001to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you very much. Great to see all your faces here. Thank you very much. Must be a special night. And we have no discipline motions. So we will not need to uh have any motion for that. Um we do have the consent agenda and we have our agenda that we need to approve. There is uh an amendment to the consent agenda. We will u not be put on the minutes for the B C D and E. Correct. And we will take off. Let me go to item L of is it 4 L 4 L the student enrollment for May. Okay, those are off of the consent agenda. Everything else stand. So, do I have a motion to
002approve the consent agenda and the agenda? So, moved as amended. Thank you. Second. Have a motion in a second. Any questions on that? If not, roll call, please. Yes. Mrs. Yes. Mrs. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. You show me something just now. Show me. Show it. Oh, I have to do that. Got it. Show that when we get there. Show. Okay. It's choreographed this evening and we will have to do this properly. So, uh, okay. That should bring us to public comments. Brenda Brown. Thank you. You're welcome to the superintendent and the board. Good evening. Um here this evening um have a great concern. Not really to complain but a great concern. Um, I hear a lot about Northridge Middle School, about the fights. Um, and there are a lot of them there. My concern is
003we have children that are fighting. We have children that are coming to school with different issues, but at the same time, my concern, are we having the leadership at these schools to take care of these concerns? And the reason I'm saying this, I experienced last week a fight and a staff was injured, hurt, still hurt trying to break up or intervene in the fight to help the situation. And I'm sure this happens all the time since there's fights there all the time. But what I'd like to say is if you maybe the superintendent, I don't know if it's you or if the principal or who takes charge of this, you shouldn't have to have continued fights over and over. In your home, you rule your home and you keep it make sure these things don't
004happen. So why is this continued happening in the school? It goes to the leadership of the school building that principal and assistant principles I think can find ways to help resolve some of the issues with the fighting in school. I know it's the end of the school year and we're starting for a new year. Um hopefully in August and September whenever you go back. But um not to complain, it's just a great concern because I believe our Davville schools are better than this. And if the right leadership isn't there to take care of it, we need to get the right leadership in there to take care of these issues. And as I came in, I saw a sign on your door says be kind. And that's probably that that made me feel good that as
005I enter this building, we want to be kind to one another. And I think if the leadership maybe had a little more kindness, care, and compassion. And the reason I state this is because the one of the persons that was injured has not heard from anybody. Well, she did hear from a few of the staff at the school to see how she's doing. No one's called to say, "Are you okay? Are you dead? are you alive? Uh how you know were you really injured or what happened to you? And I think being kind, caring, and compassion goes a long way when you're the leader, whether you're a principal, whether it's uh director of a hospital or whoever or wherever. So I just want to just ask this board as you prepare for the school next
006year to look at who you have in leadership especially at this school to help improve and resolve some of these issues with the fighting. It's not always the the kids sometime it's the leadership and I and sincerely ask you to look into this and hopefully this uh next school year the 26 25 26 school year will be a much better year. Thank you. Lori Gr. Good evening board and Mr. Hart. I'm Lori Grant. I'm the AVID coach and EL teacher at Mark Deon in Meat Park. Um, I'm here tonight to show off our AVID college and career day that we had last Friday. Um, thank you Miss Howerin, Mr. Hart, Mrs. Paps. A lot of people came out to share in our event with us. We had close to 2022 presenters. Um, some of which
007are in our room tonight, which is awesome. Um, this was probably, I think, my seventh time hosting this event, and I think it gets better and better every year, honestly. Um, and I had to pray to the weather gods that we had no rain because last week was awfully wet. And so, thank goodness we got the all clear from our balloon friends and Thursday afternoon. And I was like, we're set. We're good to go. So, um, I just wanted to come tonight and show you a few of the presenters and pictures from our event. And I wanted to give a public thank you to all of our presenters that did join us that day. And I wanted to thank my admin, um, Mr. Deoyer and Miss Solers for letting me kind of just take it
008on and do what I want with the day. So, they put all their trust in me and I'm very grateful. And thank you again to my staff as well because they put up with a lot that day. So, here are our presenters that we had that day. Um, I have a few names missing. The cargi was actually a parent. Towing came. She called me the day before and said her son was so excited that we were having a career day and wanted his mom to bring her tow truck. And so she last minute made arrangements and she came and joined our touch a truck outside which was really awesome. And we of course had our DHS AVID students which was fun for our staff and the kids. The staff got to see their previous students
009which is always fun. And this was like a family affair this year. So I had my husband uh Gary Grant there with Republic Services. We had um Morgan Murphy, her uncle was there with our the hot air balloon. We had um Ryan Eisenhower, who is Charlie, Mrs. Eisenhower's husband as well. We had um I'm going to say his name wrong, but um our social worker, Miss Heg, her dad was there from the Champagne Fire Department as well. So, it was kind of fun to have um everyone's family involved as well this year. We couldn't do it without everyone. So, here's just a few pictures from the day. Um, we had probably over 600 kids mulling about the building at some point in the day. So, it was busy and it was loud and it was
010a lot of fun. Though, the big blue truck is always a hit. Eastern brought a bunch of swag with them for all the teachers that had gone to Eastern, which is always exciting as well. This is Jenny Zone. They're new from the U of I. They've created an interactive worksheet um app. And so they were coming to kind of show it to the kids and get them excited about it. Lake View College of Nursing brought some students and got the kids involved on what it might look like. Rob Whitell, a local author, came and he spoke at both schools to a bunch of our students about how he wrote his book and all the things about it. This was Miss Eisenhower's husband, Ryan. He is new with Huntress Cyber Security, so he got to talk
