001And next up from Churchill, we have Raa Aladasi. Ra's commitment to both students and colleagues sets her apart. She brings a positive attitude into each day and approaches challenges with enthusiasm. As a teacher assistant with the RISE program, she has a deep understanding of her students, allowing her to anticipate their needs and adapt to their diverse learning styles. A fellow employee shared, "Rana is outstanding in her role and is truly an invaluable asset to our district." Congratulations, Rana. All right. And now we need pictures. If there is an administrator here from Churchill or three, come on up. [clears throat] Congratulations, Mitchell. Our next spotlight is on Long Beach Elementary School. First of all, we have Mora Vivona. Mora consistently demonstrates how it looks to go the extra mile. She has played a crucial role in
002cultivating a strong, supportive culture at Long Beach through the introduction of the building's house system this year. Her leadership as a fifth grade teacher is admired and appreciated by all. One nominator stated, "What makes her work stand out is not just what she does, but why she does it. She truly believes in building connections, creating a sense of belonging, and helping every student and staff member feel seen and valued." Congratulations, Mora. Our second lion for the night is Britney Stall. Britney exemplifies persistence, dependability, and empathy in all she does. She strives to make sure all students reach their full potential. Consistently showing a high level of respect for her kindergarten students, families, and colleague while she fosters an environment where everyone feels seen and valued. A nominator shared, "Brittany was truly born to educate and
003mold young minds, and both current and past students are fortunate to have her guiding their growth." Congratulations, Britney. And finally, we need Jacqueline Garcia. When her class size unexpectedly grew this year, Jacqueline rose to the challenge. She welcomed new students with open arms, creating a seamless transition for them. Her positivity has shown through this challenge. As shared by a colleague, she took an unexpected and big change that altered her entire classroom dynamic without batting an eye, without complaining, and with grace and enthusiasms. Congratulations. Now, Long Beach administrators All right, moving on. Now we are recognizing our pirates from Plank. First of all, we have Isabelle Garcia. Isabelle's kindness had made a has made a lasting impact on her students. She works to understand her students and support them along their Spanish acquisition journeys. Her dedication
004to ensuring students are successful and held accountable is evident. As stated by one student, she is a kind person and is always smiling. Congratulations. Next up, we have Jillian Broly. Jillian takes the time to connect with her students and aid them through challenging course content. As a language arts teacher, she helps students develop a genuine interest in reading. She wants to see her students succeed, and her positivity contributes to Planck's climate and culture. Fellow staff members always know they can share a laugh with Jillian. A student shared, "Whenever I was confused, she would explain it to me easily." Congratulations, Jillian. Now we have Katie Rink. Katie's love for her students is evident in everything she does. Her calming presence allows her students to feel at ease in her classroom, and her collaborative mindset enables her
005to be a true team player. She is someone who can always be counted on and is committed to helping others. One of her colleagues shared she is part of the reason plank is such an amazing place to work. Congratulations Katie. Now we have Mariam Osuch. Mariam has already made a positive impression on those around her at plank. Her language arts students describe her as being helpful and supportive. She is highly involved in club activities in her building, providing unique opportunities for her students. A student stated, "She has changed my life. She will encourage me to always try my hardest." Congratulations. And our last pirate is Mr. Jason Coley. He is not able to be here. We can still clap it up for Mr. Coley. Mr. Kohley has the ability to make everyone around him smile.
006He spreads positivity and hope to all. The connections he shares with his students fosters a fun classroom environment. As shared by a fellow employee, he is a great teacher, role model, and friend. He stands for what teachers should aspire to be. Congratulations, Jason, and all of our plank pirates. Congratulations. play. And for our final school of the evening, we have Thompson Tigers. First of all, we have Deanna Dunn. Come on up. Deanna builds strong connections with her math students, offering thoughtful support to meet them at their individual skill levels. She has high expectations for her students and provides a learning environment where they feel encouraged to grow and succeed. Her passion for teaching is evident in the work she does. One parent shared, "Mrs. Dunn's impact on students extends far beyond the classroom, including the
007lasting impression she has made on my own children through her actions and dedication." Congratulations, Deanna. Next up, we have Jessica Leger. Jessica leads with compassion and a true commitment to the success of her students. She helps create a positive school culture in a number of ways, building strong relationships with students and making sure they feel valued in her physical education classes. She also plays a critical role in collaborative PE at Thompson, cultivating inclusion and offering meaningful opportunities to students of all abilities. A colleague shared, "She works tirelessly to make Thompson a better place for both students and staff." Congratulations, Jessica. Now we have Julie Kleinmeer. A passion and advocate for music at Thompson, Julie places student growth, engagement, and well-being at the center of all she does. She goes beyond expectations to provide meaningful experiences
008for her choir and band students. She also helps organize after school activities for students, contributing to a greater sense of belonging for all. A nominator shared, "Thompson Junior High is fortunate to have an educator who invests so much time, energy, and heart into ensuring students receive the support, enrichment, and encouragement they need." Congratulations, Julie. Bandra Ingresol. Sandy's work behind the scenes helps make everything run smoothly at Thompson. As an administrative specialist, she supports her building's administration through multiple tasks and is a sounding board for other staff members, providing thoughtful feedback to all challenges. She also shares encouragement with students who come through the office. As shared by a fellow employee, she encourages everyone she comes in contact with. And even on the craziest days in the office, you can count on her calmness and smile
009to support you. Congratulations. And finally, we have Kathleen Barnes. Kathleen holds her students to high standards and helps them achieve these goals. Always smiling, she provides encouragement to all of her language arts students, present and past. Her commitment to continued student success and supporting colleagues demonstrate her excellent character. One student shared, "Her class is the first class I've truly felt seen." Congratulations, Kathleen. And any administrators from Tons, keep looking around. Sorry, Mark. All right. Congratulations, Thompson, and everybody being recognized here tonight. Honores, please proceed out into the hall, gathering at the landing of the stairs for a large group photo. Thank you again to all the families and colleagues who are here tonight to support our wonderful winners. Our next Pride Awards will be open for nominations starting in just two weeks on March 12th.
