001started after he talked about what an asset it is to be bilingual and like cultural was really cool. >> Yeah. >> And he was a science teacher and >> that's where came from that district. >> Oh, really? >> Then he talked about how they're trying to like maybe think of Katie with like some teacher So, he might be a good >> Yeah. So, I didn't know if he was there because I'm like I'm trying to literally write in my >> All right. >> Good evening everyone. Thank you. Tonight, it is 7 o'clock. So, we are about to officially start our district 230 school board meeting for September 18th, 2025. So, at this point, Lisa, could you take the role? >> Here. If we could rise for the pledge >> to the flag of the United
002States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Okay, before we begin, as member Scodro, our um secretary is absent, I have asked member to serve as secretary promp for tonight's meeting. So, thank you, Mr. Serator. You're welcome. >> All right. At this point, we have our superintendent's opening remarks. >> Yes. I will keep it brief. Since our last meeting, I'm very, very proud to announce the fact that uh all three of our schools were recognized by the US News and World Report, top schools in the country, in the state of Illinois. All three of our schools are ranked in the top 20th percentile in the state of Illinois. And that is an incredible accomplishment. Please. Yes. [Applause] So we uh
003we are very very proud that is a it's become an annual tradition which I'm very happy for. Um but we're we know that's uh as a result of the hard effort and energy of our our staff and our our students. Um I'm going to be very brief because I'm guessing homecoming is going to be a theme for our student speakers. But we're in homecoming season. Two of our schools are in homecoming week and then Samberg will be uh next week. But like I said, I'm going to leave the floor to our our three student speakers. Um, but I do want to just report today was a very um very uplifting day. We had an opportunity to meet with our student attendance, our excuse me, our superintendent's advisory. Um there's about 25 to 30 students from
004each school that comes together and tells us how we should do business and we listen to them. Um, and we're very very impressed with the uh information they gave us about ACT preparation um and school safety. So, we're kind of putting those notes together. They they just got done about noon today, but uh we thank Andrew for hosting them. Um but we also know that, you know, what our students say and how their their school's environment are for them. Um we want to be very uh really responsive to so um just just an incredible day. So, thank you for the kids that attended and and uh Andrew who hosted that event. Beyond that, um that's all I have for our opening remarks. There are no amend uh amendments for uh today. So, we'll proceed as
005normal. >> Well, thank you. At this point, we are now going into the public hearing part that is required by um state code to present the 2526 budget. Jeff, we heard it on Monday and we are so excited to hear a repeat for everyone in the audience and at home on viewing screen. So, it's all yours. >> All right. Very good. Thank you. Good evening, Board of Education. Um as uh President Zeter said that we are um going over the same basically the same type of presentation we went over on Monday. Um we have a uh um a good budget to to present. So I'm I'm happy with the overall uh figures and how they um how they uh landed this year. Um our next slide here again we had this in our tenative budget.
006Uh it is a list of our mission and vision. I think it's important to keep these uh in front of us as we look to allocate our resources and figure out what um our priorities are for our spending. So those are uh both in there and an important slide in the presentation. Uh the process and timeline has been updated. Um I've marked off the ones we've completed tonight. We are in the public hearing. uh the board will adopt the budget later on in the agenda and then tomorrow we will disseminate the board I'm sorry the budget documents uh to the different public entities that require them. So again for the comparison slides that we will see we are looking at our operating funds. Those are education fund, operations maintenance fund, transportation fund and IMRF fund.
007The revenue highlights for the adopted budget are as followed. I put this chart um or table together. Uh it's a simplified version of what we saw last month. Uh we have in that first column the on the left the the same sources of revenue that we've been reviewing. Uh the next column over is what we uh kind of totaled up at the tenative budget last month. Uh the next column over is what the adopted budget is showing. And then we did a dollar and percent difference off on the right. Uh if you pay attention to the bottom line, you'll see our total revenue uh was reduced by about 133,000 since the tenative budget. that represents 0.1% of our total budget. The changes uh that had occurred since the tenative uh we amended the property tax
008levy receipts calculation based on the draft agency tax rate report, the same report we went over on Monday night. We received that draft version of the 2024 um levy from the county. So we took those figures uh changed them from the estimate we had and and created what the uh anticipated final uh tax levy numbers are going to be. Uh we've updated the corporate personal property replacement tax based on the final uh figures that were released by the state. Uh we updated some federal grant information in there. Our transportation reimbursements are now in a final stage for the claiming process. So we updated that and then the transfer to capital projects uh from the operations and maintenance fund we reduced it from 1.5 million to1 million. Basically we didn't think we needed a million and
009a half this year to fund the projects that we have slated for completion. So we reduced it to that million dollar number. On the expense side, same look and feel uh as the revenue. We have uh on the lefth hand side all of our uses or we call them objects. Um within the the school code, we have our tenative budget figures, the adopted budget right next to that, and then again our differences in dollars and uh percentage. Uh during the time between tenative and adopted, we added about $886,000 in expenses, about 0.5% yeah.5% of our total budget. uh outlining those expenses, we did uh some ongoing adjustments to salary and benefits over the summer as we go from one fiscal year to the next. We are updating those constantly depending on FTE changes, people coming
010in and out, new hires, things like that. So, at the tenative budget, we drew a line, reported on where we were, and since then, we've made some adjustments. uh we had a a staff salary verification process that we ask all of our staff to look in the system and verify that's what they think their salary should be and if there is discrepancies we go ahead and fix those or have those conversations. So we did that during that time. Uh we adjusted for um minor health insurance renewal increase in the budget as well. Uh we included band uniforms that are going to be purchased for Andrew High School this year. Uh we reconciled prior year grant expenses paid in the current year. Um and then we did a a professional development budget update based on the
011teachers contract and how the 2526 FTE allocations um occurred. And then again on the expense side the transfer from operations and maintenance to capital projects. We did that same reduction from 1.5 million to 1 million. Uh this uh chart here shows the very highest level you can look at in a budget. We've got all of our funds on the lefth hand side. We have a column full of revenues, a column full of expenses, and then the difference. Uh I'll I'll ask you to pay attention to the uh highlighted or gray sections. Those are our operating funds, the same funds we just reviewed. And if you look at the bottom there, we are estimating about 185.7 million in total revenue for the year in our operating funds. Uh we are estimating 185.2 million in our expenses.
