001community. [Music] Good evening everyone. Can we please have a motion to reconvene into open session? I'll move to reconvene. Second at 811 71. Oh, 711. Thank you. Uh, roll call. Iron Palace. I Butler I. Cavayto. Drandth. I, Steinfeld. I, Gonzalez. I, Jimenez. I. Motion carried. Thank you. Can we please stand up for the pledge of allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Can we please have a roll call to establish quorum? Members presence are to respond with here or present. Palace here. Oh, sorry. Himenez here. Steinfeld here, Jonales here, Butler here, Cabayto here, Trent here. Thank you. Uh, good evening everyone. My name is Elizabeth Himenez. I'm the president of
002uh the board school district 100. Thank you. And thank you everyone for being here. Superintendent report. Yes. Good evening. Thank you everyone for being here to honor some very special people tonight. So we are here to um honor our retirees as well as um some recognition of service to our school district. So, I'd like to invite up first um Principal Michelle Hower, who's going to kick off our uh recognition, as well as I'd like to invite the board up over here so we can shake hands and recognize all of our retirees. Uh Lee, if you can come up too, please. You don't need to be nervous. Okay. Uh today we are excited to celebrate the hard work and dedication of Heritage's wonderful assistant head custodian Guadalupe de la Riva. He is someone whose dedication, reliability,
003and heart have helped shape the daily rhythm of Heritage. Lupy has been the backbone of so much of what happens here. From setting up for school dances, these board meetings, um, after school activities and programs, all of our athletic events, and everything in between, he is always ready to lend a hand, often before anyone even asks. Lube has high expectations for himself and others while ensuring he has a high um while ensuring he has um attention to detail while having a positive approach always. He has worked um so hard behind the scenes to make this building run smoothly, but his impact has been front and center always. It's hard to imagine our halls without your presence, but we know you've um more than earned this next chapter. We hope retirement brings you rest, joy, and
004time to do all the things that bring you happiness. We know you're excited to spend time with your wonderful family, who we've all learned so much about over these years. Uh, and we also, um, I'm sure you're very excited to also not be startled by me. Um, as I try to ask you to do things when you're busy working throughout the night. Um, so congratulations on your retirement and we appreciate all you've done for Heritage over these years. So thank you. [Music] Yes. Come on over. [Applause] Just so all of our retirees know, we are going to take pictures also. We'll take a break after all of the speeches and then also take some additional pictures as well too. So, please don't leave. Okay. If um Mr. Matt Dylan could please also come up. [Music]
005[Applause] I know. I'm sorry. Okay. Tonight is not No, I'm not. Um, so tonight is not going to be about the past 16 years that Matt and I have spent together, but it is going to be about all the wonderful things that Matt has done for Heritage and the Burin community. So, I'm not going to look at you. So, tonight we have the privilege of celebrating the remarkable career of Mr. Matt Dylan, who has been an integral part of Heritage Middle School since 2002. For over two decades, Matt has served as a special education teacher, dedicating his work to creating a space where every student is seen, heard, and valued. His classroom was more than a place for academic learning. It was a safe place where students were encouraged to be fully authentically themselves. Matt's
006passion for an inclusive education extended far beyond the classroom. He worked closely with the Safe Schools Alliance, actively promoting environments where diversity was embraced and every student felt they belonged. Whether advocating for students with disabilities or LGBTQ plus youth or any child who just needed a champion, Matt was always there for them. In addition to his work with students, Matt is a trusted staff member who has played a vital role in so many people's careers. His presence is dependable, calm, and collaborative, which has allowed him to be a successful team leader. We were it together. We were the best in the past and a union representative for so many years. I know I'm not the only person who feels so lucky to have worked with Matt Dylan. I will be forever grateful that 16 years
007ago when I started at Heritage, Matt was across the hall and would become a constant in my career, always pushing me to grow and be my cheerleader. You could always count and you can always count on Matt to step up and help wherever he was needed while thinking about what was best for Heritage because his why has always been at the forefront of how he has approached his career. continuously seeing the potential of young people and the importance of students feeling safe and accepted. While we are excited for Matt to enjoy his retirement, not really, but um it's fine. And for him to spend more time with his family, see magic shows, enjoy good food, and take care of himself is important. He also knows that he will be missed more than words can say,
008but your impact will continue to shape our school and myself for for forever. So, thank you for all you've done and congratulations on your retirement. All right, Kathy, you going to come join us up here, please? [Music] [Applause] All right. Well, it's my honor tonight to recognize Kathy O' Conor and the end journey of her incredible 27 years as Irving school secretary. Why is it that we often take someone's gifts for granted only to realize their full impact when we fa when we're faced with their absence? As we prepare for your retirement, Kathy, we find ourselves asking, "How are we ever going to do this without you?" As the allimportant school secretary, you've been the master of the Irving universe. You've headed off major disasters, anticipated needs before anyone even realized they had them, and
009held the confidences of many who trusted you. You managed the crazy and the crazies. You've calmed troubled waters. You've been the fel welcoming face of Irving greeting everyone who walks through the doors. And let's be honest, there were probably plenty of days when you wanted to hide behind that wall. Whether it was a staff member, a parent, or even one of us administrators coming your way, but you never did. You always responded, usually in that friendly way we all recognize. That kindness and grace are why so many people are here to celebrate your career. Everyone has a story, and the older I get, the more I appreciate the power of someone's story, because it defines them. One of the most defining elements of Kathy's story is how deeply rooted she is in Berwin. Berwin is
010in Cathy's DNA, and undoubtedly she is part of Berwin's DNA, too. Kathy Hesler is a hometown girl born to parents who were original Berwinites. In 1933, her mother wasn't just born in Berwin. She was born in a house in Berwin. Kathy's grandparents owned a dry cleaning business in town which anchored the family in the community. They likely knew everyone by name. When you own a business like that, you learn what it means to work hard and how to treat people well. Kathy's mom stayed home for a time, then later worked as a church secretary. Her dad sold homes for a builder in the Northwest suburbs. They worked hard to give their family a great life. And it's clear that's where Kathy learned how to show up every day on time, ready to work, greeting parents
