I call this meeting of the Township High School District 211 Board of Education to order. May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron >> here. >> Miss Caval >> here. >> Mr. Dumbrosski >> here. >> Mrs. Lopez >> here. >> Miss Russell
>> here. >> Mr. Van Dyk. Mr. Rosenlum >> here. Please stand and join me in the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation
indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. The next item on our agenda is an action item that the board enter close session to discuss minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the open meetings act. Appointment, employment,
compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees. security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel of personnel and equipment to respond to actual threatened or
reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public or public property, and collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives. May I have a
motion, please? Second. >> Any comments or discussion? May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron. >> I. >> Miss Caval. >> Hi. >> Mr. Dumbrossski. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Lopez. >> Hi.
>> Miss Russell. >> Hi. >> Mr. Van Djk. >> Mr. Rosenlum. >> I. The motion passes. Good evening. The next item on the agenda is an action item that the board of education return to open session. May I have a motion,
please? >> So moved. >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron. >> Miss Caval, >> I. Mr. Dumbrossski, >> hi. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I >> Miss Russell, >> hi. >> Mr. Van Dyk,
>> Mr. Rosenlum, >> I. Will you please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance immediately followed by a moment of silence to the flag of the United States of America and to the for it stands one
nation with liberty and justice for all. Okay, the next item is some award recognitions. So, I will turn it over to Dr. Campbell. >> All right, good evening. This is an
exciting evening as we move to recognize 34 place winners uh state place winners in their recent IHSA state championships for golf, boys cross country, volleyball, unified soccer, and tennis tournaments from three of our high
schools. I will turn it over to Mr. Eric Wowski who is our director of athletics and activities as we recognize these district 211 students that are surrounding the room this evening. board of education and Dr. Campbell taking thank you for taking some time tonight to honor some talented state
award-winning athletes. Um athletes, after I introduce your coach, as he introduces you to please get your medal, walk forward, stand here in in the center and be recognized. Uh we'll snap a quick picture and then we'll move on. Additionally, any family members that are here as your athlete is introduced
by their coach that we ask that you please stand and be recognized. Assisting me with the awards tonight will be FM High School principal Mark Langanger, Conan High School principal Julie Novak, and athletic director Eric Hower, Hoffman Estates High School principal Mark Alur and associate
principal principal Lana Wells. So we'll get started. Uh Jeremy Malinowski, Jeremy Malinowski is a member of the Fmed High School art department and assistant girls bowling coach and has just completed his seventh season as the girls head golf coach at Friend High School. Jeremy
Uh, good evening. Tonight I'm honored to recognize junior Aaliyah Brazo, who is joined by her father, Doug. Aaliyah had one of the most impressive seasons in girls golf history at friend. I'll back that up.
Um, she had the lowest score in the field in over half of our matches. that's called a medalist. She placed third at the MSL championship, earning all conference honors. She had third at regionals to help the Vikings win the team title and tied for 12th at sectionals, earning her first trip to
the state finals. At state, Aaliyah showcased a phenomenal performance. She shot a 74 on day one, followed it with an even par 72 on day two for a 146 total, which is a new FM school record. Her finish earned her seventh place overall and all state honors, making her
the first all-state golfer at friend in over 30 years. What an unforgettable season. We couldn't couldn't be more proud of Aaliyah and what she represents for our program and FM High School. Thank you. All right, we'll move on to Conan Golf. Megan Heert is a member of the Conan
High School math department, has been a member of the girls basketball and track and field coaching staffs, and is currently the head girls golf coach, a position she's held for the past 15 years. Uh, fun fact that Megan only started competing in golfers senior year of high school. And by the time she graduated college, her junior and senior
year, she was competing in the NCA Division Three National Championships. So, she's a heck of a golfer. Megan All right, good evening. Um, my name is Megan Heert. I have the privilege of introducing Maline Gutierrez, who is
joined by her parents, Jennifer and Omar Gutierrez. Um, tonight I'm honored to recognize Maline for an outstanding season highlighted by a tie for ninth place at the state tournament. Um this year she shot 72 which is even par on
day one and 75 a three over par on day two um for a total of 147. Even more impressive is that this is Maline's second straight ninth place finish at state. She also finished ninth last year as a freshman and improved her two-day
uh score by one stroke this year. Her state performance capped off a season full of strong results. Uh, Maline shot a 77 at sectionals to finish tied for 10th out of 112 golfers, a 73 at regionals for fifth place, and a 79 at
conference for sixth place. She also earned second place finishes at both the early bird invite and the Mount Prospect invite, um, helping lead our team to top finishes throughout the year. Beyond the numbers, Meline is the kind of leader every coach hopes for. Uh she works year
round on her game, leads by example in practice and competition, and is the first to encourage a teammate after a tough hole. She's an outstanding golfer, an outstanding teammate, and an outstanding person. And she represents our school with class. On behalf of our program, I want to congratulate Maline Gutierrez on back-to-back top 10 state
finishes and an exceptional season of growth in leadership. We are very proud of her. All right, Matt Zalooki from cross country. Matt is in his 12th year of teaching and has been a member of the math department at FM High School for the past six years. In addition to coaching boys cross country, Matt also
coaches the distance athletes for the FMS track team. Matt, first of all, I'd like to thank the board of education, Dr. Campbell, for having us here uh to recognize these amazing student athletes. Uh here today with his parent or his mother, Charice is junior Jack Jennings.
This cross country season, Jack put together one of the best individual seasons a front runner has ever had. He was our first MSL champion in over 30 years. He was a regional champion as well as a sectional runner up. He then went on to earn all state honors by finishing 12th at the state meet, covering the three-mile course in 14
minutes and 22 seconds, an average of 447 per mile, the second fastest in high school history. In doing so, Jack helped his team, more importantly to a 12th place finish at the state meet, as well as our first divisional title since 1984. This is Jack's second all-state
recognition, as this past spring, he finished seventh in the 3200 meter run at the state track meet. We look forward to seeing what Jack can do as this spring and as senior year. Um, and have been very proud of what he's done for our program. Thank you. Alrighty. From the volleyball. Peter Gavin is a member of the special
education department at Palatine High School and has served as a volleyball coach at both Palatine and Friend High School for the past 16 years. Pete was the head boys basketball coach from 2019 until last year at Palatine High School and is now the has been the head girls
basketball or head girls volleyball coach at FM since 2022. Uh Pete is also a proud district 211 graduate. >> Thank you so much for having us. I am going to uh list off all the team members even if they're not here
tonight. Uh Reese Newton, Kayla Chapulis who is here, Ashara J. Callie Clark, Greta Thompson, Kate Miller,
Jackie Clumpert, SIA Andrianopoulos, Emily Carmason, Zoe Horn, Harper Neil, Scarlett Zantara, Ella Castaloney,
Marcelina Sabula, Zoe Bending, and Madison Drenth and our parents as well. Thank you so much for coming. Uh it was a magical special season for these girls. Um I couldn't be more proud
of what they accomplished. Part of what made them so successful were their friendships um and their dedication, which is why we only have five here. Uh because the rest are right now competing. Um we finished the season 31-9
um and ended it with a fourth place finish at state. It was an incredible year. Thank you very much. >> Okay. Heidi Davyy. Heidi Davyy. Uh Hoffman Estates Unified Soccer. Heidi started the Special Olympics program at
Hoffman Hoffman Estates High School in 1989. She coached for many years previously. This year she returned to coaching as the head coach. Heidi is also the sponsor of the Hoffman Estates yearbook. I am very proud to introduce the state
championship unified soccer team from Hoffen Estates High School. A group of athletes who are amazing on every level. I'm going to start by introducing our coaching staff without whom I could do none of the things I do with Special Olympics at Hoffman. Um Nicole Stacy who
is not here and Carly Grapenthin who is here and is amazing. Thank you for everything you do. Um I'm going to call I'm first going to announce the athletes who are not present and then I'm going to call up the athletes who are present and then say a little bit about this team. First, the athletes who are not
here are Joseph Agalar, Selena Zang, Circio Rentia, Mariana Pisan, and Yash Patel. And now for the athletes who are here. Uh, with his parents, Alejandro and Lordis is Yasier Maro.
With his parents, Alan Banka, and Annie Essay is Nikico Banka. with her parents Schulpa and Yogesh Patel is Kuri Patel. with his parents Sema and Mahesh Shaha
is Arian Shaha with his mother Farzana Katun is Azan Sed with his mother Jennifer Toy is Davin Toy Bes with her parents Emmy and Glenn Troanza
is Kira Tanza. And with his parents Matt and Cam is Luke Wrachowski. I have done a lot of coaching of a lot of sports in my decades as an educator and there is no team that I am more proud of than this team. There is no
team that I would rather spend time with than this team. The support, the energy, the commitment, the love that you have for each other and for the sport is heartwarming. And it has been an honor
to be your coach this year. It is a gift from the universe that I got to coach this team. Thank you so much for who you are and parents, thank you so much for have having raised these amazing athletes, competitors, and human beings. Board of Education, thank you so much
for taking the time to honor them. All right. And finally, we have Matt Marx, girls tennis at Conan High School. Matt Marks has taught in the business education department at Conan High School for the last 11 years. He has been both the boys and girls head tennis coach for the past 12 years. Uh for 12
years, serving as the head of the boys and girls at Conit for the past six years. And Matt is also a proud District 211 graduate. Matt Good evening and thank you to the board of education for this opportunity. I'd also like to thank Eric Winkowski,
principal Julie Novak, and athletic director Eric Hower for the constant support of our program. Tonight, I'm honored to recognize two outstanding members of our girls tennis team. First, I'd like to introduce Nidi Kakar, joined
by her parents, Mangjunath and Surka. Next, I would like to introduce Advita Deepak, joined by her mother, Porna. Over the past three years, Nidi and Avita have been true cornerstones of our program. During their time in the varsity lineup, Konet has been a
three-time MSL conference champion, a three-time sectional champion, and their leadership helped us raise the bar each season. This year, they earned a sixth place finish in the IHSA 2A state finals as a doubles team, contributing to the
best finish in program history, fourth place as a team. Beyond their success on the court, they excel academically, lead through their involvement in extracurriculars, and make a meaningful difference in our Koan community. They bring energy and commitment that made coaching them a joy. I'm grateful for
all they've contributed to Kon tennis, and I'm proud to recognize them and their accomplishments tonight. Thank you. All right, we are trying to get this right as we make some changes. We were wanting to have a photo with all of our
athletes along with the board. So, if we can have all of our state champions, please come back to center fold. We're going to have our board members join everyone in a group photo and then we will move to our next agenda item. Thank you to our athletes and
congratulations again. All right, I'd like to invite Mr. Matthew Marx to the front. You couldn't get away from us that quick. Front and center. Mr. Marks is
the 2025 boys tennis 2A coach of the year. Selected by the Illinois High School Tennis Coaches Association. He has led the Conan boys team to five seasons and also coaches the girls team earning regional coach of the year
honors in 2023. Under his leadership, the boys team earned its first ever state medalist, went 15 and five last season, and placed second at the 2AHSA state tournament with every state qualifier, earning all state honors. Mr.
