May 2026 Regular Meeting of the D128 Board w/AD

001We are going to call the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Um, we'll begin with a pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible. >> Let's begin with a roll call, please. >> Cotwell, >> here. >> West Poland here. >> Julie Simpson here. Thank you. Um we'll start by reviewing the agenda. Um so at first we have a few communication items amongst which we are going to go through some student recognition and um honoring some of our outgoing the student board reps and welcoming the the new ones. Um after the discussion item uh the communication items we are going to go into some agenda items for discussion followed by a consent agenda and then items for for action.

002Um and then we are going to go through someformational items and then future agenda items following which we'll move into executive session and then return to open session. Um, with that we will start with our meeting. But before we get into it, uh, I did want to make a couple statements here. Um, oh, it's intimidating speaking in front of so many people, yet so many of you do it day in and day out. Um, we appreciate it. Um we are very very thankful for everyone who comes in here and speaks up. Uh we know their heart is in the right place. They are all fighting for our students and we really really appreciate it. Your comments in here, your feedback to us informs our perspectives and informs our decisions in what we need to take.

003We end up having to balance that with what we need to do from a compliance perspective, what we need to do from a governance perspective, how we need to run the board. Um but it informs perspective. So please know that it's appreciated. Um we have the task of after that making some sometimes some difficult decisions. Do we get it right all the time? I don't think so. I don't know that we've gotten everything right. But the motive is always looking at student outcomes and making sure that as a district we are doing well and we are following the law and we we are doing what is best for our students. So I hope you allow us some grace as we go through that. Um we all live in the same community as my friend Socrates

004had once pointed out. We are all neighbors. We are we all see each other here and there. Erica there just lives three doors across from me. we see each other let's work together as we move the district in the right direction we are continuing to do so I mean even amongst the board I don't know that we agree all the time but we all are trying to do the best thing for the students so please know that and um please keep that in mind I hope um with that we are going to move into student recognition All right. Good evening everyone. Um this evening both uh Dr. Andy Young and myself. Uh it's our pleasure to uh welcome both schools respective wind ensembles who just recently participated in the tw uh the 2026 Superstate Concert

005Band Festival. And uh this competition is the you know the highlight of of competitions for the band in the state. And in the district both Libertyville High School and Vernon Hills High School were named the honor bands in their respective classes. So I believe that was 1A and 2A. Um so this is a tremendous accomplishment. Um something that does not happen uh very much and the fact that both bands did it is truly exceptional. Um when we'll be calling up both Andy and myself, our directors from Libertyville High School will be Adam Gore uh to recognize our students that are able to be here. Um and this summer uh when I was talking to Mr. Gore uh about the wind ensemble and the band. Uh he said, "Every year is a great group, great group

006of musicians, but this year in particular, watch this group. It could be a special group." And he was right on target. It was truly a very special group. And we'll let Dr. Young speak about Vernon Hills. I just uh briefly want to add um Miss Gosler, Kelly Gosler, our new band director, not new now, a year in, came in following Randy Sandell, if you remember, who had been here for 25 years and had built a um state and national reputable band program. And I just want to congratulate Miss Gosler because I know she felt this need to keep that momentum going. And it's not that we expected a state title, but that's pretty cool. So this I believe I have this right, Dr. Russell. I think this was our seventh state title in 26 years

007and they don't let you win it backtoback. Um so that's a pretty impressive track record for Vernon Hills and um our kids and the community and district 73 continue to just send us incredible musicians and we're super super proud of that. So I'm gonna let uh Miss Gosler come and Adam and we'll love on our kids and introduce them. So come on up Miss Gosler and Mr. Gore. >> Thank you everyone. Uh I'm so happy to be part of this community as a new person here and um I know I've said it a few times, but this is kind of my dream job and I never really thought I was going to actually get it and so it's really amazing to be here. I know when you see it say, "Wow, seven times we've done

008this," it starts to maybe feel run-of-the-mill, but uh it's really a big deal. It's really, really a big deal. And it's in great part because this district has rallied around the arts in such a way to allow this to continue. So, please know this is very, very special. And I thank you so much for everything you've done to support this. And I really look forward to teaching the rest of my career here and leading this program. So, with that said, I'd love to acknowledge my students who, uh, make up the wind ensemble. So, uh, Protham Bonsil, Josh Benson, Anastasia Boots, Sophia Brown, Wade Bunton, Jonah Burton, uh, Jerry Katane, Julius Katane, Edgar Chan, Mikey Chang, Evan Chen, come on up. Come on up. Uh, Namu Cho, Nicholas, Nik Niko, uh, Samino, Danny Dubo, Grace Doe,

009Campbell Fenton, Joel, Oh shoot, feit, uh, Francesca Gaus, Anning, Nigel Glifka, uh, Ethan Henley, Iris Kang, Anara Katsman, Eugene Kim, James Kim, Kikon Kim, Noah Kim, Drew Lancion, Simon Manson, Jacob Olsen, Ethan Park, Evan Park, uh, Noah Rosh Schultz, Ben Slavish, Steven Spanos, Tyler Stark, Zeron Sed, Ryan Towel, uh, Uh, Rowan Traps, Kathleen Shu, Jay Yang, Joshua Zang, and Sophia Zitch. Thank you so much. They really did some incredible work. >> Students are taking a photo. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Students are taking a photo. >> That means you need >> students are taking a photo. Well, I certainly could not have said it any more eloquently than Miss Gosler did. So, I'll just move on to introducing the Libertyville Wind Ensemble. Uh, one thing that that uh we we've we have been going

010to this festival a couple years longer as the school's been open longer. So, here is the uh 11th state champion Libertyville Wind Ensemble. Uh, come on up folks. I'll read the names and we'll get you a certificate. We can get up here. Kate Anderson, Benedino, Matthew Brown, Owen Brown, Hayes Carter, Kai Chamnunkit, Richie Dumbrossski, Simon Ellingsson, Solomon Ellingsson, Matteo Garcia, Max Gardner, Anna Gipo, Annabel Gore, good last name on that one, Riley Guber, Caroline Guar, Jonas Hamidi, Lizzie Hamilton, Atrey Hati, Nina Hernandez, Davis Hillbach, Liam Hoisinga, Kaden Hudson, Akshai Galotti, John Joyce, Zara Kareem, Olivia Kester, Joey Kim, Kyle Crebbomb, Julia Lindell, Charles Lindseay, Arnameishra, Rigs, Mitron, Chathan Nickerson, Aisha Nudorapati, Imos Owen, Shagun, Puna, Andrew Schindler, Matthew Schindler, James Billy Sims, Isaac Stone, Jackson Taylor, Thomas Tusher, Nicholas Tomy, Lucy Tuni, Luke Waggliardo, Vivian

011Wong, Edward Braden Weaver, Finley Weinstein, Paige Wheeler, and uh Trace Wen and Sophia Yatsi. Congratulations. >> Yeah, >> students are taking a photo. >> Multiple rows. Let's go. >> Students are taking a photo. >> You're going to be front. >> Students are taking a photo. Yeah, >> perfect. >> Yep. Squeeze in. >> Students are taking a photo. Students are taking a photo. All right, our last one uh this evening is our Business Professionals of America, BPA, uh which uh has taken over at Vernon Hills as we've transitioned out of FBLA, if you were formerly familiar of that. And as you might have heard, uh, the season was capped off with a number of our students making it to nationals down in Nashville. Uh, and that included, uh, one of our teams being national champs in

012their area of expertise. So, I'm going to let Miss, um, Raymond and Mr. Pen brag about these kids who had an incredible season and represented uh, Vernon Hills High School so well, both locally um, but especially uh, nationally. So, I'll hand it over to you. >> All right. So yeah um we competed in the national competition so I represented across the country also we had China Korea there too um and all these guys were national qualifiers so they traveled with us to Nashville. Um last year we brought 10 students this we brought 33. So I think the club's really expanding. It's really exciting. Some of these guys are doing presentations. Um some of these guys are doing tests. Um there's even a parliamentary procedures you know event. It's just like what does that even mean?

013Uh but these guys really like um worked really hard. Um some of them that were returning from last year, some of them just missed the cut last year and they worked really hard to come back to nationals. And some of these guys are freshman, sophomores, you know, on the younger side but still, you know, really made their mark. Um so I'm just going to read off the names. So some of our finalists uh Grace Doe, Cara Curo, Tuhina Kochar, Arnav Gar, Arnav Gupta, Ani Ruthan Jagenath, Kaylee Moon, Aman Gar, Hassini Swami, Nathan, Sarah Catherville, Arav Sheth, Braden Santag, Devon Ratichic, Alyssa Copanita, Emma Jazbutis, Alex Kim, Caleb Blie, Ryan Jyn, Sashank Mupani, Katherine Lynn, Ekimba, And uh some of our finalists so hit the top 10 were meet Retad, Will Blackmer, Aayush Dubal, Meera Davaluri,

014Andrew Kim, Julianne Oliva, and Daniel Spivac. And placing number third in small business management were Parth Vadia, and Connor Fessener. And our first place team in financial analyst um was Brendan Handoko, James Kim, and Henrik Glungberg. So we're really proud for all these guys. Students are taking a photo. >> Students are taking a photo. >> Tiny ones underneath. Students are taking a photo. >> This podium is going to awkwardly be okay. Okay. >> Students are taking a photo. >> All right. Well done everybody. >> Students are taking a photo. Students are taking a photo. >> Students are taking a photo. >> Thank you. Um, it's always amazing to see the student achievements. I always love seeing seeing everyone come up here. Sometimes it's familiar faces. Sometimes it's just kids from the school who've achieved amazing

015things. So, it's always amazing to see this. Um, next step, uh, we are going to honor our outgoing student school board reps and welcome our new school board reps. Um, I've got a speech prepared for for all of you. Um, no, I'm just kidding. Um, I just thank you for serving on this. I know it's a time commitment from you. Um I've seen you grow through the year presenting to us and the topics that you bring to us very important because it's it helps us understand what's on students minds. Um it helps inform perspective. It helps give us some feedback on what is important to the students and what needs to be addressed and what could we be doing to um improve student outcomes. Um, I've seen all of you contribute and just interacting with

016you makes me super happy that our future is in safe hands. Um, go on out. Um, I'm just so glad that you are the ones who are representing this school district outside. Go on and do awesome things. So, thank you for your service here. Um, so let's give a a big hand for our outgoing uh school board reps. Um, Eva, Ruhi, Andrew, Olivia, Ashwa, and Anuka. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you again. Students are taking a photo. >> Something for all of >> students are taking a photo. Students are taking a photo. >> Students are taking a photo. Students are taking a photo. >> Students are taking a photo. Students are taking a photo. Students are taking a photo. Yep. And with that, uh, we will introduce the new student school board reps, um, for

0172026, 2027, um, Taylor, Gilbert, Misha, Mia, Mary, and Ree. I've interacted with some of you during interviews. Um, I think you're you have some big shoes to fill here, but I I think you are very very capable of of that task. So, I'm excited to have you on the board and I hope to see your contributions over the next year. Welcome. >> Students are taking a photo. Students are taking a photo. >> Students are taking a photo. Students are taking a photo. >> Students are taking a photo. Students are taking a photo. >> Okay, >> as you can see, I'm always very nervous, so I'm glad there's no more pictures for me. Um, with that, we'll move in to invitation for public comment. Um, I'm going to go through the list that signed up and

018then we'll go through whoever else needs to speak. Um, first up on the list is Janet Higgin. Good evening. My name is Janette Haim. My daughter graduates from Libertyville High School on Thursday and will attend Georgetown University to study law. Like every parent in the district, I should be spending this time this week celebrating my children, my child's accomplishment, her future, and the years of hard work that brought her to this moment. Instead, I'm standing here once again addressing failures involving safe student safety, accountability, and leadership within this district. I do acknowledge Dr. Schaefer and the board for finally taking action regarding Bryant Kelly after what many families, including myself, believe was a prolonged failure to adequately protect the students. But let me be absolutely clear. Culpability does not stop with one individual. This is

019not an isolated incident. There have been multiple situations at Libertyville High School where students raise concerns about teachers, coaches, or staff members, yet action was delayed, minimized, or never meaningfully addressed. In at least one case, a former Liverville High School teacher who had similar complaints raised while employed here was later arrested at another school. That should alarm every person in this room because it reflects a recurring pattern of concerns being ignored or handled behind closed doors until the situation escalates. When concerns are ignored, the risk does not disappear. It is simply passed on to the next group of students. Accountability must extend to every former principal, athletic staff, and district leader who failed to act, failed to investigate appropriately, minimize complaints from parents and students, discouraged transparency, or chose to protect reputations and institutional image.