010They just go. >> All right. >> [clears throat] >> You want to click [clears throat] because you always have to >> I always think I'm like All right. Next up uh on our agenda is 5.1 the speaking spark studentled board forum. Yeah, sure. Um, before we get to the presentation, I just wanted to highlight that this is happening on March 9th. It's an opportunity to experience the schools through the voices of the students. Uh, as they share how clubs, activities, and different experiences help them feel connected, supported, and a sense of belonging in the district. Uh, hearing directly from the students about what makes them feel seen and valued reminds us why we are here. I want to encourage community members to attend as well so that they have the opportunity to better understand the
011student experience, see the impact of the programs and opportunities we provide and learn how connection and belonging are shaped uh across the schools. Um when we listen to the students, we all benefit from a deeper shared understanding of what helps our young people thrive. Thank you. >> Hello. Good evening board. Uh just as Dr. Marin just said it is a opportunity for students to be heard. Um a recap it [clears throat] the event is on March 9th. It is studentled. So it's by students for students. Um what is it? It's a board of education's annual studentled public forum. Um it will be held at Plank Junior High from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Um whose first for students, staff, parents, and community members are invited. So everyone is welcome. um why this is happening. So the
012community will learn from nearly 20 student clubs and organizations across all school levels as students share how the experience helps them grow and feel a sense of belonging. Uh this will include student panel discussions, gallery walks, and then a performance. >> Um and then we hope to see everyone there. So if you can make it, definitely show up because students from all over the district will be able to show you why they feel heard in their own school communities. Thank you. If I if I may add something, I just this has really evolved and I want to congratulate the the the organizers and the youth for really thinking about how to expand whose voices are present in that space. Um I noticed that this year you've really been intentional about adding 20 additional 20 clubs,
013different clubs and organizations. That's progress in terms of really expanding the voice and I know that the board of education um this was started actually prior to my arrival here in the district. Um the year the inaugural year was a year before I arrived and I think it's such an great example of the centering of student voice and so I just want to commend you all and as you prepare and I would just encourage um the community to to join us that night and uh in advance of if you have other questions um don't please send them in. And then the last thing is that there is always as always at the end of the forum there's also we still have our general public comment or questions. >> So to the organizers um my son
014came home and told me about it as if I didn't know about it. So the word is spreading throughout the student body. [laughter] >> There's a lot of clubs that are involved. I was really surprised when I saw nearly 20 and then I know other clubs also added slides. So we might even have more than 20 that are present from all over the district. So it's really exciting. I'm really excited to see how it plays out. >> Yeah. >> All right. >> Okay. >> 6.1, our superintendent report. >> I I see our comm our communications photography team walking out, but I but I did want to take a minute and thank Teresa and your team for always doing such a spectacular job of leading the Pride Award. Um, it's just such a incredible opportunity to
015see the the joy and sense of appreciation that the staff feel when they're presented with their awards. I got to tell you, every single time it's typically why me or how, you know, there's there's a sense of humility that I do the work for the kids and that we are recognizing them is really miraculous almost to them. And I want to thank our partners for helping us. And if you're interested in supporting us, for those listening, being a partner in promoting this event and this experience, we want to thank you. Um, every day our staff make an effort to make a difference in the lives of children. And for those of us who struggle sometimes along the way, this is an inspiration that we can do better. So, I want to thank you all for
016that. This month, we've been honoring Black History Month. Um it's truly a powerful reminder as these months se signal for us um about our history. Um [clears throat] last month I highlighted Ferdinand Smith and Mary Smith 1903 first graduates from Oswiggo High School African-American. Um and this past weekend we celebrated many of our upcoming graduates at the Black Student Gala and led by the Black Student Association. It was really such an honor. One of the comments uh the questions that came up was what is black excellence? And a comment was made that black excellence isn't about being extraordinary. It's about really celebrating the humanity and the excellence that lives within all of us um all humans and and for our students. So, it was really truly a special moment. This is also a period of
017renewal um a fasting across many world faith traditions. Um and so we want to recognize and we want to honor those who are engaged in that practice and we want to wish them the best during the season. I also wanted to last week we celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 the year of the I think it's a flying horse I heard >> it's fire >> fire horse man as if we didn't have enough fire these days but thank you Chinese New Year all right here we go to all who observed and celebrated I know that there were lots of celebrations around the community uh we want to honor that to all those in the community you know we are living in a world and working in times where there are fears There are concerns that come
018up the board. I've been really thinking about a lot of our schools are really for many places of stability. There are places where there's routine predictability and at times it also is the call it the lightning rod for frustration. When we feel like we can't change things that are beyond our control, sometimes schools feels like the places we have to control and and many people come out seeking ways to improve our schools, which I love and I think that's important and they should. You all serve on the board. The board serves with a mission to improve our schools and to support our schools. This is part of being part of a public institution. We have to be held accountable to our community and most importantly to our students. I want to remind um and I
019want to and tonight we'll hear some opportunity to hear about some opportunities the board will do some self-reflection with the public but I want to say that you know we have a systems in place for dialogue and for clarity um when we hear something that may reflect a misunderstanding of how we're doing business when we feel like things aren't going the way they should I want to invite the community to consider that we have a very clear process that the board has outlined in its board policy there are moments that may reflect general genuine differences and perspective um about how we're doing the work. Um and I want to say that those are important and that there are ways to bring up those points of view and to share those. Sometimes folks come here. I
