001O2 and um we'll we'll start with the pledge. I'm gonna mute myself. >> 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. >> All right. So 3.0 is to approve the meeting agenda. >> I'll make a motion. >> Dan Reena. >> I'll second it. >> Okay. Thank you. And um is there any discussion? The the one thing I did want to mention is we have to do roll call votes. Um, since we have one or more people on Zoom, so I'm going to just I'm going to run I'm going to run the roll call and in the order that I kind of see you on my screen is how we're going to do
002it. Um, so we'll start with uh Rogers. >> Hi, >> Mlo. >> I >> Jansen Reddex. I >> surely I All right. Agenda's approved. Okay. 4.0 are acknowledgements and recognitions. We don't have anything specifically on the calendar for that this evening. Um 5.0 is our recognition of visitors and and our community comment section. Um community comments is an opportunity for the public to address the school board on an item included in the agenda according to the guidelines at the end of the agenda. Um, is there anyone signed up this evening for community comments? >> No. Okay. And just a welcome to to all the the visitors at the meeting tonight. For those of you in the room, um, thanks for being here on a snowy snowy snowy February day and all of you on Zoom.
003Good to good to have you here. Thanks for coming. Um, all right. 6.0 are our reports. Uh 6.1 is the principal's report. Is Mr. Balanchi with us? >> He is not. We don't have a report. >> Okay. All right. We'll move on to 6.2 which is the superintendent's report. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. And my report is really, really quick. Um just two items. Uh, one, you should know that the LCCMR grant that we received for $250,000 uh to do trails and some bridge work in the forest, uh, that has been now um put into bill format and it's House File 3426. Uh, and so it and then that it was referred to the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee. Um, the odds of us getting that grant are like 99%. um it's
004going to happen, but it's a legislative process. So, it's been sent to committee and we should be have some hearings on it. Uh and then at some point the legislature will take action on um that house file. Uh and then secondly, I just wanted to publicly praise and thank Tom and Greg who have spent two very long days uh plowing and plowing and shoveling and snowblowing uh to get things up and ready. and uh I can I've been around the building and it's all opened up and ready for us for tomorrow morning. So, thanks to those two gentlemen for working so hard over the last 48 hours. That's all I got. Okay, great. Thanks. Yes. And um I will second that. I haven't seen the the clearing being done yet, but I can only imagine
005how much work that was. So, cheers to everybody for all their hard work on that. This was a big one. Okay. Um 7.0 is our consent agenda. Uh is there anything that needs to be pulled for further discussion? Um and if not, we just need a motion. >> I motion to accept the consent agenda. >> I'll second it. >> Okay. Any other discussion? All right. Um Rogers, >> hi. >> None. I >> Jansen. >> I >> reex >> I >> Shirley I and the consent agenda is adopted. All right. 8.0 8.0 is our discussion and action items. 8.1 is to accept the expenditure and revenue report for January of 2026. Um looks like we've got it shared up on the screen here. And I is uh Miss Teresa Oberg with us this evening as well?
006>> Yes. Yes. >> All right. So, I'll hand it over to you. Um Teresa, if there's anything you want to point out. >> Um well, not necessarily. Um it's just another uh monthly report that looks similar to previous. We're tracking quite well. Um I am starting to be ready for the process of um you know what the next year's funding what our formula allowance is. So we'll be starting to enter into the budgeting process. So that will be coming in the next month or two. So now that we're in midFebruary, probably April, I suppose. Um, but if anyone has any specific questions, shoot. Otherwise, my report stands as it is. All right. Great. Thank you. Um, yep. So, any questions, feel free. Otherwise, we just need a motion. I'll make a motion. >> I'll second.
