001I 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. The mission of Sunny Brook School District 171 is to maximize student achievement by cultivating critical thinking skills, innovative instructional practices, and a collaborative school, home, and community partnership. Roll call. >> Thompson >> present. >> Bur present. Smith >> present. >> Okay, we are at item E. recommend motion that the board of education hereby appoint Murphy fra and grab limited as corporate or I'm sorry corporation council for the district and further direct that wisdom boy and hiso LLC be removed as corporate counsel before we get started oh thank you before we get started on that um I have a couple of things that I would
002like to be in the record I'm requesting application for policy 2 110 the qualifications term and duties of board officers and board policy 2 200 types of school board meetings. Um I would like to note the individual in contact uh with uh the legal counsel, the dates of the contact, the attorney of course we know the firm that was contacted, the purpose of the communication and the policy or board authorization to make such contact. uh provision consistent with board policy 2110 which provides that individual board members have no authority to act on behalf of the board absent board action and the open meetings act. I ask whether the board intends to formally consider any matter related to the district's legal representation of the proper notice meeting a full board. I also move that the board
003direct that no individual board member, board officer, or administrator shall contact, solicit, interview, or otherwise communicate with any attorney or law firm regarding possible legal representation of Sunny Brook School District 171 other than the district's currently retain counsel unless and until such action is access expressly authorized by majority vote of the board at a property novice meeting. Further, I move that any future consideration of issuing a request for proposals, interviewing legal counsel, or changing district's legal representation shall be placed on a duly posted board agenda and conducted in compliance with board policy 2110, board policy 2200, the Illinois School Code, and the Illinois Open Meetings Act. I further move that any prior contacts with outside legal counsel, if any, be disclose to the full board and memorialize in the board's records. And this motion does
004not change any existing law or policy. It simply affirms that the board acts as a body and ensures compliance with the board policy and the open meetings act. >> So, who contacted the attorney? because you know I already know. >> Do you have or do you have anything else? >> No, I asked the question because I that's that's the that's the question. I too have the same question because I reached out to everybody. I I called Serene. I called I called Nicole. I called Tamara. I sent an email. I sent a text asking what happened, what is going on. No response from anybody. And if we're going to be a collective war together, at least I feel that I had at least give me opportunity. Let me know what's going on. Something we heard nothing.
005And Derek, you the main one as always. We got to be together. You in the cup, we're together. You know, one know. I reached out to get information and I got some and I sent an email and received a letter from a attorney's office with a proposal and actually spoke to the attorney. So, I'm asking in front of everyone since this is where we since this is where we chose to do it and then it's as as a special board meeting when it could have been on the backup board agenda. So, why did we call a special board? I had to I got off of work early to make this meeting because I got last minute notice. So if this a special board I mean the way it was done it was done in a
006way like there's a alter um you got hidden agenda >> agenda or something >> political something because the same notice that you all gave for this special meeting is the same amount of time that you need to give for a regular like I like I asked I'm asking >> and I got several questions for the attorney to who made who made contact? >> I have a question. Does the policy say that we have to unanimously agree to reach out to an attorney or does the policy say policy say that we act as a majority of the board? >> No. So, >> so the question is who contacted an attorney? >> That's a that's we didn't contact an attorney as a board because none of us had any number. asking if the policy says that we
007have to say >> so if you all do something as a majority is considered you all having a meeting >> I'm asking that the policy say >> the policy states that you all cannot have a meeting >> we're having a meeting >> no you all had a meeting prior to this to let us >> what's on here is one law firm that was contacted by all three of you all correct >> the policy say we have to contact as a unanimous >> the board me the board members need to know because you all contact me as a three. >> I'm just asking for the record of the policy >> and I just stated what it said and I I I want the record to reflect what what I have already spoken of >> and I
