001My city is now very Take a moment. >> [clears throat] >> What's last? I chased my kid. >> Oh, sorry. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the District 230 school board meeting on December 18th, 2025. It is now 7:00, so we will begin. Lisa, if you could take role. >> Member Sarah Tori. Member Dalton >> here. Member Dandel >> here. >> Member Jabber here. Member Kelly >> here. >> Member Casmir >> here. >> Member Cedar >> here. And thank you member Javer for um coming in via Google Meet. I think we are hearing you loud and clear, but if any chance you can't hear us, please let us know. Okay. All right. At this time, thank you. At this time, can we rise for the pledge? I pledge algiance to the flag of the
002United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Right. We have opening remarks by Dr. Nolton. Nton. >> Yes. Good evening. Uh as [clears throat] we all know, tomorrow is our final day of uh this semester and the last day for our final exams. Uh, our students have spent the month enjoying holiday spirit while also focusing on finishing strong. I hope all the students have uh that have I hope all [clears throat] of our students have a wonderful winter break and come back to school ready to make 2026 the best year ever in D230. I want to take a moment to also congratulate the 160 members of the class of 2026 who are graduating just a little bit earlier than
003uh I guess what uh would otherwise be a regular schedule. These amazing students accelerated their studies to get a jump start on college, career or the military and we are very proud of them and we wish them the best of luck in life beyond high school. That being said, uh I know we have some information tonight. So, thank you for being here this evening. Uh I know we have a couple students here presenting and I thank you for exercising your uh uh your right to to speak and and express yourself about your school. Uh thank you and uh we'll we'll start our meeting. Thank you very much. >> Okay. Do we have any amendments to the agenda? >> We do not. >> Great. Next, we have school board representatives. I know we have two of
004our three, so you two can flip a coin. Good evening. As the first semester is coming to an end, Samberg is reflecting on how to create a space where students and staff can thrive. To start off, my United Nations competed at the University of Notre Dame at NDmon C. Second. Samber delegates took home the best large delegation from South Ben. Many Samberg students also took home vast outstanding and honorable delegations. Also, the music department presented a holiday concert by the Samberg band, Orchestra, and choir. It was a great great success with the music department students playing eligible holiday tunes and earning several standing ovations. Summer super fans wrote letters of gratitudes to staff members that have made a lasting impact on them. The club sponsor of the month was Mr. Kudson for his excellent work
005for the broadcasting club. His lasting impact on the broadcasting club has shown light to giving a place for students to share their stories and stay connected within the local community. Also, Mr. Ali was coach of the month for the boys cross country team. He has led them to the women conference championship with a successful ninth place finish at the IHSA state meet. His passion has impacted athletes to thrive at their best level. Moreover, Samberg has been bringing the holiday spirit by implementing spirit week and hot chocolate with Baldi every Friday the month of December. The spirit days were pajama day, sports day, final Wednesday, colors between each grade level in which freshman wore red, sophomores wore green, juniors wore white, seniors were blue, and staff members wore gray. And then we ended off the week
006with festive Friday where students wore fun festive holiday sweaters. To add on, Samberg hosted the annual psychology fair. All advanced placement psychology students were able to conduct fun and creative experiments on Samberg students during the school day. Also in sports, December boys basketball secured a victory against Bradley and Lincoln West and girls basketball defeated SWSC rival Lockport this week. To conclude, I want to thank you all for the opportunity that I have to share my insights with the board. It has been a great semester and I'm looking forward to an even greater one. Thank you. Thank you. [applause] Good evening. As we missed our final week of the 2025 school year, our VGA family has continued to celebrate our many accomplishments ranging from academics to extracurricular activities. Our remarkable teams have consistently challenged themselves this
007year to help each other and our community. For example, on November 25th, the New York team park in the Andrew PE department partnered with the Chicago Epilepsy Foundation to honor National Epilepsy Awareness Month. During freshman PE classes, advocates from the Chicago Epilepsy Foundation presented informational sessions that included causes of epilepsy and ways to help individuals during seizures. In addition to the freshman hourly sessions, all students had the opportunity to attend a presentation during the second hour. further extending this important learning experience that has led to a more informed and understanding T-Bolt community. Additionally, regarding our PE department, on December 12th, students taking dance 2 presented their annual dance showcase. After working all semester, students self choreographed dances and performed with their peers in front of fellow PE classes. From hip hop to dance, students found
008a creative way to express themselves and intrigue fellow T-Bolts to take dance one and two. This month also included a special celebration of student achievement beyond the classroom. We proudly held a state sendout parade to recognize Gavin Shhatz who was selected to the all state theater fest. Gavin's accomplishment is a testament to his commitment and the parade allowed for our entire school community to celebrate his success. Additionally, to showcase their musical talents in holiday spirit, Andrew's Wind Symphony, symphonic band, percussion ensemble, and chorus performed their annual prison concert this month. Conductor Mr. Arinsky led the performances filled with winter spirit, including Dr. Kaufman and Buddy the Elf, aka Mr. Dalton, making guest appearances and conducting the song Slay Ride. Overall, the concert showcased our talented T-Bolts and invited our community to experience the magic of
009Andrew's music programs. Following regarding the extracurriculars of the T-Bolts, the Andrew Speech team has had an amazing start to their season. On December 6th, the team took home fourth place overall at the Sandberg tournament with many students achieving top five individual placements. The team cannot wait to keep up their momentum as they continue their competitive season. Overall this year, Andrew has obtained amazing achievements that has celebrated our driven T-Bolt family. Our family cannot wait to continue making sparks and leaving our mark during the latter half of the school year. Until then, I wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday and new year. Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you. >> Next, we have our student staff spotlight. >> Mr. Olson, please. and guest. >> Honored guest. [clears throat] >> Good evening everyone. It is my honor