007>> Okay. Any further discussion? All right. Uh, roll call here. Rogers. >> Hi, >> Mloone. >> I, >> Jansen. >> I, >> Reddex, >> I. >> Shirley, I. And the motion carries. All right. 8.2. Uh, we've got a review on the LIC vote of concurrence. >> Uh, Mr. Chair, um, I don't see Maria here yet. Why don't we table this until she gets here? And if she doesn't get here, I can address it at the end of the meeting. >> Okay. All right. So, we'll move on from 8.2 and circle back to that. Um 8.3 um is an approval of the 2028 Costa Rica field trip proposal. Um, we've got the details here in the packet and it looks like uh Miss Aaron Fatz Jigair is in the room. Hello Aaron. >> Hi everybody. >>
008Hello. Welcome. >> Hi. Um, yeah, as you can see in front of you in the board packet. Um, I've been doing some shopping around with different tour companies to kind of continue our international travel program and in offering international trips every two years to Spanish-sp speakaking countries. um as I'm the Spanish teacher. Um so, and you might be aware we're about to leave for Spain in a month. So, um I was just really hoping to plan the next trip early out, you know, two years out. Um just to make sure that we keep it as affordable as possible for families and students. Um that's also why I decided to go with this other company, World Strides. Explorica is the another name for the company as well. Um they I think are really comparable to EF
009and they've offered a price point that's about $800 cheaper to a very comparable trip. Um so it's a a very similar itinerary that we did in 2024, which was frankly incredible um and just awesome for student learning um at a better price point. And I think um like in terms of safety and um the the actual tour experience is quite similar to what we would expect from EF. So EF has been a great company to work with. Um but then the other thing too that kind of made me go with this company is they also have a financial assistance program uh for students who or families who make less than 85,000 a year, which is a lot of our families, right? So really looking to reduce um those barriers to travel and to make sure
010that this is accessible to our community. Um yeah, so I don't know if you I mean I I guess I just wanted to say a couple other quick things. Um it's frankly a privilege and an honor to be able to lead these trips. So I just want to say that um is much appreciated. Um I take it very seriously. It's an awesome responsibility um and it's also um you know it's a lot of work of course uh to do as well but um but it really is a privilege. So uh thanks for your consideration and and um having me lead these these trips. Um, if you have questions or wanted to talk about any of the um, uh, attachments you see in your board agenda, I'm happy to answer questions or anything that's on your
011mind. So, >> this is 9 through 12, right? >> Yeah, this is 9 through 12. So, I mean, right now it would be students who are in 7 through 12 this or excuse me, 7 through 10 this year. Um but they would be in 9 through 12 um in March of 2028. Um yeah, and you know, next month we've got 12 students traveling to Spain um which you know is not too far from 10% of our high school. So we've got a a good amount of student interests in these trips. Um, and as you can see, this price point is it's actually cheaper than the previous Costa Rica trip that we took. So, and that was, you know, a year and a half ago. So, I was pretty pretty pleased with the price point in
012terms of what we're getting as well. So, yeah. Other questions? >> Um, quick question. What do you see as any sort of like I don't know what some of the cons maybe in terms of going with this company versus EF if if there are any or any sort of downsides. >> Yeah, I mean I guess the the main con is just like the slight uncertainty that I have because I haven't traveled with them before. Um with EF I traveled with them as a student and as a group leader. Um, however, I've done quite a bit of um talking with other group leaders. I'm connected with a um Explorica group leaders social uh media page and have been like talking with other teachers who lead these trips as well. Um, and really combing through all of
013the comments and they're pretty honest. Um, so, um, from what I can tell it, I think it's really pretty comparable to EF. And there, of course, there's a few bad comments of like, oh, I had a bad experience with this one tour director, but I think that can happen with any tour company, you know, so I'm not seeing a repeated pattern of anything. Um, and then, in fact, I was actually able to um connect with a teacher from Alexandria, Minnesota yesterday on the phone. Um, and she had just reached out to offer, you know, she's been she's traveled with EF, she's traveled with this company as well and actually prefers Explorica, um, and feels like they're maybe a little bit more um, open to customizing specific trips and all of that and working with you