008don't why hands got to be hit and what's the secret? >> Well, I attorney but the the thing is I already know who called first and I know who called after that because I did have a conversation with the attorney. I was just letting everybody have the opportunity to be honest and transparent as everybody claims to be the Christians. >> That's what I I I would like for it to be a transparency. >> I make a motion. I make a motion to call the question. >> To call a question. >> I make a motion to call the question. >> Second motion. >> Okay. Call the question. >> Who I I ask? Okay. When you make a motion to call the question, Robin's rule means enough time has been discussed and we're going to move. >>
009No, we two minutes. So, it doesn't work like that. You get two minutes to discuss this. And I asked again I asked So, I asked no answer and and again, I know that it was you that called the attorney. >> I know that it was you that questioned the attorney. So, you were soliciting attorneys. >> Okay. Well, and the board still doesn't even know the reason. No. So, so you're openly saying that you violated the open meeting. >> I am not saying anything. >> Okay. >> And for the record, I'll just say the board acting by the majority. Um, we have the authority to select and retain the legal authority. >> The decision was made in comp. No requirement that all board members participate in preliminary discussions. Nor is unanimity required. >> No one can
010act as one person finalized through our open meeting vote which was what we're doing. >> No one can act as one member to sol as a one person to represent the board and soliciting an attorney. >> Okay. But my thing is so I call and you guys >> so that mean there was an urgency for something. What is the urgency? >> So I call the question. >> Okay. Let's call the let's move forward. >> So counselor this how y'all this how y'all roll? >> So are you ready? >> What's the urgency of the special board meeting? Because special court meeting. >> Are you guys ready to go? >> The definition is I do have a question to coun. >> Are you ready to vote? >> I do have a question. No, I'm not ready. I
011called you but I still have questions. >> Are you guys ready? >> No, we are not ready to vote. >> So did she tell you the reason the question recommended? >> Yeah, you could have a president. >> You called you also called the attorney to be here. >> Yes, that's fine. >> You here to answer our questions, right? >> Absolutely. If people have questions for me, I'm open to answer them. Uh apologies from from my voice was out last night with the zero degree weather. So this is what you all are getting tonight. But as you know, for president, I spoke to you. I spoke to the other members that our firm sent out emails to everybody because we wanted to make sure that you all had the hand. So consider it call us and
012ask any questions. We I got to speak to any of the board members as a whole invited in the open meetings. I want to make >> I'm not talking about you. I was talking about. >> Okay. Well, you know, >> I was talking about >> Okay. I don't know if they were convening, but certainly to us, you know, if folks have questions about our firm, I'll be happy to answer them while you are having discussions. >> I do I I actually have a question. Can you tell me the date that Nicole Thompson called you? >> Um, it was I'm not sure the exact date. told me that it was maybe the last week. >> The last couple weeks. >> Okay. Everybody on compensation. >> Okay. And uh did she tell you the purpose of the
013communication? >> Purpose of the communication to be considered. >> Okay. >> So you do realize that this is a special board meeting, right? And and the definition of a special court meeting is being held with for urgent matter or so would you consider this to be a urgent matter? >> This is this certainly >> when we have a regular meeting scheduled at 6:30. >> This certainly fall in something that can be considered a special meeting. Absolutely. >> A special meeting on the same day as a report. >> Right. This is and we represent over 20 school districts in our firm. >> That's not question. I understand this is something that has been done many times before. >> Okay. But that's not my question. So my question is that special board meets go in a law
014firm. >> So you understand the definition of the purpose of a special board meeting. So, does this motion constitute a special board meeting when you have a regular board meeting scheduled at 6:30 in which all parties of the board could have attended? >> This is a proper special meeting. >> Okay, I have I have a question. Who invited you to be here this evening? >> No. >> Okay. So the conversation we had is that Nicole Thompson asked you to come here to give a presentation this evening. Correct. >> No, she just wanted us to be considered and agenda certainly. >> But she not we had one today. >> I was aware of the meeting >> aware that we had a regular board meeting. I was really trying to check the website and saw the special