011and the public with a steady hand. Those early lessons shaped the way she served our school community. Kathy started school at Emerson and went on to graduate from high school here. She dated a young man in high school whom she moon soon married after graduation. That young land young man later became an alderman and eventually the mayor of Berwin. Kathy and her family bought a home within walking distance of Irving and that's where her long connection to the school began. She quickly joined the PTA and her presence didn't go unnoticed. Principal Dan Lane offered her a part-time position helping out in the main office. And from that moment on, Irving got lucky. Kathy brought with her not only the work ethic passed down from her family, but also an unwavering pride in her town. She
012carried those values into her role every single day and helped our school shine. 27 years later, the rest is history. All of her children graduated from Irving, as did several nieces and nephews. Two of her children met their future spouses at the school. And her daughter has been teaching in District 100 since graduating college. In every real and meaningful way, Kathy is a pillar of Irving, a rock, the kind of foundation every school needs to function smoothly. She has a six sense for what is needed. As one teacher put it, she knows what I'm missing before I'm missing it. As principal, I can tell you, Kathy has often been the organization behind the organization. And in my case, often the one organizing my disorganization. And while she's studying professional, she's also fiercely sentimental. Kathy is
013a gemstone and like any true gem, she has grown attached to some of the relics of Irving's past. I always knew when I tried to rearrange the front office or remove an old photo or faded artwork, I was treading on sacred ground. Kathy would say, "Oh, that's from so- and so's class." And tell me the story behind it. I usually let her hold on until she turned around and I quietly snuck it into the trash. Sorry, kid. I couldn't begin to list all the ways Kathy has helped our school. But when I asked her what what part of the job she enjoyed most, she didn't hesitate. Connecting with and helping families. She understands what it's like to be a parent in Berwin. And she knows that life isn't always perfect. When hardship touched her own
014life, she drew from the deep well of grit passed down by her parents and grandparents. Those are the kinds of life lessons Kathy has brought into this school community. grace, strength, loyalty, grit, and finally, more than anything, Kathy checks in. Every morning, we have our five-minute visit. Just enough time to talk about the day, about our lives, about whatever whatever's on our minds. She texts me when I'm on vacation just to see how it's going. I'm sure she does that with so many people. That's one of the things I'll miss most. Kathy doesn't just care about Irving, she cares about us. As one staff member said, she is always there to help, even on the weekends. She's the reason the place runs smoothly. And many said this, we will miss her heart, her warmth, her
015updates, her texts, her kindness, her Wordle hints, her candy stash, her pride. Nerving Kathy said she's most looking forward to sleeping in during retirement. Kathy, you've earned every single peaceful morning, but please don't stop checking in. The building won't feel the same without you, but your impact will always be here. Kathy, thank you for all your support. I needed you and I will miss you. Let's have a round of applause for the one and only Kathy [Applause] [Music] Thank you very [Music] [Applause] [Music] each other. Thank you. Good evening. We are here tonight to honor um Terry Prrenville who has started her retirement early because she's watching from her couch. No, she did she did say that she would prefer to um watch it there. So, Terry, this is for you. Terry Prenavville's creativity and
016big heart have defined her identity as a teacher. If you walk past her classroom, you will notice her second graders in full surgical gear with the room transformed into an operating room. Don't be confused. Her students practiced contractions using bandage apostrophes. This is the type of hands-on learning Terry believes children should experience in the classroom. Most recently, her second graders use keynote to celebrate their family's immigration stories after their Amplify unit. Terry's classroom is the epitome of kindness, warmth, and fun. Every year, she spends time and effort into including positive quotes, fun spaces for student leaders, alternative seating arrangements, or even motivational games or incentives to celebrate student achievements. Her students are consistently practicing growth mindset, and applying their problem-solving skills to celebrate their successes. Terry is synonymous with creative theatrical production. For years, this
017passionate ed educator has been the visionary behind our talent shows. Yep, you heard that right. She puts together the most exquisite staging, choreography, scripts, and most beautifully, she lets her students lead the show. Our students are the lead actors during the entire production and Terry works secretly behind the curtain like she is tonight to ensure every detail is perfectly executed. She has won our Kamemenky heart for directing a powerful platform for our students and staff to shine. Did we mention that Terry has the biggest heart but also does the biggest and most extravagant? She is Kmenk's favorite holiday party host because of her hospitality and exquisite decor. She and her h and her secret elf Jim, her husband, have dedicated countless hours decorating and preparing to welcome our Kmenky family into their home. The memories
018you have helped us create are priceless. From the white elephant gifts to the rides on top of the retired fire engine parading with Santa sleigh and for and forever remaining will remain in our memories. Feeling that cold air in our faces while we sang loudly through the streets until our extremities felt numb is not easily forgotten. Terry and Jim, you have outdone yourselves. Thank you for embracing us with so much love all these years. Terry do Terry goes overboard. Did I already say that? She is the proudest Irish educator there is. You cannot miss St. Patrick's Day because Terry will remind you with her extraordinary green attire from head to toe. She ensures everyone in the classroom celebrates their Irish heritage with green beads and party favors. Terry is the Irish queen in all things
019DIY. Just ask Matt and Chris, our custodial team. They often wonder how something was moved or mounted. Terry was found always found a way to make it happen. In all seriousness, Terry's creativity and passion for reaching all of her students have significantly impacted their lives. Thank you for your sleepless nights working on lesson plans and the sacrifices you made as a family to make learning extraordinary in the classroom. Terry and Jim, you take a piece of our hearts with you. Your legacy will transcend and we will remember your big heart and passion. Thank [Music] you. We will make sure to take a photo with you, Terry. All right. It is my honor to recognize Mr. Dennis Pier tonight. Mr. Pier retires this year after 35 years of service in the field of education. From the
020beginning of his time here in District 100, Mr. Pier has been a champion for the whole child. He brought community together with his family engagement committee. Whether it was a family game night, pottery painting, a Chicago runs race, salsa making, or a bingo night, families connected, bonded, and left Emerson with an activity to do together. Mr. Pure understands the importance of family and celebrating family roots. He made it his mission to have a Dia de los Muertos altar where all students and staff brought in photographs and momentos from loved ones that had passed and shared memories. Many families were brought to tears sharing and this event will continue at Emerson because of Mr. Pier's heartfelt plans. Mr. Pier was instrumental in keeping the consistency of responsive classroom practices as part of the heartbeat of Emerson.
