001Here please stand for pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Welcome everyone. Uh we'll start tonight's meeting. Uh there's no public comment. Number six on excuse me, number five on the agenda will be the adoption resolution clarifying results of the April 1st, 2025 election. Uh the resolution certifying the canvasing of April 1st, 2025 election returns for Los Alpu Township High School District 120 be resolved by the board of education with Salu Township High School District 120, Losale and Bureau counties, Illinois hereafter referred to as the board as follows. Whereas the board has accepted the canvas returns of the judges and election authority of the election held on Tuesday,
002April 1st, 2025. Whereas upon such canvas, it was found that the returns of set election showed the following number of votes were cast. All four-year terms. Christine Kzaniac Incorporated 4,672 votes. Gary Ferrari Incorporated, 4,697 votes. Sam V. Senovich Incorporated, 4,121 votes. And Carol Elorn, unincorporated, votes. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board as follows. that the returns of the judges in the election authority be approved and that Christine Kzaniac, Gary Ferrari, and Carol Elhorn be declared members of the board of education to a 4-year term. The resolution will be fully enforced upon the adoption adopted this 23rd day of April, 2025 by the following roll call of vote. Mr. Ferrari, yes. Mrs. Dian, yes. Mr. Yes. Dr. Lynch, yes. Mrs. Alfar, yes. Mr. PTO, yes. Mr. Yes. Congratulations. [Applause] At this time, we have
003the oath of office for newly elected members. Yep. So, Mrs. Re will provide you copies. You can come over here, Chris. Come on over. You're one of us now. It'll be here. Yeah. Stand in the middle. You dance. Uh, school board member oath of office. I I Gary Ferrari. do solemnly swear or affirm do solemnly swearly swear affirm will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of members of the board of education that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of member of the board of education or the board school directors of the south township high school 120 of the south Peru township high school district 120 in accordance with the constitution of the United States the constitution of the state of Illinois and the laws of the state of Illinois to the
004best of my ability In accordance with the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois, and the laws of the state of Illinois to the best of my ability, I further swear or affirm that I shall represent taxpayer interest by serving as a faithful protector of school district assets. I further swear that I shall respect taxpayer interest by serving as a faithful protector of the school district's assets. I shall encourage and respect free expression of opinion by my fellow uh board members and others who seek a hearing before the board while respecting the privacy of students and employees. I shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by my fellow board members and others who seek a hearing before the board while respecting the privacy of students and employees. I
005shall recognize that a board member has no legal authority as an individual and that decisions can be made only by majority vote at a public board meeting. I shall recognize that a board member has no legal authority as an individual and that decisions can be made only by a majority vote at a public board meeting. I shall abide by majority decisions of the board while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels. I shall abide by majority decisions of the board while retaining the right to seek changes in such decisions through ethical and constructive channels. As a part of the board of education or board of school board of directors as the case may be, I shall accept the responsibility for my role in equitable and quality education of
006every student in the school district. As part of the board of education, I shall expect the responsibility of my role in the equitable and quality education of every student in the school district. I shall foster with the board extensive participation in the community, formulate goals, define outcomes, and set the course for Lalru Township High School District 12. I shall foster with the board extensive participation of the community, formulate goals, define outcomes, and set the course for Lalu Township High School District 120. I shall assist in establishing a structure and environment designed to ensure all students have the opportunity to attain their maximum potential through a sound organizational frame framework. I shall assist in establishing a structure and an environmental environment design to ensure all students have the opportunity to attain their maximum potential through a
007sound organizational framework. I shall strive to ensure a continuous assessment of student achievement and all conditions affecting the education of our children in compliance with state law. I shall strive to ensure a continuous assessment of student achievement and all conditions affecting the education of our children in compliance with state law. I shall serve as an education's key advocate on behalf of students and our community schools or schools to to advance the vision of the South Township High School District 120. I shall serve as education's key advocate on behalf of students in our community school to advance the vision for Lasal Pro Township High School District 120. I shall strive to work together with the school district superintendent to lead the school district towards fulfilling the vision and the board has create the board has created
008and fostering excellence for every student in the areas of academic success, knowledge, citizenship, and personal development. I shall strive to work together with the district superintendent to lead the school district toward fulfilling the vision the board has created, fostering excellence for every student in the areas of academic skills, knowledge, citizenship, and personal development. Congratulations. [Applause] This is my pouty face. At this time, I would like to adjourn. Sign die. So, thank you, Mr. Berlin. Dr. Lynch, Mrs. Kazaniac, we welcome you to the board table. Your your name plate is is in we're in the process of getting it, so you'll have it in time for our next meeting. N Wonder how large that I know, right? He's born in a barn. Good. Okay. Uh would now like to ask the board for a motion uh
009to appoint uh me as the president prom. So moved. Is there a second? Mr. Tiani. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Alford. Yes. Mrs. Kania. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. I would like to ask for a motion to appoint Mrs. Jennifer Reva as secretary. Prom. So moved. Second. Roll call. Mrs. Zer. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Kazaniac. Yes. Mrs. Tiani. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mrs. Ree, would you please take a roll call of the board? Mr. Cetto? Yes. Mrs. Alpar? Yes. Mrs. Ganiac? Yes. Mrs. Taliani? Yes. Mr. Ferrari? Yes. Mr. Sarver? Yes. So, nominations are now in order for the office of presidents. Is there a nomination for board president? I would like to nominate Mr. Greg Sarver for board president. Thank you. Is there another nomination for board president? And
010I'll ask one last time. Are there any other nominations for board president? By acclamation, Mr. President, you've been reelected. Uh, Mr. Sorry, as president of the board. Thank you. At this time, I'd like to have nominations, if there are any, for vice president of the board. I'd like to nominate Mrs. Talani. Are there any other nominations for vice president of the board? One last time, are there any other nominations for vice president of the board? Two clock proclamation. Congratulations. Thank you, Mrs. Tiani, vice president of the school board. Thank you. [Applause] I need a motion to appoint Miss Jennifer Reeba, board of education secretary. So move. Second. Mrs. Alar. Yes. Mrs. Yes. Yes, Mrs. Fagia. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. A motion for appointment of Mrs. Lorie Whan, board of education treasurer. I
011didn't see that. Good catch. So move. Second. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. PT. Yes. Mrs. Al. Yes. Mr. Yes. Mrs. Tiani. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. They a motion for appointment of the Zakowski Law Office to District Legal Council. So moved. Second. Mrs. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Yes. Mrs. Alford. Yes. Mrs. Gania. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. Need a motion of appointment of Mrs. Jennifer Doze. IMRF authorized agent. So moved. Second. Mrs. Taliani. Yes. Mr. Cto. Yes. Mrs. Alford. Yes. Mrs. Kania. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. Motion appointment of Mrs. Kerry U. Milani. uh a county excuse me activity fund treasurer move second Mr. PTO yes Mrs. Alfar Mr. yes Mr. Mr. Ferrari yes okay Mr. Yes sorry that's a motion of appointment of the following uh district depositories as presented second Mrs. Yes. Mrs.