020The board must answer difficult questions tonight. What additional actions will you take now that more information continues to surface? Which leaders will be held accountable for failures in oversight, reporting, and student protection? What independent safeguards are being implemented to ensure students and families are actually protected moving forward? And how will you guarantee that students, parents, coaches, and staff can report concerns without fear of retaliation, intimidation, or silence? Parents should not have to fight this hard to be heard. Students should not have to risk their emotional well-being, reputations, friendships, or futures simply to report concerns involving adults entrusted with their safety. And let me be equally clear about this. More students will be coming forward, more families will speak publicly, and more legal action will follow if this district continues to respond only when forced to

021do so. Leadership is not measured by carefully worded statements after public exposure. Leadership is measured by the willingness to act early, act transparently, ask the tough questions, and make lifechanging decisions before harm escalates. Our children deserve leaders with the courage to prioritize student safety over politics, public image, careers, or institutional protection. Anything less is a failure of responsibility. Thank you. >> Next up, Brian Peterson. >> Good evening. Tonight, I want each member of this board to ask themselves one question before I begin. What would you do if this was your child? What I want to speak about tonight is not a single isolated incident, but rather a pattern of inappropriate conduct, a lack of intervention, and a concerning lack of urgency in communication and investigation regarding situations involving my son. I'm here tonight as not

022only a parent, but also as a school administrator who understands the expectations, investigative responsibility, and accountability processes that our school are required to uphold. As administrators, our responsibility is to advocate on behalf of students, ensure their safety, investigate concerns thoroughly and promptly, and uphold accountability when expectations are not met. Based on my experience with Libertyville High School, I believe that the administration has failed in upholding these responsibilities. Over the past two years, my son has experienced repeated in inappropriate comments and interactions involving both staff and students. These incidents have included sexual comments made by staff members towards or about my son. demeaning remarks from adults, situations where students engaged in inappropriate behavior without meaningful intervention from supervising staff, and even an incident during a school assembly in which an outside vendor sat on my son's

023lap while staff members observed and failed to intervene. That incident alone should have immediately raised concerns regarding professional boundaries, student safety, and adult supervision. In several instances, adults who should have stepped in either failed to do so or appeared indifferent when the conduct was taking place. What concerns me most is not only that these incidents occurred, but the apparent normalization of this behavior. When inappropriate comments or actions are allowed to continue unchecked, students begin to believe that this environment is acceptable. When adults fail to intervene, students lose trust that they will be protected and respected within the school setting. Equally troumbling has been the lack of urgency in communication and investigation. Recently, my son was forced to advocate for himself for an adult in charge failed to stop inappropriate behaviors being displayed by his peers.

024That al that advocacy ulti ultimately led to a detailed conversation with the complaint manager assigned by the district who is both an attorney and a former school administration. During this conversation, timelines over the last two years were reviewed, incidents were outlined, and the names of individuals involved were documented. I strongly encourage members of this board to carefully review that report, ask questions, and gather the necessary information to fully understand the seriousness and scope of these concerns. When families raise concerns involving student well-building and staff conduct, there should be a timely communication, transparency regarding process, and confidence that the matter is taken seriously. Families should not feel that they are left searching for answers or wondering whether comments are being addressed appropriately. I'm speaking tonight because this is a call to action. The current culture at

025Libertyville High School is putting children in harm's way. When inappropriate conduct is minimized, when interventions are inconsistent, and when accountability is lacking, students are the ones who suffer the consequences. I would ask each member of this board to honestly reflect on a few questions. What would your expectations be if these situation involved one of your family members? What would you accept sexual comments being made by school staff towards your child? Would you accept an adult sitting on your child's lap during a school assembly while staff members watched and failed to intervene? Would you accept repeated failures to intervene? Would you be satisfied with delayed communication and little little limited urgency? What would you do if this was your child? Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and supported by

026the adults around them. Professional boundaries matter, adult accountability matters, timely intervention matters, and strong school culture matters. I urge this board to take meaningful action to ensure that these concerns are not dismissed, but instead become a catalyst for reflection, accountability, and change. Thank you. Next up, we have Laura Weber. Good evening. My name is Laura Weber. I have my oldest son uh graduated from Libertyville High School last year and I have boygirl twins that are seventh graders at Rockland. Um, I think most of us here are aware of the lawsuit facing the district. We've seen the news coverage and we know that Brian Kelly has been put on leave. A lot of us are asking how something this serious could happen in our school district. But I think the bigger question is how many warning

027signs were ignored before we got here? Because for some of us, these concerns did not start with this lawsuit. Two years ago, Janette Haim, Susan Van Boning, and I came forward with concerns related to Title N inequity. But very quickly, we realized we were dealing with deeper problems in this district. Problems with leadership, accountability, and a culture that seemed more focused on protecting itself than acknowledging issues and fixing them. When we brought concerns forward, we expected district leadership to listen, investigate, ask difficult questions, and genuinely try to understand where improvements were needed. Instead, we were told there were no real issues and no reasons to make change. We were provided inaccurate and misleading information. The administrators we worked with did not speak to any students or families. And honestly, it felt like they were just

028waiting for us to go away. Dr. Schaefer, when you first started, we warned you specifically about Brian Kelly. We told you he wasn't following the law related to Title 9. He wasn't following procedures. We said there was a serious conflict of interest on on his part for handling the title N process and audit altogether. We warned you that when administrators responsible for handling serious concerns are not doing their jobs properly, eventually something more serious could happen. But instead of seriously considering those concerns, you defended him adamantly. And this is exactly why so many people no longer believe these failures were isolated. People in this community are talking. People pe people people are hearing about the other complaints over the years involving inappropriate behavior, concerns that were not properly investigated, and situations that appear to have

029just quietly gone away with no transparency or accountability. And now we're asking broader questions about district leadership, including whether other administrators like Dr. Kentis, John Woods, Megan Silverberg, and others involved in these matters are being honestly evaluated. Because at this point, the issue is bigger than one lawsuit or one admin administrator. The issue is trust. And Dr. Schaefer, many parents are now questioning whether this administration is truly focused on putting students first, or whether the priority has become protecting the district, protecting its reputation, doing only the minimum required once public pressure becomes unavoidable. For the taxes we pay, and the expectation this community has for its schools, families deserve better. This district does not need more damage control or or more protection of the status quo. It needs leadership willing to identify where the district

030has fallen short. Hold administrators accountable, rebuild trust, and move this district forward. And board members, your job is to ensure that the superintendent is doing exactly that. And if he is unwilling or unable to lead this district forward, then this board needs to seriously evaluate whether we have the right leadership in place. Thank you. Next up, we have Jennifer Tai. >> Hi, members of the board, administration, teachers, staff, parents, and community members. Good evening. My name is Jennifer Tai, and after 35 years of teaching high school mathematics, I will be retiring at the end of this week. I began teaching in district 128 in 1997 at Libertyville High School, teaching for three years in both the Brainard and Butler buildings. I then moved to Vernon Hills High School when it first opened. I have now

031spent 26 years there. Over the years, I have watched this district grow into something truly remarkable. And while I know there are concerns and challenges being discussed right now, I hope that we do not lose sight of the bigger picture. There is just so much good happening in our schools every single day. Thousands of students walk into our two high schools each morning and receive incredible opportunities, outstanding instruction, meaningful support, and experiences that help shape who they become. I have had the privilege of witnessing that firsthand for nearly three decades. In fact, I was so impressed by the teachers, staff, and culture of Vernon Hills High School that I decided to move to Vernon Hills in the year 2000. I did not have children at the time, but I knew that if I did, there

032was no doubt in my mind that I wanted my own children to attend these schools and be surrounded by these educators. I raised my three daughters here, and I couldn't be prouder of who they are now. They are intelligent, kind, hardworking young women. I know, again, without a doubt, I did not raise them alone. District 128 played a significant role in shaping who they are now. The teachers in this district are exceptional. Their intelligence, dedication, compassion, and work ethic are extraordinary. They care deeply about students, and they give far more of themselves than most people ever see. What I have consistently seen over the years is this. Amazing teachers supported by strong administrators who trust and empower them to do their jobs well, working alongside a supportive community and a board that values and appreciates

033all of it. In my opinion, it is that partnership that helped to make these two schools so exceptional. As I prepare to retire, I feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for the students that I taught, for the colleagues who inspire me every single day, and for the opportunity to spend my career in a place filled with so much excellence and heart. To the teachers, staff, administrators, thank you. Thank you so much. You not only helped educate students, you helped families like mine raise good human beings. And for that, I will forever be grateful. My hope is simply this. That the district continues to work for that the district continues to move forward in a positive direction, remembering the tremendous good that does exist here and continuing to support the people who make it happen every single

034day. Thank you. Next up, we have Marne Navaro. Good evening. I'm Marne Navaro, District 128 graduate, lawyer, and incoming parent. I speak for myself. Since speaking last month, I have spent weeks fielding phone calls from additional victims, parents, and staff members, past and present, coming forward, relaying eerily similar accounts of students being groomed and victimized by District 128 teachers and coaches, parents ignored, and a culture of cover up and fear of retaliation. The Parker Roadie situation is not an isolated incident. There are numerous other groomer teachers and coaches who were widely known but were covered up by a toxic environment of silencing students and parents and protecting the abusers rather than the victims. Systemic corruption and failure much originating from the athletic department. Same story every time. Wildly inappropriate conduct, grooming, stalking, harassment, retaliation. Students

035and parents complained repeatedly and to multiple admin and staff. No mandatory reporting to DCFS or law enforcement. Sham, internal investigations, allegations swept under the rug, perpetrators sometimes quietly removed as coaches, shuffled around intentionally internally, or quietly retired with full pensions. Many victims previously reported to District 128. It is unknown what, if anything, was ever documented. Some of these victims and prior reporters have now contacted you, Superintendent Schaefer, and board, sharing their accounts. Our community looks to you now to write the wrongs of the decade plus past. District 128 has operated like its own little Epstein island. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. Only radical transparency and accountability can accomplish the needed cultural shift from the top down. Former board president Jim Batson's resignation last week is a positive step, as was former president Lisa Hustles. Batson

036sat on this board for 15 years and presided over the destruction of our once great district, including numerous medical leaves for known problem teachers and oversaw their re-entry to studentf facing positions. It is right that he resign in shame, arrogant complicity, and cowardice. Putting associate superintendent Bryant Kelly on paid administrative leave is also a step in the right direction, but by no means is it accountability. As the head of HR, he was certainly central to the Boys Club culture of corruption, but by no means did he act alone. By Superintendent Schaefer's own internal investigation into the DO complaint, four more administrators were found to have violated their mandatory reporting duties. Ray Albin, Megan Silverberg, Jennifer Laha, and Josh Simo all remain in their positions to this day. Three of them were even given raises by

037you all in March. a letter in their internal files and mandatory reporting training which is required anyway annually is not accountability. Plus, there are numerous more staff and administrators implicated in the district's historical failure to mandatory report. We've given you those names. There is no accountability without four cause terminations. You have that ability under board policy 590. Multiple involved individuals should also face criminal investigations. Our children are not safe at 128. The union protects its own, including unsafe, mentally ill, and addict addict teachers. The admin protects its fat paychecks and pensions. No one protects our kids except us. We parents and community members demand that this board act decisively to eradicate the culture of corruption and cover up. Enact the most severe consequences for all perpetrators and all those who protected them. All other goals

038are aspirational if we are failing at our first and foremost responsibility, the physical and emotional safety of our children. Thank you. ANYONE ELSE? Anyone else wishes to speak? >> Hello, my name is Susanna Peterson. I am here as a 28-year educator. I am here as a mom. I have uh dad just spoke. Um, I'm going to I'm going to tell you what I've experienced. I sat and um submitted my experience. My son was interviewed at the police department. He came home with incredible things to say that he'd endured. I filed a police report. It took eight to 10, I'm not sure, between eight and 10 weeks for a meeting to take place at which point uh it only took place because there was going to be a Paris trip for him to go on when

039he was a freshman. I thought that was a unique horrible circumstance. He then uh most recently at with the athletic department experienced extreme bullying. Um it was all on camera. These are all within our public spaces. Brady Sullivan acted as a hero in that he heard me out. He heard my son out. He responded quickly and managed the situation in the short term. The long term is yet to be seen because we are currently dealing with this. The lacrosse season just ended um on Friday. I watched at the police department 27 seconds of a paid third-party vendor who dressed as a prostitute who sang in French the lyrics which I translated and sent to district office detailing an exchange between someone who was paying for a sexual act. This person sang on my son's lap.

