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. Dumbowski, >> here. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> here. >> Miss Russell, >> here. >> Mr. Van Djk >> here. >> Mr. Rosenlum
>> here. Please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance 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 the agenda is a recommended action 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, matters pertaining to an individual student and collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives. May I have a motion, please?
Second. >> We have a roll call, please. >> Miss Baron, >> I. >> Miss Caval, >> hi. >> Mr. Dumbrossski. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Lopez. >> I. >> Miss Russell. >> Hi. >> Mr. Van Djk. Hi. >> Mr. Rosenlum. >> I. The motion passes.
Good evening. The next action item is that the board of education return to open session. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. Second. >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron, >> I. >> Miss Caval, >> I. >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> I. >> Mrs. Lopez,
>> I. >> Miss Russell, >> I. >> Mr. Van Djk, >> I. >> Mr. Rosenlum, >> I. The motion passes. Will you please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance immediately followed by a moment of silence. I pledge algiance 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. Sorry. Thank you. The next item 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, lielist 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's 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. The timer on the display will guide you. If you'd like a response from the superintendent, please leave your
contact information with Mr. Tenniper at the table to your left. Thank you. The first person on our list to speak this evening is Joyce Slavic, followed by Lee Bennett.
Hello, my name is Joyce Slavic and I do live in the district and I just wanted to call the board's attention to some new laws that um impact our community. On January 1st, new safe gun storage laws came into effect. If a child under 18 is in the home, guns must be secured
in a locked container. Fines can be levied up to $10,000. Stolen guns must be reported within 48 hours. Um, I thank you very much for having uh a page on the district website that addresses safe gun storage because it impacts all of our communities. Um, I'd ask that it be
updated with this new information and be promoted through um, superintendent news newsletters or other district communications. Um, over 75% of school shooters get their guns from their own homes or homes of relatives. Suicide by gun is almost always lethal and people
who attempt suicide usually do not attempt it again. So, it's important that we share this information with our community for all of our sakes. We will never know how many lives we save by safe gun storage, but we certainly will know if there are catastrophic failures. And I do have some flyers that'll leave,
Mr. Tenner. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Next on the list is Lee Bennett. Our community lost an athlete last summer. Paul Mau was far more than that. I met
Paul when he was deacon over the music ministry at our small church. Perhaps some remember him for his 38 years as an educator in district 21. Paul is the best example I can point to as a life well lived. He authentically
lived out our best qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I found out Paul was a far better athlete at a men's basketball event. He
could shoot and outmaneuver me despite being a few decades older. Sports were important physical and social activity, even his final years. of cancer. Paul's sport of choice was baseball, as is more
far more common for his generation. Paul was a lifelong baseball and softball player. This time of year, when the outdoor diamonds are covered in snow, Paul and several of his softball peers would join us on the volleyball court. This provided me a chance to show
a mentor that I possessed a modum of athletic ability. Music was an even bigger part of This was due to the influence of his wife who he met as they both participated in Paline High School's marching band. Paline's marching band is
a tradition the family carried on with their children and grandchildren. As a former principal, Paul was an effective leader for our church's music ministry. He recruited me to the team when my skills were limited to turning on mics, turning on and off mics.
I am forever grateful for his direction which put me in the right place when a lady who likes to sing came along and is still alongside me. After retiring from education, Paul ran a painting business. This allowed him to continue training
mostly young men important life skills and gently pointing their lives in the right direction. Our public schools play an important role in showing the next generation options for living wellcludes. This includes athletics for many young men
who will never get paid to play. They did this for Paul and he did so for many years. I pray for today's educators who now have a responsibility to show our young adults how they might too live well. Thank you for
>> Thank you. Okay, we're going to move to recognitions. I will turn it over to Dr. Campbell. >> Yes. Good evening and thank you. Happy new year to everyone. And as we return to our first board meeting for 2026, I
am excited to turn it over to Mr. Eric Wowski who is going to announce our state award swim winners. Mr. Wowski, >> board of education. Dr. Campbell, thank you for taking some time tonight to honor some of talented aquatic athletes.
Athletes, you guys can get up and get lined up if you could, please. Um, athletes, as your coach introduces you, your principal will drape a medal on you and then you'll walk here to the center of the board as your co as your coach continues to uh finishes up
talking and introducing you. Family members, if you are here tonight, please stand when your athlete is introduced so that we can uh we can recognize you. Assisting with awards tonight are FEM High School principal Mark Langanger, Shamberg High School principal Tom Moan, and Hoffman Estates principal Michael
Authur and athletic director Steve Lackne. We'll get started with the FEM swimming team. Andrew Catrell. Andrew, why don't you come on forward? He has been the wellness teacher at FEM High School since 2010 where he currently serves as the wellness department chair. Andrew has been the girls swimming and diving coach at FEM for the last 15
years. Three of his teams have been sectional champs. four teams have finished in the top 10 in the IHSA state championship and he has coached over a dozen all-Americans. Andrew, >> thank you. Board of Education, District 211 administrators, and the Friend Athletic Department, and of course, Mr.
Langanger. Ladies, when I call your name, please come on up to the center. Ellie Pala, Sophia Panchev, have you hold your applause until the end. Ellen Henshaw, Noran Nalawi,
Katarina Gaido, Anna Henshaw, and Mika Tulu. It's a pleasure to be here again this year to recognize these wonderful athletes. Um, we have some exceptional young people who have accomplished a great many things this year at the state meet. But before we do that, I would ask
that the parents, friends, and family members of these phenomenal athletes to quickly stand up. Your dedication, energy, and efforts have helped make all of this possible, and I'm so grateful for your support. not only for the kids but also for the program. You have raised some exceptional young people and none of us
would be here without each of you. Thank you so much. This year, after an exceptional season that included an undefeated dual meet season in the MSL, the conference championship, sectional championship, numerous new pool and varsity records, we sent eight individual qualifiers to the state meet, and these seven
medalists. These young women along with several other supremely talented District 211 athletes managed to compete against some of the very best this country has to offer and come away with some wonderful hardware. Bear with me for just a moment.
