincoln. I have no complaints, but it is very telling to me what a wonderful community that Perry is and why it should stay open. My name is Elena Bunchu and um I've been hearing a lot of things about parents and their children and loving parents and loving homes and how supportive they are of their children and their school. I want to talk about the ones that don't have that. They don't

124have loving parents. They don't have parents that care about them and support them. And for them, Perry is their safe place. This isn't about a building. This is about the community in the building that's making a difference in some of these kids' lives. We have kids that come to school that you go to hug them and they flinch because they don't know that that's somebody can touch reach, excuse me, reach out and touch them in a general way. We have children that don't know how to take a compliment. They don't know how to have someone challenge them and the staff and teachers at Perry do that. We give them the support. We give them the love. We give them the encouragement. We give them the respectful discipline they need that they're not getting at home.

125So, there's a saying about how it takes a a village to raise a child. Every school is that village. And we're raising a lot of children that are going to go on to be wonderful people. But if it closes, I don't know what's going to happen to these kids because a lot of them are going to get lost in the cracks. Thank you. >> Okay. Is there anyone else? Okay. I am Leo Gra and Jace is my stepbrother. Um I want Harry is a good school. Whenever my stepbrother comes home from school, he's always happy and he likes to play soccer with me after soccer because he feels good. and I want to try to make I'm wanting to go to Perry next year cuz going to be moving out of the house I am

126in right now and then I would go to Perry cuz it'll be a closer school and then be able to go to a new school and try to learn new things at Perry, go to a new school, go to a new playground, and I will be able to play with Jake at recess and then for school and we'll be in a mood cuz every time Jace comes comes from school, he always feels good. And I want to try to go to Perry for I can make him feel better and for I can make feel better by going to his school and playing with him at the school. >> THANK YOU. MY NAME IS Bob Mata. Um, I'm a husband of one of the school teachers here at Perry. Um, I'm not prepared. I don't have

127anything to write, but I'm just going to shoot from him. Okay. I work in this community. I've worked for an engineering firm for 15 years that does work in this community. Okay. It is very common for me to sit there and try to tell this community why we have to spend money when they don't have it in their budget. Okay? And ultimately, we always find a way to get around that because when you don't have the money, you don't have the money. I think everyone here that has a house that that they own have things to do there. And you're not all going to do everything. If we go apart and take apart the plumbing and the electrical and the roofing and everything, who's all doing that at one shot? Nobody's doing that. Okay. I

128think really what bothers me the most is this is just like a quick turnaround. Okay, the last board sat here, they had plans and it never happened. Okay, here you guys are doing the same thing. We're just going to pass this off and we're going to find our ways just to kind of get around this. It kind of makes me wonder like Calon, you think they've had water problems for a couple years now and this year they've had a few times. Is that the next one on the chopping block just because maybe it's not perfect? At the end of the day, why don't we learn about what we have to do to make this school work to fix it? Let's take the practical approach and figure out what do we really need to do. Let's

129not look at what our consultant says and give us a laundry list of everything that needs to be done. We can always find things that we want to do. Let's find the things that mean something to get the school to keep it open and take care of things that have to get done right now and then filter things as the budget will fit that. There's no need to have to get 7 million or more done in one shot. Let's take care of doing things that definitely have to get done, the critical things that need to get done. Okay? Let's learn about that and figure out what that really is. Let's practice what we preach. Let's learn, innovate, and lead. How about we come up as the board and figure out that you are the board

130that's going to save the day, right? You're going to find a way to make this happen. You know, it's been pushed along and pushed along. Now, it's getting shoehorned through. Let's stop and look back and say, you know what, maybe there's ways we can make this community better by leaving the school in place. There's so many examples all these people have said here why this school should stay. I'm not going to reiterate all that. You guys know that you're all human beings. You can feel the heartstring tugs and all that. you know how these people are. Let's look at the practical side of this and make that happen. Okay? How about doing the leading? Why don't you guys do something that turns this all around and make that difference? Okay? Let's not just do what

131everybody else did. Let's just push it along and have the same thing happen else. There's ways we can fix this. We can look at the various part portions of the budget, not just take what we've been receiving from our consultants saying, "Oh yeah, we need to fix all this stuff. We've got to get it done in one shot." you know, let's take care of the things that need to get done and find and move down the line. Everybody here has a good reason why this school should stay open. I think if everybody conscient interestingly looks at what we have to do to keep the school open on a electrical or mechanical roofing whatever it is those budgets and get that stuff in check I think we probably find a way to make that happen you