012H. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mr. Kania. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. A motion of approval for Lasell News Tribune as a designated newspaper for official publications. So move. Second. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Alfar. Yes. Mrs. Kania. Yes. Mrs. Tiani. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. A motion of approval of the 2025 2026 regular board of education meeting dates, times, and locations. So moved. Second. Mrs. Tiani, yes. Mrs. Alcor, yes. Mr. PTO, yes. Mrs. Cia, yes. Mr. Ferrari, yes. Mr. Sar, yes. I a motion of approval to readopt board of education policy manual. Second. Mr. Pett. Yes. Mrs. Saliani. Yes, Mrs. Alort. Yes, Mrs. Mr. Ferrari. Yes, Mr. Sar. Yes. All right. Under new business 9.1, I need a motion to adopt the proclamation recognizing retiring board members Matt Murba and Dr. Rosemary
013Lynch. After the reading of the proclamation, Southpru Township High School school district 120 proclamation. The South Township High School District 120 Board of Education is proud to honor Mr. Matt Murb upon his retirement from the board of education and whereas Mr. Murbath has been a devoted member of the board of education for the past five years dedicating countless hour volunteer hours and whereas Mr. Murbath has demonstrated sound and constant leadership while serving as a member of the board. And whereas Mr. Murbath has provided exceptional stewardship of the community's financial resources while serving as the chair of the financial committee. And whereas Mr. Murbath has supported the students and staff of LP through his decisions directly impacting the quality of life within the school. Now therefore be it resolved that Lasel Ponchup High School District 120
014Board of Education is hereby recognize Mr. Matt Murb for his enduring service and commitment to LP dated this 23rd day of April [Applause] 2025. Okay. Proclamation number two, Losalf Township High School District 120 proclamation. Lasaloo Township High School District 120 Board of Education is proud to honor Dr. Rosemary Lynch upon her retirement from the board of education. And whereas Dr. Lynch has been a devoted member of the board of education for the past 40 years, dedicating countless volunteer hours. And whereas Dr. Dr. Lynch has demonstrated sound and constant leadership while serving as a member of the board. And whereas Dr. Lynch has provided exceptional stewardship with serving as the president of the board from 1991 to 1994. And whereas Dr. Lynch has provided in incomparable guidance while serving as a chair of the programs committee.
015And whereas Dr. Dr. Lynch has supported the students and staff of LP their decisions directing directly impacting quality of life within the school. Now therefore, be it resolved the Lal Township High School District 120 Board of Education does hereby recognize Dr. Rosemary Lynch for her enduring service and commitment to LP dated this 23rd day of April 2025. And just as just as a footnote for Dr. Dr. Lynch, her tenure spanned from 1985 to this year, 2025, which is 40 years. And based on IASB records, Dr. Lynch is in the top 10 longest serving board members in state history. She was board president, like we said earlier, from 1991 to 1994. She's a highly c celebrated IVCC professor, long-standing president of the food pantry board, and strong advocate advancing females in math and STEM programs. Dr.
016Lynch, congratulations. Now, I need that motion. So move second. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mrs. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Al. Yes. Mrs. Mr. Z. Yes. And a motion for adjournment. So move. Second. Mrs. Yes. Mr. Mrs. Mr. Mr. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. Okay. We have some gifts. We have some gifts for you and we want you to take some photos. Okay, that's Rose. All right, Matt, would you like to come up? We have the historic gift. You have to open it here for us. Of course. Total embarrassment. Thank you. Can I open it real? What is it, Gary? Are you golfing? [Laughter] Thank you so much. Thank you. That's pretty awesome, Dr. Lynch. That looks Put that in your office. Yeah, right. Congratulations. It's not ticking. We're good. This is the pretty and
017my box is gold. Oh my goodness. Oh, you have got to see this because that's perfect. The porch is a legend. Porch is a legend. On my porch with my little dog. This is very well done. This is price. That's awesome. Isn't that something? I won't probably won't be able to mount it. Thank you so much. Wow. Is that cool? That is so cool. They're doing a picture. Rosie, I'm going to have to see that Sarra goes to more Cub games. Oh, he was he was at the game last year. I know. And they won. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Well, he went last year and they won all Yeah. He's an unwilling luck charm. Yeah, cuz he's a Dodgers fan, isn't he? He was He was rooting for the Dodgers. Okay, I'll talk fast. I don't
018believe you. Almost done by now. If you hear Oh, supposed to be early. like to call the order regular board of education meeting for Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025. Roll call, please. Mr. Mrs. Al, Mrs. Kazania, yes. Mrs. Taliani, here. Mr. Ferrari, here. Mr. Here. Um, please stand for the pledge of allegiance. Oh, perfect. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You are getting again. Welcome. Your oath. At this time, I'd like the members of the board of education to look over the regular minutes from the meeting of March 19th, 2025. If there no additions or corrections, are they a motion for approval? So moved. Second. Mr. Yes. Mr. Mr. Mr. Yes.