010to present Dr. Michelle Augustidiac, Stag's associate principal of instruction to the board of education as the South Cook Assistant Principal of the Year. Dr. Augustine has worked in district 230 for the past 11 years. During that time, she has served as STAG's division chair for PE, health, and driver's education, a brief stint here at Sandborg as the guidance director, then return to STAG as our associate principal of instruction. As anyone who has had the privilege to work with Dr. Augustine, she is a true school leader. Her collaborative work with staff in our school building focuses on numerous systems vital to the effective functioning of our school, including leading staff groups in the development of academic interventions, development and support of title one programming at stag, leading our instructional advisory committee, our core leadership team, and
011she's the primary collaborator or collaborator related to administrator and staff support of our professional learning communities and our collaborative inquiry work. These are the fun things she gets to do every day. But her daily responsibilities also include work that supports everyday functions of our school building. She is a member of the learning forward academy, a national community of select educator educational leaders who work to align educational practice to cutting edge professional learning standards that incorporate evidence from research and practice about critical topics for educators including standards for professional learning. uh continuous improvement process, leadership and advocacy. Michelle leads by example grounded in providing the best educational experience for our students by always starting with the question, what is best for students. She adds insight and value in all she undertakes. The students and staff of
012Stag High School are lucky to have such a leader call Stag her home. And I can say with confidence that I am a better principal because of her leadership. Please join me in congratulating Michelle Austiniac as this year's South Cook Assistant Principal of the Year. [applause] Welld deserved, Michelle. You are very humble and kind and we see what you do on a daily basis, so we couldn't be prouder of you. Thank you. All right, next we have curriculum spotlight. Good evening. Um, we have some uh students who are joining us as well as Dr. Shaw and Mr. Fina. Um, this fall students in our math and construction course have applied math concepts while working on a meaningful construction project, building dugouts for the freshman softball fields here at Carl Sanberg High School. Throughout this project,
013from concept to final product, the students use their math and technical carpentry and woodworking skills, and they had the chance to work side by side contractors who are also D230 alumni. This gave them the practical experiences in planning, measuring, problem solving, and seeing how our classroom learning carries through to real life. Here's tonight's video. >> [music] >> skills. [music] So instruction is a black class. Uh there are two teachers in here, one a tech teacher and one math teacher. Uh we basically go over the background knowledge of the construction industry, the math involved in that. We typically hit on that math pretty strong with the city at the beginning of each school year and then we take those math ideas and apply it to the actual building of the dugouts in this scenario or other
014[music] projects that we've been working on. The math teacher will do the instruction on the math and then the tech teacher will talk about the actual [music] building concepts question. So certainly yeah [music] all the time measure is a big thing initially that we get on you would be actually surprised how many people can't read a tape measure fraction. So basically measures, rulers, just everything measured out. You got to make sure everything fit perfectly. There's a lot of fractions, a [music] lot of geometry that kind of goes into um those those concepts. Perfect grading. Making sure your concrete is sloped from back to front for drainage, angles, a lot of angle measurements, a lot of angle cuts, a lot of measuring, squaring, [music] battery, uh, making sure your balls are perfect 90s, slow just teach
015life skills, teach outside of school. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] his basement. [music] I can use this other things. [music] you know, actually something they feel [music] about the campus. >> [music] >> This was our biggest project to be and just seeing where we came from [music] with basically state ground and back there and what it's now it's pretty [music] rewarding as a teacher and for the kids to be excited about it and to get your hands dirty in the project uh has been super rewarding. We start off concrete concrete workers like how concrete all this stuff [music] and everything for concrete the roofing and all the choices and everything like concrete carpentry roofing experience. >> [music] >> last year and this year project this big [music] table and I think it's just amazing the fact
016[music] we have to go outside almost every day such a big project for school to be perfect to be too short or messed >> [music] [music] >> I think back at it say that I say I'm the first [music] to go out in my math construction class. >> [music] >> So, we are so proud to show this to you today. Um, just with your support, uh, in in the classes that we provide, just the opportunities that we're providing our students. Um, I'm going to introduce you to the real construction manager of the project, um, which is Mr. Ron Fina. So, he's going to introduce our students. >> Can't thank you guys enough for this opportunity. It was a great project. Not only the teachers, but the students did a phenomenal job. and I can't wait
017to do the baseball fields next year. So, tonight representing the the rock stars of the mass destruction crew, we have Aiden Smith, right? We have um Martin Seth McKenzie Conry and then Robert Romo. [applause] >> So, if you have any questions for our construction experts here, they're willing to answer them. >> Okay. Of course I do. First of all, whoever said that there was use for progre Pythagorean theorem, I can go back to my reunion now and say I now know its purpose. So, thank you for that. Um, my question to you, were you already set with your postsecondary plans or has this changed things? And because of this, will you go into something related? >> Uh, I can answer that. Uh, I was already set on going into construction management at Illinois State and
018I think it uh furthered it even more knowing what that I want to do that. >> Yeah. Um, I knew I wanted to go into HBAC but uh it really furthered that kind of like Aiden said working with so many people doing that camaraderie and um bonding with my teachers over the project um makes me want to do a trade more than ever. myself. I want to start off with PMT training, but it's kind of opened my eyes. Uh, now that I've taken this class, I kind of want to get into trades and now I want to become electric. >> I originally thought I would want to be a mechanic, but the pay wasn't looking like I [laughter] so other options. My grandpa was a pipe fitter, so I thought this would be something down
019my alley. >> Well, we can already tell you're on your way to success. Any other questions? >> That's great. Yeah, I mean you guys are proof that, you know, these mathematical formulas that that you learn all through high school are things that you take with you for the rest of your life. I build a ice rink in my backyard every year and three, four, five triangles to always make sure that my corners are perfect 90°. It's funny the weird things that you'll take with you. The Pythagorean theorem so are there any odd Yeah. So, how about that? Uh any any special um formulas that you guys think that you know was one of your favorite to work with that you could see yourself using you know for the rest of your life here? >> Main
