001I am reconvening into open session Township High School District 113 regular action meeting on Tuesday March 18th at 7 p.m. The recording secretary will now call the roll. Ms. Lupa? Here. Mr. Nieder? Here. Ms. Shapira? Yes, please. Mr. Braza? Here. Dr. Elliott-Shermer? Here. Mr. Heitman? Here. Ms. Newman? Here. I would like everyone else who is present to identify themselves. Alina Ciampi? Thank you, secretary. Tom Krieger? Chief Human Resources Officer? Director of Instruction and Assessment. Karen Warner? Chief Communications Officer. Tiffany Rowe? Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. Brian Emmer? Chief Operations Officer. Holly Mulan? Chief Superintendent of Finance. Hallie Fleischer? Principal at Highland Park High School. Catherine Anderson? Principal at Dearfield High School. Ron Caswell? Chief Information Officer. Mira Ante? Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Shayla Howland? Superintendent. Thank you. May I have a motion
002to approve the agenda as amended to move item 8A, approval of the multi-year employment contract for Dearfield High School principal before item 4, board reports. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion? Change. Hearing no, further discussion will proceed to a vote. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed, nay. The motion carries. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve a multi-year employment contract for Dr. William Will Dwyer as principal of Dearfield High School as presented. May I have a motion to approve this recommendation? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion? Dr. Howland, would you like to share anything regarding the recommendation? Absolutely. It is my honor to enthusiastically recommend Dr. Will Dwyer to serve as the next principal of Dearfield High School. During
003the five-month search process with representatives and input from multiple stakeholder groups, Dr. Dwyer emerged as the perfect fit to lead Dearfield High School into its next chapter of excellence. Not only did he demonstrate deep instructional expertise, a student-centered mindset, and the ability to build meaningful relationships, but his commitment to and the love for the role of the principal came through in every single interaction. When you talk to Dr. Dwyer, you immediately see why he stands out. He's passionate, thoughtful, and committed to fostering a school culture where students feel seen, supported, and inspired. As Dr. Anderson moves into her next role, after nine years at the helm of Dearfield High School, it was important to consider a candidate with the depth of experience to lead in this time of change and growth. With 18 years of
004administrative experience, Dr. Dwyer brings the perfect balance of operational leadership and instructional visioning. He understands what students and staff need to thrive, and he leads with both confidence and compassion. Dr. Dwyer's leadership isn't just about making decisions, it's about empowering people. He listens, collaborates, and ensures that every stakeholder has a voice in shaping the future of the school. Every conversation about Dr. Dwyer comes back to one thing, his unwavering commitment to students. He doesn't just support their academic growth, he champions their success in every aspect of their high school experience. For the past six years, Dr. Dwyer has served as the principal of West Chicago High School where he leads and manages a team of over 16 administrators, driving instructional and logistical improvement plans for a diverse student population of over 2,000 students. Prior to
005West Chicago, he served as the Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning at West Aurora School District 129 for five years, where he oversaw curricular and instructional programming, including curriculum revision, course creation, as well as managed program oversight and evaluation to ensure alignment with district goals and educational standards. Before District 129, Dr. Dwyer spent two years at Oswego East High School in the role of Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning, where he led the school improvement planning process, managed national ACT and AP testing programs, and implemented job-embedded professional development for licensed staff. Prior in his career, he served as the Director of Athletics at Oak Lawn Community High School, was a history teacher and a head coach, and he also was an Assistant Principal of Athletics and Activities at Rich Township High School in District 227.
