001Test. Test. One, two, three. Testing. Okay, I would like to call this meeting to order for Creek Monae School Board regular board meeting 2011U. Creek Monet School Board 2011U regular board meeting for the date of August 12th, Tuesday, 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. >> Hi. Hi. >> Hi again. All right, Madam Secretary. Roll call, please. >> Miss Wolf, >> I >> miss Venegas. >> Mr. Salis >> here. >> Dr. Hall >> here. >> Zit Stumbress is here. Mr. Gagos >> here. >> Mr. Brown >> here. >> Let us stand for the pledge led by Mr. Ghagos, board vice president, a mission statement led by our secretary, Mrs. Jamie Ze Sters. 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
002liberty, justice for all. >> Our mission statement is to engage and empower our students to positively impact their community and future. >> Thank you both. for leading the charge on those two items. There we do have one public comment and that is from the foundation update reason for the public comment by Reverend James Dr. Hunt. >> Yes sir. Good evening. Good evening. >> Good evening, >> Dr. Kalaneseise, board of education members. It's so good to be here with you this evening. >> I'm Reverend Dr. James Hunt. I'm the pastor of New Hope Christian Community Church in Mon. But I come in my other capacity as president of the Creep Mon 2011U Education Foundation. And I'm here to provide a community update. We need your help and your support. And let me just say this. I
003want to thank the board for their support in previous years and especially our new advisor, Miss Wolfk. And so we're in the midst of planning for our third annual fund run at Creek Mon High School. It will be in conjunction with homecoming and we're so excited about that. So, it's October 4th and we've been meeting with the homecoming committee. We don't have a time for the race yet, but we're excited to be the premier event for homecoming weekend. So, what I want to do is ask for some more support. We're looking for sponsors and I have flyers. We have different levels. The top level I believe is is $5,000. I have to make sure it's $5,000 and and that owes uh to our new advisor, Miss Woodfolk. She suggested that. So we have five different
004levels, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100. So I brought flyers and again I want to enlist your support. I want to thank uh Dr. Kane. She's participated in the race before. This is our third annual race. And we need more community support. So we need sponsors, we need participants, we need volunteers. Are there any questions? Well, I I can truly say that it is a testament you are a beacon in within our communities here, Dr. Hunt. And I believe Dr. Chicago Nissan and myself participated in your first 5K. It's 5K, right? >> Yeah. I walked and didn't run it and I walked it very slow. >> We finished. That's what's what's important and it is a a great event engaging the community and that's what you are all about and I would definitely support your endeavor
005here. Maybe not in person this time, but definitely from a financial okay point of view. Now, let let the record be known. I didn't say $5,000, but I will participate in some monetarily. >> You know, as a pastor, as a preacher, I'm not supposed to mention this, but we have a side bet in the foundation to see who can raise the most money. >> Okay. Ah, >> and so far I'm in the lead and I'll be waiting if anybody else wants to speak to me. On our website, we have a website prim 2011U education foundation. I do have some flyers. You can look on there. One of the things that we do, the important thing that we do is we support the students and the teachers by uh granting by giving grants and those can
006be those are monetary grants. Uh there's really no limit. Uh we have several thousand dollars in the bank, but we're looking to spend that money. So teachers, if there are any teachers here, students, uh we've given out one grant this year. So we want to let folks know that that is available. Uh those can be for scholarships, they can be for school projects, they could be for extracurricular activities, uh camps, uh it runs the gamut. So I will you can go to our website has additional information but again I want to enlist your support especially from the community. Uh last year we didn't have as many people participating and so with that being said I actually ran the race and I finished second or I tied for first. So I don't want to have that
007happen again. So I see a lot of folks who are ablebodied so would like to enlist your support. Now, it was more than two people participated, right? >> Uh yeah, but uh the the first two were way out in front. >> Oh, okay. And I'm sure board member Janine, >> you would like to add some value. >> I would if you don't mind. So, our ultimate goal is to raise $15,000 this year because we are looking for the foundation to make even more significant impact and really be able to grant more of our students monies and just really help support the initiatives throughout the school district as a whole. And so, 15,000 it's it's lofty, but I have no doubt that the community um will help support that and help us reach that. Um, last
008year it was a little low. So, we know that anything above last year, but we're not gonna set our limits so short. We gonna go for the 15,000. And so, I would like to personally challenge us as a board because why? Who better than us to show support of ourselves and for our own initiatives than right here? And so, if I'm personally making a commitment and I think that all however many of us it is in here, I'm I'mma contract you. that we can collectively come together and make an impact to really help get us going on our way. You know, we shouldn't feel comfortable asking other people to support us if we're not willing to support ourselves. So, I think it starts right here in this room. So, our second ask, if I may,
009is that um because our networks are so strong, um if you have any referrals that'll help us reach that 15,000, we are open to those referrals because we have a challenge going on on our board. >> I refer the two men next to That's I mean that's it. >> So we are looking for referrals and we're open to that too. Is that okay Dr. >> That's that's okay for the board. I I don't know. You might want to go into close session. >> Okay. >> Sponsorship. >> No. No. She's she's good. She's good. >> So again, it's the 5K fun run. It's October 4th, 2025. It will be the morning of homecoming weekend. Uh the entry fee is $40 for adults. That's the early bird and $15 for students. And again, the levels, the sponsorship
010levels are diamond 5,000, platinum 1,000, gold 500, silver 250, and bronze 100. >> So, do you actually get >> tell us what we get for uh well, what you'll get for donating $5,000. >> That's what I was thinking. He'll get our undying gratitude. >> You know, we're also uh for sponsors sponsors who uh are part of this giving le these giving levels, we will allow them to have tables during the the run. So, if there's any questions about that, please come see me. Okay, great. >> Again, so we're excited. Again, thank you for your support. And again looking for sponsors, volunteers for the race and participants. Uh but these funds are so needed to enhance the educational experience of our students. Uh my personal goal is to raise enough money to grant several scholarships. So,
011I know when I was a student, there weren't many scholarships available and the and the the way to get in was really tight. So, we want to make it available and easy for folks to apply for those sponsorships and those scholarships. Any questions? >> Dr. Hunt, I see you having it at the high school. Did you have it at the high school last year? >> Uh, no. We had it at the junior high school. >> Okay. What? You changing it to the high? >> It's the high school. >> Yeah. >> I'm sorry. This the high school this time. >> Yes, it's the high school this time. >> And it was a junior. >> It was a junior high school. >> It was over at Armstead. Right. Okay. >> Right. Right. And again, we're excited because
012it's homecoming. >> Got it. Okay. So, we got a clear path of running the 5K, where we going to do it with the construction and all of that. >> Uh, yes. The run the layout has not >> been determined yet. Okay. Right. The homecoming committee will get together. We have a couple representatives on that on that group in that group. So, uh the layout uh will be coming soon and we'll provide another update. >> Okay. Sounds like a plan. Any further questions on this public comment? Okay, Dr. Hunt. Appreciate it. Appreciate all you do. >> Thank you. I have no doubt with Janine leading the charge here that you will obtain your necessary funds that you're looking at 15,000 at least. I have no doubt. >> Hey, you're down for five, right? >> We'll talk
013about that offline. >> All right. Thank you, sir. >> Appreciate it. >> All right, moving on to board updates. Do we have any board updates? None at all. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> I'm sorry. >> So, I was at the support day on Saturday and that was great. I mean, I don't know how many people. I'm sure there's like a count somewhere of how many people came and got school supplies, information on all kinds of different community services that are available to them. And so, shout out to Miss Pada for I don't want to mispronounce her last name for all of her hard work getting it set up, put together. It was a great event. And then also shout out to our food service employees, like I like to call my lunch ladies, because on
014Monday this week, I was fortunate enough to get to spend the morning with them preparing breakfast for our new incoming uh teachers and faculty and stuff for the district and they are also quite amazing. So that's >> Wow. So that was you said not only great but it was great. Okay, thank you so much, Jamie. Anybody else have any other updates from the boards? >> I was just going to share that I also attended um support day. >> Oh, wow. >> And so, it was really exciting. I went through the process of being there as a parent with my parent hat on >> and um I just love the fact that we have so many things at our um arms length for our community. So, all the resources and the support and then I couldn't
015help because the turnout was so well. It made me kind of excited um to expect homecoming to be even bigger and better. So, it was awesome. >> And shout out to the organizers and everyone who pitched in to make sure that was a success. >> Great. Great. Great for participating even as a parent. Okay. Thank you. That means a lot. >> All right. Any other I do just have one maybe two comments. As far as board updates, I just sent out a request for those who can participate and willing to speak a minute or so at this upcoming institute date on this Friday, I believe. >> Yes, sir. >> And I got a reply back from Janine and she said she's willing and able to give a few minutes as her heart desire. I know
016Jamie was not going to be able to participate, so I'm reaching out. Bill, if you want to say anything, 30 seconds, a minute or whatever, that's fine. If not, don't worry. >> I don't know that I'm going to be able to make it. So, I'm trying to work that out. >> Figure that out because I know over the many years you have been one that has fully engaged in that endeavor. And Dr. the hall. If you can, you know, make it, that'll be fine. If you so choose, you would like to say a couple words, just send me an email. Okay, we can I think if you put us down as just the board >> that uh that'll cover us all. Okay. So, Jade, you and I talk a little bit after this meeting. Okay.