019Yes. Um tonight under recognitions and comments from visitors for recognitions. Uh we have Mrs. Lori Reese who is a administrative assistant in our attendance office. She was nominated by Miss Kate Lance and Mr. Jason Miller. Um they said that uh Mrs. Ree constantly demonstrates exceptional dedication, effectiveness in her current role, making her invaluable asset to our school. Uh Mrs. Ree is known for being unwavering reliable reliability and strong work ethic. Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy has significantly contributed to smooth operation of the attendance office. Mrs. Ree builds a welcoming, respectful atmosphere. Her patience and kindness makes her approachable to all and she's consistently treats everyone with the utmost respect. The Alpha Township High School undoubtedly benefits from having Mrs. Lori Ree as an appointed position in the attendance attendance program. Mrs. Reute
020the board. We'll start that end right there. Steve, do you want me to So very congratulations. You are invaluable. Oh, thank you. You're very welcome. Invaluable. Steve, do you want me to go over the finance committee? I was going to if you want to. I tell you who's not doing it. Yeah, I can do it. When I forget some When I forget something, you can jump in. You going to You're You're going to do it. I'll do it. Perfect. Do it. When he walked out, I was like, "Whoa, wait a minute. Yeah, we'll see." Yeah. I didn't think about that. I know. Until he walked out and I went, "Good, good cause." I was like, All right, keep throwing stuff away. Tonight under division spotlight, we have our mathematics division and we have Mrs. Katie
021Manhan is the teacher. And tonight's focus is going to be on the new software program called Alex. Miss Manhan and you can introduce your young student. Oh, this is Vika Basador. She has been my student for two years, just not this year. So, the last two years. Um, and she's actually I'm gonna throw out cavalcare here. She's actually my cavalare. Okay. Little menty. So, we have been working together quite a bit. Um, so Alex program, uh, the earlier this school year, we sat down with Dr. Gibson to try and find programs that would benefit some of our students. um filling gaps, practicing ACT. We didn't know ACT at the time, SAT, all of that. So, we have Alex here. Um currently, it is used in pre-alggebra 1, two, foundations, and essentials, which are our lowest
022level courses. Um one hour a week minimum. We can do more. this course or this program um can be used as a full course. It is used in colleges kind of sometimes for the entire course. I do know um Mrs. Curts, her son, for example, has an entire math course in Alex. I actually had a student from 10 years ago contact me because he went back to school and wanted help. Um and his his is an Alex and he had no idea what he was doing. We use it as a supplement. So, we get our hour hour and a half a week. um boosting where we can. Um I know in my classes and I am the foundations of math up there, we do 20 to 30 minutes two to three times a week to
023hit our hour whereas Vika does. What do you do? I do 12 minutes a day. 12 minutes every day for like a bell ringer type thing um in their class. So it varies. Um seven to 10 topics per week is the um preferred to try to hit your goal. Um Again, this is a program. Different courses are offered. So, my students are in a pre-alggebra course. Vika is in Do you know what you're in? I algebra, too. Well, not that course. I'm in. And Alex, do you know what course you're in? I didn't I didn't talk to you in this one before. I actually don't. She's in an RTI course, which is a little lower than my pre-alggebra course. Um, each course in the program has a different number of topics. So my students have
024324 topics to learn over the course of the year. Thus they say seven to 10 topics per week will get you where you need to be. Uh my kids we do closer to seven just because of the style of the topics whereas Vika has to get through how many a week? 10. 10. So it varies by teacher, by course, all of that. Um if you can see the picture up there, I know it's a little awkward. That is a screenshot of one of my students. Again, my course in Alex has 324 topics and we've been doing it since September 11th. And this child has finished 251 topics. Um, he's totally maxed out integers, fractions. Again, it's a screenshot. There is an arrow you could go over. It tells me he's ready to learn 61 topics.
025He's already learned 29 and he's mastered 222. and to master a topic. This is a wonderful spiral review. It's going to keep them answering similar questions over and over and over. Um, so I can go through and see what he's ready to learn, what he's learned, very individualized. This is just their basic entry website here. It is an adaptive learning program. So, I'm gonna let Vikica kind of talk about the adaptive part if she's okay with that. Go ahead. Okay. So, basically before I knew about Alex, I was doing and I feel like Alex would be more of a better option because it gives you like a one- on-one learning uh advantage, I'd say. is like it gives you like topics off of what your learning levels are and on the other hand doesn't. It
026just gives you things for you to do. And this is less stressful in my opinion because you're not losing points. You're not losing anything because this gives you videos. It gives you um it tells you like other ways to fix your mistakes. And for me, it's helping a lot because it's just easier, less stressful. I feel like it's helping a lot of other kids. Obviously, if you seen that one, can you pause the video, rewind it, and listen to it again? Yeah. And that helps me a lot. And if you put effort into it, then you're going to obviously learn better. And if you're not putting effort into it, then you know, are you working on the same topics as your classmates? No, you can pick whatever topic you want to work on. And then
027it go it the thing goes off of what you're more good at. Basically, I'm going to clarify a little bit. The thing she's talking about is that colorful pie. Uh, so when you first start the program, you take what's called a knowledge check, which is an actual like test. Um, and then there is an I don't know button, but we try really, really hard not to hit the I don't know button. Um, so then it'll go through and it creates a learning path for the students. And from there, you can stay on that path. You, if you want to be straight and narrow, you can be straight and narrow. It'll keep re rechecking you, reteing you, teaching you new topics. Or you can skip around and say, "Oh, maybe I really like purple." what what
028topic in math is purple going to cover. I want to fill my purple slice. Um, as the teacher, there are times where I'll let the students go. They have 20 minutes on Alex, do whatever they want. I know personally, I'm going to throw in a PE analogy. I really hated running the mile, but if I just got to go run with my headphones, I enjoyed it so much more. And I have found that, too. If you just let them go, they're going to pick something they want to work on. There have also been times that I've said, "No, guys, we're actually going to work on decimals today. I need you to go to your decimal slice. So, it's very adaptable. Adaptable to each student. I just wanted to make sure I didn't hit or miss
029anything. Um, as Vika mentioned, got a little stressful for her, a little frustrating. Uh, this program will give each students only three to five questions per topic. That's it. Um, so there's that doesn't really stress them out. They miss the first one, they watch the video. Miss the second video or miss the second question, they ask for help. Third one, they get they get a little like celebration on their screen, they keep going, they finish the topic. If they're on that topic for a while, the computer actually says, "It's time to take a break and gives them the little little cue, okay, pick a different topic, go get help elsewhere, breathe, and come back." So, it it does work nicely. Um, we'll come back. Um, due to this, we have some goals for the future.