006A lot. Dr. Dwyer earned a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Educational Administration from Governor State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from Augustana College. He has served as an Adjunct Professor and as a Dissertation Committee Member at Northern Illinois University, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of SANK, supporting the emotional needs of gifted. I am very honored to recommend Dr. Dwyer, and I'm really excited about the future of Deerfield High School, as well as his addition to our district. Fantastic. Is there any other discussion? Okay. Hearing no further discussion, a roll call vote, please. Mr. Meader. Aye. Ms. Shapira. Yes, please. Dr. Barraza. Aye. Dr. Elliott-Shermer. Aye. Mr. Heineman. Aye. Ms. Loopa. Aye. Ms. Newman. Aye. The
007motion carries. Welcome. Yes, please. I did what I had brought my red tie. Thank you very much. Well first, I want to say, members of the Board, Dr. Holland, members of the District Leadership Team, thank you so much for the opportunity to share a few words this evening, but also the opportunity to join the District 113 team. I am incredibly honored to be appointed to this role, to be the next principal of Deerfield High School, to follow in some very big shoes I know, but I'm excited to work together, and for this great district, joining such an incredible school, district and community. humbling and exciting and I'm very excited to get ready with the work of transitioning to this new very important role for me. I also want to take a moment and really thank
008my wife Sarah who's here with me tonight. She is also an educator and has also made countless sacrifices so that I can take on the role of principal which is a role that I truly do love and I'm deeply drawn to. I also want to express my deep appreciation regarding the principal search process. As Dr. Holland mentioned it was a rigorous and thoughtful process. It was one that not only pushed me to really bring out my very best throughout the interview process but it also gave me an invaluable opportunity to understand both Deerfield High School and District 113 and the entire community. So really getting that deeper understanding has been invaluable to now begin the process of beginning this new job. With each step in this process my enthusiasm really grew and became very confident
009that this would be an incredible fit not only for me but for the school and the entire learning community. I have begun to see what really makes Deerfield a special place it's a community deeply committed to excellence, deeply committed to innovation, and the success of every student. I'm excited to really build in that legacy and to work alongside the students, the families, the staff members and the administrative team in the broader community to keep moving Deerfield forward. Once again I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible opportunity and most importantly I'm excited to meet the staff, the students, and everyone involved in Deerfield High School. So any Deerfield kids here, I can't wait to meet you guys. I will be really tired of seeing me I promise but
010I'm eager to begin the work together and really contribute to what I know is gonna be a bright future again thank you so much everybody. Thank you. Those are always great ways to start our meetings. Okay now we'll be moving on to board reports. My report is first. President's report. On March 12th, was that last Wednesday? Tuesday? Maybe? Wednesday? Dr. Howland and I participated in the Lake divisional meeting for IASB. We were provided with updates on state legislative initiatives and the IASB advocacy, how the federal Department of Education and the various executive orders are being tracked for impact to our schools and we were also given a presentation on vision 2030. I did want to make sure the board was aware that what I heard that night was that they are anticipating activity at the
011state level to be increasing over the next two weeks with the movement of bills through the process. If IASB requests its members to complete witness slips to support a stance on a legislative initiative, the board president, myself, or Ed Redd representative liaison Rick will ask for guidance from our superintendent regarding the impact of the proposed bill and the IASB position on the district and we will then inform the rest of the board for each board member to take individual action. I also had the opportunity on Friday to participate in Buffy Salis race and identity class summit. I think as most of you remember back in January I had the opportunity to present to her three classes and in regarding how the board functions and this was really the culmination of those three classes work over
012the year and they presented their their learning over the year. I really appreciate it and again I'm never surprised by the thoughtful ideas that our students had for addressing access belonging and achievement for our DHS students. We do want to wish all of our students staff and parents a safe and relaxing spring break. I also want to note that it is one year ago tonight that Jenny Loopa joined our board and I also wanted to note that it was a one year ago tonight that we started with excellence and effort reports and so I wanted to just take a moment and refresh everyone's memory on the intent of these reports which are from our principals. It's really to bring forward the good work that is happening in our schools which is incurring in conjunction with