017Briefly. Thank you so much. And lastly, um I think I missed my first meeting after so many years last week and I heard our madam sec second secretary fil filled in so well as president and our sophomore board member, I call her s sophomore, she moved up, got promoted from a freshman just a month or so ago that she filled in as secretary and then I was told by our superintendent that the meeting only lasted about 10 minutes. I said, "No, no." And then reality checked in and I said, "The reason it probably lasts only 10 minutes because I wasn't there." And I recall when I was a township trustee and I had un I just didn't remember that I had missed a meeting. But the next meeting when I came back and I was
018going over minutes and I had to look over the minutes and approve the minutes and it saw that the meeting had ended at 7:15 and it started at 7:00. I said no way that meeting ended at 7:15. There's a typo on the minutes. They said, "Mo, it ended at 7:15 because you wasn't there." So, so I get the hint. I understand like I'm talking too much right now. All right. So, thank you. Thank you for doing all you did. And thank you, Alex, if you hear me, for being able. I know your job is taking you to different locations and you are unable to attend the meeting in person, but you still have the mindset to participate in a legal manner the way such as you're doing right now. So, thank you. Administrative updates, superintendent,
019good news number six, alpha number one. >> Yes. So, I'm very excited. We have some very special guests here this evening. Uh Dr. Perkins is going to uh fill you in a little bit. Uh we had a very successful summer school program this year. They are amazing what the teachers are preparing for our students throughout the summer. And today or tonight, you're going to get a chance to see uh some of the projects that our students did. So, Dr. Perkins, would you like to continue? >> Yes. Hello. Okay, there we go. I'm going to ask our summer school coordinators to come up and then we have a few of our rising fifth graders. Come on up, girls. They're going to join me for this presentation. I can't think of a better way to start this
020school year off um than a celebration for what our students were able to accomplish and our staff was able to accomplish uh this summer. So, um, every year we're able to, um, invest in our summer school program and have, um, the support of about 500 students over the summer and about 75 to 100 staff members come in and extend themselves extra time uh, to give our summer school students different experiences. And so with us today, we have our summer school coordinators. Um, Mrs. Lisha Carter took care of elementary. Uh, Mrs. Kristen Shuffler took care of our middle school. And then Miss Mora Burke took care of our high school. Um, we always look at our trends from preK to 12 and try to provide the best experience that we can um for our diverse population
021of students and their needs. And so we go by what research tells us about the rationale of closing that summer school loss and gap for those students that need it. Uh we want to increase any credit recovery uh to increase our graduation rates for our high school students. And then certainly um we have been looking at the needs of our students and their seal needs and opportunities for students to be enriched. Um, and so again, our goal is about enrichment, engagement, academic recovery, and then giving our students choices and options about what it looks like for college and career readiness. Our core academic is that we look at math intervention and reading interventions for those students that need it. Um we were able to continue bringing in STEM labs at both uh elementary level, high
022school level and first time at high school level that we um no I shouldn't say that it's the third year that we've done the STEM labs at the high school level. Uh and then uh enrichment at middle school. We were also able to invest in the arts and bring orchestra and strings program um back to the middle school level. And again, we used our social workers for the seal development, and you'll see all of that coming up. We partnered with the University of Illinois to bring in a 4H agriculture club at our elementary level and offered an afterchool program. Um we've talked about some things for next year and that should say 2526 um about doing some short um turnarounds and some camp like activities um for some project based learning and we'll discuss that
023with our committees and teams this year. Uh we also had our educator rising students as you know these are our upcoming teachers uh at the high school and we were able to hire seven of them this school year. uh and we developed a whole new program around uh bringing them through their internship. Uh this year uh we had a partnership with Aunt Martha's at the middle school to provide our students that need that emotional seal support and then we had some on-site school counselors. Um I think it's important to understand that the coordinators that I'm going to bring up in a moment um is that we're investing in our teacher leaders. Um having been a summer school coordinator for five years, uh this is where our innovative ideas and programs come from in terms of
024leading what the charge of what our stu students need academically. And so we work with them all summer and we use our own staff to lead um our teachers, students, and families um during those summer months. And again, thank you for the sacrifice of you giving up your time with your uh family. And we also have Mrs. Donna Bezek, who once the uh little ones come up, she was their uh fourth grade uh STEM teacher this summer. >> And so I'm going to turn it over to Mrs. Carter to come and tell you about our prek elementary program. >> Thank you. My name is Lisha Carter. I was formerly a sixth grade um science teacher at the middle school and this year I am taking on a new role as the PYP IB coordinator and
025enrichment teacher for the 2526 school year. Um however I did have the opportunity to be the coordinator over the elementary um program and we focused on our literacy and math interventions. We did have our STEM challenges and career exploration. Um for our careers in motion program, we hosted a careers fair where parents were invited to come in. And I must say that we had uh participation of above 80% of parents and families showing up to support their students during this program and it was an enrichment time for all the students. They were able to um tell uh everyone their future careers that they wanted to be in and to actually present to uh families and individuals that were not of their families and explain to them what they felt like their future careers would be
026like. We made sure to integrate the SEAL into the daily activities that led them to these pro um to these careers where they felt like they would be enriched in. Um and the students that you're going to see are going to present their Lego presentations where Donovic was the instructor for them and they the students that we have here are students that were a part of the STEM lab. Correct. They were a part of the STEM lab. Um and so they had extra knowledge that the other students did not have which allowed them to further um assess uh or assist their peers in helping them to understand what it was that they were doing. >> Middle school. Mrs. Shrefler. >> Hi, I'm Kristen Shreler. Um, I'm the IB coordinator at Creek Mooney um, middle school,
027but also I have previously taught science. So, to me, STEM integration was always huge to gather like interest in other areas. Um, this is my third year acting as coordinator and we continue to try to grow or expand upon our offerings. So this year we did um shift some of our STEM experiences. We had incoming sixth graders. They actually worked with um these robotics kits. They got to build. There were different challenges that came in and they had to build, take apart, rebuild, and then they did coding through scratch and it allowed their kits to do different um activities. Uh STEM 2 uh ended up building rockets. So they had to design the rocket, have the parachute. They were trying to make sure that it launched within a certain area. We went outside on the
028launch day, videoed it. Uh we did lose a couple to the corn field. Um but they all learned from it. We took pictures. >> Um STEM 3, they have these robot kits. Um so they have to decide what they're going to do with it. Um and then they also code for it. They build obstacle courses and then maneuver the robots through it through their coding. um enrichment in fine arts and social emotional development. I mean uh we really pushed that. We did have Aunt Martha's come in this year. Um they were wellreceived for the kids that went in with the group. Um orchestra was new this year. Um we offered it to incoming fifth graders. They did a great job. Um they are excited to continue orchestra throughout the school year. Um band is always