014um, more personally. Uh with EF I have probably worked with five or six different travel reps. So there's been a lot of lot of turnover with that company in the last three years and um they've I mean they've provided good service and all of that for sure, but um I think there's not as much turnover with this company. So to answer your question, I don't really see any cons besides just a little bit of uncertainty, but Great. Thanks. >> Uh, any other questions from anybody? >> I'm just wondering, does Dan get to go again? >> Well, that was kind of in a pinch. He He was a wonderful chaperone, uh, to be clear. Um, but, um, part of doing these trips is, you know, we appreciate, I think, them being school sponsored. Um, and I
015think what we've talked about is trying to have a licensed educator as as the chaperone along with me. Um, but but we can talk about it, I guess. Certainly. >> We do have licensed educators on our school board. >> That is that is true. >> And Spanish >> is and I believe one that speaks Spanish. >> Yeah. Yeah. Is this contingent on That sounds unethical, but can I can I tab that in? >> Sounds unethical. >> Um, it's true. I did go on that last trip and um I reviewed the itinerary of this trip and it meant something to me because I I was fortunate enough to go on that other trip and it does sound very sim similar to to the previous trip which was great. Um, and I would also just say that,
016um, Aaron did a great job leading the trip. Um, she was I would have full confidence in her continuing this program, having um, been her assistant on the last one and it it was fantastic and I think the students got a ton of value out of it. Um, and that was really fun to see. So, um, definitely all in favor of continuing this program for sure. >> Thanks. >> Um, okay. So, we need to take some action on here. Then we need to approve this propo proposal um this evening um or at least that's the request. So, um if there's a motion, we entertain that. I'll make the motion. >> I'll second. >> Okay, great. And is there any further discussion? >> All right. Uh, Rogers, >> hi. >> Mlo. >> Hi, >> Jansen. I
017said I >> Oh, okay. Thank you. I was looking down. I wasn't I couldn't read your lips. Um, Redex >> C. >> I love it. Shirley I All right. And the motion carries. >> Thank you, Aaron. >> Thank you for being here, Aaron. >> Yeah. Thanks you guys. >> And Mr. Chair, Maria's with us now, so you can go back to 8.2. Okay, great. Um, yep. So, let's circle back 8.2, which is the review of the LC vote of concurrence. Hello, Maria. Welcome. Thanks for being here. >> I'm sorry I was late. I had to shovel away to my um garage in order to get in the house. So, >> we understand. >> Okay. So, what you have before you is the vote of concurrence that the LIC worked on uh last week Thursday. It
018was a closed working meeting. So, I need uh Dan and Lynn um sorry, Lynn Holm to sign off on it. Uh and then I will give you the package tomorrow, Chris, that shows what our uh review plan was, what our narrative was, and what our goal and how we met it for this year because it's just a partial um report that we have to do and it has to be submitted March 1st. And then you uh as a board respond to what our goals we put in the plan. Got it. So, um I will have this printed. I will sign it and I will scan it to Dan because he's not here to tomorrow, I don't think. Um and so then Dan, you can scan it back to me with your signature. >> And I
019will be down in the school building tomorrow. I got to meet with Cameron. So, >> okay. >> I may be there tomorrow morning, too. Um so, either way. >> Okay, perfect. And uh that's all I have until I can schedule a LIC meeting with our traveling members coming back into portage. So we can do that. >> Maria, out of curiosity, who are the officers now from the on the LC? >> We have five officers. We have Christine Childs, Heather Boyd, Chris Young, Yanni Spry, and Bobby Han. So that is a quorum. >> Got it. Okay. Thank you so much. >> Oh, no problem. And don't forget you guys are up in Portage on the 12th, but unfortunately I will not be in town for that meeting. >> Thanks to Eric, you're going to miss a
020roast beef dinner. >> I know. I know. Eric and I talked about that. I was just Yeah, but I'm going for prime rib tonight, so I won't be too disappointed. >> Well, thank you. I don't think this requires action of the board, Dan. I think it's just a review of the LEC's action, >> right? >> Okay, great. Um, well, perfect. Um, thank you, Maria. Um, is there any other questions or anything from anyone else on this? >> Um, okay. Well, we'll get those signatures and get the document back to you and, um, we'll be seeing next month. >> Yeah. >> All right. Take care. Gotta go to dinner. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Bye. >> All right. So, we're going to swing back around to 8.4 and we've got uh proposal request on the
021construction prog prog, excuse me. Um, we've got ICS here um in the room. We've got Damian and Jason to walk us through this and I'll go ahead and hand it over to you guys. >> Thank you. I'm Jason Philipek here again with uh Damen Williams both with ICS here to um provide an update on the construction project. Um we will be reviewing uh value engineering the budget schedule project updates and then the next steps. >> Are you running this? I think I'm running. There we go. >> Uh, regarding value engineering. So, the value engineering has been reviewed by the project oversight committee, IC and the design team. Uh, we had a budget for value engineering um of 1,16,547. So our goal was to reduce the construction cost by again 1,16,000. Um today we will be