011to the kids about what he gets to do each day. Robinson Chiropractic. She is a staple presenter at each event. The Danville PD brought their big um truck, SWAT truck, and that was always fun for the kids to climb in and through and whatnot. So, they were having a great time. Danville Mass Transit joined us as well. the hot air balloon. Every time they hit the flames, it makes a whoosh sound and every kid went every single time as if they didn't hear it when they were like one station over. So, it was fun. Um Reggie Floyd was a ghs student, Danville native, and he joined us all the way from Indiana to come back. Um which was really fun. I know Miss Bassy's helped me um get him, and he's excited to come back
012next year as well. Amron, Illinois came. They brought their I don't know their equipment and I'm not sure what that's called, but um and their bucket and they went up and down in the bucket multiple times. Um and at the end you'll get to see who else got to go up in that bucket. Um we had another author um Melvin the butterfly got to come and join our students and she donated books to our school library. Mr. Syc, if you're watching, I don't know where the camera is. Mr. Simac is my go-to guy on college and career day. Well, almost every day. It never fails that a presenter is sick or something comes up and it leaves a gap in our schedule. And when you've scheduled for 700 kids, that gap is huge. And he
013is willing to jump in. One year he did construction, one year he built a guitar. This year he built a ukulele. And he sang songs to the kids and showed them how to build it and work it. Okay. This is our parent. you like 30 seconds. ATA came back and got all of our kids going, the ghs Abbott students. Thank you. Oh, no, my video. Oh, there it is. And then I got to go up in the Amron bucket and take a bird's eye view of our event. I don't know if it's going to Is it going to work here? Oh, come on. No. No. Okay. Well, I don't know. It's okay. So, anyways, I got to go up in the bucket as well. very high up in the air and it was awesome. So
014again, thank you to those who attended and thank you for giving me your time tonight. I appreciate it. Thank you. It's okay. It's just me up in the air. Good job, Matt. Um, good evening board. M Mr. Hart. Um, I just wanted to say um or acknowledge a little bit of our operations department which consists of the custodians. And um I couldn't get second shift here so I had to go with the the day shift guys. So um so uh first of all um I want to thank all the custodians um for accepting me as their uh supervisor um and adapting to changes along the way. Uh confidence in me has been very encouraging and knowing that um we can fix any problem together. Um, also a little bit more here. Um, so our custo
015custodians play a vital role in schools. Um, often working behind the scenes to ensure a clean, safe and welcoming environment for students, teachers, and staff. Their responsibilities go far beyond sweeping floors, emptying trash. They sanitize classrooms, maintain restrooms, repair equipment, and respond to emergencies with calm efficiency. Their dedication helps prevent illness, supports learning by creating orderly spaces and contributes to the overall well-being of the school community. Though their work is sometimes overlooked, custodians are essential members of the educational team and schools cannot function smoothly without their hard work and care. Um, I appreciate everything they do. I've been in this position now like two years and I've changed a few things and they've just went with it and so far everything has worked out better. Um, we still have bumps, but we're working on those,
016too. Um, I also want to, um, thank Seth. He's not here. Um, he had something come up, but for the confidence and support that he's given me to take leadership over the custodial staff. and um I appreciate um he always listens and the advice that he gives which has helped me out a lot. So um but I'm going to let these guys introduce theirel and what building they're at and if they want to say anything they can but I don't know if they will or not because I I kind of had to drag them to this. All right. Aaronbot, Fields, Jackson Building. Good to see y'all. Mike Robbins, Northeast. Tom White, Meat Park. I'm the one of the recipients for the 2025 Golden Rule Award. [Applause] Uh Brad Anderson, Danville High School. Uh, and I'll
017just say thank you to all my custodial staff because we're kind of our own zip code. So, Chris Kaiser, Northridge Middle School. Cameron Jackson, North Campus. John From Floater. Dustin Gilbert was at the high school. Newly transferred to the warehouse. Hi, I'm Lucas Schultz. I'm at the warehouse. Some of you probably see me a lot. I'm Desante Morris, South View. [Applause] So, uh, one one more quick thing. Uh each month I do shout outs to different custodians for something that stands out each month. Um that includes the warehouse which Lucas has done a great job since coming there. Uh Dustin is new. This is his first week there. So, um, but if anybody gets anything that they see and want to send a shout out in the newsletter, then you can email it to me
018or, uh, or Secretary Amy. Um, but thanks and that's all I got. [Applause] Patty Walton. Good evening. My name is Patty Walters. Um, I was here not terribly long ago and just a reminder that I'm a reader. Um, wanted to basically welcome new board members. Um, and I just congratulations to our recently elected board members and thanks to all of you who are new and continuing. When you take your oath of office at your first board meeting, you're entrusted with one of the most important jobs in your community. I and so many others ask that you do not leave all that has recently happened in the rearview mirror just yet. There are unanswered questions of waste, fraud, and abuse. You've inherited the responsibility to evaluate and investigate what happened over the last 12 months and
019prior at the administration at I'm sorry, at the administrative level and at the board level. Our tax dollars must be reserved for our students programs in the entire district. And we trust that you will be good stewards of our taxpayer dollars. As a school board member, you are responsible for educating all of the children in your district. It's not an easy task. The hours are long and the thanks are few, but the rewards are many. I recently read some tips for new board members, and one of them struck me as very relevant and read as follows. Expect to be the minority on board decisions once in a while and accept the majority decision grac graciously. That's the difference I'm looking forward to. That is what I will that will set this board apart from the