040The staff member watched and cringed. There were 29 witnesses on a stage. Nothing ever happened. My son has gotten used to everyone watching in classrooms and on stages and during athletic film viewing. There have been four documented events. I'm a former assistant superintendent of human resources. I know what should happen and none of it has happened. The interactions between my son and the students has stopped because our community members are responsive. I reached out to the moms and the dads and we've had meetings at Starbucks and working towards reconciliation so that it stops. I have 8 seconds left to implore you to do what is right and just for all students. Thank you. Anyone else? >> Good evening. My name is Dan Vosnos and I'm back here tonight. The last time I stood in front

041of this podium, some progress has been made, but make no mistake, the work, my work, the community's work is far from over. Brian Kelly's been placed on administrative leave and that is a step in the right direction. But administrative leave is not accountability. It's simply a pause. This community deserves more than a pause. A board president has also departed. He called it retirement. You can't retire from an elected position. You simply resign. That's a fact. Words matter. Transparency matters. And this community has seen too little of both. CBS was here, aired the truth of this district's failures. More families are now coming forward publicly because they finally feel safe enough to do so. That is what happens when light is shown on darkness. I've personally reached out to the Lake County States Attorney's Office. I'm

042waiting on their response because what happened here, the failure to report a documented grooming of a child with Down syndrome to DCFS is not a personnel matter. It is a potential crime under Illinois law. And this situation has not gone unnoticed in Springfield. State legislators are aware of this. They are furious and they are prepared to act. In fact, several have already expressed interest in drafting legislation that would require annual background checks for educators. Not the one-time check that currently exists. Because Parker Road's record was dark and deep. And yet the administration here, both past and present, were fully aware of who he was and still chose him to be placed with the most vulnerable students. That is not a failure of process, is a failure of conscience. Let me be clear about something this

043board needs to hear. Administrators do not work in silos. Brian Kelly did not make these decisions alone. Others in the leadership chain were aware and others did fail to act. Others beared the responsibility for allowing Rodie to quietly retire with full benefits while a family was left without justice and a child was left without protection. My hope and the hope of families who have trusted this process is that those responsible are not simply placed on leave. They must be terminated for cause. A letter of reprimand in a personnel fire and a mandatory reporting workshop does not pass the sniff test when it comes to accountability. You guys in this district have the opportunity to send a message across the state that zero that there is zero tolerance when it comes to legal obligations to report

044to DCFS. What this board decides to do in the coming weeks will define whether this district leads or whether it simply waits for the next failure. And under Illinois law, pensions can and should be forfeited by public employees convicted of crimes related to their official duties. That process needs to begin. The only way to create meaningful change, the only way to protect the next child is to held those responsible fully accountable. To the board members sitting here tonight, you each have now the opportunity to lead. You can choose transparency. You can choose accountability. You can choose to put students first. Do the right thing. Thank you. >> Anyone else? >> Hi, my name is Janess Stock. Um, I have three kids who have graduated from LHS and I have two more who will be attending

045hopefully. um if I feel that I can trust them to you. Um I have a long history of LHS grads in my family. My husband, his siblings, his father, my ex-husband, his siblings, his father. So there's a long tradition of excellence that they've experienced going through this district. I initially came here tonight just to listen and to support my friend. Um but I've been moved by all the other speakers. My youngest has Down syndrome and I'm terrified that he will be put in a situation like what Mr. Roadie did to my friend's daughter. How can I trust that that won't happen to him? As a mandated reporter myself, I work for another school district. I am disgusted that the administrators did not report this man to DCFS. It's abhorrent. As a member of the Illinois

046Federation of Teachers, I'm angered that he is continuing to collect a pension while I work damn hard to get my pension and so do all the other teachers in this room. As a mother to a child who has Down syndrome, our one of our greatest fears is knowing that they are safe. And I implore this board and the superintendent to do what's right. Thank you for that first step of administrative leave, but we need accountability for the others as well. I talked to a friend today whose sister reported abnormal concerning behaviors with Mr. Brody back in 1998. He was shuffled from job to job and put with those kids who don't have a voice because no one had the guts to do what's right and terminate him. Please think of our children and their safety.

047We deserve to know that they are coming to school in a safe place. Thank you. Do we have anyone else? Hi, I'm Megan Wright. Um, I have two graduates of Vern Hills High School and two current students. And this is a little different topic, but I was just um coming to talk to you about um the 504 situation. I'm sure like I found that my daughter fell through a crack and I'm sure that she's not the only one and that it's not only happening at Vernon Hills. Um so she has a medical 504. She it was an orchest this year. Um the 504 plans are not given to the fine arts extracurriculars um which end up being a problem. My daughter, you know, passed out and the teacher had no idea that she had a

048504. So um we also found um my son is type one and we found that this summer before freshman year that the summer camp um teachers, you know, coaches are also not receiving that information yet from the incoming students. Um, so just in terms of the specifically the medical 504s, um, that's just a couple little holes that, um, I think, you know, the kids would benefit from us, you know, kind of reanalyzing, you know, how who is receiving the 504, so I know that their classroom teachers are, but um, like Miss Jaffy, you know, at Vernon Hill, she said, if I don't have her during the school day as, you know, as one of my students, I don't know. Um, and that really shouldn't be happening. So theater orchestas um should be included in um

049the 504 distributions you know for for that. So that's all I had to say. Thank you. >> Do we have anyone else? We'll move to the next agenda item. We have uh an update from D128 Foundation for Learning. Hello and thank you for the opportunity to provide an update on behalf of the D128 Foundation for Learning. My name is Erica Rendle and I am the chair of the foundation. For those that aren't familiar with us, we are a volunteer parentled 501c3 organization with a mission to support success for all D128 students by funding innovative learning experiences and unmet student needs. We've got several updates to share with you tonight. On the fundraising front, we have set the date for the big event, our biggest fundra fundraiser for the year for Friday, November 6th at Austin's.

050This year's theme will have everyone dressing from the decade they attended high school. And we'll have the LHS parent alumni band Sideways back to perform music from across those decades. If you're interested in being a sponsor or would like to buy a spot in our adbook, you can scan the QR code or visit our website at d128foundation.org to learn more. Our foundation has an endowment that was started in 2007 and is now valued at over $580,000. Our largest donors, John and Anne Langraph, issued us a challenge in January to raise $25,000 for the endowment fund this year and they would match that $25,000. Not just for this year, but for the next 10 years. All of this with the ultimate goal in getting the endowment fund to be valued at a million dollars or more

051in order to ensure that our programs can continue in perpetuity. We are happy to report that we have already raised $40,000 this year and met our goal. Our largest donation came from Irene Whittington. Next slide. in memory of her husband, the first principal of Vernon Hills High School, Jim Whittington. Outside of the endowment fund, thanks to the help of this community, we raised over $65,000. We are so grateful to everyone who supported our students in our programs. The funds that we raised go to three key programs. This spring, we dispersed $16,000 to students in need funds at Vernon Hills High School and Libertyville High School. These funds are used by our social workers and counselors to help students who are in difficult financial circumstances meet their basic needs in order to focus on learning. Over

052the past few months, the students in need fund has paid for everything from field trips, dental surgery, alarm clocks, and dual credit enrollment fees, just to name a few. And the need has never been greater with 15% of our district students qualifying for fee fee waiverss and 21% at Vernon Hills High School. In April, we awarded five Libertyville High School scholarships to seniors who live the day mission. And just today, we awarded five to Vernon Hills High School seniors. Each recipient receives $750. Congratulations to all of our recipients. And while we could only award 10 scholarships, we received well over a hundred applications. And I just have to say, we have really, really impressive students in our district. We also recently awarded 10 daring innovation grants valued over $15,000. These grants go to teachers and

053they include this year some really creative ideas including hydroponic planting systems for the Vernon Hills High School STEM lab, a deaf and heart of hearing assisted technology lending closet that will be a shared resource across LHS, VHS and transition pathways. and a project that will digitize the history of Libertyville High School's yearbooks and drops of ink publications to make them accessible to the community online and at the touch of a screen. And just today, we shared with Principal Alban and Principal Young that each school will be receiving a $10,000 grant and Transition Pathways will receive a $3,000 grant. These funds should be going towards projects that further the foundation's mission. Again, we are so grateful to all the corporate sponsors and individuals that enable us to give back to students in this way. Just a

054few more updates from me. We are taking nominations for next year's alumni achievement awards. The deadline is coming up quickly. It's May 23rd. We'll select one recipient from Libertyville High School and one from Vernon Hills High School and announce those next November. You can visit our website to submit a nomination. And finally, all of this work is made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers who serve on the foundation's board of trustees. This year, we've had several new board members join us. We'd like to welcome Angela Balanog, Tara Jones, Krishna Kiladar, and Carrie Burke. And we've had two trustees retire. Anad SI who served for 10 years, and Maryanne Eisermanman, who served for nine years and ran our grant and sponsorship programs for the last several years. So, with that, we have room for two

055people on our board. In particular, we're recruiting for someone who'd like to help us with our marketing efforts. If you're interested, you can reach out to us on our website. And thank you all for your time and support. And we hope to see you next November at our big event. Thanks. Thank you. Next on the agenda is the teacher union report. Good evening, Dr. Schaefer and members of the District 128 Board of Education. My name is Sarah Gorley and I am here tonight representing the District 128 Federation of Teachers. Two years ago, we stood before you during a period of significant challenge. Today I am proud to share a very different perspective from the front lines of our schools. One of renewal, operational trust, and the tangible success that comes when professional autonomy is respected

056and communication is transparent. I have just come from the snacks and study night at Cook Memorial Library where I saw a few of you. Thank you for coming to visit. Since 2011, our union has co-sponsored this event with the local libraries where teachers volunteer their own time to help students prepare for their final exams. While I don't have the overall numbers for tonight yet, in December of 2025, over 23 teachers supported more than 350 students between the Aspen Drive and Cook libraries. That energy and enthusiasm were both on full display again tonight, proving that our faculty's commitment to student success extends far beyond the 325 school bell. We also want to highlight our new intervention program. This was not a top-down mandate. It was a collaborate effort born from two years of rigorous and intentional

057planning and refining between staff and administration together by placing dedicated teachers from English, math, and science into onetoone and small group support roles all day at both Libertyville and Vernon Hills High School. We have seen a measurable shift in student success. We have observed a downward trend in DNF grades at marking periods throughout the year. This is a direct result of providing support the moment a student begins to struggle. The success isn't seen just by improved grades. It is shown by growth in confidence and student mindset that blossom when the safety net is strong. This program is a prime example of what we can achieve through functional trust and collaboration. Our current administrative team has worked tirelessly to build a culture of mutual respect. We have a good thing going here. The leadership is strong.

058The faculty is committed and the results are showing up in our classrooms. Two years ago, we asked for your support during a difficult time and you answered. Today, we have a different request. We ask that you pro protect this stability. We need you to continue to support the partnership between our administration and our teachers. Trust is a delicate thing. It has been rebuilt through hard work and collaboration. By supporting the professionals in our buildings and the administrators who lead them, you ensure that D128 remains a place where students don't just get by, but they thrive. As we wrap up this year, we offer our sincere thanks to our student board representatives. Thank you for being the voice of your peers. You have provided an invaluable perspective through your service, and we are grateful for you.