132know and keep everybody moving forward get the results that we've been getting with these students and everybody that works hard here to make these students what they are and to make the world a better place with kids that just really have a good community that supports them. Okay. Figured I'd let everybody who hadn't had a chance to go yet before I went again. I was not going to get back up and talk again tonight because I was told that the board is more interested in numbers and statistics right now and less on anecdotes and I don't have any more of those. I gave them all already. But this is it, right? This is the end. This is the last one. It's either do or die now. And I just don't think I could have sat

133in my chair and let that happen without trying one more time. So, we've talked a lot about how safe our kids feel at the school. And I wanted to give a silly little story today that just happened today after school about how safe I feel with my kids at this school. And I went I walked to the school today to pick up my daughter from school like I do just about every day. And her class had had extra recess out on the playground at the end of the day today. And so I saw her whole class. I recognized them all coming around the building and I didn't see her. And then I saw Miss Manali, her teacher, come around carrying her backpack and I went, "Okay, I see the bag. Where's the kid?" And she

134I was told by at least three different people at different times. She tried to do a cartwheel and hurt her hand. So, she went to the nurse, said, "Okay, can I go in and go get her from the nurse's office?" "Absolutely." They let me in. And then the nurse's office is empty. There's nobody in there. And I went, "All right, that's got to be somewhere." But I wasn't scared. It wasn't, "Oh my god, my kid's missing." It's, "All right, which one of you has my kid?" As I walk back outside and I come around the corner of the building and there's a whole group of staff standing there and they just go, "She went that way." Cuz I walked around the corner looking a little lost and they knew exactly what I wanted. They knew

135exactly what I was doing cuz they knew exactly where she was. And I don't think I can't say that I don't think I would have gotten that at any other school. But I can say that any time an issue arises, I'm very confident every time that it's going to get handled effectively and efficiently and with care. Thank you. Anyone else that would like to press the board? see a nun. >> Is there one? Oh, I'm sorry. Hand it off because >> Okay. >> I actually don't even know how many how many people have had my child tonight. I really don't. It's a village. >> Yeah. But I trust mom. >> Um I think they they left me for a bit. She might scare me because she has extremely tired. Um she was in here. I

136was somewhere. But I am safe to leave my child with all of these people. I've done it. I've done it in the past. Um, our little fundraisers. I don't even know where you were. Uh, she had her for 30 minutes. I ate dinner. Uh, next thing I know, somebody else is bringing me my baby. Wonderful. So, this is a village. This is who we are. This is how we function. And unfortunately, when you're going to take this away, if this is what it is, we will not be as of a village. Um, so, um, funny story. Um, Ma, I don't know if you want to stand up. Um, we've been driving around, um, pointing out some of these elementary schools. Hey, what about this one? What about that one? She turned around and just said,

137"That is the most ugly school ever. It looks like it's falling apart. What?" She's like, "I don't know what design they decided to do with this, but it's it's ugly." I'm like, "Okay." Um, unfortunately, that one was Washington, which kind of does look like it needs extra help, too. Um, as for Perry, it's bones are still there. Those bricks are still there. That's a old building. Washington is newer and it looks like it probably needs a new brick job. Um, but that old building has withstanded over a hundred years. My house 125y old house. the old part of that house. No problem. I'm going have to redo the whole 50-y old addition to it because it's starting the same. That building has its bones. It has Thank you. >> Okay. Is there anyone else that

138would like to approach the board? Okay. At this time, do I have a motion and a second? >> Okay. Do I have a motion and a second to approve the closure of Perry Elementary School effect at the end of >> No, that is correct. >> 2025 through 2026 school year. >> That's this year. at the end >> the end of 2025 2026 school year. >> I'll make the motion. >> Okay, >> I'll second. >> Do we second? Okay, member Diesel Meer made the motion. Member Hempy seconded the motion to approve the closure of Perry Elementary School effective the end of the 2025 2026 school year. Discussion. Sure, Mr. Mueller. >> Well, here we are. Mr. President, fellow board members, I'm asking you to keep Harry open. This building has served our community for 126 years,

139yet it's not received any major updates in the last 30 years. That's why the repair list took so long. The original Larson and Derby estimate two years ago was 4.4 million. Over 1.1 of that million or over 1.1 million of that was for a full elevator we don't actually need. Bar has functioned without one for 126 years. Why do we need one now? Illinois code gives older buildings flexibility on this. We do not need to bring Perry up to a level of brand new school. It doesn't need a full commercial kitchen or a reg regul regulation size gym, excuse me. We just need to keep it safe and functional. And I believe that $4 million or less is more than enough to do exactly that. We are being asked to close the school before we