021He modeled morning meetings and welcomed new staff members to join. He recognized the strengths of individual students um during this special time. Social emotional learning has been interwoven into the work of Mr. Pure. Whether it be a readaloud, a quick video clip, or an additional time to connect and talk with students, the social impact that Mr. Pier has had on our school is immeasurable. He has worked to establish the Emerson Caring Closet, collecting donations of clothes, hats, gloves, boots, and jackets for families in need. Families were always welcome at the Caring Closet, and our students love to go shopping there. Mr. Mr. Pure developed the Emerson garden with his co-teer of many years, Mrs. Michelle Bozac. The pollinator garden continues to thrive and grow because of his care and um has been established for our
022students and our families to enjoy for years to come. Mr. Pier is an outstanding educator, a believer in the whole child, and a staff member that truly believes in the power of community. He practice what practices what he preaches in striving to create a better world every day. He will be missed. Dennis, we know you will enjoy your years of retirement with Bernardo Taylor, your parents, friends, and family. Congratulations. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Good evening everyone. Oh, I didn't even have to call her. See, she's so on the ball. Are you sure you're ready to retire? All right, for the glasses. Okay. Good evening, everyone. It's an honor and just a bit sad to stand here tonight as we bid fond and yet fond and yet fabulous farewell to someone who has not only shaped minds
023but also hearts for the last 29 years. Today we celebrate the retirement of Ellen Ross, our beloved reading specialist, dedicated educator and low-key book wizard. Now Ellen's teaching journey started began in 1987 when big hair was in mixtapz were essential and the only things more reliable than your Walkman was Ellen's passion for helping students learn. Since then she has taught every grade level from kindergarten to 6th. Basically all little humans under the age of 12. She's seen it all. Glitter glue disasters, epic bookf fairs, enough phonics charts to probably wallpaper the Grand Canyon. Her career spanned three schools in two districts. 10 years in Oak Park and 11 years at Piper and these last eight wonderful years here at Pers. Oh, not here but at Persian. And if we're being honest, I think Persian got
024the best deal. Ellen has poured her heart into our students, our teachers, and our community. If you've ever seen Ellen work with a reluctant reader, you know the magic she brings. Somehow she can get a second grader to read Charlotte's Web like a Marvel movie and get them to love every word of it. Her calm presence, deep expertise, and endless patience have made her an anchor in our building. Now, let's talk about her real pride and joy, her family. Mike, her partner through it all, and her amazing kids, Will and Grace. Not because of the TV show, but they are Will and Grace. Um, Grace is continuing the family tradition as a special ed teacher herself. proof that teaching isn't just a job, it's a calling. And Will, he works in transportation logistics and is
025out there throwing frisbes like a rockstar, keeping Ellen's travel schedule exciting and completely unpredictable. But let's be honest, what Ellen is really looking forward to in retirement is this. No more bells, no more schedules, no more early morning staff meetings with coffee that just isn't strong enough. Instead, her days will now include swimming, reading books, reading, book clubs, embrace yourselves, doing whatever she wants. I've heard she said she may even schedule naps like a boss. Um, Ellen, we are going to miss your humor, your warmth, your wisdom, and the way you always knew just the right book to recommend, whether to a student or a stressed out teacher. I'll always I'm going to miss you when I say something just random that comes out of my mouth. You going, "Oh, oh, there's a lot of
026those, huh?" Um, thank you for 29 years of making a difference. You've left your mark on hundreds, maybe thousands of students and educators alike, and now it's your turn to write the next chapter. Pun fully intended. We hope your retirement is full of joy, peace, a stack of good books, and maybe just a little bit of professional frisbee spectating. We love you, Ellen. Happy retirement. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Whatever you [Music] Thank you. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you so much. All right. Tonight, I get to sing the praises of Mary Ellen Connelly. Uh she is retiring from a 42-year career as a physical therapist, and much of those years were spent working with our students in District 100. Mary Ellen's story begins in Niles. She was raised by a fireman and a nononsense mom who instilled
027a fierce work ethic in all their children. She has five siblings, three older brothers, and a younger sister. She learned early how to keep up, stand out, and find meaning in her life. Somewhere somewhere between those early jobs and the sibling debates over the Cubs and the Socks, she began to understand what it meant to show up for others. All of us looking back can point to key persons and events that shaped the people we are today. Mary Ellen points to her high school volunteer work at the Y with Mr. Lou. Mr. Lou's dedication to helping kids with severe disabilities in the pool set her up for the next stage of her life. After graduating college, Mary Ellen earned her master's degree at UIC and began working as a physical therapist at home school in
028Oak Park. Back then, homeschool service the students with severe disabilities from all over the surrounding communities. It was there that she first connected with Berwin South, who at the time were sending students via longtime bus driver Frank Kay. In the mid 1980s, when Burwin South and North pulled their students back, Mary Ellen didn't miss a step. She started her own contract and began working at Hayawa in 1989. She has worked in nearly every surrounding community since a physical therapist. Marielen is just like that nononsense mom that raised her. You can find her pushing kids to believe in themselves. She gets visibly annoyed when her kids are babyed or overcared for. That's true. She believes in their strength, pushes them beyond their comfort zones, and demands their best. Years later, those same kids, stronger, more independent,
029have come back to thank her for pushing them to their limits. She's also a powerful advocate for her kids. She's never afraid to knock on a principal's door, a director of special eds office, or even the superintendent to let them know exactly what she thinks. Just as she pushes her own kids to grow and succeed, she pushes us to be better for them, challenging us to rise to their needs and meet them with the high expectations they deserve. 42 years as a physical therapist working with kids represents the very essence of a meaningful lifetime of work. But it's her next cause that equally informs who Mary Connelly Mary Ellen Connelly is. In 1986, she co-founded Thumbbody Special, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring children with special needs receive the equipment and experience they deserve. What began
