District 208 Board of Education Regular Meeting 01-20-26

001Call to order. Riverside Brookfield District 208 Board of Education. We stand for the pledge of allegiance, please. Thank you. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> We have a roll call, please. >> Present. >> Mr. here >> here. Miss Rosco >> here, Mr. Novak >> here, >> Mr. Williams >> here, Miss >> here, >> Dr. Fright has plenty of recognitions to start our meeting. >> Good evening, honorable board members and Dr. Skink is our superintendent. First and foremost, happy new year to everybody to all the students for superintendent everybody here in district office. Congratulations to the eight student musicians selected for the MA allstate band and chorus. These students are among

002the top scoring vocalists and instrumentalists from across Illinois chosen to participate in this prestigious program. This year, 2,000 students in grade 7 through 12 were selected for the All State programs, which will take place in Poria from January 28th through 31st. These talented musicians will perform together in a series of all state concerts. The all state student representing RBR, drum roll, all state band, Mikio Rura, Honors Band, Tabitha for a state chorus. Andy Ginder also state chorus Lena Ren. Honors Chorus. Here we go. J. Alvarez, Henry Bakus, Benjamin Bushio, last but not least, John Decker. Now I I would like to invite um the music department, Mr. Bong, Mr. Lo, and Miss Montana Matana to share a few words. >> So, uh as always, we're very proud to have this group of students behind me,

003uh to represent us over at the All State level. They have won. This is the all state championship. Uh slam dunk ready. Uh and of course for some of them this has been very uh competitive auditions. Tens of thousands of students have auditioned and this is all of Illinois. Um I can speak from behalf of our orchestra. Murka is a very strong and dedicated student. Um, and what's best is that he uh actually auditioned here as a freshman last year, sophomore this year, uh, on cello, then emailed me probably in July. Yeah, July. He's like, "Hey, I want to switch to bass." I'm like, "Okay, let's get you some lessons." Year later, all state musician, Ma Ruka, >> I won't go through individually all of my students. Um, but we have six choir kids going

004to All State this year, which is the most that we've had since I've been at RB, which is really exciting. Um, and looking at these specific individuals, the growth that they've shown in their time in high school, some of the upper classmen will think back to their freshman year. And even the non- seniors, I'm sure, think back just a couple years ago. These are incredibly dedicated students. Their voices are their instruments. So, that can be a really vulnerable thing. They spend countless hours in my classroom at home working on these auditions, but also just perfecting their craft. Some of these guys were here just about an hour ago working on musical material and now they're back. So, um, these kids are truly exceptional at not only what they do, but they are incredibly hardworking. They

005lead by example. Could not be more proud of them and happy for them to represent RB. Just to uh add on to it, um All State isn't for just music majors. Uh you know, I think we can get confused by that. In fact, most of these kids are not ma majoring in music. Some of them are. Raise your hands if you're majoring in music. Oh, none of them are. So, um yeah, it just it goes to show the uh mindset of the musician though. These these are really hardworking people. Uh, they get grit, they get determination, they get growth. Tabitha, she's not here right now, but she tried three years in a row to make it to All State, and she was elated once she finally got it her senior year. Um, so they get

006told no, and they keep just keep getting up and going again and again and again until they make it. And, uh, they're all super awesome people. So, thank you all for representing our How many are seniors, >> Mr. B? How many are seniors from the group here? And how many are >> will we see back again maybe next year? >> Henry Henry is a repeat from last year. Uh and then >> all of them are seniors. >> No, three choir kids and then Tabitha. >> John, Lena, and Ben are seniors. >> Well, Kyle is a sophomore. >> Jay is a sophomore. Andy's a junior. >> Wonderful. Yeah. Know we like to see the the it's such an accolade. So congratulations to all of you. >> Nice job. >> Congratulations to the varsity competitive cheerleading team

007on qualifying for the Illinois cheerleading coaching association state championship. The team qualified for state after taking first place in the co-ed division at the ICCA Poria Invitational. At state, the team placed second out of 10 teams in the co-ed division. We're so proud of the hard work and dedication for of our competitive cheerleading team. Please join me in congratulating the following athletes. Samuel Bour, Samantha Don, Brooklyn Delgado, Nora Evans, Sienna Jetroitro, Erie Juski, Chloe Gonzalez, Jonathan Gutierrez, MARIELA HUTAR, Alexa Machi, Olivia Madera, Alysa Norman, Tally Schultz, Avery Stroble, Isabella Talifero, Juniper Perwendo, and Anna Now, coach, unfortunately, uh, Coach Vara could not be here with the pride commitment, but I've got to see these wonderful student athletes perform many times, and you couldn't have been more deserving. You guys work as a team, well choreograph.

008I mean, you guys look, as I said, as a as a wing of a eagle moving all together, making beautiful cheers, beautiful girls. We're so proud of you. Keep it up with And last but not least, I'm glad that we're starting off here recognizing this teacher cuz for those who know her, she's full of energy and positivity. And if we could duplicate her, we would. Applied arts teacher Miss Patty Sarkei has earned national board certification and career in technical education from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. National Board certification is considered one of the most respected professional cres credentials in US education. To earn it, educators voluntarily complete an in-depth multi-part process that includes submitting classroom videos, student work samples, reflective writing, and a content knowledge assessment. because it requires extensive time analysis and

009evidence gathering over several years. It is widely viewed as one of the most challenging professional accomplishments in education. We incredibly proud of Miss Arcadi for her hard work, passion, and dedication to grow as an educator. Arby is fortunate to have her here. So, people want to hear about you. They want to hear your story and tell us a little more. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, it's so great to see you all. I I'm so grateful to be here at Riverside Brookfield High School. Thank you, Board of Education. Thank you, administration. Um, it's just this is 25 years of being a Bulldog. So, I'm so grateful to be here. And, um, I don't I always get like every time I write something, I get like I can't speak, but I did write just look at how

010tiny it is. because otherwise I I might not uh be um I might not my words see my words might not come out right. Okay. So um I have thank you so much for this recognition. Pursuing the national board certification was one of the most challenging and rewarding professional experience I have ever had. And I was also very fortunate to have um Allison Marsh as my mentor. So she mentored me through this whole process. Um she is a stellar English profession uh professional. So I was very fortunate for her to look through all of my content. Um the m so there are four components of the national board for those of you that are aware of that and there is like 12 to 20 pages depending on how long each component is. Um and as

011Dr. Fright had said the uh video component was very difficult for me um because you had to watch yourself teach and I had 60 hours of footage of myself. So I was at home with the headphones and it was I was writing and it was so hard watching and hearing but then also seeing um and then I had to talk about how to improve or where I did well in um so really dissecting my education process for these two years um although daunting was the most amazing professional experience for me um because it made me a better educator. So I'm so grateful to my colleagues and grateful to you, my admin, and of course my students because I really just want to give the authentic experience to them and this really just kind of like

012amplified it. So thank you to all those honest who would like to take pictures. Okay, we can go outside. Mr. Katie, please don't leave. All right, cheerleaders. If you can go and say teachers, take some pictures. Okay. Then you'll be dismissed. Uh let's have student association come on up for once the room clears. >> You guys can start as soon as you think you can be heard. I know it's a little a little busy right this second. >> And remind us your your names and and what you're up to. Love to hear Um, so my name is Tommy Vagden. I'm the treasurer of the executive board. >> I'm Santin. I'm the president. >> And my name is Violet spokesperson. >> Um, so we just want to kind of give you guys a recap of how

013we've been what we've been working on and what we have accomplished um within the past few months. So in November we had our cards for veterans where we created 700 plus cards for the Fiser House. Um we set up tables down there and we had a bunch of our um our classmates and a bunch of admin come down and like staff write a bunch of really nice cards for veterans. Um, and then once we, you know, counted them all, we, I mean, I think this is the this is the most we've had in a in a pretty long time. So, it was great to give those 700 plus cards to Fisher House. And then also in November, we had um, uh, the Thanksgiving baskets where So, first we just want to thank you guys for

014creating um, the Thanksgiving basket. That was very generous. Um, >> thank you to Miss Resca who organized it on our behalf. So, thank you. She organized it, which is half the battles. >> But yes, thank you guys so much for that. We actually totaled 28 baskets for the CSS. So that was um really good for you know student association and you know it was a great opportunity to give back to our community. And then in December we had our coat and blanket drive where we uh collected 200 or over 200 items and we were able to service over 340 people over at Christ Church in Oakrook. So that was also a really good um way to give back to our community and we really enjoyed um all that we did throughout November and December. >>

015Wonderful. >> As you guys know our second semester just started. We had our winter spirit week last week and last Friday we had our pep rally which went amazing. We saw gymnastics perform six-man band and as well as the cheerleaders who were just amazing. All the performers were amazing. Um we had games like a beach ball pass. I don't know if you guys have seen it where all the grades and many staff are involved. It's this giant beach ball that gets thrown around the stands. It's really cool to see. Uh we also had the snowman building challenge which is a lot of fun to see the students involved, staff involved and overall was a great experience. Um, in the next couple weeks we have a blood drive coming blood drive coming up, excuse me, as

016well as trivia night. And finally, soon enough, we'll have our pop tops collection. >> Okay. And like Santi kind of touched on for some of our plans. And in the planning, we have firstly our blood drive coming up February 11th, which we have already started planning. And then a week after that, we have our trivia night, which we're super excited for. Last year, it was very successful. We had a lot of students go and we got very good feedback and it was super fun and everyone really loved it. So, we're hoping that this year it's the same, if not better, than it was last year. And then, additionally, we'll be doing our annual pop top collection in the springtime where we donate the pop tops collected to the Ronald McDonald House. So, that usually turns

017out well every single year. So, we're excited for that, too. And in the planning last semester, actually, we did our fundraiser at Bolero where students could pay $5 and they would fold for two hours. And a lot of students really liked it and are requesting we do it again. So, we might be doing that again in the first weeks of March, possibly if we're able to get around to it. And then, additionally, we are also planning on maybe doing a spirit week leading up to spring break. So, the last week of March. So, yeah, we have a busy busy second semester. We are not we are not cooling down. We're just getting started. So, yeah. >> Exciting stuff. >> Yeah. >> And you're all seniors, correct? >> We're seniors. >> I'm a junior. >> Okay.