020one's area that's kind of self-explanatory. You memorize that one recently but I think it's one that you use the most. >> Hard work is great equals success. >> Uh I just want to ask who who calculated the concrete delivery for the pad? >> Was that the kids or was that you Mr. Fina? So, no, the kids the kids actually do a lot of the prep work. They we staked it out. Um, and they they do a lot of behind behind the scenes, but then, you know, the contractors themselves actually come in and measure the amount of concrete. >> Yeah, it it's not hard math, but it confuses a lot of people because they sell it in cubic yards, which is something people aren't used to. Um, but yeah, as a trades person, I could tell
021you all the things that they teach in there and I know at least STAG uses the um, you know, career connections, construction math curriculum that my union put together, the carpenters. So, um, you know, I know it's a good program, so learn it. >> Thank you. >> I just wanted to add if you do follow that into uh this path into construction or into the trades, um, you already have a place of pride here. when you see that work that you did. Um, one of the side benefits of being in the trades is, um, I worked on that building and I did the fourth floor of that building. I remember doing this building or that basement. Um, and if you are related to somebody in the trades, you will hear that story every single time
022I pass that building, regardless if you've been married to them for almost 40 years. [laughter] So, enjoy the legacy that you built. Sure. >> If I could just leave one last comment. I'm sorry. >> No, go ahead. um [clears throat] had the opportunity to walk out in those fields about probably six weeks ago, five weeks ago and it was really it was really impossible to imagine that that was a high school project. I mean the quality of that work was amazing. Um I got to give you and your teachers abundant of credit. I mean the experience that you're getting I hope is going to really translate to your next phases in life. Um but that that the scope of that project and quality of that project um second to none. So well done. Congratulations. [clears
023throat] >> Thank you very much. Sorry. [music] America being [clears throat] excellent job and I'm hoping that this this program or this course is going to be even expanded next year for everyone. >> Thank you. Thank you. [applause] >> All right. Next, we have committee reports. I will read the summary for this month. We do something a little different. We held our joint committee of the committees on December 3rd. And this meeting is a means to gain better understanding of the other committees. Dr. Huffen presented on the education committee. Mr. Charles Avando presented on the student support and development committee. And Mr. Jeff Eaggan presented on building and finance. We also had several policies for first reading. Thank you. It was a very informative meeting. Um especially appreciative that one committee can see the impact
024and the interweaving between the [snorts] among the three committees. So thank you for that. All right. Next we have the teachers association. We have Adam Simura. Good evening everyone. Traditions are something we celebrate and reflect upon this holiday season. Tonight I'm happy to bring back uh teachers association tradition at this board meeting. Behind all of you there is a cart of poinsettas that as an association we present to all seven board members as a thank you for your dedicated leadership and the support you show our schools. We hope you accept these as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation of the open, respectful, and constructive dialogue. We look to continue heading into the new year. In full disclosure, I have no idea how to take care of these things. [laughter] From what I've heard, you need
025to water them, keep them away from pets, but honestly, I'm the last person to ask for advice on these. What I can say though is I hope you appreciate them this winter. Uh you enjoy your holidays, you have a happy new year. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Thank you. to you as well. [applause] [snorts] Next, Christy McFarland from the ESP. >> Hello. Good evening. I just want to take uh my time tonight to say that um as we head into the winter break, I want to offer my best wishes on behalf of the ESP Association um for a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, love, family, and friendship. I hope everyone in the D230 community is blessed with peace and health and that the new year brings a celebration of all good things.
026I do wish all of you a very merry Christmas and I wish everyone a very happy new year and thank you so much for having me as always. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Next we have a district 230 foundation update. Good evening and thank you. Um what just quickly I think it was interesting that we saw a math and construction video because years and years ago that course started uh in part thanks to a donation from the foundation. So uh interesting how um the foundation feeds some some lifelong activities here at D230. Um the foundation is in the midst of its uh strategic plan and once that is finished we will be sure to share that with the board. We are also in the midst of um our fundraising um in
027light of our signature event which happens in March. It's called Whoop It Up. Um I encourage all of you to attend. Um but we will be looking to partner with um various businesses um across the district um in the hopes of having um a great event and eventually funding teacher grants for next year. Uh with us I I should mention is our board president Kathy Stefo and board member Melody Tupa. Thank you. >> Thank you for all that you do. [applause] Just just the one. Okay. Okay. At this point now, we will be accepting public comments. We do have five speakers tonight. I read something um in case you have never seen board comments public comments before. Per board policy 2230, we ask you address the board stating your name and reason for your comment.
028Each person will be allotted no more than five minutes with a maximum of 30 minutes total for of all public comments. So, I'll do my math. We should be able to do that. Please be respectful when addressing the board as well as be respectful of the speaker who has the podium. Disruptions will not be tolerated. While the board appreciates your participation, please understand that the board does not actively engage in dialogue during public comments. We take all matters seriously and if there is a specific question or comment that requires followup the appropriate board member or administrator will follow up with you. So first how do you say >> okay Michael Siri [clears throat] and John are you going to put the >> Sorry. Okay. My name is Mike Suri and um I'm a local resident
029here, taxpayer. Um and I'm here commenting about um the Club America uh local here at the school. Um I did a little research and after spending some time researching Club America, I'm opposed to Club America at Carl Samberg High School on the Turning Point USA. Club America website, Dr. Tracy Phillips stated that those opposed to Club America are bullies focused on crushing diversity of thought. That statement, I believe, prejudices anyone disagreeing with uh TPUSA Club America supporter as a bully. And TPUSA Club America supporters are victims and martyrs in her eyes. After spending several hours on the Club America website, I became aware that Club America is organized as a prepackaged controversy generating machine that merely relies on its members to generate publicity donations and uses the team members as political labor for voter registration.