030with a mission to provide adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, bikes, ramps has grown into something extraordinary. Dumbbody special funds camp scholarships, delivers Christmas gifts to families in needs, supports kids who have fallen on hard times, gives back to their parents, and so much more. The organization raises around $120,000 a year and $70,000 going directly into the Berwin area. Her Christmas wrapping party is legendary. Every year, Mary Ellen gathers donations from across the area. brand new toys, bikes, gift cards, clothes. Then she invites all the social workers from the area to her home. With a crew of friends, she wraps presents for kids in need. The social workers go on a shopping spree through her basement, which looks like a mini Toys R Us, picking out the perfect gifts for the students and families. They leave with
031a carload of wrapped presents ready to bring to joy to homes across Berwin South and countless other communities. Mary Ellen is most proud of the sustainability of this work. Decades later, it's still still going strong just like her. Mary Ellen points to her faith as the northstar to her life of service. To that I would say well done good and faithful servant. Mary Allen, you make me think and I imagine all of us think and hope that we can find our own special cause that move and drive us to make this world a better place. Your drive and steadfastness is inspiring. Mary Ellen has raised four healthy children and she now enjoys several grandchildren. She's looking forward to a well-earned retirement filled with travel to Europe, Africa, and New Zealand. Not rushed, but fully present.
032There will be time for golf, pickle ball, and days spent by the lake at the 12th Street Beach in Chicago. Mary Ellen, thank you for your years of toiling in the vineyard. You've changed lives. Pre, please join me in celebrating the extraordinary career and impact of Mary Ellen. Congratulations on [Applause] Unlike the others, I was told I get to talk. So, I've waited 40 years for this. Um, somebody special has been my joy, my my life, my life serving this community. So, everything I'm going to say here tonight is based on love and how much I love what I do. I never went to work. My kids will tell you that. My family will tell you I never went to work. I just loved on my babies. and I call them my babies and my
033kids are very successful kids. But what I want to talk about today is that about 20 years ago um Jane McGrath, she was a secretary here at in Berwin. She passed away suddenly. It was it was horrible. I she was a dear friend of mine and I wanted to honor her and we did it honor in her we started the mom's day out where I took moms of kids with similar disabilities whether that would be autism or physically disab disabled but cognitively good or very cognitively involved. So each mom had their separate group so they can connect to people and I these moms I I can't even talk to you are my heroes that they are doing every day right every day with really some really tough challenges but to see them come together and
034share their stories in a safe space it is just a very powerful powerful experience for me and I and I am I am a very religious person and I'm going to tell you that the Holy Spirit is in the room every single time. And so this year I saw that there was a need that in our schools and this is just I'm just giving you my honesty here that sped teachers are are really really uh hanging on. Okay? And we decided to do a day out for the sped teachers. So, we took out 50 sped teachers from Berwin North and Berwin South and we collaborated on this opportunity like a mom's day out. And I I want you to hear these notes because I thought they were so impactful moving forward. I'm not going to
035be here, but I I want you to know how much as much as I loved on my kids, I loved on the people that I work with. Julie's like a work daughter back there, right, Joel? Cuz my own kids couldn't show up. Um, right. But Julie loves me. I don't know. Are they? So these are some of the notes that I received at that that thing at at our teachers day out that somebody special provided for your teachers like we did the mom's day. Often times we are overlooked. Our hard work, dedication, and commitment are the reason we keep going. It's nice to be appreciated and celebrated because of all that we do. Today was such an amazing treat. Never I been so recognized for my work in such a heartfelt and generous way. This
036day will fill my cup and get me through the rest of the year. I can't put into words what amazing day this meant to me. As a full-time parent and mom of two under three, I can it can become very hard to put myself first. I give give give to my kids at school and I go home and do the same. It's a it was an amazing day. Teachers night out was an incredible experience. I felt appreciated and in this day and age it doesn't happen often. Your generosity is so appreciated as the pair in our district feeling the love from others that see us is so empowering. Thank you for making me feel special today. Sometimes we don't feel appreciated by all that we do. I love what I do and it's been very
037rewarding. Having a teachers day out was so special to me. It has been a very hard school year. and grateful for this wonderful day. Thank you for making my day so special. I never had an experience like this. I never had someone to think about me like this. Thank you so much for all that you do. Today was very special. I know that it definitely meant a lot to me and many others to feel acknowledged. Sometimes working in the classroom is so difficult that we tend to just keep pushing and lose why we the why behind what we do. I cannot thank you enough for the experience I had at your event. You made every person there feel extremely joyful, appreciated individually. I saved the letters for when I got home and it made a
038perfect end to a wonderful day. The kind words and support are so appreciated. We definitely don't get that enough at work. As we are in that last part of the year where it feels like we are burning out and losing our motivation. This put a bit of pep in my step which will benefit not only me but my class my children. So what I am here to tell you because I am somebody anybody that knows me I'm going to tell you what's on my mind. teachers. There's a shortage of teachers in this nation and we need to find ways to value our staff that they feel this same kind of love. It's a really hard job. There's a lot of testing that they're doing and they're tired of all the tests. You know, the I
039get teacher appreciation week, but let's start Berwin South a teacher appreciation year. Let's not do all of these things in May when they're hanging on. Let's do it all throughout the year. Let's show our teachers what value they have, our custodians, what value they have on written notes, daily notes that that touch the soul because I think an email just kind of misses the soul, right? This is a lost art notes. It's hard because we're all so overworked. I said when if we get reci recognition and when you they advocate listen to them. I feel like they're they feel that they're not being heard and I want them to be heard. I my kids talk about their state report. They talk about all the projects they do. It's like there's no time for projects anymore.