020want to invite people to really engage with their respective schools and we have individuals at the district level ready to help and engage in conversation. Our board policy provides clear guidance about who needs to be engaged with and when. So if you look on our district, we have what's called our chain of command. It outlines those things and helps everybody with it. I want to remind us also that our goal is not to take on political positions or to react to any single narrative. When things come up, um we look towards our strategic plan and our board policy to guide our decision-m. The board approved a framework last spring that helps us think about how the board wants us to move when these things happen. And so I want to note that. I want to
021name that. I want to especially say that our our staff, our students, our community is really committed to a process of continuous improvement. That is in our policy. Our goal is always to think about how we can do better. And we when we make mistakes we need to stop, reflect on those and then make it. So you're thinking did something happened? No, nothing happened. I just feel annually that it's important to remind the community of this as things come up and also just taking us back to our strategic plan. You will hear for and for the public regularly when we make our presentation, we'll refer to our strategic plan. If we don't do it enough, we need to do it more and we need to make sure that you understand how all these things fit
022in. whether it's uh questions about special education, inclusivity, our finance, um all of those are are named specific things that our district is working on and investing in. And we want you to know when you have concerns because things aren't moving fast enough or moving in a direction you don't agree with, we want to invite you to really engage. What does the strategic plan say about? What's the process the board has approved for us to follow? This is not my plan. This is not an individual board. This is a board approved document legally bound that's guiding our work. So when there are things that are disconnecting, um I've just been thinking a lot board about helping and helping our principles, helping our district level staff bring us back to the strategic plan as the way
023in which we're going to address these questions. um our door is open and even when we have differences, we want to invite all of us to reflect on our district mission which is that together we empower, support and motivate all students. Again, together we empower, support and motivate all students to thrive along their unique educational journey recognizing each student is unique. And with that, I want to invite the board to share any highlights. And I want to thank you for your the opportunity to share some reflections this evening. Um, [laughter] I'm going to shout out the Asiggo East girls bowling team placed fifth at state. Their impressive score of 11,78 total pins. Uh, Leah Andrew finished 12th overall, earning all state honors. Congratulations to the entire team on their performance. The boys swim and dive
024co-op finished third at sectionals. We had multiple individuals qualify for state. Um the day was highlighted by individual titles earned by Jackson Rapper in diving. Owen Lipult in the 50 free and 100 free. The 200 free relay which was Owen Lipult, Tyler Liska, Zack Peterson and Ethan Schrader were sectional champs and they achieved a new Matia Valley pool record as well as breaking an Asiggo co-op team record. Um, congratulations to all the swim and dive boys and good luck at state. >> They are cleaning up. [laughter] >> Swimming up, I should say. >> Uh, oh, OS students were the champions of the autom automotive skills competition hosted by the Wabanzi Community College automotive technology program. The team scored a total of 329.5 points out of a possible 450 points in timed stations that tested their
025automative skills. Congratulations. >> Wow. >> Uh at the recent Southwest Prairie Conference journalism competition, Asiggo High School took fourth place and Asiggo East High School won. OE has been the conference champions every year since the program started, making this their sec making this their seventh consecutive title. Best of luck at sectionals and congratulations to both teams. >> Brian Cronin, head athletic trainer and athletic training and driver education teacher at OS, won two awards from the Illinois Athletic Trainers Association. Congratulations to Brian for earning the IATA impact athletic trainer award and IATA Educator Award. Impressive. [cheering] And last but not least, Christopher Djinsen, senior at OEHS, has displayed excellent German language proficiency through his time in high school. Recently, he achieved high recognition in German through a globally recognized credential, a first for the school. Congrats,
026Christopher. >> That's it. That concludes my >> Great. >> I appreciate that. Um, I do want to say that, yeah, I encourage everybody to reach out to the principal and I'm I'm surprised at how often you're on the phone to be honest. Um, and uh, engaging with our community members. Um, so um, appreciate that as well. Thank you. >> And there are no public comments today. So 7.1 opportunity for the public to address the board of education unless there's somebody out there um that intends to No. Okay. We will move on to 8.1 student board member report. >> Hello. Good evening again. Um unfortunately the lunch and learn that was supposed to be held at OE was moved due to scheduling issues um that happened among the students. However, there's no need to fear. We
027rescheduled it for March 2nd um and which will be held here in the community room during fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh periods for [clears throat] uh staff that are invited and student volunteers from clubs such as BSA, ISA, Coalition, and Bionic. And then OHS's lunch and learn is still being held on March 3rd. So it's directly after Ogo East. And then we will meet that following weekend week after to start uh rehearsing and practicing with those student leaders as well. Um everything else is confirmed. We are prepared for the rest. However, that little minor issue will not stop us from creating this amazing event. Um, and then tying more into the Speakings Park event, just to touch a little bit, different clubs and organizations across the district will be presenting about their clubs and their
028significance in the Oiggo community. Uh, there will be a panel discussion where each club will be asked questions that relate to what it means to be a portrait of a learner. The event is open to anyone in the community and many are encouraged to come and support their community clubs and activities that keep our community well-rounded. And then again, um, OEI lunch and learn will be held in their community room on March 2nd. OHS's lunch and learn will be held in their community room on March 3rd. And then some exciting events in our district that are happening. Oiggo High School student council is hosting its annual talent show on Tuesday, March 24th in their school's auditorium from 6:00 to 8:00. Um, also AIGO High School's MSA is advertising their annual Fastathon, which will be held
