001So, it's 7:02 and we're reconvening the board of education meeting. Can we stand for the pledge briefly? I >> pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> And again, I apologize to the audience for running a little bit behind schedule. We did have um a session prior. I'll turn it over to Dr. Freas for our recognitions this evening and our student board representative. >> Good evening honorable board members. This evening we get to recognize our talented students and the coaches, teachers, and sponsors behind that success. Congratulations [clears throat] to senior Maria Ellis on qualifying for the ISA girls swim state meet and the 100yard breaststroke at the Hinsdale Central sectional meet. Maria
002qualified for the state meet with a personal record of 1 minute and five seconds. While she didn't qualify for the state meet in the 100 butterfly, she broke the previous RB school record with a time of 58.39 seconds. At state this year, Maria finished her swimming career by placing in the top 27 in the 100yard breaststroke. Please join us in congratulating Maria Ellis. [applause] Do you want does the coach want to say a few words? Dr. Fes, I would like to invite head coach, Mr. Mike Lawrence, to talk about Maria. >> Coach, >> I'll be quick. Um, thank you, Dr. Pas. Uh, he pretty much went over my speech. [laughter] But, uh, she did a wonderful job. She just missed the steak cut in the 100 butterfly by 100th of a second, but normally when
003a kid does it, they they kind of roll over a little bit. And she was happy as a clam. Um, and just came back and put it through it. The biggest story about her is for the last three years, she's missed state by a tenth, a hundth um, every year. So, finally to get as a senior is a testament to just sticking with it and fighting all the way through. So, thank you, Maria. We're going to miss you. [applause] Next, congratulations to senior Lucia Vasana on qualifying for the ISA class 2A girls golf state meet. At the Lockport sectional, Lucia tied for 14th overall eight over par and placed among the top 10 best individual scorers. At state, Lucia finished 73rd overall with a two round 174849, ending her last RB golf round on a
004high note. Congratulations to Lucia Vazan. [applause] And now I'd like to invite head coach Mr. Doug Schultz and assistant coach Mr. W. [applause] Uh thank you board of ed Dr. Skinkis for the opportunity to talk about our state qualifier Lucia. Uh thank you Erica and Mark for giving coach R and I these four years of witnessing a great bulldog grow into a wonderful leader. Uh Lucia is a special bulldog. Lucia's unique work ethic, focus, and determination earned her the status of being one of the top golfers in our conference, in our region, and a state qualifier. Lucia started her state weekend with a bang. Uh on her first hold uh of the tournament, Lucia chipped in in her third shot for a birdie. After that, Lucia battled through the [snorts] toughest course uh the state
005gives and under very very tough conditions and at the end of the day she earned the right to play in day two. I need to mention that Lucia is truly the most coachable athlete we have had and is a pleasure to work with. Uh, Lucia took all the information our coaching staff gave her and then executed. But what I really need to inform you about is that Lucia really has a superpower. Lucia has the ability to never show frustration or lack of confidence while playing a game that breaks you down mentally. Uh, we are honored to know Lucia, to coach Lucia, and walk beside her during her state experience. Congratulations, Lucia. [applause] The next student we'll be celebrating is Connor Dominic. Congratulations to senior Connor Dominic on qualifying for the IHSA class 3A boys golf
006state meet at the Payton sectional. Connor tied for 15th overall with an even part of 72 and placed among the 10 best individual scores. as they counter tied for 67 with a 163, 79, and 84 for 36 holes on a par 72 course. Congratulations on an amazing golf career country [applause] couldn't make it this evening. Next, RBHS Educators Rising Club students competed in the education team-based challenge at Triton College, joining more than 350 students from 15 schools. In small groups, they had three hours to design a lesson plan for elementary students that met learning standards, including accommodations and incorporated assessment strategies. The winning group in the elementary section created a lesson plan on the life cycle of a butterfly. complete with three engaging activities. Both teams was just one point away from a perfect score.
007Excellent work, Bulldogs and champions. We'd like to recognize first Eliana Jitro, who's not here this evening because she's actually singing in the holiday concert. Um Emma Havari, Emma, come on up. [applause] >> And Isabelle Morel, come on up. [applause] And now I would like to invite our educators rising club sponsor, division head and applied arts teacher, Miss Kendra Ko. [applause] >> First, I would like to say thank you for recognizing these young ladies. Um, their competition was pretty intensive because we didn't know what to expect. They didn't know what task they were going to be given when they got there. They didn't know um what grade level. They didn't know what accommodations they were going to have to make for these um students. So, they got the opportunity to learn how to navigate asby. And
008as educators, we know that that is a challenge. Um they learned how to modify um lessons to make sure it's equitable for every learner in the classroom. And one thing I want to commend these young ladies on, which was really amazing, as we were leaving, their judge actually stopped us on the way out of Triton and pulled someone that they were speaking to to us and said, "These were the young ladies I was telling you about. They did such an excellent job. They got out of their comfort zone um by doing an interactive song and dance for their lesson plan as their attention getter, which um I thought was really impressive. So, I'm very, very proud of them and they are setting the bar very high for our future educators. So good job girls. >>
009Good job. [applause] >> Honorable honorable board member and superintendent. That concludes our recognitions. If I could have the students and families and coaches and teachers please join us for pictures. Okay. Outside. >> Congratulations everyone. Thank you. Thank you Dr. >> F. Sure. A quorum being present, the the now second order of business is to hold a public hearing to receive public comments on [snorts] the proposal to sell bonds in the amount not to exceed $4,500,000 for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund of the district. All persons desiring to be heard will have an opportunity to present written or oral testimony regarding the proposal. First, Dr. Spatano will present and explain the reasons for the proposed issuance of the working cash fund bonds. We did have a presentation from uh Raymond James a few
010weeks ago and so I think we'll hear a shortened version of that this evening. >> Yes. Good evening. Uh as the district knows uh the district's in negotiations to enter into a sub lease agreement with Brookfield Zoo to renovate the property north of the high school. Uh campus improvements will address accessibility, parking, safety, and extracurricular facilities. Um I attached the November presentation uh from our bond council, Liz Hennessy. Um um if you could go to board book page 15. Um so on that on that page this is the uh $4.5 million option um for issuing bonds. And as you can see um the bonds would be issued um for four years. And um then if you go all the way to the right, you'll see the proposed impact on a $400,000 home. There continue to
011be a tax savings uh to our taxpayers for our debt service um while still issuing the bonds that we need for um these capital projects. Um tonight the um we're not issuing bonds tonight. We're not asking the board to issue bonds tonight. The purpose of this hearing is to provide um an opportunity uh for um public comment on the bonds. Um and then later on uh we'll ask the board to approve a resolution of an intent uh for the bonds. So um you know the primary goal uh for these bonds we would um the purpose is to increase working cash and then the district would um later move the funds from working cash to capital projects and they'd be earmarked for capital projects. Um the board uh at the last meeting asked um the administration