020previous board. Board votes should not be predictable and the majority should not always be the same. So I'm hopeful for what this day represents. Honesty, integrity, fiscal responsibility, accountability at all levels, transparency, healthy debate on important issues, informed decisions, and above all decisions in the best interest of each and every student. Again, I welcome the new board members and thank you all for serving. Thank you. [Applause] Mr. Don't try to corner. Uh hello board. I'm Mr. Boyd again. Uh here to see you. Uh we wanted to come back to talk to you about Skills USA and our visit to uh Skills USA state championship. Um it was an amazing event. Uh amazing two days. The students got to interact with so many employers. uh so many other motivated skilled trade students from other schools. Um
021and I I couldn't be more proud of the work they did. Uh this set of students, they they came there, they went, there was no expectation for them to to do anything but show up and they did so much more than that. They they put it all out there. They did some amazing great work. Uh I I couldn't be prouder. Uh and now they're chomping at the bit and ready to go and already turning their wheels um on what they're going to do next year. Uh I personally brought two woodworkers, uh Brady, who made uh custom pens for his display, woodworking talent display. Um they were wildly popular. Um, I would say that our two woodworking displays, we may not have won the judges, but we were definitely the people's champion because everyone there could
022not stop uh raving and just going on about how amazing um Brady and his pens were and Jesse and the the Sphinx. So, hold it up. hold you. Very good. And the pants. Let's see the Hold the Pens up high so we can see. Just go walk in front of me. Okay. Come over here. I want I want everybody to see them. We don't bite. Really? No, not too hard. Thank you. Oh, wow. They actually and Oh, wow. How cool is that? It's neat. Oh, that's Great wombat. Love it. Yeah, I know. That's awesome. Yeah, I can see why those are popular. Did you count them? Did you add Did you count them to make sure he got them all? He did lose one. He did have one that got Yeah, it might be one
023in my pocket. A gift for a new board. Let Mr. Warner talk about his welders and the wild success they had. Sure. Uh so we had one solo competitor that was Austin Brown and they built a birdhouse uh in various positions. A metal birdhouse is probably the worst version of a birdhouse you can make. It is heavy. But if you want to show them the birdhouse, you can do so. Uh Austin Austin did really well. He placed 22nd out of 45. So he placed in the top half. What kind of a tree? Austin Brown has one semester of welding experience before going to this competition. So placing in the top half of the state [Laughter] is pretty impressive. Nice. And then our weld fab team. We only had one member of the Wild Fab team
024here tonight. The other two are working. So dedicated in and out of school. Uh they built the fire pit that we brought in here so carefully and gently because it is also heavy and large. Um it is uh it is level. So that was something that not everybody achieved. Uh all the pieces are in the right places. We play 16 out of 17. Uh we got a little confused by some of the blueprints as far as where welds go, which falls on me because we didn't cover it well enough uh or at all. So they got about a 40-minute crash course on the way to the event on some welding symbols. Uh that's usually in my next year's curriculum. So they they kind of they got the short end of the stick on that one.
025But they did really well. They were super proud and happy. Uh Austin's least favorite word, but my favorite word is driven. Our group is driven. Uh they've been really good ambassadors for our programs and they've been good ambassadors for CTE. They were good ambassadors for Danville while they were there. Uh Skills USA currently is sitting at 34 registered members for next year. Uh which is about double what we had coming into this year. So we're hoping to get a few more to attend meetings. We got about 12 that attend meetings regularly. Uh but we're also, you know, they're athletes. they have work after school. So, uh we make some accommodations for some of that. But we are very proud of what these young men have done uh while they're in Poria and what they continue
026to do for Danville High School. All right. And the running gag continues. Poor Revan. I do really love you. I promise. Uh so Revan is so quiet. We often forget that Revan does things. So, Revan Revan placed uh 36th, I believe. I believe it's been a long time since I looked at the number. I believe 36th uh in the drafting area. It was a little different, a little difficult. Uh but he performed really well. He worked very hard on it. Um did you have anything more you wanted to add about the drafting? It's not my forte. It's basically just like blueprinting. So, it's like theater for four hours and you just like exactly what they tell you. It's very tricky, but he's like, "No, that was about it. Uh, that was good." Uh, is it
027a digital draft? So, it's like, uh, 3D modeling and blueprinting drafting. It's kind of odd and hard to explain and hard to show to, but it's just like dimensioning and yeah. So, okay, that was mine. Are you guys all juniors in I'm the only So, I thought you were a senior. Okay. So, you guys have one more year. Okay. Yeah. So, to maybe give some a little bit of clarity to what Revan was talking about, they gave him an object to design in a 3D modeling program. The 3D modeling program also allows them to then create it in the 2D space and dimension it and give it an actual blueprint that you would hand to somebody who's going to machine the part. Um, and it included some very technical parts of doing that. It wasn't
028just here paste this and measure it and do all that. He had to create the title block and put make sure the title block measurements were correct and it was a very technical challenge. Uh, which is why they call it technical drafting. So, he did a very good job. uh we learned so what we need to learn for next year to improve. Uh and I think that was a theme throughout is that we've we've set the bar now we've got to hit it. So that's very good for us. Good deal. Thank you. Thank you. Let's move the monstrosity back. Now move that thing out of here because we can't pick it up. It'll stay here forever. It's very solid. Yeah, it's very cool. That's very cool. Well done. Is that a fire pit? Is that
029a fire pit? It is. I think I saw that thing out in the parking lot. I was wondering what it you know what it was, what it was going to be. We have any more? Well, thank you. Okay, that brings us to item six, Board of Education Reorganization. Um, we have a recommendation to accept the election canvas results and the president reads, "The Vermilion County Clerk has canvased the April 1st, 2025 consolidated elections and declared the winners. From the completed abstract of votes transmitted to the board secretary, the board finds the following persons were elected to four-year terms as members of the board of education of Danville School District 118. Mr. Christopher Eastston, Darlene Howerin, Dr. Thomas Howerin, and Tony Town. May I have a motion to accept the canvas of the election? So moved.