029on March 5th from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Um, and then Coalition's annual event Amplify will be held at Ougo East on March 24th at us at 7. And yeah, and if there are any questions about any of the events, feel free to ask. >> I have a quick question. >> Yeah. [clears throat] Can you So fourth period, fourth, fourth, fifth, sixth, and sixth period. >> Sixth and seventh. >> Okay. So from what time to what time? >> So 10:02 to 13. No, sorry. Oh, yeah. >> Anything close >> to 12:38? Yes. >> Okay, perfect. Thank you. >> Of course. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Thank you. Um, moving to 8.2, our board committee report. We had a finance and facilities committee report. >> I wasn't there. >> Uh, we had a meeting and we talked about
030the Hung Club ADA sidewalk and we also talked about the other thing that's on this agenda which is the fuel transportation insurance fuel bid. So you'll get a heavy dose of that in just a few minutes here. >> Correct. A heavy dose of fuel. >> What's that? >> A heavy dose of fuel. >> Of fuel. Diesel. Diesel somehow. >> Unled. Um, any questions? Should we postpone those until the presentation? Okay. All right. Uh, 8.3 our board member comments. I don't have any um I was out of the country actually in Mexico from like the day after the last board meeting [clears throat] until a couple days ago. Um fortunately I did get back on Saturday so I was able to um avoid all of the unrest. Um but it's really first of all two things
031I just want to say real quick is that first of all it's really interesting when you travel internationally um to get other people's perspectives. Um enough on that. Uh but but bottom line my heart does go out to the people of um Mexico with everything that's going on right now um subsequent to the death of the uh cartel leader. Um it a lot of the acts a lot of it is centered in Porerto Verta. Uh, a lot of it is sporadic and random. Um, but it's it's it's very violent. Uh, truly, when we left when we left on Saturday, um, we were talking about not being around for the fair that weekend and then all of a sudden it's gone to lighting trucks on fire and blacking blocking airports and that type of thing. So,
032um, my heart does go out to those people and and um hopefully things will things will settle down very quickly. That's all I have. I don't have anything either this evening. Uh I got to join the OS band at the band p wait the band cake uh celebration. Um I uh really enjoyed listening to the pep band. It brought back lots of memories of my own high school days >> um with Shake a Tail Feather, which I'm sure everyone knows. Um they sounded way better than we did back in the day and um I think they raised quite a bit of money. I don't know the numbers, but yay to them. Um I am hoping to go to the OE pancake breakfast on Saturday. So that's all I have. >> School connections. Oh, and I
033did get to go to meet with the the ladies at um uh East View Academy. It was really eye opening experience. I personally didn't know much about what happens at East View and um I look forward to working to get the them the support they need to uh keep doing their jobs really well. >> Great. Um sadly, I did attend a couple funerals over the past couple weeks. Um, one thing I did notice is uh community the the school communities really [clears throat] come together you know and there's a lot of love in the schools so for their co-workers um also this is your last meeting's last meeting want to thank you for all your contributions >> and um you know Sycamore Sigour is lucky to have you and that'll be a man quite an
034endeavor. Yeah. So, congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Okay. 8.4 Dr. Martin. >> All right. So, um, as in our kind of discussions about, um, like our work, we often talk about like what guides it and, um, kind of as we navigate interactions with each other and with the work um, and with the community, we a lot of our board protocols come up. So, um, what we are going to begin doing is reviewing a board protocol every month or so. Um, and it'll give us the opportunity to revisit and reaffirm our role and responsibilities. Um, to make sure we have a shared understanding of the protocol that guides our decisions and to talk through anything that might need clarification or discussion as a board. Um, it's a way for us to stay grounded in our governance
035and ensure that we're aligned um, as we move forward. And it's also going to provide the community with a look at the guidelines that influence our interactions both with each other and with you all and with um, within the district. So, um I guess with that, if there are any questions from other board members, go right ahead. >> So, how are we how are we going to do this? Are we just going to >> just down the list? Excellent. >> And there's you know, I I probably should do this, but were we thinking about doing like one section at a time or one? >> Yeah. >> Anybody figure that out >> because that would take >> I think it would probably depend on the section. [laughter] >> I think there are some are a little
036meteor than others. Yeah. But yeah. >> Yeah, we can all we can talk about that uh >> at our meetings. Yeah. >> Um no, I like the idea and it's um educates the public as well. You know, a lot of times people, you know, come say to me, I need to do this, you know, like I need to implement something. Well, we got get great people to do that that work, you know, um and we're trying to make sure that we have Well, there's there's a lot of different things that will help community will help us uh stay like you said um remind us of our >> yes even when we don't agree with each other we should at least agree on how to engage and how to move forward. >> So do we have
037a timeline for that? So the recommendation >> is to start not tonight but just to first bring up the idea >> and then not the March 9th board meeting but the following board meeting would be the first one and my understanding that it would be essentially three protocols would be read and then there'll be some discussion and then one board member would lead that. So we have a list that board members can sign up for to lead that particular conversation. >> Okay. >> And we're looking for feedback right now too. >> Yeah. And so I'm just asking so who are we partnering with like to make meaning um relative to what the policy is or just our protocols and how we engage in decision making. >> The the goal the recommendation would be really to
038either the board president or the vice president with that board member and then um I can always lend additional research support to the board >> as you look at a particular protocol that's coming up. What might be helpful? we can pull from other boards and consult as well as necessary. >> I just know we work very closely with our consultant from IASB and so I didn't know if he >> is willing just to support us in the work. I think that it's an excellent idea essentially we have board new board members and so for us to level set um one just for us as a board but also just um being transparent with the public in terms of how we make decisions and just even delineating between what's public facing and what isn't public facing.