140even agree on what actually cost to fix it. I couldn't find anywhere in the Nexus contract that says we owe them a dime if we don't accept their design on carriage. Maybe Hans can tell me differently, but we should be debating the real price tag first, not jumping straight to shutting the doors. Feels like we were doing this backwards since the previous board already voted six to one school open. Some will argue that closing it will bridge a budget gap or budget deficit, which it probably could help, but I have but I have a hard time closing a school just to do that when no other measures have been taken to address that issue so far. 175 children are attending Perry right now. There could be more, but for some reason it is not. The

141kids there are thriving and the school ranks number two elementary in our district. Closing it would mean we'd lose a historic building that means something to the neighborhood and city. This isn't about spending money we don't have given the expiring debt. It's about spending it wisely. 4 million to keep Perry open is far better than 20 or 30 million building something new. Let's fix what needs fixing and keep our neighborhood school open. >> Thank you, Mr. Mueller. Any other discussion? I'd like to make a few >> Sure. comments, Mr. President. >> Sure. >> Uh, first of all, uh, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of the proud and passionate supporters of Perry for their inputs between parents, students, teachers, paras, neighbors, and alumni of all ages. they've gone the extra mile

142to share their feelings with us. I also appreciated having the opportunity to meet some of the parents outside of the public meetings. In every case, they came across as sincere, honest, and decent people who are only looking out for the best interests of their children, as you would expect any parent to do. But what impressed me the most is how dearly they care about their children's education. To me, this is a foundational piece of the fabric needed for successful outcomes in education. In my opinion, our broader society could certainly benefit from having more of that. It is clear that there's been a long rich history of education at Perry Elementary School. In addition, it became evident along the way that there are many fond memories and traditions kept over the years which are cherished by

143many. There are also numerous heartwarming stories of close familyto-f family relationships which provide love and support where needed. It is also very clear that literally for decades the building has been neglected, leaving it in its current state. The frustration and anger felt by the Perry stakeholders over this situation is both understandable and is most certainly justified. Unfortunately, the current state of the building requires a disproportionately large financial investment to remed remedy only some of the pressing issues. Even if we were to make such an investment, we would still be left with significant shortcomings in this school with the potential of even more problems that come along with a very old building. The recent long-term demographic studies that were presented to the board show a persistent gradual downward trend that is both consistent with prior data

144for D100 and consistent with overall population trends across the country for school districts. Meanwhile, though some of our schools have higher numbers of students than others, none of our schools are operating at peak capacity today. Even if we were to see an influx of new development down the road, we have enough capacity to handle that for the foreseeable future. We also began this year with an operating deficit of $9.9 million in our operating budget. The administration has worked hard to close about half of that gap, but we still have a gap of about 5 million left to close. In addition to all of the public comments made at board meetings recently, members of the board have also heard from numerous members of the community outside of these meetings. Some having children in our district, some

145not having children in our district, some even living within the boundaries of Perry, all advocating for closure. Many of these inputs that have been received are respect to the large cost to the taxpayers of keeping the school open when we have the capacity to serve students at other schools in our district. This input reminded me of the fact that when we are sworn in as board members, one part of the oath that we take speaks to our fiduciary responsibility to all taxpayers that we represent, not just those from one part of the district or another. Being a member of a school board is for the most part a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. But as members of the public have acknowledged over the past few weeks, sometimes we have a very tough and unenviable job

146to do. Tonight is one of those times. The good news in all of this, in my opinion, is that every single one of our other elementary schools is providing the same kind of open, caring, and nurturing environment and quality of education as is the case with Perry. There are cherished teachers at those schools who also go the extra mile to connect with, embrace, nurture, and care for our youngest students so that they are able to thrive. Just as at Perry, this to me strongly suggests that is the people and not the physical building that makes this so. When we first started to discuss the possibility of closing Perry, I personally felt a deep sense of concern for how we would handle the transition in the event of closure. I believe it is vital that all

147stakeholders, parents, students, staff be provided with the necessary care, support, and respect to help them make the transition. I believe that the plan that we're about to discuss tonight does do that. Having carefully weighed all of the information before the board, then very thoughtfully and diligently, I support a decision to close Perry Elementary School. >> No. >> Thank you, Mr. Diesel Meyer. Is there anybody else that would >> want to make Yes. >> Yeah. I'll keep mine I'll keep mine brief. Um, when I came onto the school board, I said that I would be a good steward of taxpayer dollars and I would do what's best for all kids in the district. And when I look at the the price tag for how much it costs to put into Perry and I look at um

148how much how old the building is and all the work that's got to be put into it. Despite that price tag, I just feel like it's hard to hard to justify that and hard to put that money into a school with that at that um at that age. Uh I'm a firm believer that Perry is uh especially because of the teachers, staff, and the students. You guys are showing that here tonight. And so not because of the building. And I feel like other elementary schools in the district have that same capacity to welcome other students with open arms. I have seen in other schools that um teachers and staff will welcome students and make them feel welcome and loved just like they do at Perry. So >> absolutely not. >> So I I unfortunately will