029the the concerts amaze me. They we did a concert at the end of the year and um they played three pieces very well. Um we did have math and reading. We basically talked to the teachers about what skills they will need for the upcoming year. So the incoming sixth graders are working on bridging some of those skills so that they'll be more prepared when they enter their sixth grade math class. Um and then same thing with reading. Um and then we do a pre-est and a post- test um based on our state standards and every class showed growth. So um we are working on building those bridges with that. >> Um we do a exhibition at the end of the year. So these pictures were from the exhibition. Um the top one shows some of
030the robot or some of the engineering kits. The middle one is our math group. They actually worked through solving mysteries with math. So they completed like a trifold and the steps they took in the process and then that's actually our orchestra performing at this exhibition. Um we had many parents come in. It was wellreceived. Um it is our third year doing an exhibition and I think the kids enjoy showing what they've put their hard work in. So that was middle school. >> Mrs. Burke Hi, I'm a special ed teacher at the high school. Um, I was in the Burges program for two years and now I'm moving over to the main high school building which I'm excited about. Um, it is also it was my first year as the summer school coordinator for the high
031school. Our focus area was the credit recovery for on track graduation and we also had college and career readiness. Students took classes from math to history. Um we had also we had the um STEM classes um which is part of our highlights and it was Shark Tank style projects and the students worked in groups of three to four students and came up with problems that they saw in society and um in the world. Some of the projects included how to respond to uh bullies in school and online. Another one was having cleaner water and um school safety projects. Um we also expanded credit retrieval options for students. Some of the students did their credit retrieval online which gave a um which expanded their options um for them to take the classes that they needed to
032graduate. We had student showcases with the Shark Tank presentations and parents were able to come in and watch their students present. Um, and that was for sessions one and two. The last day of session two, we were able to have a PBIS warrior summer bash where families were invited to come and participate and the students participated in basketball and volleyball and the larger games such as Uno, Jenga, um connect four and we ordered some pizzas and it was nice to see the families there participating and playing in the games with the students. Um, and then some of our students that were enrolled in the STEM program participated in community service. So, they were able to start building up their community service hours and they went to the Creek Township Community Center for a day to
033help out there. And so, we're going to share with you a quick video before we bring up our superstars. And of course, all of our work is towards our values of engaging, empowering, impacting lives. Let's see if I can get this to work. Uh oh, there we go. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] All All right. Now, we're going to have Gabriella Cooper and Naomi Reed come up. They coded these Legos. Come on up, girls. Come on. We're going to show you some of what it can do. They're prosthetic Lego um arms, prosthetic arms. And so, we're just going to show you a little bit of what their coding did for them this summer. And they're both fourth uh grade student or fifth grade students at Balmoral Elementary. And when I met with them this summer,
034they said because they had that smart lab at Buro, it enhanced their learning um over the summer. Okay, go ahead. You want to put it on? Go ahead. And our parents did come out to see them. >> Whoa. has color. So, different things happened when she coded it for specific colors. So, that's what she's showing right now. >> And they're both coated differently. >> Yeah, both arms are coated completely differently. >> That's amazing. >> Hey, Naomi. Yeah, we got yours. Go ahead. Okay. >> Wow. >> And Lego did not give them the grabber. They had to do that on their own for the prosthetic. So, their codes, like um Dr. Perkins said, is completely on their own from everything they learned in the program all summer. >> Excellent. >> Outstanding. >> Thank you guys so
035much. Thank you for the board. Are those for sale? >> They get royalty for that. That is amazing. Amazing. >> Any comments? >> Excellent job this summer for by everybody. I mean, seriously, what an outstanding opportunity for each one of the students to get >> Yes. >> attended. >> Thank you. >> I think you all I hope you all had fun doing that. It looks u pretty interesting. something I could never think of doing, but um great job for you all and great job to the staff for the support and effort that you put into the children. >> Yes. >> Thank you. What What build are you going to be at? Uh CSK cuz you said P >> building I'll be traveling to different elementary school. >> Okay. For PYP >> or enrichment. >> Oh,
036cuz you said I was I >> is going to be at CSA and then the enrichment will be at the other And do you do the sixth grade at when do you do the sixth grade as well? >> Not yet. We may be thinking of bringing that in later. >> Okay. >> Because it's a new position, >> right? Okay. And I was only asking because I know PYP goes to sixth grade. >> Okay. >> The sixth grade. >> Oh, they through. >> But I know I'm just saying technically >> technically till 10th grade they can NYP, >> right? So, cuz like my technically is 7 through 10. >> PYP is 6K through 6. That's why I was asking. Okay. But okay. >> I also do want to thank our families. Thank you so much um
037for entrusting us with your kids and um it was such a pleasure to have them and honestly to see them grow over the summer. So, thank you so much for that. >> Thank you guys. >> Yeah. And I I I uh I remember my daughter being maybe 9 years old participating in a science program and somehow I I built the rob I mean she built the robot that was 40 year 40 years ago and it just reminded me of that moment and she eventually went to school for electrical engineering and changed her major but but nonetheless that she carried that mindset with her to continue on in the STEM capacity as an engineer. So, I see those young ladies working in that capacity and then the early learning. It just got me, you know, the
038prek the prek learning and and how things progress in the middle school and the STEM programs. That was amazing all the things that they are embarking upon. I did I I do want to ask are we looking because this is a buzz phrase out there AI. Are we looking to implement a concept like that into our STEM program or do we have something like that within our STEM program either either the middle school or high school? You don't have to answer if you don't have an answer. But >> we do have some AI technology that works and our technology integration coordinator uh works with our teachers on the best way to implement AI. Um and again with those new STEM labs and the new curriculum that's being written, AI is a part of that. >>
039Oh, great. Excellent. But kudos and again going back to the high school being able to recover and retrieve credits and things of that nature. So this was a very as my colleague Bill said this very successful summer. So keep it going. This district is doing amazing things. So you have to keep continue to showcase it in environments like this so the public can know because we get so many negative things here and there. But this is an amazing school district. So anybody else? >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you so much. Okay, Dr. Cara, you back up. Number six, Al for number two. >> Yes. Thanks again, families and students. >> All right. Um, I'm bringing back again. This was a conversation we kind of started at one of
040our previous board meetings and that was just the discussion on looking to change the job description for our safety and security director in allowing him to uh carry a firearm in case there was a significant emergency at the building for this. Um I know we had some discussion on this the pros and cons. Uh I did submit to you in your FYI um Mr. Tobias's credentials um extensive credentials, his certifications that he has earned as well. And in working with our attorney, uh we've taken a look at the job description to hire to add and it's on page three and I have that in front of you as well. It's what's uh in bold and underlined uh to have those pieces that would be put in uh to change that job description. So, um I
041think at least tonight this was the discussion part and then um if we felt that you were ready to vote on that later, uh that's later on the agenda. So, I just open that up for any discussion. >> Did you put in there that my key fob will work >> for for you sir? >> No. >> What was the impetus for this request? I mean, I know at the last meeting there was discussion of not being able to fully participate in trainings, but Okay. Yeah. >> So, aside from that, because they should be working on like the technical aspect of running it, what is the purpose for this? >> I think another layer would be looking for another layer. Uh, Mr. Tobias is on site here. Heaven forbid there was an intruder in the building.