018Are you guys on the same team for those trivia night? That's the real question. Are you one team? >> I don't know. Okay. >> Is the administration on a team? >> Um I think so. Yeah. We've had a lot of staff come to us and ask like when we're doing um our trivia night. So I think the staff very excited for that. >> Good deal. >> Yeah. >> I don't want to volunteer anyone here. >> The board would do. >> Everyone's welcome. >> Well, the mayor. >> Thank you guys. >> You guys have any questions? >> No senioritis. wear a coat on Friday. >> Chilly, but not chilly enough. >> Um, move on to the >> No, thank you. Thank you all very much. Have a great second semester. >> Thank you. You guys keep

019up the great work. >> Uh, Dr. Skinkits, move on to the superintendent report. >> Uh, superintendent report. I'll keep it brief. I know we have some other presentations tonight. Um, Senate Bill 637. and I've been in regular contact with the zoo which is serving as the primary leaison with the forest reserve. The draft sub lease agreement presented to the board uh last month was shared with the forest reserves land use committee earlier this month. The forest preserve staff have completed an internal review of the agreement and drawings provided. There were some minor comments. I'm working through that with the zoo and the forest reserve. We are hopeful the forest reserve will bring the agreement and conceptual plan to the board in March and therefore hopefully approving in April. I will continue to keep the board

020informed as we move forward. Um Cook County property tax dispersements. I know this has received a lot of attention both in the media, the newspaper, uh and at our board meetings. We did receive two installments from the August, let me repeat that. We received two installments from the August tax bills December 29th and December 30th. So, we were definitely behind, but we got 8.4 million, which represents about 45 to 50% of the revenue expected from the August tax bills. Um, we were we did receive a schedule last week from the county treasurer's office laying out the remaining dispersements for January and the first week of February. Um, there was a question submitted about the property taxes. I will let Dr. Matana handled that, but the district did participate and and the treasurer did participate in

021some of the lobbying efforts that were taking place at the county. Um, the consumer price index for next year has been finalized 2.7%. Uh, therefore, the district's upcoming levy, which you approved in December, will be based on 2.7%. CPI level is below the percentage outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. There were stipulations in the agreement. If if the inflation rate for the year was higher than 3.75, teachers would get some additional compensation. So, that did not come in. So, we'll be at um the terms that are expelled out in the contract as well as there will be no increase to the base or maximum salary. Uh there was one policy advisory committee meeting and that took place last week and that's press 120. So what we did, we had about uh maybe six to seven

022policies that had some minor changes. Those are in tonight's packet. All the other uh policies are being recommended to be adopted as is from the IASB and those are in your December packet. I think I covered the question that was submitted on CPI. Um I think we're good. Do you have to answer your CPI question? So, um, when we say the salaries then are fixed, like they don't go up. No, no, no. It's in the it's in the CP. >> They get a raise, but it it was like instead of getting a $500 raise, if CPI was higher, you might have got a $700 raise. So, now they're going to get the first set of raises. >> Okay. >> There were there was a table less than what >> there were two options in the

023in the CBA. >> Okay. Yeah, that's what you mean. You not have the contract there. I was just like, what? >> Yeah, I think the contract is on our website, right? >> Yeah. I have to Um any >> that concludes my report >> thank you Dr. Skink is Dr. Fretes. >> Yes. Uh our student advisers I open the floor if you guys >> I actually am getting a little bit out of order. I apologize to both of you because I know we do have a one more guest for presentation. So Dr. Smatana and that way we can bring up um Miss Hennessy. So I'm sorry Dr. F. >> You're far Miss Hennessy. Miss Hennessy is here from uh Raymond James tonight to go over uh our issuance of our uh working cash bonds that will

024be used for a capital improvement project that Dr. Skink has referenced. >> Was trying to be respectful of your time. So, >> thank you so much. >> Thanks again for coming back. We appreciate it. Um, so we're at the point in the financing schedule now where the board is considering uh the approval of the parameters bond resolution tonight that authorizes the district to move forward with the issuance of not to exceed 4.5 million uh general obligation working cash bonds subject to uh the final approval of the board delegates and within certain parameters. So this resolution sets forth a maximum interest rate which is 5% maximum levies. It's paid off over the four years as we've seen with a declining tax rate each year. And um so upon approval we will go to the rating agencies

025on Thursday have our presentation and re reup the bond rating. Then we will uh look to selling the bonds around February 10th, closing February 24th. That's when the district will receive the funds. >> As the board discussed uh in December at length, we're going with the $4.5 million recommendation. Um I think it was board members Williams and Gaska that requested that Dr. Matana include an additional packet of all of our capital repairs so that if we don't use the entire 4.5 on the pro project north of the campus uh with the parking and safety and field exper um enhancements there are other capital projects to be used for that money and so all that has been addressed in your packet and to align with the decision we discussed in December >> and there were no

026other there were no changes to the packet from December. I just want to confirm that with everyone. >> So that was part of our prior. >> What happens if you know we move forward and we develop the field and we've identified these other projects are those other projects we've identified. Do they necessarily have to be done this year? >> No. >> Or do we have time to do those? >> We have time to do those. those there's no obligation. The the board me the board members at the December meeting asked the question of well if we go with the highest amount of money and we don't need the highest amount of money is there other capital improvements or if something were to fall through with the negotiations with the zoo are there other capital improvements

027that need to be addressed and so that's what Dr. Batana and I laid out for you, >> right? And I saw some like the recoting of the pool and different parts of the roof. And so, you know, my question was how how urgent were those because if we're fortunate enough to develop the field, are are we now in a situation where we also have to do those other projects? >> Those other projects are not going away. >> Yeah. >> Um but they are a list of things that we will then address in future life safety or capital programs. >> Okay. And on that time >> and on the chart I included a anticipated timeline of what year we would uh to do those projects as well. >> Page 140 on that. >> Tammy, can you

028go to that page real quick? >> Page 140. Tammy, >> I think that was actually a very helpful document. I think >> it really is great. >> So it lays out like when we think we have to do them. So you see some 2029. >> Okay. >> 2027 28. But I think one of Miss Resca's questions is that there's not these these dollars in this issuance are not timestamped. These these become part of our um capital allocation that we can spend in in any any version in the coming years. So that's a positive. >> Great >> question. Any other question >> for Liz? >> Thanks. >> So just go through the the the time frame again. So, February 10th is you will >> that's going to be the uh sale. >> Okay. >> Um we're

029looking at uh Tuesday, February 10th for the sale. Um and then closing February 24th. That's when the funds will be wired to the district. >> So, the only other action after tonight is the board will have to pass a resolution to transfer money directly to capital improvements. >> Correct. Transferring it from the working cash fund to the capital projects fund. That will happen on February 24th after we close that morning. >> And that's another step for transparency purposes with the public to show that that money is being allocated specific for specifically for fund 60 which is capital improvement and not in the general operating fund. >> And that that doesn't occur the date we we has to occur at the next board meeting. Correct. >> The actual transfer to 60 >> at the next board

030meeting. >> Okay. Yes. I I heard you say it happened the day that we got the proceeds and that wasn't I wanted to make sure we're just being precise. >> Um so today we have the so we'll have the resolution later on authorizing this to move forward. >> Correct. >> Any any questions on that? >> Do you want to take a vote on the resolution while miss while Miss Hennessy is here or do you feel comfortable waiting till later in the agenda? >> I think we could do later in the agenda. I don't see any questions from anyone. >> Everybody else is good. questions answered. >> Okay, >> Liz, thank you. Nice to >> see you. Yes. Get get us a good >> a good sale. >> Uh Dr. Smatana, you want to go back

031to the rest of your agenda? >> Yes. Uh tonight I'll provide the board of education uh with the financial information for the month of December, which represents 50% of our fiscal year. Um the start with the monthly summary report. The total operating revenue for the month was 7,598,837 with 92% coming from property tax and CPPRT. 5% coming from evidence-based funding, which is state funding, and 3% coming from federal and state grant reimbursements. The total operating expenditures for the month were $2,747,188 with 70% towards salary and benefits, 15% towards operations and maintenance. Primarily that was our annual liability insurance uh premium for the year and 6% on transportation. Uh next I provided the monthly financial statements. The summary of the fund balances shows that the district has been deficit spending this fiscal year. Obviously as Dr.

032Skin Cass said due to the delay in property tax revenue uh we did receive um roughly uh 8.5 million on December 29th and 30th which is about 50% 57% of what we budgeted for prior year uh property tax. Um and then uh we were notified that Cook County will begin uh distributing the remainder of property tax revenue um starting today through February 5th. Um, I did not receive an email today, so I don't know if the district actually received any revenue today or how that will work. Um, and then additionally, the administration expects spring property taxes to be collected at this point, one month late. Um, uh, I think they're due April 1st. Um, but again, this time around, the issue was also uh distributing the revenue that they collected. Um so it doesn't mean

033necessarily that the district will begin to receive that revenue in April. Um the summary of revenue shows that the district has received 32.4% of our budgeted revenue for the year. Of course this is down from this time last year which is around 49% due to the timing of property tax. Um the good news is we are tracking where we should be for expenditures. uh we have spent 48% of our budgeted expenditures for the year and this time last year we are at 53%. Um the statement of revenues and expenditures for the month of December was included um for all of our board of education accounts for the month. Um and there were several questions submitted um on this report. Uh the first is on board book page 13 at the bottom. Um and this is

034a revenue account and the question was why the music program uh was at 264% of revenue. So there are um two revenue accounts for the music program. Um and so 3600 should have gone into the other account. Um so that will be adjusted in the next month or two and then both accounts will be um on budget. Um on board book page 14 uh the question was why we didn't get any interest on investment this month. um that is distributed quarterly. Um the next question was about sports stipens and if we could take one take from one sport to balance out another sport. Uh the question was um whether or not uh conferences or a team goes into uh the playoffs. Um so sports stipens are listed as separate accounts in the budget and they

035cover an entire season including playoffs. Um and then supplies, dues and fees, etc. all come from a athletic accounts as a whole. So volleyball doesn't get a separate budget than golf, etc. Um, and then we also have a separate account for any sport or extracurricular activity that qualifies for state. It's called all state account. So like the musicians you heard tonight, all those expenses will be covered from the all state account. Um, so that doesn't really pull out of any one department budget. >> So the refs, where where does that money come from then? Is that >> that comes from one line item for athletics? Okay. Um it's uh paid service. >> Okay. Um tuition. Uh there was a question uh it's board book page 20 on regular ed. Um most of the expenses in

036here are for um they're miscoded and should be for special education. What usually comes out of here is if there's a a regular education student that needs to be placed at a safe school um often in lie of expulsion or um if regular education students um need tutoring that are hospitalized um that will come out of this account as well. Uh the next question was boardbook page 21. Uh the special education transportation um isn't behind in billing. Um there is um some lines there are two special ed transportation accounts. There's one labeled special education and one labeled ladsy. Um and so between the two of those were pretty much up to date. What often gets behind is uh athletic transportation. Um for student they're typically behind and they bill in waves um and they typically

037catch up by the end of the fiscal year. Um and then the next uh so that was it in regards to uh questions on the board accounts. There was also a question submitted on the student activity accounts summary that I provided for the board for the month of December. Um board book page 25. The question was about the $30,000 balance for Pipets. Um and it's high in a relative year for Pipets because they're going to nationals. So all the fundraising that they did was put into this account. Um and I believe about 25,000 in expenditures will hit next month. Um so that will decrease the balance. Moving on to my next report. Um paid second quarter rentals. Um this report includes any paid rentals during this time period. So that's October 1st through December 31st.