022uh presenting value engineering with a cost savings of $954,56051. And we will have a remaining uh value engineering uh to be reviewed at a later date of uh 300,000. And when we finalize that budget, we will have a surplus of 148,000. Um the list here um has again been reviewed by the project oversight committee and uh we have gone through the list item by item here to uh identify these costs reductions as valuable to the project as a whole. Um the total again is $954,56051. And these items on the list here will be removed from the project. Um would you like me to go down the list? >> I've seen the list. So I I guess I would ask the other three uh board members if they want to know what they are. All I
023got to say is I know I've been a staunch opponent of air conditioning in in Cook County, but and I still am, but of all the places to take it out, the uh the gym and fitness area. Oh man, you got a bunch of stinky kids. None of our current fitness areas or gyms have air conditioning. So, it just keeps it in line currently. I do think it's a bummer the solar tubes are having to be removed. I understand that they're pretty expensive, but natural light is so important. >> We did feel like those products could be installed in the future if uh if the contingency spend on the project, you know, better aligned in 2027. They're actually something that we could install at a later date with not a not a lot of issues.
024So, ideally, if we were to have a balance in the project remaining at the end of 2027, I'd be somewhere we could, you know, consider that >> uh doing those improvements. Yep. >> So, we're we're actually going to maintain a wish list of items just uh um and then we'll just as we work through the project, we'll be we'll be talking as you know periodically looking at the budget and understanding how we're how we're sitting and and keeping that wish list in front of us as well. >> I'd love to see the natural light options on the wish list of moving back in if possible. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And and I just make a quick comment about that too, Carrie. For sure. Um >> the a lot of these items, not all of them,
025but a lot of them were um either items that um could be added back later. Um be so there's some flexibility there if the funds allowed. So we wanted to identify things that weren't contingent on other aspects of the project. Um so these, you know, can just be put in without other additional work needing to be done beforehand. Um so that was part of part of the reason why they ended up making the list. And then yeah, also something to go on the wish list. Um the the other piece is a lot of these are um not necess um we don't get away from the like functionality and sort of the um >> you know some of this like aesthetic and things of of that nature. Um, so trying to again maintaining fidelity to like
026the functional aspects that we're kind of going for. So that was kind some of the thought process on on how these items were were selected. I I think one of the other things um that was noted is that every room is going to have new light fixtures and uh the light fixtures are going to have a lot more control in terms of how bright the lights are, how warm the lights are. Um, so it's not it's not the same as it is today in those rooms. It'll be a little better that way, too. >> Still can't replace natural light. >> It's true, but it is on the list anyway. car is items 58 and 59 supposed to be positive or negative? >> They are supposed to be positive. So item number 58 is uh related
027to the elementary media center lighting. So when the solar tubes were taken out of that area, >> the design team felt like the light fixtures in that room needed to change. So, the previous light fixture was similar to this, like a 2x4 trougher, and the new layout has a linear um you know, it's probably a six or 8 foot linear fixture in those spaces. >> Sure. >> And 59 was with the reduction in skylights. >> Yeah. >> Same thing. Yep. Okay. So, we should go to the next slide or >> Yep. >> Whoa. Zoom that in. >> I don't know how to zoom in. control. >> I lost the document. Seriously lost the document entirely. There it is. Okay. Now share. Um, zoom in. It's not working. I can't zoom in. Can you without being
028in slideshow mode, can you just zoom in on that on that particular um slide and then share >> but not be in slideshow mode? Just like share your screen. >> Yeah, I screwed this up. Give me a second here. >> It's great when it works. I'm all messed up now. Okay. Now, what I don't know how to do, I think I know what I did wrong. I don't I don't know what I did wrong. Even when it's zoomed in, it's a little bit grainy. I got my computer all messed up here. >> Go to full screen when that same >> full screen. >> There was a full screen option once you zoomed in. >> Yeah. Go to zoom >> view and go down to full screen. See that? There you go. >> Can I get