042he would be on site immediately perhaps even before our uh first responders. >> Is there because I've did a lot of research in this and currently there's no evidence that suggests having someone on site with a weapon is any faster at responding or um stopping and minimizing shootings or fatalities. So what what researchbased evidence and not anecdotal but like actual researchbased evidence is there that one response times are aimed better and faster two that the response that it's necessary especially in a school where we already have metal detectors that so what's the additional uh level of security like what is that percentage Because there is also research that suggests that there is um well there's no evidence for effectiveness. The um that there is a negative um issue with climate and trust for students, especially
043when we're trying to work on preventative measures and then instead of working to prevent, we're automatically putting in somebody with a gun. there's an increased risk of accidents and potential for misuse. I'm not at all saying that Mr. Tobias would do that. I'm just saying that re evidence suggests that there is increased misuse for it. And then there's also um I'm just interested in knowing what the change in our insurance would be. >> It's covered. We checked our insurance company. It is covered. >> Yeah. And then is there any concern about bias and disproportional policing for students at that necessarily would not be under that situation? >> That's a lot of questions there. >> Yes, I'm very aware and I don't have all the answers to those. >> The way I'm looking at this, it's
044no different than the evolved system. >> It's a layer of deterrent. involved system is not going to stop someone walking to our building or through our doors >> if they want something to happen, >> right? >> That's all it is. It's it's nothing more than a different layer. And when we have an sporting event here and we have our Creek Police Department here >> or we have an event at Mooney Elementary or we have an event at CSK and we have a University Park police officer, they're walking around the same way. We're not asking them to to dearm. I don't think it's more or less in just my opinion. I just think it's just another layer of being prepared or like I said just a deterrent. It means what? There's no scientific anything behind I
045mean you can look at all the 10 years in the past 10 years of any school shooting or any incident. >> They're all different >> and every situation was different. every um everything about it was different. So I just feel that it's just another layer of a deterrent. It's not like when we got the evolve system, it was clear it's not an absolute this is never going to happen here. It's just another layer. And I think him having that um having a weapon here in the building um in his office wherever it's at locked up is no different than if it were if we had a Creed police officer here. >> What's the Okay, so if he's not carrying it on his body and it's locked up, >> but he may not have it all
046the time. He may, he may not. We don't know that. >> Well, that's part of my concern, right? because this is calling for a conceal him to be able to conceal it, which then inherently isn't a deterrent, right? Because if you don't know they've got it, >> right? So like I can have a knife on me. Well, I'm not because I've got the evolve system in there first of all, but like you wouldn't know. So it's not a deterrent if it's going to be concealed. So, I don't understand that deterrent argument, especially when there's no evidence showing that it actually one is a physical deterrent anymore than the current evolved system that we've got. And nowhere is there anything showing that that potential for a deterrent outweighs any of the negative side consequences that it
047can potentially have. So, do you think the students feel the negativity when a CRE police officer is walking around a football or a basketball game? You know, I think it's or different situation than having a school security guard have it. And I understand he is. So, they're in full uniform. It is out in the open. Everybody knows what it is. Instead, you're going to have somebody potentially roaming a hallway and not knowing. So I I actually do think there is a significant difference about and we do have an armed potential SRO in the school as that deterrent. I don't see what an additional gun is a benefit for especially when we have a full dress uniformed officer and if they're not there and they're responding to something else then I would hope Mr. Tobias is
048also responding to that other emergency. And so then he's not at the school either. So I don't necessarily see the costbenefit analysis to having an additional weapon in the school. >> So I I would say um the evolved system is great. It's probably the top of the line. I was at the national um convention at in Vegas last week or week, whatever. and we have a we he picked a great system to evolve um after meeting with them and everything when it comes to we went over many school shooting situations. So, I don't I don't know what the numbers show that it doesn't deter um because I don't know that they ever mentioned in those school shootings that or not deterred that it's not any faster because I I I didn't see any cases where
049they mentioned that there was a armed officer on site or someone carrying or multiple people carrying um on site where those shootings happened. Maybe I just missed that. It could have been. Um, so my my whole point to that is I don't think that it's necessarily a bad thing for him to carry. I think that it's probably better. It's one of those situations where it's we can say it's bad until it happens and then he saved somebody's life or he stopped somebody from doing something because he was there. And I may take that approach because of my m my short time in law enforcement, working at the prison and being a military police officer um even though it's a long time ago, but also working in schools leading safety and security. It it is definitely
050um a deterrent more so if they know if it's concealed, she might have a point there. if if they if they know and it might be open carry. I don't know if we could do open carry, then it definitely would be more of a deterrent whether he whe whether he's in uniform or not. Now, I can tell you that when somebody wants to do something, they're going to do it regardless. Um I worked at a school right here in the south suburbs and the police were right there and this guy called his guys to come, hey, let's go get him. Him, the police. So, yeah, people do what they want to do. Did they anything happen? No, nothing happened because the other kids were smart enough to say, "Hey, sit down." And but I think
051it's a great benefit for the safety of our students, our faculty, our staff, um versus not. It's probably better to have it for the safety versus not having it. Um, and the only thing I guess you could say, well, what if he accidentally blah blah blah. That could happen even with a armed SRO. That could happen in any case. I mean, >> I I think that it's definitely a benefit to have, >> right? >> Excuse me. Um, is he uniform? Will he be uniformed of some sort? >> He has his uh Cremon gear on, such as the shirt he has on right now. >> Okay. So he will have something indicating that he is not security but you know I I I think that that is needed to for so him to >> to differentiate
052himself from what I see with Mr. Tobias every day when he's in the office and whatnot you know wouldn't you agree you have shirts that have your um designation on that >> plus I the indicates security So that's where I was going with that was just the uniform look so that >> he looks different. Yeah. >> Identif. >> I'm not walking around with a gun saying I'm the director of security and personnel and everyone's like, "Oh, okay." >> You know, like I look official or that person, whoever that may be. >> It can be identified as purposeful. >> Okay. Uh Jamie had a quite a few concerns and I sounds like what I hear is >> I think I might be the odd man out on this. >> It doesn't No, it doesn't matter. >>
053Can I say something? Can I say something? >> Go ahead, Alex. >> Hey. Um so two meetings ago, two meetings ago, uh Mr. Tobias uh gave us a very lengthy uh thorough uh well thoughtout presentation about uh safety the you know and and crisis um um you know protocols and things like that. And everywhere that every every school that uh comes to our, you know, meetings and stuff like that, they they're all very impressed with the amount of uh safety that we have and and the uh procedures that we have thought out and everything like that. Like we um are setting the standard. we we we are setting the the curve uh so to speak as far as safety goes. And nowhere in that presentation that he gave said like none of this works if
054I don't have a gun. So like I don't I don't understand why like that this whole like presentation that he did is just like null and void if he doesn't get to carry a gun. Like I don't I don't get it. >> So what are you saying? Your position on him carrying a concealed gun is not in your favor at this point. Is that what you're saying? >> Yeah, that's what I'm saying. >> Okay. So you're saying that the mission of his and the intent of his presentation can be achieved by him not wearing a gun. >> Absolutely. Okay. Okay. All right. Anything else? Uh, Alex VP. >> No, I'm I'm that that was the rest of my shield. >> Okay. Is there any question? Uh, Mr. Tobias, he's in our presence right now. Is