030Second. Have a motion and a second. Any questions or comments? We're voting on the canvasing of the election. Roll call. Vote, please. Mrs. Yes. Mrs. Yes. Miss F. Yes. Mrs. Shider. Yes. Dr. Ashley. Yes. Motion passes. One, two, three, four, five. Zero. Uh, and thank you. We are now gone. So, uh, with that recognition of outgoing board members, which is Shannon and myself, is there anything you'd like to say? Yes, I thank you, Dr. Ashen. Um, I just want to say thank you to the Danville community for electing me twice um to serve. Um, eight years is a long time to do anything. Um, I'm grateful for almost all of it. Um, my children were at DHS when I first started as a board member and so it was really a blessing to be part
031of their graduations and um, I'm really excited to see that there are so many board members that have children in the district and I think that that will serve us well. Um, I have really loved getting to to know the administration and the staff um, being in the buildings. Um, last July I received a promotion that um, that with my work that caused me to be able I do a lot of traveling now and I didn't do that when I first was part of the board and so I knew at that point I would not be able to get into the buildings. I just couldn't the way that I wanted to. So I knew this would be my last term. I'm getting a little choked up here. I didn't expect that. Um, we did accomplish
032a great deal and and there's still so much work to be done as many people have said and and recognized to to have our district become the the the place that our community and our students and our families and our staff deserve it to be. Um, and I'm hopeful that um, the incoming board can build on some of the accomplishments. um things I would hope and I'm really excited if you could could move forward on things like um continue to expand on our alternative programs um expand on our preschool offerings um continuing to grow our amazing CTE which you just saw um that program is growing and growing um continuing to grow our own teachers and have the the that was something that Mrs. um Glattus Davis, it was her heart when she was a
033board member and I'm so glad that we were able to to get that started and I do hope it continues and to pro improve offerings for academically talented students and and I'm really um passionate about um getting every building in our district to really high safety standards. Um I hope that they those things can continue. Um there are really too many um people to acknowledge. um they you guys get the hook and get me out of here. Um but especially along that back row um the the administrators that um that are they're they're so behind the scenes you don't know you would recognize if they weren't doing their job. Um Mr. Truax um has basically he carries the world on his shoulders and um and would never ever he would never um take credit for
034it. um and the our principles, our staff. Um we have incredible people here in this district and um our community deserves to be very very proud. Um I am um this been the honor of a lifetime to be um to represent our community here for eight years. Thank you to Dr. Ashton for your leadership and to my colleagues. Um it's been great. And to the incoming board um especially Mr. Eastston, Mr. Town, Dr. Howerin, um, get ready. You're going to be great. I'm very excited for you and I'm excited for what's coming for District 118. Thank you. [Applause] So, um, thank you, Mr. Sher. Um, we appreciate that. We appreciate your service. Uh, the two, uh, Pastor Miller and Pastor and Elder Parks are not here this evening, so I'll be the last one to
035speak. And I'm not going to say too much because I've already said it before. Uh I I too want to reiterate what you said. There's just too many people to thank. Uh the administration, the teachers, the custodians, you know, every it takes everybody in this district to make it make it happen. Bus drivers, people ride on the bus. There's a lot of things that have to happen and you all do it and it's it's like a choreographed dance that you keep doing it day after day after day and for the most part it works out. there are hiccups because it's a big district and things happen and we we fix it. We recover and we try and learn from whatever happened for the future and that's what I hope the the board does go in
036the future learns from the past. I wish everybody the best of luck. Um I have to thank Mr. Pete Kra. I don't know if you remember Pete, but Pete Cranock was was my neighbor and he he lived next door. And I came home one day and I I forget where what our kids were in probably I had a gazelle. So, uh he uh yeah, Garfield or Northeast, they were in at different times. And I said, "Hey, Pete." I said, "How do I get someone to listen? I have I really have a problem. Why don't you run for the board?" I said, "Oh, come on, man. I said, "How do I?" He said, "Run for the board." He said, "Run for the board and then you know that then you get to say something about it."
037And I'm going, I didn't think that it was a really bright idea at the time, but I did. And I have to thank him for that because yes, it's a little bit of work. You know, I think you guys realize that, but um it was very rewarding and I thank him for the time for the 20 years that that I've been able to uh at least show up for meetings. We certainly do appreciate that all because of Pete uh rest in peace. So with that uh thank you everybody. Um it we've had a great time and yeah for the most part and uh uh it like I said it takes a village. So with that I think we need to vacate our seats because you're going to take over. Okay. But I have one thing
038to do before I'm done. One thing to do, Mr. Do you want [Applause] Doesn't Dr. public comments yet? Okay. So, we are on item D. No, we're on swearing in of newly elected board members. Um, with the four newly elected board members please come to the front for Circuit Judge Charles Hall to administer the oath of office. You have a copy form. You can pass one. It's a true honor and a pleasure for me to be here tonight and participate in this board meeting as a graduate of Davo High School. The district means a lot to me and I'm very proud of it. I'm proud to be a part of this. Now, we have you can follow along if you want. It's a little easier. This is a little longer than the normal oath. So,
039if you would raise your right hand, please. I state your name. Do you solemnly swear or affirm swear or affirm that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of member that I faithfully discharge the duties of the office of member of the board of ed education of Danville district 118 of the board of education school district 118 in accordance with the constitution of the United States inordance with the Constitution of the United States the Constitution of the State of Illinois the Constitution of the State of Illinois and the laws of the state of Illinois to the best of my ability to the best of my ability I further swear or affirm that I further swear or affirm that I shall respect taxpayer interests I shall shall respect taxpayer interests by serving serving as
040a faithful protector of the school district's assets. By serving as a faithful protector of the school district's assets, I shall encourage and respect I shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by my fellow board members. Free expression by my fellow board members and others who seek a hearing before the board and others who seek a hearing before the board. while respecting the privacy of students and employees. While respecting the privacy of students and employees. I shall recognize that a board member I shall recognize that a board member has no legal authority as an individual has no legal authority as an individual and that decisions can be made only by a majority vote of the public board meeting. and decision made only by majority vote at the public meeting. I shall abide by majority