038Um the district collected $16,385.25 25 and expended $4,267. Um, of the revenue from this quarter that was paid, 63% uh came from facility space charges with the majority of rentals uh were from the stadium followed by the fieldhouse and the main gym. Year-to date, the district has collected $22,692 and expended $6,89. The surplus from rentals is used to offset the costs related to the upkeep of facilities. Um and then at this time last year the district had brought in $32,916. Um so we are low but when you look at um two things we have three groups that have outstanding balances from the second quarter and then we also have two groups that paid after the first of the year. So they technically didn't hit this report. So, if you look at those um that amount

039of money that those groups would generate, that's 28,000. So, we really are tracking right where we should be at this time uh of the year for a normal year in rentals. Um there was a question submitted about revenue on rentals and if it's enough to sustain the wear and tear. Uh we revisit pricing every other year and compare it to local schools. It's a balancing act of uh serving our community and allowing all of our feeder groups to come in and use our facility at a reasonable price while also providing um you know revenue for the upkeep of facilities. Uh we revisit that every other year. We bring that to the facilities advisory council and we ask the board to approve any rates. So, so you know and that was my question because you know

040I do believe that you know this is an asset of the community you know and we definitely want to make it available and I think it's available for a very fair price >> but as we start to look at having to do like the new um to renew the football field you know the turf like those big repairs that happened or when I saw the refinishing of the pool you know those are things that you do once every 20 years or 15 years. Do we also put a little money aside for those kind of repairs? Not the everyday wear and tear, but that 20 year, you know, redo. >> Yeah. So, um the revenue generated from uh facilities goes into our operations and maintenance uh account. And so, um, money that's not used that particular

041year for wear and tear stays in there and builds up that balance so that when we need to then do a larger project, we have hopefully the money or some of the money offsetting that that we can pull from to decrease that balance a little bit and help offset those costs. >> Okay. And so that's something that when you calculate that, you're cognitively, you know, consciously thinking about and Okay. >> Yeah. Um and then lastly, I provided for the board the um Proviso Township Treasurer Office board meeting. Um we met on uh January 14th. I included the presentation. It can also be found on their website. And there were a couple of questions submitted on this as well. Um they did not. The first question was whether or not the township treasurer provided a cost

042impact of delayed property tax receipts. Um they did not. We asked for that and so they are um working through that. It's a little tricky as a part of the township for a couple of reasons. Um, one, um, the township treasur has a very conservative investment policy. Um, and so we as a township did not need to sell any investments early. This is, you know, in the past four years, the third time this has happened in Cook County. So, they take a conservative approach in case uh, we need some cash on hand. Um there was one district uh that didn't impact us uh but there was only one district in the township that needed to do a tax anticipation warrant. Um but then also where the um probably the more opportunity cost comes in is

043typically we would take that money that we received in August and be able to invest that as a township treasur and we weren't able to do that. So Paul, the township treasurer, is going to look at um you know, if we were able to invest, what would the rates be? How much would we have invested and come up that with that number for us? >> Thank you. Yeah, there were just um you know, a number of the more northern um treasurer business staff and they had some back of the envelope numbers and I was wondering what the equivalent would be for us. >> Yes, Paul uh said he hadn't done that yet, but he would uh do that. So once I get that, I'll pass it along. Um and then uh the other question was

044about AP uh payment processing. That will not have an impact on us in terms of timeline. We used to do pretty much all of that. Um but then the township treasurer didn't want all that extra documentation. So we always have it. Um uh and so what would happen is we would uh have the board approve bills as they always do. Um and then the piece that's missing is um they have not required the documents uh with your signature or the resolution. We have just been keeping that on file here. So they would like that on file with >> Okay. I just just it wasn't clear from the way it was written like it was almost we could approve bills before you went through the paperwork process of submitting them. But sounds like there already is

045an AP process that works. Um just because I know we when we were looking at scheduling meetings for this year, we were trying to be cognizant of not going more than a month, but that's still that reality still exists. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And that concludes my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Smatana. >> Any other questions for Dr. Smatana and any of the finances? >> Okay, Dr. Freightas. I didn't mean to skip you before, but we're back. >> Good evening again, honor board members. Um, I would like to seat the floor to our student advisors to the board who will open up with their reports. >> All right. Um, before we before we begin, we have a few additional items that we added on to it. So, it's not on your thing, but we

046have more information to share. So, um, for teaching and learning in January, see, we have senior decisions and acceptances to postsecary institutions. This month, more seniors have begun to commit to colleges, which can be seen on the RB class of 2026 decisions page on Instagram. Um, as we near the national decision day on May 1st, we'll continue to get more commitments um and see where our class ends up next. >> Um, under school culture and operations, I want to briefly jump back to right before first semester ended. Um, Dr. Fras, Arian, and I sent out a first semester student survey to the student body. And from this, we derived three main concerns that students are having. Number one, that that they want new microwaves. Two, they are concerned with the rising food prices. and three,

047many students expressed a want for more spirit weeks and assemblies. So, in response to these concerns, Dr. Freyas has successfully pushed for the purchase of a new microwave and it's currently ready to be plugged into our cafeteria, which is really exciting for our students. And Dr. Freyas has initiated plans to speak with our cafeteria providers to discuss the pricing issue. And on the request from our spirit weeks and assemblies on January 16th, on last Friday, we had our winter pep rally to welcome students back for the second semester. We had performances from our gymnastics team, varsity palms, and special games between grade levels and teachers trying to build the best snowman. Um, and of course, we had the tradition of the scream contest, which the seniors did win. Um, and it was just a really

048nice way to sell back into second semester. >> And then on January, >> just a quick question. How old was the microwave? >> They're at least three years old, but they get so much wear and that just is a >> We bought two or three. >> Yeah. So we have uh we have two right now new ones that are ready. >> Okay, good. That's that's good to be responsive on on that type of thing. And on the food >> prices way communication the board >> wants and certainly the board has looked at the the prices as they come in front of us and I know they've raised some items here and there. Um so certainly we're mindful of the the pricing as well but and and you're aware of that. I think you guys were

049on the board when we did the pricing contract this fall. Maybe it was last spring but regardless. Yeah, it's generally aware >> you still the students know, but I I keep an eye on there. Dr. Fergus and I both eat lunch in there. >> Um like even the sandwich shop where you get a custom sandwich and you can get a custom sandwich for 440. Um that's a lot cheaper than Jimmy John's and um Subway. So I mean we're we're >> it's not, you know, always ideal, but some of our students eat like it's the last supper. Let's go back. >> I can see where it goes. >> Five or $6 times five days, that's $30 times four weeks, that's $120. >> Yeah, I'm at about $52 a week for >> my So, I think it's

050interesting that there was a request for new microwaves, right? I think students are trying to not spend all that money and they're trying to bring their food from home. So, >> thank you for the microwave. I also meet with Quest um a couple of times a year and we met last week and they are rolling out value meals um so and they will be designated so um they will be cheaper alternatives um that they're like kind of packaged together so you could get right like this and this and this together for this price. Um and so they're going to start rolling that out as well um to help um and in doing that those are also meals that are available to our students on free and reduced lunch. So, our free and reduced lunch students

051will have um expanded options. Uh they won't be as limited as to what they can get in the cafeteria. There'll be more options available to those students as well. >> So, they're limited. >> Um right now there's like a few options. They don't uh students on free reduced lunch don't get to >> I didn't want to know that. Okay. Thank you. Well, thank you. I'll think about that one. Thank you. >> All right. So, next on this past Friday, the 16th, um the Shenanigans show took place, Just Keep Swimming, at 700 p.m. in the Little Theater. It was our first show of the year, showcasing a fun night of improv for the community. Um this just reflects how happy we are to have a thriving performing arts scene here at RB, especially shenanigans. >> Um

052starting today, January 20th, RB's providing juniors ACT prep on Tuesdays through Saturday at varying times to help accommodate for students schedules. Students should have signed up for a specific date previously, but the ACT prep groups are still receiving students on a wait list if needed. And I just want to say last year my friend and I did ACT prep mornings and it was really helpful because we did practice tests and practice questions and the teachers like um told us like tips and tricks to answer the questions quickly because AT tests are time. So, it was really important to have that kind of practice. And then on the 28th, we have club yearbook photos at um throughout the school day from 8 to 3:15 in the auditorium. >> On February 5th, the student association is going

053to be taking signups for the blood drive. Students may sign up at all lunches in the cafeteria and of course blood drive gives students an opportunity to give back to the communities and they also are provided with free snacks afterwards. Um, under activities and athletics, on January 16th, um, we had our pack the place basketball event where both girls and boys varsity teams face Aego in the main gym. In both games, RB held raffles for various prizes like RB merchandise, crumble cookies, and even a Steph Curry jersey. I was there for both the games and like the student section was like bustling. We were yelling and rallying support. The boys team won, but the girls team faced a loss, but however, they were both incredible games. And then today, the 20th, um RB held their

054dance auditions from 3:30 to 5:30 in the dance studio. Um this was for both the 2026 to 2027 reparatory dance ensemble and the 2026 Orchestas Dance Company. And then on the 23rd, we have girls basketball senior night at 6:30 in the main gym. And on the 31st, we have varsity competitive cheerleading IHSA section game um at Buffalo Grove. Time is still to be determined. And then looking ahead for February, we have um Winter Palms/Hip Hop Senior Night on the 13th at 6:30 in the main gym. And on the 14th, we have boys basketball and cheer senior night at um 1:30 in the main gym. >> Hello. >> Thank you. >> Off to you guys now. >> Yes. >> Again, welcome and happy new year everyone. You know, we began the semester on the 5th. Students

055were rewelcomed. Students received a paper copy of their schedule. They received their teachers and updated curriculum and syllabi and we're off to a great second semester. For the third consecutive year, I'm proud to say that we RV will recognize as an AP honoral school with gold distinction. That means we have, you know, a large percentage of students taking AP classes, passing them, and challenging by taking several at a time. Now, the challenge is growth, right? Because two of our out of our three metrics, we were platinum. We're right there. To earn an overall platinum recognition, um, we need to have 80% of our of our students experience an AP class by the time they graduate. For the class of 25, we have 67% at least take one or more AP classes. So, we're definitely growing