Um there's a there's a long list. Um in terms of our medley relay, we took 14th place. That would be Anna Hinshaw, Norin Illaoi, Sophia Penef, and Katarina Gaido. In our 200 freestyle relay, it was Ellie Patla, Sophia Penchef, Anna
Henshaw, Katarina Gaido. Our 400 freestyle relay took fifth with Sophia Penf, Anna Henshaw, Ellen Henshaw, and Ellie Patla. We also had individual award winners, Mika Tulu took ninth place in diving. Ellie Patla was third place in the 200 freestyle and second
place in the 100 freestyle. Nor Nawi was 10th place in the 100 breaststroke and Sophia Penf was 12th place in the 100 butterfly. Overall this year, the team finished in seventh place in the state for three top 10 finishes in the last three years and the sixth time we've broken into that tier since the program's inception in
1978. Many of these young athletes are also up for all American consideration and we will anxiously await those results in June for the entire team. My staff and I are enormously proud of these young people, especially the legacy that these upper classmen have left at friend. We look forward to
coaching our remaining underassmen for the next several years and we hope to visit all of you again in January of 2027. Ladies, congratulations on an outstanding season and many wonderful accomplishments and for representing your school and your community
exceptionally well. Well done. All right. So, Tim O'Grady. Tim O'Grady is is in his ninth year teaching math at Shamberg High School. Tim has 18 years of swim coaching experience with both boys and girls swimming and water polo. The last 10 years at Shamberg High
School, he's been coaching those uh events. Tim has coached several all state and all-American swimmers. Tim Thank you, Board of Education, and Dr. Campbell, for taking the time to honor one of our district and Shawnberg's finest student athletes. Please welcome
Danna Bo, who is joined by her parents, Ehore and Spitilina. Diana has had an inspirational junior year on the Saxon swim and diet team. Diana has shown her relentless work ethic consistently all around Shamberg. She has dedicated herself to morning
practices and after school practices while maintaining her 4.9 GPA. While she's consistently challenging herself to become better, she is always pushing her teammates as well, serving as our team captain. Her season ended with a state qualifying swim in the 200
free and the 100 fly. She was the 100 fly sectional champion while also breaking our school record. Diana finished the state meet with a 14th place medal. Congratulations, Diana, on a phenomenal swim season. All right,
Adam Longo. Adam has been coaching girls swimming at Hoffman Estates High School for seven years, and he has served as the head girls swim coach for the last six. Um this was uh a pretty successful season for Hoffman Estates High School because they qualified for the relay
team for the state for the first time in over 30 years. So he's we've had some success here at Hoffman states. Adam, uh thank you board of education and Dr. Campbell. Uh tonight it's an honor to recognize Emmy who's here with her parents Paul
and Anna uh for accomplishments accomplishments that are not only impressive but historic for our swim program. Emmy is a three three-time state qualifier competing at the state level uh her sophomore, junior, and senior year. She's the first swimmer from Hoffman
Estates to do that since 2007. She set multiple team records and raised the expectations of what we can what our program can achieve. This past season was particularly special when Emmy became a sectional champion in both the 50 and the 100 freestyle and placed 10th overall in the
53 at state. She also led a relay team to the state to the state meeting the first time that Hoffman Estates has sent a girls team in 32 years. What stands out to me as her coach is
how she approached her work. Emmy was always willing to do the work. She completed every set that I put in front of her knowing that aligned with her goals. She challenged me as a coach to coach at a higher level because that is what she needed to perform at her best. She was diligent, diligent about her
overall success, not just in the pool, but through proper nutrition, meditation at home, and managing all of her academic work while serving as a two-time captain and leading by example. Emmy, you represent excellence through your commitment, discipline, and
leadership. Our program is better because of you, and the impact on Hoffman State swimming will be felt for years to come. Paul, Anna, thank you for your support, your sacrifices, and your partnership that has made all of this possible. Thank you.
>> As our athletes take the podium here to our my left, your right, I would like to pause. We're going to do one more recognition and then we would like to get a photo with you all. So at this
time I want to call back to the front Mr. Andrew Catrell known as Coach Catrell. Come on front and center. Oh yeah. I'm going to have you turn that way so that you can face the audience. Look at
the nerves. Look up an Yes, there we go. Mr. Catrell is the 20 24 2025 IHSA girls swimming and diving coach of the year selected by peers in the Illinois High School Association.
Additionally, he has been selected for the 2425 National Federation of State High School Association Illinois Swimming and Diving Coach of the Year. These honors recognize him for outstanding leadership, dedication to
Frimm High School swimming and diving program and the positive impact he he has made on Frimm athletes. Mr. Coutter, who is also the department chair for wellness at FRIM, was also named the
2425 NFHS section 4 swimming and diving coach of the year and previously was selected as sectional swim coach of the year. You're not working at all, are you, coach? Okay. He has led friends team to the top 10
state finance fin finishes, excuse me, and numerous medals with athletes earning state recognition under his guidance. He continually reflects our core values of inclusion and wellness throughout his work. He is known for his
consistent passion, commitment, and excellence. Congratulations, Coach Catrell. Now, if we can get the board, Coach Catrell, we're going to take a photo with everyone. >> So, so as we take a our photo, um
afterwards, certainly our invited guests and parents are more than welcome to, unless you want to stay for the business portion of our meeting, you're more than welcome to. Um, but I also want to take a moment. Both of my both of my kids were um district 211 students and both
of them were also swimming and water polo athletes. So I know what you go through getting into that. But maybe tomorrow not such a bad idea hot pool environment, right? And have to sit there and maybe for swimming watch
your kids swim for like a minute and a half and you're there like the whole time waiting for their turn, right? So, I totally get that and also totally get that a lot of these athletes play water polo, too, and and the athleticism and
um and durability that goes along with that. And again, thank you very much for your support of your students and the athletic programs that we have in District 211. So, with that, we're going to go over for our pictures and uh and then we'll resume with our meeting.