059We wish you the very best in your next steps beyond District 128. To our building and district administrators, thank you for trusting our expertise. We have overcome the rough spots of the past because you have given us the respect and autonomy necessary to make D128 a premier environment for learning. To the parents, thank you for entrusting us with your students and giving us the opportunity to help them learn and grow. Your support is important to us and we appreciate partnering with you to help the students become the best versions of themselves. and to the school board. Thank you for the hours you spend becoming familiar with the heartbeat of our schools. By supporting our work in the classrooms, on the stages, and on the playing fields, you help us to fulfill our daring mission every

060single day. Let's keep this momentum going. Thank you very much. Next up, we have a union report from the ESP union. >> Good evening. Thank you for letting me come up here and address you. My name is Jennifer Shepard. I am the president of the D128 ESP union. I came here tonight to thank you, Dr. Dr. Schaefer, you have been an a listening ear through the year. You have heard the ESP. You've held listening sessions with us, and you and I have had multiple conversations about how deeply our ESP staff care for our students. You've also given us the respect at our labor management meetings of hearing what the board representatives have to say about what we feel would benefit students and staff. I just ask that this partnership continue and that we continue to

061build forward. Our staff goes above and beyond every single day. I know multiple ESP staff that work long hours. They don't claim the overtime. They want to provide the very best that they can to support the administration, their supervisors, our students. They are here 1 hour, two hours late. They bring work home with them. And I'd like to break that culture moving forward. I don't want them to feel burdened that they are not good enough if they can't do it in their 7-hour day or 7 and 1 half hour day. I would like to continue to partner with you to try and solve that problem. I I foresee our ESP staff growing more and more weary of this work if we don't find a solution. So, I appreciate when you hear what we say and

062I appreciate when you recognize that we have the best interest of our students. Our support staff, especially our TAs, put their heart and soul into working with these kids, whether they're indirect or direct pair of professionals. whether they're support staff in an office, whether they're behind the scenes completely in our buildings and grounds department. And we have a number of openings coming up over the summer for people that have been here for years that have spent their careers as ESP staff in D128. I urge you to be thoughtful in hiring replacements for these staff members. And I urge you to make sure that these are people that will uphold the values of our community, our families, our students, and each other. Thank you. >> Next on Next on the agenda, student school board reps. >>

063Good evening. I wanted to begin by thanking the board, Dr. Schaefer, Dr. Young, and the rest of the Vern Hills community for an amazing year. Has been truly an honor to serve as a student board representative. For my final report, I wanted to focus on staff support that shaped his student experience at Vern Hills High School. One student shared that during college application season, they panicked after realizing they had forgotten to submit an important item for their applications. They said mrso and Mrs. Parson in the CRC immediately helped them figure out next steps and made the process feel much less overwhelming. Another student reflected on Mr. Green and Mr. Little who led orchestra and choir throughout their four years. They shared that these programs felt like a second home, helping them find some of their

064closest friends and created meaningful memories through performances, field trips, and allstate opportunities. Their experience also shows how critical funding for the arts at Vernh Hills High School is. A student also spoke about Mr. Lucan saying that his support and encourage encouragement helped them believe they were capable more than what they imagined. They are now planning to attend UI for computer science and they credit teachers like Mr. Lucan for helping them grow academically and professionally. Other students mentioned Miss Jooshi and Mrs. Hall and shared that having diverse representation in staff made them help feel seen and should be a priority. Students also expressed interest in continued growth in mental health support, including more accessible wellness resources and more open conversations with staff about stress and balance in school work. Overall, our district has given us an

065unparalleled support system that will help propel our lives beyond the halls of Vernon Hills High School, and I'm looking forward to see what the next school board reps will do next year. Additionally, next fall, I'm excited to say I'll be attending Columbia University to study political science and law. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to serve as a student board representative. Good evening. My name is Anukica and I look forward to sharing my last update of the year with you all tonight. BHS has had a successful school year in terms of a more focused effort by the student body to uplift different cultures through various community outreach events. On April 12th, various school affinity groups such as Black Student Union, Latin American Student Organization, Asian Student Association, and many more, as well

066as several community organizations came together for the Unity Fair. This fair took place during lunch periods and allowed students to go from table to table and participate in activities. This event raised awareness for and displayed the beauty of various communities. Another amazing cultural event was held by BPAC and future leaders in activism and government in the form of a fundraiser for a local organization that supports families in need on May 7th during AP season. Um, this cultural celebration night consisted of performances from students including yours truly, local groups such as Bali Bungra, and community members. A raffle with various items donated by the members of Flag was held and food from different cultures were provided. Several more affinity clubs also provided fun and informational booths. Another fantastic cultural event was held the next day um

067the AAPI family dinner and it was held for students and families alike. This event included great food, karaoke, and dancing. This fun family dinner displayed Asian culture in an interactive and enjoyable way. In conclusion, thanks to the dedication and effort in executing these great opportunities of VHS student groups as well as supportive staff and teacher adviserss, these students are able to successfully bring their cultures to the community and the community can bring their cultures to these students. Thank you so much. This was Anukica. But before I sign off for the year, I'm excited to share that I will be attending Northwestern University next fall for neuroscience on the pre-med track. And I also I also want to thank the board, my fellow representatives, current and future, um the student body and staff, the VHS community,

068Dr. Schaefer and Dr. Young for an amazing year and I'm so grateful for this experience. It has been an honor. Thank you. I apologize in advance because it's kind of lengthy. Okay. Uh good evening members of the board. As I thought about what I wanted to say for my final report, I kept coming back to a conversation that often comes up in our district about academic pressure and college preparation. Vernon Hills clearly values post-secary success, and the results speak for themselves. This year alone, Vernon Hills High School seniors are intending an incredible range of universities and pursuing ambitious futures. Over 47 seniors will be attending UIU next year alongside five Ivy League commitments. over 20 students attending highly selective IV adjacent and uh many others heading to top public universities like the University of Wisconsin

069Madison, the University of Florida and the University of Michigan. If these numbers do not already make it obvious, let me say it clearly for the record. Vernon Hills is succeeding in preparing students for life after high school. However, there is a perception that in order for students to reach these outcomes, schools must push students harder and harder. that success only comes from exempting PE, taking nine classes, skipping grade levels, or relying on expensive outside tutors and private college counselors. As a student, I want to offer an alternative perspective. Vernon Hills already provides students with the rigor, support, and opportunities needed for success. Speaking personally, I took co-taught math classes, stating grade level coursework, and still applied to 17 universities with acceptance rates um ranging from 7% to 80% without receiving a single rejection. And I

070am proud to say that I will be attending American University go bald eagles in Washington DC studying to study political science and minoring in German. Uh that success did not come from academic extremes. It came from teachers, staff, administrators, and CRC members who challenge and support students every single day. But as this becomes my final report, I also want to say something beyond academics. Verdon Hills High School has shaped who I am as a person. I have spent countless hours inside those walls through academics, um, through athletics, sorry, clubs, student council events, and everyday life because this school has become more than just a building to me. It has become my community. Every day I walk in knowing Dr. Young would fist bump me in the hallway, Mark at the security desk would ask about

071my lunch release adventures, and Mrs. Levin at the front desk would stop me for a conversation when I needed my day to slow down. It may be cliche to say this that it's the people that make the place. But at Vernon Hills that truly is our gospel. This school did not just prepare me for college. It prepared me to lead, connect with others, and become someone I am proud to be. So, while I may soon lead these halls as a student, a part of me will always belong there. Thank you for giving me the privilege of serving as your student um representative and thank you for listening and considering our reports every month in order to make our schools and district an even better place. Good evening everyone. Since this is my last board meeting,

072I've been thinking about how to sum up my four years at LHS. At first, I planned on talking about the classes I took or the activities I joined. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that what shaped me most was the people. LHS has changed me in a lot of ways. But more than anything, I'm leaving with a deep appreciation for the teachers, advisers, administrators, and staff members who invested in me and so many other students. These relationships are what make high school matter, and they've been an integral part of my past four years. First, I want to thank Miss Greenwag. Miss Green Swag or G Money as she's affectionately called by some of her students was my A push teacher junior year and my debate coach for the past three

073years. More than that though, she is a light in the school. Because of her, many students genuinely look forward to coming to school every day. Next, I want to highlight Miss Wrizley, a pair professional who works in the LHS library. After spending probably 300 periods in the library in my high school career, I have had the privilege of interacting with Miss Rizley many times. She's incredibly kind and knowledgeable, and whether I needed help with a project in class or just someone to talk to, she was always there and ready to help. Finally, I want to recognize Dr. Nelson, LHS's wellness and prevention coordinator. Through senior wellness board this year, I've had the opportunity to work closely with her. She has strengthened my passion for mental health advocacy, and her dedication to that work has helped

074transform LHS's culture for the better. Generally, as I leave LHS, I'm especially grateful to these people and everyone who I've not mentioned who has shaped the last four years. It's clear to me that our teachers, pair professionals, and staff are the foundation of this district. I encourage the board and district leaders to continue recognizing their value, listening to them, and working alongside them. It's because of them that I'm attending Georgetown University in the fall where I studying international relations. Um, and it's been a true honor serving in this role this year. Um, I'm incredibly grateful to this district for its commitment to amplifying student of voice. Thank you very much. >> Good evening. In my last report, I want to talk about something I've participated in for three out of my four years at LHS

075and something that has allowed me to thrive as a student, Link Crew. Our freshman orientation program. Linkrew shaped my high school career in many ways. my freshman year of high school. I will admit link crew was a little rough around the edges and had a lot of fluff that many students agreed was unnecessary, but it gave me a place to meet upper classmen that not only helped me to get used to some of the student customs, but also allowed me to have friendly faces in the hallway. Not only that, but multiple times throughout the first week of high school, I actually called my linker leaders cuz I got lost and I didn't know where I was in the school. Um, these experiences on top of many others in link crew shaped me and encouraged me

076to be a link crew leader in my junior and senior years. Being a link crew leader was so much different than what I thought it would be. It was extremely studentled, which forced me to develop my leadership and communication skills. I had to learn how to be polite but firm telling my freshman what we were doing for the day and how we were doing these activities. I learned more about how these things I thought were silly actually could be very useful to students when done right. And this is where I think the linker advisers who um ask not only the link crew leaders but also the freshmen for feedback. They ask what feels effective, what feels unnecessary, and what might be worthwhile if it's redone. And they truly take that advice and implement it. I've

077never seen changes in a program work so fast. But literally between my junior and senior years of being a leader, many changes improve the whole program in such a short amount of time. So, I really want to thank them for having open ears and really listening to all the advice we give them. I've also learned so much about myself and how to lead a team that sometimes doesn't want to be led. I also learned that leadership is a skill that you can always develop further. The skills that I have learned will be used when I go off to college. Speaking of college, I will be attending the University of Wisconsin Madison to study genetics and genomics. And my experiences at LHS have prepared me greatly for my future. I'm so grateful that I've had these

078opportunities that have shaped me into the person that I am today. And I want to thank everybody who helped me achieve my goals and aspirations for the future. Thank you. Good evening. Tonight I want sorry tonight I want to emphasize how my collection of experiences has shaped my personal development, not just my college preparation. I've been involved in a variety of things at LHS and I hope to express the importance of being a well-rounded student while also striving for excellence. As many of you know, I've been heavily involved in DECA for three years. But something you probably don't know is that I was also in debate. I joined debate my freshman year because I was eager to get involved and try something new. However, I realized debate was not the right fit for me as

079it was for Andy. Although I was putting in effort and participating, it never truly clicked. While some may see that experience as insignificant or even a failure, it taught me the importance of taking risks and putting myself out there, especially in relation to growing as an individual. I've also participated in three different sports. Bad mitten for four years, cross country for three, and preseason track during my sophomore year. Being involved in athletics has given me a completely new perspective and introduced me to experiences I never would have had if I stayed focused only focused on academics. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and showed me that growth often comes from trying things you never expected yourself to do. And this is really different from my middle school perspective because I used to walk the

080mile around the track. By engaging in a variety of activities, I have become much more connected to my LHS community and have gained confidence in my leadership skills. Unfortunately, this confidence is something many students lack because they feel pressure to stay within their niche or follow the path already set for them. By stepping outside of comfort zones and embracing new opportunities, students can discover the strengths, passions, and perspectives they never knew they had or wanted. My experiences at LHS have taught me that success is measured by personal growth and the willing willing willingness to challenge yourself. By prioritizing the development of students into well-rounded and engaged individuals, this district can prepare us for whatever the next step is, knowing D128 graduates will have the confidence to adapt and succeed with whatever life throws at them.