012Uh netting out a 540,000 surplus budgeted for this year. Uh this slide is a requirement uh from public act 102-0895. Uh this was passed in May of 22. Uh basically it says that we are mandated to disclose our school district cash reserve balance for all of our uh operational levy funds. So what we do is we put this uh with two different dates. They don't uh signify which time frame we look at. So we did uh the end of the fiscal year as our cash balances and then we also report the most current month which would have been August. And then this is the last slide. We are uh like I said going to take this budget and disseminate it to those who need it and um kind of wrap up the fiscal year 26
013budget process. Any questions regarding this? >> I think you did such all of us were at the meeting on Monday. So I want to thank chairperson Jabber, Dr. Noling and Jeff you and your team. Um it was a very clear concise people continued to compliment the way you're explain it to the noninancial gurus. So the reason we have no questions is just that we had most any questions that we had um answered at our Monday's meeting if I could safely say. >> Okay. >> All right. Um >> thank you. >> At this point this is the one time during a board meeting that we ask for public comments twice during the day. So we also have the ability if anyone from the public had questions regarding to the budget presentation. Okay. All right. At this
014point then we are adjourning the public hearing. Do I need a motion? >> I need a motion for that. >> Motion to adjourn our public hearing on the budget. >> Second. >> Any questions? All right. Lisa, you may take role. >> Yes. Kelly. >> Yes. At this point, may I have a motion for the FY26 budget? >> I move that the school board adopt the final fiscal year 2026 budget as presented. >> Second. >> Any questions? All right. We'll do that again. Lisa, please take >> Motion passed. All right. Next, our school board representatives. Hello everyone. It is so good to see you all again this month. I am excited to share um Stag's accomplishments and news again this month. This week, student and staff have been showing off their Charger pride by showing this
015week's spirit themes for the upcoming home to coming dance. Um, this Saturday, student council has planned spirit days that relate back to the theme of homecoming under the sea. In addition, each day have been given a marine life themed handout to the student body to further celebrate our student pride. During passing periods, our charger hallways are filled with aquatic life music while students are able to witness the under the sea window painting as they head to their next class. This month, students have been heavily involved with the start of their extracurriculars. One of these activities being said is the freshman show play Big Bug Chugs Diner, which is happening as we speak. The freshmen have been working extremely hard to show off the show together. Their hard work and determination never fails to be seen.
016Stag drama has been preparing also for fall show while working on the freshman show. Their fall show theme is drum roll drum roll please inherit the wind. Please join them on the opening night October 9th or come watch October 10th and 11th. You will fall in love with stags drama. Students performance have also resulted in great accomplishments. The Chargers have been putting so much effort to show off their hard work. Cross country varsity girls placed second in their TF South Rich Dust invite with Bridget Bailey placing seventh in the placing seventh and the freshman and sophomores placed first in their team and finished with three Chargers in the top 10. to show off their to show off our sports accomplishments. Jack Kinsky placed fourth in the first to finish in invitational with an overall winner
017for the TF South Dust Invitational. This weekend, the marching chargers performed at Andrew's 10th marching band invitational. They placed fourth with one point away from being third, while colorg guard placed first in their class. marching. The marching chargers have put in great effort in this year's show. Please come watch them in the halftime performances. Um cheerleading and palms will be also performing there. Please come. Lastly, I would like to publicly appreciate um the efforts of our stag English teachers. They have been putting in such great work this year for the senior class with the creation of college essay boot camp. The students are able to receive feedback on their personal statement and provide with lots of yummy st yummy snacks. I am so lucky to be receiving the help of these teachers. They always put
018their students first and provide the best resources possible for their student success. Thank you once again for all you do for our students. Thank you. >> Uh Mo Mo, I have a question. Mo, I have a question. Are you trying to steal extra credit points considering all your college boot camp English teachers in the backhand corner? >> You are a smart person. I I appreciate that. >> And I wondered if she was going to show um Mr. Olsen's participation in Under the Sea Week because we were um privileged to see his Patrick t-shirt on Monday at the building and finance committee. So we love the Charger spirit. Thank you. >> And some of the feedback I did not dress as pirates. Okay. All right. I was checking on that. >> Good evening. Uh once again,
019I am Shelby Oliver and I am Andrew's uh student representative to the board. As Andrew was powered through our first full month of school, our building has continued to embrace our theme. With every spark, we leave our mark in every aspect of student life. In the first week of September, Andrew's Students Against Violence Everywhere Club partnered with the Sandy Hook Promise Found organization to run their annual Start with Hello Week, a series of events dedicated to fostering an environment of belonging and prioritizing respect among fellow students and teachers. The week was scattered with safe social times and an advisory guidance visits, both prioritizing new connections with peers. During September 5th's Friday Night Football game, Andrew hosted its annual step-up day and senior recognition night for our marching band, cheer, dance, and football programs. United as
020one Andrew community, upcoming Gryom, Prairie View, and Central Middle School band members united with the marching T-Bolts to play for the Andrew Crown and cheer on our senior students. The bittersweet night both honored our determined class of 2026 as well as welcomed upcoming T-Bolts to our multitude of fall programs. Regarding the successes of our prestigious marching band, the marching Thunderbolts have taken their 2025 season in full storm, reigning victorious in class 2A and achieving five band awards while competing at the 45th stag marching jamboree. Additionally, the marching vulnerbs have continued to to parade on home territory, hosting the 10th annual Andrew marching invitational on September 13th. As Andrew has admissed our extensive homecoming week, our student council has hosted various events to fit our dance theme of the Wizard of Oz. There's no place like