056and we're aiming. So, the goal is to to be black. Under school coaching operations, this upcoming Saturday, we have incoming freshman registration. Families and students will have the opportunity to meet with counselors, discuss recommended classes. They get to meet the staff, our assistant principles, and myself. And again, we will we're there to support them as they get ready to begin their their senior their freshman year and sign up for the classes. And the month of February for school culture, our annual fabric survey opens up February 2nd through March 3rd. Over the last three years, we've had a participation rate of 95% or higher. our students completed. They're taking seriously with the support of our teachers and their parents. On February um on February 3rd, we have college planning tips for sophomores 6 to 7. It's

057in the auditorium. All parents are welcome, not just only parents or sophomores. Everyone is welcome. On February 13th, we have an institute day. It's a nonattendance day for students, a regular work day for teachers and administration. under activities and athletics. On the 21st, tomorrow, we have boys and girls wrestling senior night, 5:00 p. p.m. in the main gym. We also have boys swimming and diving senior night 5:00 p.m. in the pool. And on the 22nd, we have the annual plumbers bricks graduation ceremony 5:00 p.m. and plumbers 1:30 right off Washington. And I want to thank Mr. Durkin, you know, and of course the board for helping us bring that program to our students. every year for the last four or five years, RB has been represented, you know, within the plumbers program. So, thank you,

058Mr. Durkin, and thank you, Board of Education, for making that happen. And that concludes the principal's report. If there are no questions, I would like to bring up Mr. Dave Manik, our assistant principal of student affairs for the first semester climate and culture. Mr. Mann, bring Harley. >> Bring Harley. And of course, our deans, Dean Carol Weinberg and Dean Alberto H. >> He's not going to be left out. >> Oh, he's sticking my spot. >> Harley's Harley's reporting too, right? >> Okay. Good evening. Tonight we're here to present the first semester culture and climate report which provides an overview of the attendance and student behavior trend from semester 1. Uh with the addition of behavior metrics represented in the Illinois school report card, the data that you see tonight um was intentionally aligned to the

059same attendance and behavior indicators used on the uh in these report card online. So we were intentional about mirroring some of that data uh for you tonight. um that just gives us a kind of a metric to monitor our progress here and then as well as how we're doing against uh the state uh performance as well. So overall first semester data reflected a stable attendance rates um a reduction in chronic absenteeism uh compared to last year and continued uh declines in total suspensions. So overall very positive data. Um these trends suggest um you know good movement in both student engagement and uh school climate here. Um it also this data helps us identify areas that we need to to sh up and provide some additional interventions and supports. So at this time we'll turn over

060to the deans missberg and Mr. Hopkins will give you additional information and detail for that data. >> Hi good evening. Uh so as uh Mr. Manon mentioned we are seeing some stability in attendance uh if not some modest gains that we're pretty proud of. So, uh, you'll see that, uh, under 2025 for our ADA, our average daily attendance, we're looking at 93.42, which is up slightly from last year. Um, and if you uh draw your attention below that, you'll see kind of some standard behavior with uh what you know, monthly ADA looks like where, you know, you start off the year very strong, 95% and above in August um with some decline there and then a spike back up in December as we get closer to finals time and some more compulsory attendance um situations

061there. Uh again, a standard um attendance uh data demonstration with our grade levels as well. really strong attendance from our freshmen, which is great. Um nearly 95% and then a steady decrease from there heading into the seniors. And again for our juniors and seniors, that's really, you know, we're seeing our college visits. We're seeing um you know, use of the mental health days. We're seeing um you know, more travel, sports opportunities, things like that. So they're they're taking advantage of that. Uh we have signed Dr. Pas has signed a number of election judge forms. Um so that is another uh a great opportunity for our students and uh an approved absence by the state which is fantastic. Um chronic absenteeism you'll notice below that. Um we are this is really kind of where that gain

062we're seeing uh that we are quite proud of. So six uh we are 16% for the semester down 2% um from last year. Uh this is a really important metric for the um our designation um that we are looking towards next year. So, we're trying to continue to keep that um low, that chronic absenteeism number. Um that is for students who were absent nine or more days, right? That's chronic absentism is the metric. Um and really where we're seeing the biggest uh drop down there is in our junior class. Um and and overall drops, you know, uh for every single grade level, which is great. Um if you'll flip over, we get into how attendance is broken down here. Um and again, we're seeing declines overall in in absenteeism, which is great. Um as we

063get further away from the COVID crisis, we are seeing um you know, less of the sick days, less of the doctor's days. Um certainly the flu is still pretty bad this year. So, we are seeing a number of those days being taken now. Um but I think less uh doctor's visits being taken um you know, during the school day, uh those kinds of things and uh less vacation days as well. So, um, mental health days, right, as a metric is pretty important here as well. Um, the left side of the chart, I know there was a question on this chart, the left side of the chart is, uh, number of students who took a specific amount of days. Um, and then the right side of that chart is the total number of students by grade

064level taking one or more mental health days. Um, and I there was a it was pointed out that there was a discrepancy in that number. Um one student did take two periods of mental health days um mental health periods rather uh due to like a rough morning right so that is there is some flexibility in how that code is used which is really nice um you know a student can flex those days and use it for you know I need to leave in the afternoon right to get a break or I need to come in late um and then some of those attendance initiatives that we're seeing uh parent square has been really great in terms of being able to reach students and parents directly um we are sending out our unbear this is a

065a normal thing that we used to send out at our um unverified period. So, uh if you have a student here, you may have gotten a a text message that says, "Hey, your student was unverified, you know, this period." Um and it is direct communication back so the parent can respond directly to that text message to excuse the absence or to ask further questions. Um that's been great. We are also working really closely with our MTSS specialist push windbush um to develop some additional interventions for students uh going through chronic absenteeism um through with our uh student services department. So we're continuing to um look at those initiatives and to assist those students and families. >> I did have a question on the mental health days um >> table. So you have like on one

066day you have 100 it looks like 140 students took one mental health day >> but then to the right it says grade nine. So does that mean only n uh freshman took one day? >> Yeah. So that'll be fixed for our our second semester. It's uh it it's two separate charts here. So look at it. You look at that line is separating two different charts. The information on the right with the grade level is students who took any mental health day. So there were 37 freshmen, right? 37 students in grade nine who took at least one mental health day. Okay. >> Right. The information on the left side of the chart is how many students took at least how many students in the entire school took at least one mental health day. How many students

067took at least two. Right? So it is two separate charts. It was just a misprint in the way that it was produced. >> So like on the second one you have 57 students. I guess the grade is kind of confusing because you have 57 students um took two. >> Where's the 57? I'm sorry. >> So if I look at the far right where it says students 54. So 10. See where you where I go across? That's where I'm getting a little confused. I think >> there should be like a thick bold line between the two tables. >> Yeah. When I put I put two charts together and we just need to delineate it by a big bold line in between. So they're two separate data points. So you can't read it from left to right

068across four columns. You can read column one, column two, and then you can read new column one, new column two. >> Students is not meant to be as not >> the number of days. So we're just so the right to columns. That's the number of students within each grade that took at least one. Correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. So there's no note there. But on the other first two columns, that's the number of students. We just don't know what grade they were. >> Yes, that's total students who that's more for how many days are students taking, right? Because they have up to five per year. Um, so that just gives us the data point on how many students are taking, you know, one day, two days, three days, four days. >> Okay, keep going. >>

069That's it for me for attendance unless anybody has questions on that data. >> Any Mr. Manon, I'm sorry. Mr. Van, don't try to I know you try to keep it all on one page probably. >> Yes. >> No shortcuts on attendance. >> No. >> And there is there are positives here. So you know the data metric and that we try to align it with the the state report card that chronic absenteeism number you know we historically hover around 15 16%. We were at 18 last year so or 19. So we want to get that down. I mean on a >> but that that that definition of chronic hasn't changed >> has not. So so that's been consistent. Okay, >> if you read the Tribune or something, there's all school districts are dealing with that >>

070because of the way it's defined and the way even if kids are calling out. So you're on one hand you're telling kids take mental health days but then that counts against you. One hand you're telling kids >> ever since co don't come to school if you're feeling sick or have a fever or have the sniffles but that counts against you like so like >> but now something like the um and I'm really happy to hear you've been signing a lot of people to be poll watchers. Does that count against the absenteeism number? >> Yes. Yes. Right. So, so I think that's >> correct. The state has approved those as civic days, which is great. We want our kids to be involved, >> right? Or college visits. I mean, and so I think those are all

071and I think that's an important thing for us to keep in mind that there's a lot that goes into that number. And um >> do we anticipate or is that a trend? Like is November usually our lowest? >> Yes. >> Do we do we think that's because we have the two days and then off three days? >> A little bit. >> No, I'm serious. Like >> total number of days is less. This is an example of a what would be a board issue is the board approves the calendar. >> So I mean if the board said hey we want to fix attendance in November >> and give the whole week off of Thanksg >> but then the board has to make up two days that we're not taking off >> in the district that my

072kids go to. That's how it's set up. >> But you're prolonging it might be at first thing we're at the back end of that week then you're getting more absences because of the late you know the holiday arrival too. So you by fixing things one way you might make it worse on the other end too. So >> but you'd have to either adjust push graduation past Memorial Day or >> No, >> but do we have enough data to show that that's when the majority of students are taking? >> That's what I asked them to just kind of pull a little more and let's look at it again. We already approved the calendar for next year. So it's not something but if we pull the three or four year history of November and it's always that

073week you know >> I think it's viewed as a good travel week right >> for better or for worse >> what do the feeder schools do because I know Kar if I remember correctly was off >> I want to say the students are off but I want to say um that I think if not all of them most of them used the that two days for their parent teacher conferences. >> Oh yeah, I think >> but that would be kicking our parent teacher conferences almost to the end. You're almost a a quarter and a half through then >> almost right before finals. >> Yeah, you're starting you're talking 13 weeks 14 weeks into a class. There's not a lot of time for then right there intervention teachers too. >> Just see what the data looks

074like. It might not be all of it, right? Then what's the percentage that take off during the Thanksgiving week and then maybe have some sort of incentive to make sure they come the first three weeks of November. >> Um that might be easier to do than to screw up the sorry on those things. Yeah. >> Perfect attendance first two weeks get you a day free day. >> Figure it out. Turkey >> turkey giveaway everybody for perfect attendance >> turkey shoot for attendance. >> All right, Dean Hackz. >> Good evening everybody. I apologize if my voice is a little horsearo. Um I'm recovering from screaming at the TV on Sunday. It's all right. Um so we'll go over uh discipline and school climates. Um overall um suspensions decreased um to 20 from uh from 32 last

