001Testing. Testing. 1 2 3. Testing. >> Testing. And then I got a lot of All right. A lot of We just got to take corner. Well, I'm hearing though, they're in for a big crash as far as all the big huge Airbnb market that's been floating too for too long now. It might not be a bad time to buy a house down there next year. >> Florida only Disney World made the governor angry during He did them or something like that. I'm sure Good evening, Mr. Gaos. How are we doing? >> Good. How are you? >> Good, good, good. Uh, I got you on here. Your mic is live. Um, just waiting for everybody to walk in the room here. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> You're welcome, sir. I'd like to call this meeting to
002order, please. Again, this is only school board meeting 2011, regular board meeting. Today is Monday, March 16, 2026, 6:30 p.m. And Madame Secretary, roll call, please. Mr. Brown >> here. >> Mr. Gyos >> here. >> Zit Stumbress is here. Dr. Hall >> here. >> Mr. Swallish >> here. >> Miss Venegas >> here. >> Miss Wolf >> here. >> Is that it? That's it. Okay. I would like us to stand for the pledge of allegiance followed by a mission statement. Pledge of allegiance led by Mr. Gayos. Gahos and our mission statement read by our board secretary Jamie. I pledge allegiance to the flag >> of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Our mission is to engage and
003empower our students to positively impact their community and future. >> Thank you both. Do we have any public comments in person or in electronically? Jamie, >> Cheryl? >> Okay, thank you. Do we have any board updates? I did receive a a note from one of our parents, Jamie Healey, who was very excited that um one of the students former teachers from CSK, let me pull up my note right now, showed up to the um National Junior Honors Society >> um inductions and like was there to cheer on former students. And so just a shout out to Mrs. Crawford from from from the Healy's and I'm sure all of her other students that were there. >> Well, excellent. >> Excellent. Thank you much. Anybody else? I did one thing come came to my mind. Cheryl, you
004sent something out regarding cell phones usage that it's going to be a requirement that the kids would no longer be able to use cell phones for the I think they call it bail to bail or something like that. >> And we need to start working on a policy. I'm not sure if it's going to be a general thing that the government or the state of Illinois sent out or we g we need to start working on it. I think it needs to be implemented 2028. >> So you know anything about most likely Mr. Brown? Yeah, that was a legislative update that we get for our attorney group and generally that will be taken care of through press. >> Oh, press plus. >> It'll take care of it. Yeah, they will update it for us. >>
005Update us. Okay. So, am I correct? Nothing. They they got that >> and it's going to be in our policy though eventually. >> Yes. >> Oh, that's good to know. >> Yeah, >> good to know. 2028 >> I I believe so. Yeah. So, it gives us some time to work on that. work on it. >> I said it's more or less an awareness for folks that it's coming. >> It's coming public. It's coming. >> All right. Administrative updates. >> Um like I said, uh I would like to uh defer uh our good news report till a little later and have us move on to teaching and learning since we have a guest in our audience. >> Okay. So number six, >> we'll come back to um item number good news >> six bravo teaching and
006learning. >> Okay. Yes. >> My favorite topic. >> Good evening. Um, thank you uh for joining us this evening. Uh, thank you to Dr. Cara, to our board, uh, to our family, students, and staff. Uh, with me this evening, uh, we have Sandra Erit from Isby's Kids to join in this wonderful presentation. Um, for some time we've been talking about leading the way with kindergarten readiness. Um, and as you know, I always speak to the beauty of having preK to 12. And so, this is from start to finish. And we're going to start start with the beginning of starting with our early um earliest learners. So, for some time, the district has been involved in uh partnering with Isby and kids and leading the way for kindergarten readiness. Um we have used our assessment tool
007as the uh state development and using that as our framework and really really positioning the district that um having eyes on us um for this emerging expectations for this early uh childhood work and learning. I want to say thank you so much for having me come today. Uh it is a pleasure to be here in person and to present to you today. >> Thank you. >> So yeah, thank you Mr. Brown. Appreciate it. So why is early learning so important and why has this been such a push in your district? So as Dr. Perkins had said nine years ago we started our relationship together and with that it was looking at the kindergarten individual development survey which as you know is the survey it's the state assessment that demonstrates kindergarten readiness and so with that
008as we know that Illinois has this push throughout the state to really focus on our early learners and it is so important that we begin with the foundation and being a K12 and as Dr. Perkins said you also have that prek you are a unique district where you are going prek through 12th grade and so the state has now decided that it is time to put into law that this developmentally appropriate practice and play-based instruction and your district started this years before the actual mandate. So you are ahead of most districts in the state of Illinois. Yes. And it was because of the leadership and the understanding that Dr. Perkins and the collaboration with your office of teaching and learning that has really pushed this into all the classrooms. Yes, we're focused on prek and
009kindergarten, but we are also thinking of how this impacts your first grade, second grade, all the way through 12th grade. So again, we started this work um as the um pioneers and having a space um to come together to collaborate. Uh again, making sure that our instruction is aligned from prek all the way through 12th grade. Um and using developmentally appropriate and creating that environment. um using the kids assessment as our platform and now this shift um I think that is going to um there's something coming into law on Thursday possibly. Yes. And so that shift uh and we'll see where we uh land with the playbased instruction. Um but we have already started the professional development um with that and again positioning ourselves to be ahead of the curve. You know, as we mentioned,