030We are hoping to increase the usage to include all algebra 1 students, not just our foundations pre-alggebra classes. Um, because we have found that it is wonderful spiral review. I have so many kids, you have a knowledge check every topics, every through so many topics and so many of them say, "Oh, I did this last time." Yes, you cannot forget it, guys. You need to be able to use what you've learned and build on that. Um, I even had a student today in a knowledge check say, "Oh, I have to be rechecked on these topics because I forgot them." Yes. Yes, you do. So, beautiful built-in spiral retention. I have a lot of my kids get through some of these topics before I teach them. So, they'll come back and say, "Oh, I remember I
031did this in Alex like three weeks ago and then we can adapt my lesson based on what they already know." Um, it fills a lot of gaps. We have a lot of students coming in that are a little behind and therefore we can have our curriculum and then like I said, I can choose certain pie slices to say we're going to work on these today. they're at a different little bit of a level for the students. Um, it works. These are all the reports I get as the teacher. I can see their pie. I can see all my student pies and I get a class pie chart. So, in my third hour class of those 324 topics, I can see my one student had 250ome. I can see as a class though, we're at I
032think we're in the upper 190s as a class. So, I can see where individualized. I can see progress learning. How much they've learned since the last knowledge check time versus topic. How many topics did they learn in their time? Are they just staring at an open computer screen or are they actually working? I can see their actual questions, their answers, how far they know in each slice. Um, as you saw, as I mentioned, if you couldn't see, my one student was ready to learn 22 topics. I can at all of the ready tole learns and say, "Okay, in class today, I'm going to teach this this lesson because all of you are ready to learn it. You have the pre-nowledge set up." Quick tables are those basic math facts, the like timed add, subtract, multiply,
033divide, those drills that we all really weren't a fan of growing up. They're online now. Make it a little little different, a little easier. Uh, I can assign different assignments to students on the program and I can make it adaptable. So I can give Vika a different assignment from a different student. Same length of assignment, maybe they both have five questions, but I can adapt the assignments for differentiation purposes. And there's an IEP report. So our special ed teachers with case man case cases and all of that, you can track your progress here. So you can help your students grow that way as well. Um, I sent out a review to my students, little Google form, and I asked them a bunch of questions, but one that I put up in particular was rate the
034level of hardness because I said there are different courses you can put them in. And I, this is our first pilot year, put my students in the pre-alggebra class. So, I wasn't sure how it was going to go. I said, one is too hard, five is too easy. And the vast majority of my students said that I the course I have them in is a three, which to me says I have them in the right course. It's it's challenging, but it's not too much for them. Would you agree? Also, I think did you move do you move classes? As teachers, we can move them. So, I know some teachers, Miss May in particular, started her kids really low and you can move them up as they go through topics and build some confidence as well.
035Oh, yeah. I did actually move up. I was in like Did you finish all your topics in one class? Yes, I did. So, right now I am in the geometry portion and not a lot of people are in that in the class that I'm in right now. And my teacher is even shocked about that. How that make you feel? It actually made me feel really good. Good for you. So, there's different competitions. We're We're starting like a pilot year. We're working with it. We're starting to figure out different ways we can make it competitive, different reward systems, um different ways to help engage a little bit more. I also asked them, my students, what some good incentives would be for completing the program. because it is a math class, we do have students who sit
036and struggle to to work. Um, so we want to get them to work and stickers, candies, grades, work, which it is a grade in the grade book. We do put some grades in for the the topic completion. You are indeed doing work and learning math. Um, it is not a major part of your grade by any means, but it's there. Um, they wanted stickers. They wanted room decorations. Um, food and candy. gets our gets our kids to do it. Also, you can see that some of them did answer. When I completed, I want to do more. Um, I like that you can learn new things. Even today in class, I had 20 minutes of Alex and was ready to move on and the whole class was like, "Can you just hang on, Alex, please?" So,
037anything you want to add? Um, I just want to say that it's like really easy to stay focused on it, too. It's not For me, I don't get distracted from it because I actually like the program and it's easier for me to understand what I'm doing and it's easy for me to understand it because I have to work through it and it also helps me work through it. How did How does Alex make you feel less stressed than I? Because we would have to answer a certain amount of questions like 100 and then if you get one question wrong, it bumps you down. Like let's say you're at 70 and it will bump you down to like 50 and that just like makes you so upset and you just don't want to do it anymore.