149I would just and close Perry. >> Thank you. Member Piggy. Does anyone else have any comments, questions? >> Yeah, I'll doc. There's no way to prepare oneself for this type of a situation. And I'm a very in the- moment type of person. And so it's a blessing and a curse. A lot of times what it means is that my experiences I don't remember very vividly. This experience I'm going to remember very vividly. And first and foremost, I just want to commend the Perry community for living out what I believe is the way that we were designed and created to live in community, supporting one another. Um, it's been inspiring to me. I admire you. I respect you. I'm proud that you represent my hometown. Um, I also agree that every student in this district deserves

150to experience the same thing that your children are experiencing and your families are experience. >> It won't happen. >> And you've illustrated that to me through just countless emails and face-to-face conversations and the time that you've had here. But I also have no doubt that that is the for founding guiding principle of all of our educators, our teachers, our paras, our support staff in this community. And I think that it's generally in the DNA of all educators >> while I'm here. And I know that the members who have emailed and communicated outside of this forum, they're probably listening or they will come back and listen. But I also want to thank them, too. Um, I know that it's extremely difficult to come here and convey a correlary opinion. Carla was probably the only one who

151did. I commend Carla for coming here and um feeding into us with her wisdom and her insight today and supporting us. Um but I want to thank the the time and effort for the countless emails that we've received on a correlary opinion today. So, as a board member, I never expected to have to experience this type of an emotional strain. Um, I'm good at asking questions and that's what I believe I was elected to do was to ask questions and to represent our diverse community. And if you ask any of the cabinet and the administration, they know that I ask questions. And that's another thing that I want to also reiterate is that I strongly after just a year of experience with this administration, I strongly respect them. And I know there's been a lot

152of bashing and um I I wanted to just convey that I have deep faith in you all whenever I come to ask questions to do what I feel I'm expected to do as a board. I'm welcomed with open arms in that. So um I don't ever expect there's anything that is happening nefarious or you know under the table or under the radar. >> Sorry. So, that's okay, Andrew. I'm I'm glad I got to meet you a little bit, too. And I appreciate your emails. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, >> if you're going to say what I think you're going to say, you need to look at the their faces and say it. You should have, too. >> Yeah. I'm proud of you all. You >> looked right at them. >> At this time, at this

153time, it is the board's opportunity to speak. We already had public comment. That was the opportunity for the public to speak. At this time, please respect the order. >> Okay, >> Mr. Hempy, my apologies, please. >> President Herrera. >> Um, so I'm going to vote yes to close parish. >> And it's a decision that's based on really two reasons. safety and fiscal steward stewardness and stewardship and sustainability. >> And my vote is not an an acquiescence. It's not an acquiescence but a demonstration of the commitment that I feel I was elected to represent the responsibility that I was elected for. remember the fiscal responsibilities in the upcoming things. >> I promise you I will and I hope we have lots of more engaged and in-depth discussions about it. And another thing though is that I've

154also called upon uh Dr. Shug to make a commitment that they will embrace the chaos that's going to come. It's unpredictable how difficult it's going to be. Um >> we all know that you already plan this >> and she's made a commitment to me and she's addressed it already. um that her administration and her will address the chaos that is going to be created to do do what's best and most positive for the families. >> That's it. >> Thank you, Mr. Hempy. >> Are there any others that would like to make a comment, ask questions? I will go ahead and speak. Uh >> at this time it's the opportunity for the board to speak. It is only for the board to speak at this time. We already closed public comment earlier. >> Member Junk. >>

155Um I did not prepare anything to say tonight because I wanted to take it all in first. I wanted to hear you and I want you to all know that I appreciate everything that you've brought to us. I know how difficult this is for all of you. It's just as difficult for us as well. I just want you to know that I've taken notes on everything that you've said. I am going to do my due diligence to move forward to respect the things that you guys have brought up. Um, like the other board members, all of us, I thank you for being here. I thank you for supporting your kids. I thank you for being the presence that you are in this community. Um, I truly believe that Belvadier as a whole represents everything that

156you guys have talked about. Um, I believe that we are the village complete Belvadier. Um, and I believe that all of our teachers districtwide are excellent teachers and they will protect kids no matter what. >> Um, that being said, I agree. I will be voting to close Perry. Um, >> and I'm sorry that you guys are going through this. >> Um, >> no, you're not. >> You planned this ahead of time. >> All of you. You know damn well you planned it ahead of time. >> I also believe that our kids learn from us and >> at this time again let me remind the public it is the opportunity for the board to speak. >> I don't give a I believe our kids learn from us as adults and the way we present things to