075uh year first semester and then 45 in 2023. So, as far as that goes, a pretty good um pretty good number there as far as you know those incidents. Um specifically with drug possession, THC uh and fighting um those were um a major decline, right? Um and then you know incidents related to disruption of it. So what we call DLO or DLE, uh those for the most part remain stable. Um we do have a new category uh that as you would imagine uh that is probably going to grow in the upcoming years here uh with creation or dissemination of unauthorized uh electronically created content right AI. So we did have uh a couple of incidents with that. Um but again overall uh 20 suspensions uh first semester uh 20 students um primarily if you see

076the numbers uh a lot of sophomores you know at the 10th grade level um but again overall reduction uh across all grade levels. Um, as far as uh the numbers go with on the next page, um, analyze by race, um, suspension rates were pretty proportional, uh, as far as, you know, based on the enrollment and a very small percentage of the total student population. So less than 1% per uh you know there was no disproportionate impact um at the population level. Uh a few of the uh initiatives that we that we that were new this year um obviously with student squared uh communication there's direct communication that it comes to us like a text for the most part. Same way to parents uh and to students. Um when kids serve an inschool suspension ADA um

077there's a reflection piece to it now that that gets directly sent to us. So if it's a THC or a vape uh there are some specific uh specific videos that students watch uh with some some guided questions you know uh that that then we get to see. Um we are going to uh we're going to pilot some so it's behavior interventions to support academics through tutoring. Um what we're talking about there is um we're trying to reduce taking students out of class right to serve in school suspensions for tardies or for whatever may be specifically for tardies. So, we're going to give them an option um to serve like an after school detention um in the library, but you know, take advantage of the fact that we have NHS tutors out there, so they can

078get some work done for that hour. Uh so, we're going to try that. You know, that should be coming up in about two weeks here. We haven't reached that point yet. Uh but, um we'll give you feedback on that, you know, see how that works. Uh and you know, we are security QR codes. Uh they they're checking the bathrooms, exterior code, uh exterior door, sorry. um rotations in the locker room. Um security's been doing a nice job um you know being visible. Um we got the video room uh and the the vape detectors uh that are linked to our cameras and our phones uh and and of course all these expectations are you know students are reminded about them um at the grade level something that we had last week. Um, so you know, all

079in all, it's it's it was a good first semester with the few students that we you know, >> I believe we addressed all the questions that were submitted. Correct. >> I have just a kind of a quick comment since AI um dissemination is new. Can you just add a little parenthetical there just when you're redoing charts and graphs, you know, new in 2025? >> Just I think it'll be helpful for us to ever sitting in these chairs in three years to look back and and know that this is the first year. It doesn't look like an increase between those here. >> Right. Right. Right. >> Um >> should note to the the state came out with a new law regarding AI. They're developing guidance in nine categories. And so we're kind of waiting for that

080to filter through um that'll provide some further guidance for us as we shape procedures in the handbook and things like that. And I know that's going to be a focus of uh Ky Linguist and the instructional side um of things here as well going into the new year. Those conversations have started. Uh we're just waiting to for the state to give us further information on those areas. It >> were the instances I mean it this might be going to what you're saying there but were the instances within like the classroom or was this something outside of outside? >> This was outside this is actually in the cafeteria. A new app came out and students were playing around with it that impacted an area within the classroom. >> Got it. So it's kind of the stuff

081that we're seeing here and there which is the applications and the kids getting excited about them but then not seeing fully the implications of what those abs got you know do. So, >> and then my other um quick question on the the suspension sophomores were the the challenging group of 25. If you do a multi-year look back or is um and first of all, I should say that it's great that this overall suspension number has gone down. That's that's an incredible change I think from year over year. Is it um have we seen the sophomore class historically has been where some of our biggest challenges or this just happen stance with the current population here? I would think is a historical and you guys can jump in on this. I it kind of varies. Freshman

082for sure we see a lot of that. First semester um this year not so much but typically it is >> younger younger students that are >> you had like a bad senior we had a bad uh high number I should say bad high number of suspensions under 12th grade last year. >> Right. That's >> so I think it kind of fluctuates a little bit. Right. >> Definitely fluctuates based off of whatever circumstances um makeup of that class. Yeah, >> this year we, you know, we got off to kind of a rough start and so to to kind of come as a team together, see where we can increase our visibility, use the applications, technology, all the resources that we have here and put those to where we need them and intervene. Um, you see the

083result and so I'm really happy because it was a rough first couple months and um, you see the result here and actually what is the culture climate of our building at RV? It's it's that's it's a great place to learn and we just talked to our students about um in our grade level assemblies. You know, coming in and not having to worry about the safety factor is huge for us. And so providing that as you can see from the suspension numbers and the distractions and things like that. Um it's paying off in what we're doing. So we continue to it's never done. It's never ending that work and we always think outside the box and be creative, but um you know the resources that are allocated to us from the board and and and what

084we have to work with has been phenomenal. So thank you for that too. >> In regards to resources, the uh school safety officer is good. >> Yeah. So >> helpful having three now and having one at night and the rotation. >> They sure up our entries in the morning and at dismissal, they also have a big part in our rotational schedule. So our security on the floor have assignments throughout the day. Right. So, the security officers not only, you know, work through that and develop that schedule, um, but also are with us in regards to any questions or like significant concerns that we have. We meet on a regular basis. And then they're always in our cafeterias, too. So, their help and support, not only like with their experience, but like just lending a hand

085on how we operate things in our office has been awesome. and having that third one at night though that that's been >> huge for for for greeting for traffic control for just having an extra set of eyes in the building and a place for people to go if they have questions. Um and Mr. Moralo who came for us from Riverside is a walker. He loves getting his steps in. So just having him on the floor and be out and about has been a great asset too. Last but not least, the star of the show. He's sleeping under the table, but that's been a good addition as well. >> Yeah, we really got lucky. Um, he's, you know, >> before we could we go back to the Are we done with the suspensions? The the last

086table, is that correct? Because is the denominator on the last table 1648? >> 1649. So if we're So it would be 13 / 1649, right? Or 4 / 16 >> for the You're looking at like the Hispanic population. >> Yeah. So I don't think it's 7. I think it's 0.7 >> if that's the denominator. So that table, we might want to look at that again. >> Oh, yeah. >> Because that a little misleading because that's what you're saying. You're looking at the number divided by the whole population. >> Yeah. So it's not 7%. >> It's 7%. 13 / 1649 is 0.7 multiply by 100.7. >> It's no it's >> what we put in front >> because that you percentage you have to >> Yeah. It's 7 1000. So that's not seven. It's not seven10. >>

087I think we can maybe articulate that a little bit better way uh going forward. So we'll look at that. that set and then >> okay >> make sure that that's >> we're good. >> May I make a quick comment? >> Absolutely. >> I just wanted to say I had an opportunity to see and really feel our culture and climate last week at the uh event for the incoming students for next year and I thought it was an excellent event. It started out with a wonderful presentation with energy and positivity and followed by presentations by all of our department heads, division heads, deans, um even Harley was there. Uh that was followed by an opportunity for all of our student associations, our organizations. Arian was there to greet other students. The athletic teams had tables, the

088musicians had tables, the artists had tables. Uh it was a really to me a very uh powerful visual representation of our culture and our climate. And it really showed how there's so many opportunities for our students to get involved. No matter who you are, every single student has a way to get involved. And that credit goes to the students that run the organizations and to the administrators and the staff and the teachers that are committed to the mission of our school board. So I just wanted to thank you guys for keeping work and it's a work in progress as you acknowledge. But the work to me felt like we're hitting the mark when I was able to see that experience. So thank you all. >> What's your feedback? >> That's good. That's good feedback. >>

089All right. So Harley >> Harley Yeah. Yeah. No, I was just going to say we were, you know, we were fortunate to kind of test him out um with Oprah Teres coming here uh for the last three or four years and uh we knew that he was going to be a great fit and so thank you for trusting us with that idea and going with it. And um you know, he's putting the work in, we're putting the work in regards to training, continue training. Um, but I think as the students can attest, uh, I love seeing their smiles and and seeing them light up and really excited to see him and we've been using him in multiple capacities, whether it's reading with Harley in the library at the events, um, in the calf, in the

090hallways. Uh, we continue to think outside the box. So, he's been uh, supporting the other districts as well. >> Very positive. I've gotten some really good feedback on that. >> Has been a great benefit to what we're doing here. and uh we've had some some difficult times in our office uh with students coming in and he's there to support them as well. So, it's been a very very positive thing. So, >> Mr. Mannon, on behalf of the board, I think we all would like to thank you. Um I don't think the board doesn't understand this. Harley goes home with Mr. Mannon every day. He's at Mr. Mannon's house with his young children and their family dog every day and every night. And Mr. Mannon has been driving to Gurnie on a weekly or bi-weekly basis

091to complete to complete training so that Harley can graduate to the highest level of service dog. So there's been a commitment on Mr. Mannon's part um and a lot of extra time and so we don't want you we want the board and I want you to know that does not that has not gone unnoticed. I >> appreciate it. >> Okay. And yes, Miss Wyberg did watch the dog for a week with Mr. Man. >> It was my pleasure. >> We trained the dog for about two extra weeks. >> Good team. >> Good job, everybody. >> Thank you all. >> Thank you. >> Now, I'd like to invite our assistant principal for student services to give some update. I know Harley. >> Beth is guilty of >> carrying Ritz crackers in her purse. >> No, I

092I it's now it's only dog treats. He comes to my office every morning at 8:30. He runs in. He knows what he's getting. He's getting his dog treat. I have to stick to dog food or they won't let him come visit me. So, thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to just give you a brief overview of student services updates. I I promise I will be quick. Um so course selection we are finishing up with our current freshman sophomores and juniors have been registered. It's already been stated that we have incoming freshman registration on Saturday. So the hope is to uh finish up any makeups on Saturday. Um at the following week after uh the Saturday the 24th um and then any families that were unable to attend the Saturday registration will get

093them in to meet with the counselor and then we start sectioning. um in the first week of February. So, Kylie, I will be back to report numbers, classes under 20. So, look forward to that. Uh dual enrollment, we had a great turnout this evening. Uh the first time we offered a dual enrollment meeting for students and parents who are interested in dual enrollment programs for the upcoming school year. I joke that three years ago when we started this, we were building the plane and flying it at the same time. And then we are learning from some of our mistakes. mostly that um you know these students are now college students uh and they have the the foot in the college life and the high school life and here at RB we are very um I