039I think that that is critically important and not just because we've kind of made up rules as we go but like there there's a rationale um when there when we do go into close session and there are certain things that we are discussing versus what's in you know what we discussed during open session. So I think that it's a great idea. Um but I think to just kind of give just um just some rationale in terms of how we conduct business and >> really add to that not just what we what is public facing or not [clears throat] but also like what is within the scope of our work on the board and what is not >> and I think that that is really really important that the public understand that we are essentially trained
040um coming into this role just understanding not to get into the weeds like you know that is underscored quite a fit but instead just what governance look looks like for us. So absolutely >> I think it would be interesting to have uh like different scenarios and >> with a discussion on how we should be uh addressing those different scenarios. >> I really like um Erica's idea. I'm thinking about it right now. What I I I I want to distinguish this from like a self-evaluation that we would do in closed session where we would talk maybe differently about our, you know, where we want to improve and and and things like that, which could be, I guess, part of this discussion. I'm just trying to distinguish between what this looks like in comparison to what we
041would do as a self-evaluation and close session. I love the idea of having discussions like these because we know I mean I've learned so much as a board member about what governance is and what my role as a as a board member and um you know and even with a background in education and so I think for the public to learn more about it is um is a really great idea. Uh, I think by like made up scenarios, it helps us kind of depersonalize it a little bit and really have it focused on uh, education both for reminders for us and for the public. >> If if I'm not mistaken, I think the training module had scenarios too that we could just take rather than reinventing the wheel. Um, and and yes, we do go
042through training. Um, but but I know but no, I mean that'd be a good place to start and and they're already kind of like they're there. >> Yeah. And just kind of to add to the conversation, we so you know there are a lot of rules governing our interactions and like how how we are allowed to interact, how many of us are allowed to interact at a time and things like that. So we really um I mean we we really only have like one opportunity a year where we sit down and actually solely talk about our functioning as a board um for like a large chunk of time. Otherwise, all of our focus is on everything going on in the district and we might be able to work in little things as situations come up.
043But I think it's a nice opportunity to kind of embed that conversation in our practice because it was like one really long day over the summer. I feel like forever ago, like five minutes after we got sworn in or something and then [laughter] and here we are. So yeah, >> you know what? It was like five minutes after, but every was like we needed to do this sooner. >> Exactly. [laughter] Because I remember in our meetings we're like gosh like we we do need to do this now. Like because it felt like it was going to be so far away and now that we're six months on the other side of it. It's like oh >> that was not five minutes. It felt like a long time after but now it feels like forever ago.
044>> Yeah. >> And it makes a lot of sense to be proactive about it too as opposed to responding to something that happens after the fact to not wait for June to roll around again and have another one of those. >> Absolutely. >> Dr. Dr. Martin, I know you prepared some thoughts prior to us kind of engaging in this discussion. I think it would be helpful for the board to have like maybe like a one-s sentence purpose statement about why we're doing this. Um that will help me focus too uh and for us to kind of check ourselves in regards to um why we're having the discussions we're going to have. >> Yeah. Do we know if boards do this regularly or is this something that is more >> trailblazing? I don't know. >> Trailblazing.
045Good word. >> Okay. [laughter] >> There are boards that do book like they'll may read a chapter like I' not a chapter but like a paragraph from a book that they picked and Okay. >> I know different boards examples from different boards where they may have some >> some public >> touchstone text to come in and help guide. Mostly it's like you said like a retreat that happens once a year or some type of functioning. But I've seen a couple boards and when I've seen it, I I I have noted that it it helps the board have a dialogue about something a little bit more objective than always waiting as somebody said for that thing that's a tough situation. Right? getting proactive about the healthy function versus reactive. And so those are some I' I've
046seen it twice actually, just twice. >> Um yeah, and I think it's a nice intersection of like our >> true >> our kind of functioning and like just transparency. Um >> any other thoughts? Okay, >> we're going to consent agenda item 9 or 9.0. Approve consent agenda. I have a motion to approve the consent agenda, please. >> I make a motion to approve all items under consent, including 9.1 minutes from the board of education meeting on February 9th, 2026, open and close sessions. 9.2 two to acknowledge the foyer requests received by the district. >> Second. >> Does anybody have any questions on Hoya or the minute >> there's a nice quantity I suppose there was that >> I would like to thank the foyer team of the district for the work that they do because
047uh it's grown um >> and we have to engage our attorney a lot. Yeah. So, I do appreciate everyone's work. >> Yeah. >> And I think Heather, right? >> Yes. >> One of the many others. The other Heather M. >> Okay. >> Missy. >> I. >> Dr. Pock. >> I >> Dr. Martin. >> I >> Mr. Cerrone. >> I >> Miss Wenmouth. >> Hi, >> Dr. Mario. I >> motion motion passes 6 going on to 10.1 discussion regarding resolution to transfer the old Trober school property to the village of Asiggo. >> So [clears throat] board as you've seen here outlined is essentially a next step in our process. Um this is uh just one step of many along this procure in considering the the intergovernmental agreement with the village and we've invited Stuart uh Whit
048Law to speak to it. Thank you for joining us this evening. >> Sure. Thank you for having me. Um, historically the property at 61 Franklin Street was Trober Junior High School, but in 2007 and 2008 we built new Trober down on Colchester Drive. Old Traber then became known as the District 308 center and for a period of time housed the Kendall County Special Education Cooperative for its educational program for its students. Once the Kendall County Educational uh cooperative moved out, it was then the home for the school district's transitional students for those 18 to 22 year old [clears throat] students who are eligible. From that point forward, there's been a number of efforts to sell Old Trober or the District 308 both to private parties through a competitive bid process, nonprofits through a competitive bid
049process, other governmental agencies, and we just never were able to get it over the hump. So, it was off your books and on someone else's books. The district in in 2018 did a lot of studies with regard to what could be done with the building and what had to be done to the building prior to having students come back in and it was just cost prohibitive to do it at that time. Uh and in addition to that, you really don't need the space for students at this point in time. Um so we engaged in a number of uh uh efforts to sell it between uh two from 2019 to date. Um, >> which you were involved in directly, Steu. >> What's that? >> You were involved in those efforts throughout. >> I was involved in
050all those. >> Okay. Just to be clear, >> I mean, I think it's important to name. >> I was driving down here tonight thinking about, okay, it was this one, this one, it was that, um, we worked very, very hard at doing that. So, um, ultimately at the end of the day, the administration thought that it might be best to work with the village of Auggo in an effort to get [clears throat] this property and put it to a good use. um you able because of your both governmental agencies, you're able to make a transfer between a property between you upon such terms as you deem appropriate, both the village and and and the school district. Um, and so, uh, over the past several, last July, you all entered in indicated your you didn't enter