157them. They will thrive if we can present it in the correct manner. Change is not easy. Change is not something that we want to go through. But our kids will be our kids will be great. They will thrive. I won't say it Patty because they will thrive if we present that to them. If we as the adults can show that to our children that sometimes things happen that we don't want to happen, but we can move forward and we can thrive when we present that to our children. >> Thank you, Mrs. Young. >> Is there anyone else that would like to make comment or have any questions? >> Yeah, I do. Um, I agree with Barbie when it comes to being an example for our children. Um, for those of you that don't know, I

158am the one that has been through this. I've been over sitting where you're sitting and I know exactly how it feels. And I know I know how much you're hurting right now because I was I was hurting the same as you. And I was angry, I was sad, I was scared, I was anxious. And my daughter sat next to me just like I see a lot of you out there right now. And I was comforting her. Um, I just want to say that. So when they closed Kish, that was a small school and as much as I tried, my daughter got sent to one of the biggest schools in the district. And I I was so scared. I mean, my kid, anyone who knew my kid back then, I mean, we had a no cry

159chart in kindergarten because she cried. I mean, I'm so sorry. I know you're watching this, but she cried every day. And it was just so hard for her. And she when she went to Seth, I was so scared for her. And I projected my feelings about what happened onto her. And I think that's what Barbie's getting at. Like I could have done a better job. And I'm speaking about me. I'm not speaking about you. But I could have done a better job as my role as a parent. And I want you guys to know if if you want me to speak to your kids and tell you what my daughter went through and the things I learned and the things she learned, I'm willing to do that. I'm not afraid to look at anyone in

160the eye and talk to them. Um, my daughter did okay. Not just okay. >> Do you want to know actually what she told me? And I wasn't going to say it tonight, but I realized what I just said. She told me she had the time of her life that year. I know no one wants to hear that here and I wasn't going to say it, but since hearing the the comments, I will tell you. And that's what she told me. She had the time of her life. She met an amazing teacher, Deb Lela, who brought out just power in that kid. She had an amazing principal, Nicole Dford, that was in the room and and that knew these kids and and made a difference with them. I respect everyone at Perry. I know most of

161you. Most of you. And the easiest thing for me to do tonight is to vote no, right? Because does it matter at this point? When I voted last time, I said the people at Perry showed up. And you did. You're here. You're here. But other people showed up this time. and it far outweighed Perry and I'm so sorry about that. But when I look at making decisions for this district, I have always said I will listen to my constituents and they overwhelmingly sadly said that we need to be fiscally responsible and we need to close Perry. And I am so sorry. And I I know I know how you feel and and and that's all I could say. I'm sorry. >> Thank you, Mrs. H. First, I want to thank everybody for their outreach. Um,

162we it we can see it. We can feel it. We can feel your passion. We can hear it here in your emails and other correspondents. It is admired. So, here we are again. This has no doubt been a difficult process for me and the rest of my fun board members. This decision process has not been as easy. But after taking some time to process the decision, I've also come to the conclusion of closing Perry. This hasn't been an easy decision, but the right decision for me right here and right now. It was two years ago we were here to keep this school open. There are a couple reasons why I voted to keep the school open. Then one was I needed more time to to evaluate other possible alternatives and solutions. At the time, I

163reached out to city officials and sought out areas for future development in the Perry neighborhood because I I felt the need for the Perry neighborhood to have some type of development in the neighborhood. Now, my mother lives there and she's lived there for a long time. I'm in the neighborhood every week, sometimes multiple times. So, I do care. I do care about the neighborhood. I do care about the people in the neighborhood and I do care about future development in that neighborhood. I'm still committed to advocating for future development in the Perry neighborhood and as long as I'm on the board, I will continue to advocate for that whatever it may be if and when the opportunity comes. I hope there's some options, but I will also be looking for your support if and when

164an option becomes available for future development for the school district. I do believe that even the level of a new investment at the existing Perry building, the students will not have all the resources all the other elementary schools have. I I in my opinion, I do believe our students deserve better. It's not about the building, It's about the people that create great outcomes and connections. Please find comfort that we have great teachers and staff at the rest of our elementary schools. I don't need a survey to tell me how great our teachers are in our district. I see it firsthand. Each school will welcome your your kids and students with open arms and the staff. Please find comfort that you will they will be handled with care. In the last two years, I've seen that