094should say we accommodate very well and at the college level it's it's just a different experience and I don't think we did a good enough job letting students know that your parents aren't seeing your grades we're not getting regular updates on how you're progressing college professors don't have to update grades every 15 days like they do in high school. So, it was a great meeting. I did not know what to expect, but we had a full house and I I did do a sign-in sheet to see who was there, but we made it mandatory if you know the expectation if we're going to pay this high school or the college tuition that we want you to attend and know what you're getting into. So, it was a great turnout. Um I listed the programs that

095are being offered for uh next year for possible um pathways and we currently have 27 students interested for next year. So every year it's growing, the interest level is growing. So I think that's great. Uh counselors will meet with seniors and English classes to talk about FAFSA completion and waiverss. Uh the last several years we've hit the silver mark with ISAC with a number of um f uh financial aid applications that are being submitted. And then we will also go over local scholarship opportunities. Um show them where they are on the website, go over deadlines. Um the counselors do try to target specific students based on um scholarship opportunities one on one, but we will give an overview. um they've already had an overview at the senior meetings, but you know, they're not remembering necessarily

096what happened in August. So, that will be discussed in February. Um I just wanted to highlight some of the social emotional um learning standards that we are continuing to do. I feel like there was so much social emotional right after COVID and I want to make sure that the board knows we are continuing with our efforts. The signs of suicide screener was um delivered to the freshmen at the beginning of the school year, but we've added sophomores starting this year. So, first semester health students were screened um in December. And then tomorrow we are screening second semester health students. Uh Panorama survey, we're doing a mini survey on February 10th. We did the main survey at the beginning of of the year. Those are really social emotional learning standards. How students are do they have

097a a adults that they can trust. Uh how are they with their executive functioning? How are they with goal setting? And then we use that data for group um development. The counselors are the social workers develop their groups based on that data. We will have a Sarah in presentation. We do this annually for our juniors. The Sarah Zin presenters push into the English classes focusing on just safe healthy relationships. This is all part of Aaron's law and the state mandate um is state mandate that we are educating students on healthy relationships. And then we're starting this year one for the freshman. So we're going to do a presentation for them through um pillars. They also receive this information during health classes. So it's nice that freshman, sophomore, junior year they're continuing to hear about building

098healthy relationships. Uh we will have kindness week 16th through the 20th and in February. just some promoting empathy, schoolwide activities. Um I feel like February is kind of a blah month, so it's nice to just create some some warmth in the building. Um and then the dating violence awareness prevention day is February 11th. We'll have some good information for students. It's wear orange day. And then lastly, college and career week. Um we'll continue our um um annual trades and career fair. We'll do a local mini college fair. This has been ongoing. Our theme this year is unlock your potential. We're trying to have a theme and then I have some new ideas. I sometimes when I don't feel like doing the work I need to do, I like find things that make me uh excited.

099And so we're going to bring some new creative things to college and career week uh this year. So that's it. >> So do all the students do all of these social emotional surveys? Uh so every student receives the panorama survey. Um one first semester and then a smaller a shorter version second semester. Yes. >> What about some of the other ones on the healthy relationships? >> So it's not a survey, they're presentations. >> Okay. Um, so we're incorporating a new presentation this year for freshmen, but junior year Sarah's in has been presenting probably the last 10, 12 years to our to our juniors. Um, >> you remember presentation last year. Yes. Um, so it's not really a survey that they're receiving. >> Uh, and then they're they are also receiving information during their health classes

100as well. So, do we have any data um that's coming either to your office somehow? Can we quantify in some way that um healthy relationships that these uh presentations are helping with that idea of healthy relationships that they feel they're empowered to make better choices or they feel that they're I don't know if there's data specifically on that topic but if we look at our panorama data as a whole >> and compare that to national. We we're looking at like our are our students in a healthy place and and I can say I mean I I'll I can show you the data from surveys from semester 1 and semester two. Um you know we don't have students take like a pre-est and a post test before the presentation if that's what you're asking for. >>

101No. Are you getting feedback? Would you say because you know we're making an investment and having these presentations, >> right? >> And you you'd want to know that the investment we're making that these are the right ones to use. Are you getting feedback when students are coming and talking to the counselors uh you're seeing it in other uh surveys or your panorama data? Do you do you feel that you're getting enough feedback from multiple sources that you think these are still good? >> Yeah, I would say it's I that's not an ongoing concern. I mean, that's one of the things the team and I talk about. What are things that we're seeing? I mean, we still are seeing anxiety, seeing depression, but it it doesn't seem as um prominent as it was right after COVID.

102I I don't have the counselor sharing with me. Wow, we're our our our students are really struggling with how to maintain healthy relationships, healthy boundaries. Um, and some of that also is, you know, what's going on at home with parents and what they're seeing. I mean, we're only seeing a snippet of what's going on here at school. So, I don't I think what we're providing plus part of it is a state mandate as well. Um, and I think it's very on point to what other high schools in our area are doing, if not more. >> I guess I'm going to ask our student, and I don't know if you know or talk, what is the sentiment among the student body on some of these uh presentations uh especially on the one on healthy relationships and

103are they wellreceived? Do people feel like that's good information? >> Yeah, I would say it's definitely wellreceived. Um, you know, maybe like years ago the stigma around dating violence and all that may have been something that kept people from talking about it, but our generation is definitely open about it and we kind of advocate for speaking up if you're in an unhealthy relationship. And when we did the the Sarah's in presentation, I remember doing it in class last year and we were all like talking about it and we wanted to make sure that our everyone in the room knew what was going on that we were like helping each other and were very aware of the seriousness of it and that's it's it shouldn't be taboo. So that's why we have it here in our

104school. And so talking about it just really helps and wearing the orange and all of that. People participate, our friends participate in that. So it is, you know, a very good preventative measure that we have. >> I was going to say the same thing. Last year in the English class, everyone was like participating. I was like surprised like um we were all in like um you know just talking about it. Everyone was open about it and then even beyond that with like mental health. Um I know like every day after school, Dr. Freya says if you're anxious or need help, come talk to the school counselors. Like we're open about this. It's not like there's no stigma like Arian said. So, I think RB does a really good job with that. Yeah. >> Yeah. And

105I think our students are great about sharing concerns of their their friends, their peers. I think this is just a it's a place where they know that the support is there and they know where to where to go. Uh every year, uh it's consistent that whether it's the uh five essentials survey or the panorama survey, having a trusted adult in the building is always one of our highest scores. So, I feel like our students know where to go if they need help or someone else does. >> Okay, >> good job, Beth. >> Can I ask one question about the dual enrollment? >> Sure. >> U just curious. It says there's 27 students projected to participate next year. How many do we have this year? >> Um I think currently there might there's now 14 in

106it. Okay. because first and semester and second semester uh change, >> right? >> And this is 27. >> There won't be 27. There will definitely be some that change their minds >> on this um for a variety of reasons. >> Sure. Sure. And is there any data on how they actually have been doing? I mean, I understand that they're enrolled in a different place than here, but do we get information about how do we do exit interviews with the with the students after how >> um So, so you're just like anecdotal like how they enjoyed it or >> or do we actually get grades? >> We do. We get grades because we need to put those grades on their RV transcripts. So, we do get grades. One of the things I I shared with the

107parents tonight that I would like to implement is the students that participated this year before graduation and gets crazy in May is to have a a sit down with students who are going to enroll and like what what would have been helpful what what should I have known beforehand? Uh, I will also let parents participate, but it'll be during the school day. But I feel I said, you know, I can stand up here and give you what I think is good advice, but to hear from your peers who actually went through it, I think could be really helpful. So, I'm going to add that to the programming um, starting in in May. >> Thank you. >> I I guess tagging off that, do we know any students who were successful getting their certificate like the

108CNA, you know, after going through this program? >> Oh, sure. Yeah. >> So, I mean, that's Yeah. And I I mean certainly if the board would like to hear from, you know, I know at the first the first year we had two students speak about the criminal justice. We haven't had anyone come back. Um but certainly um if if that's something at the end of the year that the board would like to hear could certainly see if a student would be interested to share their his or her >> be to hear from a student or two. >> Okay. I can definitely arrange that. >> Thank you. >> You are welcome. Thank you. Thank you. Make sure those kids out those scholarships. >> Yeah. Yes, they they will. >> I I'm I'm on it. >> Free

109money. >> I'm down. >> Not nearly enough. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you, Beth. >> Thank you. Uh moving on to FOYA requests. These are pretty >> three foyers. Pretty general. We see we wang on a regular basis. Copy of full-time aid. Contracts collected by agreements. Response was attached in your packet. Joel Strads, Dana Stewart, smart procure. We see this about on a quarterly basis. There was a question submitted about technology. Uh yes, the district does work all its technology through our ID department. We get lists from departments and department heads and then that's processed through uh Kristen and the IT team. Uh and then Travis Dar uh requesting any paint orders um >> the officer. What was that about? >> We don't know. Uh, I think >> I did a little work

110on that. I do think it's a union steward just to see if we're contracting painting, but we're not, >> right? >> Uh, I think the last time we used an outside painter was three years ago and it was um a union shop. So, I think, you know, as they get ready for the spring work and summer work, >> right? >> They're trying to see how many people are using painters and if they're doing prevailing wage and stuff like that. >> Okay. >> So, the technology u is that within the departments at purchase their own technology that's within their budget. Most of it goes through the instructional software budget was which is a separate line item and it all goes through that centralized process that Dr. Skinkus explained. So it goes through a committee and um

111we look at it as a whole and approve it. >> So that was good on the the foyer. No questions about the the foyers themselves. Um I think except for Miss Ruska's question which was answered. We don't have anyone here for visitor comments this evening. Consent agenda approval of minutes. Miss >> the board of education township high school district 208 Cook County Illinois takes the following action on the listed consent agenda items. Approves minutes from the meetings held on December 9, 2025 open and close sessions as presented in the January 20, 2026 board agenda packet. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. Uh second from Mr. Williams. Uh all in favor? >> I I motion carries. Consent approval of minutes and a consent agenda is approved. Old business. Um we don't have anything on

112life safety items, capital sustainability, but we do have the resolution for tax exempt working cash fund bonds. Um Miss Hennessy was here earlier this evening. I don't see any additional questions. I think we had a good opportunity over the last few months to ask. So if we can go ahead on that, that'd be great. The board of education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, hereby approves the resolution providing for the issue of not to exceed $4,500,000 general obligation limited tax school bonds series 2026 of the district for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund of the district, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax to pay the principle and interest on said bonds, and authorizing the sale of scent said bonds to Raymond James and Associates Incorporated as presented in