051into an agreement. You indicated your interest in engaging the village to try and make this property more productive for both you and for the village and the community. uh and the village engaged in a in its village concept review process uh with a developer uh where they enter into an initial discussion about what the village had in mind for this property. Uh they had those conversations and now the village has come back to us for the next step on um on March 3rd or March 17th. that's not been determined. The village is going to adopt an ordinance declaring its need to acquire your property for redevelopment purposes. Then on March 23rd, if you're so inclined, you're going to consider a resolution indicating you no longer need this property for school purposes and that the improvements
052there are no longer suitable or convenient for a school to house children. Once you two enter into once you two adopt those the ordinance on their case the resolution on your case um they'll you'll enter into a purchase and sale agreement where you agree to sell the property to the village. Village will agree to buy the property from you. The village will then turn around and try to work out a redevelopment agreement with the developer of the property. That redevelopment agreement will have to please the developer. It will have to please the village and it will have to please you. And if any of you are unhappy with the agreement, everything is off and we go back to square one. There's no commitment made here. You've always got the opportunity to bail out. Um this
053is a process that's time consuming mostly on the part of the developer and on the part of the village. Uh you and your administration less so. Uh but at the end of the day, unless you're happy with what you're getting out of this deal, uh both with regard to maybe sales price, maybe revenue sharing from the TIF district, uh or other contributions to the school district for the value of its property, uh you just back away and say we're not doing it. In which you continue to own the property uh at a cost of about $250,000 a year. Questions? Uh when you say the RDA uh with you're talking about that agreement is that the agreement is with the developer and the village and then there's a second agreement with the developer and the school
054district. I no because No, because it'll probably be agreement. I think it'll be an agreement with all three parties involved because you have an interest in getting something from the developer, but you also have an interest in getting something from the village uh because of because of what you're contributing to the village with this property. >> And any of the three entities can back out of that. >> Any of the three entities can back out. >> Okay. So, we could be in agreement with the the draft document and then the village backs out and then we go back to square one. Is that correct? >> I I I think that I think that you'll know before you get to a document. I think you'll have a good idea of where you're at with the village
055and with the developer and and and and yourselves uh whether you can make this work. And if you come to general terms that I think is when you would start putting pen to paper >> and and getting you know down to the details of exactly what's going to happen. >> But it's very important I think from the administration's perspective and I think your perspective it's very important that we have an agreement with the village regarding uh some contribution to the district for the benefit that you're providing to the village and the developer in this instance. Uh, will the RDA be worked on um before or after the developer does their due diligence as far as environmental or >> ISIS >> geotechnical or any of that stuff. >> Once uh once the school district and the
056village enters into the initial purchase and sale agreement in March, that's when the developer will go and start doing their due diligence. uh not [clears throat] the least of which is checking the building for uh asbestous containing material. We have a sense of what we have there uh and and we'll provide them with all of the school district's documents, but also soil borings and soil contamination and those kinds of things. Um, but they've been working through this process with the village in terms of what the village will allow them to do and I think they the village has wanted them to reduce densities and I think they've worked that out. So I think it's now a lot about the property and about the terms of the redevelopment. >> Okay, that's all I have. >> Thank
057you. >> Um, >> okay. But I didn't have I didn't uh share this question earlier but I just wanted to get an understanding and since I have you here um so section five it discusses um you know the board incorporates by reference herein all terms blah blah blah provide developer's decision to proceed with this village zoning. The board at it sole discretion due to changing cir circumstances decide not to convey the property to the village or the developer and the developer has the sole risk of anything. >> I got them playing behind. >> Oh. Oh, maybe I'm not loud. Basically, in the agreement itself, it says that developer, you know, has a sole risk in cost. And then in the memo, I saw something along the lines of uh during the purchase and sale agreement
058that we should enter into an agreement or have a written understanding with the developer that developer undertakes the next phase of the zoning process at its own risk and expense. So >> will there also be something between us and the developer during this part of the process? >> No, it goes through No, we are not >> okay. >> This would be so under the purchase and agreement. This goes to the village who then becomes a party that negotiates, >> right? You you really are your hands are really tied in terms of your ability to work with the developer. The village has a lot more power and authority particularly since this all this is all part of their tiff district. They can do a lot of negotiations with with the uh with any type of developer
059because this is within a tiff district. They've got expansive powers. whatever they agree to with the developer, uh, they've got to satisfy you. You've got the ability to walk away. Uh, the developer's got the ability to walk away. I think if if the developer were going to be walking away, I think it would be more likely something with regard to the property, which we do not expect. >> Yeah. I just wanted to clear something up. That's all. >> Um, does that spur any other question? Good. >> Okay. >> So, what's the next decision that the board has to make that we agree that the property is no longer of use to the school district for educational purposes? >> The first decision to be made is by the village. The first public decision to be made
060is by the village that they need this property to pursue their agenda. >> They'll do that early March. And then the March 23rd, you're going to be asked to consider a resolution saying this property is no longer suitable or convenient for a school. That's a statutory appraise and no longer needed by the district for school purposes and that it's in the best interest to convey this property to the village and to enter into a purchase and sale agreement which is kind of a bare bones kind of an agreement with the village. You won't be making any transfer of the property. You'll just be entering into that agreement. Once that agreement is there, then the developer has the ability to go out and do all of their due diligence and negotiate their terms with the village
061and with the school district, but all through the village and it stand. >> So, we would vote on the resolution March 23rd essentially. That's what I'm used. Okay. >> It's being entered tonight for information. In the interim, the village will confirm and >> there's still time to questions and anything. There's still lots of time yet for other questions and for potential outs and you know things like that. >> The village indicated in our last discussions I think last week and a half ago the village indicated that they anticipate this entire process to take until the latter part of 26 or early part of 27. >> Yeah, I think I heard that. >> We good? Right. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Information item 10.2 financial information. >> Miss Amanda today.