038That makes sense. Do you guys have any questions? Anything else we can answer? Is this a multi multi-year program? Keep progressing. Dr. Gibson here. We have a what? Three year license. Four year license. Okay. So, it is Yes. Um but this is the pilot year, our first year doing it. Okay. So, we're hoping hoping to expand it. Um but it's it's working great so far. Good. Overall, sounds like a nice program. It we're still learning, like I said, we're learning to adapt and what's going to make more kids feel comfortable. Um, I actually subbed in a different class that uses Alex a few weeks ago and she has a bingo chart on her board and every topic you complete, you get to fill out a bingo square. So, it's a topic for so it's not
039like done instantly, but it No, but it's it's a it's a running bingo. So, that's kind of cool. Feedback. Yeah, that's good. So, when they finish this uh class, what is the next step? Where do these kids go next year? There are actually quite like hundreds of these courses on Alex. Um it goes it's kindergarten through college. So we look at the curriculum which is why I asked my kids. I don't even know if I can go back. That's why I asked them how what's the level of hardness like how do you feel? So Alex gives you the curriculum. It says these topics are covered in their courses. So when we got the program, we sat down with our tech department and said, "I think my classes should be in the pre-alggebra class." Vika's teacher
040said, "I think my classes should be in this RTI class." Um, and we kind of went from there. There is that that initial knowledge check that that first test that they give you, it comes back and um gives you a percentage of what's known. And the program directors themselves when we went through training said if the students are below an 18% or above an 80% you need to move them up or down. Um so our courses that we have our students in are actually sixth seventh and eighth grade level. So my question is it's pre-alggebra. So if they complete all this do they go to algebra? Yeah. Okay. We can move them up. Yes. And it's all in. Okay. Okay. class. Perfect. And we as the teachers um it took a while to figure it
041out, but we as the teachers do know how to manually do that ourselves. Now, Alex is a supplement to your instruction. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. There are It is totally usable to be an actual course. A lot of colleges do that, but ours is purely supplemental. An hour a week. Okay. Yeah. And the goal is that it's actually done test, not outside. It's never going to be assigned for homework. It's not expected. The students work on it outside. So, I sense that it's a way for students who are struggling with certain concepts to get one-on-one kind of work for concepts. Correct. Yes. Okay. Yes. It's going to boost the confidence. It's going to give you those extra little fill the gap moments, that spiral review, because those knowledge checks are not going to let you
042forget. Other questions? Thank you. Nice job. I'll let Mr. Baker unplug his computer. I don't know. Va, keep up the good work. Thank you. You're welcome. Uh there's no public comment this evening under the president's report. Um today being secretaries day or min ad min ad min ad min ad min ad min ad min ad min ad min ad min ad min admin ad ministry of assistance day. I would just like to thank all the clerical workers in the district. I had a wise man tell me once when I started in this business a 100 years ago. It feels like that who runs the school are the clerical secretaries and the janitorial staff. If you don't believe it, stay in this business a while because that's exactly what it is. So my hats off to
043them. I want to thank them for everything they do on a daily basis for us and especially for Jennifer Reva who is the board secretary. [Applause] Okay, moving on to finance. Uh, a motion of approval for the bills and payroll for Laser Township High School. So moved. Second. Mr. PTO, yes. Mrs. Al, yes. Mrs. Kazania, yes. Sorry. Mrs. Tally? Yes. Mr. Ferrari? Yes. Mr. Sarbert? Yes. A motion of approval for um the bills and payroll for LP area career center. Some move. Second. Mr. Tiani. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Alcor. Yes. Mrs. Kania. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. I motion approval for a payroll report. Move. Second. Mr. Ferrari? Yes. Mr. Talian? Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Al. Yes. Mrs. Kiaak. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. Under 7.2. A motion approval for the financial
044records as presented. Second. Mrs. Al. Yes. Mrs. Talian. Yes. Yes. Mrs. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Sver. Yes. Under correspondence, we have TIFF reimbursements from the city of Peru. TIFF 26 $66,711.94. TIFF 3 $11,87.69. and tiff four $25,000 coming to a total tiff reimbursement of $102,79963 under board committee reports uh 9.1 building and grounds committee Mr. Ferrari U building and grounds committee met yesterday at uh 3:30 p.m. Um one of the first topics was u bid recommendations regarding uh roofing repairs and replacement. Um there was a bids regarding the uh main building and the east gym roof and uh there was also a separate uh bid for masonry restorations and lentil replacements and those are action items uh for the board tonight. Um the bids that were recommended were approved unanimously by the committee. Um
045the early childhood playground is in its final stages and u moving forward. Uh the uh they're continuing to work on designs for the new agriculture building. U there is a u an upgrade for the uh fire safety system uh that's being reviewed currently regarding the auto shop and the Dolan building. they are not currently part of the system that's used in the east building and the main building and uh that's that's going to be rectified in the future uh possibly in the next fiscal year. Um, we're also looking at uh recommendations for uh light fixtures for the building exteriors and that's another project that it's in early stages and it's probably something that won't be done until the next fiscal year also, but it's something in the works. As far as the current projects, the
046north bleacher motor mount replacement was completed over the uh spring break, Easter break. Also, the installation of the new retractable basketball hoops in Select Gym. That that's been accomplished. Um the demolition of the uh the old dishwasher room near the cafeteria uh has been completed. That's phase one of the remodeling. That's going to be turned into the sip and saver store room. Yeah. All right. Um the Dolan building elevator is finally done. that's been on waiting for final inspection I think on that for for months now and uh they are in the process of replacing one of the chillers uh in the uh the main boiler house chiller have to have to work with air conditioning because I tell you what it should be replaced sorry wow I thought it was electricity And um the
047superintendent advises that the uh the 4-year inspection visit from the uh regional office of expectation was also completed and I'm sure he'll talk more about that in his report. And uh that covered all the top topics we had. Are there any questions? Thank you, Mr. Furry. the finance committee report. Mrs. Talian. Yeah, I realized Mr. Murboth left. I was like, yikes. So, uh, we met yesterday afternoon as well. We went over the monthly financials. We are 75% through the fiscal year. Uh, transportation services are down due to the state's pending payment. Um, the amended budget will be approved to put on public display next month at the May board meeting. We received the update on the series 2025 with a nice deposit $7.4 million uh deposit in the investment accounts for the allocated facility projects.