013our academics and our athletics and our fine arts awards and accolades but may not have the same visibility and are just as important to our students sense of belonging and connection and in their learning to adult. And just as I said a year ago I encourage all of us to approach these reports with curiosity with what other great work could be is being done by our staff and students and to assume that for every one example that we're given there are several others that are just as impactful. And that includes my president's report. I believe we have a True North report. Jenny? We do. Also on March 12th is a busy day for everybody. I attended the True North Leadership Council meeting. It was a very full agenda but it started with some very insightful
014public comments. The Leadership Council then took part in some professional learning presented by Mr. Alan Bergman is the parent of a grown person who has disabilities. It was an incredibly inspiring speech about inclusivity, inclusive practices, historical laws and what we as a board needed to know about state and national outcomes. And one of the things in his speech was a quote from Lou Brown that was you can't prepare kids for an integrated life in a segregated classroom. And I thought that was important to bring out. And then as part of the year two of True North Strategic Plan, we heard about the site visit findings. There was a forecast and commitment process update, which is essential for setting the fiscal year 26 budget. And there was good news that more schools are committing to True
015North co-op by the deadline so that we know what to forecast for what to build the budget around. We also heard about a specialized transportation bid that was completed and awarded to True North's current transportation provider with a 0% increase from fiscal year 25 to fiscal year 26. 17 policies were adopted that evening and we also got an update on District 34, the resolution to withdraw from the co-op. At their most, at District 34's most recent board meeting, they adopted a resolution authorizing the appeal of the disapproval decision of True North withdrawal petition. That's a direct quote. At this point in time, True North has not received anything from District 34. So I don't have nothing's moved forward officially. But we are hearing that on other boards' agendas, there have been discussions. They're starting to
016discuss possible withdrawals as well. So there may be more updates on that, but I'll have to keep you posted. And April 9th is the next True North board meeting. Fantastic. Thank you so much. Next, we'll be moving on to administration information reports. Dr. Holland. So I'm not going to say some things because I know the principals will mention them. But I want to first again, congratulate Dr. Dwyer for his new appointment as principal. I just want everyone to know we are preparing meet and greets with Dr. Dwyer, the first being on April 2nd, a full day, morning, noon and night of activities with him. But we're going to plan additional ones. But we'll be sending out information to students, staff, parents and caregivers just regarding the meet and greets on that day, starting with one
017with staff in the morning, time with students during the lunch periods, meeting with the admin team midday, another staff meet and greet, and then an opportunity for parent caregivers and community members to meet Dr. Dwyer that evening at five o'clock. But we'll be pushing out this information. I'm also I'm proud to announce that April 1st through April 4th is focused on the arts week in the city of Highland Park as declared by Mayor Nancy Rotering, the city and the city manager and city clerk Gita Newkirk. I would like to thank the city of Highland Park for this recognition, Tamara Jenkins, for her efforts to ensure that this is a vibrant experience for all involved. Our Highland Park Fine and Applied Arts Department, as well as the admin team and all of the gifted and talented
018guests who make this week a student centered experience and community experience and help it come alive. It looks the banner outside of HP looks great. I also just wanted to provide an update on our hiring processes and just some reminders. Our volunteer and feedback surveys for our two assistant superintendent openings close on April 2nd. So it's just a reminder. I also want to thank everyone who has already contributed or who for individuals who have submitted an interest in participating on the panels. Many people have submitted their forms, but they've also followed up with emails just expressing their interests and why they're interested. So I'm having an opportunity to engage with a lot of community members right now. I also wanted to just share that we've shifted our hiring of a chief operations officer, a COO,
019to an executive director of facilities management to reflect our current needs as a district. This position is posted and we will finalize the process in early May along with our other openings. I also just want to comment on strategic planning and thank everyone who provided feedback regarding our SWOT analysis through the survey and for everyone who came out from our school communities to participate in our in person feedback sessions in the team's next meeting this week, actually tomorrow, we will review the feedback that was submitted and use it to build upon and enhance the analysis that was originally created by our strategic planning team. At our meeting on Wednesday, we will be defining our preferred future state. So I'm looking forward to the conversations tomorrow and reporting back to the board regarding our strategic planning