030Club America supplies its local organizations with prepackaged resources like posters and stickers and so on uh for subjects and um that they're promoting. Uh some of these subjects include school choice, big government scams, students for Israel, taxes are shady, free the first and stay a second amendment day. It's my opinion that schools around the United States have seen very well what the second second amendment means and what the second amendment can bring to schools. A second amendment day in my schools. Judging from the photos on the TPUSA Club America website, the prepackaged posters and stickers are professionally designed to maximize controversy and confrontation. Club America materials appear to be standardized and not designed by local club members. Overall, Club America prefers its own materials rather than anything generated by local members. Overall, the Club America
031website showed that Club America is focused on generating controversy, uh, generating publicity, and creating opportunities for legal actions against local schools. [clears throat] The website showed very little evidence of promoting local clubs, promoting leadership outside of the nationally standardized Club America format. I have concerns that the materials I viewed on the Club America website and the portrayal by Dr. Tracy Phillips that anyone with questions or concerns that Club America is uh that anyone who questions or has concerns about Club America is a bully. And the idea that Club America members are uh bullied just because they are conservatives. Those are her words. Club America doesn't offer leadership training uh in subjects outside of approved Club America formats. Club America's materials are designed to generate controversy, as I said, outside of a formal debate format. Club
032America opposes anyone who questions members as a bully and Club America members as victims and martyrs. This is not limited to local clubs but nationally. Thank you for your attention to this matter. [applause] Next we have Caesar Gayton. Hello, my name is Caesar Dayton and I am currently a senior here at Carl Sanch High School. I will also be talking about um Club America. Um first I would like to say at this handout I was given when I was entering um here it mentioned how um a club can only be restricted if students themselves engage in targeted harassment or substantial dis um substantial disruption on campus. And I would like to say that I would um that this club has caused a lot of that especially on on their Instagram page since they haven't had
033their first meeting on their Instagram page. They have um made comments towards alumni and also towards students here that have been very hurtful and also should not be allowed or any student should not even be saying that to other students like threatening to call ICE on alumni and also just that's just in my opinion is wrong especially at a time like this due to like for me as a Latino like and during this time this is especially not okay um for everything going on within the country and especially um here within Chicagoland area. And um also since this club the founder Charlie Kirk has stated that um they do not that um like the turning point USA supports things such as mass deportation, discrimination against minorities and um taken away/lessening women's and LGBTQ rights and
034also um like the previous speaker has said about the second amendment even Charlie Kirk himself stated that we need to have a few American debts in order to keep the second amendment which I believe is wrong. No one should have to die due to gun violence and we have seen that president especially within the past few days um in different parts of this country. Um and also with the Instagram page since it is I understand it's a pilot um club and not technically fully affiliated with Carl Samberg but if you're trying to represent and start a club at Carl Samberg I believe that you should as the Instagram page should not follow things like border control or anything since that has nothing to do with um Carl Samberg. I understand that's the views of the
035club, but that should still not be allowed here within a school. Um, also since the club also just does not support a lot of human rights and minorities, I believe that just creates an unsafe environment for many students and many students have expressed their feelings about how they do not like or how do they do not want the club to be um created within Carl Samber. And another thing was I am one of the founders of the Latino student association that got accepted this year after trying. I tried last year and teachers other Spanish teachers before have tried in years past and it has not been able to get passed until this year. And um I was and the fact that this pilot club was able to be started past the deadline and also um
036this late into the semester is just shocking to many students and especially me since that we have gotten many clubs denied and also pushed back um due to either being too political or just in general that not being allowed here at Carl Samberg. So the fact it's just I disagree that the fact that this club was able to start especially this late into the semester just and I understand that I'm a senior. I will be graduating after this year, but I do not want future freshmen or future people coming to Samberg to be feeling like they do not belong and that they are not welcomed here. Obviously, Samberg is a place that should be welcoming and to open to all. It should not be causing divers like diversion and hatred towards each other. This all
037should be we all should be united within each other. So, I just came up about this matter about Club America and how I believe it should not be um affiliated or a club within Carl Sanber. Thank you, [applause] Kate. Can I Good evening. My name is Kate Kengi. I'm also a student here at Carl Samberg. I'm a junior and I also came to talk about the same issues as the previous two speakers. The goal of the school board and our administration as a whole has always been to prioritize the safety of our students while we pursue our education. Which is why I find it incredibly ironic that when I went to the school sanctioned Instagram page of Club America, it took me five clicks to reach an ice tip hotline. school and districts who are
038proud of their diversity should never perpetuate an agenda that aims to destroy the community that has fought so hard to foster. The founder of Turning Point USA himself spread a hateful agenda of misogyny and misinformation. This club also perpetuates the same agenda and it's something that our history classes here at Samberg and the rest of our district actively teach against. Perpetuating this agenda in our schools is going to happen if this administration welcomes it into our schools with open arms. There has been continuous dialogue regarding the Equal Access Act and this club's right to exist. And an email recently went out to parents on the Equal Access Act and its petition to this club. I implore everyone here tonight to do their own independent research, but to quote clause C subclause 5 of the 29
039US code section 4071, schools shall be deemed to offer a fair opportunity to students who wish to conduct a meeting within its limited open forum if such school uniformly provides that non-school persons may not direct conduct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups. As is also explicitly stated in the Turning Point USA's chapter handbook for high schoolers section of chapter obligations, chapters must remain in communication with a Turning Point US field rep representative on a regular basis. And the conflict of interest and potential violation of further rates of students is clear and speaks for itself. But what is even more is the 1,277 signatures as of 6 p.m. today from students and community members within Carl Summer's attendance zone who are apparently against this group having a presence at our school. Regular third party
040influence, especially one of a sexist, racist, homophobic, xenophobic, abbleist, and autocratic group is a threat to the unbiased nature of education and the safety of our school and its students as a whole. This is not to say that I personally am against politics in school. In fact, two of my close friends and I are working towards a political unity club at Samberg to provide an unbiased environment for students to foster concurrence in their political beliefs and learn more about politics and the actual impact our government has on us as voters. Regardless of political stance of each of these students, which is not something that Club America is welcoming to our school, in the height of the current pandemic of apathy that has been exacerbated by lockdown, personal convenience is being exponentially prioritized over what is
041just. As someone who is repulsed by the current system of our government and its intervention with social justice, I am determined not to allow what is a one-sided, hateful political culture to be present at our school and our district as a whole. The next generation of voters deserve a proper education when it comes to our futures and the country that we are about to inherit. Called America not only promotes a one-sided agenda but actively speaks out against differing beliefs which squashes out any ideas of having free thought. I want to inherit a community that is built on a foundation of justice and morality but most importantly representation. It is not possible under the presence of a club sponsored by a group that focuses on one heavily exclusionary side of the political spectrum in our school.