010this preKK alignment has been a major focus in your district. And with that, we are able to look at the alignment between our prek and coming into our kindergarten. Over the years, we've always talked about those educational gaps that we see in our state assessment scores, but even beyond that, we see it in the classrooms on a daily basis. And in order to really narrow and tighten that gap, we need to first start with that alignment and that transition from preK into kindergarten. And so with that, we are trying to support through the pre2K committee that we formed. You were a pilot in the state for the last three years truly leading the way for other districts. We have multiple districts reaching out to hear how your district has done this. collaboration with preK and
011kindergarten and it goes beyond just the professional development but bringing the two entities together and having those conversations those rich conversations but with that we've also started started some kindergarten spotlight classroom teachers and so we have come together with nine of your kindergarten teachers they have received extensive coaching not just with your instru instructional coaches in your district, but also with myself and another coach, El Barnes. We have really we come here on a weekly basis and we get to really help promote those developmentally appropriate practices into your classrooms to guide instruction. That's what we want to see. We want to see the changes that are going to happen with that. And so it is really truly bringing these two together but overall it's the guidance and leadership through the OTL. So thank you. >>
012Yes. Thank you. >> So in that framework we really really take a look at that SEAL those social and emotional developmental needs of our students. uh we're looking at language, communication, cognitive development and the approaches to learning and what is best for them developmentally. uh we have as s uh Sandra said that we have the observations that help um our students to respond to individual students needs and again we've ex received that extensive coaching and I mean they practically live here and are with us once a week and in those classrooms and I do want to say again thank you to our prekk team and then also thank you to those brave uh nine teachers that stepped up to say yes come in and look at my practices and help me to um become a
013better practitioner. >> I do want to add to that and just let you know that there is research that shows that the kids survey the data from that does impact and have you can look at that to guide what's going to happen in third grade on your AR. >> Okay. So that research is now out there. It's been around for years now so that we are able to track that. But there is a direct correlation. So really bridging how they're coming into your kindergarten is really important. It sets them up for success if we provide the correct environment. >> And so with I truly want to say thank you to the department of office of teaching and learning because that collaboration not just with the leadership of Dr. Perkins but the entire OTL staff. We
014have been in constant communication to improve and align all areas, not just that instruction, but also looking at those standards and looking at how it will truly go beyond the kindergarten classrooms. >> And with that, we've we have more work to do. We're still, I would say, at the beginning stages, but a lot more work to do. But you are so much further ahead than other districts because we saw this >> back in 2017 when the kids survey first came around. >> Also, uh Sammy, I think we are the only board, right, that have representation. >> Yes, we are >> only board only board in the state of Illinois. >> Illinois. >> So, we do also the board. I represent the board. >> So, what has been amazing and this is just one small uh
015investment into those spotlight classrooms, but the state has given us and spent $85,000 this year in um putting together the needs uh that are meant uh for those classrooms. And so, again, we thank the state for that investment. Um, I do have to say, uh, Dr. Mockr, we we absolutely love you for leading us, but Mr. Mockimer has been around the school district putting the furniture together that has been going into these classrooms. So, um, I would be remiss if I did not thank him for that. >> Um, so we have received that funding again so that we can serve as the model um, for instruction. And I want to say like eyes are on us where people are coming and saying you know we want to learn from you. >> Great. >> You are
016the talk of the state right now. I have been in meetings truly with big stakeholders and advocates and is you are the talk of the state and like uh Dr. Perkins said, "Dists are wanting to come see truly see and have conversations about what is happening in your district and how you made it work, how you're going about it." And so again this partnership that we have uh it is I will say I do like feel I am part of this family when I come to Cit Monique all everyone is so welcoming and I don't feel like an isby kids coach I just feel like one of the community so I thank you for that and thank you Dr. Perkins. Uh but this this collaboration that we have, we have to keep it going. We
017need to continue to refine the practices that are happening again all ahead of the state mandate. And that state mandate again is that kindergarten will have developmentally appropriate practices with play-based instruction. And so learning what play-based instruction is is a big key because it's not just play all day. There is purpose and intentionality behind it. Materials needed to be given to classrooms and we were excited to do that for you. >> So other districts will be coming this direction. Thank you for opening up your doors and allowing them to come in. We are excited for this uh and holding a networking event here in your district. We've got even Chicago public schools that want to see it. And so again, I just thank you all for opening those doors and allowing this to be. But