All right. Ready? Good thing I have paper copies. It's cold. >> You can feel the air coming in there. know how. >> Okay. Okay, thank you everybody. We're going to continue on with board business.
Thank you so much. Okay. The next item on our agenda is the recommended action is that the consent agenda be approved as presented. May I have a roll call? May I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Any questions or comments?
May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron. >> Hi. >> Miss Caval. >> I. >> Mr. Dumbrossski. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Lopez. I >> Miss Russell >> I >> Mr. Van Dyk >> I >> Mr. Rosen Bloom >> I The motion passes. Next on the agenda
is Freedom of Information Act request. This is an information item. Any questions or comments? Next is the secondary school cooperative risk management and workers compensation insurance programs. This is also an
information item. Are there any questions or comments? Next item is the 2025 consumer price index for urban consumers. This is an information item. Are there any questions or comments?
Next is a 2026 2027 student user fees and 2027 summer school fees. This is an information item. Are there any comments or questions? >> I only have the following comment. I think that increase to 200 is is too
high. What What's your proposal? >> Uh personally, I would be zero and just all of the expenses are covered with the revenue that's generated from property taxes. Are we the only taxing body that that
has a fee say like park district the the villages do they have additional fees beyond what what they're taxed for example if you went to the park district would would you be able to get into the pool without an additional fee
or a class at the park district? Yes, >> you would. >> Yes, you have to pay to use it. >> Yes, there are user fees. >> That's why I'm saying there are user fees. >> Yes. >> And other school districts have user fees as well. Um other school districts similar to ours.
>> Um so if I can just chime in here. Uh we have had there was a several year period where um different composition of board members at the time but this board as an entity waved registration fees down to
zero um I think six years ago now maybe seven for the first time when our in in very very different financial conditions right if you look back through our financial history this is when um you know that lovely period that none of us
anymore of seemingly infinitely low interest rates but somehow high investment return and um oh thank you and uh regularly collected and dispersed property taxes by Cook County to c certainly a degree better than they're
able to do now regardless um the financial conditions at this time plus our reserves and the fact that our financial projections at that time were up not down and up to a significant degree as opposed to to a significant degree as they currently are. The board
at that time was like we we we have the ability we have the money to wave the fees. Um a couple years ago those financial conditions um this board kind of had to wake up and realize that they were starting to change and um at the
time this board decided to bring back a fee. Um and it we ended up I don't remember specifically what the request was I believe it was $170 from memory sake because that is what the fee had
used to be before we waved it or thereabouts but this board felt that that was too high to go from zero to that much money in one go. So um the board at the table essentially negotiated among itself to set the fee
to $75 which was not the recommendation that was brought before us and it remains at $75 now. And so just to give you a little bit of history, this Mr. Dumbrosski is absolutely right. We've he's sat at this table before where we've had it and been able to swing a
zero fee. Um I, you know, after the discussion that we've had about the property taxes and the levy, etc., particularly about Cook County not even bothering to pay the tax revenue that they collect and the changing financial conditions, I am not of the opinion that we can go back to a zero dollar fee. I
don't think our financial projections allow us to do that. At the same time, I have a real concern about um and this was excuse me, the concern was at the same thing that I brought forward when we were negotiating the $75 fee. I felt
that that jump in a year for families was simply too high. We have to remember that this isn't like the park district where you can kind of just opt in opt into basketball and decide next year actually we can't afford it this year. The kid has to go to school, right? And we free and reduced lunch students that
of course don't pay the fee at all. But I still would argue like when we've got kids that are going to be with us essentially for four years. So they look at that fee and they expect it for four years and we might have siblings for four years. It's a big jump from $75 to$200. Understanding that our budget
balance sheet does actually require the $200. I I I acknowledge that financial reality. I still just think $75 to 200 in a year is a bitter pill to swallow on top of everything else we're all having to swallow financially these days. So
that's kind of my position. >> I'd just like to add a couple more points in response um to Miss Cattle's point. She's absolutely correct. When you go to the park district, you have the luxury of choosing not to use services that cost additional user fees.