Mark teaches business education as we heard previously and is the second in in his second year as Kenet dean of buildings and ground. He is known for fostering a supportive, competitive team culture and for his dedication to helping students thrive both in the
classroom and on the court, exemplifying our district 211 value of inclusion. Congratulations, Mr. Markx, and thank you for all you do. I have something to present to you.
So before we go on, I want to just take a moment and on behalf of the board um and our district, number one, congratulations to all our outstanding student athletes on your recognition in every way that you have participated and
triumphed. And secondly, thank you parents and family. I am also parent of two former student athletes and I know several of us are and the understand the dedication, time, commitment, sacrifice
that you all have gone through in order to see your children um succeed and have all those wonderful pride pride and proud moments like tonight for your students. and thank you and congratulations to you as well. So,
thank you all so very much. We are going to continue on. Um the next item on our agenda is public comments. >> Actually, if I can intervene real quick before we go to public comments. Um I just want to
we have things backdropping behind us. As we have entered into the holiday season, I want to be the first of many to wish our students, staff, and families and community members a safe and relaxing, enjoyable winter break. As we approach it of the last day our kids are entering into finals weeks and next
week, uh, next Friday, we will enter into our winter break. I have a few Fram High School students who have joined me this evening from the T 144 applied technology class for freshmen taught by Mr. Paul Hardy. These students
worked in their class to create a beautiful cutting board for each board member, showing appreciation for the work you do each day and every day on behalf of Township High School District 211. Students, please approach the deis. >> They are going to give each board member
this token of appreciation. Happy holidays to you and thank you for all that you do. My friend, students, please stand in the middle. Miss >> board members, please look at the great work that these students did. And students, thank you for coming out and
jo and joining us on this evening. We really appreciate all that you do. And to your teacher, Mr. Paul Hardy. Thank you and congratulations. >> All right. Now, I'll turn it back over. Well, thank you for turning it back over to me. So, I can personally thank on behalf of myself and my my colleagues
for the beautiful craftsmanship. Not only does it have the 211 emblem on the front, but on the back it says proudly made by these students the from this from this particular school in Palatine,
Illinois. And so that is all in engra in what do you call it? um burned burned into the the cutting boards and they are a work of art. So, thank you all. Thank you to the students who did this and
again, thank you family and friends and the the student athletes for all that you've done and the recognition that you've you've earned and bringing our school district to the state level, right? and getting that state recognition for our little northwest
Chicago community in our district. Very proud moment. So, thank you all. >> Bloom, if I could just if adults would like to learn how to make a beautiful cutting board. You can take our wood shop classes, which I have done at Palatin High School, taught to adults. In the evening, you'll see our community
bulletin that used to be hard mail, now it's emailed, but we do offer wood shop classes if you would like to make a matching one yourself. >> Beautiful. Thank you. All right, so back to the next item on the agenda is public comments. So for those of you who are
here for recognition, you're more than welcome to stay. Um or you don't need to. But next on our agenda is public comments. >> Thank you. Thank you. Perfect. Miss Lopez,
>> did you see the picture behind you? Okay, I'll I'll get an email. >> I will make an announcement. Okay. Okay. All right. We will as we transition I'll make my picture. Yes.
>> All right. We are going to return back to our meeting. Um, as before again, we we have a few surprises that have uh kind of captured us. I uh will talk about this a little bit later on as I share my 100 day plan. But I do want to recognize we did have some students who
are part of my superintendent student council group. Um, I encourage them as they begin to learn and understand and be involved in this work alongside with us to join a board meeting. Could I have those students who are here tonight that came just to stand and just wave and say
hello? They did join us this evening from the superintendent advisory council. Thank you all for being here. >> Great. Okay. Next on our agenda is public comments. The board welcomes your participation
and values hearing from our community. Please remember this is a meeting of the board held in public, not a dialogue. So board members will not respond or answer questions during this time. Comments should focus on school district
matters. And to protect privacy, please do not mention or identify individual students. We ask everyone to speak with respect and civility so each voice can be heard. Vulgar, obscene, libalist language or interruptions will not be
tolerated. If you have concerns about district staff or board members, please follow the district's communication protocols so they can be addressed appropriately. Please note, this meeting is recorded and livereamed. It is being watched by
people from across our community, including neighbors, staff, parents, and students. Therefore, we ask that you value the procedures and decorum of our meeting, being nice and respectful of those at the podium so they may be
heard. When I call your name, please come to the podium and state your name for the record. You may also choose to state if you are a resident of the district. You will have three minutes to share your comments. Please note that your
time may not be given to another speaker and the time on the display will guide you. If you'd like a response from the superintendent, please leave your contact information with ten with Mr. Tenniper at the end of this table. Thank
you. The first person to speak this evening is going to be Georgia Moravski, followed by Nikki Hubard.
>> I need to repeat my name. >> You can if you like. >> Georgia Morowski. Um, so you guys all received an email with my statement and my You've already read it. It was slightly more personal. It had a little bit more information, but I want to speak just so
there's a record. Um, I am here this evening to discuss inappropriate conduct um by Lionel Clark along with another wrestling coach um and the need for the district to inform parents when teachers
or coaches are suspended or terminated due to inappropriate behavior. You've all about the inappropriate contact coach Clark had with my daughter. I have edited that portion out of this statement for her privacy. The past two months or so have been one of the most
difficult and stressful things we've ever had to deal with. The uncertainty my daughter felt on whether or not to come forward with what she had to say. The uncert uncertainty as to whether or not her coach was fired or suspended, whether or not she would have to see him
again. Her concern fellow wrestlers who also experienced inappropriate contact. my stress as a mother, knowing that I would have and have on numerous occasions trusted that man to take my daughter on trips, staying in hotels or dorms, the
insurmountable anger I felt that not one person from the school or district contacted me about his behavior, his behavior with my daughter or other wrestlers until after reading this statement. Um, how many other students
have had inappropriate contact with these educators and coaches? I'm going to assume the district still cannot answer that because they've done absolutely nothing to investigate whether or not there are other miners who have something to say.
I've seen multiple group and personal text messages from current and former students who have had personal contact with Coach Clark after his termination regarding uh the incident. He's assuring them that he did nothing wrong. It was a
misunderstanding, telling them that he's already working at a new school and everything is fine. Um can someone explain to me why he's allowed to have another job in another district and work around While there is a criminal investigation going on, um I have to
implore the school board to implement some type of rules regarding inappropriate teachers from or conduct from teachers and um coaches and giving parents the right to know about this behavior if they have been suspended or
terminated. Parents should be contacted and asked to talk to their children about this behavior. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Next is Nikki Hubard followed by Annette White. >> Hi, my name is Nikki Hover. I'm a senior
at Hoffman Estates High School. I understand that there was an ongoing investigation at school and the police, but participants like me from the girls wrestling team were not once notified. I personally had to find out that I was not the only wrestler from Hoffman who
was affected by Lionol Clark Johnson from an article in the Daily Herald. I reported my situation to the police. Saturday, November 8th, but only today, December 11th, after my mom had a call with the superintendent, was I called to
the office and talked to by my counselor. I am disappointed in the administration at Hoffman Estates High School High School for claiming to value accountability, communication, and safety. While wrestlers like me were not informed with the situation or even
offered an explanation, I believe all students and parents should be first first be informed by the school if any situation of sexual harassment or any inappropriate conduct occurs. Not only States High School in the
district 211 failed at communicating, but they had failed at protecting and providing for their students. Lionel Clark Johnson was suspended for two days in January of 2024 regarding similar issues. And even then, not one parent or
student was contacted. This seems to be a reoccurring issue with the 211 district as not only was it Lionel Clark Johnson that was fired for inappropriate conduct with a minor but also Kevin Beers, two wrestling coaches that were permitted to be alone with minor minors
for extended periods of time having private practices, hotel stays, and weekend trips where there were no other adults, let alone parents present. Protecting students should be the district's biggest biggest priority, but it seems keeping a reputation is a
larger priority. I am appalled and disgusted not only at the actions of Lionel Clark Johnson and Kevin Beers, but also the actions of Hoffman Estates High School in District 211. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next is Annette White.
Um, I know you're set to improve uh approve a 4.3 levy increase. Um, my taxes I live in the area of 211. Um, my taxes are already pushing $10,000.
Um, for 1700 square foot ranch. Um, I'm also in school district 54 who just chose to borrow 70 million which Um I understand next year is going to increase my tax bill by $90 and for each of the next three years it'll be an
extra $180 and now um school district 211 is set to increase the levy. Um my understanding is that you got a 17.7 million from the land sale in 2020 and I was just wondering where the accountability is
for that money that now you're asking for an additional um 4.3 levy increase. Um and I was just wondering if there was anywhere on the website where that's allocated. It's just with next year being a reassessment where it's going to
hit on the second tax bill. I just don't understand how people can um whether having the school districts increase the money as well, increase the tax bill. Thank you. >> Thank you. So, that concludes public comments. Next
on the agenda is a public hearing on the proposed tax levy and the Recommended action is that in accordance with section 517-1.3 of the Illinois school code, cash
balances are reported in item 6C of tonight's meeting agenda and the public hearing on the proposed 2025 tax levy of Township High School District 211 um be opened. May I have a motion, please?