113the January 20, 2026 board agenda packet. >> A second. A second from uh Mr. Novak. And we do need a roll call, please. >> Mr. Durkin, >> yes. >> Miss Gaska, >> yes. >> Miss Ruska, >> yes. >> Mr. Novak, >> yes. >> Mr. Williams, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Mr. Caputo, >> yes. >> Uh, press Thank you, everyone. Press plus policy 120. Dr. Skankis, >> as stated during my superintendent report, the uh policies that are recommending some additions have been included in the blue highlight. Um there was two questions submitted on the changes. One was in regards to the policy with the AFR. Uh this is a process that has slightly made things a little more streamlined. um chief financial officer. We changed all those policies to say uh designated um financial

114official. Uh we'll work with the auditor to make sure that once submitted to the ICS, which yes, we still do have intermediate service centers. That's what they're called. They're no longer called regional offices. Um and the um superintendent once once the assistant superintendent is aware that the auditor has completed those two tasks then Kristen and I meet and I go through and formally approve it on the state system. The other one was the policy 6 col 280. There was a question submitted about grading. I think we answered that question. If you look uh on the grading piece it talks about the superintendent or designate. So at any time the the uh superintendent or board can amend this policy but it's more than just >> I >> so our only change here was to put our

115designate. Correct. >> Correct. Okay. >> What what page I I'm way behind pages 205. >> There was one I thought I don't know if that's the one that I'm thinking of. I was looking for like superintendent and your administrative team. I don't know. >> Right. We changed it to match all the other positive superintendent or designate. So if the superintendent design designate designates the administrative team to work on the grading >> is that because it that was the one that sets the the grades. Right. >> Right. >> Throughout the entire policy manual it's it's referred to as the superintendent and this board over the last 13 years has adjusted to say superintendent or designate. So if I delegate that or shift that authority that's what that's how we've done it. >> Right. But I this

116policy I thought felt more like establishing the graduation requirements or the grades. So it it seemed like it required more than just one person. I'm trying to So you said that's on page 205. >> Yes, we added the word designate. >> So let me see. 205. >> Well, I just think it Yeah, I mean we're only there was a small edit at that point. Right. So if you're looking for a substantive rewrite of the whole policy, that's a different discussion. >> Well, no, I just thought it because you're establishing the system of grading. So the superintendent shall establish a system of grading and reporting academic achievement. It seemed like me that it would be the superintendent along with his administrative team would establish the system of grading. >> But we wouldn't put that collaboration in

117the policy. I think the board would say that's their expectation. >> Yeah. I think throughout the policy manual we use superintendent >> or designate when it's like a permission thing but this was establishing how we are going to grade or how our grades are going to be established our students >> but let's just walk through that process so anything that's directly related to a policy typically goes through my advisory councils and my administrative team and then I bring recommendations forward >> right >> so I wouldn't I mean that's no different than anything else that's in the other policy manner that's a superintendent or designate. We bring then that work through our advisory councils which is then board and administration. >> Would this a would this policy allow the superintendent to avoid work with the administrative

118team? >> I think that that this the superintendent at the time would figure out how they would want to do that. >> I I'm not saying that that would be there. I'm just looking at policy in a global sense. I I I I I get what you're saying. Want to make sure you have a fail safe that we're not just having one person >> one person saying, you know, in order to get an A, you have to have 99%. >> You you understand that that policy has been like justice, we're we chose to add the word design. >> Well, a lot of that is who signs the paperwork. It's a superintendent, but if the superintendent's not here, then their design would sign it. But this is and as we're establishing the system for how we

119re of grading and reporting our academic success to maintain um that just caught me and you know my question would be if could there be a person in in your seat down the road that could avoid you know council of their whole team and do something I I hear I hear your question, but I would suggest that if you look at the full policy manual, >> we reference the superintendent as the leader of the district working with his administ his or her administrative team, including all support. That's that's otherwise captured in here. And if you're looking to rewrite this and and get into some of the different word smithing, I don't think this is the right um I think that the the board would have to determine if we wanted to rewrite this in some

120ways because to Kevin's point, it's been in place for a very long time and it's just the one word tweak >> that's being made for for this evening's board package. >> That's why we go through this every that's why they come back and that's why we keep going through. So is the concern that the change that was made to or designate is is more limiting. Is that what you're concerned about? >> Well, I I don't I don't think designate is the correct. I think it's the superintendent along with his his or her administrative team. I would think we'd want the whole team to determine our grading system. >> I see. I think that suggestion is a is a wholesale rewrite of the entire policy book to start picking up the administration. I think it's otherwise

121defined and I don't have it at my fingertips but there's it's otherwise reflected that the superintendent is >> yeah is is working in conjunction with others. >> If you think about our chain of command and the policy man the superintendent is the chief executive officer of the school district. If you wanted to add anything to like something like this to where the board would be concerned that like you would say the superintendent shall determine the grading policy uh and bring it forward for board approval. >> Yeah. >> Because the super I mean I'm not recommending that but I'm saying ultimately the superintendent determines what pathway then it goes through. Does it go to advisor council, administrative team, parent counsel, teacher counsel? It would be like that with everything in >> Well, no. I mean, I

122look at our graduation requirements. You know, our requirements are more than the state and that was determined by, you know, the superintendent and your principles and your administrative team. >> No, I think Bill Laura though you're wrong with that. You're right that that occurred, right? >> But if you look at the policy, it says the superintendent shall set the graduation require like the board sets the graduation like it's very specific. It does not talk about a collaborative process inside the policy. >> I I just we can disagree. I just I >> Well, let let me ask is anyone else looking to rewrite this policy at this time? >> I I'm just >> Is anyone can just do a quick stroll to my left and right? >> So, I think >> the language of superintendent or

123designate is throughout the entire policy. It's everywhere. >> But that's not the same activity. So, if we're talking about who can sign the bills, well, obviously we wouldn't have the administrative team sign the bills. It's a superintendent and when he's out of the office, it would be the designate. That's a different situation than this. >> But, so there's so there's those kind of finite operational tasks, if you will. There's also policy development. The superintendent is provided a tremendous amount of authority under state law. in this policy book to handle many things including grading and promotion. So if you're looking to make that change throughout it's a comprehensive rewrite of the book. It's not simply six colon 280. That's that's my point. So if that's what something I guess my suggestion is if you want to

124take a look at that and bring it back as a new business item to me that's a different >> um project as opposed to this which is the word change. But I'm not hearing you having a concern about changing or designate here. >> Well, that was added. I don't think that was the correct addition. I think >> we added that so that it gives us flex superintendent flexibility. Otherwise, it just said the superintendent, >> right? But so or designate one other person. I just think having one person establish the system of grading for a school district could be dangerous. >> All right. So like if you if you look Laura at policy 6300 graduation requirement the superintendent or designate is responsible for maintaining a description of all course offerings notifying students parents of graduation requirements

125developing the criteria for determining when a student accomplishes the graduation requires complying with state law taking other actions needed. We know that that superintendent then delegates that through his team but in the policy this is written as a superintendent or designate. Well, then yeah, then that probably should be something we should be when that comes up to us, that would be something we would be my bias that we should talk about and discuss. I mean, I would go back to even the, you know, not in this packet, but in general, there's duties and authorities given to the superintendent and board policy, right? And it goes through um the authority over district management. And that's one of the matters that is then further developed in that particular board policy. So I I guess for purposes of

126this evening, are you looking to rewrite this policy or multiple policies or is that something you want to take a look at at a future date when you have a chance to go through the other policies? >> Well, this single policy has come on our plate. We get them, you know, we get a section every quarter. >> Mhm. I'm aware. >> Right. And so it doesn't mean we have to go through every single one. As they come to us, then we have the opportunity to look at them and update them. >> So this one has come to us and that's why it became obvious to me when it said the superintendent and that raised the flag for me that one person in an entire district would set that requirement. And I would >> but isn't

127the superendent >> the superintendent and the the team >> could the superintendent So my question would be could the superintendent act apart from his or her team >> the superintendent brings the recommendation ultimately to the board >> so what channels it went right the board's job would then be like well what channels did you use superintendent to make these decisions that's how the board could then push back and say, "No, we'd like you to go back and run this through a parent group or we'd like you to run this through your administration. Did you meet with the teacher?" Like, that's the board's job. Then, if they want So, let me read to you from 3:40, which is the duties and authority of the superintendent. The superintendent may delegate to other district staff members the exercise

128of any powers and the discharge of any duties imposed upon the superintendent by board policies or by board vote. the delegation of power or duty, however, shall not relieve the superintendent of responsibility for the action that was delegated. So, I think that speaks to the the process that occurs at the superintendent's discretion to come to matters that ultimately are presented to the board. >> I mean, ideally, I would want my superintendent to be working with his very qualified administrative team. Mhm. >> When I'm looking at policy, I'm looking at a time when the current superintendent we don't have. There might be another superintendent in that seat. And maybe that superintendent feels differently. And when it's written that way, that superintendent could ignore the team and set something different. >> Is this an item that we

129can move to next meeting so we can discuss this in the interest of >> Yes. I mean, we can we can certainly pull Do you want to pull the whole press? >> No, I mean, the only thing we're would be is just this one. I mean, it's it's not going to be critical if this doesn't get changed till next meeting, right? This one. >> I just don't know what the next step is between this and the next meeting, >> right? I think um >> I I'm not inclined to make additional changes and I'm I'm on the policy committee, so I'm I'm just >> I'm not sure what we're looking for. Would it alleviate if it was if it was plural design? >> Does that >> Well, it should be their administr Well, my assumption because

130you have the principles. You have the curriculum principal and different principles. Everything Dr. Skinkis typically works through his administrative team, the department chairs. When you're talking about grading, promotion, all of those student, you know, performance. Aren't those the designates though? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Your question. Aren't those the designates or do they not? >> I wouldn't I wouldn't consider them designates. I would consider uh Miss um Dr. Spatana a designate as when Dr. Skinkis isn't here, Dr. Spatana could step into Dr. Skinkis place. That would be a designate when I think of that term. Okay. >> Who's somebody who could act officially in lie of Dr. Skinkis? Uh when I think about working collaboratively with your administrative team to look at current trends in grading and promotion and what we want for

131graduation requirements, what we accept for grades, are we going to wait, how are we going to recognize that? I don't consider those designes people that take the place of one when one is absent. That's how I'm thinking of designating. I'm thinking of that collaborative collegial exercise that happens at the school level where we set our standards. >> So my suggestion is we don't take any action on the press plus 120 packet this evening. we can defer it to the next meeting. Um, I guess what I'm unclear on is what could or should be rewritten because I'm personally not inclined to make any changes to it. I I don't understand um quite the point you're making. So, do you want to take a the opportunity and then come back at the next board meeting with some