018truly, I just want to say thank you for leading the way in this state. >> Thank you. Wow. >> And again, I I do want to thank those nine teachers. It's one thing to have your colleagues and and people that you've worked with throughout um your career here to come in and look at your practice. Thank you to our principles and administrators um for the training and uh being open to this. Um but it's another thing to ask for complete strangers across the state and open your uh classroom to them. So again to those nine um spotlight classroom teachers, we thank you again. Um again, we are strengthening and if you don't know this gentleman right here, take a look. Uh and so uh as we as we've stated in the past um with the
019prekk pilot program um we we are a one of a few um districts that have been involved in that. But we are the only one in the state with a board member and our board >> spell his name correct. Did he learn how to spell his name? I got I got >> look that that was a lot of fun and if you remember we have um we have presented um down um at the the state summit um and so we remain connected um to this early learning um childhood uh early learning uh conversation. >> Okay. Uh yes you have presented the entire prek2k committee has come down and for our annual state kids summit they presented >> anytime I'm going to just I just want you to know anytime I'm like oh I have you
020presenting they are so willing and open they're like of course and that's one of the things that I love about your district is you are so willing to share but you truly because of this process and Mr. Brown, you've made an impression over the last three years at our summit. Uh people talk about Cit Monique, you have solidified your place. People have looked up where is CIT Mooney located and they see you, they hear you. >> So, we have had to go from vision to implementation. And so, that vision was there. Dr. Perkins, like I said, we've had this nine-year relationship and it started because of the kids data and having those conversations of how can we increase our kindergarten readiness and that vision began from there and then we were able to start developing
021it. What would that look like? And now we're in that implementation phase. I want to just ask for a little bit of grace during implementation phase because as you know it takes three to five years to really truly see the progress that it makes. And so once again, um this has positioned the district um as a place, a safe space uh to learn and to lead this work uh across Illinois. And we want to thank our prekk team. And we wanted to make sure that not only do we have K teachers um and preK teachers, we have instructional coaches. Uh we wanted to make sure that we have representation from um special education from bilingual. And so we have the whole gamut um in this team uh that meets at least once a month to
022look at uh the study of this work. And so again, we thank you um for allowing us uh the time and the space to do this work. Thank you. Any questions for us? >> I have a question. >> Yeah. Um did you say we are in the implementation phase right now? Can you clarify that? >> You are in the implementation phase. >> And so what does that mean? So what that means is that we have already over the last three years we've brought both entities together. We've actually it's been a lot. >> So we brought prekk together for these days um set time aside protected release time right to bring these two entities together all of the teachers. This room is filled with those teachers twice a year and they're able to have conversations and
023those conversations then have led to where we have partnered them up for observations. And so they've been able to go and visit each other's classrooms and see instructional practices being done, but then also coming back to their own classrooms and beginning to implement. So they're able to start putting and embedding these practices that they're getting through professional development and through coaching. They're able to begin that embedding process because professional development alone is not enough. It is that instructional coaching and that seeing that being embedded on a daily basis that is going to lead to those positive outcomes. >> And so what is an example of a positive outcome and when would we see it? Am I excited as a parent of a three-year-old who's going to be in kindergarten in a couple years? Um, am
024I excited as a parent of a kindergartener? Like, help me with vision on the practices and what kind of positive outcomes I could be looking forward to. >> So, again, being developmentally appropriate, right? So, yes, you're excited for your three-year-old and you're excited for your 18year-old, right? Because that is the beauty of this district is that we get to take standards of what you should get at age three and then how does that develop and help you at, you know, when you're 18. And so that's the alignment piece that every step of the way we can track you and your progress. And I like what you said earlier too, Sandy, about having our kids ready when they take their first state assessment test in the third grade, right? Am correct on that? And I was
025at a a conference and I believe it was a superintendent way up in Roselle, I believe, and I was sitting at a round table and she was there. She she said one thing she will have 100% that's how she felt that all of her third graders will be third grade ready and that starts in the kindergarten and the prek >> absolutely >> to have them ready and that's been one of the qualms over the many years with our three-year-olds four year olds just wasn't quite there and by by the time they got into kindergarten they really was not there. So this is a this is this is a gamecher in my opinion and I think maybe we can even take it a step even further trying to get to the one year olds and the
026two-year-olds in some capacity. >> Mr. Brown, you are right. So when we look at your kindergarten readiness scores, we know our students are coming in already behind. And when we take that back into our three and four year year olds into the pre-K programs, think about even when they get to those prek programs, >> they're behind already as well. We are start we're seeing that >> the parent education piece is key, right? We need to start reaching our students early, but first our parents don't know what they don't know. So teaching them those milestones, those are key. Absolutely. >> But then remembering that the research is very clear that until our students have social emotional skills and self-regulation skills, the academics are not going to be solidified. >> We have to touch them at an