040It's I it's map testing unit testing. eight times a time. Seven math test time test. I had to mourn. I told this to John what I thought the end of my chapter in schools would look like cuz I was there in the glory years when there was so much fun and life and joy. We need joy back and we need to to be kind. We're preaching it everywhere in our everywhere we're preaching be kind. Be kind. Are we kind every day in the hallway? Get in the classrooms. Meet these teachers. It is a job that they do for not for the pay, right? It's not for the pay. They love on these babies. They love I call them all babies, but they love on these kids. and they need to feel that love just the
041same. And I I and that's what I I hope I would say try an institute day that they're playing games and meeting people and having fun, you know, bring joy back because I I seriously would run the institute for you because they would feel loved and I think that love has to be brought back into our our students. So, thank you for your time and I appreciate it. But I I loved every minute that I worked for Burwin South. Thank [Applause] you. All right, we are going to take a short break. Um, so please feel free to take some pictures. We have the Burwin South backdrop in the hallway if you'd like to take some pictures and we'll reconvene the meeting in about 10 minutes or so. Thank you so much for coming and congratulations
042to all of our staff members recognized tonight. All right. Um, we are going to continue here with the superintendent's report. Um, just a brief education center update. Um, I'm sure you've probably noted that, um, there's some movement of the ground over there. Um so uh for the education center update um they have installed uh storm sewers um and have removed uh about 50 semi- loads of dirt from the site. Um they continue to cut down the site to subgrade level. Um and they will are just finishing up that sewer work that I just mentioned. Um, and we will also be working with the city to cap a water mane that enters the site. Um, so essentially it's a lot of ground work going on right now. Um, but they have been working every day. We
043do our superintendent for the construction company is on site. So you'll see that there's a trailer there. He's there every day um overseeing um the project. So, we are off to a start and we will um off to a good start and we will continue to provide updates on the construction. Um we did have seven FOYAS this month. They're all in board book um and have been shared with the board as well. Um variety of data topics this month. We received quite a few um FOYAS. Our dashboard you can see our updated attendance. Um, we are really working hard to get our families registered. As of right now, we have about 40 47% of our families who are either fully registered or started registration. Um, so we are really trying to encourage any students who
044will returning next year to register before the end of the school year because we need to make sure that we are planning for our classes for next year. and I will turn it over to Jenny for the financial report. Thanks, Mary. I have a couple things. Uh we'll start with the bank balance as of today is 72.3 million. Our revenue for the month of May to date is 3.3 million. Our cash flow short, you can see up on the screen and also in board book. Um our cash flow short, our revenue for the month of April was 4.5 million for a total of 59 million. Our expenses for the month of April are 4.3 million. Year to date is 52.3 million. Um can you go to the grant snapshot on the next one? This is
045just a snapshot of of our various grants and the total grant amount, total expenditures, payment that's been received. Grants are coming in nicely. Um can you go to the next one which is the amended FY25 budget. So just a reminder um last month you approved the tenative amended FY25 budget. Um the grant managers all the different grant people then re re-mend their grants and then I amend our overall budget. So, it's on display for 30 days, which is really, we do it longer. It's more like 45 to 60 days. Um, and then at the board will approve the final amended budget in June, and it has to be sent to the state right away before the end of June. Um, then in July, you'll adopt the tenative FY26 budget for the new school year. So,
046what I want to point out is the FY25 budget. This is what I call my short form. It's easier to understand than the 32page uh Excel spreadsheet um which is on our website. Uh if you can go to the end of the second page, Ernesto. So, the first column is the budget that was adopted in September. the April the second column is the actuals to the month date. So the 52.3 million in expenses and 59.1 million in revenue is exactly what I just reported off the cash flow short but it has it more broken down into individual salaries, benefits, etc. So then the next column to the right is the amended budget and we're looking like we're right on target. Um grant managers you'll know I did update all of the account numbers so that
047we shouldn't have any issues going forward. Um the next page Ernesto uh do the um budget assumptions. Did I give that one to you? Yes. Okay. So here we have our budget assumptions are things that we start to talk about and think about as we develop the FY26 budget. So I have it broken down into two sections. Your revenues and your expenditures. Your revenues, your levy is capped at CPI, which is 2.9%. Um evidence-based funding right now we're hoping is going to stay flat. Um, federal and state grants we know are going to be reduced because you have the ending of the COVID money and um, uh, mandated categorical funding. These are what we know as of now, as of today. Um, mandated categoricals are things such as that's your state funding. That's things in
048regular transportation, special ed transportation, private facility reimbursement. private facility are students that um are placed out of district for certain uh IEP needs for special education. So, we're looking at a 71 proration in regular transportation, 61% in special ed transportation, and 70 in private facility reimbursement. That's all. Excuse me. Sorry about that. Expenditures. The next section, you have your unit, your union and board approved increases. Your benefits um increase of 9% that's with your health insurance and other increases. Your utilities I kept flat, liability I kept flat, workman's comp flat, and supplies, materials I kept flat. They're flat for now. That doesn't mean they will stay flat, but they're flat for now. Um other considerations, we constantly look at what our enrollment projections are. Is there a school that might need an extra staff member?