012to include a draft list of uh capital and life safety projects. This is um part of the district or the district goals that the board is working on. Um so it's really just a rough draft right now, but um if you could go to >> 19. >> Uh thank you. 19. Uh I included a preliminary um I need to flip that. uh a preliminary uh list of the other projects that need to be done and broke it down by um capital projects as well as uh projects that we believe would qualify um for life safety. So, as you can see um we have a lot of projects coming up in the near future um that we could use the 4.5 million towards should uh this project not come to fruition. Um and again, this is
013just a really rough draft. We haven't worked with our architect and and our um construction manager in great detail yet. Um but I did want to put this together. Um as we spoke on briefly uh last meeting, you know, we had the big uh referendum uh and renovation um and all of those things uh roofs and HVAC units specifically are going to need to be replaced in the near future. >> So I think there's three important things I just want to summarize for the board if there's no other questions. Number one, and make sure this is clear for the public record, the 4.5 issuance does not increase property taxes for debt service. Actually, the homeowners will still experience a property tax reduction and debt service. I think that's important for the public to understand. Number
014two, this is not uh these are not working cash bonds intended to be used for operating expenses like salaries or contract negoti. these are used. Uh the intent of the issuance of these will be for capital projects. So once we get the working cash funds, we'll move them to fund 60, which is our capital project fund. And then number three, the board wanted to see this list that Dr. Smith just covered. I know I'm repeating it, but I think it's important for everybody in attendance. Um there's more than enough work to be done with that 4.5. >> I I was just curious, what's the alumni lounge uh work that's being done? So, in uh two years ago when we did the um when we did the uh the culinary lab in the alumni lounge, we
015lost that as a meeting space for teacher development and teacher uh PD and workshops and large group meetings. So, what we're going to do is convert the teachers calf. We're going to put up uh the the um portable wall that can slide out so we could use half that space for professional development and large group meeting and still have a teachers cafeteria. >> I think we we talked about that even at the time, right? It was a better use of the the teachers cafeteria. >> Yeah, this was um thank you for putting this list together. I'll start by saying yeah, I think we talked about this. You're like, "Oh, it won't be a problem." And it's clearly not a problem, right? This is an aging building. there's infrastructure needs and I think this gives the
016board something to start thinking on that the the needs in the district are um extensive and not always very public facing but they're they're necessary so thank you for that um I did want to ask we had looked at a couple of different stepped options um when Liz Hennessy was here the the 3.5 4 and 4 and a half um this evening we're looking at the four and a half though [music] just because of the nature of the need to make sure we're being clear on that >> correct the recommendation from the administration. >> Okay. Thank you. I don't have any other questions, questions from anyone on the board, >> comments. Anyone from the public here to comment at the on the hearing this evening? Seeing none, um all persons who desire to be heard
017have been given the opportunity to present testimony with respect to the proposed issuance of the working cash fund bonds. Can we have a motion to adjourn this public hearing portion of our meeting? The board of education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, moves set the December 9, 2025, public hearing be adjourned. >> Second from Mr. Williams, would you need a roll call? >> Mr. Caputo? >> Yes. >> Mr. Derkin? >> Yes. >> Miss Gasco? >> Yes. >> Miss Rosska? >> Yes. >> Mr. Novak? >> Yes. >> Mr. Williams? >> Yes. >> Miss David? >> Yes. Motion carries and the hearing is adjourned. We're now going to have a hearing on the 2025 tax levy. It's a night of hearings for everyone watching from home. Um, this is the public hearing on the 2025
018tax levy. Due notice has been given of the public hearing on the 2025 tax levy and all other statutory requirements preliminary to the holding of such public hearing have been complied with. The proposed tax levy was first presented at a November board meeting. Dr. Skinis and Dr. Smatana will now present the 2025 tax levy and answer any questions from the board. Uh, one of the practices that, um, I put in place, it's not required by the state unless you're going, you're asking for a property tax levy over 5%. Um, we have not asked for a property tax levy over 5%, but we do ask for a 4.95 to ensure that we, uh, receive all new property values [snorts] for the district's operating expenses. Um, Dr. Matana will present a copy of the levy and also
019just remind the board and the public watching this document is available online and it does break it down so that you can see what column plus what column gets us to the numbers that we're requesting. Dr. Smatan, >> thank you. So, as Dr. Skink has said, um we are proposing a 4.95% uh tax levy to capture um as much as we can on new property. However, because we are in a tax capped uh county, um we will be capped by the consumer price index for levy year 2025, which is uh 2.9%. If you go to board book page 40, one more page. Uh thank you. It's confusing. It's in both two places tonight uh for the lovey, but um on this page, you'll see that um column F is what um and I know it's
020very hard to read right now. You have to zoom in, but column F is uh the amount of money, the extension that we were entitled to receive um in last year's tax levy, which is payable in 2025. [clears throat] As you know, uh we haven't received all that money yet um in Cook County, but that is the money that we are entitled to receive. Um looking at the next highlighted column in gray, column J. Um that's taking that uh extension and increasing it by 4.95%. That's what we be submitting to Cook County. Um, and then column L, um, two columns over, the last column in gray is realistically the amount of new money um, that the district can anticipate receiving um, in um, from this year's levy. Um, and that is the extension at 2
021uh 9% uh plus the uh loss factor that uh Cook County adds in. Were there any questions from any member of the board? I know we've gone over this previously, but we're here for additional questions. And seeing no one here from the public, we're going to move on. Um, seeing that there are no further comments from the public, I now declare the public hearing on the 2025 tax levy completed and the regular meeting will now proceed. Can I have a motion to adjourn from this hearing portion? >> The board of education Township High School District 208 Cook County, Illinois moves that the December 9, 2025 public hearing be adjourned. >> So move a second. >> Second from Mr. Williams. And we need a roll call, please. >> Mr. Derkin. >> Yes. Miss, >> yes. >>
022Miss Ruska, >> yes. >> Mr. Novak, >> yes. >> Mr. Williams, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Mr. >> Yes. >> Uh, the motion carries and we can return to the regular scheduled board meeting business. [snorts] Thank you everyone. We did cover recognitions and now we do have reports. There was a superintendent report this evening. Dr. >> The short report. Thank you. Uh, Senate Bill 637, the draft subleasase agreement the board reviewed last month, will be presented to the Forest Preserves Land Use Committee uh, for consideration in January. I will continue to provide updates to the board uh, as we work through the uh, county approval process on this joint agreement. Uh, the facility plan, Dr. and Smatana and I uh, you saw the rough draft that we provided tonight. Dr. Chris Matana and
023I are scheduled to meet with the district's architect and construction manager tomorrow to begin outlining a facility repair and improvement plan. This plan will identify the capital repairs and improvements needed for district facilities over the next 5 to 10 years and align with the uh board goal that you're approving tonight. Uh end of first semester final exams are scheduled for the week of December 15th and winter break will run through December 22nd through January 2nd. The board and district will host their annual holiday breakfast for the staff on Wednesday, December 17th. I want to commend the faculty, staff, and students for a great first semester. As a reminder to the public, there is only one board meeting in January, and that will be on January, Tuesday, January 20th. Um, as far as superintendent advisory councils,