027early age. And so back to your question truly, Dr. Perkins was right. We are looking at your entire prek through 12 system and the impact that they is going to have on these changes that are being made. It will reach every single grade. Every grade will notice that hey we laid that solid foundation early. We didn't wait until third grade. >> We caught them early. >> Game changer. Thank you Sandy. Um, again I the first day I met you here, you just full of energy and you haven't stopped. You are such a great facilitator and I know a lot of the things we just had a meeting what last week and a lot of the things that you guys you you are professionals. You're good at what you do. It goes like this over my
028head. Okay. But I try to get in where I can fit in. And one funny thing is we were talking about CPS schools trying to adopt this playbased uh initiative and and I said, you know, I got a old kindergarten picture in my phone. I was in the class of 40 and that does have an impact class size and things of that nature. So, you know, I guess I did okay in the class of four. I guess I did okay, but I Dr. Perkins took the picture and showed the the rest of the teachers that was in the class of that session a picture of me at four years five years old. I almost said 10 years old. That's a lot of kindergarten. So, thank you Dr. Car for allowing your team, your cabinet and
029all it takes. And definitely a shout out to Kelly. Shout out to her and all those teachers and pre-K teachers and and kindergarten teachers just how they are collaborating, assessing one another just it just does well to my heart. Thank you for all you do. >> Thank you. And I and I do want to say thank you to Sandra who traveled in this snowstorm to be with us. So, thank you so much. >> Yeah. I think her husband to Mr. >> Oh, the husband. Oh, okay. And yeah, all the way from Peoria somewhere. Yeah. >> Oh, wow. >> Right. >> And she was the first one here last meeting last week. All the way from Peoria. Good job. Any other questions from the board? >> I would like to just give them another hand. >>
030Thank you so much. >> Great job. Okay. >> You want to do you want to do good news now? >> We can't because it's just >> Okay, go and do that. Okay. >> Yeah, cuz we got the main we get the main thing. >> So, yeah. Where is >> the approval of your >> Thank you. That was awesome. Thank you. >> Thank you, Sandy. >> Number one. >> Ah. Okay. Okay. >> So, yeah. news and then go to close and then we can continue >> the consent. Okay. >> All righty. So, we going to go back a step in the superintendent uh update for number alpha number one. Good news. >> Yeah, I've uh got two uh little videos to share with you um which Don will bring up in a minute. So, I always
031say a picture is a thousand words. So, this goes back a little bit towards February. We did a lot with uh celebrating Black History Month. So, um I wanted to show some of the things that were going on in our our district for that month. And then the other one um is school improvement. I think it's good for our families and our community to see what goes on around here on school improvement days to see the types of activities that are doing uh the speakers that we have and the rich engagement we have with our staff. So anyway, which one are we doing first? Do we know >> or is it going to be a surprise? >> Let you know. School improvement. >> School improvement. Okay. So, it's a quick little video. You sound on
032that today at 2011U. We are so excited. Today was an all day school improvement day for all staff. We received approval from our ROE as well as the state in order to develop professional development for an entire day. Hi, I'm Donna Bic. I teach third grade here at uh Creek School District. I teach at Creek Elementary. Today's learning has been wonderful. Our first presenter, Dr. Muhammad, was great. He focused on PLC's and that really gives the teachers support they need. It's a teamwork learning environment. Today's session was really really um special for me when he said the culture is how we behave and the climate is how we feel. That was a big takeaway for me. What stood out to me today was our commitment to grow. It wasn't just about PD for men. It
033really was about watching the collective agreements, watching teams reflect and grow together and even push their thinking because ultimately that pushes our students thinking and what I walk away with is are we believers? >> One session that I attended was the ELLL workshop and in that session they discussed small things that you can do in your classroom to make the day go by a little bit easier for them. um just small things like incorporating pictures or symbols or hand gestures just so that they can understand things that you are doing in your classroom a little bit easier. What I want staff to get out of most is that they are the balance or the difference between success and failure. Kids are kids. They are nurtured in whatever environment they're nurtured in and they come to
034us with certain needs. And the more we can work together to identify those needs, pull our talent and resources, overcome those needs, keep a healthy attitude, we'll be more effective at our job. >> It is important that this day reflects our purpose as educators to make sure that we are elevating ourselves to give our students the very very best. >> Our goal is to ensure that teachers can work together and collaborate. The most important part of our activity today was really the shift of thinking from the adult perspective to really thinking about our student experiences. We learned about all the different ways that we can give our students who speak another language access to the curriculum. Gave us some ways to look back at ourselves and our teaching styles and ways to grow and improve.
035I've never met a school people didn't work hard. But my goal today was to help them become more efficient, more effective at the hard work they're already doing. There we have it. That was our one day and that was uh just a really a powerful day. The speaker was magnificent and of course he had written a book and that's what he was signing for everybody that wanted to come up and get that book. So, um, anyway, that was that. >> How long ago was that? >> Uh, what was it? How many weeks ago was that? >> No. >> Okay. >> February 13th. >> So, and then we'll bring up the next video. This was a busy month in February. And then again, this is some of the things that we were doing for um celebrating