049Are there too many staff members at one building? How how do things um lay out when we look at the enrollment? We also look at capital projects. We have a 10-year long range facility plan, which is nice. Um helps guide us with our our aging buildings. Um, when you have hundred-y old buildings, it's nice to try and get a a map and a footwork so that you're not doing emergency work. Um, the other part is our unknown federal and state cuts uh and pro prorations. We have in here what we know as of now, but we don't know what there is yet to come. Um the other thing that I forgot to put on there that I thought of is um Cook County has recently come out and said they are they know already that
050the August we get taxes tax revenue twice a year in August and then we get the rest in February March. We know already Cook County has come out and said the August bills will be delayed. So that August payment is definitely going to be delayed. we are in a position where we have a fund balance that we will be okay. Um there are other districts that I know that will not be okay if they do not get funding. Um Ernesa will go to the last one, my last slide on there. Uh sorry, FY26 draft. Okay, there are two columns on here. You might say, why do you have two columns on here? And do you really mean to have the same number in both columns? Um, this takes into consideration all of the assumptions that
051we just talked about, but can you go down to the bottom of the second page? Wait, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Go back to the bottom of the first page. You'll see all the zeros lined up. Thank you. Those are what we already know of the CARES money that's going to be zeroed out for next year that will not be coming in. And then go to the bottom of the second page. Okay, the reason I did this to twice is the the budget on the left, they're both the same budget, but the budget on the left, you'll notice where it says capital projects fund 60 is 2.5 million. We have with our capital uh projects plan have been budgeting 2 and a.5 million to um do our buildings with the education center. We know that that
052amount is going to be higher. So, it's going to be closer to 10 million, which will put a surplus uh I'm sorry, a deficit budget that will come forward to be approved. However, we have that in our fund balance, so we're not negative negative. Um that's where money will come in to rearrange and restructure. Um but we still will then project that we'll have 57 million of a fund balance, which is a good fund balance. Okay. So, I got those. I'm sorry, I have a tickle. Um, on the agenda, you'll see two things on the agenda on the consent agenda. One of them is um item E, which is the renewal for organic life, which is our food service um provider, our food service uh company. Uh last year you approved year the the beginning
053of the contract. It's a five-year contract, but the way the state does it is it's a five-year contract and then it's four one-year renewals. So it's not like fi it's not like nine on top of it. It's you're approving five years, but every year after the first year, you have to approve year one, year two, year three, year four. So this is year one of that renewal. So next year we'll bring it forward again year two. Um we have consistently had great service, great food, the families have loved it, the kids have loved it, students are eating. Um it's just it's been a very positive experience. So I definitely recommend that. Uh the other item that I wanted to call your attention to is item G, which is to approve the asbestous abatement at Emerson
054Elementary. That was that's for the this upcoming summer and that work is set to begin right after school is out right when they're done and I think I got to the rest of my report. Thanks Mary. All right and that concludes the superintendent's report. Can I ask a question? Um can you just explain a little bit more about the fund balance and like why have it in the red if we have it if there's a shortfall? like why is it necessary to even display that if we have the money like where is the money why is it not on there I'm showing it there just so that you can see that that that's where when you look at direct expenditures revenues for the year so we're talking in the fiscal next fiscal year and then
055next fiscal year so then then money will be it'll be transferred in okay just yeah that was all yeah thanks and just uh to forewarn it will be this year it'll be this year and likely next year because it's split into where the similar kind of deficit but the money is there but it's it's where the the bills and the where the payments fall in. Sure. And then we'll be back. But that's why I showed the one on the left because I wanted you to see we are in the we're budgeting within our means. We're spending within our means. Got it. I won't do the two thing going forward, but I like the way it kind of explains that. Does anybody else have any questions? Okay, I have a question and just a followup. I
056am happy to hear that we have positive experience and positive feedback from families and students about the food. How do we hear about it? Is there some kind of survey or how do we hear that positive feedback? So, I've had two two things. We had a parent meeting that uh Janelli ran and she brought parents in and parents were talking about positive things about how the how the food service was going along. Um part of the protocol with the state is um Tony Lair and I go to around to schools and we visibly and we actually went and talked with kids which was really cute. Um that was great part of my days um going and talking with the kids and they loved it. They had great things to say. Thank you. I appreciate that.
057Okay. Uh president's report finance. Um we met today to discuss everything that uh Jenny just reviewed and then we also approved the minutes from our April 23rd meeting. Thank you. Policy. Uh in policy, we just had a number of uh first reads and I would encourage the board to take a look at them. If they have any questions or any um things they would like to add or omit or whatever, let us know. Thank you. Legislative report. Um yes, I'd like to highlight two bills that were passed in the House and the Senate. Uh House Bill 3772 by Lightford um would prohibit K through2 expulsions requiring superintendents to approve three-day suspensions. Um the House passed nine bills, but that's the one that I found most notable um for our uh in our current um situation.