048We were updated on the 2526 health vision and dental insurance rates and um that's an action item for renewing those. We also talked about the bid recommendations that Mr. Ferrari discussed we recommend those action items as well. Uh Dr. Robleski told we needed to uh change the A program activity account to the FFA program activity account. Just a matter of of semantics changing the names there. We recommend approving that as well as the paid holiday schedule. Um, he also informed us that we got a happy check in the mail from the city of Peru for $85,000 with surplus funds from their downtown TIFF which um 80,000 of it will be um allocated to the scoreboard activity fund when 5,000 will go to the soda fund which supports and enhances student needs. So that is all
049I have unless you have any questions. Thank you, Mr. Telly. Thank you. And I in my notes, I did realize that Mr. Murba was not going to be here. Yeah. Well, hey, thanks for that update. Minister reports, superintendence report, Dr. Bless. Thank you, Mr. Sarver. Uh, we're in the final stretch of the school year. We have five weeks left. Um, for our seniors, if you were to ask them, it's much less than that. Uh graduation is right around the corner. Uh so we're already, you know, we got senior uh awards uh tomorrow and and uh graduation is going to be right around right around the corner. We're very excited that we have um uh several actually uh f six students that we're going to be sending to Senator Resin Spring Youth Advisory Council that'll be
050down at the Illinois State Capital on April 30th. Um, so that's going to be just a great opportunity for our students to be able to um offer their voice um as part of a larger panel and us just to be experienced the political process uh as well. And so we're we're really excited about the uh the students experience. Uh Mrs. Kusheen and I uh a couple weeks ago sat in on probably one of the best presentations um that was a program proposal uh that we had. Um we were very familiar with the Civot Saver program. Uh it's highly regarded in the school and in the community. Um Mr. Thomas who teaches in in one of our other life skills uh programs um kind of inspired by the Sip and Saver program. He and his students
051put together a a proposal to create the Darn Good Cookie Store. And they provided Mrs. Kushy and I with uh some samples and they were darn good cookies. Uh and so uh we're we're greenlighting them to do that. But there's a couple of things that we have to get done though. And I'm working with the health department. We have to uh put an application in or a written request for some variances. They intend to use the kitchen in the the apartment classroom that we have because not a commercial setup. There are several variances that we have to to apply for. And so I've been in communication with them. I've got the list of what I need to do. And so we'll get that to them. Um, and we want to we want to get this
052off and running here in time for the new school year. We did share with Mr. Thomas and his class that at at some point we want them to come to the board meeting uh to be able to talk more about their program and to to bring some samples along as well. But they are very very very excited. Um, we've already heard updates on the budget amendments um that will be uh presented next month. The fiscal year 26 district budget uh planning is well underway. Uh Mrs. Doe's has been uh meet meeting with division chairs and building administrators streamlined the process this year utilizing Microsoft Teams. So we're using less paper in the process as well. So I've been getting some good feedback uh from our our department chairs on that. Um and then as um
053Mr. Ferrari uh alluded to, we completed our 4-year ROE uh compliance visit. It's a very laborintensive process. Um, it's almost all of it's online, but there's so much uh verification, double-checking. There's files that have to be uh pulled. Um, and a lot of coordination and collaboration that goes along with that. And I want to commend uh Mrs. Reeba who was the uh overseer for the uh the process. And we had a really good exit interview um with uh Mr. D'Vorak and Mr. Meyers and we only had a just there was only kind of two areas that we had to make some corrections on. They were very very minor and those have already been been completed. So we've obtained our our full compliance. Uh lastly, we had um it was a busy month for foyer requests.
054Um we had 13 requests. I will say though that 10 of them were hit every school district across the states um received these foyer requests. It was done um we don't know who it is um it just was an email address but it appears to have been done on AI and so there were 10 different requests instead of just asking in one time we had 10 different requests that they were basically they just they wanted the lists of our vendors so it's a simple process but just it's the time that has to be that that Mrs. Riva has to put into putting it together. We sent them all of our annual statement affairs which lists our our list of vendors. Uh we had a foyer request from uh Mrs. Mary Beth Wilson from the news
055tribune. We responded to her request uh within the the designated time frame. We had a request from Sarah James from an employee data analytics just looking for employee roster information. And then um Mr. Owen Wang, this is a set of foil requests that we all districts across the state received back in the fall. We responded to every single one of them. we got a kickback request saying, "Hey, we never got the response for this particular request." And so Jen was able to go back into the emails that we sent and basically reforwarded the email that we had sent uh um the last time. The frustrating piece with these though, I have to say, is that you rarely well when you see person someone who kind of generally has a name, you you typically get a
056response. Mr. Wang, we never got a response. And then there's one that was generated by by AI. There was never any affirmation that there was even that it was even received. So that's kind of the frustrating piece, you know, with some of these, but we complied with all of them. That's all I have unless you have questions. Thank you, Dr. Gleski. Yeah, this request you're talking about. Obviously, I saw a lot of these uh as well. And it's interesting because it's speculation on my part, but I thought they made 10 requests as opposed to one request. Well, they did. It was 10. Yeah. As opposed to one as a way of avoiding an argument under the statute that it was voluminous in terms of the volume of paper and the amount of work that has
057to be done to do it. So I think I thought they were trying to avoid that. But be that as it may, all it does is give you more time. It also was bordering on unduly burdensome which is very rarely used uh tool in the statute uh because the state favors that, but I personally thought they were getting pretty close on that and I know some schools did avail themselves of that. Thanks, Walt. Thank you, Walt. Principal's report, Mrs. Kushing. Good evening. Um, I have several updates in my report there, but I'll just highlight some of the big ones that have been keeping us busy um over the last month or so. Uh we conducted our third quarter uh data meetings um which is a pretty big deal here in our building. We have all