036um, Black History Month. >> Okay. This video was quieter than the other one. The other one I tested. I don't know how loud this is going to be. So, we'll just enjoy your pictures, I guess. There we go. Throughout the month of February, Creep Monese School District 2011U proudly celebrated Black History Month across every school in our district, honoring history, culture, creativity, and community. At Creemon High School, students and families gathered for the annual Black History Month program. The past is the present. Guests explored a student-led Black History Fair and voted for outstanding projects that highlighted powerful stories and influential contributions. The evening continued with vibrant performances, including a fashion show, drama presentations, jazz band, dance team, and showfire performances. It was a powerful celebration of talent, expression, and pride. At Creek Monique Middle School,
037staff proudly wore Black History Month shirts while students participated in a spirited battle of the houses. Each grade level competed in interactive challenges like escape rooms, Big Brother, and an amazing race bout competition combining teamwork, learning, and fun. At Talala Elementary in Park Forest, students experienced black history through movement and performance. Urban Gateways presented the roots of black dance in America, bringing history to life through dance. Students also enjoyed an exciting performance by the Jesse White Tumblers along with meaningful classroom lessons that deepened their understanding of culture and history. In one classroom, students each colored a quilt square that came together to form a powerful image of Martin Luther King Jr. The finished quilt served as a beautiful reminder that every voice, every story, and every piece matters and that when we come together, we
038create something truly meaningful. At Mon'nique Elementary, students hosted a live black history museum. Students honored civil rights leaders, inventors, entrepreneurs, musicians, athletes, and entertainers, bringing their research to life and sharing the stories of those who shaped our world. At Balmoral Elementary, one classroom kicked off Black History Month by reading a biography of Jackie Robinson and learned about his impact and legacy. Later in the month, history truly came to life during the school's Black History Wax Museum. Students carefully researched influential black historical figures, created detailed display boards, and dressed as the leaders they studied. As families walked through the museum and press the button at each exhibit, students sprang into action, sharing powerful stories, accomplishments, and the lasting impact of the figures they portrayed. The event was a meaningful celebration of learning, creativity, and the remarkable
039contributions of black leaders who have shaped our nation and our world. At Creek Elementary and Ketta Scott King Magnet School in University Park, students enjoyed curriculum and student learning centered around Black History Month. Even our youngest learners at the early learning center participated through age appropriate stories, creative art projects, and guided discussions. Students were introduced to important themes of history, identity, and community. One classroom enjoyed reading The Color of Us and created custom paint mixtures to explore and celebrate different skin tones. Black History Month at Creek Monese School District 2011U is more than a celebration. It's a commitment to learning, honoring voices, and building connections that strengthen our community. Again, these are shared on our social media so our families can get an idea of some of the things that we're doing. But I thought
040you would enjoy seeing that since you probably don't get the schools all the time, but there's just a lot going on in our building. So, and >> are those two those two videos are obviously on our website, but have you pushed them out on social media so that people in the community can see? >> Yes, they would be. I'm not sure if Kella pushed those out yet cuz I think I was trying to share them with you first. But, uh, that is why we do these videos. We are pushing these out to the community so people can see what's going on in our classrooms firsthand. >> Important for the parents to see >> absolutely >> what the teachers are, you know, what the importance of that day is. >> Yes. Yeah. Because they see that
041on our marquees, but they don't know all the things that are going on in each of the buildings uh to support that. And I know that's always something you ask me all the time. Did you get that on the mares? Yes, sir. We did. Well, so >> excellent job done dynamic videos. I didn't know all of that was going on. I attended the the one Bill and I and and I call her sophomore Janine attended the high school one over at the high school. But yeah, that was awesome videos. >> Yeah, and we have more coming. So, more videos coming. So, >> wow. you know, in spite of all the stuff that's going on, I I think we we focus on all the positives. >> We're doing we're doing it right. >> Great job. Great
042job. >> Any other comments? >> Is that peach jar system? Is that just for high school? >> No, that's that's for everybody in the district. That's our one way that we push out, you know, flyers from the community and whatnot. So, >> wonder if videos could go out through that, too. Possibly. Just an idea. I will find out if we can do that. >> Okay. >> Square parent square all the different >> Let's Let's find out from Kella. That is actually a really good idea. I I hadn't thought about using that as a vehicle. Thank you. Sure. >> Appreciate that. >> Okay. All right. I would like a motion to move close session up. At this point, right before the consent agenda approval, close session is number 11. I'd like to move it up and
043for the reasons to go into close session for the appointment, employment compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees. >> Move. Second >> by Bill. >> Second by Jane. So we we will be going into close session and we will probably be in close session a total maybe 30 minutes max hopefully and we will be going down to the room. Okay. So we got a motion. The second need a roll call. >> Mr. Mr. Walish >> I >> Miss Wolf >> I >> Miss Venegas >> I >> Dr. Hall >> Zit Stumbress is an I Mr. Gagos >> I >> Mr. Brown. >> Hi. And again, as mentioned, we will be in close session hopefully no more than 30 30 minutes or so. And we will return back to open session and take further action