The user fee here not an option. So, it's part of the registration. The other part is I don't I'm not aware of the park district waving um fees for lowincome families. If it's a user fee
that's in place, it's paid regardless of income. And then, uh finally, we haven't seen a budget for next year yet. So, at this point, I don't know how it's factored in. So, I think it's on us to
determine how much revenue will come from this and then it's the administration's responsibility to work with the revenue that we give them. >> So where's the concern of of what's been presented to the board to where where our revenue is going down
over those fiveear projections? What what is the answer to that? The districts surrounding us have gone out for debt. So, how how does that affect the district and and the taxpayers? If if we're not able to reduce and we're not
bringing income in through fees through the users, the consumers that they're coming, say the park district, you're now a consumer if you're going in and paying a fee. If you're at the school, you're a consumer compared to a taxpayer that don't have any students in the
district, which is a good number of people don't have students here. So a consumer fee here, whatever we decide it is between 75 and 200 is is for the people that are actually using the product right now that we're providing
compared to the the tax revenue coming in from the the real estate tax. And that that's kind of my point with the other entities, the art district, the the villages, um Harper College, it's great we got the the Harper Promise, but
you're still paying fees. You're still for books and and I'm sure there's some some possibilities of having those waved and we have those possibilities in the district to to wave and work with people and and no, if I'm struggling, the
board's not going to know. So, I think there's some misconception out there that that the board's going to give my private personal information and I'm I'm struggling. The board doesn't know. It's it's not our business. There's a
online. It's not the board's business what my finances. And I want to put that out there. The board doesn't get involved with your finances. If you're struggling, you you reach out to the building and and that's it. We don't get involved with that. But for the other
consumers that that are able, I I feel that it's appropriate to have a fee. And that's why I'm asking what what we feel is appropriate amount because they're proposing 200 So anywhere from 75 to
200. What's everyone's take on this plan? >> I appreciate your comments. I just President Rosen Bloom if I could chime in just one more time. Um this nobody's pulling this number out of thin air. So you know that implication
is just flat out wrong. So we've gotten information about how the recommendation or suggestion arrived at this fee and it includes lots of different things. for the goods that the fee covers um the prices for
you know the things that we're actually purchasing and the fee um if I read that information right the fee is actually assessed as lower >> it is >> that's lower than what the actual costs of the things that the fee is paying for is so even if and I I'm not in favor of
setting the fee at 200 um but even if we were to do so that $200 according to information that we've been given is still substantially lower than the actual goods and services that the fee is covering. >> Yes. And if I can just add a little bit of context as you all are having
discussion because I know the question came of where did we come um with the total um when we're looking at the fees, we're talking about our driver education behind the wheel. We're talking about additional resources. We're talking about student uh parking um transportation textbooks. So when we
look at those cost in addition to not charging athletic fees, um so we look at the equipment and different things that we have to provide for all of our athletes and with our schools. Um that cost has been totaled which gives a
small percentage of what the request is related to the student fee. I just wanted you all to have that for context as the question was what are we paying for? >> So um in terms of like number And this is not to cut off any further comments or conversation, but the question was
asked like what kind of number are we talking about here, having been president the last time that we were negotiating a fee, you we split the difference essentially at $75, I believe, something like that. And here the suggested fee is 200. We currently charge 75. So splitting the difference
between that gap again would be roundabouts, a $60 increase, something like that. So I I can I certainly support the fee going up. I don't think um because this is consistent from what I said a couple years ago. You know, the
fact of the matter is our changing financial conditions demand the reintroduction of user fees and what I have an issue with is exactly how steep or shallow that on-ramp is. And so just to give a transparent idea of where I'm at, that was my initial thought of splitting the difference between the gap
and imagining we have like perhaps a three-year ramp up to where uh the fee needs to be from um the district administration cabinet's point of view, something like that. But that's just a hypothetical idea. I'm certainly open to everybody else's suggestions. I was I
was actually thinking the exact same thing as you have maybe like a a threeyear you know plan of so that way you know the community the parents are aware these will continue to go up till we get to that point where we need to be
but from 75 to 200 is a huge increase and I don't think I agree with everyone so far Um, and having taught chemistry, I'm part of the
consumables. I know how expensive though, you know, that is. Um, actually, when I subbed, um, substituted at um, one of the high schools for teaching chemistry, it was the fourth quarter. The budget ran out of money. Now, I know
that the budget is not the consumable fee, but I ended up doing a lab and paying for it because I wanted my students to do that for the students that I was uh working with. So, I don't I don't want teachers to have to do that. Um, so I agree that the fee has to
go up. It's over a period of time. Will we ever catch up and be where we're supposed to be? Probably not. But I think budgeting needs to be over time and the families know um that this might be coming. I think that would be
helpful. But going from 75 to 200 is like a race car. >> Um >> Miss Baron. >> Yeah, if I may. Um this is my third time sitting on the board and the last two times I advocate for the for it to go. The first year was from
zero to 75 and then the second year was no change at all that we made. Um I know our financial projections don't good. Um, but at this time I do not feel comfortable raising the student fees um to anything more than 75. Um,
we decided to increase the tax levy and our people are going to see their tax bill and it's going to be a hard pill to swallow and I think right we all made that conscious decision of it needs to happen. Um but now we're adding in an additional burden on our families who
have students in our district and who are going to have to pay whatever the board decides right um tonight they're going to have to pay that and I'm thinking about the families who barely can make right ends meet are living paycheck to paycheck the economic out
there is not looking good right groceries are still expensive um everything is up so this time. I just do not feel comfortable raising it no more than 75. Um I would get behind zero dollars if our projections didn't look
so bad. Um and I hope that we can get back to that place um in the near future. Um so that's just kind of where I'm at right now. >> Thank you. So first of all, um keep in mind this is an information item only for tonight. We're not taking action.