165127 students from the Perry neighborhood have integrated easily within our other elementary schools. We have six buses picking up about 77 kids in the morning, another 10 buses dropping off about the same amount in the afternoon. Again, please find comfort that there is history of Perry neighborhood kids are being safely transported. Many of our board members said this tonight. Kids are resilient and they're going to see this through. I know this is difficult. is a difficult decision for all of us here tonight, but please trust that the school board, our superintendent, and the administration are going to handle this with care. >> Trust like the last one. >> Any other further comments, questions? Roll call, please. >> Mr. Diesel. >> Hi. >> Mr. Hempy. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Hul. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Young. >>

166Hi. >> Mr. Piggy. >> Hi. >> Mr. Mueller. >> No. >> Mr. Herrera. >> I. >> You can. >> Motion passes six to one. Do I have a motion and a second to approve the Perry Elementary School transition plan as presented? >> I move. >> Okay. Did a good job. >> Member Hempy and member Member Hempy made the motion. Member Piggy made the motion to approve the Perry Elementary School transition plan as presented. discussion, please. >> I I think there's been a lot of thought uh put into this and I've seen itated a number of times. >> Make sure you guys take care of these teachers and students. Honestly, I I'm not trying to be angry or mean in any shape or form. You did what you had to do and you feel like it's

167the right choice. take care of every single one of them, especially those teachers cuz you guys have gone back on your word before. Don't go back on your word this time. >> Member Dome. >> Hi, I just want to comment that uh I think this is well thought out. Uh I've seen a number of good iterations. Um, I I would um just ask that we continue to stay flexible as things arise and uh if we feel we need to supplement or add to this that that we do so in the best interests of the students and and family and teachers. >> I agree with that completely. I think we do have to stay flexible with it. But and I also agree and I want on record that we are going to take care of our

168teachers and our paras and our secretary all of them. We will take care of them. >> We'll make sure of it. >> Yeah. And just keep us keep us updated. I know there's going to be a lot of moving parts in the coming weeks and months. So, keep us in the loop and if anything changes, just keep us posted. >> And if there's anything we can do as board members to support, I'm certainly willing to do that. >> Check that out. And we will we I know the whole team is very very committed to trying to make as seamless a transition as possible for the students and for the staff. So, we will we will do everything we can. I've uh met pretty extensively with Dr. Johnson on this. uh and we know that there's

169going to be uh some chaos to embrace and uh we're going to we're going to do that and uh do what we can to take care of our kids and our and our staff. >> So when we're talking about approving the transition plan, are is are we also approving the transition and legacy commitment as part of that plan? >> Uh they are both there under that same item in the board agenda. Yes, that would be uh the intention is to approve both of those items together as part of the >> Okay. Um I would just say this, you know, it's not probably part of the plan, >> but some ideas and some thoughts of Perry history tradition at >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. We uh I know that Perry uh is already engaging

170in uh making sure that there will be some end of the year uh opportunities for students and families to come together to celebrate the legacy that is uh Perry and we will do everything we can to support that as well. >> Yeah, a lot is going to happen in the next month, right? And um just want to make sure that we're appra appraised of what's happening. >> Yeah. >> On a nearly daily basis and understanding if there's some roadblocks that are happening, things that weren't expected. I'm sure there's going to be a lot that's not expected, but I'd like to hear those things that weren't expected. um so we can understand and know whether whether we all need to step in and brainstorm or take other actions. So >> I appreciate that and we will

171definitely uh keep the board uh updated and informed. We're going to know a lot more once we've been through registration. Uh what's most important for uh Perry families right now is to register and to register on time. uh because that is going to be what's going to allow them to complete the selection form so we know what schools they want to go to so they are entered into that lottery so that we can make sure that we honor um the choices that they are making. So registering on time is absolutely critical. Uh and then we are going to sit down and we are going to uh work together to create those placements and absolutely do everything we can uh that is reasonable uh to place students in schools of their choice. And that will be

172a legacy. That will not be a one year. It won't be a one year for staff. Once staff is placed, they will be placed. And once students are placed, they will be placed for the duration of their um of their tenure with the district, >> which I mean, I know we've talked about it and this talks mostly about the families and the kids, but have we done next steps for our staff? >> We have uh and we do have communications that are going to go out uh tomorrow that we had prepared based on uh what the vote of the board was going to be uh to help inform parents and staff about what those will be. The staff have already uh received information about what those next steps would look like. They will receive more

173information tomorrow. Dr. Ady, is there anything you wanted to add? >> More information will be going out tomorrow and Mr. Mandera and I will be out at Perry on Monday meeting individually with uh each staff member. Um you know, the plan is uh you know, we look at seniority and and go in order of seniority and what people are certified in. And so we we'll be working through that on Monday uh individually with each not just teachers but every every staff member in the building >> and they've already been given this information and they're aware >> they they know that that if this had happened tonight that we would be out there. So followup a follow-up email will go out uh tomorrow uh along with the available opening so they can kind of process that