044on action items. So, Okay, we're back to O open session and we want to continue on with the approval or of our consent agenda. Is there anyone want to take anything out or any changes they would like to have prior to a motion being called? If not, can I have a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented? >> Move. >> Second. >> Moved by Jamie. Second by Bill Dr. Coch. Would you like to read it? >> Under superintendent. Item one, approve regular meeting minutes of February 17, 2026. Item two, approve approve regular uh meeting close session minutes of February 17, 2026. Item three, approve committee of the whole meeting minutes of February 10th, 2026. Item four, approve committee of the whole meeting close session minutes of February 10 uh 2026. Under business, item one,
045approve the board of education financial report. Item two, approve payment of $47,98383 to Bear Construction for work completed at the middle school. Item three, approve a payment of 1,24,886.50 to Vern & Jones Construction for work done at the high school. Item four, approve a payment of $315,98924 to Bear Construction for work completed at the middle school. Item five, approve a payment of 2,6 no I'm sorry uh $2,625 and25 cents to bear construction for work complete at the high school um under teaching and learning uh approve the NJRTC overnight field trip and that concludes the consent agenda. >> Thank you. Any any uh further comments or concerns? >> The only questions I have for Mr. Krosinski. None of these are finals payments, right? For the middle school. Obviously, the middle school is still going on, but
046nothing for the high school or anything like that for the sports. It's not final payments. Those are because it doesn't state that. >> No. Uh I don't believe so. The one I have to check with Brian, but the one for $2,625 may have to be may have to do with bare constructions uh work done at the stadium building. >> The building itself. Yeah, that's the building, not the entire sports plex. I know uh there's still a balance hanging out there for Burns and Jones for their final payment. >> Are the punch list um taken care of both on that building and then if there I know we're waiting for spring to happen for the punch list if there are any on the sports plex. >> Uh the building, yes, we're still working through it because
047as you alluded to, we haven't opened up everything for the spring season. So, we're going to get through that and see if anything comes up. But, we started working on the punch list from the fall. Continue working through that. Continue to make our way on it for the remainder of the sports bugs. >> So, the contracts at least still have their 10% left or their final >> Yes. >> All right. >> Okay. Any other questions, concerns? If not, roll call, please. Madam Secretary, >> Mr. Salesish >> I >> Miss Venegas >> I >> Dr. Hall >> I >> Miss Wolf >> I >> Zites Sumbress is an I Mr. Gagos >> I >> Mr. Brown. >> I motion carry. That leads us to number eight, action report number A, alpha under business number one. Can
048I have a motion to award the contract for flooring replacement at Creek Moni Middle School to Douglas Floor Covering for the amount of $364,800. Moved. Moved by Bill Second. >> Second by Elizabeth. Questions or comments? >> If not, roll call, please. Madam Secretary, >> I'm sorry. Are we doing all of the business one, two, and three separately? >> Yes. >> Okay. Just wanted to make sure. >> Mhm. >> Mr. Swallish. >> Hi. >> Miss Venegas. >> I. >> Miss Wolf. >> I. >> Dr. Hall. I >> Zites stumbles an I Mr. Gyos >> I >> Mr. Brown. >> I motion carry. Still under number eight action report number A alpha number two. could have a motion to award the contract for landscape services and lawn care maintenance to Shelton Companies Incorporation or incorporated for the
049amount of $118,125 per year for 2026 20 and 2027 with a district option for a third year being 2028. moved >> by Jamie. >> Second. >> She She's getting quick. Bill Liz. Second. Questions or comments? Uh Jason here. No other questions or comments. This is a different vendor, right, than the previous five years or four years? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. And this was the lowest bidder. >> Yes, sir. And obviously their references came back. Okay. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other comments or concerns? >> If not, roll call, please. Madam Secretary. >> Miss Benz. >> I. >> Miss Wolffoke. >> I. >> Dr. Hall. >> I. >> Mr. Salish. >> Hi. >> Zitra is an I. Mr. Gagos. I >> Mr. Brown >> I motion carried. Continuing on with number eight
050under action report alpha number three. Can I have a motion to approve the resolution providing for abatement of the 20 25 levy adjustment? >> Moved by Bill. >> Second. >> She she got you by a mic. That was you calling me, was it? >> Sorry. Okay, we got the motion on the floor. It's been second. Any questions or comments? So before we vote, >> how are we how is the question being answered? So it says approve the resolution providing for abatement. So if we want to give abate the money and give it back, we're voting I. If we don't, then we're voting nay. >> So everybody understands the question. >> Thank you. So if we're if we want to abate the money the 503,000 and give it back, we vote I if we want do
051we did not do this last year. So if we do not want to do that and the money would stay in the district, we vote nay. Correct. >> Correct. >> So everybody, we're all on the same page. So Alex is not here. Make sure he understands how he's voting, >> you know, so he understands the premise of the question. >> Right. I agree. Alex, did you hear Bill Bill's comments? >> I hear I'm I listen to it. Yes. >> Okay. >> I heard. >> Yeah. And I definitely just I'm not going to tell you how I vote because that would not be ethical, but comments and I think I mentioned it last week that I would love to give money back to the taxpayers. the high taxes that's being paid by taxpayers. And I don't