We're not voting on new user fee. Um, so please keep that in mind. Um, over the next month, um, I'd like to ask our administration, um, based on the information and the feedback that you've heard this evening, um, to further
explore and provide this board with options to what's being recommended. We know if we go to $200, how much additional or how much revenue that will present for um, for student
um use of of these different expendables that uh that it goes towards. Um but I'd like us to be able to explore. You heard you heard zero, you heard 75, you heard 100 um as possible options to help ramp
up versus going from 75 to $200. because it sounds like from from members of this board that that is not only a hard pill to swallow, but one that's going to be spit out. So, um so I think that that's something that that um I would like the
administration to to review and come back with some some other information. And I'd also like to ask um that the community, those of you sitting here and those of you who are sitting there, um
share your feedback. We've already gotten some. Uh share your feedback to this board because we represent you and ourselves as community members and constituents and taxpayers and several of us have students and will be
incurring whatever user fee there may or may not be in place. So I ask that you share that information back to board of education at d211.org and share your your thoughts back to us. Please be nice when you do and share
with us your factual thoughts and maybe some some nice suggestions as to how we can then either approve, revise or reject changes to user fees um and recommended user fees at our our board
meeting in February. So that's that's where we're at. So, this was just anformational item at this point. So, Miss Caval, you had something. >> Mr. Mr. Rosen Bloom, sorry, getting my names mixed up. Um, just uh I'd like two
more comments. Um, to member Baron's point, like I agree, I'm paying the tax bill and my kid goes to Palletine, so I'm paying the fee and I'm resentfully paying my grocery bill and all the other things that all of us are complaining about. And I certainly
understand and in I I wish I could support keeping the fee at the $75, but the way I view it is this and it's actually more in line with your comments previously. And the fact is that like keep coming back to this idea that um
unlike Congress, it feels like we're actually dealing in real money, not hypothetical sums. And the money has to come from somewhere, right? And so when we had those years of zero dollar registration fee as an example, um we still paid for all of those things,
right, that the fee covered. And essentially what that meant is that that was added on to the property tax burden. That's because that's our primary source of revenue. So when we don't charge those fees, that's where we got that money from the property tax revenue. And
so every time we've underfeed essentially our property tax owners have footed that bill. And so part of my impetus is more of a philosophical disagreement not a p practical one is that we just voted to increase the levy.
Right. again and I have reached the limit personally on asking our property tax owners to fill in the gap of not charging the user fee and underfeeing by such an an amount that we currently are. So as the financial conditions change,
that's why I'm sitting here saying like no, I do not feel comfortable coming up and just saying actually you owe $200 next year. It's just um I think that frankly it's contrary to this district's values to be honest with you about the way we treat people. Um but I do think
um I have reached my limit as you know setting underfeeing and then coming back to essentially the property tax owner and saying like well we're keeping the fees low for the kids that are in school and we need you to put the bill right. So, um, I'm not happy with the financial conditions either or the projections,
but I just wanted to clarify kind of where I'm coming from this. And I, one more minute point of clarification. So, when I said a split the difference, I was thinking more along the lines of 60. So, maybe as a hypothetical, I'd be more comfortable with 130 as an example, a nice round number, something or
somewhere in the ballpark that I'd be looking at. Okay. In terms of my personal comfort level, not speaking for anybody else. >> Agree. Also, from a comparison perspective, elementary schools, right, our our local elementary schools um send
the parents a school supply list, right, and the parents go to the store and they buy crayons and they buy pencils and markers and folders and school supplies. I'm not aware of 211 sending out a school supply list to our students and
asking them to buy textbooks and um and computers or iPads and markers and and other things that they need in order to go to school but rather you know have have some fees associated to for us to be able to to get those things and
provide those to them. Also I wanted to mention that um when we went to zero fees that was co and we weren't in school, right? We were remote when that zero fee went into
place. And one of the thoughts was, what are those fees going towards? And one of the things if you look at our list is gym uniforms. Well, if I'm working remote, I wear a gym uniform every day when I work remote. Okay? But I don't need the school to provide that to me,
right? So, so that's where the zero that's how the zero fee even came into play because I think if we didn't have COVID to question why are we charging user fees we would still be charging user fees and whether we'd be increasing them or not
or at what point would we be at today I don't know but we wouldn't have gone to zero if we didn't have an understanding and reasoning around that. So I I concur with with all of my colleagues around 200 is not
not something that I can certainly swallow either. We all feel the same pain that that our families are feeling um from all the different points that we're being we're being pursued for finances and trying to balance our home
budgets and this is just another another dig to that. So, um, so if we're going to continue user fees, and it sounds like from a budgetary standpoint that we're at a point where this is really an important thing, um, to be able to look at other options around that.
>> Mr. President, uh, Dr. Is is there a possibility that we could do an alle cart? Because right now if we have students that are graduating for a cap and gown, they have to go into the school store. If they want to do any type of um any type of uh
extracurricular uh they want to get some school spiritware, they go into there, they sign all the waiverss. Is it possible to move the user fee from a lump sum registration fee to an actual consumer fee? I think that's definitely I mean I if
I'm understanding you correctly that's something we could look at proposing. >> Right now I see students that like all families will pay this consumer fee but not all students will consume the same amount of materials. >> Yeah. All students have one to one devices.
>> Correct. But what we have to one of the things we have to consider is like dam damaged goods and things of that nature. Um so they all do receive that and then the text >> an iPad and I've had to pay the repair after the insurance. So I I understand there's an individual cost that's a
consumer fee for that. >> I think that's impractical because what it would really look like iPad issue notwithstanding which you're right it's not in that's not the fee that we're talking about. We're really talking about like textbooks etc. And I am
really not in favor of asking the administration to create as an as yet unheard of system where you're essentially paying for your licensing fee for the textbook and the individual. I mean an an astronomical amount of work
for um what I can imagine would be a very minute savings of money. So I, you know, and then if you're going to account the time and resources required to execute such a thing, I don't think you're saving any money at all. Um, I think even asking the question of what that scenario would look like is a waste
of district time and resources. I understand for like extracurriculars and and these kinds of things, these should be extra fees, spiritware, the kind of things that you're talking about, but in terms of like the the things that I am, you know, perhaps what would be more
helpful actually thinking about circumventing this discussion in the bud is um a generalized list of what this fee covers. Perhaps that information was not communicated clearly enough to some of the members at this table. So, if we could just make a shortened list of generally what this fee is paying for
and remind ourselves exactly what it's covering, then we can come back a little bit more informed and that might highlight the question of whether or not an allocart in this fee area would even be practical. >> I I think that's the last paragraph of
the introduction document that's in the board docs. Yeah, I read it. Yeah. So, that last paragraph specifically states that student fees for items that are directly consumed or used by students or for a student's participation in curricular or extracurricular activities. Public school districts not
permitted to however charge tuition or fees to cover the general cost of the students education in accordance with the constitution which I would assume is the textbook materials that are we're licensing in our iPads. depend. So, can we go ahead and have a
list? >> Yes, thank you. That would be helpful. >> And I just for clarity as we um I work with the team to prepare. So, my understanding we're preparing a list of what all of our students essentially
utilize uh beyond what we pay for what we also um like the list as it relates to athletic >> what the fee what that fee >> what the fee is comprised of >> what the user fee goes to pay. Right. We were given $234 per student and
itemization of that $234. >> Okay, >> I hear both points. I got it. Thank you. >> All right. I think I just exploded our email email accounts, but that's okay because we want feedback from the community. So, thank you all for that.