081Additionally, I would like to add that I'm studying business at the University of Illinois Orbana Champagne in the fall. I'm so thankful for the experience serving as a student board representative for D128 and all the incredible individuals who have supported me in this process and I feel excited and prepared to move into this next chapter. Thank you and go Ali. Thanks a lot. Um I know everyone was saying that this is your last report but I just hope this is the start of something better. just go on being awesome in the outside world. Thank you. Um, next up we have the FOYA requests. Um, I think it's there in the the meeting on the different requests that we've received. Um, after that we have the superintendence report. Mark, >> good evening and again student board

082members. We will miss you. I will miss you. Uh I've enjoyed um getting to know each one of you from the fall to where we are today, May 18th. Uh you have all grown and developed. You were leaders to begin with. Um but to hear your voice um grow in in confidence and you you definitely have something to say and my charge to you is keep saying it. Keep keep leading and uh use that voice. That is uh so critical and important. uh you will all go on to amazing things. There's no question about it. So, congratulations to the members of the LHS Wildcats Productions who received honors at the 33rd annual Midwest Media Educators Association High School Video Festival and 2026 Chicago Midwest National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences High School Student Production

083Awards. The team received two first place honors, two second place honors, and a fourth place honor. In addition, members Michael Luke Berro and Liam Khan were recognized at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle event held on Friday, May 15th at the Chicago Marriott downtown Magnificent Mile. The Wildcat Productions adviser is Daniel Trep. Congratulations to LHS science teacher Jennifer Khan and LHS student activities director Jennifer Ullex on being honored at the distinguished service celebration hosted by the Illinois chapter of the national school public relations association inspir D128 nominators and administrators join them for the annual celebration held May 8th in Shamburgg. The honor recognizes individuals and groups across Illinois who serve as ambassadors for public education and champions for students and staff. Congratulations to District 128 staff members who received honors at

084the fth annual Lake County Educator of the Year Awards held May 6th at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Uh Michelle Bastian Bastiani, a classroom teacher and diverse learner uh at Vernon Hills High School. Lynn Benson, who's a school administrator at Vernon Hills High School. Monica Calicott, librarian, Vernon Hills High School, Clara Debella, who is student support personnel at Libertyville High School, Nora McCarron, uh, educational service personnel at Vernon Hills High School, and Nikki Olski, who is a classroom teacher at Libertyville High School. The awards celebrate the extraordinary educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of students every single day. So, now we're going to move on to our Daring Champion Award presentation. This monthly D128 Daring Champion Awards celebrate one certified staff member, one support staff member, and one community member or organization who

085exemplify the district's daring mission. Nominations are submitted by staff. Nominees must demonstrate elements of a daring mission. D for dreamers and doers. A aware are resilient, healthy, I inquisitive and nimble, and G global. A selection committee of staff members reviews and evaluates nominees. Tonight we are excited to recognize our April honores. At the conclusion of the awards, we will take a group photo. So our first honores in the community category are Debbie Scott and Dalabar Maximovich of LMTs LP and they will be introduced by their nominator Ben Rodriguez. Good evening. Debbie Scott and Dalor Maxovich are exceptional nominees for daring champions due to their consistent proactive partnership and advancing the explore multiple path strategic goal. As active doers, both professionals from LMT OnSRD dedicate their expertise through hosting workplace internships, participating in daring day, facilitating

086career tracks, and serving as mentors and judges for student challenges. They demonstrate a strong awareness of the industry education connection and are highly inquisitive, regularly engaging in district planning and prompting critical conversations about systemic improvements to the high school to workforce bridge. They further exhibit a global perspective by ensuring D128 programming prepares students for careers that are responsive to the broader economic needs. Their combined commitment to developing emerging talent make them vital voices in shaping this district's strategic work. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. So, our next honore in the certified staff category is um Adriana Espinosa, who will be introduced by her nominator, Sarah Kelly. >> Good evening. It is an honor to recognize Adriana. Um, Adriana is a voice to so many students, both in her role as a school

087counselor and a leader within our Latino community. She actively prepares students to meet their future goals, creates meaningful opportunities through events and field trips. She is aware. She remains deeply attuned to each students needs, always seeking ways to support them in achieving their personal and academic goals. Her awareness uh ensures students feel seen and heard. She is resilient and healthy in that Adriana is always willing to advocate for students for students ensuring that they will receive resources, services, encouragement necessary to thrive. Her resilience inspires the same in students she serves. She is inquisitive. She students feel um comfortable coming to her because she is thoughtful, curious and always eagle to understand their experiences. She approaches every challenge with creativity, finding new and effective ways to meet students needs. She is also nimble. She is flexible

088and open to new approaches and new opportunities of exploring innovative approaches that benefit both students and staff. Her adaptability strengthens our school community. She is global. Adriana has a natural ability to build strong, authentic relationships with students and her colleagues. She makes everyone feel welcome, respected, valued, and contributing to the inclusive environment. It is my honor to present this to her. So, our final honore tonight in the educational support profession category is Lena Squalachi, uh, who will be introduced by her nominator, Jennifer Shepard. Okay, I broke the rules. I didn't use all of the daring acronyms when I was writing this for you, Lena. I just wrote from the heart. Um, Lena is a fierce advocate for our students and for our staff. From the moment I met her, her focus has been on our

089students and her peers and creating an environment for success. As a paraprofessional staff member, she's looked for ways to maximize the impact she has on students in whatever capacity she's providing support. She continues her work with students over the summer, helping them complete incomplete coursework. This year, we were fortunate to have her move from LHS to VHS as our math tutor. From the beginning, she looked for ways to support the students who needed her most. She looked for opportunities to work not only in the ark, but in the pause room, the classroom, anywhere she could provide them with opportunities to succeed. She determinedly sought out additional access to software systems that would allow her to monitor and identify those students who were struggling. Lena also advocates for her peers. She observes the systems and roles

090around her and provides support, an ear, ideas, and recognition. She participates in professional development opportunities as a planner, a participant, and a provider. Her feedback from these opportunities is thoughtful, inclusive, and kind. And Lena truly represents the best of an education support professional. And on a personal note, she's been a huge support to me over the last few years and has often reminded me to come prepared with written remarks and not just speak. So, congratulations to our April uh award winners and we're going to go ahead and take a picture with you. >> Award winners are taking a photo. Award winners are taking a photo. >> Award winners are taking a photo. award winners are taking a photo. >> Thank you, Mark. Um, next up we have some items for discussions. We'll start with the

091transfer resolutions. Dan, >> yeah, we have um three uh transfer resolutions uh that are coming um in June and so wanted to give you information before uh that came. So, some of this is we're still adjusting to not having the committee. So, you know, we're kind of backdating this so you have you're informed. Uh, as school districts, we can't just transfer money from one fund to another. There's legal rules about that. And so, um, there's three transfers that we're doing. One is an interest transfer, interest income in our working cash fund. Um, we're allowed to transfer to the fund most in need, and we're identifying we can move that into the ED fund. Um if you do it after that after the end of the year then you have you have very limited ways that

092you can actually get that money transferred to another account. Uh the other one is a fund transfer from ED fund to on and m and that's the transfer uh cash to um pay out the the LHS cafeteria project and uh by the way if you haven't seen it it's uh all open it's really beautiful to see. Uh and then the third one is going to be uh working cash abatement and that's it's essentially a transfer out of the working cash fund into the onm fund again to pay for uh the cash for that project. The the fund transfer from ED to to onm requires a public hearing. So we'll have a notice in the paper and so we'll have a hearing at the June meeting. Um but the other transfers don't require a hearing for

093that. So that's the the info on those coming. Um, next up, uh, we'll have a board discussion. The there's a the board will discuss topics for the summer board retreat. I open it up for the board members to speak their mind. Nothing to say here but I haven't really I haven't really thought about what would be the items you would like to discuss at the board meeting. So uh uh I I I think one of the areas that we can have more discussion and here I would like to first acknowledge our uh teachers and the student reps who provided who provide their voice and very unique perspectives about things that happen within the school district and I recognize that the board has uh opportunities to improve on a lot of things and and feedback would

094be always useful but I I think more importantly what you have done through your voices is uh given us the confidence that we are on the right track. We as a district are doing the right things and uh we hope to continue doing that and prepare the students for the better future. So thank you for all you have done through your voices. Something I think that we should discuss at the summer conference is a strategic plan. Um, finalizing all of that and getting that set up for next year. >> Yep. In In addition to that, um, I'd like to have us review the district's HR overall functions as well as its capacity. Um obviously we need to be more effective in that regard. So if we could spend some time discussing um HR in general

095terms. And the second thing that I would like to add for discussion is a review of the district's performance and wage administration program for our leadership roles. Anyone else? >> Um, yes. I would um as we finalize our strategic plans and uh establish our our goals, benchmarks, and how we're going to move forward. I would like to establish uh a schoolboard annual agenda calendar so that each month um we know what's coming as far as presentations and then I would like to discuss um as a board how we want to be communicated with and to um by Mark and his team. I think it's going to be very important that for all presentations we make sure that they're tied to our strategic plan because that's the only way we're going to meet our goals. Um,

096and if it's not tied to the strategic plan, then we need to figure out a way to tie it or we need to abandon it. And then um uh just you know what information we need to help us make decisions for me specifically uh you know I'm looking to see you know what are we doing how are we doing it and how are we going to measure it and then what will success look anything, Julie? >> Yeah, >> not to put you on the spot, but >> I know. Yeah, I um you know, I wanted to Excuse me. you know, address and uh you know, implement the subcommittee's um potentially um a policy and also um I'm sorry, the word's not coming to me. Uh you know, around like the financial aspects and and things

097of that nature. Um so those two subcommittees, we can get into the details there. And then just overall, somebody alluded to it, but um eliminating um the some of the redundancy and you know, streamlining for efficiencies where in communication and stuff with the way we you know interact and Mark interacts with us, those type of things. Um just to make sure that all um his time is is being put into the right places and used most effectively. >> Makes sense. And I I did have one item to just just talk just generally discuss overall board governance in in how we govern the district and how we interact with the administration. Um and then as the strategic plan gets finalized, right? Everything needs to be anchored in what are the outcomes that we are trying to

098progress for the district and all communication that we talk about everything has to be anchored around around those lines. should go in the strategic plan on a lot of the items that we mentioned should be in there. So, it's an in-depth review of that and how we come out of that in having the plan for the future. Any other comments before we close this item out? Okay. Um, next up is the VHS pool each replacement project delay. >> Yeah. So, we have the reporting there as an update on the project. So, big picture, you know, we got notified that the equipment that we pre-ordered early is going to be further delayed. And so, um, we either are going to have to, um, delay the project or, uh, move forward with it in different phases. And

099so the information is there on terms of the background, but the the what we're recommending moving forward with is uh phasing the project into two uh in the fall. And yeah, that's a highle overview of what that is. Any questions from the board? >> Um I did have uh See, so option three is recommended. So now, do we have a plan in place? Have all of the stakeholders been communicated with? Are they aware of what's going on? Is there a practice plan for the Vernon Hills athletes? >> Yeah. Um, you want to talk to him? >> Yeah. So, uh, we met with the, uh, school administration, the, uh, athletic director, uh, PE, um, director, and also the aquatics director, um, our assistant, uh, director of building and grounds in the building. and we sat down

100and and talked through um the strategies and where we are at uh the reliability of the equipment that we presently have um since it you know it's the original equipment um it's been repaired over the years um and that's where we came to the conclusion that you know the equipment is is not reliable. I mean it a few months ago we were going through a belt every single once a week. So we were able to make adjustments. Now we're changing belts uh every five weeks. So we're we're limping the equipment along. Um so our we're not confident that it you know it could last if you wanted to um extend if we wanted to extend uh um the project till next year. Um so we we had a discussion um we discussed how it would

101affect uh the swim programs. So decision was made to um it's at the end of the girls season and beginning of the boys to bump it a week earlier into the girls to kind of balance it out between both. Um and so um I said we so we sat down and and you know talked about different options and how to be affected. Presently the schedule as far as I know has not been set by the athletic directors um as to use here at Libertyville High School. Uh Stevenson can also be an option. Um uh the park district at Vernon Hills, their pool can be an option. And also Monday line could be an option if if they needed to. So at this I said at this time they haven't finalized anything. So we don't know

102what the effect will be on uh Rise Aquatics. Uh we know the turtles program at Vernon Hills um will have to be shut down for that eight weeks. They won't have any pool use because um we won't have any ventilation. So we can't uh use the use the facility with no ventilation. >> Okay. Yeah. I you know right now my priority is the Vernon Hills athletes. >> Yeah. >> And making sure that they get their practice time and hours and I mean are we going to be able to guarantee that to our athletes? >> Yeah. The athletic directors will work through that. So between the different sites if need be, but the first priority is to use Libertyville High School. Um, and then unfortunately, uh, for any of the meets, I I don't believe it

103affects the girls cuz it's the end of the season, but any meets that the boys would have in the beginning of their season, they'd have to do it on the road until we open up. >> When will that practice um plan be made available? >> Um, I'm not sure. I can't answer that right now. I have to talk to the athletic directors, but I know they've been in discussion. And so my understanding so far is they will uh Vernon Hills will follow the Libertyville practice. So as soon as Libertyville is done, then Vernon Hills would come in following that. So and then use the same amount of hours um of pool use. >> Um so the plan is 8 weeks. I don't know anything about pool ventilation or anything, but I do know that construction