174uh over the weekend. Um and then Mr. Mandera is actually going to schedule those uh along with that when when I send that communication out, he's going to schedule them in order of seniority. >> Back to registration, I I have a feeling that nine times out of 10 there's going to be some confusion as to the transition plan. Is there any way that we can facilitate a more personalized registration experience with with everybody at Perry Perry? >> Could we maybe do like a registration center at Perry? >> Yeah. Like something more >> talk through some of that. I I do know that we I was even just thinking of just um we have a lot of staff available. We are temporary staff to help with registration. So even just phone calls directly to families. >>

175Have you registered? Do you need some assistance? Can I help you with anything? >> Can we do that? Can we commit to just proactively doing that? >> That's probably one of the things that I was thinking we could do. >> Okay. >> Uh to help that along. >> Yeah. And especially window and who hasn't registered and then do that extra personal uh reach out um to make sure that there's no roadblocks. I I think even you mean hasn't registered already? >> Okay. Yeah, >> I I'm sure I know this already and I'm sure I can look it up, but when did registration open? >> It opens at the start of the month and then it closes at the end of the month. >> But they weren't uh the the new transition plan was >> wasn't

176available. >> Was not available, right? So >> So I still feel like everybody should be called >> to talk to walk Yeah. from Perry. from Harry >> to walk through so that there's no confusion as to their options and the commitment. >> I agree. >> Yeah. Because it's an important decision that they have to make. >> And we just I mean, if nothing else, we need to show that we're part of their village, too. So, we really need to make sure we do that. >> And it's probably talking through the selection form, too. Seek it, especially if they say, "I've already registered." >> Yeah. >> Do you have any questions on the selection form? >> Yes. Things along those lines. we can definitely do that >> and I know we had gotten some questions about

177the cohort potential and things like that as well >> and I think a lot of that isn't easy to sort of understand what that means and what choices they're making. So yeah, I think as personalized an approach as we can make it >> uh and providing that support so they walk through and understand what they're registering for, what their form means and then what those next steps are going to be. We will absolutely do that and it's going to be very hands-on throughout. >> Yes. Can you explain the lottery system and how that's going to work? >> So, um, with that, it's just in in ensuring that we have some order to to call families in because that would probably be the first question is who you calling and when. Um, so we're looking at

178some some groupings and then letting them know when they would uh be called. So, like the morning of this date, the afternoon of this date. Um, and then that way if they're unavailable or they can't make somebody available, then we'll make some of those arrangements. Um, but really it's just designed to to place an order um on calling because that that would be the first question is who are you calling first? >> And it is important to note as we've shared and we shared in this document as well that the classroom spaces at Seth Whitman are very limited. We're going to do everything that we can to ensure everybody's uh placed at the school that they want to be placed at. We do have seats at Seth Whitman, but we aren't able to add any

179additional classrooms at Seth Whitman. So, that will also be some of what will be prioritized in that lottery system. Um, but again, we will place students at at Seth Whitman, but that will be more limited than we'll be able to do at the rest of our schools. And I just want people to understand that upfront. when is our kindergarten registration? >> So, it's during the same same time frame. Um, a little bit different than kindergarten is a lot of them do the language survey and some things like that. And so, um, it's during the time frame. We just have to do some extra assessments. >> So, our incoming par kindergarteners know, I mean, will they know what their choices are? You know, I mean, they're not getting the choice of all the schools, but they'll

180know where their >> correct >> their boundaries are. and we will uh change those homeschools so that those are reflected for them. And again, we will communicate with those families. We would also encourage families who have a kindergartener going to uh one of those two places if they want their older siblings to attend with their kindergartenner to make that selection, too. But again, that's something that we'll walk through with families. >> Yes. >> Dr. Dr. Johnson, how are you describing the cohort option to families? >> Well, I guess that would be both of us. So, I guess you want to take that one or you want >> Sure. And again, I think we're going to we're going to need to walk through that a little bit individually with families, but cohorts, those uh larger groups

181of students, should they want to attend together, we'd be looking at either uh Lincoln or Washington for those larger groups of students to be able to attend. that's where we have a little bit more uh flexibility uh as well as it aligns with where those kindergarten students are going to be attending and it is also uh closest to uh Perry as well. So for all those reasons we would encourage people to choose Lincoln or Washington if they want to stay with a uh tighter group of uh Perry students. We will not be isolating Perry students. We will not be siloing them uh either. I mean I think that's really important to note. Our goal is to keep them uh with their peers uh whenever possible but also make sure that they are uh having the