055there any question follow-up questions you feel that you may want to ask him or just let your statement >> speak speak for itself? Okay. >> All right. And and and Madam Secretary, you're not alone. Don't don't feel as a soul. You have some very valid points and I think they need to be answered somehow. We need to capture those what she said and make sure she has a clear understanding and if you can answer those questions. >> I don't think they'll be able to get the answers to the questions I'm asking because I don't know that there is that research. >> Well, at least they can tell us that. >> Okay. Okay. Perfect. Yeah, I agree. There's >> Yeah, at least they can tell us that. >> It's hard to find that research because places
056that do have the shootings >> I don't you can tell us that I want everybody because this is a very sensitive subject. >> Additionally, just to go another layer deep, I wonder how many of those if we can also find how many schools had acting um uh gun detection systems, the equivalent of the Evolve system that also had those shootings, please. >> Okay. And I can go and I think I've spoke by position somewhat. It can go both ways. And be honest with you, on a personal level, I am so fear fearful of guns for reasons I chose not to speak about tonight. But I can see some pros and cons with our director of securityurities, having a concealed weapon, and as a layer of additional protection, being proactive as opposed to reactive. And one
057of my fears I could say that you know in the past you see Chicago police officers they kind of they're very quick to pull a trigger so to speak and but Mr. Tobias a couple weeks ago in his presentation and I just listened to him very very very subtle ways came out of his presentation that basically said and he really meant my fears. He answered my fears as regards to deescalating situations, not let that gun be the first line of defense for fights and things of that nature. But I think my I guess my reasoning for him carrying a gun at this point again being proactive things is happening in schools throughout the country where staff members are leaving doors open and intruders are getting in that way and no one's there to protect the
058staff and the students. So, we're talking about one SRO being in our building, our high school with 1,600 plus kids and the amount of square footage for that one officer to cover. Having that additional person to have a weapon to defend our students and staff, I think is is a good pro for justification of him having it. But again, Madam Secretary, you brought up a bunch of good points and Janine, you brought up some good good points. Bill, you brought up good points. Alex brought up good points and Dr. Hall. So, but I don't know if we ready to do a vote on it tonight. >> I I want want to be clear if you don't mind, Miss uh if you could just tell me the two questions you want me to research because the
059first one was research on in the cases that there were shootings, did they have an armed person? Right. Mhm. >> Okay. And what was the second >> person on site and >> um well I want I'm interested in knowing if you can find the time response differential between responses onsite versus a like a close by police department like we have for pretty much all of our schools. And then additionally um look at whether or not the security system like Evolve is in place at those places or the equivalent of an Evolve system at any of the locations that have had >> Okay, I'll do my best. >> Thank you. >> I'll do my best. >> I'll be honest. I don't know if those are available, but I >> if I can find them this week
060cuz I will start looking at this, you know, I'll put in the FYI and then we can discuss it then at the next meeting. >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Okay. Did anybody have any other qualms with the qualifications or requirements if we were to move forward with this position? >> I had a question about the job requirements. Does this mimic other concealed directors of donor safety positions at other districts as far as like what's required the trainings, the psychological evaluations? Does it mimic just traditionally how people in this role look? >> We did this in cooperation with our attorney. Okay. >> So maybe he was the the better one to ask. So the fair question is I don't know any other school that has this position. >> Okay, let's start there. >> So what I
061was most concerned about was meeting making sure that he met the legal criteria to carry a firearm on school grounds. And so a lot of the qualifications are what would allow him because there's both state and federal law that severely restricts the ability of folks to carry firearms on school grounds. so as to make him legally eligible to carry it in either a open or a concealed fashion. >> I see. >> And based upon a review of of Mr. Tobias's credentials, he would meet the criteria to be able to carry a firearm onto school grounds. >> So, security personnels at other school districts, they do not carry firearms in no manner other than a SRO. there, you know, I think there are some out in the western part of the state where they have like
062retired LEOs who are carrying um there are a few that I'm aware of, but uh >> and they carry open. >> Yes. And so usually it's they have a they have a hard time getting an SRO into the building and so that's been the way they've been filling the niche of not having an SRO is having somebody um like this type of a role. >> Well, I got a question. what would if we were to move forward again that was as far as a deterrent is concerned and I agree that's not much of a deterrent if you're concealing that nobody knows that. So what would be what would there be any qualms with director Tobias not or being able to carry an open weapon like our SRO's? What would be a problem with that? hours.
063>> Yeah. If he were to carry it carry it open, would that be too to in our eyes, Mr. Tobias, could would that be a problem with you carrying it open? Do you see a reason that you should not carry it open but be concealed as an employee of the district? My my whole premise to begin with Yeah. is is safety >> uh and those concerns. Anything that would be open would fall into the safety holster and kind of what law enforcement officers would have. Yeah. >> Can't just fall out and be grabbed. The visibleness of it um is a deterrent. And I think one element we got to look at and think about too is we talked about it so much in open forum the of what I could have with me would almost
064be the purpose of concealing at times if people had knowledge I would have it. So I have to be sensitive to what people know um what they see what they don't see. I also become a target for those circumstances in terms of people wanting to have something from you. So I have to be very protective of such an item. I said last were discussing it anyway. So it almost defeats the purpose at times of trying to conceal something >> you know I would just like you being the difference between you and SRO you are our employee but will be seen just by the students and other staff member >> as a SRO like what would and just an additional security protect a measure within our district. But yeah, you operate as our director and you're
065not walking the hallways every day in that capacity, but yet when you are seen out there within the school boundaries that you are seen as a SRO so to speak with a open weapon potentially a badge. I mean why we cannot issue you a badge too of some sort. >> No, we can't do that. That's not legal. We can't issue him. >> No, we can't. We can't make sworn law enforcement officers. We don't have the ability to hire. We're not like a community college or municipality. We don't have I I don't know police officers. >> No. >> May I ask a question of Mr. Gleason? >> Sure. >> Um you said that in doing this when this was used most often was when districts and schools did not have an SRO. So that's why >>
066that that was their policy decision behind their rationale, >> right? So we do have an SRO. So how many other can you this may be a a good research question. How many other Illinois schools have an armed SRO on site that will also then have a second potentially armed person that is not a police officer. That is specifically a district employee. >> I think in this case, Mr. Tobias is highly unique. >> Most likely, like if he were not here, we would not find anyone else that would be able to fit this criteria because he's unique in his credentials and so forth. Um, and like you said, statewide, nationwide, I don't think there's a lot of scenarios like this to compare to. Um >> did did our last director carry >> we hadn't discussed it
067yet? >> Okay. >> But no, he did not. >> Okay. No. >> And he was a retired police officer. And I think, you know, we was trying to utilize because at one point we were looking for two SRO's and it was a financial obligation that we just wasn't prepared to for the cost and we get what we can get. And so again, one pro thing that we can get out of this in my opinion again is using Mrs. device as kind of a SRO plus his additional duties while we're still paying him with no additional cost. >> So our SRO right now is just at the high school. Mr. Tobias is the ability to go districtwide. >> And we do have a SRO over at Mooney Elementary and we have one at the high school.