104sometimes can be um delayed. I mean, is there a possibility or probability that it'll be more than 8 weeks? >> There's always that possibility. Um when you basically what we're doing, we have the original units in the building. We are opening a space in the roof this summer and then capping it. um once the equipment's on site and then we start in October they'll disassemble the old equipment the old duck work and take it out some of it out through the roof some of it out through the door the brand new equipment will come in sections will be lowered in through the roof and then put together assembled then you have to then all the duck work has to be custom made from that unit to go to where it needs to distribute so um

105one of the big lead times is going to be making a duck work. Um but so it could, you know, um there could be some delays. If it does, it would go into in a winter break if it if it did take longer than the eight weeks. Um hopefully we we haven't don't have the final schedule together um with the contractors. So um we're still working on that. So if we need to adjust start time and and end time of the project, we still have um time to make that adjustment. >> Okay. And then so you're talking about going through the roof and stuff. I mean, what if there's a foot of snow up there or like free, you know, an inch ice? Does that have any impact because it's going to be winter? >>

106Well, hopefully we have a mild winter. Uh the most of the roof work. So, the roof, we're going to have the roof work done over summer. We're going to cut the holes. That type of stuff will will be done ahead of time. Um, we might have just a little bit of roof work and some structure. Uh, but no, going in October and beginning of November. Um, you know, we will have to work around the around the weather. Um, but the majority of the work is going to be inside the building. >> Okay. And then I guess so my ask is and not for you is that when we're planning for our athletes um that we have some sort of contingency for them to go beyond eight weeks just so if there is you know issues

107that we're not scrambling um at the end to keep the um practices and stuff fluid and current. Okay. >> Dr. Young, are you part of that planning conversation? day in day out like practice schedule but in terms of kind of what the options were uh yeah I was a part of that meeting I think for us I had a lot of questions and wonderings in the initial meeting and I think um it's there were a couple things that Mark brought up one was obviously the cost on potentially delaying the project is significant and two it's that it's that risk we run that if we don't try to fix it and it goes out without the parts we lose the pool for seemingly the school year and so uh we did try to adjust the project

108to have breaks associated with it and to spread it out more amongst a couple of seasons rather than initially where it seemed like the boys were going to take the full hit. Um Wes asked to answer your question around the the practice schedule. Um I think Justin and John have a pretty good uh plan right now for after school. Uh the questions I still have are boys typically, for example, practice before school and after school. And so those are some of the questions that I'm trying to work out is to ensure we have the same pool time. But I know that's ongoing. >> Yeah. And that's the piece of the convers I support the project. I just want to make sure that our athletes aren't affected. >> Me, too. >> Yeah. I mean, I'm I'm

109anchored on this in terms of like this still feels more of a construction update than a programming update. I would like to look at it from that. My son has been through the swim program at Wernon Hills and so I know the amount of effort that the athletes put in and we love their accolades but at the same time we need to support them right because that's what builds them up to where they are. Um we need a much more detailed plan in terms of how are we going to support programming the different timings. I would like to see that plan and then I would like to see contingency. Right, Margaret? It wasn't a good answer that you know hopefully we have a mild winter. No, we have to plan for it. If what if

110we have a really rough winter, how are we going to deal with it? How are we going to make this plan where as much contingencies put and with input from the right stakeholders? It's not just the input from here's the plan for the construction. Here's the plan for how are our athletes going to deal with it? Are the coaches on board with this? are they getting the appropriate input into this plan so that we can manage everything and if they have to pivot then they are able to pivot because they've already prepared their athletes that way. Um little bit more thought into that and lastly I think some of these things were known even when my son was part of the swim team. So I'm a little bit surprised by the where it is being

111addressed but I'm fully supportive of the project. it needs to be done. Let's just put in the right contingencies and the amount of planning that is really needed to pull this off. This is not an easy feat. I think managing the swim season. So that those are my two cents. >> Yeah, I'll echo some of the things but I'll also add like we are at the end of the school year so we have adequate time to really spend on working out the logistics. It's absolutely reasonable that there are unforeseen circumstances because of delays, supply chain, logistics and all that. But I think what we can see that there could be challenges coming forth that again we may not know today but they might come up. So doing that planning to ensure that all both the

112schools both the high schools have equal time at the pool uh both students uh can the timing can be accommodated around their uh educational schedules. So we we work towards that make that as a priority and if that requires us to sacrifice few things around the additional uh support that we uh additional u I would say the time that has been given to u other areas we may want to work on that as well carefully so again we're there's a lot of stakeholders involved here but prioritizing uh student needs uh would should be something we should keep at the forefront um and I think with summer at our disposal, uh it may be a lot easier to work it out. >> So, I'll say prior to >> the start of the school year, we will

113um we will work out the logistics. we will develop a schedule with contingencies and um no later than your August board meeting will we have um a fully developed uh schedule uh where we will plan out um exactly what that will look like and we will build in contingencies as well. >> I just have one more question. Um so the painting of the pool vessel is still going to happen this summer, correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. How confident are you that the air handling system is going to last that long? Because doesn't it need to be if you're painting something like that, doesn't it the humidity need to be controlled? >> Well, we we have exhaust we have some exhaust on the roof. So, actually, we won't be running the unit while the painting and

114that is going on. >> Okay. >> The you know, the vessel will be we will will be emptied. Um, and we'll be doing the vapor barrier on the walls and doing the repairs around the ceiling where the ceiling meets the roof deck. Uh, so we're actually uh creating basically like a plastic bag that we're keeping the moisture in it. That's how we're going to treat the air. Right now, it's leaking out at the seams is I guess easy way to explain it. >> So, it's actually penetrating out into the other parts of the school. >> Okay. Sure. Yeah. >> All right. Thank you. Yeah. I mean, so we're we're talking about, you know, aging equipment. Is there anything else pool related um coming up that I'm not um you know, to to keep things going

115and from causing further damage? Is there anything else big on the uh big on for ver? Uh no, we uh I think it was 2016. Um, you know, we changed the the pool filter system in all the pumps. We actually had a failure in the we had a sand filter. It was a steel >> membrane and you know, we had a hole about that big in the side of it. We were able to uh strap and cover that hole and limp through for five to six months and then get our permit with the IDPH and and downstate, you know, to change out the filter system. So all that equipment is um >> it's going to be about 10 years old now. Yeah. But average life expectancy uh and that filter is 25 years and the

116pumps um are running everything. So you know everything's uh checked on a daily basis as far as that go. The the pool heater uh was replaced I believe in 2017 somewhere in that area. uh that's going to be need to be replaced in the next couple years. And that's a that's um a minor thing to uh replace the pool heater. >> Okay. >> With the scoreboard, too. >> Oh, yeah. The school the scoreboard um no decision has been made on on what type of scoreboard will go in the pool, but that the scoreboard's going to need to be replaced in in the pool. >> That's not anything big that's going to shut it down. >> That shouldn't affect operations. >> Yeah, that's what I meant. anything big >> that would affect a meet or something

117like that. So, >> thank you. >> Things are bigger to >> do you know when that's happening >> that >> the scoreboard >> uh I mean we we are original target for doing it this summer but we're exploring um we're exploring our scoreboards right now and so uh stay tuned. We're going to have some more information for you soon. Any other comments, questions? Um, we get to the next item, which is the site accessibility review. >> Yeah. So, um, there's a lot of information in the packet at a really high level. We did an uh accessibility review of our outside spaces. Uh, and so we had our architect and a code expert uh, look through that and spent a lot of time uh reviewing the area, understanding the implications, and figuring out the solutions for

118what to do. And at this point, we've identified um uh all the areas that we want to take action on. And um where we're at right now is we're looking at doing this um you know, there's a number of things on that list, right? You can see you can either just try to do them one at a time. Um but our best sense is um in terms of in our opinion smooth of operation um is having this all be one project that we can have one uh one um what's it called general contractor um oversee the whole thing. And so we would target that for next summer. Um and so that gives us time to now kind of develop that go out to bid in the late fall uh you know winter have that done

119so that we're ready to go start summer. um very rough ballpark is around probably a million. So, you know, but like that's super super rough. Um but that's that's where we're at. Um and so uh both the architect and district we felt comfortable with that sk that rough schedule and that timeline uh that we were able to um address all the findings. >> Any questions? Next item is next item is also yours then the FY27 budget timeline update. >> Yeah, just at the last meeting we talked about timeline for budget hearing. Uh we did schedule it for June. Uh but then we've reschedu we excuse me we scheduled it for June 15th and then we have rescheduled it to June 22nd. Um and then we're going to look at adoption either July or August a

120little bit later. We just need a bit more time with it. Um and so so don't come here on June. Well, you can come here on June 15th, but we won't have a hearing. Um, but we will have it for the June 22nd, but we would not have the final adoption at that point. We'll do that at a future meeting. Um, so that's that's really the update there. And then we'll we'll have more budget information that we'll share uh shortly in the future. So, be on the lookout. >> Thank you, Dan. Um, so next up on the agenda is the process for filling the board vacancy. you want to go through a discussion on the timeline, the dates and the overall process for filling the vacancy. Um start. >> Yeah, I can start. So, uh

121we have uh 60 days uh to fill the board vacancy and the 60 days has already begun. Um and so that will take us to right around July 10th. And so for discussion this evening in open session is for the board to develop a timeline um from the um when applications um would be due. Um how long the board would like to review the the applications. um when the board can convene in close session to um discuss the um applications and select those that they want to bring forward for um interviews. Uh the date of the interviews um so yeah, all that needs uh needs to be discussed uh tonight so that we can post this information tomorrow morning. So why don't we start there? So, a a couple things that I'm just going to

122throw out there for discussion, right? Um, we are trying to post the the vacancy tomorrow. I think we need roughly at least a couple weeks for people to respond to it, >> right? Um, with there being a long weekend in between, and I'm going to rattle off a bunch of things just for consideration. This is by no means the the final plan, but if you look at the dates right now, the 18th um today 19th is when we will have it posted. We probably should have it open at least till the second or third somewhere in that week so that we give people adequate time to put in the applications while still adhering to a tight timeline. I mean it's summer's coming up. We also will have uh a tight timeline to get to the

123decisions. I would say the board probably needs a week or two to to take a look at like here's all the applications come in. Um who do we want to bring in for for interviews? Um I I'd suggest just looking at the timeline to maybe target like three or four people that we are bringing in for an interview. we will need uh a special board meeting likely to take a look at like all the candidates that have come in and to decide who we want to bring in in a discussion. Um and then potentially have the the interviews all on the same date. I think if >> yeah but if we do three or four candidates that we are bringing in instead of a bigger slate of candidates it might >> help us get through

124those in a single day. Um one of the suggestions I would have again I'm rattling off a bunch of suggestions um for consideration is probably meet somewhere around June 15th. We already had that date blocked off so we can meet on June 15th just to decide on who we want to bring in. Give people a week's notice to to come in and then June 22nd where we have our board meeting already. Um, couple that up with actually interviewing the candidates so that we are able to get through the slate of candidates and we have enough time before July 10th to do that. And the last thing we might need to have like a special board meeting just to swear in the candidate whoever we um so as I rattled off a lot of the things

125I expected everyone to memorize all of that and then now it's I'm kidding but >> I opened the calendar I was looking through it and I think it's it's a very reasonable timeline. We are thinking about sending out the uh notification tomorrow. So that's 19th and then >> and one thing Rahul sorry I forgot to mention some of the the reason why I threw out a lot of the dates is because we'll have to mention these dates when we send that out tomorrow. So then that's why the discussion so that we we can all align. >> Yes, that's why I was sorry to interrupt. No, that's why I was looking at the calendar to chalk the dates. So >> can we use the basic framework that we used for our most recent vacancy? >> Yeah.

126with >> which this is the same like essential framework but just looking at the dates is first the discussion on when can we align when can most people be free and can we can do it this way >> sure president were you thinking 2nd of uh June for the roughly deadline >> yeah 2nd of June so that it it gives them even in that week u a couple days to put in their application reasonable and then we have two weeks to review since you >> so June 2nd to 15th a little short of two weeks we have 13 days but I I think we'll have all the the candidates come in and then that way on the 15th we can meet up and decide who you want to bring in. >> All right I am

127not available on the 15th >> so just putting that out there. >> What about the the rest of the board? I'm available. >> Available. Yeah, >> available. >> And I think at that point we only need the feedback from individual board members as the top candidate. So even though uh we may not be there but we can have our choices and then we do that same kind of a ranking system to see who are the top. >> Yeah, I can always I'll I'll review the applications and submit. So I think review of applications and feedback would be a useful thing to have by that point for us to because we are not making any decisions on a candidate. We are just trying to chart list the top candidates. >> Correct. We are we trying to

128decide who we are bringing in. >> That's reasonable. So 19th, 2nd, 15th three dates. >> 19th, 2nd, 15th and 22nd. Yeah. Four dates. >> So >> 19th or what? >> So 19th is tomorrow. We need to post the the >> never mind. I got it. >> Yeah. >> Got it. >> And then 2nd June to get in, 15 for us to decide who we want to bring in, and then 22nd to actually host the interviews and hopefully the debrief. >> Perfect. >> The only thing is so we're going to do interviews on the same day as the board meeting. >> Yes. >> Before I would assume >> we can either do it um before or after. We could also start the board meeting earlier um or we can do the um interviews earlier as well.