052want to downplay the fact that if this money was abated, I think we're talking about500 $600,000 communitywide, Jason, is that correct? >> 5003,000. >> Okay. Did we ever get a tally amount with that average to each taxpayer? We didn't really get that right, but it's it's a minute. I I compared it to the 2024 levy extension without bond and interest and it was just under 1% of that total amount. We haven't seen the >> final levy calculation for 2025. But to say how it would impact an individual taxpayer would be too tough depending upon EABS and other factors that are out of our control. >> Yeah. Less than 1%. >> Okay. Yeah. So all that being said, you know, the district or the board try their best to be good financial stewards and we have
053to look at things holistically with the expenditures and the revenues that the district get in and the district disseminate out. So we look for opportunities to abate when we can and when we cannot we look at it to address our expenditures best we could. So leave it at that. And then understanding the vote the vote here you say no you're saying keep it within the district to address the needs of the district. You say yes, you would say release that $500 some thousand dollars and spread it out over the district to the taxpayers. >> Is this Can I ask a question? >> I'm sorry. >> When we if we say no and we decide to keep the money in the district, is it just a general operating >> line item that gets the circle? >>
054Jason Jason, >> uh, Miss Wolf, it'll go to that that 10 fund, the ED fund. >> I'm sorry. It'll go to the TED fund which is our the 10 fund which is our ED fund which is our biggest fund. >> Okay. All right. Any other questions, concerns? >> Madam Secretary, roll call, please. >> Mr. Salish, >> nay. Miss Veneggas >> nay. >> Dr. Hall >> nay. >> Miss Wolf >> nay. >> Zit stumbris is a nay. Mr. Gagos >> nay. >> Mr. Brown. >> Hi. No. Nay. >> I'm sorry. One more time. >> I'm going to record that as a nay. >> Thank you, Madam Secretary. I had something in my throat. Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. Motion carries. Motion passed. Moving on to number eight under action report. No, I'm sorry. Yeah. >>
055Eight under action reports. Bravo personnel and culture number one. Can I have a motion to approve the superintendent evaluation for the fiscal year 2025 2026? >> Moved by second. >> Elizabeth, second by Dr. Hall. Questions or comments? Oh, that was you, Jenny. >> I was I hit my robotic staffing. So, moved by Janine and second by Dr. Hall. Questions or comments? >> Hearing none. Roll call, please. >> Miss Wolf. I >> Dr. Hall >> I >> Mr. Sualish >> I >> Miss Venegas >> I >> Zit Stumbresses and I Mr. Gagos >> I >> Mr. Brown >> I motion carry and thank you Dr. Cogniss for doing another exceptional job for this fiscal year appreciate all you do and your team. Okay, moving on. Number eight under action report, Bravo personnel and culture. Number two,
056could I have a motion to approve the re employment of first and secondyear teachers? >> Moved. >> Second. >> Got moved by Jamie, second by Bill. Questions or comments? If not, roll call, please. Madam Secretary, >> Mr. Salish, >> I. >> Dr. Hall, >> I. >> Miss Venegas, >> I. >> Miss Wolf, >> I >> Zites is an I. Mr. Gagos, >> I. >> Mr. Brown, >> I. Motion carry. Moving on. Again on the action report number eight, Bravo personnel and culture number three. Can I have a motion to approve the reemployment and tenure of third and fourth year teachers? >> Moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Elizabeth, second by Bill. Questions or comments? >> Hearing none. Roll call, please. Madam Secretary. >> Miss Venegas. I >> Mr. Salish. >> Hi >> Miss Wilfolk. >>
057Hi >> Dr. Hall. >> I >> Zit Stumbress is an I. Mr. Gyos >> I. >> Mr. Brown >> I. Motion carry. Under action reports. There's no fours under under alpha. So we I'm just going to read the numbers now. Can I have a motion to approve number four? the reemployment and accelerated tenure or secondyear teachers. >> Moved second. >> Moved by Bill, second by JD. >> Was that filed >> by Miss Venegas? >> Okay. >> Yeah. Correct. Miss Venegas was second. Okay. >> Yes. Okay. >> Uh Mr. Salish. >> I. >> Miss Veneggas. >> I. >> Dr. Hall. >> I. >> Miss Wolf. >> I. Zites lumbris is an I. Mr. Gagos >> I. >> Mr. Brown >> I. Motion carry. This time I'm going to keep my head up when I read this.
058Can I have a motion to approve the resolution authorizing notice of contract renewal nonrenewal and propose reclassification for certain administrators? >> Moved. >> Move by Bill. >> Second by Elizabeth. Questions or comments? Hearing none. Madam Secretary, roll call, please. >> Mr. Swallish. >> I. >> Miss Venegas. >> I. >> Dr. Hall. >> I. >> Miss Wolf. >> I. >> Zit. Stumbber says an I. Mr. Gagos. >> I. >> Mr. Brown. >> I. Motion carry. Move on to number six. Can I have a motion to approve the resolution authorize honorable dismissal of certain educational support staff for the year 2026 2026 school year >> moved second by Jamie not ma'am >> moved by Jamie second by JD questions and comments roll call please madam secretary >> miss wolf folk I >> Miss Venegas >> I >>
059Mr. Salish >> I >> Dr. Hall >> I >> Zit Stumbbur is an I Mr. Gyos >> I >> Mr. Brown. >> I a motion carry. I would like a motion to approve all the last four under the consent on different consent agenda. I just wanted to keep you on your P's and Q's. >> I just wanted to keep you on your P's and Q's. Can I have a motion to approve number seven? A motion to approve the resolution authorizing non-renewal. Oh, I'm sorry because he said it twice. I got it. >> Way to pay me back. That's good. Can I have a motion to approve the resolution authorizing non-renewal of nonfinal year probation pro probationary teachers? >> Move. >> Second. >> Moved by Liz Elizabeth, second by Dr. Hall. Questions or comments? Hearing none.
060Roll call, please. Madam Secretary. Miss Bengus >> I Dr. Hall >> I >> Miss Wolf >> I >> Mr. Salish >> I >> Zit Stumbress is an I Mr. Gagos >> I >> Mr. Brown. >> I motion carry. Moving on to number eight. Can I have a motion to approve the resolution to dismiss non-tenure certified administrators? Moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Bill, second by Elizabeth. Roll call, please. Or any questions or comments? Hearing none. Roll call, please. >> Mr. Swallish. >> I. >> Miss Venegas. >> I. >> Dr. Hall. Nay. >> Miss Wolffoke. >> I zit stumbberes is an I. Mr. Gyos. >> I. >> Mr. Brown. >> I. Motion carry. Can I have a motion to approve number nine memorandum of agreement for PBIS coordinator? >> Moved by Bill. >> Second by Elizabeth.