>> May I have a voice vote, please? All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> I. >> Anyone opposed, please say nay. Okay. We're going to follow the same procedure for comments on the levy hearing that were used during public
comment. However, no one signed up to specifically speak about the levy. Um, we did have Miss White speak about the tax levy during public comments. Is there anyone in our audience that maybe did not have an opportunity to sign up, but would like to speak about the tax levy specifically?
Okay, there is none. So, the recommended action is that the public hearing on the proposed 2025 tax levy of Township High School District 211 be closed. May I have a motion, please? >> May I have a voice vote, please? All those in favor, please say I.
>> I. I. >> Anyone opposed, please say nay. The motion passes. The hearing is closed. Okay. The next item on the agenda is an action item to adopt the resolution censuring
board of education member Peter Dumbrossski as recommended and submitted by Steven Rosenlum, District 211 Board of Education President. May I have a motion, please? >> Um, okay. So,
may I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron. >> Hi, >> Miss Cavl. Hi >> Mrs. Lopez. >> I >> Miss Russell. >> Hi >> Mr. Dumbrossski. >> Nay
>> Mr. Van Djk. >> Mr. Rosen Bloom. >> I So we're going to open this item for discussion at this point and I will start by reading the resolution and the recommended action regarding it.
So this is also included in the agenda item and it reads, "Whereas the board of education of Township High School District 211 has received information regarding the conduct of board member Peter Dumbrossski which was in violation
of his sworn duties as a board member, board policy, board protocols, and the oath of office. Whereas the Illinois School Code 105 ILCS510-16.5 states that each school board member before taking their seat on the board
shall take an oath of office. Whereas the oath of office provides in pertinent part that board members shall encourage and respect the free expression of opinion by my fellow board members and others who seek a hearing before the
board while respecting the privacy of students and employees. Whereas board policy BBF, board of education member ethics, provides that board members quote should meet his or her responsibility to the community by
not releasing confidential information unquote. Whereas the board of education protocols provide that board members quote respect the confidentiality of privileged information and will not divulge conversations, discussions, or
deliberations that take place during a closed session meeting." unquote. Whereas after the district board meeting on November 6, 2025, board member Dumbrossski divulged on social media confidential information relating to
conversations and actions that occurred during the close session meeting. These actions failed to meet the professional standards for an elected representative or the minimum standards expected of any district employee or board member. And as a result, board member Peter
Dumbrosssk's actions have negatively impacted the trust and confidentiality expected of board members in support of the students, staff, fellow board members, and community of district 211. Whereas censure by a public body is a
collective judgment of condemnation of one of its members for behaviors or actions that violate laws or policies as well as formal public act of disapproval disapproval of a member's unacceptable conduct. Now therefore be it resolved by
the board of education of Township High School District 211 as follows. section one that this board finds that board member Peter Dumbrossski failed to faithfully perform his official duties as a board member and violated the oath
of office, board policy BBF and board protocols. Section two, that the board hereby censures and formally expresses its disapproval of board member Peter Dumbrosssky's conduct described above.
Section three, that the board does hereby direct board member Peter Dumbrossski to properly perform his duties as a board member by understanding his role as a member of this board, abide by the oath of office,
board policy, and board protocols, and cease and desist from disclosing confidential information. Section four, that this resolution shall be in full force and effect upon its adaptation. Before we vote on adoption
of this resolution, I open it up to any comments or discussions from any board member. >> I have some comments I would like to make. >> Mr. Drosski, >> I'd like to start by stating the board of education's role is to stand for the
community. The board acts on behalf of the community. It is not the role of this board to prioritize the school district at the expense of the community. The district depends on the community. The does not depend on the district. There is a synchronicity, but there is no symbiosis. The events that
have led to the censure are both sad and convoluted. I am saddened that while answering questions to a group of community members via a private message, my trust was betrayed and screenshots without context were delivered to the board president. Board president decided to speak to each board member
individually prior to contacting me directly. By that time, I've had discussion with another board member about the topic and had to decline per public 97-504. If board members engage in a chain of one-on-one discussions to reach a consensus, they may also violate the
law. I say convoluted because to discuss controls on spending taxpayer dollars on the agenda, we as a board must speak as one voice and agree to have that discussion at a future board meeting. No single board member, officers included, has more authority than any other board
member. Yet here is an agenda item for my censure that appears to have used direct resources to de develop without public awareness or public action. Either this censure action was placed on the agenda through a consensus of board members outside of a meeting or was placed independently by the board
president. This is the exact reason the open meetings act exists to hold public bodies accountable. This is done by questioning votes and actions and the public body responding. Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Acts are two different laws. The Freedom of Information Act is the
mechanism used when the public body stops answering questions from the community. Foya was and is not intended to be a safety net for use when elected officials lack critical thinking skills to respond to constituents. Our community is frustrated with the lack of transparency, myself included. As
representatives of our constituents, there are two ways to approach this role. The first is to position ourselves as being elected to act on behalf of those that have voted us to the role. They would need to trust that the action taken are on their behalf and above question. This would allow an elected
individual impunity without having to justify or rationalize a vote or an action. The other approach is to discuss with our constituents and explain our actions while asking for input and dialogue. I choose the latter. The vote taken at the November 6th meeting had been concluded and all information I shared was information that would be
available via FOYA. Board members have training regarding FOYA and NOMA. Penalties for violating laws fall on the members of the board of education. Close sessions are not mandatory and our choice when certain exemptions are met. There is a reason our vote and actions taken are in public. There's nothing
that requires a closed session. Every close session discussion could take place in open session. The intent of a closed session is to provide protection for the district and the community. It is not to shield general discussions from public scrutiny. At what point does the board think that silence on the
reasons for their vote at the November 6 board meeting protects the community? When the board voted to terminate two staff members and the community asking why, it should be our obligation to explain the action, educate the community, and protect our children. This board should not continue to work in silence. That only acts to protect
former employees. That silence is now being forced upon me tonight. Thank you, District 211 Board of Education, but no thank you. I will continue to provide answers to the community when I'm asked about my actions taken in public. I will defend the community and the district with information, knowledge, and education. Please vote as you see fit,
but taking this action to silence me with the intention of protecting staff that violate our policies does not align with the values of our community. After more than 10 years of service to this district and community, my actions have and will continue to define my character. Does anyone else have anything to say
from the board? >> Yes, >> Miss Cavell. >> Yeah, I'm just taking a minute. Um, aside from the comments that I'm going to make,
I think the most pressing response to the excuses just provided is that those actions did not protect anyone. They did not protect the students who came forward. They did not protect the
staff members as was implied. They didn't protect board members or the general community. They actually they put the actions of the board and people that we are charged with protecting at significant risk. So
if uh that was your intention, it was very badly carried out. Confidentiality is the foundation of trust. And when that trust is broken, consequences ripple outward. The consequences of Mr. Dumbrossk's actions are as follows. Staff cannot trust us with their
personal information. Students and families cannot trust us to safeguard their privacy. We cannot trust one another to uphold our shared responsibilities. And the administration as well as any outside agencies, legal representatives, and anyone who must
share sensitive information with this board will rightfully question whether that information will remain secure. Why is this so serious? Because in close session, we regularly discuss matters of great sensitivity, individual student discipline, staff disciplinary cases,
active litigation, and detailed school safety measures. Students and staff who come before this board do so with the understanding that their due process rights will be respected and their privacy protected. After Mr. Dumbrossk's disregard for his obligations, no
student or staff member can reasonably have confidence that their information will remain confidential as long as he remains at this table. And when I say confidential, I mean meeting the legal standard. I don't mean protecting everyone from uh learning anything about
the district. I mean very basic common sense requirements that are spit out that we are supposed to follow. The district is a public institution governed by the open meetings act and the act exists to ensure that our work is conducted transparently and that all
members of the public have equal access to the information we legally can share. And by disclosing confidential materials to his selected group of individuals, Mr. Dumbrosski not only violated that trust, but also created an unfair dispar
disparity in access to district information, something that's fundamentally at odds with the principles of open government he so routinely likes to profess he believes in. His actions reflect poorly on him, but they also reflect on us, his fellow board members. And for the sake of
restoring trust and reaffirming our con comm commitment to the law, protecting the integrity of this board as a collective, Mr. Dumbrosski's disregard for confidentiality must be formally censored. So I also have some comments to make that is the board of education has
limited ability to to discipline each other through certain actions and the censuring of a board member is not something that should be taken lightly. Rather, this censure resolution and recommendation is in response to a very serious situation or action by a board
member that undermines the very integrity of this board of education and requires our immediate action. I have no doubt that Mr. Dumbroski is fully aware of his responsibilities as a board member since being originally elected to
the board in 2015, including the oath of office, district 211 board member ethics policy BBF, and our current and pre and and previous board member protocols. Regardless of the context associated
with his actions, the fact is that he violated his fiduciary duties and breached these very important aspects of this of his elected position. As board members, we are held responsible for maintaining the trust and integrity the
office requires. While the inclusion of providing transparency to the public, it is also important we maintain confidentiality of specific and sometimes required information supporting the privacy of our students,
staff, and community. Not only did Mr. Dumbowski's actions violate established policies and protocols, but it has also negatively impacted the very trust, confidentiality, and integrity that our
community, students, and staff expect of this board of education. In adopting this resolution, there is no intent to infringe on board member Peter Dumbrossk's rights as a member of the community or an elected board member,
but rather it is that he performed that he perform his duties under the guidelines, legislation, oath of office, board policies and protocols members of this board have agreed to follow. I ask my fellow board members to join me in
approving and adopting this censure resolution to highlight the significant level of the violations conducted by Mr. Dumbrossski and direct him not to do such actions and behavior again as a member of this board of education.