042biggest issues in the world are inevitably going to trickle down to us. The students here today standing in front of you telling you that without a place for every single student to be welcomed and represented and safe within our schools, this group is not an opportunity for free speech. It is a forced narrative. Thank you, [applause] Noah Calhoun. Hello. [clears throat] Uh, my name is Noah Calhoun and I will also be addressing the formation of Club America as a pilot here at Carl Sanber High School. Members of the board and my fellow community members, as some of you may know, there's been a significant amount of discourse surrounding the formation of a pilot known as Club America here at Carl Samber High School. The discourse was primarily jumpstarted by Club America's Instagram page in which
043a slurry of various individuals argued with one another repeatedly. This was only this is only a sliver of the potential conflict and division that the that the that the formation of this club would bring not just to the school but to the community as a whole because of the club's association with Turning Point USA. As a minority and African-American student here at Samberg, I am frightened by the overly racial and xenophobic discourse that appeared in that Instagram comment section. And I feel that some of the ideas within that discourse could potentially impact our student population as a whole. More importantly, it's not any it's not in any way reflective of the administration here at Carl Sanber High School as well. An administration that I have come to know as caring and loving towards it students
044and staff alike. Specifically, our principal, Derek Smith, who has repeatedly taken the time out of his busy schedule to meet with me and various other students in order to express his care for our concerns and questions in regards to club America. I'd like to bring a point across that I feel the board should give further consideration regarding club America and its creation as a pilot. It was stated that the pilot's creation was protected under the likes of the Equal Access Act. However, one facet of the Equal Access Act for the board to consider is that the formation of the club may not have the protections that was previously believed. The Equal Access Act specifically ties to the idea that of genuine student initiative within a club, meaning that the students set their own agenda within
045said club and have full influence over the club's inner workings. This is where the caveat for Club America specifically presents itself. Because of the club's association with a third party organization, Turning Point USA, there presents a risk of outside control over the club. This risk that the club may become another branch of Turning Point USA. Turning point may utilize the club to further amplify Turning Point's condition, contents, and policies as well. Turning Point USA provides different programs and materials for high school specific chapters to utilize in their meetings in order to in order to guide discussion topics. This directly goes against one of the core aspects of the equal access act that also that only allows for a club's protection granted that all club agendas and activities are directly are directly proposed and orchestrated by
046the students involved. Turning point supplying of usable agendas and materials to the club is only one of the many marks against the club's association with turning point. Another issue is the affiliated clubs are pushed to keep constant communication with the state field representative according to the turning point website. This is done in order to acquire resources for their club, adding another layer of risk of third party control over the club itself and undermining student autonomy. Furthermore, it's not simply resources that the club receives from this field representative. There's also an incentive page that can award chapters with different sorts of awards and prizes known as the Patriot Awards chapter incentive program. There's one particular facet to this program that strikes against another legal principle within our school as I believe it to be a direct
047attack against furbal laws. I believe the issue resides in the award title of recruitment warrior in which the very first notable requirement for receiving the award for a chapter and I quote is for tableabling for student IDs which entails recruiting and collecting student IDs. In my opinion, the possibility that this could even be promoted by a third party organization within a school setting, let alone having it be something incentivized by set organization is a massive risk to students school ID information being ranked in by a third party source associate not associated with the school's administration directly. The threat to our fural rights being violated, coupled with the inability to ensure outside no outside control on the club, is unacceptable. These points illustrate the possible dangers of the pilot's association with a third party. Before I
048end, I do want to stress my issue is not with the idea of political discussion within a schools. I believe that it's almost impossible to separate it from an educational space. My issue is with the specific sponsorship of Turning Point USA posing a risk of external control on a club at Samber as well as violating fur fural laws via this external influence. A club America or a club promoting political discussion can clearly exist within the bounds here at Samberg, but the issue but is a specific association with turning point is what generates the risk I mentioned. Thank you for the opportunity to speak and to present my issues towards you. [applause] >> Okay, Miss um Haley, sorry about that. I was reading your email. chicken scratch. >> That's okay. >> Um, so my name is
049Thomas Haley. I am not here to talk to you about Club America. Um, I am here to introduce myself, my organization, the Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting, and kind of what we're all about, and that is making sure that municipal bodies throughout our entire region are focused on responsible bidding for their public works construction jobs. Um, excuse me, sorry. Um, and so the important parts of those things is just making sure that you all have what you need in front of you, outlined and sent out to contractors to establish what you desire are the uh benchmarks for a responsible bidder in your district. Um, those things are going to include items like no issues with OSHA, no prevailing wage violations with the Illinois Department of Labor, and things as simple as just making
050sure all of their business licenses and things are up to date and in the proper uh database and locations. One of the more important aspects and my opinion the most important aspect of a responsible bidder ordinance is the requirement that all workers and subcontractors who do work on a public works job for the school district in this example are all members of a federally approved apprenticeship program that has documented graduation of five apprenticeship five apprentices for the last five years. that is to make sure that you all are 100% sure that the people who are coming into your district to do your construction work know exactly what they're doing and have been trained by people who know [clears throat] exactly what they're doing. So I know we're not going to discuss so sorry we're not