024there is a policy advisory council that will need to be scheduled before February. The press plus packet 120 is included as a first read in tonight's meeting packet. Uh, [clears throat] one other comment that I'd like to provide as my superintendent report. If you notice tonight, I'm wearing a uh t-shirt that says Sakora Strong. So, we have a uh freshman student, Matteo Sakura, who is currently going through chemotherapy, who is recently diagnosed with cancer. And so, the junior Bulldogs are selling these shirts. And so we want to make sure that Matteo knows that he has the full support of the board and the district as he uh goes through his battle with cancer. And I also would like to recognize uh Norah Evans who I believe is a junior. Uh Norah is also going through
025uh some treatment and recently had surgery uh for a battle with cancer as well. So or lymphoma. So I want to just make sure they both know that uh we we got their backs and we are rooting for them as they make a full recovery. So thank you. That concludes my superintendent report tonight. [snorts] [clears throat] >> Thank you. Uh Dr. Smatana is your >> uh good evening. Uh tonight uh we have our auditor, the district's auditor here, so I'd like to invite him up uh at this time uh to present uh the audit to the board. Uh it's underformational items. Um as you know, the audit serves four purposes. It fulfills our annual requirement. It reviews internal controls within the district. Um verifies that the district has complied with regulations and grant requirements and
026it summarizes the district's financial uh position. Um every year we have our auditor uh Chris come and present and so I will turn it over to him. Um there are two uh audits in the packet for you. There's our annual audit and then we also were required to conduct a single audit again this year uh due to receiving over $750,000 in federal awards during last fiscal year. Um this has become a new practice. We thought it maybe at one point it would drop off for us, but this is the fifth year that we've had to do it. So I don't anticipate it going away anytime soon. >> So we think there'll be a single audit again next year. >> That's where we're heading. >> Um but Tammy, if you could go to page uh 419,
027just a few more pages down. Um, this is the part that begins uh the management's discussion, but Chris is just going to talk more globally um about the audit tonight. >> So, good evening members of the board and district officials. On behalf of Evans Marshall MPs, I'm pleased to report that we have completed the audit of the financial statements and the single audit uh for the year end June 30, 2025. We issued unmodified or clean opinions on both of those reports. Excuse [clears throat] me, which represents the highest level of assurance that I can provide as an auditor. I'm pleased to report that this year's audit went very smoothly uh as I did not identify any findings uh deficiencies or material weaknesses uh that would need to be reported uh to the board. So, uh
028this reflects very positively on the district's uh financial management practices, internal controls, and the hard work of the staff. I want to extend my appreciation to Kristen and the entire business office. Uh, you know, Kristen was on on a leave for part of this. So, literally the business office really did a good job of of getting this done with the help of Kristen remotely. So, you know, typically that that can create some issues, but you know, with uh the longevity and and the resources and, you know, my um you know, my connection with the district, we were able to kind of work through those things and get things done on timely. So again, I'd like to thank uh their efforts because it made our work both efficient and effective. In summary, the district continues to
029demonstrate strong financial stewardship and accountability to its community and its taxpayers. Uh I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your auditors. And at this time, I would be happy to answer any questions that the board does have regarding the audit report. >> And the opinion letter, Chris, is on what page? Is that 420? Chris, how many days? I have the second >> begins on 419. >> 419. So I think if you could just repeat that part for the board. This is a clean opinion. It's an there's there are no findings. I think that's the part that we want to emphasize. >> Yeah. So I I mean I discussed that in the first uh little briefing, but I can go directly to the opinion. >> Uh they recently did change this a few years
030ago um to have it right in the front. So it does say in our opinion, it's the second paragraph in the opinion. And in our opinion, the financial statements refer to above percent fairly in all materials material respects the respective financial position uh of the financial statements for the year ended um briefly summarizing uh in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which is GAP. So that's the the the bread and butter right there. So um obviously that's something that you're striving for. >> We we appreciate that. Any questions from the board on this? Um, it's it's obviously a a thorough document. We appreciate your your longevity here and having to do the single audit on top of it. I really did think we were going to be >> I'll make a
031quick comment on that. It's it's moving to a million dollars in 26. So, it's it might it's going to be close. I think we're just, you know, we're kind of seeing like as you know, funds keep increasing, you know, we'll see. It all depends on special ed and some other things, but um I'll keep an eye on that. That's the first thing I I typically test and then if we don't have to do it then obviously that decreases the price for the for the audit as well. So obviously we'll be completely transparent with that as well. >> Is Evan Marshall still doing the audit for the township treasurer? >> Yes, we are. >> Okay. No concerns on that front. >> No, I was going to bring that up too. No, that that's actually gotten a
032lot better. You know, I think years ago there's some issues that we were kind of having, but uh seems like Paul's >> straightened some things out over there. current uh work with them and uh we've had no issues. We've had some issues with a couple other districts, but not not not this district. So >> that's okay. So we should there's no concern from your perspective on behalf of the district with the engagement with the township treasurer. >> No >> clean opinion in the audit. >> Clean opinion. >> Are they on the same schedule? I'm sorry. Are they on the same schedule to get their audit? >> They are um that gets pushed out a little bit earlier um just because they're cash basis there. uh this district being a cruel, I cannot release an audit
033report until I actually get the audit confirmation from my firm, you know, so that kind of has to come first before I can finish this because that's many districts in there that we have to go through each amount of of cash and investments and make sure everything's reconciled. So, it's basically like we're doing this audit times all the districts in that school. So, it's a a substantial amount of work. >> Ultimately, it will be on their website, I would assume, Dr. Matana, right? They they also provide a copy of Okay. Yes. >> Is that something we should just post? >> Yeah. I was wondering is the audit posted then for people to see or No. Or is that something I don't know if they have a website with the township? It's on their website. It
034should be on their I don't know if they have a website. >> I think they finally >> Did they finally get one? >> They have a website. The township provisor township has a website. I don't know offhand if it's posted on there. Um >> I don't see a problem with with you guys not posting it, right? I can give you a PDF of it and >> right PDFs we could post it if we wanted. >> They they do have a website. >> I don't know what >> but is this something that >> citizens want to look at? >> Um I don't know if they want to from going through our I mean our audit is required to post and we should post it for transparency. >> They have their audited financial statements back to 2019.