All right. Any other questions or comments on this information item? All right. Next on the agenda is also an information item, procurement of school district utilities. Are there any questions or comments about this item?
>> Have one. >> Yes, Miss Russell. >> Um, when the RFP goes out and we look for energy providers, are there a lot of them or is it very limited? I'll turn it over to Miss Hamilton to ask that one.
>> Uh we do typically have a very favorable response um with the vendors that are in each individual marketplace um just because of the size of our organization. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Next on the agenda are new business items. Um the first being uh an action item that the district 211 Board of Education approved the winter 2025 curriculum committee report as submitted
by Josh Schoecker, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and as recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? >> I had a couple of questions. Um, the
first one was for the books that are recommended. Um, are they intended to be completely read from cover to cover? >> Mr. Shoemaker is coming up to provide a response. Thank you.
>> Hi. Textbooks or supplementary textbooks? >> Supplementary textbooks. Thank you. >> Correct. There's 14 supplementary textbooks on this list. 13 of them are designed to be read cover to cover. One is an anthology which is a collection of essays and different types of writing in
different genres and styles. That one is designed to be used in AP English courses because a lot of those essays end up on the AP test that students will take. And so it's a great preparation tool to be able to read a collection of those essays written in different
styles. And then um just knowing from uh having students in in classes um a lot of the the texts don't get used that way to that intention. Um so is there any discussion during during these curriculum uh regarding
sections of books that are taken for specific purposes? >> No. >> Okay. And but they are usually just segmented and then presented. Correct. No, no.
>> The 13, there's 14 books on here, right? Five are in English, nine are in special education. They're designed to be read in their entirety. If our books are, if what you're telling me is your experiences, our books are not doing that. I'm happy to if you let me know which ones, I'm happy to address those.
But generally, yes, our conversations are that they're to be read in their entirety. >> Thank you. I I'll follow up. Okay. I just want to say thank you to everybody who's involved with this process. This is not an easy process nor one that's like done quickly. So I just
want to thank you all for all that. >> There's some really good there's some really good stuff going on. So it's exciting work too. So thank you. >> I agree. Thank you very much to our educators um who are are subject matter experts in the curriculum that is that
is reviewed and sometimes left alone, sometimes changed, sometimes added, sometimes taken out. Um, and I also know that um a lot of those those changes are because the world changes and um and so the the information that our students
need in order to be successful um needs to be addressed too. So, thank you very much for you and the and the committee and the department chairs um for all the work that you guys do to keep this curriculum current, relevant, and on par with what we expect in district 21.
>> Thank you. Mr. President. >> Yes, >> can I jump backwards >> for a question? >> Um, prior to >> pertaining to what item? >> What item? >> Um, E under six >> procurement of school district
utilities. Well, we have a motion on the table. So, let me finish with this motion and then we can go back to that perhaps. So, we have a motion on the table and that is to approve this curriculum committee report. May I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Lopez.
>> Hi. >> Miss Caval, >> hi. >> Mr. Dumbowski. >> Hi. >> Miss Russell. >> Hi. >> Mr. Van Dyk. >> Hi. >> Miss Baron. >> Hi. >> Mr. Rosen Bloom. >> I. The motion passes. So, no. No, I'm just kidding. Um,
so Mr. Van Djk would like to re revisit the information item on the procurement of school district utilities. Mr. Van Dyke. >> Thank you. has a previous board or administration looked at um solar panels
as a way of obviously that's an expense up front but then possibly saving down the line just like our LED lights. >> So that that is something that we are currently looking into and that we will be providing information to the board as an update around. So yes, that is
something previously. I'm not sure if that was a previous um review. >> Solar arrays. Currently, we have one on our Higgins education center and we have one at high school. >> I guess I didn't know about that you mentioned. Good. Thank you. >> And I know that some of our um
neighboring school districts >> um have solar panels as well. So, and I know that our administration confers with them um on what they're doing and is it worth it, >> right? >> Yeah. because in the end, I'm not putting solar panels up in my house
unless I can get something for it. So, yeah. Cool. All right. Thank you very much for that, Mr. Red Dikeke. All right. Continuing with the agenda item. Next is item 7B, disproportionality
in discipline plan. So the recommended action is that the District 211 Board of Education approved the District 211 disproportionality in discipline plan for submission to the Illinois State Board of Education as submitted by Director of Administrative
Services Matthew Hildebrand and as recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, Superintendent of Schools. May I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Is there any discussion or comments on this item? >> I have one, >> Miss Russell.