Does anyone have anything else that they would like to add? >> Hearing none. >> Can I add? >> Yes, Miss Baron. >> I think Go ahead. Someone else is going to talk, >> Miss Baron. >> Okay. Um, I think we just heard a bunch of sorry
excuses from uh, you know, a board member regarding his actions and um, in no shape or form is anyone trying to silence anybody. We are just trying to protect the confidentiality um, that we are sworn into to do so. um to not
disclose, right, information that's confidential regarding our staff, our students. And um he knew what he was doing. He chose to only disclose that information with a select group of people instead of disclosing it out in public because he knew what he was doing
was wrong. Um I hope that by us doing um coming forth with this resolution, it is um understood that we take confidential confidential matters um very serious and that we will uphold the confident those
confidential matters um that our students are the families our staff are trusting us with. Um so yeah that is all that I have to say. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Miss Baron. Right. At this point, I'd like to uh
request a roll call vote to adopt this censure resolution as presented. May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron, >> I. >> Miss Caval, >> I. >> Mr. Dumbrosski, >> no. >> Mrs. Lopez,
>> I >> Miss Russell, >> I >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> hi. >> Mr. Rosenloom. >> I motion passes. Yes, we are going to take a five minute recess for personal Okay, welcome back. The next
>> Are you there? >> Miss Baron, are you with us? Okay, thank you. >> So, next item on our agenda is the consent agenda. Does any board member have anything they would like to have removed from the consent agenda?
Okay, let's see. Thank you. The next item is that the consent agenda be approved as presented. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions or concerns? May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Cavl, >> I.
>> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> I. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. >> Miss Baron, >> I. >> Miss Russell, >> hi. >> Mr. Van Djk, >> Mr. Rosen Bloom. >> I The motion passes. Next on our agenda are board updates and
information. The first is our Freedom of Information Act requests. That is an information item. Next is the ending fund balance information. That is also an information item.
Next is student user fees introduction. This is an information item. Next is the student board of education representative models. This is an information item regarding this particular item. I
encourage those who are in our audience watching live streamed or via video recording to take a look at this item on our agenda. It is it is really a very very interesting item and an exciting opportunity for our district.
Next on our agenda is unfinished business. This is an action item that the board of education approve the amount of $290,71 as the 2025 tax levy for Township High School District 211 as submitted by
Kathy Zalooki. Controller, Treasurer, CSBO, and Lauren Hmel, Chief Operating Officer, CSBO, and as recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, Superintendent of Schools. May I have a motion, please? >> Second.
>> Any questions or comments? >> I can just make a quick comment. Um, I believe the amount that was read into the motion was um inaccurate. Sorry to correct that. >> So correcting the amount is $290,71,000.
>> Thank you. So I do have a comment. Every year the board of education and district are required to set and levy an amount of money to cover our school and district budget and expenses. Each year we are required to designate the amount of this levy and during the following
year we approve a budget using those dollars. In recent years we typically have not used all of the funds we have available maintaining a reserve in case of an emergency. In fact, policy DCA requires that quote to move forward with
financial planning and operational budgeting initiatives, the board of education should target an operating fund balance excluding non-spendable fund balance of approximately 33% of the next year's
expenditures representing a four representing four months of operations." unquote. Every year when we consider and prepare to approve a new levy, we hear from people across our district asking about the levy and reserves and often
expressing concerns about possible increases in the levy. I have never heard from anyone supporting much less requesting an increase in their taxes or our school district's tax levy. Each year, the administration presents
the board of education with a tax levy proposal and explains as part of that proposal why we as a board should approve an increase in the levy and taxes to ourselves and our fellow residents. This includes covering expected costs
and projecting long-term financial stability of the district. Property taxes are our source of more than 80% of the revenue this district receives for operational purposes. Without it, we
will lose over 80% of our annual funding income. Of course, we cannot approve a zero levy. That would be like a household budgeting with zero income and living off of whatever is in their savings account to cover all of their living expenses.
Since I joined this board more than eight years ago, the District 211 Board of Education has approved an increase of the maximum allowed by law in all but one of those years. We are we also were able to abate the
levy we approved, lowering the levy amount actually charged to taxpayers after it was approved and submitted to the county clerk's office. We are experiencing record expenses in our households. Groceries, utilities,
gas, services, medical care, mortgage rates, and other household obligations continue to stretch beyond what many people can afford. Property taxes have risen across our community. While expenses to the district are also higher, we need to lock to look
internally to control or lower expenses. Identify and delay nice to have purchases and work hard to increase other sources of revenue such as grants and fundraising. In fact, we have been doing this and there is a request for
the board to approve a grant application on this evening's agenda. In the past, I've also suggested we consider bringing on a staff member at the district level to seek out and help our district get grants from local, state, federal, and other sources.
Some of our neighboring districts have done this, and it has not only paid for itself, but helped them fund several programs and other needs. On more than one occasion, I did not vote in favor of the proposed tax levy.
Such was the case just last year. Our district faces a very difficult situation where our forecasted expenses will surpass our forecasted revenue by such an amount that we will begin dipping into our reserves to pay our
expenses. This is forecasted to continue for the next several years to the point where we will go below our earlier mentioned operating reserves fund balance target. I believe we are also at a point where
nice to haves have already are already being cancelled or delayed. Our staff and this board work very hard to make sure these are not causing a negative impact on our students safety,
education, and well-being. This is an important time in our district and I believe we need to approve the recommended levy in order to maintain the high level of educational programs and staff our community has come to realize and expect in district 211 while
realizing our very challenging financial situation. Tonight, let's do what we know we can and need to do in order to support our district and community. and as difficult a decision as it is, approve the levy as
proposed. I'd like to add some comments. Mr. Dumbrosski. >> Thank you, Mr. President. I oppose this property tax increase for the following reasons. Uh the most recently approved budget indicated a total fund balance of over 45%. Our our current IMRF is in an
asset position. There are no outstanding life safety projects required. Compounding more revenue before the next budget cycle will only encourage additional bund uh budget expenditure and not result in decreased spending. Our neighbors receiving the most recent property tax bills experience increases
between 15% and 20%. An additional levy increase at this time will be beyond insult to injury. This board represents the community and should consider this impact. Some might argue that the assessor and appeal boards are responsible for the burden shift onto residential property owners. This is only the distribution portion and does
not resolve the need to discuss overt taxation. If this board wishes to review the unfair burden that the largest tiff district in Cook County creates, I welcome that discussion. The cid the current Meridian development in Shamberg is still paying property taxes on the
2014 base EAV of 205 million while the current EAV of 409 million. and the last year has resulted in over a 20 million um increment taxes that are sub subsidized by surrounding properties in the district. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Any other board members? Mr. Van Djk, >> I'd be curious. What makes this vote for you to approve compared to the ones in the past?
Thank you for the question. In the past, we didn't have the the forecasted decline in our reserves as what was presented to us during one of our recent presentations. >> And then to the point,
we take proposing Miss H. >> There are there is a joint review board where members of the board can vote in support. However, it is not the
approving authority for the establishment of the tip. Um I believe in the tip that Mr. Drosski is speaking about. I was not in this role at that time, but I believe that um the district voted in opposition of creation
of that um and um it is unfortunate that it is a um shift of tax burden onto the existing taxpayers. Um however, with the establishment of the tiff, the hope is
that it generates new and ultimately at the end less than that burden but it's you know a 23 year period. So um I appreciate your comments. Thank you. I
appreciate your comments. Um, you know, a lot of times when we have these discussions, it's brought forward from various community members, myself included, actually before um I ran for the board initially and had to learn a whole bunch of things about the way we
pay for schools in Illinois that I didn't know before as a voter who was just generally angry about um property tax attorneys and the system set up in here in And um you know a a commonly banned
about thing I I believed at the time too before I learned more was that um you know why aren't we running this more like a business as an example. It's because this is completely alien to the way that a business is structured. You know, a business can look at its
balance sheet and make yearover-year adjustments without um most of their decisions beyond investment decisions um having such a significant impact on their ability to make future decisions about their say profit margins. And this
is to say that levies have a compounding effect. They don't exist just in a present moment. So, um, it really puts not just property taxpayers like ourselves, but, um, people who sit at this side of the table
between a rock and a hard place because you're not having to make a decision just for this year or just for this budget projection. You're having to make a decision that's going to impact um, you know, the board potentially 15 years down the track. And we've seen
wild swings in economic conditions. You know, me being a millennial, certainly within my lifetime, but we've seen how fast things can change. And so to sit and uh deliberate over the 15-year ramifications of a decision that you
make in one instance, knowing that those conditions can change so drastically, it makes the makes these decisions difficult because you're not just making it based on this single year. You know, this single year we technically have
reserves. Although if you look at the um item that was In the section above about our fund balances, you'll see our reserves at work. I mean, have the tax Yeah, Cook County still hasn't paid the
tax revenue. So, the way that we're meeting our current day-to-day obligations, paying of staff, uh, keeping the lights on because the thing is, um, you can't just close like a business. Students show up every day regardless, and they expect to have a teacher in the room that is paid
regardless. and the buses have to run regardless. So like you have to pay. You can't just not pay and not teach kids and not pay teachers and not have transportation. You pay regardless. The question really becomes um how efficiently are you paying and whether
or not you're paying interest. Are you paying uh with your reserves, for example, to cover the fact that Cook County just decides not to pay its collected tax revenue for months on end and leaves us to foot the bill or do you have to be in a position like other districts around us where we don't have
reserves and we have to issue debt? Thus, we actually heard from the third speaker in public comment that um a different district who doesn't have the reserves has had to issue debt and that's also pushing up for property tax bill because you the money has to come
from somewhere. And so, um I really agree with your statements. This is a very bitter pill to swallow. At the same time, I feel like it's really really important for me to into the message of part of
the after effect of swallowing the pill is expected efficiencies and we want to keep those away from students as long as possible. But we've all looked at the you know grocery bills are going up, our food bills are going everything is just going up and so we want to keep those costs, you know, any any efficiencies
that we find in cuts as far away from students as possible. But, you know, the kids keep showing up and we have to teach them. We have to do the best we can with the resources we have. And um I think that's for me the expectation that we're going to find efficiencies to the
best of our ability because kids show up every day. And so um you know I just don't you know when I look and see what well we could under levby sure I don't think that would save nearly as much money on people's property taxes as
some believe. Um but we could and then uh our budget balance we can't within two years and then we're issuing debt and that money just comes back on the property tax. You know, none of this is hypothetical. So, I know that we don't, as I've
repeatedly said when I've had these arguments um at this time in year past, there's not a lot of fat in our budget to chew. There really isn't. We run a pretty tight ship. But, I mean, economic conditions being what they are, we're going to have to tighten shift and we're going to have to make some harder choices, I think, in the future. And
even if I'm not sitting at the board table, those harder choices are going to have to be made by the boards are collected. So, >> and I have one more comment. Um, and that is um we often hear from people at public comments and sending us
communications um and sometimes ourselves um that you know this board represents you know we we take action and represent the community. I want to emphasize that we
are the community. We are taxpayers. We are your neighbors, your friends. We are parents, former parents, grandparents, soon to be parents of
students in our school district. We have a vested interest monetarily and otherwise in the success of our district and our community and how we do things. So, it sometimes
interests me how we are looked at as separate from members of the community, but I really want to emphasize we are members of the community just like you. And we
sit on this board making very, very important decisions that affect all of us and all of our families and all of our our our students and our community.