062>> Yes. Thank you. Did anybody have any questions? [clears throat] >> I have a question about the fee collection chart. Um I just want to confirm that under the fees section for activities those are the the 649,000 number is based on the previous year or that's not including all of the sports yet or all the clubs because last year it was 918. >> Yep. Um, so I can see how that's a little bit confusing. So the 20 2425 fees are cumulative of January or July 1st of 24 through June 30th of 25. So that is the whole year that's charged. What you're seeing in 2526 is what's been charged so far. Okay. since July 1st of this school year. Um I don't think that all of the fees have been um charged yet to the
063push point for like spring sports and those things. So that number will come up. Um but we are getting a better collection rate. So I'd like to thank our parents and our community for that. >> Thank you parents. >> Does matter. Any other questions? No. Okay. Moving on to information item 10.3, the transportation fuel bid. >> Yes. Thank you. Um we recently did a release of an RFP for the transportation fuel um and brought this information to the finance and facility committee. We have tonight our transportation director, Leseawn Mosley, to discuss the memo and answer any other questions if needed. >> Welcome, Miss Mosen. >> Hello. >> Good morning. Good evening. Thank you. [laughter] >> It's Monday. >> Yeah. Um, >> any questions on the >> Are we currently under a contract? I don't remember
064seeing I may may I just may not remember. [clears throat] How often do we contract for fuel? >> So, the last fuel bid we did was two years ago. It ended in November of 24. >> Okay. >> Of 25, I'm sorry. >> And this is for two years as well. >> Yes. >> Is that the typical cadence every two years? >> Yes. And are we changing the type of fuel at all? >> No, we have a diesel tank and then we have a unled tank. >> That would be bad. >> So the the biomix is something that is better for the environment and we've been using it. So it's right. >> That is our winter blend to make sure that our fuel don't gel in the winter time. >> There was one type of I
065can't remember. >> It's the one. So when there's a certain level of viscosity, right, when there's uh really cold days, >> so when it's below -10, that's when you want to change that biodiesel to make sure that it doesn't gel our tank. >> Okay. Maybe I misunderstood something. Um we this would be a switch in suppliers potentially. >> This time it will be a switch of suppliers. Yeah. Any other questions? >> No, I just want to thank everyone for their commitment to the competitive bid process. So, thank you. I'm glad that we are entering uh a contract that's going to save us some money. >> Do you have a concept of how many gallons of each of these fuels that we purchase each year? So it's a roughly around 260 [clears throat] 280 gallons just
066just depending on the weather sometimes and our field trips that we take. >> Okay. >> We're doing more overnights and more out of state trips and so that can fluctuate. At the committee meeting, we talked about possibly um having because the bid came in with petroleum traders coming in slightly less by one cent per gallon for the diesel one. Um, from your perspective, you don't see a reason to try to negotiate to just get the diesel one from them versus having um Arnison give us all three. >> Well, typically you you could um and you can award both and and negotiate get quotes from them um every time you go for a fuel um delivery. Mhm. >> So, [clears throat] we can do it that way. U But again, I think with a penny, I
067don't know how much savings. I think we figured it out like in the hundreds, right? >> Yeah. I think it worked out to like a $100 each. >> Yeah. So, it was uh you know, the administration costs of managing two contracts and those types of things probably wouldn't even >> Right. Um, I have a random question. >> Sorry, I should have asked this before. What kind of mileage do buses get? What kind of gas mileage? If you if you don't know, it's totally fine. I mean, they sit there and idle a lot. I >> Oh, yeah. >> Miles to the gallon. >> Six, seven miles. Okay. I knew it had to be >> just like my 74 Nova. Um, okay. >> Any other questions? I knew it was going to be super low. I talked
068to armored car people and they're like, "Yeah, we I'm like, "Oh, you get 10 miles." Nope. >> Nope. [laughter] >> So, all right. >> Well, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Next item is uh 10.4 floor for information on club ADA sidewalk installation. >> Uh, yep. We also brought this to FFC last week and um, we invited Andre, the interim director of operations to discuss this and answer any questions if needed. And also Todd with Mer. >> Yeah, good evening. Good evening Roberts with Merit Corp civil engineer land surveyor and uh brief uh project there were a couple of ADA routes on the uh northeast corner of the building. I don't have a pointer, sorry. But um in that uh curve >> there's a pointer there's a pointer on the side of the
069clip. >> Oh, right there. Oh yeah. >> And is the mic working? >> So at that >> mic, >> can you hear me? All right. >> All right. Great. What's good going here? >> Uh so what we discovered during the ADA sidewalk replacement project back in 2024 that there were two ADA routes here that were non-compliant. And so at that time a decision was made to remove the uh ADA ramps from here and here and from there because they were non-compliant. And uh in over the past couple of years we've uh come up with a new plan to replace that ADA route. And it'll basically extend from this point here all the way across to the playground over here. Um, you know, because currently there is just there's not a way for the students to
070get out through here if they have a handicap to get into the playground from this way. They're coming right now around the front of the building to get to that lot. [clears throat] Um, I do have a paper copy of the plan if anybody would like to see what that looks like, but it's basically an 8 foot wide sidewalk that extends through that green space area right up against the building. Uh there are some detectable warning strips that are included with that where the driveway uh for the delivery uh area is in this right in this location here. Um that's really about the extent of the project. Short and sweet. But yeah, like I said, if somebody wants to see what this actually looks like, I apologize. We did have a graphic just didn't make