041decisions of the board. I shall abide by majority decisions of the board while retaining the right to seek changes while retaining the right to seek changes and such decisions through ethical and constructive channels in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels. As part of the board of education, as part of the board of education, I shall accept the responsibility for my role I shall accept the responsibility for my role in the equitable and quality education of every student in the school district. Equitable and quality education of every student in the school district. I shall foster with the board. I shall shall foster with the board extensive participation of the community extensive participation of the community. Formulate goals. Formulate goals. Define outcomes. Define outcomes. And set the course for district 118. Set the course for district
042118. I shall assist in establishing a structure. I shall assist in establishing a structure and an environment designed to ensure all students and an environment designed to ensure all students have the opportunity to attain their maximum potential have the opportunity to attain their maximum potential through a sound organizational framework through a sound organizational framework I shall strive to ensure I shall strive to ensure a continuous assessment of student achievement continuous assessment of student achievement and all conditions affecting the education of our children all conditions affecting the education of our children in compliance with state law in compliance with state law I shall serve as education's key advocate I shall serve as education's key advocate on behalf of students in our community schools on behalf of students in our community schools to advance advance the vision
043for district 118. to advance the vision for district 118. I shall strive to work together with the district superintendent I shall shall strive to work together with the district superintendent to lead the school district toward fulfilling the vision the board has created to lead the school district toward fulfilling the vision the board has created. Fostering excellence for every student. Fostering excellence for every student. In the areas of academic skills in the areas of academic skills knowledge knowledge citizenship citizenship and personal development and and personal development [Applause] congratulations serving as a member of the school board is participating in probably the purest form of democracy we have in this country. It's a great honor and a great opportunity and I think we have four great additional members to a really good board that already exists. Good
044luck. I can do this. [Music] So, what's this? Mr. I'll be switching around. Do you want to hear? Yes. Okay. So, we have a new board of education and new officers must now be elected. It's my privilege to conduct the election for president of this board. It's been the tradition of Danville District 118 to elect officers to the board of education for two-year terms. Officers elected this evening will serve until the next election in April 2027. Officers to be elected include president, vice president, and secretary. It's my privilege to declare the office of president vacant and to entertain nominations for the office of president. I nominate Darlene Hollerin for the office of school board president. I second. It's been moved and seconded that Darlene Howerin be elected to the office of president of the board
045of education. Is there any discussion? Are there any other nominations? If there are no other nominations, I declare the nominations for the office of president closed. Roll call vote. Yes. Well, before before we vote, I want to say one thing if it's all right. Okay. Certainly. Um so if you look in our board policy board of education president as you mentioned two years um they have a lot of influence but they don't operate like executives like in government. Just wanted just to remind the public of what they do. They they focus according to our policy on what the board meeting agenda will be and what's appropriate for the agenda. Though two other board members can override that decision if they wanted to. I think that's important to know. They call special meetings. The board president
046does. Um but three board members can call a special meeting on their own as well. So they sign official documents. They represent the board um in the community on other boards which I know you're familiar with. They um they serve as the head of a public body, this body. And um I just think that this kind of uh position, it's important to have someone the community trusts. And Mrs. Hollerin has served as a board member for 12 years. And I know there were no other nominations, but I think it's important to say it anyway. Um, before serving on the board, she worked for the district, this district, and she's retired from working now. And as a board member, um, before, I can tell you working and being a board member is quite difficult. And, uh,
047so she is retired and has a lot of time to serve the district. Okay. And I think that's an important character that you're looking for in a board president. Um because board president and vice president require a lot of time um rational thought and uh Mrs. Hollerin has a lot of time and rational thought and she has my support for this office. Thank you. Roll call. Mr. East. Yes. Dr. How? Yes. Miss P? Yes. M. Yes. M. Yes. Mrs. Yes. Motion passes. 6. Thank you. It's fast. Boy, you go to job. You go to work right away. Next order of business is to elect a vice president for this board. I will now entertain nominations of for the office of vice president. I would like to nominate Kim Kley. Second. Nomination motion. Second by board
048members. It has been moved and seconded that Kim Kley be elected to the office of vice president of the board of education. Is there any discussion? Maybe I'll do what Chris did. Um I feel that Kim is a solid person and she is well equipped because she has worked in the district and she is um one to tell you exactly what is going on as far as the the general public what you need to know to understand why things are going the way they are. And I think that's very important and um I value that in her. So I would love for her to have a leadership role. Are there any other nominations for vice president? If there are no other nominations, I declare nominations for the office of vice president closed. Uh shall we
049shall have a roll call vote? Dr. Holler. Yes. Mr. East. Yes. Mrs. Yes. Yes. Mrs. Corley. Yes. M. Yes. Next order of business is to elect Oh, yes. Yes. Next order of business is to elect a secretary to the board of education. I will now enterain entertain nominations for the office of secretary. M Robinson. Second. Is there a second? I nominate Lisa Robinson as board secretary. I second motion and second by board members. It has been moved and seconded to that Lisha Robinson be elected to the office of secretary to the board of education. Any discussion? We don't want to lose her at all. Are there any other nominations for secretary? If there are no other nominations, I declare nominations for the office office of secretary closed. Roll call vote. Miss Robinson. Mr. East. Yes.
050Miss P? Yes. Miss Corley? Yes. Dr. Yes. Yes. Yes. [Applause] Yes. Oh, yes. Okay. So, um, it's this time of year after elections and we get the results and see the new board. Our next next item of business is to determine determine on what days board meetings will be held. Um, Miss Robinson has prepared two different um, calendars just based on conversations and those calendars are Wednesday calendars. Um, obviously that's where our board meetings are now and it's been discussed um at least by a few or mentioned by a few that Thursday may be a better day. So that's um really like for the board to discuss if somebody wants to make a motion on either Wednesday or Thursday. I have one motion to keep it on Wednesdays, but obviously we all input on that.