So part of that, well, first of all, I was a little disappointed that we would have to do this. I mean, I understand it needs to be fixed and that's good. Uh, the action plan is good, but um, one of the things that I see that's included is expanding the ex traumainformed
training for staff. And I was wondering, I've been through some of the training for trauma-informed and in a school it should be done I believe and they suggest for all of the adults because
kids may go to the lunch lady or to maintenance staff member and um and I think it's important for the entire staff to be involved in that kind of thing. That's the suggestion.
>> If I just may add, I 100% agree with you. I think that it's really important for us to really and I know it's really hard, right? Like contracts and schedules and whatnot, but I think we need to make a really big effort in being able to train all staff across the
board because like you mentioned, you never know who's going to come across a kid, who's going to need some support or just going to need to deescalate something. So, >> and I concur with the the importance of having everybody in every building be
trained on on this traumainformed training because we talked about having a trusted adult, right? And we've also talked at this board table about a trusted adult could be anyone. It could be the person that checks IDs at the
front door, right? It could be the the lunch food server. It could be anybody. Everybody is a very important employee and staff member to our
students. And and this this really needs to be it's kind of like somebody coming into a manufacturing environment and not getting safety training, right? And you're thinking, oh, they don't need safety training because they don't work on the line. Everybody there needs that kind of training. And this is an example
of the training that everybody working in our buildings um and and has any interaction with students needs to have. Uh I have a couple of questions and um if these can't be answered tonight that's absolutely fine. The
understanding is that we get information when it's you know when the administration can do so. So um my first question are some of these are related to we just talked about expanded trauma reform training for staff restored as practice training. Are there deadlines
associated with this because we're having to submit this paperwork to an external agency. >> We do need to submit the plan by the beginning of February. February 1st is when it needs to be submitted to the state. Uh next week we have our uh primary our first consultation with a
state um what they call principal consultant. We we'll know more about what their expectations are um and kind of what the what other districts have done. Um but this is the formulation of the plan that we put into place um that that have it's been informed by conversation with the principles, our
MTSS teams um and also our lead intervention administrators as well. Uh so these are the kind of the key components that we're looking at moving forward with to kind of address some of the aspects that have resulted in us um being on the list from the state. >> Okay. Um so not at this time but we
might know more. >> Okay. >> For sure. >> Okay. And then um I just have um a question about the expanded it's the fifth item page two. Expanded use of third millennium program. So it's programming for social. Is that a
curriculum? >> So third millennium is a service that we've been uh utilizing for about the past three years. We initially used it. It's what I would say is an instructional component relative to and behavior and it was the initial reason
we brought it on was to address uh from an MTSS perspective and a restorative perspective u issues that we were seeing surrounding vaping nicotine abduction so on and so forth so they're actually learning modules that we um if a student for instance is caught vaping there is a
specific learning module for um helping students understand the impact the decision-m processes the the the negative consequences so on and so forth around those types of behaviors. So, Third Millennium has over the years expanded many of their modules. So, what
we have traditionally just utilized and relied upon are their the nicotine and the kind of the drug interdiction type modules. They have a host of other modules that really address kind of peer interactions, peer relationships, um executive function evening. Uh so there's a they've really expanded their
portfolio. Um, and those we have full access to those and we're looking to expand from a a intervention perspective than expansion of the use of some of those modules that we have access to currently. >> Oh, that's great. Okay. And then um my only other question was um and forgive
me this is a bummer but um what happens if we fail? >> So we had an initial call with our the principal consultant which was just mostly gathering some basic information and we posed that question. There is from my from the response of the
consultant there is not a definitive negative outcome. There's no impact on funding. There is no impact on status. Uh it is simply that we would remain on the list until we are able to move oursel off the list. There is no negative repercussion from a financial
or a status standpoint from what we are told. And and to clarify, you know, the negative repercussions of not addressing this are born by the students, which is what we're trying to fix. So, we share this incumbent upon us because now we're dealing with an external agency. I've got to ask the question, you know, how
do they >> how do they define failure and then what happens if we don't pass their benchmark. So, okay. Thank you. I appreciate that. I also want to mention that in the um ongoing evaluation portion of this uh there's quarterly and annual opportunities to review where we
are. But I also understand this is a three-year re review that has been done and and we're in this place where they've determined that we fall in a certain category that needs to do some some reactive things which we're doing
and that now it's another three-year time frame. So it's not going to be looked at, okay, how did we, you know, it's not so, you know, my thought was, is this a rolling three years, right? You know, if if we if we're good after next year, are we off the list?
>> And the answer is no. You got to wait three years for another look to say, how are you now? And are you again on the list or can we take you off the list in three years time? >> So I want to make sure everybody understood that.