015posted and I spoke to you all and saw that it was posted sent emails out with my resume and everything else. I emailed in the call asking about what was going on. >> Oh, that was right. That was right. >> I have an additional question. So as a counselor, do you advise based on proper guidance and protocols, giving advice according to the best practices, or do you advise based on fees, classifying individuals on their personal agenda? >> I think that's a wonderful question. Um, and that's part of the reason why I came to this firm and why I started doing municipal law. I'm from this area. Um, you don't see many lawyers that look like myself like others in the area and often times these law firms make a habit of pushing cases beyond they
016need to to kind of raise up the fees and especially in the context of school boards and school districts when the money should be going to to children. Um, that is something that I'm very passionate. So, as it relates to your question directly, um we try to end litigation as quickly as possible in early motion dismiss stage when it comes to litigation. When it comes to other things, we make sure that courts are doing things to avoid mitigation. Um and that's what we kind of pride ourselves. >> Okay. So, you just based this on municipal law, but do you realize that this is a school district and school district doesn't operate under municipal law? >> Yeah, absolutely. where um it should be under school district. >> Absolutely. Notable. You're you're you accurate that you all
017under school law just answering the question generally because your question was more so just about and that's a general thing that doesn't school law school township law that doesn't really matter that >> so as far as far as u chains of commands um what is your suggestion uh if one of us as a board member calls you um just to ask a question on the side. >> So that's a school pol that's a schoolwork policy question. Often times when we represent you know a large board there's going to be some policy that you all have with communicating law firm. We represent the entire board obviously so we take our direction from the full board. U but in most practices we deal mostly with the superintendent because of the structure of school districts. It's kind of
018how they're rank run and so that's what we do and if you all have a specific policy but individuals questioning us decide we adhere to the policies. >> So you uh you you said you represent the full board not the individuals. >> Okay. >> So who prepared this agenda to this agenda? >> You have to ask the members >> anybody prepared? No, I did not. >> Is there a policy that says we have to say who prepared the agenda? >> I thought I thought our campaign was based on transparency. >> Thank you. >> And transparency to the to the community. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So again, so I have two two questions still on the floor that never been answered. What was the urgency of the special board meeting? what happened to um to
019bring up that we need a new a change in attorney and I'm asking who prepared this agenda. >> So is any of these questions going to get answered or we're just not going to deal with transparency today? Serene >> the funny thing is uh just so you understand Mr. Tilman. Oh, so this you Will Tman's father. >> Oh, you know my father. >> I know your father very well. >> So, um, >> so that you understand this is nothing about your law firm, uh, the other law firm that we have, it's just about the transparency as a whole. So when we have discussions component and when we have discussions and things like that when people say we have a majority and we don't need to do that it's almost like dismissing the rest of the
020people that are on the board as if their voice doesn't matter. So that's where all the contention comes from. >> That contention has been transpiring for the last now. You can hear it's fine now because I'm talking point of order again. >> I make a motion. I make a motion to call. Can I get a second? >> There's there's no transparency. What's going on? Has nothing to do with you. and has everything to do with what's going on in here. So that's that's what the issue is. So when people ask for transparency and don't provide that same transparency, you get this this type of chaos and they wanted it to be in public. And the reason why I asked who prepared the agenda because if if whoever did it knew what they were doing, you