021homecoming. Last Sunday, we hosted our annual homecoming Olympics, consisting of teams playing minute to win at games, attempting to earn the chance to win free homecoming tickets at tomorrow's pep rally. Following the Olympics, clubs and sports organizations alike painted VGA's windows to match our dance theme during homecoming window painting. The vibrant art now scatters the school and has brightened the atmosphere throughout homecoming week and for our dance this Saturday. Overall, Andrew has had an exciting first full month of school and cannot wait to celebrate homecoming at our heavily anticipated football game tomorrow. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening. With the first full month of the school year, Samberg has been filled with exciting activities. To start off, student council has been diligently planning homecoming week starting on Monday, September 22nd with the actual day of
022homecoming dance to be on Saturday, September 27th. Student council collaborated collaborated with the super fans to make a fun spirit day video highlighting the themes of each day. We will have pajama sports, tropical, soccer mom versus barbecue dad, and color wars day. Color wars is essentially when each grade is assigned a color that they have to wear on the Friday of homecoming week. Freshman wear white, sophomores wear black, juniors wear gold, and seniors wear blue. We will have exciting activities during lunch that every student from the school has a chance to participate in. Also, we are having a student versus staff volleyball game on September 24th with the theme of black light and neon. On Friday, we will end off our week with our annual homecoming assembly during school. Football season has kicked off with
023the Samberg football team having many successful victories this season. The Eagles are three to zero for the first time since 2012. Also, Samberg had a staff and family tailgate where more than 200 staff and family members enjoyed food and fun before the home opener on September 5th. To add on, the lit lab has officially opened, which is a designated room just for students to come in during their lunch hour and get help on anything that is English related. Upperassmen apply to be a lit lab tutor, and if they are accepted, they get to tutor during their lunch hour. The lit lab has been a very helpful place for students to receive tutoring on their English assignments. For seniors who are working on college applications, the College and Career Center is hosting a college essay review
024during all lunch hours on September 24th. This is a great way for seniors to be able to get their essay checked and be told what to fix to ensure that their college applications fit their needs. Also, the National Honors Society held its first meeting in the pack for new and returning members of the club. A new class of National Honor Society students will be inducted next month. Continually, International Fest held a big meeting for all of the groups that are participating. This is a club in which each ethnic group participating shows their cultural dance with a big showcase in February. This is a great club that makes Samberg feel united with everyone's different cultures. To conclude, I want to thank you all for your time and the opportunity that I have to shape the future
025of District 230 where every student can thrive. Thank you so much and good luck to all the teams. All right, next we have our student staff spotlight. >> Looks like Mr. Olsen is creeping up. He's looking for friends. >> Not finding many. >> Yeah, nobody's taking it up on him quite yet. >> Oh, I see a special person coming. >> All right. The Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games are the largest annual event of the year, bringing together thousands of athletes from across the state to compete at the uh Illinois State University in track and field, botchi, powerlifting, gymnastics, and more. The competition is the culmination of months of training and showcases not only the athletic ability but also the teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship of athletes from across the state. It is my honor as the
026principal of Stag High School to introduce you to Maui Gallagher who is the state champion in the tennis ball throw. So, I know that right now since the Cubs have officially made it into um uh the playoffs, right? Um that Maui may very well get called up because they can use all the help that they can get. So, >> great job, Molly. >> Congratulations here, Molly. This is for you. >> There you go. Congratulations. [Applause] >> No problem. All right, moving along. If I could have the STAG National Merit um commended scholars please come up. Emerson. >> There we go. Each year, approximately 1.5 million juniors take the PSAT and enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. Only junior year PSAT scores are considered for this program. The top 50,000 students are recognized either as a
027commended student, there's about 34,000 of them, or as semi- finalists, about 16,000. The 16,000 semi-finalists continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships. About 95% of all semi-finalists eventually are named merit finalists. Um, it is my honor and privilege to introduce two of STAG's three commended scholars. We've got uh Tamar Muhammad and we have um also Emerson Kim and not here is Katon Kasin. He's busy getting ready for the fall play. So please join me in recognizing both of them. >> Congratulations. >> In addition, really quickly, Emerson was also named um College Board Big Futures Ambassador. So, we're very excited for that. Um, and then also just as a side note, Dr. Kim Emerson's uh dad is uh also a beer Oman's dentist. So, just a little side note, >> but you never know who
028you know where. >> There you go. There you go. [Applause] The question is, Dr. Kim, is she taking care of her teeth and practicing good dental hygiene? >> All right, next we have Samberg up. >> All right, Eagles, NMSQTers, come on up. Come on up. I'm happy to report that tonight we recognize a number of Samberg students who received NMSQT recognition that exceeds the total number of points scored in our football game last weekend. I am not as happy to report that the total number of points scored in last weekend's football game was eight. However, a 5-3 victory by the Eagles is something I am happy to report. So, I want to give that up front. Give that up front. Um, 13 13 Samber superstars earned NSQT recognition. I'm happy to recognize a number of
029commended students. First up, Jack Henson. Also, Chloe McGlaughlin. Oops. Sorry, I already screwed it up. Uh, Matthew Su, Samir Tanoo, also Alexandra Vasquez, Gutierrez. Some additional Samri students earning the commended status are Caitlyn Cabrera, Moram Hishme, Sang Mun Lee, Ben Luwendowski, Ava Troy. Also could not be here tonight, but we give them a round of applause for their recognition. >> Congratulations. schoolboard meeting, D230 schoolboard meeting could quickly become the Neil Patel meeting because I think Neil's been honored at a bunch of meetings in a row here. But uh you know we did have two students earn semi-finalist status. One of those is our very own Neil Patel. So round of applause for Neil. And then also earning semiinal status uh but couldn't be here tonight was Mahir Prahan. So round of applause for Mahir also.