051going to discuss tonight so I'm really just wanting to introduce myself. I believe you all have my contact information and I do hope to have a more broad and in-depth conversation with you all regarding what a responsible bid ordinance could look like here at District 230 hopefully in the new year. So, thank you very much for your time. >> Thank you. [applause] >> Thank you to all of our speakers. I do know it is finals, so you are welcome to stay students, but we want to make sure that you are well rested and focus on your academics. So that is up to you. Um at this point I do need to make a motion because member Saratori is not here. So we need a motion for the promp secretary and I'd like to move I
052can make a motion. I'd like to move that um Chris Cammer Casmmer serve as promp secretary. >> I second question. All right. Lisa, can you take role? Uh, member Dalton. >> Yes. >> Member Danlow. >> Yes. >> Member Jabber. >> Member Kelly. >> Yes. >> Member Casmir. >> Yes. >> And member Zer. >> Yes. All right. >> Sorry, my computer likes to rest. All right. At this point, do I have a motion for the consent agenda? I move that the school board approve the consent agenda items as presented. >> I second. >> All right, we'll give it to member Jabber since we could hear them through the speaker. Thank you. >> All right, any questions? All right, if not Lisa, if you could take the role. >> Member D. >> Yes. >> Member Danlow. >>
053Yes. >> Member Jabber. >> Member Kelly. >> Yes. >> Member Casmir. >> Yes. >> Member Zeter. >> Yes. Motion passed. All right. Next item on the agenda under business services. May I have a motion um regarding the AES contract. I move that the school board authorize the administration to sign a one-year extension with Hess Hes Facilities Management with an increase of 2.5 CPS. >> Second. >> Do we have any questions? >> Um I just I just want to clarify um this is the last year possibly that contract so it has to go out to bid next year >> right I see Dave and John nodding and Bob saying is correct contract this is the last oneear extension >> um I just want to say that I would be interested in having us you know have
054some internal analysis or dialogue of like bringing those things back in house you know as well at the same time that we're trying to get bids for an extension um I'm sure that there's reasons why it's you know cheaper to outsource some of that stuff. But to me, it seems like a little bit intuitive that it would be um less costly to have those people in-house rather than paying whatever profit margin HS or whatever other bidder makes on us. So, I just want to make sure that's part of the analysis for next year. Agree. >> Yes. And then uh by moving on this that would give us a runway to look at the different options and the cost options with the the three different portions inhouse out house. So, we're on the same page. >>
055Sounds good. And I know member Jabber I think had a comment as well. three years one in Asia has seen this offer department over the last 5 years and privacy work mediocre services in my I would like to reject it for now and just maybe letting ground keep them while retaining AT custodial staff and movement techniques that's how I feel um I think we should I think you know if we have an opportunity to break them for this year for next year and I would like to go that route and then we could look for other options the year after. >> Okay. Right. I think we were you able to understand what he said? >> Yes. >> Okay. All right. >> Okay. The beginning was a little garbled, member Jabber, but I think we got
056the gist of it. All right. Any other comments? >> I just would like to second Casper's notion, not motion, but I I like that idea. if we could bring that in house somewhere close in cost. >> Well, yeah, anything where we can improve the quality um and also lower our expenses that that's a big ticket item that is is definitely worth, you know, taking a good hard long look at. So, >> yeah, I I uh I appreciate the comments. We could also bring this up at our January building of finance just to get a little bit more discussion as to what the board might want us to look towards. Um but definitely understand and and appreciate the feedback. Okay. All right. At this point, Lisa, can you take the role? >> Member Daml, >> yes.
057>> Member Dalton, >> yes. >> Member Jabber, >> no. >> Member Kelly, >> yes. >> Member Casmir, >> yes. >> And member Zer, >> yes. 5 to one. Motion passes. All right. Next. May I have a motion for the 10-year life and safety survey? I move that the school board approve the 10-year health life safety survey and authorize its submission to the Illinois State Board of Education through the required processing system. >> I second. >> Any comments or member Jabber, did you have any comments on that? >> No. >> Okay. All right. Lisa, you may take the role. >> Member Dolphins. >> Yes. >> Member Danlow. >> Yes. >> Member Jabber. >> Member Kelly. Yes. >> Member Casian. >> Yes. >> Member Zeter. >> Yes. 6. Motion passed. Next, may I have a motion for
058the roofing bid? >> I move that the school board award the 2026 phase 7 roofing replacement project to Ritaford Roofing Company located in Arlington Heights, Illinois for a total amount of 1,764. I'm sorry. 1,764,275. >> Second. >> All right. That was member Casmmer. I think a second. Any questions, comments? >> Member Jabber. Any questions or comments? >> No. >> Okay. Lisa, you may take the role. >> Member Dalton? >> Yes. >> Member Danlow? >> Yes. >> Member Jabber? >> Yes. >> Member Kelly? >> Yes. >> Member Casmir? >> Yes. >> Member Zer? >> Yes. 60. Motion passes. Thank you. No, I can't. I'm not going to speak. I'm just I can't >> Okay, if you could >> Oh, >> project. Sorry. >> All right. Project report. Sorry. >> Good evening. Um I don't have a
059whole lot to update you on projects currently. The only we have out for next summer is the roofing that was just approved. Um we have several topics we're going to discuss at building and finance. Uh upcoming projects we're hoping to get done this summer. Uh, but nothing is uh official as of tonight, but if anybody has any questions on future projects or past, I'm more than willing to answer any. >> I can just read. >> I hope to have more next month. >> You keep us updated all the time. So, thank you for all of your efforts. >> First, next. Could I have a motion um under old business for demand for an investigation? I move that the school board number one dismiss the request for an ethics investigation due to lack of rightness, lack