068We do not have one at the middle school >> which is an area >> that you know we certainly would like to have. We're working with some the UP village right now on this but right now that's another area that Mr. Tobias could cover on call if if necessary. So, >> does part of the uniform include a bulletproof vest? >> I believe the police the SRO's do they wear bulletproof vest? >> I meant for the director of safety and security. >> It's I do own as part of my uniform law enforcement outside of this position. That's a great question in terms of the open hearing for probably have to be considered at some point if not for special events if I'm working our games and different dances and stuff. um during the school day probably
069something I carry in my vehicle as needed or or have already office but I don't know if it's completely tactical that people would be ready for my position but I think it's something that needs to be considered if you're ready to respond to something probably more proper tools just as anybody else >> you do have one from your own I mean well I guess most have to buy their own anyway I don't think you have to buy your own. I think you supply with one and then you buy it there after you >> buy your own, right? >> You get they give you one. >> Yeah, >> sure. >> But some villages don't vote. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Well, I can certainly research these questions and it sounds like we're not voting tonight anyway. So,
070we'll come back again. >> Any other board member have any further questions and given another thought? Uh, Mr. Tobias is it how and and Dr. Car will another month hurt the process? >> No, absolutely not. >> Cool. All right. So, Jamie, you okay with that? Just give me your questions. Anybody else question? Because I think as we talked a little bit, some other thoughts came in my head. I want to forward those questions. >> Okay. >> Too. >> Okay. Thank you. I appreciate I know we hashed it out. We was a little long on that, but I think it's worth the conversation, get all clarity and answers, questions answered and so on because this is not an easy decision that the board, you know, we're talking about new territory that we are embarking upon. So,
071thank you. Thank you, Mr. Tobias. And I I hope you understand where we are with this. >> I want people to feel confident and comfortable and go Excellent. Thank you, chief, on on the behalf for you coming and supporting. >> Yeah. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. All right. So, Dr. Cara, continue on with six number B. >> Okay. >> Uh the next item in here is and uh Jason will assist as well. Discussion of retiring Mooney TIFF and the sale of Mooney Education Center. So that's kind of a twofur, I guess. >> Okay. >> Um Jason, do you want to talk a little bit about the um discussion of the retirement of Mooney Tiff? >> Yes. I've been in uh communication with our council. Mr. Doh is here tonight in this to speak to
072this uh in order to capture the EAV on our 2025 levy from the expiration of uh TIFF 3 and Mon. That ordinance need to be needs to be passed by the village by November. well be need to be filed with Will County by uh November 1st. So that just gives us a timeline as to when that information needs to be filed with the county so we can capture that EAV on our 2025 levy. >> I know we went around the block a few times with UP as far as getting that tiff five expired and all of that. What is the ramifications if Mo'Nique decided not to expire TIFF 3 in the time is designated to expire by law? Is there any ramifications to your knowledge? >> To my knowledge, it would it would go to
0732026 levy, but I'll let Mr. Door speak to that. >> Okay. >> Yes, that's correct. Hold the Hold it down for three seconds. Okay. Um, yes, that's correct. >> Is this working? >> Um, yes, that's correct. So, the U I don't know if this one's on as well. >> Yeah, I don't think that changed. I think it made it lower. >> U, so correct. We there's no ability to compel the ordinance to be filed. Um it's something that uh they will need to file and once they do then um before November 1st ideally significant. >> Is it an ordinance or is it a statute? Is it a Illinois statute that said that they have to expire the tiff if they're not seeking an extension that they have to do it within this time frame. >>
074Right? So, the statute provides for the time frame the 23-year life of the TIFF. And then once the TIF expires, which is where it's at right now, there should be a resolution ordinance filed to uh officially end the TIF. If that's done by October 31st, then there would be a distribution in the >> But I'm hearing I'm hearing I'm sorry, but I'm hearing if so, and you know, we've been in this position quite often and we struggle. I I just need to know a go no go. So you're saying that Mon if they decided that they do not want to expire the tiff, they can do so. So I they can do so. >> Well, >> can they do so? >> I I just need to know be certain as a board. >> I mean,
075the issue is will the will the county act without a resolution expiring the TIFF or ending the TIFF? And and they will not. That's been our conversations with I think Jason, that's been your conversations. meaning they were not I'm sorry they will not act the county will not step in and say hey >> correct >> really >> correct that's >> well how long can they do this >> yeah that's my point >> under the statute again it should be expiring after the 23-year period unless there's an extension there is no extension in this place there's no uh justification for continuation of it but in speaking with Jason my understanding and our understanding is that they have not yet >> so when what year is the 23rd year 26 27 what year? >> 25. >> Uh
076yes. So it would be expiring now. >> Okay. So So say it expires now and they don't do what they need to do. At what point are we able to recoup at least what we're supposed to get and are we? >> We can't do that. >> It sound like until it's expired until late. >> Well, he's saying it's expired. >> Yeah. But until lei declared expired on the books of 23 years and again it depends on when they start. >> So you guys are talking things here like they have an obligation to to pass the ordinance like Mr. Dohy is saying >> now as you all well know sometimes agencies don't do what they're supposed to do. um that will empower us to go into court and file certain types of lawsuits against but that's
077what probably what would be required if they were just we're not going to do whatever and the county says well until you get the resolution we're not going to change the tax that's basically what we'd have to do and there would be a separate fight about whether we could argue that the delay caused us damages and whether we could recover it. That's a much more complicated cause of action. But the first cause of action is it's a pretty straight up like mandamus claim saying you have an obligation to do X. You don't have any discretion and you didn't do it and dear judge enter an order forcing them to do it. >> So the judge will make them do a yes or a no. >> It it'll No, he'll force them to just take the
078ministerial act of essentially passing the resolution recognizing the fact that the TIFF is expired. >> Yeah. Right. So they're going to have to do it one way or another if they don't extend it. >> Correct. Yeah. >> Just a matter of time. And I I I think the whole thing is with this as a board and as a district and our business, you know, we're expecting we got we have known expenditures and we fight for revenues and it's hard to budget for paying off our expenditures when all of these unknowns. The book said that this t should expire on this date. That should be sufficient for us to move forward and say, you know what, we expect revenues to come in during this time frame. But villages that procrastinate or for whatever reason chose not
079to take action to expire that tiff during that time, it makes it so challenging for us to count on those revenues to offset our expenditures. That's that's what I'm hearing here. I think it is. You can speak more on it, uh, Brian or our council, Jim, on this, but I I just don't feel good about this tiff expiring. So, >> or it expired. >> Have Have you all spoken to Monique about the T and what are they saying? >> Yeah, we uh we attended a followup to the joint review board meeting, I believe, was scheduled for July 27th. We attended that last uh Friday, Brian and I. Uh when I uh walked in, I was greeted by the finance manager for the village. He prepared a spreadsheet showing all the pins and properties that are
080located in TIFF 3 um and what each taxing body would benefit financially from them filing the paperwork for TIFF 3. I asked him, you know, when do you plan on filing the ordinance to dissolve TIFF 3? And he said he hopes by October 31st. I followed that up with a question, since it's in your hands, what are you hoping for? And that led into a bigger discussion about uh moving one property from TIFF 3, which has relatively low EAP, I believe it's only $22, to tiff 5, and also four properties in TIFF four to tiff five. So kind of led me to believe under discussion that they would like to have that issue resolved whether or not they can add these properties to tiff 5 before they take action on the ordinance from tiff. >>