And I really want to make sure that you keep that in mind that if we approve this levy increase, we're also doing it to ourselves. We're going to be experiencing the same p pain points, the same levies on
whatever size home we own and the assessed value is of our home and the impact that this is going to have on us next year, the year after, and so forth. So, I want everybody to keep that in mind. >> Yeah, my appeal was just denied. So, yay. But, um I have one other thing I
wanted to say is like um and people are well within their right to ask us to you know, collect less. Absolutely. Um, I would love to have, you know, a flat levy. I would love to be able to afford that. But people never ask us to do
less. That is never that's never anything that I've heard from any community member like to do less for our kids. It's the ask is usually the reverse. We need more personnel, more safety and security measures, more school counselors, more social workers,
um more teachers to teach ESL classes, etc. Like, so there's a long list of demands. Um that the community is well within their rights to ask too. Um but that's that's how the scale balances, right?
Unfortunately, none of these things are free. So doing providing the absolute most that we can afford to do is a It's a difficult balance to strike. >> Any other comments? >> If I may. >> Yes, Miss Baron.
>> Yeah. Um, thank you. So, this is uh every year this is one of the hardest decisions that um we have to make as board members. Um, and it's not an easy decision and it's a very informed decision that we make. Um, right, we're getting um financial
reports every month. Um, we're looking at right the levy like this is a year like an ongoing process and so when we make a decision each one of us are making it very informed it is not like I said an easy decision once that time
comes um and trust me you know I me and my husband look at our our tax you know bill and you know we feel it as well um and one of the things I don't want to compromise the education that we provide
our students and all of the activities and the opportunities that we provide our students. I have a daughter who is a junior um at district 211 and I'm just in awe of everything that is offered to her and every single uh opportunity that
she can tap into to get her prepared for that next stage of life. Um, so I I can't compromise that that opportunity that we have for our students because those students come back to our communities and they invest, right? They can be business owners. They can come
back to our school and teach. So I'm investing in the future generations that are coming back to our community. So um that's where I, you know, I'm looking at all the numbers and I'm looking at everything that we provide. And so that's where I'm making uh my decision
today. Thank you. Okay, I think that concludes comments and discussions. May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron, >> I. >> Miss Caval, >> hi.
>> Mrs. Lopez, >> hi. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> Miss Russell, >> hi. >> Mr. Dumbowski, >> no. >> Mr. Rosenlum, >> I. The motion passes. The next item on the agenda is an action item that the board of education accept
as anformational item and acknowledge receipt of the June 30th, 2025 annual comprehensive financial report, ACFR, which includes the financial statements as prepared by Township High School
District 211 and audited by Baker Tilly US LLP certified public accountants as submitted by Kathy Zalooki Controller, Treasurer, CSBO, and Lauren Hmel, Chief Operating Officer, CSBO, and as
recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, Superintendent of Schools. May I have a motion, please? >> Are there any questions or comments regarding this item? >> Dr. Campbell. >> Yes. So, it is my pleasure before we vote up on this item to introduce
Sebastian Drosski, senior audit supervisor with Baker Tilly, also District 211 alumni. With more than 10 years of experience at the firm, Sebastian has played a key role in our audit process and so he will now present on our audit report. Thank
>> you, Dr. Campbell. So, yes, my name is Sebastian Dowski. I'm a senior audit supervisor at Baker Tilly. Glad to be with you here tonight. I'll try to be brief. I know we have a lot of stuff to get through. Um before I get into the audits reports that we issued, first want to just thank everybody that we work with or humble cath every work
within the business office for all hard work that we put in not just to prepare for the audit but respond to all of our requests during uh field work. We do ask for a lot of support, a lot of questions and do a great job of responding to everything. So the first report I'll go over is the
reporting and insights letter. So that's just a direct communication from us as the auditors to you, the governing body. It outlines the scope of the audit, what our responsibilities are for the audit management's responsibilities, and then if there were any financial statement findings or internal control findings, those would be outlined in this report.
So during interim fieldwork, we come out and we take a look at all your key processes, your accounts payable, your payroll, just to make sure that there's no operational risk that we might want to apply additional procedures to. And happy to say we do not have any findings in that in this report. Um, and then so
there's also additional information for future accounting standards that are coming down the pipeline. Uh as well as some supplementary information for trainings and webinars and things like that. Also, our contact information is in here, not just mine, but also the
engagement principles, Mike Matt. Um you know, we report to you as the governing body, although we work with the business office on the day-to-day. We are engaged by you to report to you on these findings if there were any. So, if you have any questions, not just here tonight, but in future, please, you know, reach out to us. We're happy
answer them. So then the annual comprehensive financial report, that's going to be the bulk of the financial information as of June 30, 2025. Uh starting in the front, you have a summarization with the management discussion analysis and the transmitter letter. I highly recommend reading
through those pieces of the ATER. If anything, it's a large report. It's over 100 pages. But the management disc discussion analysis and the transmitter letter, those are kind of like the cliff notes of whole report. They'll give you a high level overview of what went on during the year in a narrative format with comparisons to the prior year.
There's also a certificate from the association of business school officials in the acter for excellence in financial reporting that's awarded to the district that's based on the prior year acter. Um and so we also anticipate the district receiving the same thing for fiscal year 2025. Our opinion letter is in the
beginning of the report. So it's a four-page opinion letter. It's an unmodified opinion letter. That's the highest level of assurance that we can provide over the information in the report. Basically means anybody can pick up the report and rely on the information within as they assess the health of the district. And then you
also have detailed dose of the financial statements. In the back you have actual to budget comparison schedules. And then the very back of the report you have long-term trend analysis, statistical information, not just financial information but demographic information as well.
And then outside of the ACT for we issue an opinion on your annual financial report. And so it's the same information financial uh that's included in the ACT for but then we also look at some statutory compliance matters. All that information gets compiled into a standardized form that gets submitted to
the state board of education and we also had an unmodified opinion on that. Um on page four of this report is the estimated financial profile score for the district and so the received recognition status which is consistent with the prior year. This the highest level that is we can award districts for
financial health but the score in that profile score it did decrease from prior year. Prior was 4.0 this year dropped down to 3.65 and so the um there's four metrics involved in calculating that score and it's all outlined in that page.
Outside of the financial statement audit, we do perform a uniform guidance audit or a single audit over the district's federal uh grant spend. That audit has not been finalized and issued. Uh with the federal government shutdown, there was an administrative backlog with
finalizing what's known as compliance supplement. And this is a nationwide issue. It's not specific to the district. It's outside outside the district's control. And so what we did is we used the draft compliance supplement to audit the grants. This particular fiscal year, we audited the
child nutrition cluster. All the testing is substantially completed. We don't anticipate issuing any findings. We will have a clean opinion on that report, but it's just an administrative thing with the f of the final compliance supplement not having been solidified until just recently with the Thanksgiving break.
And so once we get all of our documentation wrapped up on that, we'll be able to issue that report. Uh those were my prepared remarks, but happy to answer any questions. First of all, thank you for coming this evening and thank you for bringing back
uh yourself as an alum of district 211 and to show us what successful students such as yourself can do in the business community um with your financial background and and success. So, thank you very much for doing that and gracing us with your your presence as an alum.
it always I I love when alumni come back and are able to discuss and present and and share things with us like this. So thank you for that. Um just so everybody knows as as has been mentioned we are a public entity and a public organization
and uh this report um is available in the agenda in public content. So, if you want to read the 137 pages, you are more than welcome to do that if that is your thing or you want to read some of the highlights and the summaries.
Especially, one thing I learned when I was first presented with some of these reports is what to really look at. And then if you want to get into the the weeds of the report and more details, it's certainly there in other tabs. Um,
but really, you know, look at the look at the beginning, look at the the summary letter and the summary section, and then if you want to know more, you can dive into it and get even more. So, thank you for for coming out and representing Baker Tilly. And and really
it's also really important to um to recognize that since I've been on the board um we've always gotten very glowing um remarks and and ratings and audit results from our internal team that have
we've always been told what a great job our internal accounting and finance group does in keeping records and accuracy and keeping us out of court and fines and all those things that we never
want to be in and really doing a stellar job and having such great great ratings and feedback from your firm. So, thank you very much and thank you for the efforts that you've done and your firm has done in helping put this report together. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you very much, >> Miss Maron. Yeah, I just wanted to also just say thank you so much for coming tonight to present. Um, if I heard it right, I think Mr. Rosenloo said you're um, an alum, so welcome back. Um, and I just
also want to say thank you to uh, Miss Hmel and Miss Zillinski for all your hard work and dedication to the district. I so appreciate um your thoroughess um your ability to answer the hard questions and give us really
accurate information and quick information as well when we ask for it. So again, thank you so much to both of you and all your hard work that you've done. >> Thank you. >> Have a good night. >> Okay, at this point I'd like to ask for
a roll call on this item, please. >> Mr. Mr. Van Djk. >> Hi, >> Miss Baron. >> Hi, >> Miss Russell. >> Hi, >> Mr. Dumbrossski. >> Hi, >> Miss Caval. >> Hi, >> Mrs. Lopez. >> Hi, >> Mr. Rosen Bloom.