029rid of the thumbnails? Man, if you were in the slideshow. >> There's a slide bar to the right. There. >> Say that again. There's a slide bar on the right. You can take us from the top. Sure. >> Yeah, I got the important things there. So, >> yep. Um, so here's an update to the construction budget which does reflect the invoices which were sent over in early February. And the budget does include the additional funding we previously discussed um related to the bond referendum uh calculation there. So, we did add $43,18 um to that uh $50,000 related to interest earnings and then $20,000 related to energy rebates. So, those were previously discussed when we were talking about adjusting the cost for construction. Um, under column three here for fees, we do also include the project
030efficiency. Um, with the IC contract related to referendum number two, uh, that cost savings of $400,000. Section four here, um, we have areas which were removed from the project. So 4.05 5 is solar. Uh so the solar panels will not be part of the this project and the outdoor learning space. The um that will actually be part of referendum number two. In the uh construction column here, we do show the credits um which align with this $954,000 in the uh budget adjust column there. And item number 5.11 uh value engineering still under review. So those are credits which will be reviewed at a future date. Um those are generally related to site work uh which requires a bit more refining before it can be uh reviewed and approved by the board. Uh we also show
031the construction contingency for referendum one being reduced from 1 million to $800,000. So a reduction of $200,000 and uh at the bottom here we have an overall balance of $148,13. So when we do um achieve this value engineering number 5.11 uh when we do achieve that we will have a surplus of 148,000. Why can't I get this to zoom out? >> I think your whole screen is zoomed. See you hit control and ended a scroll or something. >> Yeah, something like that. >> Were there any questions regarding the budget? >> Um, nope. doesn't look like it. >> Okay. >> Regarding the construction schedule, um user group meetings for referendum 2 design will start next week, Tuesday, February 24th. And we will have two follow-up user group meetings on March 12th and April 20th. Uh we
032will be holding the project oversight committee meetings on Tuesday at 1 pm before each board meeting. So the board meetings are on Thursday. Uh the prior Tuesday will be the >> the PAC meeting. Uh regarding the referendum number two design submissions. Uh the design will be submitted to the board for approval during each stage of the design process. Uh the SD design will be submitted on April 2nd. The DD design development stage will be submitted on May 21st and the final construction contract documents will be submitted for approval on July 16th. We will then be going out for bidding in August. Uh regarding construction, construction mobilization will start on May 1st with uh limited work but some work here on site uh to get set up and get uh fencing and that sort of thing
033put in place. So we are prepared for the summer construction. We do have a power outage which is uh planned for May 29th. So, we will be um installing a new utility transformer near the maintenance area uh which will require the power to be out in the building for that day, which is a Friday. That transformer is in town and the contractor will start their mobilization for that in early May. So, we will be well prepared for that outage. Does does that outage include the Y? >> It does not include the Y. And part of the building, the school building here is on a separate service also. >> Okay. >> Good question. >> And u major construction will start June 1st. Uh regarding the project update here. So, planning and design regarding referendum one. The
034design is under review with the state to ensure life safety and ADA uh requirements are compliant. That state plan review process is anticipated to take 5 to 10 weeks. Uh furniture, fixtures, and equipment planning is ongoing. So, we are uh reviewing the furniture budget, um the playground, the um security cameras and card readers to uh get get those in place as well regarding referendum two. So again, the uh user group meetings start on February 24th and we are actively engaging the turf and track vendors to get samples and refine that uh scope of work uh for construction. So mobilization will start May 1st. That'll include site preparation, utility routing and relocating that cooler. Um, occupancy and construction coordination and planning is ongoing. That includes moving summer occupancy, construction, and overall safety on site here. So,
035we are working with Chris here to to get a real good plan for construction and occupancy through the summer. A groundbreaking ceremony is being planned um and further planning for that it will take place in March. in May. >> The date is tenatively in May, but I don't know if that's been selected yet. >> No, we have a meeting next week to uh meet as a team on that. >> We do anticipate that ceremony to be for both referendum one and two though, right? >> Correct. >> Hopefully the snow will be gone in May. >> Some locations. Um, we are recommending here to approve the proposal request number one for value engineering as presented to the amount of 954,56051. And that will allow us to uh proceed with uh adjusting the budget for those contents.