051Is there a second? Miss Payne on the second. Um, any discussion? We'll call the vote. Miss P? Yes. Mrs. Corley? Yes. Mrs. Town? Yes. Dr. Holler? Yes. Mr. East? Yes. Mrs. Holler? Yes. Motion passes 60. And now just um really anformational item. Um being on the board of education, you are mandated reporters. Um I think most of you have been mandated reporters in the past. Um but again, if um you suspect any abuse towards a child, you will be required to report. There is training that's required for anybody who holds a board position and Mr. Robinson will get that information to you all. Thank you. Yes. So, board comments. Board comments. Would you like to start, Miss Ping? Yes. I would like to make a few statements. Um, I congratulate our new board members and
052officers and look forward to working together with you. I have some comments to make tonight about this board moving forward. I spent a great deal of time and thought considering what to say tonight. I make these comments not only as a board member of just two years, but as a 35year district employee employee who served both as a teacher and a principal and who has attended well over a 100 board meetings. I have watched the district 118 school board at work for over 50 years. I feel that we as a board have an obligation to do better in fulfilling our responsibilities from what I have witnessed in the last year. I am committed to doing so in the future and hopes of hope that we will do it together. It is my hope that the
053new board will strongly support transparency and open discussion of the issues that we face and in public. I am not talking about issues by statute that are to be discussed in close session. In the past, I have asked questions or wish to discuss a matter but have not received an answer or been told that four members already support a particular proposal. All members need access to all information in a timely manner to do to appropriately consider, deliberate, and decide on the matters brought before us. We may not all agree of course but open transparent discussion decision making is not just our responsibility but our duty. I received the packet for this board meeting Monday, two days before. It is true that the agenda only needs to be posted to the public 48 hours in advance.
054However, the meeting packets sometimes have hundreds of pages of reading. I know that in the past board members received the packets on Friday to read and fully digest the agenda issues. We need that time to better review the agenda items. I must mention that there have been occasions when a new administrator is recommended for employment. Yet, I had not been aware of the recommendation until it came to the meeting. Maybe other board members were aware. I don't know. It It's not the board's place to micromanage. Yet, I know that when I was working, the board was informed of finalists for important positions earlier than the night of the meeting for discussion and possible input. Mr. Hart is doing a very good job as our interim superintendent since late February. I certainly hope that we have
055or will adjust his salary due to his extra responsibilities. If this if his salary has been adjusted, I am not aware of this. If his salary has not been adjusted, why not? At September 11,24 board meeting, we approved the annual certified salary and benefits report to the state for the previous school year in compliance of state law. I noted that the superintendent salary was listed for that year at $274,000 with the retirement enhancement at $35,000 and another $27,000 for other benefits. In my time on the board, I do not remember ever approving the salary of this superintendent or that of any administrators. When I was a principal, the board approved the administrator's salaries as an agenda item. Once approved, we were then offered a contract to sign. Even if the administrators were given the same
056percentage increase as the teachers, that recommendation should be approved approved by the board as an agenda item. When I was working, sometimes very crucial issues were on the agenda at least twice. Let me give you an example. The multi-million dollar transportation contract. Before the bids were let, I remember the superintendent having an agenda item to inform the board and see if they had any input or questions. Then at a sub subsequent meeting, the bids were the bids received were discussed and then a decision was made. Not like this year when a recommendation appeared. previous board input and discussion such as concerning any problems that the district may have or may be experiencing. We propo we postponed the decision two meetings ago after several concerns were expressed including a public comment that first student offered Randle
057a contract at a 12% increase while ours in Danville at a 30% increase. I don't know if that statement is correct, but at the next meeting that comment was not addressed. Was it accurate? The same recommendation was simply put forward again. As we know at the last meeting, the vote to approve the transportation contract failed two to two. A wellinformed involved board makes better decisions. It also seems very late in the school year for such a big contract to be put up for bid. We knew that the contract was coming up in June. Why was it not put out to bid sooner? The audit was presented last month. I don't know about the rest of you, but I was very surprised about the district's rating on the state financial report card, a designation, which is
058determined by a formula, including five school financial factors. The state ratings are recognition which is the highest, review the second highest, early warning next to the lowest, and watch being the very lowest. There 18 is in the early warning status next to the lowest rating with only 77 days of cash on hand. I went back and I checked the records. Damition 118 had not an early warning rating since 2006. That's almost 19 years ago. In 2015, when Dr. Get it started, our financial rating was at the highest level recognition with the 149 days of cash on hand. It was discussed that the cost of the capital projects probably affected our rating this year. But if I recall correctly, a few years before the last superintendent retired, similar capital projects have recently incurred with the complete
059renovation of South View, East Park, and Northridge. But now we have just half the number of days of cash on hand as we had in 2015. Since 2015, our enrollment has dropped from 6,000 to less than 5,000. Yet the state report card indicates the number of district administrators increase from 25 in 2015 to 39.5 in 2024. Can this be correct? I hope that this board makes projections of our estimated costs for several for the next several years as compared to our estimated revenues to plan and guide our decisions. We need to be very aware of our financial situation. I have the impression that we were doing very well and very strong in this area. However, the state designation of early warning tells me that we need to be very diligent indeed in our oversight of