021guys wouldn't be hired as a corporate a corporation council. That's not what that's the incorrect word for um school board for district attorneys. You all are hired as the school district attorney, not a corporation. Corporations, they deal with the day-to-day activity and municipalities. School districts are not municipalities. So I mean that's fact. So that means that even if they do vote on it, that should be amended to state the correct title. >> Thank you, Mr. T. >> Appreciate it. >> Thank you. Did you have anything else you wanted to say? >> No, I appreciate you all, you know, consideration. It's nice to name. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, we're still not going to say what was the urgency or what caused. They don't want to put that on the record. >> No,
022just argue with our So, >> so we So, for the record, so we're switching firms for no reason. We called a special board meeting that's supposed to be an urgent matter to switch a firm for no reason. And no one wants to admit the contact, the dates of the contact, the purpose for the communication or the policy authorization relied upon to make such contact. So we still don't know why we even have a special having it as a special board meeting on an urgent matter that couldn't be put off to directly scheduled board meeting and also wasn't discussed with all seven board members. when urgent matters within districts are supposed to be communicated with all. Right, Eric? >> Right. Right. Nicole, we're going to start working together. to show the truth. And I hope this
023fit well with the Christians. Call. >> Okay. Yep. Let's call a motion. recommend motion that the board of education by appoint Olison Murphy Frasier and McGra Limited as corporate counsel for the district and further directs that betraya le and boil and LLC be removed as corporate council >> motion second >> motion by second >> I'm sorry motion by Thompson by >> Thompson >> yes >> sure No. >> Ambrose. No. >> Mr. Ter. >> He think they got a question for you about the motion. >> Motion carried. >> No, it is not. >> No, it does not. We got another board now. >> You don't think that a board consists of seven? >> That's what it is. Cuz she's the main one that's always say I got my board. I guess I can say the same
024thing when we go to conferences and here it is that some of you guys don't really interact with the other board members on a national stage too >> that you that you pretty much like disappear don't part don't participate or >> out to any other individ you vote yes or no to changing the attorneys from I mean to Olison Murphy Fen McGrad as corporate council from the charism. >> no. Thank you. >> Question. >> Is there anything further that anybody would like to discuss? >> I still would like to discuss what was the urgent matter and until it failed. >> Motion fail. >> I mean, that's definitely nice to know. >> It would be, but nobody's going to talk if it if there's nothing else. We are adjourning this meeting at 6:22 p.m. >> All
025in favor? >> It's nice to meet >> Thank you, Mr. Tman. It's nice to meet you, too. >> You're welcome. >> Thanks, Mr. Now we got one more. Please stand for the pledge. I pledge algiance 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. The mission of Sunville School District 71 is to maximize student achievement by cultivating critical thinking skills, innovative instructional practices, and a collaborative school home and community partnership. Close off. >> Lure >> here. >> Thompson >> present. >> Ambrose >> present. >> Brooks present. Smith >> present. >> Hill not present. Any person wishing to address the board about an item that is on the agenda should do so when that item is up
026for discussion. Visitor statements will be limited to two minutes per person. A total of 30 minutes will be allocated for visitor comments. All comments about an item not on the agenda will be held until the visitor statement at the end of the meeting. Items relating to personnel issues will be redirected to the appropriate administrator. We're at item F. Recommend motion to approve the regular board of education meeting minutes of November 17, 2025, December expenses and November payroll in the amount of 1,585,57452 as present. >> Motion second. >> Motion by Stewart, second by Ambrose. >> Yes. >> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Ambrose. >> Yes. >> Bur. Yes. Smith. >> Yes. >> Kill. >> Yes. Motion carries. >> We're at IG communications. We have no we got communication. Oh item Hformformational items. No item I have order.
027>> Um I think that you should bring up professor board the turnout of the festival board and the request made at the festival board. Uh so the special board meeting was held to change attorneys. Uh the motion did not carry. There were several items that were unressed. We also went to IASB uh last month. Um it was very interesting um time for me. I was a delegate. Um and I also got to see a change at is IASB's leadership. Anybody else? No, >> what is the board? I still have a question in regards to that one to be put on the record that there was a special board meeting held at 6:00. Um, board members was not didn't have an opportunity to be present. Nor was all board members notified of the urgency of the