132alternative language to suggest and the board can vote that up or down separately from the rest of the press packets? >> Okay. Yeah, >> I recommend we just pull 6280. >> Okay, that's it. >> Because I do have to get it in by February. >> Oh, okay. >> Before the next packet comes out. >> Or we've How long have we been discussing this? We could just vote on it tonight. >> Sorry. Mhm. Because we've been Hasn't this been on our agenda? >> It's been agenda for since this summer. >> Yeah. For a few times already. >> So, we if if any if >> we had I'm okay with this. You're okay with >> Let's see if the vote what the vote says. I'm comfortable. We can we can make a motion and vote for it

133and then it >> approve this. >> Mhm. >> Well, approving this doesn't preclude this consideration of what you're talking about down the road. So, it >> sure could ask for consider we could ask that this particular policy be put on the agenda. >> Yes. Right. >> Yeah. Absolutely. We can always review any of our items >> and this is what this activity gives us the opportunity to do. We, you know, we are, we look at a portion of our many policies and we look at each one and when they come up, if we see something that we don't think reflects our current practice, it gives us the opportunity to retrieve it. >> But, but to that point, just I would clarify, we have a first read, we have a second read. This might have actually

134been on the the agenda for three meetings total. We do have a policy committee or a a council that's looked at it. And at no point did this concern get raised until now. And so I think from a from a um just from a the business of the board perspective, I'm in agreement with with Lena, we should move ahead, take a vote. If you're not comfortable with this for for whatever reason, that that's obviously at your discretion and then we can ask to review this policy separately at some point in the future if that's the will of the board. Yeah, this is what we do. We had a first read. We didn't talk about any of these March the last meeting. Then we came to this meeting. This is our working meeting. This is something

135that came up and this is the time to discuss it. You nobody has to agree with me, but it is the time to discuss it and to raise a flag. We have a great team and right now, you know, I feel comfortable with how we, you know, set our grading system, but 10 years from now, I think the language here could open doors for something very different. So, >> okay, >> that's something I recognized in going through my packet and reading this again and preparing for this meeting. So, I think it's it raises a flag for me. I think there's something that should be changed and thought about. So that's >> okay. Does anyone else have any comments on this or should we >> So we can vote on it. Um >> let's go ahead

136and do the motion then please. Miss G >> pull it back out. >> The board of education Township High School District 208 Cook County Illinois approves press plus policy issue 120 as presented in the January 20, 2026 board agenda packet. >> Second from Mr. Durkin. This is an all in favor. Um, but let's do it as a roll call in case there's some separation of the vote if we could. >> Mr. Kudo, >> yes. >> Mr. Durkin, >> yes. >> Miss Gasca, >> yes. >> Miss Ruska, >> no. >> Mr. Novak, >> yes. >> Mr. Williams, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> New business. We do have payment of bills this evening. >> Tina, were there questions submitted? >> No. The board of education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approves the

137payment of bills as presented in the January 20, 2026 board agenda packet. >> So, moving a second from Mr. Williams. And we do need a roll call. >> Miss Ga, >> yes. >> Muska, >> yes. >> Mr. Novak, >> yes. >> Mr. Williams, >> yes. >> Mis, >> yes. >> Mr. Caputo, >> yes. >> Mr. Durkin, >> yes. Historic property resolution. This is annual >> annual formality. This is so that any of the historic properties are not discluded from being levied on taxes for the school district. >> Are there any questions? >> There were no questions submitted on this. >> Okay. Do you want to do a first read or can we is this is this is time sensitive? >> This is time sensitive. >> Okay. So, if everyone's comfortable, we'll go ahead with this.

138The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approves a historic property resolution that certain assessment relief provided by the Illinois property tax code for historic buildings not apply to taxes that are levied by the board of education of school district 208 as presented in the January 20, 2026 board agenda packet. >> Second from Mr. Durkin. Do you need a roll call? >> Mr. Novac, >> yes. >> Mr. Williams. >> Yes. >> Mr. Kugo. >> Yes. >> Mr. Derk. >> Yes. >> Miss Gasco. >> Yes. >> Mask. >> Yes. >> Uh the next one is the board member and employee expenses policy 2125. Again, an annual resolution that we approved. The dollar amount previously was 7 uh$,500 and it had not changed since 2017. So, I'm recommending um $2,000 at this point.

139Um Kristen and I laid out a 3-day uh trip with the conference uh flight and hotel room and and um our meal prediums that are in and our operating procedures and that did not even push the limit on what the Uber expenses or ride transportation to hotels from the airport would be. So uh we think that $2,000 is a fair amount. But just point of clarification, this is never in my tenure on the board, people have not >> No, but the board when the board approves this, it also applies to one of our policies in section five, chapter five of our policy manual, which applies to that employees. And we do have employees that do travel to conferences and things to keep them under 2,000 or 1,500. >> Right. And and we do honor like

140the IRS. >> Yes. Mileage. >> Mileage, right? All that. Okay. So, that's good to know. Any questions or comments on this? >> No. See, is this a case worth the change? Please don't lecture me. >> Are we ready? >> Yes. >> The board of education, Tashup High School District 208, Kak County, Illinois, approves the attached resolution to be in compliance with board policies 2 col 125 board member compensation expenses and 560 expenses as presented in the January 20th, 2026 board agenda packet. We have a second. Second for Mr. Durkin. Do you need a roll call, please? >> Mr. Williams? >> Yes. >> Miss Alis? >> Yes. >> Mr. Caputo? >> Yes. >> Mr. Derkin? >> Yes. >> Miss Gaska? >> Yes. >> Miss Russa? >> Yes. >> Mr. Roback? >> Yes. >> Visitor statements. Seeing

141none for the second opportunity. Board of Education discussion items. >> Is this for future agendas or is it >> Well, this was for >> for this meeting or for the future meeting. Let's do both board of education discussion items and board of education items for future meetings. Okay. In either case, >> so for this meeting, I would like to add as a discussion item, we had uh um Miss Arcadi earned a very prestigious certificate. When you go on the website and you click on our faculty members, I expected to see their bios. you know, we have very talented and many have participated in National Honors Society, AP Development, and none of that's on there. And this recognition is really um significant. You know, we're one district school. We have excellent instructors almost to, you know,

142it is at the college collegiate level and we have more than one. So, I I feel that on their bio on the website they're should be something to denote that even you know when you look you click on the English department you see all the the faculty members even if they had an asterisk by their name and underneath it it said these instructors have earned this national certificate I think it we should recognize that that's part of our goals we you know to support our administration further we want quality teaching we everything about it so That is something I'd like to propose that we could do for our for our for our family. >> So, how do we currently I think the question would be how do we currently acknowledge our um teachers at this

143designating level? I feel like I've seen some we've acknowledged teachers in our weekly newsletters, our quarterly newsletters, our faculty meeting obviously here. I think that I think that suggestion seems reasonable and I just have to work with the team, right? because we have the directory and and I mean we know our teachers accomplishing that's >> we don't put teachers bios though up on the website and we have these little plaque cards where Dr. Freigh Fredd implemented a few years ago in front of each teacher's door so that there's pictures so students have a name with a face and gives like what activity they sponsor and a couple fun facts and some teachers felt uncomfortable having that out there. So we we're we're working through that but I think we meet where everybody does now. Um

144but I think having a section identif I mean we do run it on the thing for our national board teachers. So, um, we could possibly hear Mark when they go to the directory star symbols, they're a national certified teacher. It's not been a concern brought to us by anybody. So, it's not a bad recommendation, >> you know, when you look because if I'm a parent and I'm just coming into the high school, how would I know? You know, I've not been to a board meeting. >> But it also doesn't give you a right as a parent say, "Hey, I'd rather have the national board teacher teach my son's English class than the regular English teacher." No, but if you're a parent and you're like, "Wow, there are several teachers here who have earned that." That

145makes you really feel special about the school. You know, we as family in this district, we pay a lot of money. We pay a lot of taxes for this school and we have an invested interest in this school. And then when you see that, you're like, well, this is what this is what we're contributing to. This is why maybe I work that extra job so I can contribute that RV stays excellent. And when you see that, that should be an accolade that we are proud of. >> If I might add, on the school report card um on the um Illinois report card website, it states that 72% of our teachers have a master's degree or higher. And then it states that 13 of our teachers are national board certified teachers. So, when I'm looking at

146a school district, for better or for worse, my first um my instinct is to go to the school report card. So, that would give me information. I would think if we could add an asterisk to it on the directory, >> we we could do that. But the information is available. >> But you wouldn't know which teachers. I mean, you know, 13 13 that's a huge number for our school. That's a lot. No, I'm just saying parents have options. They have tools when making a decision. >> But how would they right but how would they know which teachers had they wouldn't? So if we just put a little asterisk by their name and then underneath, you know, has earned a national board certificate. I think that would be appropriate for all that work. So, this sounds

147like an item that if the board is comfortable, we can ask the administration to to look at and if there's any reason that that can't be done, let us know. But it seems like a reasonable request. >> Any other comments? >> Is it the pleasure of the board? >> It it appears to be the pleasure of the board. >> Is there some concern? You mentioned that some teachers don't want that. >> Reach out to the teachers first. >> I think we could return it through our union. Great idea. Perfect >> because there's >> you could create like words like I'd much rather have a national board certified teacher teaching my kid. >> Well, and to Miss Gaska's point, the fact that the information is available is is is a big positive from a district presentation

148perspective and Miss Ruska's asking for the specific teacher to be identified. So, I think >> I will check with the union and back on the Dr. Freighus will check with the union at our next communication meeting. We can report back to the board >> in February. Great idea. >> That works. >> Any other suggestions for immediate discussion? >> Well, for future I would like to put um policy 6 colon 280 and we will add that to the agenda and and we can have that discussion at that point. Anyone else? Items for future meetings. Matters for close session. We do have appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. We have student discipline, individual student matters, purchase, sale or lease of real property, probable imminent or pending litigation, collective negotiations,

149school safety. Miss Gaska, the board of education, Central Township High School District 208 county, Illinois enters close session for the purpose of considering the close session matters as presented in the January 20, 2026 board agenda packet. We have a second. >> Second from Mr. Durkin. And we need a roll call to move it to closed. Miss. >> Yes. >> Mr. Yes. Mr. Jerk. Yes. Mask. Yes. Yes. Mr. Novak. Yes. Mr. Williams. Okay. Thank you everyone.