030Okay. Congratulations team. Very well done. >> Thank you very much. >> Good evening, T-Bolts. National come on up. It is my honor to recognize our Victor J. Andrew High School National Merit Scholars. As you heard from both Dr. Smith and Mr. Olsen, this is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the nation. I'm going to start off with our commended students, James Abraham. Congratulations, James. Um, Amber Lily Aronda, Andrea Magaj, Janis, Jack Radkkey, Noah Roberts, and Dash Wilson. Congratulations to the Andrew High School commended college. We also have two students at Andrew whose achievements place them among the top students in the nation and gives them the opportunity to advance as finalists and compete for national merit scholarships. Hunter Bole Yeah. congratulations and Ashton Zaf are both semi finalists. Congratulations to these exceptional students for
031their hard work, dedication and academic excellence. We are very proud of them. Congratulations. Congratulations, T- Bolts. Next up for VGA is our VGA Special Olympics summer games recognition. You already heard from Mr. Olsen about summer games. I have with me are our coaches who are repeat recognizes here for our school board meeting. Very familiar faces. Miss Noel Shellash is our head uh coach for Special Olympics and with us is assistant coach Miss Janna Malcolm. Uh very excited to share with you. We have Billy uh Bartlett who is our first place champion in Boti. And I will leave it to these ladies to share a little bit with you about all our our team was recognized and we had a lot of wins. So congratulations to our Special Olympics team at Andrew High School. Thank you
032all for having us. As always, it's lovely to see the board. Um, we actually traveled with eight athletes to Normal this summer. Um, two of which couldn't compete due to excessive heat. So, kudos to those two athletes. Um, but the other five who placed and who couldn't be here tonight are Gianna Antis, Caitlyn Dur, Blake Lynch, Sam McVadel, and Nathan Nepan. So, we're excited for all these athletes and we thank you for recognizing them and our programs. >> Thank you, Billy. >> Thank you. >> We are very blessed to have so many talented students in so many arenas. So, thank you everyone. No staff tonight. So, at this point now, we are going to segue into our curriculum spotlight. All right, good evening. Um, tonight College essay boot camp at STAG will be this month's
033curriculum spotlight. I'm joined tonight uh by Shelley Thos, Katie Prisbilski, Chris Wendell, Lisa Thy uh and students Mo Wong and Vikica Malatuni, also supported uh by associate principal Dr. Augustiniac and the division chair for English uh Tony Roditis. Uh so the college essay boot camp at stag is a title one funded program that was designed by the members of this uh English department here. It really aims to provide targeted support for students as they prepare for the college application. Personal statements and students are encouraged to engage in a structured process that includes understanding the purpose and the components of a personal statement, generating and selecting topics, organizing, planning their essays, and lots of drafting and revising. This program's primary objective is to offer a safe and supportive environment with where the students can receive the
034individualized assistant to complete this critical element of their college application process. In addition, I also have to brag about these wonderful teachers here. They were selected uh for two sessions at the national counselor Council of Teachers of English. their national organization for their discipline to present one about their college essay boot camp and share that with the field and in addition another session. So, we're just uh so blessed to have incredible educators. So, here's tonight's video. [Applause] [Music] was born out of this void that we have for helping students such a crucial part of college application process. Um the personal statement is a really big part of their college applications and the skills that they need for that personal statement are things that we don't get in our traditional curriculum gives students the opportunity to
035not justice but understanding process understand what admissions officers are looking for. how to navigate different promps of the application. One of the ways that college really helps to break down the barriers that some of our students might be facing with the college education process is that for our students today, many of them and their families might be um people who are applying to college for the first time. They're first generation students. Their parents might not have gone to college. They might not have any older siblings who have gone to college or in many cases um parents of our students today are not that familiar with the American higher education system particularly being title one school have a lot of students who are first generation but it's been a great way to reduce barriage for those
036students in terms of really helping them showing them kind of the support that they need to walk through the application process and to really develop a strong I'm a first generation college student. So I felt kind of confused. So this was the perfect opportunity for me. Before the program began, I was kind of stressed about my personal statement just because I didn't know where the right resources were, where to start. >> I think in addition to the essay part of it, that information about college is a great resource to students that isn't always >> I'm a first generation college student myself. I did my college and you know there are a lot parts of the college application process that were daunting and scary and you know you didn't understand what colors were looking for or
037what you were supposed to say. So I love this program because I feel like I'm sort of helping my younger self in a way. Another way that helps reduce barriers is we've been able to refer a lot of students to our college and career counselor. um which here is amazing, but some students just because they're unfamiliar don't always know that that's a great resource to go to if you're looking for help with your application or looking for help with financial aid or other opportunities. So, it's been a good partnership to kind of refer students to vice versa to help more students succeed. I think that oneonone individual relationships and individual attention that we've been able to give to kids is one of the primary successes of the program. students tend to need a little more
038assistance getting started writing about themselves thinking about having drafts and how to answer prompts correctly. They have a lot of questions and the college boot camp I think gives them that that place to come and ask and kind of feel feel comfortable getting help. >> So many students come to us and they don't have you know something to write about or not college material. that piece of it as well. Giving them the confidence to say you have so much to offer and you have the ability to be successful and this is a story you should we would meet them where they were. So they would bring their essay um at whatever stage it was in and we would give them feedback. Sometimes that feedback was in terms of content. Sometimes it was terms of the
039grammar, the structure. Um but ultimately it was a place where they continued to come over a series of weeks and The end result was that they had a polished personal statement. And for some students, just having that two hours of quiet time that they know, okay, I'm going to go to this space every week for eight weeks. And so I know that I will be on top of my college applications in addition to all the classes that I'm taking, all the activities that I'm involved in has been really beneficial for them. >> To give advice to another student who wants to join, 100% do it. Even if you don't show up every day, I think would most likely be beneficial to you. >> I'm excited to have students come away with this really intensive writing
040process, but also this like self self-discovery kind of part of it that's at the heart of trying to write an essay about yourself. >> And you sit with these students over, you know, this extended period of time, which I think is another benefit is that they can come back again and again and you can go through so many drafts and then you see them have that final essay. It's more than just an essay. college with their view of themselves now their view of themselves as someone with value with skills to bring um with a story that they want to share and I think that's been the most rewarding thing is seeing students go through that process and me feeling so confident about not only they're asking for themselves if I was to give advice to