028special board meeting. So I'm still trying to figure out what was the urgency of the special boarding and what was why was the request made to make a change in attorney outside of personal agenda or political gang. The attorney the law firm that was in question of actually hired was actually a fellow board member son firm. So I'm just trying to see what is the connection and what was behind all of this and no answers were given. We're item J administrative reports. Dr. Erica Milhouse pass. >> Good evening. This Friday, the 19th, is our last day before our students and faculty go on winter break. Students return back on January the 6th, where faculty returns back on the 5th. Students return back on the 6th. And I'm going to give an update for Nathan Hail
029and Mr. Kent's absence. On December 17th at Nathan Hill, it is our first graders winter concert from 9:30 to 10:30. December 18th is our winter carnival, which is a really good time. It's when you see the students engage in a lot of winter activities and games and a lot of readalongs. December 19th is just our all out across the district winner celebration. So all that are invited to attend. We um the faculty and myself sun wish all our families a very safe a very prosperous winter break. Wishing all opportunity to rest and enjoy family and friends. >> Thank you Dr. Lori Orange assistant superintendent director of curriculum. >> I have nothing to do except a second Dr. said wishing everybody a happy and safe break and a happy >> Thank you. Mr. David Schrader, chief
030school business official. >> Nothing from any of the seniors today. >> Thank you. Miss Julianne Green, director of pupil services. >> I have nothing to report tonight. >> Thank you. Dr. Mike McGallen, technology director. >> Thank you. Mrs. Chantel Kane, great principal, Heritage Middle School. >> I have nothing to thank you. I'm very surprised. Still no countdowns. Okay, we're moving to item K. recommend motion to approve a three-year renewal for P school including online enrollment with a firstear cost of $28,6847 with a 4% increase for two years and three as presented. Motion second. >> Motion by Lure. Second by Ambrose. Lure. >> Yes. >> Ambrose. >> Yes. >> Burks. Yes. Smith. >> Yes. >> Terrell. >> Yes. >> Peele. >> Yes. >> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Recommend motion to approve the suburban
031school cooperative insurance property and liability 2026 premium in the amount of $94,724 as presented. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by the second by Ambrose for sure. >> Yes. >> Ambrose. Yes. >> Bur. Yes. Smith. >> Yes. >> He >> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Uh item three. Recommend motion to approve the FMLA family medical leave request for Miss Hannah Halcom effective April 15, 2026 return date in August for the 2026 2027 school year as presented. >> Second. >> Motion by second. Second by Terrell. Yes. >> Terrell, >> yes. >> Hill, >> yes. >> Thompson, >> yes. >> Ambrose, >> yes. >> Burks, yes. >> Yes. >> Motion carries. >> Uh recommend motion to approve the FMLA request for Miss Jade Hunt teacher Nathan effective February 9th, 2026 and returning April 27th, 2026
032as present. >> Motion by Burke. Second by Dure B. Yes. Shore. >> Yes. >> Thompson, >> yes. >> Ambrose, >> yes. >> Smith, >> yes. >> Terrell, >> yes. >> Hill, >> yes. >> Motion carries >> to approve the FMLA request for Mr. Bruce Rinsky, teacher Heritage Middle School, effective December 16th, returning Monday, January if as presented. >> Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by the Stewart, second by Terrell Lure. >> Yes. >> For real? >> Yes. >> He >> Thompson. >> Yes. >> Ambrose. Yes. >> Burks. Yes. Smith. >> Yes. >> Motion carries >> to approve a change in Miss Car. I'm sorry, I skipped one. To approve the FMLA for request from Mr. Andre Spurs. I'm sorry, Andrew Spurs, teacher Heritage Middle School effective November 21st, 2025 returning January 5th, 2026 as presented. >>
033Motion. >> Second. >> Motion by Lure. Second by Ambrose. >> Yes. >> Ambrose. >> Yes. I'm sorry. >> Burks. Yes. Smith, >> yes. >> Carell, >> yes. >> Hill, >> yes. >> Thompson, >> yes. >> Motion carries >> to approve a change in Miss Carolyn Hillard's employment status from a full-time pair professional to a part-time pair professional. Nathan Hill School effective January 6, 2025. >> Second. >> Motion by the second by the >> Yes. >> Hill, >> yes. >> Thompson, >> yes. >> Ambrose, >> yes. >> Burks, yes. Smith. >> Yes. >> Motion carries >> to approve the amount of $28,500 for next level core solution to facilitate the district's strategic plan. >> Motion second. Motion by Thompson. Second by Burks. Thompson. >> Yes. >> Burks. Yes. >> Smith. >> Yes. >> Terrell. >> No.
034>> Hill. >> Yes. >> No. >> Ambrose. No. >> Motion carries. >> Okay. So, we're at item nine. Recommend motion to move into close session for the purpose of appointment compensation student discipline performance for dismissal of specific employees of the district. We don't have any action after the leaving. >> So, motion. >> All in favor? I >> 640. Yeah, we wanted