035>> Yeah. So they're fine. They're good. Okay. >> We're good. >> So clean opinion. um t the late tax receipts come in. Obviously, you work with Dr. Samatana on when when we need to transfer stuff to from our working cash. >> Yeah. I mean, that's I was talking to her earlier about that. I mean, it's just kind of been a nightmare with the way Cook County has been late, you know. Um so, trying to keep that consistent has created a lot of issues with all my Cook County school districts. So, we're I'm working with Gazsby and ISBY right now to see if there's something that we can do to kind of make that a little bit more consistent cuz it's becoming an issue. You know, it's earlyish and then now late and not I don't
036even think have we received much of anything from the 2024 levy and here we are approving a 2025 levy which we still haven't even uh received any money from 2024. And I I believe the 2024 levy just got uh sent out within the last couple weeks. you know that puts a burden on these on all these uh county school districts we're not getting any money in. Yes. >> Right. So >> it does also it does also impact our financial score uh when you look at the estimation um it will drop us to a warning level um where it's like in a in a typical year we've gotten like perfects or near perfect score. >> Is that every card metric you're talking about or or on the audit itself? >> So the AFR has an estimated
037financial profile score. ISBY doesn't do anything with this in terms of especially any Cook County schools because of the way the levy is. So what I'm doing going forward is any Cook County school district if you're a cruel the rule is I have to approve 60 days of property tax collection. So I I have to acrew uh all of July and all of August collections. In the past we've received 12 $13 million in collections on that levy. Right. This year we received zero. So it skews your revenues, but it doesn't adjust your cash. So ISBY will look at your cash number and say, "Okay, you're good." It's just an estimated score. >> We have a footnote on that so that at least it's somebody looking at it doesn't panic or say the district's ob, you
038know, >> I don't think I can actually put a there is there is a footnote in the audit that explains how the tax collections work >> and we are delayed. Okay. >> Yeah. I don't think it's something you would want to just put in MDNA. I mean, it's it it can be explained. >> It's been a I mean, Chris and Misty had enrollment projections by 62. And now, if she gets a warning on financial records, I need to watch out for her well-being. So, I want to make sure there's a footnote. >> You weren't supposed to bring this stuff in. >> I know, but then you brought up the delayed improper. We went down the rabbit hole. >> So, okay. Well, it's good that we're talking about publicly so that someone doesn't turn around and
039be like, "Hey, District 208's a financial warning." No, we're >> It's every school district in Cooko County that's acral. It's not just this district. >> Well, there's there's downstream ramifications to this issue. Absolutely. And and um we are grateful that we have the financial wherewithal to weather these storms, but I know a lot of our peer districts do not. >> And Chris, lastly, it's always important to have on the public record. You're not [snorts] you're not conducting an audit of the internal controls, but you do do a general scan of checks and balance. >> No concerns with that. Correct. >> Correct. that I mean that is in the opinion as well too that says um I I don't uh test controls however I do test certain controls if it has to do with certain provisions
040of laws, regulations, contracts and grant agreements that are directly in correlation with your financial reporting. So it's kind of like I do but I don't. I don't say I do but I do. >> Okay. >> You know. >> Okay. I think those are three big things I want to take away from this. >> Any any additional comments for for Chris? Thank you for coming out. >> Thanks so much. Thank you. >> Right. Going back to the remainder of my report. Um I will provide the board with financial [snorts] information through the month of November which represents 42% of the fiscal year. >> Page number Christa >> um begins on page for uh 44. >> 44. >> That's fine. Excuse me. Um, so the first thing is the monthly summary report. The total operating revenue for
041the month was $771,547 with 52% of that coming from evidence-based funding which is our state funding, 26% coming from registration fees and 15% coming from um property tax reclassification from debt service. So what happens is once they receive uh the provisor township treasur once they receive the 2024 final tax rate um from the levy they do an adjustment. So what happens is they usually put a little extra into debt service because we're required to always pay debt service first and then once we get the official uh rates um from the levy uh they re uh distribute uh the property tax to the appropriate funds based upon the actual levy. Um and so that's what happened this month. Normally the board is not aware of this because we are rece we've received a lot of other
042property tax and so it kind of offsets this um and so you don't see this nuance but because uh we didn't receive a lot of revenue this month um or from our property tax in August [snorts] that's why you're uh seeing it. So, and then the total operating expenditures for the month were $2,489,046 with 77% towards salary and benefits, 7% towards purchase services, and then 5% each on special education, tuition, and transportation. Uh, the next page begins the monthly financial statements. Uh, the summary of fund balances shows that the district has been deficit spending due to the delay in property tax revenue. Um the working cash inner fund loan um that the board approved last month will cover expenses um in the ED fund uh for last uh this month of November's reports as well
043as December. Um on the next page show that the summary summary of revenues shows that the district has received 10.53% of our budgeted revenue. That's obviously going to be um off from last year which was 47.65%. The summary of expenditures shows that the district has spent roughly uh 40% of the budgeted expenditures for the year and this amount slightly lower than this time last year of uh 43%. And then lastly uh as always I included for the board the statement of revenues and expenditures for board accounts for the month of November as well as uh activity accounts uh for that month. And that concludes my report tonight. >> Dr. Smatana, quick question on the interf loan. Does [clears throat] the board need to take any action? So when the property tax proceeds do come in,
044they backfill. We don't need to take any additional action on that. >> Correct. Okay. >> I need like loan back. >> No, it automatically it's required. So it automatically uh repays the cash. >> Yeah. I feel like you explained that before. So I apologize for it. >> Seems like that was remember that. >> And then what what you're good for November and December. We don't meet till January 20th. it'll be okay to cover all bills till then or we think we we're anticipating some collection to be coming in by then? >> Uh we should we both we should be good with with the loan should it not come in. Um but we also I would be hopeful that by mid January uh we are receiving some collections at that point >> cuz the due date