041somebody joining it I would say to come with an open mind it was super beneficial doing that and all the teachers really helped me and it made my writing a lot better it'll be beneficial to everybody because No matter who you are, Miss P, Miss Fire, Mland, Miss Boss, they all want the best for us. And you know that you're going to get the best out of even the most exciting thing is when the acceptance letters start to come in from the universities and the kids will reach out to us as a group or individuals that were really, you know, critical helping them through the process and just share their excitement. [Music] All right. To the students, what's the best piece of advice you got in there to help you with your essays? They're always
042like very positive about the feedback. >> They're very positive about the feedback and like they never said anything negative about my essay. Even if it's bad, they don't say it >> and I doubt it was. But >> I think for me it's exactly opposite. I'm a person who is going into college as a first generation student and for me like I don't know what to write. So every time I would rewrite my essay all over and over again and probably have like 50,000 versions of that thing, they will tell me what exactly I did wrong in my essay and that has helped me a lot. >> Anybody have any questions? >> I just wanted to state that I know that the students get a lot out of this. I can also state that I know
043the parents feel some relief that their support at the school level helping with this um daunting task because before this program was put in place, you know, we were trying to help our our kids write those and it's very difficult to um do that when you're seeing it from a parents perspective. And so having it come from the teachers um I know that the parents also uh feel um very supported having this for our students. So thank you for all the hard work you guys do. >> And I would just like to add um the nights that we celebrate come spring we're already getting in invitations to honors night and scholarship night. But I specifically remember scholarship night and I think it was from stag whenever Daltton is concurring. We had one student in particular
044who had gotten all of these scholarships. And at first I'm thinking, okay, you can't pick on anyone else. But then when you listen to his story, he went and worked with you in the lit lab every day. The perseverance that paid off with that young man and the young men and women who are applying for these. As member Dalton said, the work is there and it's worth the effort. and those students who said if you didn't think you should come come and have an open mind. So the fact that this is available is just a testament to everyone from your department. So kudos to all and kudos to the students and parents if you're listening ask them if they're going. It's worth it. Thank you. >> Can I ask can I ask one question? Um
045is there a time where these seniors are able to promote this to the juniors? So when the juniors next year um really get a grasp of how beneficial this can be for them, is there is there an opportunity for um these students to encourage the next year um for this program? >> Well, I think word of mouth, okay, last year was this year. We had our kickoff night was last Wednesday um after school and last year when we first started it's slowly building slow this year we've already had a strong so I think we're appreciate the idea >> I hope this programs >> the enthusiasm you know you see here um you'd want to share that with the next year's students so thank Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Committee reports. We'll start
046with education. >> Uh the education committee's meeting began with a strategic framework update where Dr. Huffman presented year 2 actions for 25 to 26. Uh this included maintaining a freshman on track rate of 95% or higher with specific actions to create a menu of credit recovery options. build exemplar unit recovery modules and train staff on that platform. Uh the committee also reviewed actions to address the 80% of students with a 2.8 or higher unweighted GPA which involved finalizing professional learning experiences for teachers, determining a model to assess their impact and facilitating a district-wide PLC inquiry model. Uh the meeting also covered updates on curriculum and instruction including expansion of dual credit courses through an on-site ACUPPLACER assessment. uh delivering the assessment on site increased student participation and reduced the barrier students previously faced when they
047had to register and take the test at Marine Valley Community College with its limited seating. Uh as a result, 67 out of 121 students who tested became eligible for dual credit. Dr. Huffman also introduced the new aligned ISB benchmarks for proficiency which aimed to provide more accurate data on student performance. Other topics include a discussion of federal funding with an emphasis on how Perkins and Title 2 funds are used and an announcement about parent teacher conferences scheduled for October 14th, 2025. The meeting which had no public comments was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. with a reminder that the next meeting will be on October 1st, 2025. >> Anyone have any questions? Okay. Next, member Kelly for student support. >> All right, here we go. Uh, Mr. Mr. Rvano began the meeting with the strategic framework update
048on the progress of the chronic absenteeism and discipline goals. He described the implementation of the new attendance policy by focusing on four areas. Attendance office operations, communication with various stakeholders, policy application, and monitoring priorities. Feedback has been gathered from six different stakeholder groups so far to get an understanding of the initial implementation of the policy. Initial feedback has been largely positive with some suggestions for minor improvements and communication ideas. Mr. Olando then explained the process being followed to review and reset the discipline goals given last year's recategorization of referrals into attendance misconduct and safety behaviors. Dr. Noline reviewed federal and state funding sources for the district, noting that about 3% of revenues come from federal grants. Mr. outlined the federal grants that the district applies for annually and the type of programming associated with each
049one. These include title one aimed at improving outcomes for atrisisk students, title two professional development, title three e student support, title four student support and academic enrichment, Perkins CTE, career and technical education and IDA special education and related services. Dr. Nine noted the anticipated end of title three funding and a reduction in title one funding after this school year. Uh finally, Dr. Noline also discussed the emergence of wearable technology like meta glasses. Uh which I appreciate because that's, you know, it's good that you're looking farther down the road than the rest of us. Uh I just saw an advertisement today. uh explaining the district is consulting legal counsel to address this new technology through existing policies and communicate with stakeholders about its use. No policies were were reviewed this month. The next meeting will be
050held October 7th, 2025 at 7 p.m. That's it. >> Anyone have any questions? >> Member Chabber, >> we had our meeting um this past Monday um at at the admin center. Dr. Noting, Dr. McMillan outlined HR goals focused on culture, hiring and engagement. Um, we also discussed a will of growth property. Um, that sale is currently on hold and we discussed 10608. Um, and options are being explored. Um, the fiscal 26 budget was discussed that was passed earlier. Um and then we had four bids for graduation gowns, diplomas and graduation source submitted to Lowe's bid for $290,154 for three years of graduation items. Um the meeting adjourned at 7:53 and our next meeting is October 20th, 2025 at the admin center. Um very brief. >> Thank you. I think everybody was there, but does anyone
051have any questions? All right. Next we have Adam who followed directions did sit behind the poll so I could see you today. So thank you Adam. >> Thanks for that Dr. Zeter. I a little more used to as you know last name of Z. So sitting in the back and everything kind more comfortable with that. So >> that's why I never seated anyone alphabetically. So thank you. >> Exactly. So anyways good evening. Uh, one of the things I really looked forward to when I was able to take on this role was the opportunity to be able to see all of our schools. Uh, for Stag and Andrew, we've talked about it. You know, it's homecoming week and so last Friday, Dr. Aman was kind enough to invite me into Andrew. I was able to actually