060of standing and lack of basis in fact. Two, find that the request for an ethics investigation is unfounded and no further investigation is needed. Three, find that the school board's own policies do not require any investigation of Mr. Henry's allegations. and four, suspend any contrary policy language that may suggest otherwise pursuant to policy 2240, board policy development. I second >> any questions or comments? >> Um, yeah, I don't agree with what is happening. Can you hear me? >> Yes. Yep. >> I don't agree with what what is happening, but I don't see any reason, you know, why this is on our agenda, but um >> so that that's all that's the comment I have. >> Okay. All right. Lisa, can you take a role? >> Member Dolphin. >> Yes. >> Member Danlow. >> Yes. >>
061Member Jabber, >> no. >> Member Kelly, >> yes. >> Member Casmir, >> yes. >> Member Zer, >> yes. 5 to one. Motion passes. All right. Old business. Approval of 2627 school year calendar. I move that the school board adopt the 2026 2027 calendar. >> I second. >> Any questions? >> Member [snorts] Jabber, do you have any questions? >> All right. Lisa, you may take the role. >> Member Dalton. >> Yes. Member Danlow. >> Yes. >> Member Jabber. >> Yes. >> Member Kelly. >> Yes. >> Member Casper. >> Yes. >> Member Zeter. >> Yes. >> All right. Motion passed. All right. Next. Superintendent report updates for the board. >> Thank you. It was a short month, so I will be very brief with our updates because not a ton happens uh with a delayed Thanksgiving and
062uh and December is always short. Um, if I could focus your attention to page two of the report. Um, even though the uh the the the month was short, there was a lot of activity when it comes to uh working with some of our organizations including uh scope uh and IHSTTO. or several meetings this uh uh this past month um sharing uh some um topics that are uh topics currently of discussion of in upcoming legislation, but issues that we um can predict will become uh more serious conversations once uh the uh legislation uh legislators, excuse me, meet after the uh new year. Um so we're keeping our eye on that and involved in a lot of discussions. Um, I'll get to this on a different goal, but we were also involved um Jeff in particular,
063uh, Jeff Egan in particular, um, due to some of the concerns that we've had in this in the county with regard to delays in tax um, uh, tax bills going out to schools. U, so we're keeping our eye on that. And then we were also involved this past month with uh, the IHSA who conducts uh, annually conducts the bylaw uh, process. Uh, one of those proposed bylaws uh, could potentially will likely potentially, I should say, have a impact on our schools on particular athletic programs that are in current cooperative programs. Um [snorts] so we sent a letter uh kind of a u um a letter a colleague letter to the IHSA. Um however the on Tuesday we found out that it did pass. So we are now in a process to review um and we'll
064be bringing it forward to the education committee for discussion as to how we can move forward as a district. Um if uh you could flip your page to page six please. [clears throat] Um so big month uh when it comes to our safety goals um the current process we had uh a lot of opportunity to look at what are what we are calling now halo safety monitors. Um these are going to be installed in our bathrooms. Uh we have seen over the course of the last four yearsish uh significant issues in our bathrooms which include um vaping and and other uh activities related uh physical aggression um and a lot of um for lack of better say a lot of congregation in the bathroom. So we're we're using these Halo monitors. They're very sophisticated um
065monitors based on what we experienced about six or seven years ago. Um, and we hope that these monitors both with an audible noise of individuals in the bathroom that may not be following all the rules other than using the bathroom for its intended purpose as well as a a notification to our dean's office. Um, we're we're really hopeful and optimistic this has significantly reduced some of our issues that we've had in those bathrooms over time. We'veorked with a lot of schools that have reported they've had success after installation. Um, we're also uh slowly unveiling and and thanking Andrew High School for volunteering to pilot a Smart Pass program. Um, this is something our teacher association brought to our attention as a significant area that they'd like us to look into. Essentially, [snorts] in very short
066order, it replaces the the paper pass system with an automated system, which also allows for a lot more data collection um and a lot more controls over student um students who um may not exhibit behaviors in the hallway that we want to see. so we could do a little bit more monitoring of of those students to make sure that we're also maintaining safe hallways uh throughout the the course of the day. Um and we're in the process of reviewing our ESP schedules uh to make sure that our buildings have enough support staff in our dean's offices to successfully monitor the buildings um and or changes in sort of in in some of the coverage um depending upon the if you will the footprint of the building. So a lot of work in in that particular
067area in terms of student safety. uh page seven uh also some good work done with regard to building uh college career endorsements and pace framework. As you can see we are uh just on the tail end of the month of November and into December. There was a series of vocational trades and college and career fairs in all the buildings. um students have had the opportunities to to visit those union shops that you heard a little bit about previously in our presentation and we are very excited to uh start to network with the University of Chicago who may uh create a bevy of internship job sharing opportunities for our students particularly those that are interested in um physical trades uh as well. So we're very happy to see that moving forward. Um as well as uh
068some preliminary work with the University of Illinois. I know that's not on here, but I probably should have added that the University of Illinois is unveiling uh some unique dual credit opportunities for the first time. So, we're we're um kind of dipping our toe into those opportunities as well to expand continue to expand dual credit for our students. Um and then uh page 11, again, I won't go into too much depth, but a lot of this month was u managing um the issue of uh our our uh the Cook County property tax distributions or lack thereof. uh working with um the potential of tax anticipation warrants and I know the board's fully aware of the impact that that has on our district as well as essentially um starting to reduce or mitigate the amount of
069money that we receive from tax um proceeds because now we're paying interest on on on loans that we should not otherwise have to do. Um, again, Jeff is the point person, but Jeff and I have been working with superintendents and CSBOs from around the Cook County area um to uh start working with local politicians, if not to recoup some of the money lost through uh that process, but to propose some legislation to protect schools from this happening in the future. >> Can you um expand on that, gentlemen, in that we thought last month we had made it and they said money was coming, then it didn't arrive. It still hasn't arrived. Any update on its arrival? just last week. >> Yeah. No, we have not still received any uh distributions from Cook County yet. Uh