045is now 12:15. So there should be some flow >> that that is the hope but we have not uh received any word yet from the county. We have someone outside who's really interested in property tax collections. I appreciate their interest. [laughter] >> Thank you, Dr. Smith. You're >> welcome. >> Any any more questions on her report? Are we all good? >> Thank you. And Dr. Freighas and student advisor. >> Good evening again, honorable board members and Dr. Skinkis. Uh for the for teaching and learning the month of December, can you believe it? Next week we have final exams. On Tuesday we have our period 10 exam from 12:30 to 2. So Tuesday is like a 3/4 day and then Wednesday through Friday those are like the half days where we end at 11:30. Um if
046a student has a study hall, you know, they don't parents do not have to call in if they don't have a final exam. They do not have to call in for attendance. Lunch will not be served. However, our coffee bar, you know, will be open for snacks, sandwiches, muffins. So students will be able to purchase and get something to eat. Um during the break you know our staff and counelors they're not in the building. However you know if if the students go through a mental health crisis or need support the loft one of our community partner they're open and available to receive you know students and families. Um and grades will be posted on Monday December 22nd. On the 19th, we have an important deadline coming up as a deadline for juniors to sign up
047for free ACT prep classes starting the week of January 19th through March 23rd. There will be before school sessions, after school sessions, and Saturday sessions. So, there's no excuse why juniors can't sign up and make it. Okay? There's three sessions, and I I really want to thank Miss [snorts] Mina and a bunch of other teachers who will be leading those sessions. But again, we're prepping the juniors for success in ACT. Coming up uh next month, beginning of second semester on January 5th will be our first day of second semester. It will be a late start day starting at 8:55 a.m. For school cultures and operations for the month of December, we send this information to all families. is the end of semester information that includes final exam information, exemptions, you know, tend many of the
048things I spoken about. These things are also available on our website and we send it via parent square. On December 10th, we have coffee with the principal tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. Parents are welcome. On the 15th, Monday, the week of final exams, you know, I want to recognize the PTO and President Julie will be doing our annual final exam snack packs where where the PTO and his members and thanks to parent volunteers, they put, you know, candy, chips, you know, health snacks. So, the students have extra energy or snacks for final exams. Again, the PTO, they've done a very nice job and all the parent volunteers and everything that has come in. On January 14th, we have future Bulldog night for the class of 2030 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the main gym. At
049this event, families will receive the results from the placement exam, recommended placement for students freshman year, and have an opportunity to speak with division heads representing each department. Families will also receive information about the registration process, course selection, and registration appointment times for freshmen, which occur on Saturday, January 24th. Students will also be able to connect with our extracurricular activities. We have the sports fair, the activities fair. So, students will get it all. Furthermore, I wanted to add that our sophomores and juniors have completed their course selection for the next school year with counselors. Seniors will have their midyear meeting with counselors in February during English classes to hear more about local scholarship opportunities and faster completion. And our annual college and career week held in March. We will also hold our trades fair during
050that month. for activities and athletics. I mean, we're busy today. We're busy throughout the holiday and we're busy uh second semester. Of course, all winter contests and activities are posted on our website. We also share with the families as well. And I want every to remind everyone that the community is always welcome at our events. Our Bulldogs, our student athletes love to see a pack house and people barking for them and cheering as they pursue their love in the arts and athletics. [snorts] And that concludes my principal's report. I'd like to turn over to Arian for his student advisor to the board's report. >> Arian, before you start real quick, you mentioned the trades fair is in in March. >> Correct. >> And are we in our first session right now? How with the the
051plumbers union, do we have an update on the number of students? >> We've always had I'll have to double check, Dr. But I know we have we have a we've always had a a handful. >> I think Mr. Durk is actually going to give us an update later on. >> Okay, good. Okay. Okay. >> Or right now is >> No, it's easier right now. Uh we have seven participants in the plumbers pilot program. Uh it's a new high for us. It's in the third cohort and uh even uh our first female participant out of those seven. So that's great news. We're excited. Um I think it's getting a little more popular. People are starting to talk. So, we're just fortunate to have this uh partnership with uh local [clears throat] 130 plumbers. Apparently, this is
052the first of its kind in the uh in the country. >> And Mr. Durkin, I'd like to thank you for all the work you have done because thanks to your efforts in the board, you know, our students have an opportunity to pursue a career they love. So, thank you very much, Mr. Durkin and members. >> Are you going to Arian or are you doing Mr. >> If I can Arian? Oh, yeah. Yeah. Arian, go ahead. >> Yeah. So, [clears throat] >> uh, like Dr. Freigha said, our students will wrap up the semester with final exams from December 16th through 19th to showcase all the learning and growth that they've accomplished so far. Um, thankfully seniors are exempt from those if you keep your grades up. Um, so I will be part of that along with
053Hannah. So, we'll be at home working on college stuff. Um, the second semester kicks off with a late start on January 5th, giving students a smooth transition into the new term of the new year. [snorts] For school culture and operations, our talented student musicians took the stage for the Rock Band Winter Showcase on December 8th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Little Theater, highlighting the creativity and dedication of our music program. The winter [snorts] art show on December 8th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the art pit also displayed the incredible artistic achievements of our students celebrating their creativity and vision which can be seen um even while they're still up there. Juniors [snorts] and their families were invited to college night tonight in the little theater, an evening dedicated to exploring postsecary opportunities
054and planning for their future, which is a great start to get um on [snorts] top of as uh juniors. Our holiday concert will feature tomorrow and is featuring right now performances from our band, choir, orchestra in the auditorium, uh, spreading cheer and showcasing our students musical talents. They've been working very hard on that. Hannah is there right now, and I know she's been talking about it a lot, so I'm sure they're having a blast down there. The [snorts] student association is leading a coat and blanket drive until December 10th, helping our community stay warm this winter with collection boxes around the school. And the National Honor Society is hosting a final study table on December 11th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the cafeteria, offering students extra support and a focus space for exam preparation.