020work. Also have a wonderful spring break. Long overdue. And foyers? So up on the board, these are the foyers that were received and responded to since our last board meeting. Fantastic. Excellence and effort. Who's going first? I will go first. Okay. Dr. Anderson? I'm actually going to piggyback on what what Ms. Newman shared in terms of the race and identity course. And just to share that some of the focus that students brought to our attention included student voice opportunities, course drop policy, cafeteria food options, access to counselors, school spirit, classroom climate, hiring diversity, career pathways and inclusive education. There's a broad array of various topics that students wanted to share their concerns, but also possible solutions. And a part of this process is for the many administrators and staff members that were present during that
021conversation to follow up with students to talk about our feedback and also ways in which we might address those specific concerns. So Ms. Lee was gracious enough to share the presentation from that day so that we can have those follow up conversations and show students how their voice truly can make a difference. And we'll certainly include Dr. Dwyer in those conversations as we address some of those areas. And again, show that our students can make a really big difference in our school. For U.S. history, the U.S. history course team comprising Jeremy Kaufman, Joe Taylor, Amy Skombor, and Rich Grady recently implemented an innovative and engaging learning experience titled The Gilded Age on Trial, Robber Barons, or Captains of Industry. This immersive project delves deep into the complexities of 1890s American history, offering students a unique
022opportunity to critically examine some of the era's most influential figures and pivotal legal issues. The project centers around mock trials of three prominent industrialists, J.D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, and George Pullman. These historical figures face charges related to the violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, infringements of the 14th Amendment, and allegations of corrupt business practices and political bribery. Can't imagine any of this now. Students were assigned roles as either lawyers or witnesses requiring them to conduct in-depth research on their assigned historical figure, analyze complex economic and legal concepts of the Gilded Age, develop persuasive arguments based on historical evidence, and present their cases in a simulated courtroom environment. This approach aims to highlight the multifaceted nature of the 1890s, encourage critical thinking about the roles and impacts of influential business leaders, and develop students'
023research, analytical, and presentation skills. By engaging in this comprehensive and interactive learning experience, students gain nuanced perspective on a transformative period in American history, fostering a deeper understanding of key legislation and its ongoing implications for American business and society. In science, our physics department has been busy collaborating with our middle schools. So last week, the DHS physics teachers participated in a collaborative meeting with middle school science teachers and administrators. The focus of this meeting was to discuss several important topics related to the transition of students from middle school to high school science programs. The group addressed issues such as freshman preparedness, the implementation of de-leveled science courses for incoming freshmen, and the alignment of curricula between middle school and high school levels. During the meeting, the teachers also explored potential outreach opportunities for DHS representatives
024to visit middle schools and discuss science expectations with future freshmen. Additionally, the physics team had the chance to observe a class, providing valuable insights into current teaching practices. This collaboration marks an important step towards improving the continuity of science education between middle and high school, with plans to develop more articulation opportunities in the future. And then kind of in the activities realm, the recent induction into the Chinese, Spanish, and Hebrew Honor Societies marked a significant milestone for our faculty. These ceremonies honored the outstanding achievements of students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the study of languages and cultures. The sponsors who have guided and supported these students throughout their journey also deserve recognition for the tireless efforts in fostering a deep appreciation for linguistic and cultural diversity. The induction serve as a testament to the
025commitment and passion of both students and educators, highlighting the importance of language and cultural exploration and enriching our academic community. Over to you, Ms. Fleischer. Principal Fleischer. Why, thank you, Dr. Anderson. So first, I just want to say that the luck of the Irish has sprinkled HP with joy this week through the hands of our PTO. And I want to say a major thank you for the delivery of hundreds of shamrock shakes yesterday, along with many different ready whip containers to allow us to not only eat the shamrock shakes, but also have whipped cream. So staff was filled with joy and minty goodness from the McDonald's shamrock shake delivery. So I that also just is a moment for me to say thank you to our PTO, who we have an amazing partnership with. They work