081So I think it's a bigger it's a bigger question and I think when we discussed it before they're trying to move properties in tiff three and four into five um and then they're they're in I think their understanding is they're going to close it out but they're trying to get all of this together first. Do we know that's going to happen? I guess that's the question. If they don't do it by nove October 31st, then what? >> That's I think what we're what we're trying to understand because it's not about the monetary value of what surplus is in there. We're looking at the EAV value >> to help us at that point. So, >> but we need to know and they don't know yet, I guess, is is if my understanding is they don't know
082>> because they're trying to get stuff moved around. But what what my question again is what is it that they do not know at this point? I know about moving things out of tiff three into four and five and all of that juggling there but the fact of the matter still remains that the tiff expired. It's either they want to extend the tiff which they haven't showed that >> right >> or it expired. So right now on the books it expired but they have a time frame. So they're probably using every minute of their time frame. They it's >> which is which is October November. Right. Right. So they there should not be any wavering or vacasillating predicated on that. >> It's expired. And so that should be something definitive for us that we can
083say okay that tiff expired. And all Mooney has to do is present a resolution to their board and it gets to the county. And now we know for certain we can expect whatever that EAV value comes on the books for us. In this case, we're talking about a little bit over a million bucks, you know, and we can better address our budget. So, I'm sorry, Brian, you finish your presentation. >> No, he I have no point before he goes. Okay. Yeah. So the other thing that was bundled in this uh discussion item was the sale of Mooney Education Center. As you know, we've not made any decision as a board um on what to do moving forward. Um as of today, I did receive a written um letter of interest from someone within the community
084of uh Mooney, I believe, that is interested in the property and uh would like us to consider that. So clearly we would need to ask the board what they would like to do with it, whether they want to go out to bid again. We have Mooney Village that's interested as well as we know. So I think we need to talk about what does the board want to do at this point. >> Do we talk about that right now? >> Yeah, I think you know we want to talk >> if we have an interested party. I think we open it up for bid. We've done it twice. The village has bid twice >> right at this point. Yeah, I I it depends. I don't know what the offer is and >> we would have to go
085out for the bid. >> We'd set the We would set it again like we did. >> I don't know. So, we have to ask council if you know cuz at one point we were looking to negotiate the property without bidding. And I thought at that time that the only thing that was required was for us when we had property, governmental property that we ex have had to extend it to the public at large to have an opportunity to obtain that property. And then we came up I think bill council came up with a document I believe it was called transfer of property or something where we can negotiate >> with a governmental entity. So, >> you're talking about two separate statutes, right? Yeah. So, if you're selling it to a governmental entity, you don't have
086to do the whole bidding process. If you're selling it to a non-governmental entity, you have to go through the bidding process and you can set the minimum price um and then see what you get back and then once you have somebody you accept, you can you can negotiate. >> Okay. Is that just a government entity or does that include nonprofit organizations? It has to be governmental. >> Okay. And that's where you don't have to send it. Correct. If you had an agreement that you the board was comfortable with to to sell the property to the village of Modi, for example, whatever. >> Okay. >> Um, you don't need to need to go to bid to do that. >> Okay. Cool. Good understand. All right. >> So, I just need to find out from the direction
087of the board what their interest is at this point because I have someone in the community that >> Well, like like Bill said, um, put it back out. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> For 30 days. >> All right. Right. How long did we have it out? The first time, second time, 30 days. We already got it. We already got everything drafted up. Put it out. Put it out the same way. >> I mean, it's just it's just ask essentially just updating the dates and get the publication out. I believe it did have to be out for 30 days. >> Same value, guys. Same value. >> I don't think we changed it. >> We don't change it. 553. >> The uh the appraised value was 615 and we set the minimum floor was before. >> No,
088no, it's the same. >> First two times been the same. Is that I'm asking you is that the same appraised value as before? >> Um I have not obtained a new appraisal. Last time we went out for bid, we got a new appraisal on it, you know, cuz I think the old appraisal was from 2021 >> and it was 600. >> Yeah. 615,000 and the board established a minimum price of $553,500 which was reflective of 90% of the appraised value. >> Okay. >> Everybody feel comfortable going the same way? >> Just a question. presented >> when the um letter of interest is submitted. Do we have an idea if it's worth doing that? Because the letter of interest says I'm willing to offer X amount. >> I guess I'm trying to figure out does going
089to bid do anything if the if the offer was on the legal bill said yeah that's what council said we have to because it's not a government entity >> that presented this letter of intent. >> So that means that that we are not how can I put this? Did we get a bid anything from Monique saying that they >> a couple times? >> Okay. And one bid from the >> Are we allowed to say what they offer? Public. I believe >> it was lower than the minimum. >> Lower than the minimum. >> Much lower than the minimum. >> Okay. >> All right. Then I think the direction is that uh >> we put it back for the >> Mr. Will ahead and put that out for for bid. Get the paperwork. All right. Thank you.
090And I don't think any whatever letter of intent and whatever value you had that should not be shared with anybody. >> Correct. >> Yeah. >> All right. So I know I think we're ready for Brian. Brian's been waiting there. So he's going to be bringing us the discussion of the tenative budget of 26. Again, this is a draft based on the information we have at this point. Uh as the board recalls, we do the hearing uh September 30th, I believe, um to do to do the final budget. So this is a a sneak preview. So Brian, go ahead. >> So good evening everyone. My name is Brian Johnson, director of finance for the district. This is the tenative 2526 budget presentation. We're going to get a bit more in depth with things. So you might
091see some new slides compared to the regular presentation. And with that, we're just going to ask to please make note of any questions you might have and just save those till the end because there is a lot to cover. So, first we'll circle back to this slide later when we get back to the normal presentation, but we just wanted to show the historic three-year look back of our 2324 2425 and our tenative 2526 budgets. Just to remind everyone of the budgets we've had historically, we have amended the prior two years budgets due to fund balance transfers and sale of bonds, but this was our original budgets before those transactions. So we are showing a reduction in revenue compared to what we would have hoped for. We did get an increase in EAV from the University
092Park TIF. However, because we got that additional tax levy revenue, that did lower our state evidence-based front funding tier from tier one to tier two. So now we're it's just came out as reported. We're getting just less than $1 and a half million dollars below what we would have expected if we stayed in tier one. Also, the 2025 levy, we're only able to levy for an increase of 2.9% based on December 2024 CPI. We were at 3.4% last year. So, that is a half percent decrease. We're estimating a 25% decrease in our corporate personal property tax replacement. We did have ESR funds that we received in fiscal year 25 of just under $800,000. And those combined as a total reduction of just over $2.7 million of what we would have compared to last year's budget.