058of our division chairs um and leadership team that come together um and discuss our smart goals um and we are certainly maybe not going to hit them perfectly but we have made huge huge strides um on both of those. So I'm really really proud of our our team and um all the different programs that we've been putting in. Uh also at that meeting we talked about yet another program that we could put in place to help our students um be more successful. And so we have started the process of getting some feedback from the staff just to make sure that we're not like missing anything from anyone's perspective. Um and then we'll be ready to share that with you at next month's uh board meeting. Uh and that's called an academic success program. So, we're
059very excited about this and and I'll give you that little teaser for what's coming next month um from from me. Um as far as uh that meeting goes, um that also leads us into some other meetings that were going on. We had the handbook committee meeting. I see it's on the agenda for your first reading. Uh but just to let you know, we had a lot of of various stakeholders in our building uh participate in that and give lots of feed excuse me, feedback. Uh we even had student input, lot lots of people. So, um I'm looking forward to uh seeing how that moves forward there. The other thing that we've been working on which has taken up a a lot of our our efforts is the ACT and preACT testing and uh it was
060a new test, new systems, lots of things to learn, but we were very successful at implementing it. Our students showed up. We did some makeups already today. Um and we uh have almost 100% of our students, which is really um impressive. So, I'm I'm very pleased with with how that is going. The other things I was going to share with you is just some celebrations that we've had. So, we had the honors uh society ceremony at the end of March and we had um almost a record number of students in that. Uh 65 students were were able to receive that that great honor. So, wonderful wonderful uh program. And tomorrow we have even more awards to give away. Uh so, if you are not uh busy, tomorrow at 7 PM um you can come see
061our senior awards ceremony where we have well over 50 different um uh awards and and scholarships to give out. So, exciting times as we wrap up the end of the school year. Anyone have any questions about my reporter? Thank you, Mr. Cushion. The athletic director's reporter, Mr. Hans, is not here tonight. His report is in your packet. Area career center director, Dr. Lang, the guy who got the elevator fixed. Otis Junior. Just call him Otis Jr. So, I'm going to start with uh the Area Career Center. Uh we celebrated Women's History Month with uh several students that are participating in programming. A lot of times, uh we like to highlight the students that are in nontraditional programs for their gender. So, the students that were in welding and building trades and that sort of thing.
062So, Aurora Medina, uh, she posted a lot of things on social media on the area Career Center site and that sort of thing. So, if you want to see that, go to the LEL PU Area Career Center on Facebook and see what's going on there. Uh, we'll be holding a signing day for the area Career Center students and it's going to be next Friday. We're going to take a look at the accomplishments of students that are taking a new job that's going to be related to something that they a course that they took at the career center. Whether or not they're going on to post-secary education or entering an apprenticeship program. So far, there's 51 students that have filled out the form that say they've gotten a job or they've signed up for college or
063that sort of thing. So, we're going to do that next uh Friday. It's going to be first and second block for us. So, first and fourth period, we're going to recognize those students. Students that are in the afternoon session, the LP students, they're going to be in second block for that. Uh, CAD students from the career center and then also Ottawa. They visited the Ottawa Dental Lab, uh, to see what's going on with that and the way that they create, you know, things like crowns and that sort of thing. And then also they went to Black Brothers to see that company. if you've never been there to see what goes on there. They actually build equipment that applies uh veneers onto like tables and countertops and that sort of thing. So, they build the equipment
064that does that. So, they have a really great design team. So, it was a really great fit for the CAD students to be able to see the design to production. So, that was pretty cool for them. Students competed in the welding competition at IVCC. This one's a really proud moment. You guys should be really proud of this. So, the the high school students participated in the college level. Some of them participated in the college level um competition because they take the dual credit classes. Uh they placed there's two two areas. There's uh SMAW and GMAW the type of process. They placed first in the GMAW and second in the SMAW for the college level students and they placed first in the high school level for SMAW. That was really great accomplishment for the students. the
065career center. Um, we sent out an interest survey. Uh, one of the things I wanted to do when I first started here was do that to kind of see what the 9th through 11th grade students were interested in when it comes to programming at the career center. And several of the other area career centers in the state do that. Sorry. So, 830 students responded in 9th and 11th grade for our participating schools. And the top six programs, four of them are ones that we already offer. welding, CNA, criminal justice, early childhood education, culinary arts, and EMT. So, EMT is actually one that I we've been talking about. I know Dwayne had been talking about it with Robin about whether or not that should be something we offer. Very high on the interest level and it's
066something that she's interested in. So, when we have our May board meeting, we're going to discuss some of that and I'm going to present what the what the report said, see where that goes. Um, culinary program, they created some amazing spaghetti dinners for the track fundraiser and they shared the proceeds for that. It was very successful. I know that uh Lori was thinking that she was going to uh have plenty of leftovers that she was going to freeze it and I know with like five minutes to spare, she was scraping the bottom of the pan of the extra 20 pounds of sauce that she made. So, um they were pretty excited about you go early. That's why you go early. I plan ahead. I can tell you I was I was there a little bit