026really well with our staff in general to help us communicate effectively with like coming to the schools if you have questions. And the PTO really has been has been a group of incredible partners this year. And I'm very grateful for them. And for the full tummies that they provided us all with yesterday. This this weekend was it was really it was outside my office. So there's a lot of self restraint. One but first off, Luminosity, our dance show was a breathtaking spectacle organized by rattle Shansky, Hannah di Lorenzo, Joel Zizek, and Josh Chodoroff, Tony Avila, and Amber Rizwan. The dancers, both students and adults shout out to Tony Avila and Amber Rizwan, who performed with our students were absolutely mesmerizing, demonstrating incredible talent, passion, design, choreography, and our jazz band was on fire the whole
027time. The energy in the room was electric, and it was clear how much heart and soul everyone poured into this performance. I was especially moved by the intentional and beautiful celebration of Latin X culture through the collaboration with Latin dance, which I have not seen in my 22 years there. It was a truly powerful step towards creating a school where everyone feels seen and valued for their incredible talents. I very much appreciated the efforts and the beauty of the evening. Also, let me tell you about our Model UN teams, incredible victory in New York City this past weekend, they secured first place overall, and second place in research, a truly outstanding achievement. Beyond that, they participated in sophisticated debates and had the unique privilege of hearing President Biden speak. To top it off, eight of
028our students received individual honors and address the plan, the plenary session. These remarkable students exemplify the brilliance and character of our school. Their dedication and collaborative spirit make me immensely proud. In physical education, our outdoor adventure, unique PE and dual language unique PE classes are currently utilizing our brand new high ropes course in our giant gym. Between the three courses, we have one class per period accessing the ropes course and this very important learning experience. Our physical education teachers have designed this curriculum to allow for students to have access to opportunities that deepen their ability to set personal and team goals, develop strategies and problem solving skills and continue to build self esteem and confidence. The teachers work with students both going up onto the high ropes course and working as a team to belay
029their classmates from the floor, providing the authentic SEL learning experience and continuing to build on all aspects of castle, self management, self awareness, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making. Students are learning to build and access the tools they will need to meet the challenges and struggles they will face on this ropes course and in life. These important lessons will then translate to meeting their own individual learning goals that they set for themselves or struggles that they will face in other curricular areas and in life after graduation. In our counseling department, we are continuing to have meetings with students for problem solving and celebration. Additionally, checking in with seniors to discuss their college and career plans, assisting them with scholarships and ensuring that they have met all graduation requirements. This year, our counseling department
030significantly revised their letter of recommendation questionnaire to better reflect students strengths and aspirations. And so the check ins are including looking at how they've met their goals and for their future plans, how their assets will help them to build upon what their future aspirations include. They're also working to connect students with additional support such as our hub, check and connect and drop in services. Our drop in center facilitates 17 active support groups addressing diverse needs. And this year, 11% of Highland Park students have joined a drop in group. Our post secondary team has met with over one third of our junior class already and these appointments continue through this year and into next year. The post secondary counseling team is also very excited about their partnership with college bound opportunity scholarships to support juniors planning
031to attend four year colleges through test preparation, active seminars targeting college readiness. The collaboration between Highland Park High School and College of Lake County continues providing both on site programming and campus visits for students to prepare. Our 504 coordinators are in the midst of 504 articulations with the middle schools. They're meeting with eighth graders who are eligible for accommodations and planning with their parents, guardians, caregivers for a smooth transition to high school. Asking each eighth grader what they're looking forward to in high school always brings great joy to these meetings. In our social studies department, longtime Highland Park High School social studies teacher and soccer coach Kate Strika was honored for her impact with a write up in the February 15th edition of the North Shore Weekend. The write up focuses on Kate's impact on
032students in the socialized classroom and on the soccer pitch and how she has generously taken her academic and athletic gifts and used them in the service of supporting and transforming the lives of Highland Park High School students and athletes. We're very proud of her. Last but not least, De Padre Estudiante at Highland Park High School has been awarded the 2025 Community Partner Award by the Park District. This dedicated group of parent partners under the powerful guidance of school community liaison Luisa Espinosa Lara empowers Latinx students and families by bridging cultural and educational gaps, fostering community connections and enriching local programs with vibrant Latin culture. Luisa, a true guiding light, has led the organization for the past three years, facilitating weekly meetings, workshops, book clubs and cultural experiences that empower caregivers to actively support their children's