058Um there is another one though um that also requires school districts to adopt a cell phone policy. And in the Senate there's SB405 by Johnson. This one requires legislation to provide school counseling services that um as they work to address the needs of all students without regard without regard to citizenship status. and there was like a technical change in the wording of with without regard in and moved to without. So those are the I guess three bills that I definitely wanted to highlight for this month. Thank you. Correspondents or we had one email. Thank you. Um mental health awareness month. Um do we have Yeah, I just wanted to take some time to acknowledge mental health awareness month. Uh May is mental health awareness month and I would just like to express my heartfelt gratitude
059for the incredible dedication that our school staff has shown in supporting the mental health and well-being of our students. Um I think from the moment students step onto the bus each morning, they are greeted by caring drivers who set that positive tone and our teachers and pair educators go above and beyond to create a welcoming inclusive classroom where students feel valued and safe to learn. Uh they have skillfully woven social emotional learning into their daily instruction, helping students to develop those crucial skills for managing emotions, building relationships, and making responsible decisions. When conflicts arise, our staff members step in with patience and wisdom to mediate disputes, teaching students how to resolve differences constructively and maintain healthy peer relationships. Uh this comprehensive support network extends throughout all of our buildings. I've seen it firsthand. My own
060students came through the schools here. Um, nurses provide not just physical care, as you've seen, but also emotional comfort during difficult moments. And social workers connect families with vital community resources or offer individual and group support to help students navigate academic and personal challenges. Administrators, custodians, cafeteria workers, all office staff contribute to that warm and supportive atmosphere that makes our schools feel like a true community. And I think we've seen a lot of that here tonight. Um, I would also like to elevate those efforts that are uh to identify students who may need additional support and facilitate appropriate referrals for families and uh demonstrating that deep commitment that our district has to addressing the whole child. This holistic approach to student well-being creates an environment where students can truly learn and flourish. And I'm just
061profoundly grateful for each person who contributes to making our school our schools a place where students can feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. Uh, having been given his permission, I would like to share the thoughts of my youngest son who suffers from depression and anxiety and has benefited from the support of our incredible staff here in D 100. He said, "The help I got from my social workers and teachers got me through some of my most difficult days. If and when I needed them, they were there for me. I always knew I had a place to go when I was not sure what to do and when I was struggling the most. They got me through it and made me feel safe, respected, and cared for. I took their guidance with me to Morton
062West and I found that I felt comfortable and ready to advocate for myself when I got there. They helped me prepare for high school, which was a big frightening thing in my mind. I am grateful to them all. I don't think I can articulate what a comfort it is to me to know that my son had what he needed during his school day. And anyone who struggles with their mental health or loves someone who does knows how invaluable that is. So, thank you to all who helped to keep our schools a safe haven for our students in any capacity. And also take care of yourselves and all of your mental health this summer. I'm sure you can all use a break. And happy teacher appreciation. Yeah, thank you for sharing that. Um, that reminds me
063of just what Marielle and Connelly shared about love and joy for everyone. I we believe that our students need it every single day, but just as much our staff needs it sometimes. I remember when my children were in middle school at the time, Marty was a social worker and I can never thank him enough that every morning he would stop in my classroom to see how I was doing. before he went to work, he would stop in my classroom to see how I was doing because of the struggles that I was going through with my own children. So all of you like as at the time I was a second grade teacher. So not only our students needed but also our staff. So just remember that everyone needs love and joy and we have to
064continue with that and remembering that everyone has a family and everyone goes through different issues different ways and we have to accept and support one another. So thank you for bringing that up. Okay. Uh public comments. Uh individuals appearing before the board are expected to follow the guidelines outlining board policy to to 30. Good evening. Um I am third W Alderman Richard Leah and I always say um this is is the heart of the third ward. But I think after tonight, seeing all the wonderful people that have passed through D 100, I think I would now say D 100 must be the heart of Berwin. And thank you all who supported these wonderful people. I want to um invite everyone to a flag retirement ceremony I am hosting this Saturday um with the city of
065Berwin, Tom O'Brien, Troop and Pack 32, the Combined Veterans of Berwin uh at O'Brien the Cleaner outside O'Brien the Cleaner in his side lot. Saturday, May 31st, 9:00 a.m. 6915 Stanley Avenue. Um, there'll be veterans there. They'll be talking about their lives and what they've gone through. Scouts will give talks on what they're doing. Some of them will be there to get uh points for their Eagle Scouts. Um, they'll be doing a um retiring the flag. So, what retiring the flag is, a flag retirement ceremony is a respectful method of disposing of a worn out, damaged American flag, ensuring it is not treated disrespectfully. The preferred method as outlined by the United States flag code is burning the flag ceremoniously. So that's what they'll be doing. It's really uh really amazing to see. So if
066anyone could make it, it would be great to see you there. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Um action items uh consent agenda. Items may be removed from the consent agenda on the request of any one member. Item items not removed may be adopted by general consent without debate. Removed items may be taken up either immediately after the consent agenda or place later on the agenda at the discretion of the board. Um on Cavayto I'd like to pull aside an item. Um I don't know what letter it is but it's the school improvement plan for Piper. Can we pull that out of the consent agenda? Do we remember which D D. Thank you. Thank you so much. Okay. Any other items? Okay. So, what the way we're going to do, we're going to um whoever wants
067to make a motion to adopt all items except D. and then we can decide either we want to vote on it separately or we want to postpone it for another time. Can go ahead. Yes. Thank you. Piper is um was identified as a targeted school this year and this year was a planning year for them to develop a school improvement plan based on the Illinois State Board of Education guidelines. This is the plan that they developed uh in collaboration with their school improvement team. Uh this plan because of their targeted status does have to go for board approval and it does need to be approved uh this month so that it can be uploaded into the ISBY website. Um it follows uh the plan. We work with a consultant from Isby. Uh they reviewed the
068plan. They said it's one of their strongest plans that they have seen and uh Piper is very proud of their plan. So I have a question. So it we have to vote on it. Is that what you're saying? We Yes. So we have to accept what they have recommended. Well, we did not I didn't This is on the agenda. I did not receive any questions about this plan to address any concerns that were on the plan. And yes, it does have to be uploaded for um Isby in the month of May to meet the requirement. Um, this aligns with the plan that Miss Piper Simpson presented to the full board during her school spotlight as well. This is just the documented plan that needs to be approved by the board. Um, so the way that
069the agenda is as you just outlined, we would need to vote on the consent agenda and then we would need to vote on that item separately. Um, Gabayto, if I may, I I just have a couple questions about the process then. So, we would vote on the consent agenda and then after that, can we discuss the Piper plan? Okay. Yes. So, can do we have any motions to approve the consent agenda without item D? I'll motion. I'll motion. Any second? I'll second. Thank you. Roll call. Uh, I Drenth, hi. Himenez, I Steinfeld I Cavayto I Butler I Palace I Gonzalez I motion carried. Thank you. Okay. So, now we can have a discussion on letter D or item D. Um, okay. If I may, I do have a couple questions. Um, I'm new here, Mary.