129So that we don't necessarily have to decide right now but I mean there's some flexibility with time. >> Okay. >> So so just to confirm um so we will um post this tomorrow uh May 19th. Um, and I'm assuming, and I don't want to assume, but is the board open to using the exact same application that we used last time or >> I think it's fine. >> Yeah, >> that makes it easier. >> It easier, that's all. >> So, we will uh post the application that we used last time. Um, it will stay open until June 2nd and then for clarity, um, applications will close on June 2nd at the end of the business day. So, 5:00 p.m. >> Okay. Um the board will then have between uh June 2nd and June 15th. On June

13015th, the board will convene in um a closed or special session um to discuss um all of the applications um and then narrow the applications down to those individuals that you want to bring forward. And then the interviews will be held on June 22nd. Uh time to be determined. Uh it will either take place before or after our board meeting. And um yeah. So are those is the board amendable to that? >> Yes, sounds good. >> Yes. >> Okay, great. >> Have our we have our process. Um next up is the consent port agenda which typically we we approve in a single motion as a board. Um, so I I I need a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Desm. So moved. >> Hold on one second. >> Austin >> I >> Deshmuk

131>> can I interrupt discussion before that? >> Just discussion in case anybody wants to discuss before we take a vote as a process. Right. >> Just I'm putting it out. >> Anybody wants to get anything pulled? I don't Good. >> I'll do that. >> Everyone is okay with >> Yes. >> Yep. >> Okay. Um Austin, >> I >> Dashmuk. >> Hi, >> Flegal. >> Hi, >> Cotwell. >> Hi, >> Poland. >> Hi, >> Simpson. >> Hi. >> Are we good, Carol? Yes. Okay. Um so next up are some agenda items for um action. So due to the vacancy in the the office of the vice president, the board must elect a new vice president. We'll now accept nominations for the position. >> I'd like to I'm sorry. >> The nominations are now in order for

132the office of the vice president. If more than one nomination is received, then a vote will be taken to elect the vice president. >> I'd like to nominate West Poland. >> Second. Any other no nomination? >> When I was thinking about this, I've had Dr. Fel as my nominee. So, I was thinking about him. But, uh, since you have nominated Wes and that means you don't want to be considered for this position. Is that a fair statement? >> That's a fair statement. >> So, okay. So just a clarification that will now also open up the position for the secretary, right? Okay. We'll have to make that as well. Correct. So can that happen at this meeting since it was not on the agenda? >> Oh, okay. >> Seeing Wes is nominated, I just have to

133ask, are there any other nominations for the office of vice president? Seeing none, then hearing none, nominations for the office of the vice president are closed and we just need a roll call vote. >> Since there's no other nominations, >> right? Right. Yes. I'll do a roll call. Sorry. Let me see where I left up. >> Oops. Uh, Dashmuk. >> I >> Flegal >> I >> Cotwell >> I >> Poland >> I >> Simpson >> I >> Austin >> I >> Okay. Um, motion carries. >> So next up the nominations are now in order for the office of the secretary. Since uh I did not anticipate that, I would then nominate Nina Austin for the position. >> Any other nominees? I would like to uh nominate Rahul. >> I respect that, but uh I I'll

134decline that. Thank you. Okay. Um, so I guess Nina is nominated and I'm hearing that there are no other nominations for the office of the secretary. So hearing none, the nominations for the office of secretary are closed and then you just need to do a roll call vote. >> Yeah, I'm just having problems in board book. It's not It's asking for a motion in a second. I don't know how to cancel that out with it won't save the action until I do that. So >> I think >> okay >> and so by unanimous consent and Austin is the office of the secretary. It's just not saving the action because it's saying you have to select who made the motion as a you know this. >> Do we want to do a motion in a second?

135>> Could we >> Sure. >> Could we just do it on on both together in one? Yep. >> Can we have a motion and a second for finalizing the nominations for the vice president and the office of the secretary? >> And then mention who's vice president >> and West Poland is >> is the >> nominated as the vice president and Nina Austin as the secretary. >> Duk moved flegal second. >> Thank you. Okay. Now I'll go through roll call again. Um, Deshmuk >> I >> legal >> I >> Cotwell >> I >> Poland >> I >> Simpson >> I >> Austin >> Hi >> Carol I wait for That's appointment. >> That's the consent agenda. >> Payable. There's two things you missed. >> Consent agenda. >> Oh, there was That's right. Okay, that's right. Okay,

136we're we're at the next. >> Okay, >> sorry. >> Um, so ne next next up we have the monthly board meeting schedule. Um, so I need a motion to approve the monthly board meeting schedule for 2026 2027 as presented. >> So moved. >> Second. Flegel, >> who said so moved? I'm sorry. Oh, Nina. >> Okay. >> Is there discussion or twice ahead? >> Any discussion on this? >> Okay. >> Um, legal >> I >> Cotwell I >> Poland I Simpson I >> Austin I Deshm I Okay, next up is the reciprocal reporting system agreement between the Lake County Sheriff and D128. I need a motion to approve the reciprocal reporting system agreement between the sheriff of Lake County and the board of education of community high school district 128. Poland so moved. Austin second. >>

137So any discussions, any questions on this? >> Uh Cotwell, >> I >> Poland. >> I >> Simpson. >> I >> Austin, >> I >> Dashmuk. >> Hi. >> Legal. >> All right. So, next up we have the intergovernmental agreement with Libertyville High School District 70 for physical therapy services. Um, start with a motion to to approve the intergovernmental agreement for the physical therapy services with Libertyville High School District 70 for the 2026 2027 school year. Awesome. >> Second. >> Any discussions? Dan, do you want to present a quick update? >> Yeah. So, what happens sometimes is uh services that are you don't necessarily need a full position for. Sometimes districts share. And so last month we we approved an agreement that we share um a hearing itinerant with uh Mundeline High School District 120. Um

138we have a similar arrangement with Libertyville 70 for a physical therapist. And so, uh, this is a renewal of that agreement. It's the same number of FTE we had before. I've got the cost estimate for you. Um, and so we're we're recommending the the same agreement that we have. >> Any questions from the board? >> Uh, Poland. I Simpson. Hi, >> Austin. Hi, >> Dashmuk. Hi, >> Legal. Hi, >> Cotwall. >> Hi, Okay, next up is the Rise Aquatics Agreement for the 2026 2027 school year. I need a motion to approve the agreement with Rise Aquatics for the 2026 2027 school year. >> I have a comment before we make that motion. because of the VHSS pool system. I just want to ensure that we rise probably is going to get impacted in some form

139or shape. Right. So does this agreement? >> We need a motion before we can discuss. >> Oh, sorry. Motion to approve. Deshmuk. Need a second. >> Second. Okay, now let's yeah sorry for discussion in the question. >> Yeah, because I mean I just thought that there were some things that were coming from the prior thing. So it might have been worthwhile discussing it first before putting it as a motion. But in any case, so my only thought here was that if we have to go and approve this uh particular agreement, we just want to ensure that we are not disadvantaging our students in that process and also risees rise is not getting impacted in any form or shape uh because of the changes that will be anticipated in the next few months. So if if

140that's is that a possibility? So you're asking about >> sorry uh so you're asking about >> so the VHS pool is now getting will get impacted and >> VHS students will be then using looking at different plans and the LHS pool will be used by our students and rise also has this agreement with the LHS pool. So if we have to bring our students here uh from BHS to LHS then rice their needs may get impacted right. >> Yeah >> that's what I'm trying to understand like how will that logistics play out and have we thought about all those things >> because we don't exactly know the schedule impact. We don't know that exact impact. We would anticipate them getting impacted for the period of time which the the Vernon Hills pool is unavailable. Um

141it's unknown right now the extent to which that will be impacted. Um as we get closer and get a better schedule. You know we'll understand the impacts. Um what this uh so we believe this agreement kind of clear in terms of how priorities are ranked in terms of decision-m in terms of availability. Um, the other thing that I would say is that this this agreement and even if you read the last year's agreement, it really stays in all that this really does is update the fee. Um, so I I I believe if you didn't really do anything, the prior agreement would still remain in place with the older fee. So this is largely about updating the fee really uh with the CPI adjustment that we've typically done. Um, so to answer your question, I I

142think it does cover in terms of uh the priority. We do anticipate it's going to be impacted. We don't know yet what to what extent that it might be impacted. Um, and I thought you might have had another question. >> Yeah. So, it was basically again that since they will be impacted and our students will be impacted, we just want to ensure that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of what to expect. >> Mhm. >> With regards to those changes. >> Does RISE have an idea that they might be impacted? Have we had the discussion with them? >> Uh I I don't know. typically. So the way the way um our communication would chain would work is talking to the athletic directors and the athletic directors uh talk to the aquatic directors and the aquatic

143directors would talk to the different uh people that use our pools in terms of I mean you know the there would be conversations with all the the coaches, the teams. Uh there's other other groups that use our facilities from time to time and so they're going to have to kind of consider the broader impact to that. But you know they're I fully anticipate that they're going to be talking with uh the impacts to the various stakeholders um once they get a better idea of what that is. >> The exhibit in this um agreement one it says September 1, 2023 to August 31st, 2024. >> So that should be changed but it also that says the rise facility usage schedule. So that's attached as an exhibit. So, how does that impact the agreement now? Because we

144don't have a schedule to give them. >> So, you're saying in the exhibits um >> so exhibit A >> page six, >> it discusses the usage schedule. Well, we can't commit to a usage schedule. Um yeah, my understanding is that um let me let me go back and say my limited understanding of this agreement is that um what this what what this does is kind of keep a status quo of what's been happening. And you know things things can come up and and from what my understanding was is that um is that there is uh prioritized things like things will come up uh that we'll have to adjust based on that. And so, um, to your question, even of the date of the other one, I noticed that the date wasn't changed last year. And

145so, I I didn't have any knowledge to change the date necessarily for this year, um, in terms of the years on that exhibit, but when I when I checked on the exhibit, it looked like from my understanding that it was accurate, um, from what I was told. So, um, in terms of how this delay would impact them, I don't I don't know that we know yet. rather than assume, do you think we should um schedule a meeting to discuss this with RISE before executing anything and putting us um at a commitment we may not be able to fulfill? Uh we can I um I I think if you don't if you if you don't the agreement we are this um how do I say this? Last year's agreement continues to remain in place with the

146schedule that is in there the same now. Um, so that contract is enforced and if you look at the termination, like it doesn't this is not a one-year agreement. This is an agreement that kind of continues until both parties decide that they don't want to continue to have it anymore. And so from my understanding, this is this is about updating the fee really in terms of what that is. But to your point of other impacts, yeah, I'm not I'm not sure what those impacts might be. we can certainly um look to get a better idea of what the schedule will be like for rise in the 26 27 year. Um so we can certainly work on that. >> So Dan I think generally from the questions sorry one point is I don't think we have

147clarity to make the decision that that's what I'm putting it out for the board. >> Yes. >> To think through that we don't have the clarity to make the decision. I don't want to be locked in. Um, and even from a just a fee increase, I understand that that's our intent >> that it's just a fee increase, but it's an enforcable agreement and there's a schedule in there and all that. So, if we I think we would serve ourselves better by asking all those questions and having a plan rather than assuming there's a plan right now. >> Yeah. But I threw it out for the board to consider. >> I agree. I can't support this with um a vague understanding. >> And then I'm in agreement, but my you know, my other concern is is

148it the fee increase is is nominal, right? But we're proposing a fee increase when the usage might actually be less. So I don't know. And like I said, we don't know if they're good with that. I I don't know. I think one one way to kind of address this is maybe in the coming weeks that we have some kind of a rough schedule chocked out of how that transition will look between VHS and LHS with regards to the pool times and then looking at these uh other entities who also use the facility as to how to accommodate them and the more clarity uh we can uh have around it, it becomes a lot easier for all stakeholders to recognize what are the limitations and what are the positives that can come out of this. >>