036There any questions? Um questions? Um and if not then yeah the recommendation is to to approve the value engineering amount. >> Uh I make a motion to approve the value engineering amount. >> I'll second it. >> Further discussion. >> Okay. Rogers. Mloone. >> Hi, >> Jansen. >> I'm real tuned up about solar. I'm gonna say nay. >> Redex >> I. >> Shirley. I And the motion carries. Okay. Um 8.5 is to approve the JPA with the uh Northland Learning Center. >> Uh yeah, Mr. Chair, I can just tee this up. The board has seen this a couple of different times. Uh this is now getting to the final step in the process um to approve the resolution. It's in your packet um along with the actual JPA for your review, but it will be approved
037by all of the districts in the Northland Learning Center Cooperative. And then that building will be open in August for the start of the school year. All right. Um, and so this is thi does this allow does this specifically allow the them to to pursue that funding? Is that what this is doing? >> Um, it's yes, it's p it's the bonding and the Yes, you're >> working with with Ellers to do all that. Okay. All right. Any any questions from anyone on this? Um, if not, we just need a motion. >> A motion uh to accept. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. Further discussion? You guys can go. >> Thank you. >> Oh, see you guys. Thanks for coming. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. Um All right. Discuss any other any discussion item
038on this? >> Okay. Rogers. >> Hi. >> McClo. >> Hi. >> Jansen. >> Reex. >> I >> Shirley I. And the resolution is adopted. All right. Uh 8.6 is to accept the donation slate for uh February of 2026. We've got this in our packet and an amazingly generous slate of donations in February here. >> I'm sorry about that. >> I'm just reading it on my phone now. >> Yeah, it's a lot of donations and uh the first and second thrift store volunteers donated quite a bit. So, thanks to those volunteers. and the booster club. >> Booster club, too. Yeah. >> I'll make a motion to accept uh the donations is presented um with a statement of appreciation to all those that donated time and money. >> I'll second >> further discussion. >> Yep. I'm going
039to third that um that gratitude for this continued support. This is really amazing. Thank you to to all the donors. >> All right. Uh Rogers. >> Hi. >> Mlo. >> Uh Jansen. >> Hi. >> Reex. >> Hi. >> Shirley. I >> I'm assuming you got the answer to your question, Chris. It was Eric that seconded it. >> Yeah. Thank you, Carrie. >> And the motion carries. Yep. Thanks. Um All right. And then 9.0 is our personnel items. Uh 9.1 is our our slate for February. personnel. >> Yeah. new higher resations and >> um I'll make a motion to accept those and with regret for both uh Allison Heron and um TJ Long both really valuable members of of our staff faculty. >> I'll second >> further discussion. Thank you to Allison and TJ. You guys
040have been great. We wish you all the best. >> Rogers. >> Hi, >> Mloone. >> Hi, >> Jansen. >> Hi, >> Redex. >> I vote no to TJ's resignation. That guy's awesome. >> Shirley, I and the motion carries. stuck into that one. >> All right. Um I think we just need a motion to adjourn. >> I got it. >> All right. We're adjourned at 5:48. Um thanks everybody. Thanks for pulling this together and making it possible on Zoom on this on this snowy day. >> How did the guys from Duth get here if we couldn't make it? >> That's a good question. Damian came in from Brainer. >> Yeah, >> maybe they weren't paying attention to the weather. >> They got three. >> All right, thank you everyone. Have a good night. >> You guys.
041>> Yep. Cheers. Bye. Thanks everyone.