060our spending. I was surprised to find out by my auditor at our last meeting that an employee charged a personal expense to the district credit card. I'm sure that it was appropriately taken care of and perhaps it may have occurred accidentally. Again, I don't know, but since the auditor thought it was important enough to include it in her report, I believe that we should have been informed earlier. Some of the board members knew of this beforehand. Maybe I did not. Most importantly, and very dear to my heart, academics. Checking the most recent state report card, only 15% of our students are meeting the standards in language arts compared to a state average of 41%. Only 15%. In mathematics, our rate is only 7% meeting. compared to the state average of 28%. Only 7%. Can this
061be true? How did this happen? Looking at individual schools, one of our schools only had 4% of the students meeting standards of math. I'm very troubled by that. I firmly believe that we have an excellent staff and a student body of great potential. I cannot imagine where we would be without them. There are indeed wonderful things going on every day in our district. Let me say that again. There are wonderful things going on in our district. However, we have approved millions of dollars to fund various programs, materials, professional development, and curricula that have been proposed at our meetings. It does it does appear that some of the investments have not paid off. I would welcome more presentation and discussions of our students achievement, their strengths and needs and how to improve their learning. I would
062also welcome periodic evaluation of the initiatives in which we have invested. This should be the focus of our board meetings. If new programs and staff development ideas do not yield positive results, this should be evident in the evaluation. I have seen very little program evaluation the last two years I've been on the board. The board of education role is not to be involved in the day-to-day running of the school district, but neither is it to be simply a rubber stamp without being fully informed. I have heard that some of the students from Mark Denman Elementary are going to be moved to South West Elementary. I wasn't aware of that. Maybe it's true, maybe it's not. We have a new beginning with new leadership with an in interim superintendent as well as a newly constituted board
063of education. An opportunity to better fulfill our duty with this new board being seated tonight. We know our duties. They include setting policy, setting district goals, guaranteeing effective program evaluation, ensuring safe and positive working conditions for students and staff in the light of the inappropriate behaviors of some of our students. This is what we need to focus on. As well as serving as a watchdog for the district's finances, we must also represent the taxpayers. select the very best superintendent in the months to come and ensure our students receive the best overall education so they are well prepared for the workforce and our higher education. I offer these thoughts with the best of intentions and with hope that we can better fulfill our role as board members of Danville District 118. I look forward to working
064with my fellow board members and Mr. heart in doing just that. Thank you, [Applause] Mrs. Town, please. Okay, after that, I think maybe we have we can put you over there, too. You are doing a great job. Thank you. Um it's very um refreshing to hear that coming from the board. Um I've been on the other side and I have felt so frustrated. I just felt like there was um things that could be better. So, I guess that's why I'm here. And I think that with the view and the research that Mrs. Miss Payne has done. Um, I feel like it probably represents what we all feel that we want to work together. We want to improve. We don't want to have secrets. And we are here for you. We are here for the kids.
065We're here for the district. We're here for the students. Um, the taxpayers. Um, I do not have anything written out, but I this is all coming from my heart. And yes, um I feel like a fresh start is here and I'm happy to be a part of it and thank you for electing me to this position, [Applause] Mr. Eastston. Okay. Well, I just want to say thank you to everyone who voted for me uh to serve on the board of education. Um I'm honored to represent the district and I'm excited about what we can build together. Um, you mentioned test scores, Miss Payne, and uh, I know you agree with me that our responsibility as a community goes beyond raising test scores, though that absolutely must happen. In fact, they can't really go down. They're
066so low, which I don't say as a joke. I mean it like that's not good. It's not good at all. So, yeah. Uh, we do have a responsibility And we're here, I hope, to help the students discover their strengths, help them to grow and recognize what their purpose is, and help them reach, as as our uh motto says, their full potential. Uh they're not just learners, our students, but they are full human beings. They're people. um people who have deep roots in this community that are probably going to live here their whole life. Many of them deep roots that they proudly call Danville their home and it needs to be something that they're proud of. And uh right now, today and and in the future and uh I know uh I know the assignment. Um
067I'm ready to get to work and uh together I think we'll create a future where every student can thrive and uh I think if we can do what Miss Payne said that is a great reality for our future. So thank you [Applause] Dr. Howerin. Mrs. I echo the Thank you for It's better with the microphone on. Um I echo the uh the thanks to the people who elected us me to the board of education. Um I don't have any insights yet because I've been here 10 minutes, but but I do in a sense. So, I I just wanted to say just a little history to say why I'm here now. I think I grew up in a small town in Western New York State. And before I went to elementary school, which was a good
068long time ago, I'll guarantee. Both of my grandfathers were on the school board in that town at the same time. And much later than this, and there were controversial things then, like now, they weren't consolidating school districts then. And most everybody had a side and so forth. Anyway, much later I came across some board minutes for some of those early meetings and I was gratified to see that one of my grandfathers would have made the motion and the other one seconded it. And I say that to uh in part say that I think it's okay for family members to be on the board of education together. And you might notice from relationships that we have here that that's the case now. Um so when they read when they retired when they finally got off the
069board after decades my dad became board of education member president there for another 25 years or so. And now dog on it my wife did here. So, I think in part it's just probably my turn to uh to step up finally and at long last. Uh we've lived in Danville for 40 years. Uh 40 years this year and um we've had various insights, various contributions to the community uh in terms of community service. And I I view this as another opportunity to do that. And I'm happy to bring what I what I have to bring the talent to the to the table. Um, I've had many people ask me why I was crazy enough to do this. And my answer is this, that somebody has to do it, and it might as well be me.