052experience a little bit of a homecoming of myself as a former T-Bolt alum. But what struck me while I was there, I was able to see the dedication to our of our students to greeting uh of our teacher, sorry, to greeting students in the hallways. You know, they were discussing creative learning opportunities. I could see first period classes and things in intervention uh and just the overall energy and excitement of our staff. Obviously, it was a Friday, you know, exciting day with school spirit and everything of that nature, but it was really cool to be there. And so, our teachers, they're constantly thinking of innovative ways to engage our students. You just saw a great example of that a few minutes ago, uh my the work of my friends Shelley and Lisa and Katie and
053Chris as it relates to College Essay Boot Camp. And so I represent an outstanding group of educators and I look forward to seeing even more of what makes them great throughout the year. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you, >> Christie. I like I could see you too. >> I know. This is good news for me tonight. I really have nothing uh in particular to report, but as uh all the student um representative had said, there's a lot of um activities with homecoming and and school is in full swing now or, you know, got the rhythm going, getting to know all the students. Um so, it's really nice to to have the pace of of school, you know, come along. We're all enjoying the great weather, the sports are happening, and and again, the
054the homecomings that are happening. So, that's really nice. The the ESPs are we're all excited. we're participating in all of the activities as much as we possibly can, helping out the students or else um dressing up and doing things like that. So, we we really enjoy all that as well. Um so, we just really we're we're just glad to be a part of all of that and to support all the students. And to go off topic just for a moment, um I would like to say that the student that you recognize tonight, Molly Gallagher, she's my next door neighbor. Awesome. >> Um they've been our neighbors for many, many years and um it was really a pleasure to see her win that award tonight. Um she's grown from a little girl next to us. Um
055she doesn't speak very much. Um but uh when they first moved into our district um we we live in the Stag boundary so they participated in the 118. Uh but when she was coming to STAG I was very proud to talk about all the services that we have to offer here and they were very excited for her to come here and she's moving on to transitions now. So, I'm glad to have a small part in um promoting our school district for a family such as that because they've had a wonderful experience as you can tell Molly's has very much thrived over these years. So, it's great to see for myself especially um a student like that that has done so well. So, uh kudos to Stag for taking such great care of my little neighbor
056friend there. So, um but thank you again for your time. It's always nice to see all of you and we look forward to um all the fun things happening at our schools this upcoming weeks. Um, first of all, you play a very important part as do all the ESPs. Thank you. Um, my second um, statement, are you guys going to do STO again? >> Um, no. Actually, um, we are actually going to hold off this year doing it. We've decided that we are going to, um, look into some of the studentled activities, the charitable things that the students are doing, and we would really like to support some of those this year. Um, so to make some of their um, events more successful. So, we're going to uh find some events in each school and
057contribute to them to help them instead of having uh you know several small um uh programs going you know charitable events. We we would really like to help the the student led ones this year and see if we can um make some of those a success. So, we're going to be looking into those in the next few weeks >> and we look forward to hearing about that because you always do such a nice job with that. So, thank you. >> Thank you so much. Nice to see you all. Thank you. Thank you, >> Mrs. Waterman. Our district 230 foundation update. >> Yes, just quickly invitations and information about our legacy will be going out tomorrow, next week. And just a quick recap, we have a doctor, a CEO, an environmentalist, a professor, a nonforprofit advocate,
058a chef, a horiculturist, and a business leader. So those are the eighties we will have and >> thank you. We look forward to it. All right. Next, we have two um public speakers. And before I call them up, I do this consistently. So, just so you know, I'm going to read something. Per board policy 2230, we ask that you address the board stating your name and your reason for your comments. Each person will be allotted no more than five minutes with a maximum of 30 minutes total for public comments. Since we only have two, I think we'll fit 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
059not actively engage in dialogue during public comment. We take all matters seriously and if there is a specific question or comment that requires follow-up, the appropriate board member or administrator will follow up with you. So, our first one is Mr. Scoield. Thank you. Members of the board, I truly believe if you're going to come in front of a board, ask a question or have a comment, then you have to have a solution or offer to be part of the solution. On Monday, I sent an email to this board about an an item that has been discussed for well over 30 years. Um, first of all, my name is Mike Scoffield. I'm a senior citizen. I've lived in uh 230 for almost 55 years. So, I've watched the community grow. So, my involvement in the community,
060especially recently now that I'm retired, I hear the same question about a fieldhouse. I know it's been discussed a lot in uh probably in the 50 years I've been in 230, but a lot of people have come and gone from 230. People move on. Uh they're students, they grow up and they move away and nobody knows the reason why we don't have one. Now, I emailed the board on Monday asking if they could create a committee. and I will volunteer to be on that committee because I believe in 230 and I believe in the development of our students and the future. I quickly got a denial letter from this board. I was very disappointed. I felt the denial letter plated me and was a little bit uh condescending. And I'll tell you why. The response
061was the the idea is not financially viable. Didn't state a reason, didn't state a uh you know any facts. It didn't go back to any studies. And then it went on to say, but the district if they decide in the future to look at this option, we'll let you know. Basically, uh thanks for your comment, but uh please be on your way. Um, I know that wasn't the intent because I know district 230 and uh as uh the superintendent said, it's one of the top 20% of the schools in the uh in the state. We always want to get better. Uh I volunteer my time. The community asked why. Now I have in writing the position of the board which is we don't want it. It's not financially viable and we have no intention to
062create a committee to look into it. That's your prerogative as a board. You can do that. But I offer my help and my experience. I'll ask the board tomorrow. I'll file a foyer to have that report that says that fieldhouse or field houses are not a viable solution in district 230 though it is in Lockport and uh Homewood Flossmore and you know Lincolnway whatever. There's there's a lot everybody has them for uh a lot of reasons. We have a very diverse community. Uh each village has different amenities. Um field houses across the area are used a lot for the community and us senior citizens the ability to use it. And like I said, I was asked to come here by citizens just to get the the uh district statement on why uh they feel there's
063there's not a viable solution or a committee to do this. Uh the second one is second reason in my email was uh the possibility of purchasing property on 163rd place. I am very familiar with that property. I've been in and out of it many times. It's been vacant for five years. It's been on a market for two years. If you walk inside that building, you're going to know why. The cost just to gut that building is going to be astronomical. That building's 23 years old. No matter what you do, you're going to start out with a 25 year old building because it'll take at least two years to update that building. I looked at the building. I understand where the district might want to go with it and what they want to do with it.