033education. This group of tireless parents with their efforts support student success and build a stronger community that exemplifies our values of inclusivity, collaboration and commitment to the well being of not only our students but the entire resident population. Their story and impact extend far beyond what can be summarized here, reflecting a deep dedication to community and education. I want to thank this group for all that they do for our school. Thank you both. Moving on to discussion items. The first discussion item is the summer 2025. I'm sorry, in my head, I realized this. There's no one signed up for public comment, so we're moving on beyond public comment. Now moving on to discussion items. The first discussion item is the summer 2025 construction. Dr. Holland, would you and your staff like to share any information
034regarding this topic? Yes, I'm ready to go. Our COO, Brian Ahmer, will speak to this. Thank you. So this, so I know there's a lot in the agenda about health and life safety and resolutions and such. This item is very specific to summer, the summer coming up, so summer of 2025 construction work. So just kind of going backwards in time. On 1119, at the facilities committee meeting, we talked about general estimates of what the summer of 2025 work would cost, so that those bids will come back next week. And on the 48 board meeting, we'll ask for approval for the board for those specific trade contractors. So again, not about health and life safety, but you know, if we, I'm making some assumptions here that that all goes forward. That project will be funded the
035way the math works out in the mid-70s. I want to conservatively say it'll be, depending on how the bids come back, it could be the 50-60s, but the math works out to be that mid-70s range right now on what will be funded on health and life safety bonds. Or just for the summer, I know we're talking about it more in the next item. So this is really just a discussion item before approval, so I'm glad to answer any questions. The memo kind of goes through what we are expecting the bids to come back at. Is there any questions or discussion? And this is the value of our committee structure is being able to spend that time in committee, going through the details and then pulling forward any information. So fantastic. Thank you. The next item
036is the 2024 health life safety survey and amendments update. So the next two items actually focused on our health and life safety plan and the approval of bond sales to support our efforts. Ali Mahanti and our architects will provide an update and Ali will also answer questions regarding any of the bond sales. So that covers the next two items. And the resolution will be up for action later in this agenda. Yes. So yeah, good evening. Dr. Helen mentioned she actually already shared a simplified version of the memo that was actually attached by the architects. So I'm going to have Matt from FGMA come talk and discuss this summary of what was approved as part of the life safety and what wasn't approved. And obviously be happy to answer any questions. So instead of just going
037through every single item that went through, there were a total of, we were around eight amendments that were submitted to ISVI. And for various other things, it came around about 85% of what the requested amount came in as awarded or approved through the process. Items that got not through the process are mainly ISVI related items that just aren't qualified for health by safety funds in certain aspects one way or another. But so that that encompasses work that was kind of performed previously in 2024 through the summer through when the board voted for the resolution to come through, there was 60 days prior that could fit into that window. So some of this is 2024 work that has already been completed, 2025 work that's upcoming, and then all the portions of the health by safety survey
038portions it's already had. So all of those submitted amendments have been through the process and vetted and awarded to their levels that they have been. The health by safety surveys both at Deer Field Highland Park and at Walters Field have been accepted with all the documentation that's there. So that 10 year disennial requirement has been met and completed. So some of those amendments have those health by safety survey items in the amendment. So the next process is just through through the next 2025, you know, capital improvements here 2026, like those health by safety items can be addressed, included into a scope of work and then those items just kind of get work through and then so by the next 10 year health by safety survey, the process kind of goes through again, but hopefully most
039of those will be relinquished or taken off of that process. And then as the amendment items get completed, then there's a certificate of completion that we with the district work out that closes that amendment and then finalize the costs of what that amendment ends up being. So there's a process where each as the work gets done, those amendments will get closed and then get kind of pulled off the program. So I'm here for any other additional questions or if Ali has more. Well, I just I just want to have some comments. I just want to come in FGMA because there was a lot of back and forth between us and the state requiring extra documentation. We had to provide those documentation explanations and recommended work statements just in time before we give the parameters resolution