093We have worked on some efficiencies with the board and internally with the different departments. We reduced department and building budgets by 10 to 15%. Mostly that's supplies and materials. As everyone knows, we did go through a reorganization of personnel. We were able to decrease non- capitalized equipment by over 60% compared to last year. and Jason and his team did a great job on the transportation bids where we were originally looking at I believe a 22% projected increase but with their hard work we were able to knock that down to under 5% for the next two years for regular education 10% for special education the first year and then 4% the next two years and we did expedite some FY26 operating ating expenses to be paid in June so that we don't have to budget those
094in this current year. Additional factors to consider. Again, this is a tenative budget, so there are some things that aren't available yet, but we did run into an issue with being overlevied in our IMRF social security fund 50, which violated the Miller ratio statute, and we did have to pay a penalty for that. So to help avoid that issue in the future, we did move our fund 50 IMRF levy revenues to the ED fund for this year so that we can spend down our fund 50 fund balance. So then we won't run into that issue and we'll avoid those types of fees moving forward. With the change in federal administration and the different impacts of some of those legislative changes, we're not sure where we will land with our community eligibility provision program for free
095and reduced lunch. This may require us to go back to charging lunch for some students, not being reimbursed for those expenses. And then as of the time of this presentation, there's still some question marks with federal grants, mostly title two funds, which is around $400,000 that we received last year. So, we can't budget for that until we know if that's going to be funded and what our funding allocation will be. There are some positives. We're looking at the IMRF, Social Security, and EBF adjustments as positive. So at least we can have these conversations early, get everyone on the same page, and continue to work through our efficiency plan to help meet our goals, serve our community, and limit any impact of those funding shortfalls. Again, just to reiterate the great job of Jason's team with
096these transportation bids. And we did also this year step up our invoicing for cost sharing for Mckin Vento students. Um the business team, transportation and registration all worked together and we brought in I believe $160,000 of new revenue that we have not previously. So every little bit helps and the team's done a great job there. the expiration of TIFF 3. Again, until the inks dry on that, we don't know. So, we can't budget for that in this current presentation. That EAV would help us with our revenues. This next slide is a historic look back. The red bars at the bottom are our cash page cash basis original budgets for the operating funds that were approved from fiscal year 20 through the tenative budget this year, fiscal year 26. And then the blue bars on the
097top are our budget surpluses that we have had on our audited financials. There are some differences between we budget the red at a cash basis. The blue is an acrruel basis. Don't want to get into the weeds explaining those differences, but you will see the arrows pointing to fiscal years 21 and 22. We did have those large surpluses and that's mostly due to the SSR funds that we received. This next slide was presented in March just showing if the current trends continue our revenue to expenditure shortfall where FY25 we did have a small surplus. FY26 we are showing a slight deficit and then that deficit grows fiscal year 27 and 28. However, the loss of tier one funding was originally projected to be an FY25. So, that did change things a little bit since March.
098We were hoping that the increase from the UP tiff 5 wouldn't be such an impact that we would see that drop in tier this early, but unfortunately that is the case right now. And then now this will go through the regular budget presentation that you're used to seeing and you'll see that budget slide again that we touched on earlier. So just as an introduction, the annual budget process is meant to meet the financial goals of the district. The board of education can amend the budget from time to time through the same procedures as we're going through for the original budget. We have to post notice of the budget hearing and availability of the budget for public expens inspection prior to the budget hearing. We posted that in the tribune this past Friday. We'll be presenting
099at the committee of the whole in September. The budget is available for review in our office. If anyone would like to see that, we're happy to do so. We'll have to adopt the public meeting which will be at the regular September board meeting. Once adopted, we'll post the budget to the district website and submit the budget electronically to ISBY within 30 days of that budget adoption. Just some revenue expenditure definitions. Our sources of revenue, property tax as our main source of revenue for the district. We have other revenues that come through fees, donations, some small one-off local grants. State revenues, that's mostly our evidence-based funding. Federal revenue are our different grants that we're eligible to receive. Our types of expenditures, salaries, and benefits make up over 70% of the district expenses. Purchase services is anything
100we pay for where someone who's not an employee of the district provides a service. Supplies and materials are any physical goods we purchase and receive that are below $500 individually. Capital outlays are large buildings and grounds projects are new high school stadium is a good example there. Other objects are just items that don't really fit in any of the other categories. Non-c capitalized equipment are any individual items in between $500 and $5,000 that we don't need to worry about depreciating. Termination benefits are solely for payments made for terminated or retiring employees. Our tax levy is the amount the district needs for property taxes in order to meet our financial needs. We levy in December every year. Our tax extension is the process that the county clerk goes through to calculate what we're allowed to actually
101receive. And then our debt limit. As of June 30th, 2024, the district's long-term debt liability was just over $125 million with an outstanding bond principle of $96 million. This will be updated by the next presentation. We're just working through some things with our auditors to make sure those those numbers are solid for June 30th, 2025. Now we're looking at our revenues and expenditures of all funds. Again, the historic look back from 2324 2425. The yellow column is our tenative budget for 2526. You'll see some pretty large red numbers as deficits. As you'll recall, we have a lot of capital projects going on. We've sold bonds in prior years that are funding these projects and covering those deficits. They just don't show up on these reports because they were sold in prior years. And then again,
102our revenues and expenditures and our operating budget, we are tentatively projecting an operating budget deficit of just over $722,000. That's based on the factors previously discussed which we can answer any questions you have in a few moments. Next is just our fund balance as of June 30th, 2025 and our operating funds. The orange lateral line across the middle is our 180 days cash on hand goal. The gray line halfway between there and the bottom is our 90-day cash on hand board policy amounts. We did end the year about $8 million above that 180 days cash on hand goal. And then we always just include the business office goals for the year. Always our first goal is to complete our audit by October 15th. We can extend until December 15th for no penalty if we need
103to. We don't like doing that. So, we can get it out of the way. Our final fieldwork is ongoing. The auditors have already been on site. We should be in a good spot. We sent them most of the outstanding bigger items this week and it's just going back and forth cleaning up some final documentation, but we're in a good place there. A big goal for this year is to utilize the staff planning module and cumulative. When we rolled over, there was a lot of data cleanup needed from our old Skyward system to the new cumulative system. We're now at a point where Eric's team, Jason's team has done a great job with that data cleanup. So now we can start using more tools available to us to help with financial goals, benefits, salaries, and help
104with more accurate budgeting through um utilizing the full-time equivalents that we can use in that module. as always, operating within the financial parameters of our adopted budget to meet the board's goals and the district's goals. And then a repeat of last year as well is our facility plan and capital projects just to make sure we're getting all of these projects done on time and on budget, which again, Jason and his team are doing a great job there and everything should be on track. So, with that, we can open it up to any questions you might have. Just let me know if you would like to see any of the slides again, and I'm happy to show those as well. >> Does the um expiration of tip three in me have the ability to raise our
105tier again? So that would actually do the opposite >> or lower it. What? >> So we're just barely lowered into [Music] doing great with your local funds. We don't need to supplement that as much. We can take you down and then give that money to districts who don't have as much local revenue. So, an additional TIFF would further beef up our local revenue. So, the state would see that as us needing less evidence-based funding. >> Jason, you want to comment on this as well? >> Yeah. Um, I actually had a chance to take a look at the FY26 EPF u calculations and um it's p I don't want to say it's primarily based off, but a big factor is the adequacy target level that they created in evidence-based funding. Um, upon looking at the numbers,
106the difference between tier one and tier 2, tier one schools ranged from being very low all the way up to 75% of a ad adequacy target. We came in at 76 and that's what bumped us to tier two. I even looked at the column over and there's still some schools, some school districts that remained in tier one, their adequacy level target was like 75.6, 75.7. So, we just barely crossed over to tier two. might to go before we get to tier three. But I do want to emphasize that, you know, these numbers change just as EAVs change on a yearly basis. And, you know, they're reflective of all all the public school districts in the state of Illinois. So, the state of Illinois looks like looks at uh education funding similar to how we fund
107our school district. Everything comes out of one big pot. And then you have to