071its way here for you to see this evening. I know there's a couple board members here that were at facilities meeting last that >> I'd be happy to answer any questions. >> We actually have it in our docs. >> Oh, you do it. >> We have the site. >> Fantastic. >> We appreciate you. >> Yeah, I was just sorry. >> Go ahead. >> No, I was it it came up. It's um it's not having that in the back is caused some issues at the site and this is something that be uh last for a long time. the ADA sidewalk that they're putting in is wide enough for you know like uh >> two wheelchairs to pass >> you know so it's it should be set for years and years be >> so I have a
072question >> the other ones used to be too steep >> um I understand and maybe this is more this is more I understand I understand that we needed I don't question it at all was this picked up on the long range facility plan at all >> no it was Uh we are >> that's discouraging. >> Well, we're ADA We're ADA compliant, but only through the basically through the front. >> So, it's just to make it more >> in the meeting, we discussed the fact that going in through having the kids come out through the front door and going to the playground is difficult because then you have visitors crossing past with the students coming back into the building. >> Okay. So, from a safety standpoint, it makes more sense to have their pathway in the
073back. Plus, they eat lunch in the back of the building. So, then they go out to the playground. And so, this is a direct more direct route. >> But I do uh I I understand what you're saying as far as Yeah. that didn't come out through the interview process >> and and yeah. Um and again, I understand it's a it's another improvement, but I thought that was part of what the plan was about. So >> well I think Andrea, do you want to clarify because I think there are diff number of capital improvements that they really focused on >> something like this. >> Was this the direct focus? I mean there are we are always reviewing our life safety ADA compliance issues. So >> correct. So when Mckinistry came around to do our long range
074facility plan, they weren't out taking survey measurements and knowing what was within ADA code and not. They were looking more specifically at are the curbs deteriorating, are the curbs crumbling, does the blacktop have potholes and things of that nature. Um Todd and our team, we have been working on this for maybe six months at least. um when it was brought to our attention uh the issues that we were having at that building. Um so we deemed it more important to get it taken care of now instead of holding off for the long range facility plan. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Thanks. >> Are there any other questions? I have one last question. Um, oh, and I forgot to ask about the transportation. I'm going to ask both. >> Yeah, both. [laughter] >>
075Um, does the transportation or the fuel bid or this ADA sidewalk need to come to the um, you know, the the March public forum, the March 9th public forum that we're having? uh >> or get away. >> How how impactful is it? Usually we don't have action, but if it's >> Yeah. >> going to significantly delay the work. >> So, we did talk about that at the FFC and Todd said that it would benefit us if we could take it to the March 9th, but it didn't have to be correct. So, when we were discussing timelines, uh Todd, myself, and the contractor we're looking to award it to, we're kind of shooting for spring break in the back of our mind, weather permitting. Um, we've also discussed with the building admin, they would be allowed
076to work during the day. We have a very capable way of keeping children out of the area. Um, but if we can take this for action next time at the 23rd meeting, that allows Todd and actually Stu to get together to review all the contracts to get everything signed and moved forward. And then if we get a break in weather even before spring break, we could start prior to that. If we don't take action, then we're just going to be pushing it off. We might make spring break, but it'll be really, really close. or we'll just have to wait until the weather breaks and we can get it done. So, the recommendation is March 9th. That I would like that. Yes. I don't It's That's not an issue at all. I mean, >> yeah, it's
077an easy couple action items. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Okay. >> They can they can learn how to, you know, that's a that's a >> that's educating the public. >> Education, you know, piece. Uh and same with the fuel. >> Sure. That would be great. >> Okay. We'll just start saving a little bit sooner. >> Okay. Yes. >> Two more weeks. All right. Okay. So, those will be coming for the March 23rd for action >> or March 9th. >> March 9th. Right. >> All right. >> Any other questions? I think I already asked that, but Okay. >> Thank you very much. Moving to action item 11.1, approval of ESL proposal and recommendations. May I have a motion, please? >> I make a motion to approve the ESL proposal and recommendations as discussed and presented. >> Second,
078>> any discussion? Okay. >> Mr. Cerone, >> I >> Miss C. >> I. >> Dr. Martin, >> I. >> Miss Wmouth, >> I Dr. Mario, >> I Dr. I >> motion passes 6. Action item 11.2 approval of intergovernmental agreement for shared consulting services. Can I have a motion, please? >> I make a motion to approve the intergovernmental agreement for shared consultant services with the village of Asiggo as discussed and presented. >> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> Okay. >> Dr. Pock >> I. >> Miss Wenmouth I. >> Dr. Martin >> I. >> Dr. Mario >> I >> Miss C >> I >> Mr. Cerrone >> I motion passes 6 and then we're moving to 113 action item uh approval of personnel report. Can I have a motion please? >> I make a motion to approve
079the personnel report as discussed and presented. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> No. Okay. >> Miss I. >> Dr. Martin >> I. >> Dr. Mario >> I >> Mr. Cerrone >> I >> Dr. Pock >> I >> Miss C I >> Motion passes 6. >> What? 12.1. >> We're just giddy that we might adjourn before. >> Oh my gosh. >> Now you're having a discussion [laughter] here. What are you doing? >> Um All right. 12.1. And I have a motion to adjurnn. >> Maybe we should discuss it for a while. [laughter] >> I make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> You got anything? [laughter] >> All in favor? All in favor.