040to Chapman and Kupfer before the bond sale. So time was of the essence. So I just want to appreciate FGMA follow through. We were able to submit all those documents quickly just in time before the bond sale. So I just want to appreciate that. Happy to answer any questions. Thank you. I want to add a few things. So as we move forward through this plan, additional amendments can always be submitted. Just I know we've reviewed this in the facilities committee meeting, but I'm going to say that again. And also, you know, sometimes we ask questions like some things are rejected and can there be an appeals process? There is an appeals process. It's very extensive. It does take a long time. And so just kind of answering that question. And that being said, there is
041one single person at the state who reviews all of this. Just just one. So, you know, we're we're we're very appreciative that we got our items reviewed when we did. And just keep in mind that there was no reason previously for the districts that we can talk to that have appealed because there was no reason to appeal because if those projects were denied as life safety, instead of them issuing life safety bonds, they could have issued building improvement bonds, part of the referendum. So this is the new legislation that was introduced like November. So this is a whole new process. And like Brian said that there's only one person at the state level. So there's just a lot more information for us to gather before we start looking into the appeal process because we don't
042want to go through the appeal process. The field gets rejected. So we'll look into all that. Explore those options. Any questions or comments? Fantastic. Thank you, Matt. Is it safe to say that we've also discussed the resolution or do we want to open that up for conversation as well? Yeah, I have some, you know, Tammy's not here, so I'm going to try to do the best job I can. But we did work on preparing some bullet points. I just want to share the market updates. So with ongoing tariff discussions last week, rates in the municipal market data index have gone up between about 7 to 17 basis points since March 3rd on the shorter end of the yield curve, whereas the increases on the longer end of the yield curve are larger, about 27 basis
043points. Districts bonds mature within 10 years than what we're issuing, which makes it less vulnerable to the current higher volatility in the rates on the longer end of the yield curve. PMA, in discussion with PMA, PMA estimates that the district's bonds were sold today, the true interest costs would be about 3.188%, which is nearly identical to what was shared with the board back in January, which was about 3.185%. Despite the pressure on the tax exempt rates, investors demand for tax exempt bond issuance remains very strong, particularly as investors seek stake investments, giving ongoing stock market volatility. Also, the district's AAA rating will drive more interest than a school district's transaction that carries a rating of AA or A categories. Just remember that the district's AAA rating, which is the highest rating by Moody's, the primary
044factor of this rating is based on the district's fund balance. So that's always good to have a healthy fund balance to have the strong rating to achieve the low interest cost. As of this evening, five bidders have indicated that they will submit a bid for the district's bond issue tomorrow. That number will most likely increase by the time bids are due by 10 a.m. tomorrow. The district's sale will occur before the end of this week's Fed meeting wrap up tomorrow. Regardless, we do not expect the Fed to lower short term rates as per PMA. That's what I wanted to share. Any questions or discussion? Yes, there was a lot of thought that went into how these bonds are going to be structured. So, you know, you know, what's not by happenstance that their duration, the
045debt service schedule, you know, was all very, very well thought out. Looking at, you know, other debt we've got outstanding and sort of what we anticipate our needs are going to be in the future. So a lot of work went into just figuring out, you know, what we're going to be offering to the market. Anything else? Fantastic. Thank you, everyone. Proceeding on to action items. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve an amendment to the employment contract for Superintendent Dr. Shayla Holland as presented. May have a motion to approve this recommendation. Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion? Hearing no further discussion, a roll call vote, please. Yes, please. Mr. Braza? Aye. Dr. Elliott-Shermer? Aye. Mr. Feynman? Aye. Mr. Neider? Aye. Ms. Newman? Aye. The motion carries. It is recommended the
046Board of Education approve an amendment of a contract term of the employment contract of Chief Human Resource Officer Thomas Krieger as presented. May have a motion to approve this recommendation. Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion? Hearing no further discussion, a roll call vote, please. Mr. Braza? Aye. Dr. Elliott-Shermer? Aye. Mr. Feynman? Aye. Ms. Hoopa? Aye. Mr. Neider? Aye. Ms. Shapiro? Yes, please. Ms. Newman? Aye. The motion carries. It is recommended the Board of Education approve a notice to remedy for tenured licensed staff member Jagar Varar as presented. May have a motion to approve this recommendation. Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion? Hearing no further discussion, a roll call vote, please. Dr. Elliott-Shermer? Aye. Mr. Feynman? Aye. Ms. Hoopa? Aye. Mr. Neider? Aye. Ms. Shapiro? Yes. Mr. Braza? Aye. Ms.