067early and I was going to buy some and she was so worried about all the number of cars that were out there. I'm like, "You know what? I'm just gonna let you guys sell my portion." Um, and the last thing I want to report is I rode on the elevator and I made it to the meeting. Any questions? So, we know your elevator goes to the top floor. It does. Mine might not. Sounds good. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Director of Communications, Mr. Baker. Good evening, everyone. Um, so, um, as you've been hearing all these kind of end of year activities that are either happened recently or coming up, um, obviously we'll be busy promoting and live streaming things like senior awards and, uh, fire concerts and all those things that we have on the agenda
068coming up. Um, just a little thing looking at next week, Dr. Besky and I are going to be traveling to Springfield for a seminar with IASA. Um all about developing a strategic communication plan, which um really hopeful that that'll put us in a really good position for kind of how how we plan for what we do next year and and really have um some nice focus for all our activities, especially knowing that it's going to be the lead into a big transition year for the district. Um and then on the foundation side of things, we completed trivia night. Thanks to all of you who came out and participated or donated anything. Um, all the little bits counselor just came out and had a fun night and answered some trivia questions. And then the next piece
069uh rather than asking for anything this time, the foundation is giving back. So on May 9th at Friday, uh the foundation members and I will be out under the awning of the sledge gym doors uh cooking lunch for all of our faculty and staff. So always it's been a event for the past three or four years and uh I think it's one that's been really well received. So that's what's on the horizon as we bring the year to a close. All right. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Baker. Okay. Under new business 11.1, the emotional approval of proclamation recognizing teacher appreciation week May 5th through the 9th, 2025. So moved. Second. Mrs. Taliani. Yes. Mrs. Alford. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Kzaniac. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. 11.2. and a motion of
070approval to award Union roofing Shinoa Illinois the contract for the following projects. Main building roofing replacement base bid A for 1,129,000 and B East gym roof repair alternate bid A14 $45,000. So moved. Second. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Pettto. Yes. Mrs. Alcort. Yes. Mrs. Kazia. Yes. Mrs. Tian. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. And a motion approved to reward Autobomb Company Morton, Illinois. The contract for the following projects. A masonary restoration base bid B for $67,115. And B, Lal replacement unit price number one for $1,300 per l. So moved. Second. Mr. Taliani. Yes. Mrs. Elcorn. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Konia. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. I learned what a lintil was. I'm still on the chillers. 11.4. Any motion of approval for the 2025 2026 paid holiday schedule. So moved. Second. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mrs.
071Sal. Yes. Mr. PT. Yes. Mrs. Alford. Yes. M. Yes, Mr. Sar. Yes. 11.5 and a motion approval to rename the egg program activity account to FFA program activity account. Second, Mrs. Alcort. Yes. Mr. Tiani. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Kania. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. 11.6 and a motion approval of resolution 2025-8 declaring surplus equipment which is the ACC tire machine. So move. Second. Mr. Mr. PTO. Yes, Mrs. Yes, Mrs. Hani. Yes, Mr. Ferrari. Yes, Mr. Sar. Yes. 11.7. A motion approval of the updated title one schoolwide plan. So moved. Second. Mrs. Taliani. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Pto. Yes. Mrs. Al. Yes. Mrs. Mrs. Kanak. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. 11.8. A motion to approve for the 2025 2026 consolidated district plan. So moved. Second. What is the purpose of the consolidated district
072plan? Do you want me to answer that? No. Because I just did. Yeah, exactly. That would be my answer. Okay. Mr. Salani? Yes. Mr. PTO? Yes. Mrs. Alcorn? Yes. Mrs. Cia? Yes. Mr. Ferrari? Yes. Mr. Sar? Yes. Here's the hoop. Jump through it. That's what it is. 11.90. Motion of approval for the final 2024 2025 district calendar. Second. Mrs. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Kzania. Yes. Mrs. Hian. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. S. Yes. 110 is a review of the 2025 2026 uh student handbook which is the first reading. Lots of changes. Yeah. Yeah. We'll we'll have a policy committee meeting. Yeah. Yeah. A lot of them. Good work. 11.11 and a motion approval for the following request retirement request with regret. Mr. David Kelty, librarian, the conclusion of the 2028 2029 school year. Second.
073Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Alford. Yes. Mrs. Kazaniac. Yes. Mrs. Tiani. Yes, Mr. Ferrari. Yes, Mr. Server. Yes. 11.12 and a motion approval for the following resignations. Mrs. Becky Johnson, assistant cheer coach, effective March 24th, 2025. Mr. Will Zakowski, student counselor and sponsor, effective the conclusion the 2024 2025 school year. Mr. Matt Lambert, assistant football coach, effective April 1st, 2025. And Dr. Christopher Gibson, associate principal of teaching and learning, effective June 30th, 2025. So move. Second. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mrs. Tiani. Yes. Mr. Cetto. Yes. Mrs. Alcort. Yes. Mrs. Cia. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. 11.13. I need a motion of approval of the following FMLA request. Uh, Mrs. Addie Castellic beginning April 30th, 2025 through the remainder of 2024 2025 school year. She'll be using accumulated leave time to cover her leave. So moved. Second. Mrs. Tiani.
074Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mrs. Alport. Yes. Mrs. Crosania. Yes. Mr. Ferrari? Yes. Mr. Sar? Yes. 11.14. Any emotional approval for the following appointments. Mr. La Matt Lambert, assistant golf coach, effective for the 2025 2026 school year. Replace Mr. Jim Sherbaney. And Mr. Nolan Keaney, head girls wrestling coach, effective for the 2025 2026 school year, which is a new position. So moved. Second. Mrs. Taliani. Yes. Mrs. Aler. Yes. Mr. PTO. Yes. Mr. Contia. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Sar. Yes. 11.15. I have a motion approved for the caval request for an overnight stay on June 24, excuse me, 22nd through the 25th, 2025 at the Embassy Suites in Poria for their summer camp. Mr. Yes. Mrs. Mrs. Mrs. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Yes. I need a motion to go into executive close session for the
075purpose of a discussion of the minutes of the meeting lawfully closed under the opens meeting act whether for the purpose approval of the body of the minutes or the semianual review of the minutes b appointment employment compensation discipline performance or dismiss of specific employee c collective negotiation matters between the public body and its employees for the representatives and open session of public excuse me possible action items follow. So moved. Second. Mr. Yes. Mr. Mr. Mr. Yes. Mr. Ferrari. Yes. Mr. Yes.