064I'm telling you today, my opinion, it's well over a $20 million project at today's cost. I think the district would be better off buying property and building a brand new building. build to what you want and not try to fit your needs into an existing building that was built for another purpose. It's going to be cost prohibitive, I think, to really move in there and spend well over $20 million. When I left my previous job, when I retired, I told them I told my staff on my last day that what we do today is not good enough for what we need to do tomorrow. Don't let anybody say it can't be done. Don't let anybody say we don't have the money. Find a way to do it. Find a way to get the financial resources.
065We have a very diverse community. I think you'd be surprised at options this community can come up with to make it better to make it better for the future. We're looking at the kids who are in kindergarten, first grade, second grade on what their future's going to be. >> Thank you, Mr. field. >> Thank you, >> Miss Hammed. >> Good evening and thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak. My name is Jua Hamemed and I am both an educator as well as a very proud member of district 230. As a mom of two high schoolers who attend Car Sandber School, I'm here to add to the ongoing conversations about offering Arabic course as a language course in district 230 and the news is spreading. People are talking and we're positive. We're hopeful. We
066are really eager to witness a change and I'm here to speak about the hope. Time is ticking. I don't have time to go over the many important points you guys shared as other community member did share about it. But a couple of important things as an educator. We're talking about 35% of our enrollment in district 230 being Arabic American. One in every three students. I know there's a survey of a 10% interest of students to really take this course but the survey is underounting the interest the true interest. And I do have uh questions about it. It might be under reppresentative because even my sons didn't hear about it but still it's a strong number to tell us that offering a new language like Arabic is really exciting things other things Illinois is home for
067one of the most speaking Arabic population in the country and I know there's other challenging like shortages staff it's something we can talk about later it's not a deal breakaker it's just something we need to overcome with the planning and commitment talking about population if we're not going to consider the high percentage population of Arabic speakers like German for example which is offered in our district and fewer people are speaking German in family here in our local but I think we involve it just because it is educational value comes from German. So if we want to talk about the education value, Arabic guys takes one of the five most speaking language in the world and it has very essential role in international relationship in public in communication, government and beyond. If that point doesn't work,
068we can look into another point. Let's look at our district, our curriculum reflects really our communities. Just like the merit program, the scholarship we just saw, they offer, it's a national program, but they offer their off based on state performance. So if national academic program are taking in consideration states and different region having different strength and need why not the district taking consideration that our community is different and deserve to have a different curriculum that represent the community. Arabic is not just a nice to have language and if we offer it in our curriculum it's going to be a very globally competitive curriculum to speak about us. It's just gonna in addition to that be locally relevant as well as community centered. I mean we can as a district considering myself part of you guys
069we can take action and not just make Arabic as a speaking point and concept action like for example starting by piloting a one course in one of the schools maybe surveying families with also including elementary schools teachers and moms because they're going to have a future being high school students. survey them with the intention in looking into exact data that we need to collect. Also, we can partner with universities like UIC or TOL for certifying teachers. I know there's a lot of other things we could consider but another things we could just start with one level Arabic level one and trust me when I say level two three four for other offered languages are also are struggling with enrollment and I'm sure numbers will talk this is entirely possible and if you look at our
070district close by district district in other countries or sorry other states like Michigan New York uh California they already succeeded in that and they started way smaller than us so why not us and I'm I'm sure years from now students will come and applaud you if they witness this change and be like giving back to the community supporting you helping with mon students as well as applausing district 230 for taking action. It's a legacy not just for students. It's for you guys here the district member because this work you do the many times you vote on things. Sadly to say now it's going to be remembered but this one is witness. It's a headline now. Everybody's waiting for your action for your decision and it's your chance to really make a legacy. Your kids are
071watching you and they will come back and say we witness you standing for something that matter for the community. They will say you didn't wait for someone to lead you. You let first. This is not just a course. This is about opportunity. This is about inclusion. This is about representation. It's about teaching our students all of them that leadership is done in this way. And that inclusion is not just a value, it's a practice. And on a side note, none of us love or none of us love to see their tax bill coming in the mail. But maybe if it comes with a new offering for a language course like Arabic will make it a easier to pay this high taxes. >> Thank you to both speakers. Our next item on the agenda I just
072lost my second >> is we need a motion for the approval of the consent agenda. >> I move that the school board approve the consent agenda agenda as presented. >> I second. We have any questions? All right. Lisa, will you take >> ro? >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Motion passed. Next we have our project reports. >> Mr. Connelly. >> Good evening. um somewhat brief again because we're kind of in the the planning phase right now, but um Dave, myself and our team, we're starting to look at the projects for next summer and starting to go out to get quotes um set up what we want to do on the bid and RFP front and and working through co-op purchasing groups. Some of the highlights, we're continuing to expand our LED light uh transition. Um our
073bathroom refresh, which we've been um knocking out bathrooms each summer. Um, we have a pool deck replacement here at Stag, a dance floor replacement. We're looking at stadium lights and a stadium scoreboard. So, those are a few that we're working on and we'll continue to to to try and stay ahead. We're we're in a good spot given that it's September. We're talking about next summer. Um, this week we did receive our 10-year life safety report. So every 10 years um it's an extensive review of all of our buildings and we get a report that um basically categorizes stuff A, B, and C and then um we'll be uh reviewing that with the board here in the upcoming months and it's something that we submit to the state for approval and roll from there. So we're
074we're breaking that down now and analyzing that. It's pretty extensive. >> Will you go into that in more detail at building and finance? Will that alter some of your plan? >> Yes. Yes. So, we'll be um we're planning on talk about it in October and November. >> Great. >> Any questions? >> All right. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> All right, Dr. Nelting, we have something under new business, the use of the Carl Samberg logo. >> Yes. So, this is a um uh request from the village of Orland Park. There is a playground uh an all-inclusive playground that's being installed at Chusler Park. Um, and I apologize because if I can't see, u, Mr. Scoffield is actually his son um, and his, uh, daughter-in-law are are fundamentally uh, responsible for putting this together. And, uh, if