055Um I'm on the executive board for that. So people have been signing up to help tutor and people have al also been signing up to bring in um snacks for anyone who needs a little pickme [snorts] up. And then finally, our students rallied for the Special Olympics Pack to place event on December 5th at 4 p.m. in the main gym, cheering on athletes and showing our school spirit and commitment to inclusion for all. >> Thank you very much. We appreciate the report. M >> Madame President, I would like to introduce now Mr. Phil Torres, our assistant principal of athletics, who will present the fall athletic report. >> Mr. >> [clears throat] >> last report but certainly not least. >> Uh good evening everybody. Thank you for having me. I do want to piggyback on uh
056what he said. We if you missed it, we did do for the first time a triple header for boys and girls basketball that incorporated our Special Olympics team this past Friday. Uh it was wellreceived. the students came out and uh we're going to look to we don't always control the conference schedule but we're going to try to keep that moving forward uh as the years go on to do a triple header involve all our basketball programs together. So, um I do have the fall reports. If you look at the uh participation and pay to participate comparisons um over the years, if you uh if you look just compared to last year, we are up about 41 students that participated in fall sports this year compared to last year. Um our five-year average is about 457
057student athletes for the fall sports. uh we're kind of keeping pace in terms of the participation fees and collections um year-over-year and as well as the waved uh fees as well for the student athletes. Are there any questions in terms of that? And then uh just a kind of summary quick summary. >> Question. So you we're keeping pace on you know collecting the funds for the student that it >> do we have any students that were not able to participate because of funds? >> No, they would have fell into the wave plan. Right. >> Okay. All right. Yeah. So, >> um, any other questions? >> No. >> Okay. Uh, just to briefly, uh, summarize our fall sports highlights. Um, because I do got a basketball game to go back down to. Uh, we had a
058very another successful, awesome fall season. Uh, this past season, our teams won four conference championships. Those championships were um all back toback. So, that's girls volleyball, uh, girls tennis, and boys and girls golf. um that they continue to excel with our conference. We had 35 student athletes earn upstate 8 allconerence honors this fall and then we had an additional 119 uh varsity students who who earned all academic allconerence honors which is an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or higher. So, not only are we uh doing very good things on the field or courts, um but we're also taking care of business in the classroom, which is awesome to see and a credit to our co our coaches for uh emphasizing that. Uh some other highlights, we had our boys and girls golf teams as a team.
059They qualified for sectionals which was an awesome feat because we are not in very easy regionals for so for them to be able to get out of that as a team and participate in sectionals is quite the accomplishment and feat. Um we also had our boys and girls cross country teams that qualified as a team for sectionals which was an awesome accomplishment for them as well. Um we had three state qualifiers who you got to see and meet tonight so I don't need to elaborate upon that. Um and then uh our football team had a stellar uh turnaround from last year finishing four and five to finishing eight and one in the regular season and we were able to host a home playoff game. So our numbers continue to grow in football and we're looking
060forward to building upon this past season um and keeping that momentum going into next year. >> Any questions from the board? >> I'm looking I'm looking. No. Thank you very much. Thank you for >> playing right now. You better get back. >> Yeah. Boys basketball. Well, everybody's playing Ridgwood. The girls are at Rididgewood where the boys are here. >> So, is that how it works, Mr. You know, now >> for the weekday games for the most part, the boys are home, the girls are away, vice versa. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Mr. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, moving on. We do have I think we had one foyer. >> One foyer Matt Stockwell data branch. Uh the report is in the uh the copa the scope of the request as well as the documents
061that were provided >> and there were no questions on that. Um seeing none we had the audit report already completed. Uh no visitor comments this evening and so we can move on to consent agenda. Miss Gaska 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 November 11, 2025 open and close sessions as presented in the December 9, 2025 board agenda packet. >> Can we have a second? >> Second from Mr. Durkin. And uh all in favor? >> I. >> Motion carries. We can move on to uh I don't think we have any I'm sorry, I lost track there real quick. Uh life safety items, capital improvement, sustainability. Nothing there specifically, but we do have the
0622025 tax levy. >> We need to formally adopt that. >> Bear with me. This This one's a lot of words here. >> This is long. Whereas the board of education of Riverside Brookfield Township High School District number 208, Cook County, Illinois, has determined the amount of money that is necessary to be raised by taxation for the year 2025. And whereas the board of education has heretofor adopted a budget resolution for the district for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. And whereas the board of education disclosed at a public meeting its intention to adopt a levy and whereas the board of education provided notice of its intent to adopt a levy. Now therefore be it and it is hereby resolved by the board of education of Riverside Brookfield Township High
063School District number 208 Cook County Illinois as follows. One, that there shall be and there is hereby levied by the board the amount set forth on exhibit Attached here 2 and made a part of this resolution which is a certificate of tax levy for the year 2025. and two, that the board president and board secretary are hereby authorized to execute the certificate of tax levy and supporting forms and certifications. And the district administration is hereby authorized and directed to file the certificate of tax levy and all supporting forms and certifications with the county clerk of Cook County, Illinois. >> Can we have a second, please? >> Second. >> A second from uh Mr. Novak. And we need a roll call. Miss Ruska, >> yes. >> Mr. Novak, >> yes. >> Mr. Williams, >> yes. >>
064Miss Alis, >> yes. >> Mr. Caputo, >> yes. >> Mr. Burken, >> yes. >> Gas, >> yes. >> Tech Levy passes. Uh, looking at the next agenda item is the 2627 school calendar. This is for adoption this evening. Correct, Dr. >> We can adopt it this evening if the board would like [snorts] to. I have met with the feeder schools. They are on the same page with the brakes. Obviously, we all start a little uh a day or two off from each other as far as the the scheduled spring break and winter break. Um that's reviewed and agreed upon. And then Dr. Smatana was working to get um feedback from the operations committee, which is the RBA and administration about the first day of school. So, a first institute and that will be on Thursday,
065August 13th. Then the staff will have a three-day weekend before students start on August 17th. So I believe this is finalized and ready for approval tonight. >> We did see this previously, I think, in draft form. So this shouldn't be a surprise. >> So you said that the spring break hasn't been set yet. >> No, this the spring break has been agreed upon with the Peter schools. >> Oh, got it. Sorry. >> Spring break and winter break. The union had asked when I first gave the first read to the board in November, the union had asked to survey their uh membership to see if they want the first institute on the 13th or 14th of August. And so they came back with the 13th. This way teachers can use the 14th either to have a
066three-day weekend or to come in and work on their classroom and get themselves organized. Gota I'm personally in favor of moving this tonight so families can plan accordingly. Unless there's any objection, >> we can go ahead. The board of education township high school district 208 Cook County Illinois adopts the 2026 2027 school calendar providing for the opening day of school on Monday, August 17, 2026 and the ending day of school on Thursday, May 27, 2027 if no emergency days are used for a total school term of 186 days as presented in the December 9, 2025 board agenda packet. >> Can we have a second, please? >> Second. Second from Mr. Durkin and we it's all in favor. All in favor. >> Any objections? Seeing none, we can move on. Uh the school maintenance project grant.
067>> Uh this is a second reader if I'm not mistaken. And uh Dr. Smatana did add one additional project. >> Uh good evening. Yes. Uh in addition to the campus improvements uh that we talked about at the last meeting, uh I added the project for improving a remodeling the existing faculty cafeteria to create both a conference room and a cafeteria for the staff. >> Any questions on this? Are we comfortable moving ahead with it this evening? It's a grant application. Okay. The board of education township high school district 208 Cook County Illinois approves the school maintenance project grant application as presented in the December 9, 2025 board agenda packet. >> So moved and is there a second? Second. >> Second from uh Mr. Williams. And we do need a roll call. >> Miss, >> yes.