070we do not know when those will arrive. They were uh last we had said or heard, >> right? >> Potentially this week. Uh there were rumors out there too saying that it might be February 1st. >> Is there a cause listed? there's been a software conversion issue with uh the county's systems um ongoing for months. So that's what caused the actual issuance of the the tax bills being delayed and then of course in the treasur's office the distribution of the funds to all the the taxing bodies. So it's been an ongoing issue uh internally. >> Where did they get fined for that? >> We'll see. That's that's why we're working together with others. >> So they basically said we had the software situation fixed and now they have turned around and said >> well the
071one one issue is in the county clerk's office to actually issue the bills and go through the the assessment process and issue those those tax bills. Uh the treasur's office is the one who collects the money and then distributes it. So uh I think both offices are having similar problems. >> And how much interest have we lost so far? [clears throat] Uh we've had to break CDs and the interest lost andor penalties is about 82,000 so far. >> Member J I think had a question. >> I wasn't at the last board meeting. I forgot. Did we um did we reverse Hold on, I'm looking. Did we refer a tax anticipation warrant um like to eliminate that or do we still have that on the table? >> No, as of last week we anticipated I think
072it was December um 8th or or 9th we anticipated the money coming in. It did not. And so at that point we needed to issue those warrants and we went ahead and did that this week. So the money should be here tomorrow. >> Okay. So we did not eliminate that. So that's still >> that is it. >> Yeah, we executed that warrant. >> And how much money are you borrowing? >> 34.5 million. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> All right, that was my last uh page anyway. So if there's any questions with regard to any of the pages I reviewed or anything in the pack get in general, I'd be happy to try to respond to those as well. Thank you for uh thank you for your attention. Thank you. >> All right. I think
073everything else is umformational. So now I can move I'm going to read the motion into executive session. I move to enter into executive session to consider um information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific employee or legal council for the public body. To discuss student disciplinary cases. to discuss matters relating to placement of individual students in special education programs and to consider other matters relating to individual students. To discuss collective negotiating matters or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. To discuss pending or probable litigation against, affecting, or on behalf of the public body. And to discuss the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body. Oh, I'm sorry, Muhammad. I was going through everything. >> Okay. I I don't I
074don't have anything. The only thing I have is happy holidays everyone. Everyone enjoy their holiday with their family. >> Just just for the board's benefit, that motion could stand and revert back to >> Okay. And then you don't have to repeat it. You could >> got it. I was so good at repeating it [laughter] though. Okay. All right. Board comments. Thank you for that catch, Muhammad. Anyone else have any board comments? >> I have a board comment. >> Okay. >> Um, I just want to say thank you. Um, I personally know a couple students at Samberg who have had some significant health challenges this year. Um and you know teachers are always on the front line of things but there's this whole host of people behind the scenes um that are supporting students and um
075because of this I you know because my kids are at Samberg I do know and have experienced firsthand the incredible support that we provide students in the district who are going through these hard times. Um and I know have heard of stories at Stag and Andrew as well. So I know it's happened in all three buildings. Uh, I just want to thank some of the people who, uh, are not always, you know, surrounded by students getting thank yous. They're sort of a little bit more behind the scenes. Um, cuz they're helping countless other students as well, not just the people I know about. But I just wanted to thank these people. Uh, Taylor Bole, Gina, Gian Carlo, China, Dr. Hampton, Brian Clean, Kristen CS, Kyle Murphy, Michelle Perez, Rebecca Roodie, Rob Tory, Pek Patrick Usher,
076uh Mr. Nater, Miss Vanderberg, and and of course Dr. Nolin and Dr. Smith are, you know, they're never in all of the conversations in this school, but uh they kind of set the tone and um it you can see how it trickles down. So, I just wanted to say thanks and I'm blessed that uh uh that you people are working with our kids. Thank you. >> Yeah, I'd like to comment, please. >> Yeah. Uh first, I'd like to congratulate some of our dedicated students at Carl Sandberg for their establishment of Club America. Taken on a tremendous undertaking of civic discussion and respectful dialogue, which is a tall order for adults, let alone high school students. I have 100% faith in our student body that this club will prove to be a positive opportunity for any
077who choose to participate and a constructive addition to our school community. Secondly, as uh Bob mentioned uh regarding this week's IHSA ruling regarding Prop 5 affecting our co-op sports, now is the time for you to start petitioning the IHSA. If you're a parent, an athlete, or just a supportive member of the community hoping to preserve athletic opportunities for all of our students across all three of our high schools, email them. write them. Let them know how this will affect you. Uh finally, uh staff and students, I hope you enjoy this much needed time off over the winter break. Um our seniors, I hope your final semester of high school is full of incredible memories and congratulations to our early graduates. Um merry Christmas, everyone. Thank you. >> I want to wish everybody a happy holidays.
078Did I skip you? >> Okay. And Lisa, um we can take the role now. >> Thank you. Uh I I don't want to be a stickler, but I I think that Lynn made the motion and then Sue said so moved. So I I just want to make sure that we actually have a second. So >> that you heard that. Thank you. >> Well, I'll second. >> Thank you. >> You are a stickler. >> Well, I just you know that's how you do it right. Robert's rules of order. So thank you. >> Member I couldn't hear. >> Member member Dalton. >> Yes. >> Member Danlo. >> Yes. Member Jabber. >> Yes. >> Member Kelly. >> Yes. >> Member Casmir. >> Yes. >> Member Zer. >> Yes. It's 808. We will go into executive session. Thank you
079everyone. When we come back, we do not videotape that.