>> I The motion passes. The next item on the agenda is the 2024 2025 popular annual financial report PFR of the board of education funds. This is a public item and I just want to mention
for those who are watching this or either now or later that this is a really um easy to understand document and report around our financials. So, if you're not a financy kind of
person and you don't want to read 137 pages, this is very well revised and interpreted information for just what it says um the the public and it's a popular a popular way of reading this
report. So, I encourage you to take a look at it. Next on the agenda is an action item and that is that the board of education approve the district to complete an application for the school maintenance program grant for the
replacement of chiller equipment at Palatine High School and further that funds be allocated in the 2025 2026 and 2026 2027 operations and maintenance budgets for
completion of this project as submitted by Ricky Sparks, director of facilities and purchasing and Lauren Hmel, chief operating officer, CSBO, and as recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please?
>> Second. >> Any comments or discussion on this item? >> Great to see your grant application. >> Um, what what would be the total cost of the the program? Right. We just have the grant amount um as an offset. But what would be the
total cost total is 3 million,37? It is in the introductory report for the grant. Um as Miss Ke just said, but it was also approved earlier on the consent agenda.
Thank you. >> Any other questions or comments? May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Caval, >> hi. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> hi. >> Miss Baron, >> hi. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> hi. >> Miss Russell, >> I. >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> I.
>> Mr. Rosenlum, >> I. The motion passes. The next action item is that the board of education approve the Illinois Association of School Boards ISB Press Student Board Policy Customization Services at an estimated cost of $14,420
as recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? >> Dr. Campbell, my understanding is that even though there's initial outlay, um there's all the details included in the
agenda. People can read of course about the details of the service, but there is an initial financial outlay, but um it represents a dramatic savings in terms of uh staff time and resources deployed to do the same work internally. Is that correct? That is correct. Yes. Okay.
Thank you. >> Not only a savings of cost but time. >> Yes. um that it will be significantly reduced versus our having to do it ourselves. >> Yes. If we were to have to uh provide this the services of reviewing our
policies ourselves, it would take us a little bit over three years to complete um as opposed to uh press assisting with 6 to 12 month time frame. >> All right. We have a roll call, please. >> Mr. Dumbowski. >> Hi.
>> Miss Russell. >> Hi. Mr. Van Djk. >> Hi. >> Miss Baron. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Lopez. >> Hi. >> Miss Caval. >> Hi. >> Mr. Rosenlum. >> I. The motion passes. Next action item is that the board of education approve the board of education protocols and
superintendent communication guidelines as presented. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any comments or discussion? >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Caval, >> I. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. Miss Baron, >> I
>> Mr. Van Dyk, >> Miss Russell, >> hi. >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> present. >> Mr. Rosenlum, >> I motion passes. The next item is the board of education. Um, if there's anybody who would like to present a item
for future discussion. Okay, hearing none, we'll move on. The next are committee reports. The first committee report is that from NSSO. There are a couple of items in public comment um public content. One is the
article of agreement and the other is the audit report. Um so NSSEO had their governing board and superintendence council meetings last week. During the governing board meeting, we learned that a majority of the cooperatives member districts
approved the recommended article of agreement as received in agenda for tonight's meeting. Tonight, I ask if any board member has any comments or questions related to the agreement. If not, and if there are no objections, I
will take um a ratifying vote from this board to the next governing board meeting to ratify these articles as our liaison to NSSO. Are there any comments or concerns?
Thank you. During the meeting last week, the cooperative received the independent auditor's report on the financials of the cooperative from the firm Asesian Business Solutions. The cooperative operates as a break even nonprofit organization. You received the draft of
the report in tonight's meeting agenda, which also the public has access to. Much like our audit report, they go through a very similar process on an annual basis. The cooperative received positive news
that a grant application for $750,000 to support the second phase of the Kirk School project was approved and received by the cooperative. NSSO has some items coming up including a professional summit for member
district staff on January 5th and a job fair on January 8th for the 2026 2027 school year. NSSO does not have a governing board meeting in January. They skipped January. So the next meeting
will be on February 4th. I'd like to look to Dr. Campbell if she has any update from her superintendent council meeting. Thank you, President Rosa Bloom. Um, similar to what you've already shared um just that again looking forward to u coming to a
consensus around how we will move forward operating as a co-op in addition to um just similar uhly the superintendent groups. We are just excited about the opportunity and and how we will propel forward. Um we feel
that it will give us a a better foundation um and also keep our ourselves closest to kind of the operations of the co-op. So, we're just looking forward to the changes that will be made. >> And if you look through the articles, I want to mention that um there has part
of this is an approval of a creation of a superintendent board at NSSO to give superintendent perspective um school level um understanding and
experience. Um some they will have the opportunity to give input, make decisions at a superintendent level, uh provide feedback and recommendations to the governing board, which we will still have governing responsibilities
and be able to do things uh collaboratively with the the superintendent of our member districts. So very important and that's going to be starting uh after the after the new year. >> Absolutely. Thank you. for sharing this. >> Thank you.
Okay, that's it for NSSO. Next on the agenda is Ed Reddd, Miss Russell. >> Yes, thank you. There is a written report that is included. I announced at the last meeting in November, I was unable to attend the ED meeting for the
first of the year uh because we had a meeting at the same time. So, uh, the information that was provided from the November 6 meeting is from the minutes that were presented to the group and approved this past December. The meeting
was December 5th and it was a joint meeting with the school business officials. Um, Mr. Rosen Bloom, Lauren Hmel and I attended virtually. Um there were well first of all the
issues bas there were two of them big issues. The first was an explanation of or description I guess and requirements for use and repayment in case uh districts wish to uh uh do something
other than issue tax anticipation warrants. And there the four things are listed there. Um I'm glad that Miss Hmel was there because there are a lot of rules,
regulations, and laws that must be met um including uh the time that um uh loans need to be repaid. So um I know that we are not going to do that at least at this point. Um, and so I
appreciate all of that information. I will say there were several districts that are in dire straits. Uh, one, uh, mentioned not being able to pay employees. So, we are in much better shape,
although it's not wonderful as you just heard. Um, and haven't had to take out any loans. And by the way, we can go to local banks and take out loans if we want to. another thing that's allowable which I didn't realize. Um so it was an
interesting discussion. Um the second thing that um I wanted to mention is that there is a um group a consortium of a 100 districts that have come together and have hired um the group called ECRA.
They're a data collection uh agency and they're looking at the programs for EL students throughout the state and collecting information about each of those to determine in fact which evidence-based data um regarding student
success in those various programs can be used to determine the best of those EL programs. Um if uh the people the I'm sorry. The districts that are involved that form the consortium can have data included.
There is a cost and or they can access the district student data. Um there is a cost for that too, but if you are a member of ECRA, you can be provided the data for free. I don't know that we are. I didn't think so. Okay. Um so anyway,
we look forward to that information. I'm sure that that will be um exceptionally helpful to many of our districts throughout the state with our um e students. And then um they have the EDA has three
uh legislative initiatives which I listed there. World language graduation requirement. Um MCAT funding. I'm sorry I use a lot of I call it alphabet soup for education. MCAD as mandated categoricals. I don't know that everybody in our
audience knows all those those things and neither should you. And um finally um the third one is about looking at law enforcement off-campus procedure u which I thought was very interesting.
And then finally, there was a um hot bill which is still in progress, I guess. Um and it's Senate Bill 1873, and that is about the cell phone ban in our classrooms. And um at this time, Ed
has taken a neutral position until um we see what kind of changes might be made in that bill. And finally, I will be requesting uh attendance at the next meeting, which is a legislative dinner in January. And I'm assuming that others might want to attend also. And that's my
report. >> Thank you. Next on the agenda is community and family services report. Miss Baron. >> Yes. Thank you. Um the next uh United Palletine Coalition meeting is on
January 28th at the um they're changing the meeting to the YMCA. If you want to it starts at 11:00 a.m. and the meeting will begin at 11:30. Um, if you want to join, there is limited space. So, please
make sure you RSVP and you can um contact um you can email j oj atupcoalition.org to rp um and additionally
they I just want to quickly highlight um some food pantries. I know um in the last couple of months um Latino you know families might need a little bit more support um and so I just want to remind uh our families of the nearest food pantries which um would be Shamburgg
Township, Elgrove Township, Hannover Township and Main Township do have food pantries. If you are um interested in um you know locating any of those um for any food um you're more than welcome to do so at those townships. And that is
it. >> Thank you. Next on the agenda is um the Illinois Association of School Boards report. Miss Baron >> Russell >> I mean Miss Russell, I'm sorry. Miss Russell
>> um the I wrote about the annual conference and um the people that attended were Dr. Campbell, Miss Hmel, President Rosen Bloom, and then board members Mr. Van Djk and myself. Um I was
the representative from the district 211 board. I attended the delegate assembly, all of the um 10 amendments to their constitution and resolution were passed as presented. They also elected the new
officers. Um and the uh vice president is actually from our North Cook division, Ala Alva. There were general sessions uh with three dynamic speakers. Very
interesting. Um on Friday and Saturday, I've never seen so many workshops that we could attend. They were general topic tracks and um I mentioned which uh workshops I attended.