061Questions or comments? Hearing? None. Roll call, please. Madam Secretary. >> Mr. Salish. >> I. >> Miss Venegas. >> I. >> Miss Wolf. >> I. >> Dr. Hall. >> I. >> Zites. Stumb. I. Mr. Gagos. >> I. >> Mr. Brown. >> I. Motion carry. And finally, number 10. Can I have a motion to approve the personnel report number A alpha? That is again to approve the certify staff employment reassignment and resignation and educational support staff employment resignation and salary adjustment. >> Move. >> Second. >> Moved by Jamie. Second >> by Miss Venegas. by Elizabeth. Questions or comments? Roll call, please. Madam Secretary, >> Miss Venegas, >> I. >> Mr. Swallish, >> I >> Mr. Hall, Dr. Hall, I'm so sorry. >> Nay, >> Miss Wolf, >> I zites is an I. Mr. Gagos, >> I >>
062Mr. Brown. >> I motion carry. Uh, number nine, any old business? >> I have some I probably should have said it um earlier when we were board reports, >> but um our district our key that we came over here to look at the bridges program and um Mr. Watson and Mr. Hollyfield did an excellent excellent job giving us a tour. They put packets together. They we walked away amazed at how that program is run. We know it can grow and we know that they have expect higher expectations for next year. I have a much better understanding and I wish that everybody could do something similar to that. I wish that we could even as a board get um a comprehensive overview as to what they do over there and the work that they that they
063do. Um it's a work in progress. Um the CTE program part of it is something that they still want to grow and and I know when it was first built that's something that Dr. Kaganisa talked about, but um they're doing a good job. It it appears to be a good job. It it really does. Uh Mr. Watson is doing a good job over there and as so is Lamont. >> So you came with your Cana Key team. >> Yes. And they were really impressed >> as a visitor. >> Yes. To cuz we want to get ideas for moving our program into the building. little tricky, little different setup, but just to kind of get ideas of how they run it, you know, they talked about the different tiers and everything and if and how they
064have some students who may do part of the day there, part of the day um at the high school. They started call the north and the south campus and everything. So, >> wow, that's good. >> Everybody, >> you showcase your own district. That was good. >> Yes. Wow. I let Dr. uh cognise know that you know they did a really good job. She didn't understand at first. She's like, "What? What's going I didn't try to alarm her, but I was trying." >> Did we at least serve you hot coffee? >> They did not. No. Yes, they did. They had donuts and coffee. >> Oh, they did. >> They had Yes, they even had good snacks cuz I'm a donut person. >> Oh, okay. >> Egg rolls and donuts. No, just >> that was good. >>
065And I'd like to thank Cheryl for her hard work and dedication. And >> as always, Especially for the egg rolls. >> I'm telling you, just give a little bit of this and then that. You put a smile on his face. >> All right. Great. >> Try to give me some old egg roll. >> Did it take a lot of coordination to get that scheduled? Would it be something easy for us as a board to go? Um it would I think it would be easy if it's not for the laws of and then we have if it's more than what three board three or more board >> I I don't know at least we not engaging in >> agenda. I think we could we could attend it as a board to show what it what it's
066about. >> Okay. >> As long as we're not talking about this >> agenda items and things like that. Long as we long as that's it was really it I sent him a message he replied back he went it was real smooth they not not difficult at all I think it could be the same for us it's probably our schedules that way >> and the weather I rather wait till it's warmer >> we're inside when it's warm it's warmer so we actually pay our heat here >> we have what >> we pay our heat >> oh good tell in here >> yeah it's a Beautiful, beautiful, >> beautiful addition. Beautiful addition to the school, high school over there. Okay, good report out. >> The only question I have is uh Miss Perkins, is the is the
067Mon Elementary Smart Lab Thursday at 10:30? >> Uh Monine, we start at 9:15 and then we go to Creed Elementary at 10:30. So 9:15 >> and 10:30 at Creek Elementary. >> Yes. >> I'm going to try to I'm going to try to see what I can do to make both of those. >> And I saw some incoming emails, Cheryl, regarding speed. I saw something. Are we >> operating committee is this Thursday? We >> That's in the morning, right? No, I saw something like that at 7 >> 7 p.m. And that's usually when the board member, one of our board members attends that. That's the one you did before. >> I saw two. One was like the regular meeting and like a committee or some >> Well, that's the superintendent. Okay. That's during the day. >>
068Okay. You got that? >> Yes. And then uh the one at 7 o'clock is the one that >> the same day is that what day is that one? >> The one that is for the board is Thursday. It's always this Thursday. >> It's always a Thursday after our meeting here. >> Okay. Alex, you you are going to be unavailable for that meeting, right? >> Which one? >> The the the next speed uh meeting which is Thursday. This Thursday. >> Thursday. Yes, sir. >> Uh Thursday evening. >> Yeah, I'll I'll call in. >> Uh I can try to attend if you want. We can talk offline. Try to attend. Oh, I don't know. You're talking about speed, right? >> Yes. Uh-huh. It's speed. >> Yeah. No, I can't. I can't do that. No. Sorry. >> Okay.
069You have to let them know, Cheryl. Who's going to represent Creek? >> Okay. Volunteers. >> Okay. >> When is it? 7 o'clock. Uh, this Thursday at night. >> Yeah. It's in Chicago Heights. >> And it would be nice for another board member just to see the fireworks that goes on there. >> I'll actually be out of town. I leave Thursday afternoon. So, I'll be gone until Sunday. >> I work Thursday evening. >> How long is a meeting, Senator? >> It can go long. >> Yeah, I'll take it, Cheryl. So, I guess you got to let them know. >> Okay. I appreciate it for uh looking at your calendars, but I'll take it and I guess again you got to send them so they can have a name tag for me and tell them please serve
070me some hot coffee. That's all I ask. >> They always have coffee. It's self-service though. >> No, no, no, no. I got personally escorted to the room. Yeah, it's it's it it it is an experience because you have multiple school districts there representing a common cause. All right. Any else for open old business? If not, new business. Okay. We have no reason to go into another close session. That was moved up. >> Can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> Moved by Bill, second by Dr. Hall. All in favor say I. >> Any nays? >> I I no nays. We are joured. Thank you public for joining us on this very inclement weather evening. Be safe if you're about or need to go out driving. And as always, God bless you. Take care.