068>> Mr. Caputo, >> yes. >> Mr. Durkin, >> yes. >> Miss Gas, >> yes. >> Miss Ruska, >> yes. >> Mr. Novak, >> yes. >> Mr. Williams, >> yes. That carries. We can move on to the canteen vending machine contract renewal. And we had a briefing on this at our last board meeting as well. Yes. Oh, go ahead. >> Uh there is I provided uh where we currently are with negotiations. Uh so it's a draft of the of the contract. Uh they came back, a canteen came back and accepted many of our requests. There's just a few minor um issues that I need to go back to them uh with, but I was hoping that board would uh approve the contract tonight pending legal counsel review um so that we can get this approved before
069January 20th. >> And that's in the resolution, correct? Pending final review by legal council. >> Yeah, that's been that's been included in the resolution. Any objections to that? We had the discussion about >> looking at the tool and how often we go out to bid and everything last time. Correct. >> Next time we'll look at that again. >> Well, this one is revenue generating though. This is not >> similar from the others. >> Well, does it matter? There could be maybe three years from now another vending company that's also revenue gener generating. So, >> okay. >> It's always good to look. Does it mean >> I did informally reach out to several local districts and uh if they have vending it seems like canteen is the only one [snorts] uh that's currently being utilized by
070the schools that I reached out to. Um but we can do a more systematic look at it next time it comes up at the time of the next. >> How often do they have to service the machine? Meaning fill the machines with more materials. >> Uh it depends on the time of year. Um I believe they come I don't know. Um doesn't say I believe they come weekly. Um but it depends. Yeah. They usually come weekly, but it depends like uh if we've got a big event like if we've got like in in the summer we have the summer shootout, right? Then they might come uh more often. Um but they're very responsive. If we have an issue, um they come out to service the machines. >> Yeah, they're here at least once or twice
071a week. I mean, I see them once. >> Any additional considerations for canteen? No. Okay, move ahead. The the board of education township high school district 208 Cook County Illinois hereby approves the vending machine contract with canteen pending final review by legal council as presented in the December 9, 2025 board agenda packet. >> So move we have a second. >> Second from Mr. Williams and that's a roll call, please. >> Mr. Caputo, >> yes. >> Mr. Derkin, >> yes. Miss Gaska, >> yes. >> Muska, >> yes. >> Mr. Novak, >> yes. >> Mr. Williams, yes. and save us. >> Yes, we do have the intent resolution for taxexempt working cash fund bonds. But any further additional discussion on this or we want to move forward this evening so we can >> Yeah, we need to
072move forward according to our timeline. Right. >> Again, this is not official. This is just the intent to issue >> it. By approving it tonight, it authorizes the publication of the notice to initiate the 30-day petition period, right? uh which is required by the state so that we can um issue the working cash fund bonds in January should we choose to do so at that time. >> All right. >> Okay. The board of education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, hereby approves a resolution declaring the intention to issue not to exceed $4,500,000 in working cash fund bonds of Township High School District number 208, Cook County, Illinois, for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund of such school district and directing that [clears throat] notice of such intention be published in the
073manner provided by law as presented. in the December 9, 2025 board agenda packet. >> So moved. Is there a second? >> A second. >> Second for Mr. Novak. And would you need a roll call? >> Mr. Durkin? >> Yes. >> Miss Gasco? >> Yes. >> Miss Rosco? >> Yes. >> Mr. Novak? >> Yes. >> Mr. Williams? >> Yes. >> Miss Alis? >> Yes. >> Mr. Caputo? >> Yes. >> Thank you everyone. Moving on to new business. We have a couple of items. Uh payment of bills. I don't believe any questions were submitted regarding this payment of bills. If everyone's comfortable, we can go ahead and move forward. >> The board of education, Tenship High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approves the payment of bills as presented in the December 9, 2025 board agenda packet.
074>> So moved. We need a second. >> Second for Mr. Williams. And a roll call, please. >> Miss Gasco, >> yes. >> Miss Rosa, >> yes. >> Mr. Novak, >> yes. >> Mr. Williams, >> yes. >> Miss, >> yes. >> Mr. Caputo, >> yes. >> Mr. Yes. >> Revised district goals. Dr. Skinkis, do you want to speak to these? >> Yeah, the board has seen these now for about 3 months. Uh the final goals are as follows as listed. Again, we're using uh through our district mission statement and the equity lens. Maximize the curricular days to foster academic rigor, new opportunities, and social emotional supports so that all students are college and career ready at graduation. You heard Dr. afraid us today talk about the three opportunities for ACT prep as well as Mr. Durk
075and talk about uh the apprenticeship program. So I think we're well off uh continuing to work on these and we will continue to make strides. Number two, increase the opportunities and methods for two-way engagement with all stakeholders of the RBHS community. I think we have some opportunities for two-way engagement as we discussed tonight with the RBA and uh with our student board members. So those will be some things we can continue to build upon. Prepare and implement a five and 10 year facility 5 to 10 year facility plan that expands the district's footprint and addresses all essential repair and replacement needs. Um I think you saw a rough draft of that tonight as well as in my report you heard that tomorrow we're meeting with the architect and construction manager. The board took the first
076step of that tonight by issuing the intent to issue intent to issue possibly 4.5 million in capital bonds uh capital working cash bonds. Um and number four is maintain responsible budgeting while investing in staff and programs directly affecting [snorts] student outcomes and the district's physical plant. And there has been uh no comments submitted uh for any changes. And just to reiterate the the process, we would then um I think the the anticipation is the administration will take each of these goals over the the second semester and start developing specific outcomes for the 26 27. >> Correct. >> Okay. So everyone's comfortable with that approach. Uh we could go ahead and and move forward. The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approves the revised district goals as presented in the December
0779, 2025 board agenda packet. >> So moved. We have a second. >> I'll second. >> Second from Mr. Novak. Um, all in favor? >> I. Any objections? >> We can move forward. Thanks for everyone's work on that. Uh, press plus policy policy issue, excuse me, 120. I believe we're meeting you indicated in January. does not need to be approved or finalized. It has to be approved or finalized before the end of February. So, uh the goal would be to try to get the council together in January and approve it at the first meeting of February. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. I would say the sooner you put out a poll and see when we're available, we can get something scheduled. Okay. >> That'd be great. Thank you. >> Uh natural gas contract. >>
078Dr. Smatino, you want to touch on this? Mhm. So, uh, the district's current agreement for natural natural gas with constellation expires on June 30th, 2026. The best time to typically go to the market is before the winter season hits. Um, and on November 20th, I asked the district's energy consultant, the NIA, to go to the market for natural gas just to see uh where the market was at for us. Uh, the district's current supplier, Constellation, was the lowest price for both uh 36 and 48-month term rates. Um, and at this time those rates are 5 to 6% below the district's current uh rate of uh 497 per therm. So since gas prices are constantly changing and it's impossible to lock in a rate, um I'm asking the board to give the administration the authority to