Maybe in the next couple of months I'll be able to give you some more information about those mostly for new board members and for um looking at student voice in the representation on the board. And then um
we also attended evening activities, organization receptions, dinner, and we got to see the Disney lights parade which was really exciting from a nice warm vantage point. And I thought the conference was a real opportunity to
network and build relationships, connect with old friends, learn and discuss issues which made the three days very worthwhile. Thank you for allowing me to represent the district 211 as the delegate and I look forward to attending
again. >> Thank you. As a fellow attendee, I have a few comments to also make as the screen is coming down. Um one is that um this conference was the largest attended
conference of educational professionals in the country. They had just under 10,000 registered attendees. So, incredible number. Um, very and we were there and we were represented
pretty well. Um, I also attended some workshops and like like Miss Russell said, it was hard to pick which ones to go to. Um, and I included and they're in public content, uh, some of the the slides or handouts from those sessions because when I go to these conferences,
I don't go just to help educate me, but I go to help bring information back to share with my colleagues so that we can be a better board in support of what we do and what our mission and values are as a as a district. Um, so I was able to
do that as well. And um, and um, in one of the the documents that's included here, the slides and such is one on social media. It says follow me social media, school boards and the first amendment, which is
an interesting topic for our school district and certainly this board of education. And there is an example of a um a case that has gone through um and um all I'm going to say is take a look
at it. it may sound familiar to you regarding social media and legal case. So, uh, so if you get a chance to to take a look at that, um, I am so proud of of us as a district and the people who came to the conference, um, I'm very
very proud of our our new superintendent who really made a huge impact on attendees that had an opportunity to meet her, on her fellow superintendants. uh she made a huge impact on me um as an
attendee and to be able to see uh the dynamics associated to that and and one of the sessions that I went to um was specifically on recruiting and retaining leaders of color,
so administrators and superintendent. and uh I attended that um and and it was a great experience to to learn um the statistics of of how how um how
challenging that is um not only in the country but in our state um to have leaders of color in our education system. And there were uh great attendees there talking and trying to
brainstorm and discuss ways that we can um really try to encourage more diversity um in our in our school leaders and our educators. Um so it was a very informative session as well. Um so
that's what I have to say about it. >> Okay, next is Dr. Campbell's update. >> Yes. So, good evening again. And I will say normally for me, you would hear kind of updates that have taken place, but
I'm excited to be able to share this evening my uh post entry plan um as it relates to district 211 um following my 100 days. So, just bear with me a little bit. So, here the four L's framework was used to drive the model for my first 100
work days. Looking me observing the current state of our district. Listening consisted of me engaging stakeholders to understand experiences and needs. Learning allowed me to analyze themes, trends, and opportunities. Leading is
what I along with others will do to use the findings to guide the decisions and next steps aligned to our strategic plan. So, this 100 day plan allowed me to establish a shared understanding of the district's strengths, needs, and
opportunities. Build trust through transparency, visibility, and active listening. Align next steps to our district's mission, values, and strategic priorities. as I will hold to the expectation that the work we do each day rises to the standard of excellence
for every District 211 student. As stated here in this quote in tandem with our mission that states, District 211 is here to serve the needs of diverse and of our diverse community by provid providing a relevant and
rigorous learning experience. opportunities for involvement with strong support systems that empower each of our students to reach their full potential, which is outlined in our district values as listed here that speak to the five values: communication
and accountability, equity and inclusion, financial integrity, innovative learning, safety, wellness, and respect. My entry plan goal aligns directly with our five values as detailed here.
Communication. This started for me with this board sitting here while also working to have this become part of district 211's thread. As I look at our instructional model, programs, and support, it was important for me to observe these things through a foundational lens of equity and
inclusion as we work to enhance the efficiencies and effectiveness of what we currently have in place. Financial integrity was my third goal as I worked to listen to stakeholders and their perspectives around our resources, projects, and learning how these things
are optimized operationally and fiscally. Innovative learning for me until looking at our current programs, teaching methods and technology initiatives while al also working to ensure we gain an understanding that learning entails supporting the whole
child that includes academic but also social, emotional, and our extracurricular opportunities. The last goal to prompt safety, wellness, and respect allowed me to look, listen, and learn about the critical issues that may be a barrier for student outcomes
connected through the infrastructure all the way down to the perception data. So, my stakeholder engagement included a series of listening sessions held at schools, at the district office, and community venues. School visits, one of
the most rewarding parts of my role, allowed me to engage authentically with students and staff while learning the unique strengths of each building I support. Each week, I connected with community partners through meetings that included the Rotary Club, township meetings, co-ops, local business
meetings, exploring potential partnerships with District 211. I also conducted group and individual meetings that offered valuable perspectives on how to evaluate our work on behalf of our students. Across these enga engagement methods, the data reflect a
clear theme to meet the evolving needs of every student. The board of education and superintendent must maintain a relationship grounded in trust, authenticity, positivity, collaboration, and a strong team orientation. Transparent,
consistent communication is essential to sustaining this dynamic and creating an environment while innovative can thrive, innovation, excuse me, can thrive and challenges can be addressed proactively, ultimately strengthening the education
experience for all of our students. So, there were over 47 school visits conducted since July 1 of 2025. To date, I had the honor and privilege to attend approximately 33 student activities and events. I engaged in about 289 in-person
listening and learning sessions with all stakeholder groups and had 50,194 views and ratings on social media sharings that included our back to school video and interactions with students, parents, and community
members. So, here are the questions that were asked um across all of our groups. These questions, however, naturally kind of rebuild themselves without me having to ask them as the conversations began. I often found that stakeholders will begin
by sharing the strength and then naturally transitioning into answering some of these questions that I desired to ask. At the time, stakeholders express uncertainty about exact paths forward. Um as they would say, I I don't know what to do next. I just know that
we can't keep doing the same thing. Across these three stakeholder groups, several bright spots consistently emerge. All groups express deep pride in both the school and district. Stakeholders emphasize that district 211 is staffed by individuals who are highly
committed to the work and dedicated to supporting our students. Students share that they feel a strong sense of belonging regardless of background, race, or socioeconomic status. They also appreciate the wide variety of extracurricular opportunities, many
which extended beyond just sports in general. Internal stakeholders highlighted the longevity and loyalty of staff. Once individuals begin working in district 211, I often heard they rarely want to leave. Families and community members remain consistently connected
and engaged, often due to general general, excuse me, gener generational ties to the district and the fact that many community members also serve as staff or parents. This creates a cohesive, supportive system that people are proud
to be a part of. External stakeholders spoke highly of the strong partnerships the district continues to cultivate. They also pointed to district 211's longstanding history of success and the positive impact the success has across the community that we serve.
So the themes that emerge around components of district 211's culture areas that may need to be changed updated or reconsidered included the following. students shared that while academic expectations are high, they can
sometimes fi feel high by default without intentional consideration of students social, emotional, and mental well-being. Students expressed that their educational experience does not mirror that of previous generations and that some practices feel antiquated.
They voiced interest in more open and flexible learning environments that extend beyond the traditional four walls of a classroom. Students also raised questions about class schedules, noting the need to examine the pros and cons of block schedules versus traditional schedule models. From the students lens,
the way students and staff communicate and engage with one another need attention. Students believe they are capable of self- advocacy, yet they recognize they still need guidance. They share that the manner in which they are addressed leaves some room for
improvement. Ultimately, they want opportunities to particip though not in every situation in decisions that directly impact them. Internal stakeholders raise concerns about organizational structures and the challenges these create between district
and building level support especially when structures diff are different across our sites. Staff compensation was also a theme particularly among administrators who noted the impact compensation has on staff retention compared to our surrounding districts.
still here. Across our internal and external stakeholders, communication and transparency emerge as consistent themes. Stakeholders want the story of district 211 to be shared, both the successes and the challenges with as
much depth and clarity as possible. Another key point was the desire for district staff to be more visible in buildings and actively provide support. This perception is one my team and I will continue to work in strengthening and redefining. Perspectives on safety
and security varied by stakeholder groups ranging from concerns about physical safety models to emotional supports, programs, and structures. A final theme centered on systemic change. Stakeholders acknowledged that while long-standing practices are not
inherently wrong, the district must continue to evolve as the world evolves. This led me to summarize the feedback as follows. We must continue to strive to function as a unified school system, not a system of individual schools with aligning goals that directly support
students. Strengthening our coherence as one organization requires alignment from the board and the superintendent all the way to our families. Our students watch how we model collaborative, student centered, datadriven work. They are looking to see how we align, support
each other, and work toward the shared goal of success for all. So, as it relates to what I've shared, how does this align with the entry plan goals? It's simply stated here. As you look at my entry plan goals and the goals we have listed here for the
district, there is direct alignment. So within these first 100 days, there are several key initiatives that have already been set and in motion. A standard of excellence has been established and continues to be embedded across all areas of our work. Visibility in our schools and at events will be a
constant for me. To truly understand what is happening in our district and how to best support it, I must be an active participant in this work. Being present with our students, staff, and community brings me much joy. We began by redefining communication practices
between the board and myself, establishing a set of agreed upon methods that support clarity and consistency. These expectations are now being outlined and defined across additional levels within our district. In October, I hosted our first superintendent advisory council,
providing students a platform to share their perspectives and reinforce how much their voice matters. so much we still have a student who is sitting here with us this evening. We also expanded our partnership with Harper College through the introduction of the College Now program which will offer students
the opportunity to graduate with an associates degree while still in high school. Our administrative summit launched with professional learning focusing on cultural competency through an equity lens setting the stage for future development in instructure instruction leadership and diversity.