070Forgive me. I didn't know I was supposed to ask you about consent agenda items, but now I know for next time. Um, but I was looking over this and I have a couple questions. So the first question is um why are the I don't want to say targeted because it's a targeted school. Why are why is the percentage um for expectation for meeting or exceeding standards so low? So the staff looked at the school's greatest area of need based on data that was available at the time. So they looked at NWA, looked at past I reports and based on their greatest area of need, that's how they identified the targets that they were going to uh work on meeting. Um respectfully, that's not the question I asked. I understand um you know what you just
071explained, but I'm wondering why the projected or expected or desired um rate of students meeting and exceeding is so low for both for math and ELA. So they looked at the as be explained they looked at the data of where they were and needed to set a realistic goal for improvement from the where the actual data was. Sorry, I'm toggling between the Illinois um school report card and the SIP. Um, so where the data was that got them into targeted status, I'm trying to pull that up. So ELA was 28% and math was 31%. But that's not that this is the the plan is around the subgroup that was targeted, which is EL. So not having that data in front of me, I I don't want to misrepresent. I also don't have Miss Piper Simpson
072here who is the principal. Um but I don't want to misrepresent um her the the group the work of that group. Um but the target the group that was targeted for this plan is E. So that data piece would be based on improving the EL subgroup. Um that makes sense. I if you could um indulge me. I don't think that's what the plan says though. On the on the first page of the plan, it says the three priorities and one of those priorities is the EL subgroup, but then when you go um to the next couple pages where they actually outline the goals, they don't mention the EL subgroup. Um, and it's just uh, you know, a goal for ELA and a goal for math. Um, so for example, for um, for ELA, the goal
073is for students to for 40% of students to meet or exceed in MAP. Um and then in the school report card, the ELA meets and exceeds um status was 29%. So So that would be setting a goal of improving from 29% to 40%. Right. So are you telling this board that that's a realistic achievable goal and anything more than that would be unrealistic? What I'm saying is that the group that there is an entire team which you can see listed on the page of educators including staff from Piper who analyzed all of their data worked with an consultant from from um Isby and created these goals together in partnership that would be reasonable expectations for improvement at Piper. Okay. So any meaning that I ascribe then where you know if you're saying realistic and then
074I'm saying well then does that mean it's unrealistic to expect more? That's not what you're saying. You're saying that this this is what the ISBY consultant um advised. Again if you can see on the school improvement planning team I was not on the school improvement planning team. So, I do not want to misrepresent what the school improvement planning team's work was to come to that conclusion. We obviously want all of our students to be successful and have to high standards for achievement, but we also know that realistically there's growth. Students need to move from various um levels within. So if we're talking about MAP, we're looking to increase students who are in yellow to orange and orange to so we want to keep moving students forward. So these goals were set by this team including
075you can see all the people that were on there, special ed coordinator, teachers who work together to develop this plan and this is the as be said a plan that Piper is proud of and feels will help them continue to grow through the SIP process. Thank you and thank you for taking me through that. I did look at it and I did see the team. Um, so but thank you for highlighting that for me. I think that's all the questions I have. Thank you. Any other questions? No. Okay. Uh so now we I need a motion to approve uh item D and a second. I'll motion to approve it. I'll second Jimenez. I Steinfeld. I Dren. I Palace. I Gonzalez. I Butler. I Cavayto. I. Motion carried. Thank you. Uh public comments. Individuals appearing before
076the board are expected to follow the guidelines outlined in board policy 2230. Seeing none, um board member comments. Yes, please. You know, I'm just going to keep talking. Why don't you give me a microphone? I wanted to say thank you for a very um very effective, I think, and successful school board meeting. This was my first um and I want to thank my fellow board members. I want to thank um Miss uh Dr. Havis and uh Dr. Maldonado um for the policy committee as well. So, um and thank you, Madame President. Nice meeting. Thank you. Um I want to um say thank you to all the retirees and I know they are not here. So um I have a connection with every single one of them. I remember meeting Mr. Dylan the first day of
077school as I was a teaching assistant here at Heritage at that time. um on his first day I worked with his students at that time and other students in that team which was 7A um so I so grateful for all that he has done for the heritage family and our students in our community um Kathy Okconor uh we have been we worked together as co-workers when I was a receptionist and she was already the secretary at at Irvin Teresa, Prenville, Bill, Dannis Pure, and Ellen Ras. Of course, we work as co-workers when I was here a teacher. Um, seenor de la uh thank thanks to him. Heritage has been up to date and cleaned every single day. Um, Marielle Culinary uh helps so many families in our community. I have seen her work firsthand um
078and the impact that her uh dumbs body has made in our community um personally and our family and I know that her love and joy for every single students and the families is immense. I family members have joined those group mom's day out and it's an amazing opportunity. So if you can donate to the organization I would greatly um encourage you to do so because they have done an enormous work in the family and and in other communities and how much impact have done in our community especially our students in district 100. So, thank you to all the retirees for all the dedications to our students and all the administrators for your support of our students and our staff. Anyone else? As a very tired mom with a very busy calendar with all of the
079end of the school year activities that are going on, I would like to thank all of the administrators, all of the teachers, and everyone that is involved in putting those events together and rounding up all the kids and rounding up all the parent volunteers because it really it's something that my children look forward to and I know that it helps create those memories. So, not only are you teaching really important things to them, but you're helping them create wonderful memories and giving parents an opportunity to to get a glimpse into the into the world of school um and to create school memories along with their children. So, thank you for all that you do. I'm sure you're just as exhausted as all the parents, but it is greatly appreciated and your hard work is seen.
080So, thank you. I want to echo the sentiments of President Himenez around the uh retirees. I too know many of them personally and um there's a lot of expertise and advocacy that are leaving the district, but I'm grateful that they were here and hopefully their mentorship, which I know they've mentored plenty, um will continue on with them. Anyone else? Okay. That's it. Uh, can we have a motion to adjourn? I'll motion to adjurnn. Second. I'll second. Thank you. I Jimenez I Steinfeld I Gonzalez I Butler I Cavayto I Dren I Palace I motion carried. Thank you everyone. have a good summer and hope to see you back in June or not because you're in some of you are on vacation.