079enter into a natural gas contract with gas prices not to exceed our current rate. um the master agreement with Constellation would stay into effect uh that we approved um the last time we went through this and we would just the administration would just sign an updated transaction confirmation um should we be able to lock in uh a rate lower than that. I've provided the board a sample transaction confirmation. Um the language is the exact same as the current uh transaction confirmation that we have uh with them. you know, should gas prices uh rise above that or we feel like we can get a better rate, I would wait um to sign with Constellation and if needed, we could always go back out to the market to provide updated pricing um from the three natural gas
080suppliers. >> Any questions or comments on that? It's a bit of a a mouthful, but I think we can move forward. The Board of Education, Township High School District 208, Cook County, Illinois, approves a resolution giving the administration the authority to enter into a natural gas contract with um gas prices now to exceed $.497 per therm as presented in the December 9, 2025 board agenda packet. >> So moved. We have a second. >> Second from Mr. Williams. And we do need a roll call since it's financial. Mr. Novak, >> yes. >> Mr. Williams, >> yes. >> Mis, >> yes. >> Mr. Caputo, >> yes. >> Mr. Durkin, >> yes. >> Maska, >> yes. >> Muska, >> yes. >> Uh, last but not least, we have disposable disposal of surplus personal property. >> Yes, we do
081this twice a year. Um, and typically in July and December. Um, and so I've attached the list of surplus furniture, textbooks, and building equipment [clears throat] >> [snorts] >> um that is either outdated or is in poor condition that we are looking to uh dispose of whenever possible. We try to sell it, recycle it, or donate um the equipment more often or in the recycle and donate um because the things that we are looking to get rid of are um typically something that nobody else wants and in very poor condition. >> Are there any questions on this from anyone? once had a chance to look at the list. >> I'm just wondering why we had a half size double base. That's for a little kid. That's [laughter] like elementary school kids. >> It could have
082been a donation, right? Could have. >> Yeah, that wouldn't be a high school kid size. >> Um it's it's not functional now. >> No, [laughter] I've seen it. It's very not functional. >> Yeah. Um any any more questions or comments or I think we can move forward. Miss Gasket. [clears throat] Whereas the superintendent has recommended and the board of education has determined that certain surplus surplus personal property listed on the attached exhibit one surplus personal property belonging to the district is no longer needed for school purposes and should be sold. And whereas the board of education has determined that the sale of the surplus personal property in accordance with section 10-y 22.8 105 ILCS 510-22.8 at a public or private sale is in the best interest of the district. Now therefore be it resolved by
083the board of education of Riverside Brookfield School District 208 Cook County Illinois as follows. Section one, that the superintendent is hereby authorized to dispose of the surplus personal property by public or private sale in a manner which is in the best interest of the district. Section two, in the event that any such property remains unsold, the superintendent may dispose of it in a manner which is in the best interest of the school district. Section three, the superintendent shall report to the board the items sold, the buyer, and the amount received for each item. So moved. Do we have a second? >> Second from Mr. Williams. We need a roll call, please. Mis. >> Yes. >> Mr. Caputo? >> Yes. >> Mr. Derkin? >> Yes. >> Mask? >> Yes. >> Muska? >> Yes. >> No. >>
084Yes. >> Mr. William? >> Yes. Let's see. >> Okay, that motion carries. Um, we don't have any visitor comments this evening. Board of Education discussion items. I think we covered your item, Mr. Perkins. Anyone else have a discussion item? I just want to um mention we were at conference last month and what a privilege you know it is you know we have a professional development for our staff and then just for the district to provide that for us uh I went to the three plenary sessions if and they were just amazing uh the one and I bought couple of the books so I I'll bring January to share the one the one on Saturday was the author of be a coffee bean and to hear a story from you know an&M college athlete to uh
08565 years incarcerated in a Texas maximum security prison. um how he fell all the way down from grace and then changed his life so that he was parrolled and now is out talking. And this book is now translated in every single language around the world. And it came from a a man he met in prison who said, "You put three things in boiling water. You put a carrot, an egg, and a coffee bean." and he was kind of preparing him from what he would expect in life in maximum security prison and just the amount of lessons. And when he went through that, he said, "Well, the carrot gets soft and disintegrates. The egg gets hard." He says, "Most people that that'll probably happen to you." He said, "But a bean changes the water and makes
086coffee." And he really took that to heart. when he got out of prison, he tried to find that person and that person had passed away. So, uh he found the person's family and started uh a scholarship in the for that for students in the name of this person that he met in prison. and so many lessons that he, you know, just gave uh everybody in the audience from this book and his life story, you know, as he goes around. He was kind of funny talking about, you know, he's always in the back of his mind, I'm in parole until, you know, 2070. You know, I have 65 years maximum security sentence. I am a parole for the next 45 years. That is my reality, you know, and here he is this huge speaker. So it
087was um very wellreceived. And then there was another one, an engagement speaker on Sunday morning who was just so on point on what we do and getting people engaged in what we're doing in education. They talked about the top who are oh yeah, you know, they want to do everything. There's that bottom who no matter how you spin it, it's always negative. And then there's that complacent middle. And what do you do with that complacent middle? So very, you know, that was also very enlightening. Those are speakers we'd never have the chance to see on our own. Couldn't afford to see them. Couldn't afford to bring them in. I'm so grateful that, you know, the triple eye, you know, they bring everybody, all the educators and board members together and they [snorts] um have that
088opportunity and, you know, just the different meetings that you meet there. So, thank you. Thank you for the board. And, you know, it was definitely wellreceived and I'll share what I, you know, some of the little trinkets I had in in January. >> Okay. >> Thank you. If anyone else said, >> well, thank you for being our ambassador. [laughter] >> Oh, yeah. The delegate meeting was quick. >> Anyone else? Any other items? Um, I think we can move on to matters for close session. Employment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, student discipline related to individual student matters, purchase, sale or lease of real property, probable imminent or pending litigation, collective negotiations, school safety and confidentiality of close session minutes. Miss Gasco, >> the board of education, township high
089school district 208, Cook County, Illinois enters close session for the purpose of considering close session matters as presented in the December 9, 2025 board agenda packet. >> So moved. Second >> second for Mr. Williams. All in favor of moving to close our second close session of the evening in favor. I Okay, thank you. It's uh 8:14.