070And so, I'm okay with it. I'm happy to be here. I'll promise to do my best wherever it takes us. So, thank you again, Mrs. Gorley. Um, I've talked to a lot of staff the last couple days and every one of them has asked me about tonight's meeting. What did I think? What did I feel? And today has been the strangest day for me. Just being transparent. I didn't even know what I felt. Um, right now relief. That is the one feeling that I have running through me right now is relief. I cannot wait to work with this board. I know we are going to work together as one unit. We are going to be transparent. We are going to communicate, which is what I have wanted all along. And I'm just so incredibly excited
071of what we can accomplish for this district. I can't wait to get to work. I have I have a lot of ideas. I have a lot of thoughts. I have a lot of goals. and I seriously cannot wait to get started on those. So, I'm just just incredibly excited. And all you teachers and staff, happy appreciation week. I cannot thank you guys enough. I just appreciate every one of you and I hope you know that you guys really are rock stars. So, thank you. Thank you. I first want to thank you for the confidence that you've invested in me. I appreciate it. Um, a quick thank you to the family members who are present. You too are making big sacrifices with your family members and please know how much we appreciate that. Um, I have
072a few promises from this new board and I think you've already heard um the path that we're going to be on and and it's good. It's really good. First, we will always put our kids first. They are why we are here. We will support our staff. We will be open to you and listen to you. We will be transparent, as you've heard, when we can, personnel issues aside. We will conduct ourselves with professionalism. We will take advantage of training opportunities to continue continue to strive to be better. And lastly, I promise to always try to do my best and conduct myself with integrity. That's all, Mr. Hart. Thank you, and thank you all and thank you for your service to the school district. Um, hearing your words are very encouraging me, encouraging to me. Um,
073I'm thrilled that you're excited about the school district as I am. So, I do appreciate that. Um, the shout out to district 118 staff, teachers, great job. This has been a a great week. Lots of excitement, lots of things going on in um every building. So, that's been fantastic. Um we um are still continuing continuing with activities every evening all day long. So it's been busy as you can see in some people's eyes. It's been um it's the month of May in education. So it's always a busy one. Uh last week we held the math challenge which is our first graders and we bring them to Danville High School and um present them with problems. They work with the high school math students and each year it's gotten a little bit bigger and a little
074bit bigger and this year was even a little bit bigger. So almost 100 students. We did invite the county schools in to that math challenge. A lot of reasons. Um, we like the competition, but we also like to show off our facilities, our staff, and what we have to offer in district 118. I was thrilled waiting on one more county school to join the join the fund, and that will put us over 100 students at the math challenge. This year, we were in the low 90s, so pretty impressive. Um, college and career day that was shared. That was fantastic. I did make it there. The kids were thrilled. Um, again, just shows you we're pushing towards um academics, what what's available out there, what our CTE um has to offer when the kids get to
075school or get to the high school. Uh, so again, just all those activities really trying to keep the kids engaged, our families engaged, and our staff engaged. So, I appreciate everyone out there and uh celebrate you this week. Yes. I'm sorry. May I interject one thing? I forgot to mention. No, I won't talk a long time, but Frank Williams, the head custodian for a number of years. Thank you. Will be turning 90 years old on the on Thursday, tomorrow. His wife and family are having an open house on Sunday, May 25th. And maybe we can put this on our district website. He was a very revered and very much thought of individual by not only staff but students as well and he will be 90 years old tomorrow. Thank you. And there is a celebration
076of Frank tomorrow at the custard cup and in celebration all scoops of ice cream I mean custard uh is will be 90 cents. And so he will be honored and so anybody can come by. He'll be there and the mayor will give a proclamation for Frank Williams Day. So what can you say what time that is? It's it's at 2 starts at 2. The proclamation will happen at 2:30. Yeah. 2:30 tomorrow. Mhm. Until 8, I think. So, but Frank will be there at 2:30. So, Mr. Har, I also I'm sorry. I meant to ask you if you could give just a brief update on the Northridge situation. I know we've been working on it. Sure. I would love to. Um so I believe it was about two and a half weeks ago the central office
077team of seven and um it's directors director of human why am I giving your title Mrs. Past um Mrs. Bailey Mrs. Truex Mrs. Hmel Mrs. Buntton who did I miss and Mr. Riceer and thank you and Mrs. Parker. So, we um came up with a plan and basically we just asked Northridge if they mind if we come in and we would do some observation. So, we spent six to seven days observing just what things could we change quickly um because it's the end of the school year. So, we knew that we couldn't take on anything very big, but we obviously know that things need to change. Um things need to improve at Northridge. So, we um broke down things as far as instruction, the environment, uh students in the hallway, and we we talked about
078rules being consistent. So, we met with we we divided our observations into things that administration could tackle and things that the staff could tackle. And so, we met with the administration Friday, last Friday. and um shared our observations, asked them to get back with us. What are three to five things that you can take on this school year and what are things that you need to put off for next school year and can plan over the summer with their um leadership team. So, we did the same thing with staff. So compiled their list, put it together. They narrowed it down to three to five items as well of things that they could control and be able to implement this school year and then what they would hold off till next school year. So the staff
079and the administration met today and they looked at their three to five things, really put them together and have committed to those items that they will implement this school year and then what they can do next year to um improve the the the climate, the culture of of Northridge. I'm very optimistic. We you know lots of feedback from the staff at Northridge. very appreciative and you know we started with some training today. So we trained home monitors, home interventionists um how to speak to kids without setting them off you know just keeping calm. Um, we talked about monitoring. They there's a five-star system which is a pass system and just it it's all digital and but the kids are in the hallway and it it sometimes takes time to search to see if they really
080have a hall pass. So wearing something visible and and again that was the high school um that implemented that and that's who came and trained the staff at Northridge today. So we had Mr. Vogle, Mr. Hoskins and Susie Wagner actually did some professional development as well. So, we know that we have three weeks left. Hopefully, we can get some of those um things in place, have a good end to the year, and then we can carry them over into next year. So, we'll work with them. Um there are some physical improvements that Mr. Trux started right away. We've have radios in each. I'm still I'm winging there you go of Northridge so they can access uh hall monitors the office if the need arises. So again it was what things could we put in place
081quickly that are high impact and I feel like we've accomplished that. So um I will still be there. I was there for part of the professional development today um but really felt like it need to be a conversation between Northridge administration and the staff. And so we kind of built the framework and or built the framework and and backed away. So very optimistic. I I look for improvements to come quickly. Thank you. I just I want the community to know that we are aware. I mean we are aware of the issues in North Bridge and we we don't take it lightly and we are working on a plan and I just want to make sure that you guys know that and I appreciate you asking. Thank you. And with that we are adjourned. Thank you.
082Oh man.