The board and I also engaged in a workshop centered on our roles, operations and responsibilities. This session was a valuable opportunity to clarify expectations aligned to governance policies and procedures. I look forward to hosting another workshop
in the near future with you all. So leading forward, I will work with my team to identify what we can increase equitably and relevant to academic growth, strengthening our students post-secary pathways, while also highlighting and lifting the many
powerful stories we have to share. Safety and security remain a priority as we continue to put safeguards in place for our daily operation and for the future. I will also ensure our organization structure align to the work required to district 211 beginning with our ultimate goal for students and
outlining the systems essential to achieving that success. Lastly, we are Township High School District 211, an educational institution serving the communities of Palatine, Shamberg, and Hoffman Estates among others. However,
learning does not start nor end with our students. If we are not continually refining and reinventing ourselves, we can't fully serve them. Therefore, as we examine our professional development design, it is must be meaningfully
supportive for our students and also for our staff and stakeholders who are engaged in this work each day. So, my commitment, the next steps that I just shared with you are grounded in our strategic plan. And I don't want you to
think that I just went a array and it was not. Um, in addition to the feedback received, all of this was looked at in pulling this information together. I'm committed to building on the pride, talent, and relationships that define district 211. While addressing the areas
that require our collective focus that include strengthening our communication and enhancing engagement while ensuring a safe, equitable, modern learning experience. This progress will be made as we work together. And I am confident
as we unite in purpose that is powered by passion, we will create meaning and last change, lasting change for each student that we have been privileged to serve. And with that, I say thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Very
informative, well put together uh presentation and explanation. appreciate your update. Um, are there any comments or questions from my colleagues? I will actually, if nobody minds, start to my far left with Mr. Van Djk.
>> Just wonder if we could get a note for our student in the back. >> Did you say you wanted to give him homework or excuse >> a pass? Oh, maybe a pass for getting to school on time tomorrow morning. Is that
>> Yeah, the clock is ticking. Miss Lopez, >> thank you. >> Um, Dr. Campbell, thank you so much for that presentation. It was um, amazing. I have seen you just be so involved since you've
started. Every single day has made such a great impression on our community, our students, our staff. So, I just thank you so much. just being there and just doing all the things. It's absolutely amazing. And
when I see you at these events, you are always so in the moment. You're you're listening to the community. You're listening to the students. You're they're just very
involved in you and you're involved in them. And I appreciate that. So, thank you so much for everything that you My pleasure. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Caval. >> Thank you very much for the presentation. I'm thrilled that I get to share this with you. Absolutely
thrilled, >> but it's also late. So, my gift to you is to be quiet. >> Okay, Miss Baron, >> thank you so much for the presentation. Um when we were selecting you know going through the whole candidate process for
new superintendent one of the main things that I wanted a candidate was somebody who was student first and you have shown that over and over and over again. How you are very student first. um whether that comes security and
safety of our students, the academic portion, the you know emotional being, the financial aspect, everything around you know you really center um that leadership around our students. So I really appreciate everything that you have done so far in your first 100 days.
It doesn't feel like it's 100 days. Um, so again, just thank you so much for for that and um I'm I'm looking forward to seeing um you know the progress and more stats coming uh for us on on the
progress that you have been making. So thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Baron. Mr. Dumbowski. >> Yes. Uh thank you, Dr. Campbell. What most people may not be aware is that October 10th of 2024 about 7:45 p.m. Dr.
Campbell presented all of this as part of a plan. So this is the uh accumulation of of everything that she had outlined and presented to us and and it's very impressive with the the outline that we were provided and the
follow through. So I'm thoroughly impressed with that. Um going through my notes, I've got probably about 15 pages of notes and you hit on all of these topics and they're all right here. The only thing I I did note that I didn't capture was I know that one of the goals was to um talk to some alumni and catch
some postsecary success. Um were you able to capture that or have a plan for some of that? >> So although the 100 day plan has uh been captured here, the work still continues. So I have spoken with alumni but I have
not uh captured that specific information. But as I continue uh the second round, I will be sure to follow up and share that with back to board. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you, M. Russell. >> I appreciate greatly your presentation.
I guess I have um taught under several superintendent and certainly what I've just seen is unbelievably great and it was a joy to spend some time with you and your husband. Um conference and like I said,
I greatly appreciate you and am willing to help as much as I can for you to be able to be successful. >> Thank you, Miss Russell. So, um I have a couple things. one is um I I echo Miss Russell with regards to getting to know
our superintendent um spending a weekend together um in a in a professional way um in the city and and outside of the boardroom, right? And and in some in some aspects outside of
being president of the of the school board. um really getting getting to know her and her husband and her family and from a different lens. Um I encourage people who may see her out and about the community because she lives in our
community um or at one of our school functions to, you know, don't stand and wait for her to come to you. I encourage you to approach Dr. Campbell. She's extremely approachable, very the the word I wanted
to use was engaging. She's very engaging with everyone that is part of our district. So, please take advantage of that and and really um so happy with with your report and the
information. Um I know that um in the plan is to set for this board to collaborate with you to set goals um you know numeric goals, performance goals, student achievement goals, staff goals,
things like that and we're going to get there. Um but thank you very much for the the very thorough report on your first 100 days. Uh which is so wonderful. So glad to have you on board. All right. Next on the agenda is
District 211 Board of Education. Also an opportunity for each board member to say anything and um and give any comments that you would like to um this evening. So before I give mine, does anybody have anything they'd like to say? >> President Rosen Bloom, I want to
congratulate uh the Palatine High School Orchestra who gave a concert last evening that was wonderful. I unfortunately was called into work at the last minute, so I was not personally able to attend, but I was assured it was recorded, so I'm going to watch that tomorrow. Um, however, my
husband and my son uh were there to watch my eldest child play violin and um actually I called in reinforcements. So, former board president Anna Clinitz also attended and used the seat and um I was
assured that the concert was really wonderful. And so, I'm looking forward to attending the next orchestra concert which is their spring concert for Palentine High School which will occur on Friday March 6. So I'm really looking
forward to that. But um I know that all like our high schools are doing a lot of winter programming at the moment and I've been um in the past to friend for example Hoffman say every any school you choose will will really blow you away with this the level of talent that our
students display. So congratulations orchestra. >> Thank you. >> So, I I know our schools and districts have had have had and are having many functions uh in in including sporting events, performing arts programs and
concerts and much more. In fact, we're going to talk about some at least one of those coming up uh in the next section on the the calendar item. Um with regards to uh Friend High School's upcoming craft fair, which is If you're
looking for a ginormous everything there craft fair, friend high school um is a don't miss. I've gone every year since I can remember living in this community. Um and so it's a great opportunity for
all kinds of different things. Um so that's coming up this coming Saturday from 9 until 4 at Friend High School. So, um, so I know I'll be there and Miss Russell, I believe, is gonna stop, but encourage any and everybody in
our community to take advantage of that. And I also want to thank Miss Russell for representing our district as our delegate at the delegate assembly. There were a few little tweaks made to how the assembly was run, but there were some
very important items that she represented and voted on behalf of this board and this district on some very important items that go to the state level for IASB to advocate and for them
to make some constitutional changes and like she mentioned um elect some board officers. So, thank you very much for your time over and above being a board member and representing us at the delegate assembly at the at the conference. So, thank you very very much.
>> And could I also as a board member I was the representative and spoke at two NHS ceremonies, one at Shamberg and one at Hoffman Estates um National Honor Society. I was an inductee as a junior in high school a few years ago and I
certainly was proud to be able to represent us in doing so. Um the students are absolutely amazing. The seniors that are in NHS were there. The officers of that organization. Um they
are very eloquent in speaking. The programs are fabulous. and each student had an opportunity to walk across the stage and be recognized in front of all their parents and other students that were there and other people. So, uh I
much much uh appreciated it. Thank you. And I hope to do a couple more. >> Thank you. And and one more thing before we move on to the the next item on the agenda is that I want to just take a moment um and wish everyone a very happy
holiday season and happy new year. uh for those who are in our audience um live and um online or watching via video. So, I hope you have a very very nice holiday season um across the
district. Thank you. The next item on the agenda is the upcoming events calendar. Um you can see on here we have the craft fair coming up on Saturday. Uh final exams are right around the corner. Um, and
then we go into winter break. Um, there are some days that the district office building will also be closed. So, you might take a note of those if you're if you're uh in need of of district level services. Uh, take a look at that. And
um and then um for anybody who's watching, the first day of the next semester after break will be January 6th. January 6th. And uh the next regular board meeting um will be on
January 22nd. So that's it for that item. Next on the agenda is close session. So the recommended action is that the board of education enter close session
to discuss minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the open meetings act. Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees, security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel, equipment, and
equipment to respond to actual threatened or reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property. and collective negotiating matters between the public body and its
employees or their representatives. May I have a motion, please? >> So, moved. Second. >> So, uh before we get to the roll call, keep in mind that if you do not feel we need to go into close session and I think we completed everything, then you
will vote no on this item. May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron, >> no. >> Miss Caval, >> no. >> Mr. Mr. Dumbrossski, >> no. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> no. >> Miss Russell, >> no. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> no. >> Mr. Rosenlum,
>> no. >> The motion fails. The next items are those associated to um those under close session. And the first item is that is the
acceptance of retirement requests that the board of education in accordance with the master contract of the district 211 United support staff approve the retirement requests of Thomas Dilo effective May 2026.
Camille Prestia pre I'm sorry Prestita effective June 2026. and Mary Tyinsky effective June 2027 as submitted by Helen Miller, director of
insurance and group benefits and Lauren Hmel, chief operating officer, CSBO, and as recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. Second. >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Russell, >> I. >> Miss Baron,
>> I. >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> I. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> Mrs. Lopez. >> I >> Miss Caval. >> Hi, >> Mr. Rosenlum. >> I The motion passes. Next item is administrative appointment for principal at James B. Cone High School. The motion
is that effective July 1st, 2026, Michael Smith be appointed as a principal at James B. Conit high school at an annual gross salary of $195,000 as submitted by Kurt Teniper, assistant superintendent for administrative
services and as recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Cavell, >> hi. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> I. >> Mr. Dumbowski, >> I. >> Miss Russell, >> I.
>> Miss Baron, >> I >> Mr. Rosenloom. >> I The motion passes. The third item is that the board of education approve the termination of employment of Karen Nardone. Further, that the board secretary notify said
employee in writing of this action by the board of education as submitted by Kurt Teniper, assistant superintendent for administrative services and as recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? >> Moved. >> I second. I'm sorry.
May I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> hi. >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> hi. >> Miss Caval, >> hi. >> Miss Russell, >> hi. >> Miss Baron, >> I. >> Mr. Rosenlum,
>> I. The motion passes. Seeing as there are no remaining open items on tonight's agenda, the board president declares this meeting of the board of education