149So I think it's a reasonable request for us to bring back to you in June um you know a um a clearer understanding of what um you know some of the dates are. There will probably need to be flexibility in language because we may not know the exact dates that the pool may or may not be available. Again, if you look at exhibit A, it's it's fairly like this is when you can use it. And um but what we're saying is you may not be able to um because it will be offline. And so we may need to we will need to build in flexibility in language. The other thing to just um recognize that RISE is not a district program. Rise is a vendor, but RISE is someone who uses our facilities, but our

150facilities are these are district operated facilities for school district usage, and RISE chooses to um contract with us. And so, uh we will work with them. I know RISE um supports many of our students. Uh it's it's a it's a great program. We've enjoyed a wonderful relationship. We'd like to continue that. Um but but again I just want to be clear that um as district facilities our number one priority is to our programs our students um our teams our athletics all those other pieces. >> You want to table the motion? >> I I think we should table the motion then. >> Okay. So, just to get clarity, you're looking for how how might exhibit A be updated based on the the impacts from the project in the fall. Got it. I I don't I don't

151know that we might necessarily answer that in June because that's a that's an implication after some other previous things are decided, you know, like there's other things that have to happen to know what that impact might be. Um, so I just want to just let you know. So we'll we'll we'll look at that for sure. I think what I'm hearing from the the entire board is that we need a little bit more clarity in that plan before we come up with a decision to to do this in what we are signing them up for and what we are signing ourselves up for. >> Carol, are we good? >> Okay. procedure perspective. Okay. Next up on the agenda is the annual Lake County indemnification agreement. >> Wait, do we have to make a motion to table

152it? >> Well, we didn't vote though. >> No, all I just clicked table. >> Okay. All right. I didn't know if we needed to lay it down or >> table. So, it'll come back. So, there was no acceptance of the motion. I mean, >> good luck leaders. Okay. So, uh, can we have a motion to approve the annual Lake County indemnification agreement as presented? Oh, >> some moved. Legal second. Any questions? Seeing none, let's go ahead. Uh Simpson >> I >> Austin >> I >> Deshmuk >> I >> legal >> I >> Cotwell >> I >> Next up is the FI27 Treasurer's bond. Um, can we have a motion to approve the FI27 treasurer's bond? >> Paul and Sam, >> Dan, a little bit background. >> Yeah. Um, you're required by law to have for

153your treasurer, who is me, to have a a treasures bond and so uh in place before the fiscal year. And so that's what this is. Um there used to be a little bit of kind of a gray foggess in terms of what level does that bond need to be, but thankfully the general assembly passed some clarity in terms of like what number do you count? And so we know exactly the amount that we need to be covered. Um our current bond is 11 million. Uh and I I'm recommending staying with that. Technically, what we need to have um is is the 10% of of that. Boy, I wrote that wrong. Sorry. we need to have 9.9 million. Uh so I I just think 11 11 is fine and I would just recommend continuing to stay

154there. >> It's the same cost as last year as well. >> Any questions from anyone? >> Austin. >> Hi. >> Deshmuk. >> Hi. >> Flegal. >> Hi. >> Cotwell. >> Hi. >> Poland. Hi. >> Simpson. >> Hi. Next up, we have the audit engagement for FI26. Can we have a motion to approve the engagement letter with Bakery? >> So moved. >> Legal second. >> Wait, you didn't finish saying the motion. Sorry. >> Oh, >> sorry. >> So, can we have a motion to approve the engagement letter with Baker Tilly for FI26 auditing services? >> Poland. So moved >> legal second. >> Okay. Any questions? No. >> I do have um there's a slight decrease in auditing costs. Dan, is there anything in particular other than Baker uh Baker Tilly maybe a larger organization or is

155there anything from the scope of work? >> No. um you know in the proposals we got a range of fees. Um this was not the most expensive but it wasn't the cheapest either. That's you know part of what we're considering. Um so it it really depends on that firm and what they're deciding to charge for the services. Um and so we uh not only did we like them from a process point of view and uh irregardless of the money like we were looking at in terms of quality of audit uh we like them the best and and uh it it happens to be less money than what we spent last year. So um and it wasn't the you know it wasn't in my opinion an outrageous number or anything like that you know there we

156had higher numbers we also had lower numbers too. >> Thank you. And I think Daniel had also shared their profiles and it looked like the volume and the size they work with that might give them that advantage of offering high quality services for a fair price. >> Yep. I mean I I really would say it's extremely close, you know, when you're talking numbers like 68 to 72 is extremely close numbers, but yeah. Um yeah, they're definitely a bigger firm certainly than um our our previous Uh, Deshmuk. >> Hi, >> Eagle. >> I >> Cotwall. >> Hi, >> Poland. >> I >> Simpson. >> I >> Austin, >> I have the District 128 consolidated plan. Um, can I have a motion to approve the 2026 2027 consolidated district plan CDP as presented? >> Dash marks so

157moved. >> Austin second. >> Tom, some background. >> Yep. Just a reminder, this is the um plan that con explains how the district will use all of our federal title grants. So, federal one or excuse me, title one, title two, title three and title four um and five. And then we also have our idea funds. Um this is very much um a document that can be um just um mildly updated from year to year. What we did this year is we put much more emphasis on uh professional learning related to co-eing. Um, so that's the major substantive change. The board uh needs to approve this so that then we as an administration can apply for the individual title grants and idea funds. >> Any questions? >> Hot wall. >> I Simpson. >> I Austin, >>

158Dashmuk, I legal. I. >> So, next up we have the textbook adoptions for 2026 2027. Can I have a motion to approve the updated 2026 2027 textbook adoption requests as presented? >> Poland. So moved. >> Austin second. >> And just um thank you. The uh the substance of the books has not changed. It's the same books as before. There was questions last time about some of the shipping costs. We did some research on that and had those shipping costs adjusted. Um, and the uh there was also showing a shipping cost for an e text, but it was actually the EEX accompanies the um actual paper um book, the um tangible book that you put in your hands. So that's where the um costs were and we highlighted those in yellow for the board's information. Thank

159you for looking into it, Tom. Appreciate it. Questions? >> Maybe just a comment based on again my educational background. Are students more now going into EEX as a default or they still prefer paper text because it carries a lot of things. you have to ship them, you have to store them, you have to redistribute them. So is there any preference that students are showing towards uh what kind of uh learning material they prefer? >> Yeah, I haven't done a formal investigation of that question. Um anecdotally, it's some students prefer the paper textbooks, some students prefer the digital. Um, we tend to have kind of both versions available for students because there are some students that may not be able to use a digital text for various reasons. >> Yeah, >> I understand you. >> Yeah.

160So, um, I think it's kind of a mixed review right now. >> Maybe that's something to just explore because at some point uh it may be of value that we can switch to EEX for everything. Again, it's not that we have to do it, but keep the uh hard copy paper text to a smaller percentage. >> Poland, I Simpson. >> Hi, >> Austin. >> Hi, >> Dashmuk. >> I >> legal. I >> next up is the updated educational support professional staffing for 2026 2027. Can I have a motion to approve the updated educational support professional staffing plan as presented? >> Polish second. anything to call out? Um, yeah. So, in April when we usually target for ESP staffing, we knew there there's a few other things we were still working on that we weren't quite

161ready uh to make a formal recommendation at the time. Uh, one of which is this halfime bookkeeper that you see there. Um, so, you know, as we further refine and better understanding our needs, that's that's what we're bringing here. um you know in the just so you know the ESP staffing model is a little bit more flexible than it is uh with the teaching in terms of your ability um to add needed positions as you need them versus you know it's not necessarily as dependent on you need someone to teach a class starting the first day of school. There's a little bit more flexibility in terms of that. And so we're there's there's a few things we're still uh looking through but this is one that we um we're we're comfortable recommending at this time.

162Okay. Any questions from the board? >> Simpson. >> Hi. >> Austin. >> Hi. >> Deshmuk. >> Hi. >> Legal. >> I >> Cotwell. >> I >> Poland. >> Hi. So, next up is can we have a motion to approve the memorandum of agreement with the Libertyville High School/Warnen Hills High School Federation of Teachers regarding health insurance contributions? >> Polo second. >> Uh yeah. So, um, those of you may know, we're we're having some pretty big changes in terms of how our insurance is structured for this next coming year, and we're in open enrollment right now. Um and uh one of the thing once we got the rates and kind of understand people's choices, one of the things that uh was an unintended outcome consequence of our structure is um mathematically if you if we had

163two teachers that were employed here and um and had a family um they had before were always on family one picked family insurance the other one waved but the math actually said that it's cheaper for them for one person to do employee only and for the other one to do employee plus children and that is technically true in terms of the math was that wasn't necessarily that wasn't something we know it wasn't something we intended on it just was a an unknown at the time uh and so so we had that and then kind of knew and been talking to folks like yeah I guess that is the way that looks um and then I need to really need to say to great credit the union came and said like hey is there can we

164figure out something here that makes sense and We talked it through and it was like, "Yeah, like that it makes total sense to me that like if you both if if you both work here and you have a family, you we should be able to figure out a way to structure this so that you both can your family can just be on one plan, one family plan. Uh because if you're on separate plans, um you have separate deductibles and separate out-of- pocket maxes and it just we think it makes more sense to do this." And so, um, this, you know, um, this truly is a costneutral, uh, shift for us. Uh, this in theory could cost the plan more in terms of claims, but I believe that is vast meat immaterial. Um, there's a number

165of people affected by this. This is 40ish of our teachers are affected by what we're what's in front of us right here. And so, um, we think this is a very good uh, and timely uh, because we are in the second week of open enrollment. And so if you have not finished open enrollment, please continue to do so. So, um yeah, this was a I believe truly a great example of being um a problem that we didn't we didn't realize um being um oh, forgive me. Um like made aware of it and then coming together with a solution that makes sense. Um this really is a beautiful example of that. >> Questions from the board? Just a clarification. So again for my understanding purely so the employee only plus the employee plus children plan was

166net cheaper in the old structure compared to the family plan. >> It it was lower cost to the employees >> both the employees together. >> Uh when you combine them. Yeah. So if uh if you do the math of um they're on employee only and employee plus children what their contribution would be versus if one of them took family and the other one waved. >> Yeah. >> It was cheaper to do that one and that was not how we intended to structure it. We didn't know necessarily know until we got the numbers because it's a whole different we are four tier versus two-tier. So we didn't really know what the impact might be. Um, so we're we're trying to make it so that uh it it is it is that it's the same cost effectiveness

167for them to choose family. >> Maybe the insurance company was not aware of that either. >> They were it's it's just the the the structure the way our our benefit structure is. So it just outcome >> appreciate >> Austin. >> Hi >> Deshmuk. I >> legal. >> I >> Catwall. >> I >> Poland. >> I >> Simpson. >> I. >> Next up, we just have some information. Guess since Jim is no longer on the board, we don't have an anything from ISB to record, >> right? >> But we do need to do we need to select a delegate for >> We do. We can. It might um probably be better to do that in June so that it can be formally noticed. But yes, we will need to select a delegate. >> Y >> um

168anything from seedall? >> No, but there's a meeting coming up in June. So for next meeting there will be something I'm sure. >> Okay. >> Um and then from Ed >> um legislatively uh there are two weeks left of this session. So, in June, I will have more updates on what actual legislation passed and how that may or may not impact our district. But I do want to remind everybody that the ED Red mini summit is June 11th. So, if you haven't RSVPd yet and you're available, please sign up. We've got some great breakout sessions. There'll be a legislative update. Um, we've got one that will be how best to advocate. Uh, so if you're looking to go to any of the lobbying days in the future, uh, that will be a good one to

169attend. And our feeder district superintendent, Dr. Peter Hanigan, will be um, presenting on governance, growth, and the excellent the Hawthorne story from 2019 to 2026. Um, so lots of great offerings. Uh, so please sign up if you're available. Anything else that anyone wants to call out? Okay, seeing none, um, we'll move into the future agenda items. Um, anything anyone would like to add to the agenda? Looks pretty full to me. >> No. Okay. Um, seeing none. Next up, we are looking to convene in close session. So, can I have a motion to convene in closed session to discuss employment of employees 5 ILCS120-2C1 and the selection of a person to fill a vacancy on the school board 5CS1 120 C3 so moved >> Austin second >> I >> legal >> I Cotwell >> I >>

170Poland >> I >> Simpson >> I >> Austin >> I >> Okay, motion carries. We'll move into executive session.