182opportunity uh to adjust to a new school and integrate with a new school. So uh we will work through all of that uh again and those families that might choose a cohort model over a preferred uh school model uh will need to sort of understand that that's uh that's going to be a choice they're going to need to make especially if they have siblings. it'll be harder to honor um a sibling situation in that cohort model. But again, once we have those choices, we're really going to go through uh in in early May, we have it we have it on the calendar in the case of this vote. Uh we're going to go through and try to make everything work before we even start reaching out to those families so that we are pretty confident

183we can get everybody where they need to go. Um, and uh, that's how we'll how we'll at least start that process so we have a realistic idea of what that's going to look like and how we can communicate with our fans. >> And I would say just explaining that the cohort at the two schools is where likely the largest number of Perry students would attend. So just having that understanding. >> Um, I do know that families obviously choose schools for many different reasons. Some may have a relative in the neighborhood of another school. Sometimes they have people that do after school babysitting in another school. So, school choice is very personal and I think that's why we wanted to open up as many options as we could because I think for each family they're going

184to make a decision for a different reason. >> Yeah, it's going to be a little chaotic. >> It's going to be a little chaotic, but but we are we are willing and happy to engage in that chaos to make that transition as seamless as possible. If you need any help from us, any guidance or anything, just let us know. >> We will absolutely do that and we appreciate that. Thank you. >> Um, should I be able to ask a question? >> Not right now, but at >> related to that, I was just curious. >> At the conclusion of the board me, Andrew, I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. >> Um, Bill, I think, and Frank are going to be meeting with the staff on Monday. Is there any other staff support or

185other resources for the staff as this transition has been made? Uh we are planning so uh I have been in communication with the sitting principal over at Perry. Uh she has requested I'm I'm going to be checking in at Perry tomorrow. Um but she has requested that next week really be dedicated for Perry's staff to sort of navigate uh together come together uh sort of do some of the plannings for what it is they need. Uh that being said I know the BEA uh has reached out as well. They want to support the staff as well. Uh and we will literally uh >> I I would just add too when when Frank and I have been working through this, we've worked with you know with with the BEA >> president and vice president. So we,

186you know, want to make sure that we kept each other in the loop. And I mean, our I think our our primary responsibility and mission on Monday is is to relieve as much anxiety as we can to make sure everybody feels like like they're taken care of and are going to be taken care of and and and land on their feet. And so that's that's the goal for Monday because I know there's a lot of anxiety out there. Yeah. And uh as we work through this uh whatever additional supports are requested, we are certainly going to do whatever we can to provide that as we will with the students. Um all this week we've had staff uh going out to Perry to provide any necessary support. And again, the existing principles sort of said we

187want some time as a Perry staff to sort of come together and support our students. And we're going to respect that unless something changes. >> Makes sense. >> Can I make a suggestion? >> Absolutely. Um after Kish vote they had the Emanuel Lutheran comfort dogs come out. >> The comfort dogs are I believe going to be there tomorrow. >> Scheduled for tomorrow. >> Okay. Thank you >> Dr. Sh. I forgot to add too that we're not working with just the BEA but with all the unions including best too and so everybody is aware of of of the process. >> Thank you for adding that Dr. Any other thoughts, comments, suggestions? We will absolutely keep you informed. Uh as uh Mr. Hemi said, there's absolutely going to be uh some chaos, but uh you know, we

188we have done hard things before and uh it will be uh much harder on our Perry uh staff, students, and families and we will do everything we can to ease that burden. >> Uh will there be uh addition I'm sorry uh counselors or other >> again? We have been providing that support this week. Uh we will provide that again tomorrow. Um, and I'm going to again do my own check-in as well tomorrow. I've asked our cabinet team and our central office team to check in tomorrow as well. Uh, if there is a request for support that following week, we will provide it. But again, we've sort of been told no, we want we want some space and time in that following week. But if that changes, we will absolutely provide support. And I I would

189just say that uh we can always if there is a need for that, I can always reach out to our lead social worker and uh our social workers in the district. I'm sure could develop some sort of a rotation to provide that emotional support if needed. Thank you. >> Take care of we will do everything we can. Any further questions, comments, discussion? Okay. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Hempy. >> Hi. >> Mr. Piggy. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Hul. >> Hi. >> Mr. Mueller. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Young. >> Hi. >> Mr. Domeer. >> I. >> Mr. Herrera. >> I. Okay. Motion passes. Do I have a motion to adjurnn the meeting? >> Okay, I heard Scott. >> Member Peggy and who made Scott over here. >> Okay, we had a motion for member Peggy and

190a second for member Mueller to adjourn the meeting. All those in favor say I. I. >> Those oppose say nay. >> Okay, meeting at 8. >> I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M THINKING NOW.