047Newman? Aye. The motion carries. It is recommended the Board of Education approve the settlement agreement for 2021-08 as presented. May have a motion to approve this recommendation. Is there a second? Is there any discussion? Hearing no further discussion, a roll call vote, please. Mr. Heidemann? Aye. Ms. Hoopa? Aye. Mr. Neider? Aye. Ms. Shapiro? Yes, please. Mr. Braza? Aye. Dr. Elliott-Shermer? Aye. Ms. Newman? Aye. The motion carries. It is recommended the Board of Education approve the licensed and non-licensed staff recommendation for 2025-2026 as presented. May have a motion to approve this recommendation. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion? Thanks for updating the sheets. Yes. Yes. Thank you very much for doing that. Minimum, yeah. Yes, I just want to mention the change between the last meeting and in this meeting just
048through our staffing process and our ongoing review of how our sections fall out. We've had a staff member shift based on student needs at one of our high schools so the staff members FTE shifted in the sheets. Additionally, we are correcting an error regarding our staffing in special education. So those are the shifts. And if I've learned properly, this is the minimum staffing requirements that we have going into the year, correct? Because it's required for us to make any notice of reduction in force. And I will say it only took me however many years as a board member to realize this is why as parents when we get upset saying why do we have to know what our kids are doing so early on? This is why. Because we cannot plan if we do not
049know what students are taking. So not that there's any parent listening, but if you are, this is why when you say why does my student have to plan in February for the following September, this is why because the state mandates that we have to have these numbers out there. And it is respectful to our staff if we cannot have someone that we give them the respect they deserve to be able to find another job if our students are not currently enrolled in classes they teach. It only took me like I said a couple years of my 12 to figure that one out. Any other discussion? Hearing no further discussion, a roll call vote, please. Yes, please. The motion carries is recommended. The Board of Education approved the resolution providing for the issue of not to
050exceed $25 million general obligation school bonds series 2025 for the purpose of altering and reconstructing school buildings and purchasing and installing equipment therein for fire protection and safety, energy conservation and school school security purposes, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof. May have a motion to approve this recommendation. So moved. Is there a second? Second. Is there any discussion? Hearing no further discussion, a roll call vote, please. Mr. Nieder. Yes, please. Dr. Schremer. Mr. Newman. The motion carries. The next item is the consent agenda. Items included in the consent agenda were provided to all board members in advance and made publicly available as part of the meeting agenda. A board member may
051pull an item for separate consideration. Does any board member wish to pull an item off the consent agenda for separate consideration? The bills. Oh, thank you. Okay. Okay. She's so excited there. I'm ready. May I have a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented? So moved. Is there a second? So is there any discussion? And Jenny has the bill. I thought I had to pull it out. Can you believe how excited someone is? Bill? It's the best one ever, you guys. No, anyway. I think Jenny just does it from now on, is what I'm hearing. My last motion. There you go. Yes, Jenny. No, I did ask Ali and his team to pull some bills. Four different bills. They ranged in things from volleyballs and windshield wipers to windshield wiper fluid to employee benefits.
052And as expected, everything came back properly and was all in order. So thanks again. It just blows my mind the scope of what goes on in here. So there's a lot going on and it's the paper trail is there. It's amazing. So thank you very much. Fantastic. Is there any other discussion? My only question was on these was that I looked at DHS. They're applying applied arts. They have two trips. If I understand this correctly, the orchestra is doing one trip international and the choir is doing so they no longer do it. They don't do them together. Am I reading that correctly, Kathy? Okay. I just wanted to make sure I was reading that correctly. Thank you. Do the domestic field trips have a cap on attendees? I noticed the international does and I couldn't
053I know we've gone through a process with these field trips. I don't believe it's there's a cap. Okay. It depends on what the trip is. So there'll be a cap if there's a necessary cap. Like usually their size and or no, they're usually a specific group or like the number of chaperones that they might be able to secure. So there's usually some number that's established. With the DHS choir was it used to be a based on seniority and the major choir and then other groups were invited to balance those out if kids could not come in terms of sections. If I remembered correctly when my student was doing it. Okay. Any other questions or discussion on the consent agenda items? Hearing no further discussion. A roll call vote please. Yes, please. I the motion carries
054there being no further business. May I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? Yes, please. So moved. Is there a second? Second. All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. The motion carries. This concludes the business of the Township High School District 113 Board of Education for the evening of March 18th at 748. Thank you for your time and participation.