075you know Mr. Scoffield's son and his daughter-in-law, they are, um, as blue and gold as Dr. Smith. Um, and there's a request that the Samberg logo be inclusive into the project. Um, so we are submitting tonight a um a resolution for the board, excuse me, to allow for the uh inclusion of our Samberg logo onto that um facility in Shusler Park. >> All right. Do I read that or you need >> I I would uh suggest a motion and a second and then we could discuss if need be. >> All right. Could I have a motion? I move that the school board approve the resolution as presented. >> Second. >> Any questions? >> Yeah. Um it's Susu Park is not um not far from where I live and beautiful park and um excellent partnership. Um
076they have that Carl Sandberg logo on on that park. Um very excited to see it. So, thank you so much and tell your son and daughter-in-law, thank you for partnering up with the district or the or partnering up San High School with the village. >> All right. Do I read it now? I'm not used to the >> We have a motion and a second, so we just need to go to vote. >> All right. We'll go to vote then. >> Yes. Yes. Motion passed. Great. >> All right. Next, superintendent updates. >> All right. So, um just uh to go a little bit backwards as uh we're starting the year off, you should all have a report in your packet um which is the um a forementioned or at least at the August board meeting, the
077the approved goals uh as they relate to the um uh board and superintendent goals. So, what I'd like to do at these meetings generally is just highlight uh those items. I think are worthy of highlighting and of course the boards have has had access to this document and if they have questions I'd be more than happy to entertain any of the questions. U just highlighting um that that page one um we are currently um in discussions with um uh uh with with interactions if you will with our with our board um as uh it relates to their teachers association as well as our USB association. Um so we are in the process of of actually meeting tomorrow um as our first meeting to to kick off that opportunity um to address that goal. So we're
078very excited for that as well. Uh if I could move you to uh page three. So that is our uh multi-tered system of support. Uh so Mr. Ivano works uh predominantly in this area. But one area that I'd like to highlight um is that we are launching on an EL program review. As the board is fully aware, uh, ELE is a program that although we're very very proud of, we do notice that there are significant gaps in those students ability, uh, to achieve at at their peer level. Um, so we're really excited to unpack kind of a, um, I'd say just a an opportunity to look at our EL program um, with a fresh set of lens, but as it relates to MTSS, we know that those students need additional supports and and unique supports
079based on um, based on based on their programming. Um so that's page three. Page four um just to look at this from a a larger lens. So um Dr. Hoffman in year two uh is really looking at establishing or maybe I should say reestablishing a multi-year curriculum review and revision process. Um this is something that's kind of been dormant for a little bit of time. Um and um we're very proud to kind of reinvigorate that with our curriculum uh advisory committee uh which includes our staff and and other administrators as well as our division chairs who work within the specific content areas. You can see in the memo the five key areas of focus um which are part of the kind of revised curriculum revision process. Um and really the end result is to make
080sure that we're not necessarily forgetting um or pushing to the side curriculum that needs to be reviewed within departments on an ongoing basis. Um so we're very proud of that. We know that that'll make sure that we live up to that pillar that we're having relevant curriculum as it aligns to our our students needs. Uh page five, uh a lot of stuff to do with uh with with security over the first couple months. The biggest thing that I want to highlight is we held a police school networking meeting uh here actually at SA uh Stag High School a week ago. great opportunity for our our staff and our uh school resource officers and other um members of the police force to get together uh talk about some topics that are u mutually um well that
081we have mutual vested interest in um as well as talking about some of the new legislation that we're unpacking uh that the board's aware of. Um so kudos to Mayor Patar for setting that up in her new role. Uh speaking of new role, Jame Holt, who's not here tonight, but he's been um really working on our workbased learning committee um in building uh continued pathways. As the board may recall, uh two years ago, we built a education and training pathway. Our goal is to kind of uh accelerate that this year and we've identified four additional pathways that we hope to build upon this year. Uh STEM, business management, finance, and information technology. So essentially what that means is we're building programming within the course um sequence um extra uh curricular or after school activities um
082as well as other work-based learning opportunities in general. So we look forward I'm sure at at education committee to continue to update the board as to the work that that is um unveiling. And then on page eight, if I highlight the very bottom, we're very proud at this point. We're in the process of developing our first of two um community interactions this year. As the board recalls, last year we invited our um our uh realers as well as our elected officials from the area to come uh to hear about our schools and interact with our board and our administration. Uh this year we're going to focus on two themes. One is interfaith. Uh so bringing in our our religious leaders from uh a variety of of different congregations within our community. Uh we're looking forward
083to doing that in the um late fall, early winter. And then in spring um we're going to interact with our chamber of commerce members. Um even though that's not directly relational uh directly relational to the industry uh council that we're going to be developing as well, uh we do think that interacting with those um um uh local leaders u will help our curriculum and and um hopefully create some opportunities for our students. Um again, I could highlight or or speak to any uh items, but I just wanted to kind of bring those out um to uh to speak to, but of course, if the board has any questions, I'd be happy to entertain those at this time. Thank you for giving those to us. We can read all of those and I appreciate that you're
084highlighting the key ones you're working on this month. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next on the agenda, we have board policies. Can I have a motion for board policies? >> I move that the school board approve the adoption of board policies 2.80, 2.120-e, 2.130, 2.240 E4, 2.220 220 E-7.140 8.80 2.120E1 2.22- E9 2.24- E1 2.2 40- dashes E2 1.20 1.30 2.10 2.24 24 330 450 4.9 4.180 5.20- E2 um 5.270 7.40 7.9 7.130 7.325 and 8.110 >> I have a second. >> Any questions? >> Nice job with all those >> Lisa. Yes. >> Yes. Motion passes. Boya was just information. Lisa gave us that board comments. We'll just start if people have any or don't. Mark, we'll start with you. Good >> Tony. >> I have nothing. >> No. >> Um yeah, I do
085want to thank the village of Pales Hills. Um if you notice on all four corners there's they they're building brick walls. Um, and they put they put stag on our side. It's a beautiful one. So, um, it's like it's not similar to Sandberg, but something like that. So, it's it's a nice look. >> I'll have to pay attention, >> Chris. >> Well, thank you. >> All right, we're good. All right. Monthly calendar isformational at this point. I am now going to read the next um I make a motion that we are going to enter into executive session to consider 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
086special 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 property for the of real property for the use of the public body. Second. >> All right. Lisa, will you take the role? >> Yes. At 8:17, we're going to close session. And for those watching, when we come back from close session, we do not put the camera back on, but any motions that are made will be made u the public will be made aware of those. So, thank you very much.