>> Yes. Um if I just may I have a couple questions with the expansion of the models. Is that the students doing it like by themselves online on a computer or is that like someone facilitating that? Like is that blended or just >> So there's different mechanisms. Um it
we have found um that if the student is in a supervised area to kind of conduct it, it makes it all the more easy to get through the process. Um I actually just met with the lead interventionist today and did a roundup with some of the the um assignments that we've had of students into these and we've had a
surprisingly good response rate where students and actually families are very appreciative of this approach um of using a kind of a educational aspect to it. Uh we regard our intervention as our intervention beh um responses as being an extension of ed of our teaching,
right? Um our intervention administrators are educators first and foremost. And this offers kind of a a a specific and targeted and focused approach at um kind of helping students to understand the implications of their
decision making so on and so forth and coming up with alternative ways in which to interact with each other so on and so forth. Um so it it actually um we there are some instances where if a family prefers to have it done outside then we allow that too but we have the ability
to monitor where the students are during the course of that and there's always the followup. It's never just here do this it's always a check-in. So we have the ability to monitor where they're at pro progression wise through the modules and um there's always a follow-up whether it be through the intervention administrator's office or what we call
their like when it comes to our nicotine or vaping would be through our counselors, our student um uh assistant uh counselors. They are specifically u assigned to students that and help students monitor through these processes to ensure that they're getting to
completion and ultimately looking what outcome they might get from it. >> And how many modules do they have to complete or is that based on the student? >> It's based upon the type of in the type of module. So most of them are you know around 40ish minutes worth of time uh to
move through the modules but that varies depending upon the topic. >> Um and ongoing support that was one of my questions. I just um this is kind of like my my wheelhouse in a way. >> So I also want yes you know the students
that are you know at that um level intervention but I think we also need to look at strengthening our prevention efforts. because we just it's too late. This is way too late. So, I just want to see um where our efforts are in that prevention
side of things. Um I think it's also going to be important to get teachers on board with like uh restorative practices because we're not not disciplining kids. Um so, I think that's going to be um some education that we're going to need
to do, you know, around um and then ongoing evaluation. we're going to get updates as far as where we're at before like you know if we submit progress reports or you know what's that going to look like? >> Uh so the vision is would be on an annual review um and to kind of see
where we're at relative to our progress on it is the intent >> at this juncture. >> Yes. >> Okay. And just to clarify if we make good progress next year we still have to continue the second year. we make good progress that second year, we still have
to continue to the third year to show three consecutive years in order for the state to say, "We'll turn it back over to you." >> Um, that was all. >> Anybody else?
>> Thank you. May I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Lopez. >> Hi, >> Mr. Van Dyk. Hi, >> Miss Russell. >> Hi, >> Miss Baron. >> I >> Miss Cavali, >> Mr. Dumbrosski. >> Hi, >> Mr. Rosen Bloom.
>> I The motion passes. The next item is an action item that the board of education approve the resolution calling on the Cook County Treasurer and other Cook County officials responsible for the issuance of property tax bills to resolve
systemic issues as submitted by Lauren Hmel, chief operating officer, CSBO, and as recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? move second. >> I would like to take a moment and read
the resolution. So, this is a resolution calling on the Cook County Treasurer and other Cook County officials responsible for the issuance of property tax bills to resolve systemic issues. Whereas the board of education of Township High School District 211 is the governing
body responsible for the education of thousands of students and in this capacity serves as a steward of public funds entrusted to it by the taxpayers of the community. And whereas District 211 relies in a substantial and critical
manner on the timely receipt of local property tax revenues to fund its educational programs, pay its dedicated staff, and meet all other financial obligations necessary to keep schools open and operating effectively. And
whereas the Cook County assessor is statutoily responsible for the determination of property tax assessments with those assessments subject to review by the Cook County Board of Review. And whereas the Cook County Clerk is statutoily responsible
for the calculation of tax rates for all taxing bodies in Cook County. And whereas the Cook County Treasurer is statutoily responsible for the billing and distribution of property tax revenues to District 211 and all other taxing bodies within Cook County. And
whereas the second installment of Cook County property tax bills are typically issued in late June with an August 1 due date. and Cook County taxing districts, including district 211, rely on a predictable cycle of property tax
collection and distribution. And whereas for the for the second installment, property tax bills for the 2024 tax year and tax bills were not issued until November 16th with a December 15, 2025
due date, making the second installment more than four months delinquent. And whereas this significant delinquency has been attributed to ongoing computer system issues with outside vendor Tyler Technologies and administrative delays
within the treasurer's office. And whereas the failure to issue property tax bills in a timely manner has created predictable cash flow concerns for district 211, jeopardizing the district's ability to meet its financial obligations, including but not limited
to payroll and vendor payments without incurring debt. And whereas as a direct and unavoidable consequence of the Cook County Treasurer's failure to timely perform this core government function,
District 211 has been has lost significant investment interest revenue due to the delay in payment of property tax revenue to the district. And whereas this loss of revenue will result in the decreased funds that would otherwise be
dedicated to the classroom and the education of our students and place an unnecessary financial burden on our local taxpayers. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of education of Township High School District 211, Cook County,
Illinois, as follows. Section one, the board of education calls upon the Cook County Treasurer to to promptly resolve all internal computer system issues and administrative failures with respect to the 2024 second installment property tax
bills without further delay. Section two, the board of education expresses its profound disappointment and frustration that this administrative failure has resulted in a direct and unnecessary financial burden to the taxpayers of district 211. Section
three, the board of education demands that the Cook County Treasurer's Office work collaboratively with the Cook with the county assessor, the Board of Review, and the clerk to implement permanent solutions and safeguards to ensure that this costly and disruptive
failure of the property tax billing system does not occur in any future tax cycle. Section four, the board of education urges Cook County to seek recmpense >> recompense from Taylor from Tyler
Technologies for its failure to correctly, professionally, and timely implement the new computer system and to reimburse the board of education for the expenses incurred by district 211 for the combined failure of the county and Tyler technologies.
Section five. The superintendent is hereby directed to forward a copy of this adopted resolution to the honorable Maria Papus, Cook County Treasurer, the Honorable Tony Prewinkle, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. The Honorable Fritz Keaggi, Cook County
Assessor, and Honorable Monica Gordon, Cook County Clerk, the Commissioners of the Cook County Board of Review, all members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and all members of the Illinois General Assembly representing the residents of District 211.
This adoption is being presented for this resolution is being presented for adoption this 22nd day of January, 2026. Are there any additional comments or questions regarding this resolution?
>> So after all that, it's we want our money on time and we want some interest because you didn't get it to us. >> Am I correct on that? Just a quick summarize. >> Yes. And we don't want it to happen again, >> right? >> Yes.
>> And I hope they're watching because this is unacceptable. Um this isn't a first time second, third, this is like an ongoing pattern with Cook County. So, I really hope that they really fix whatever is happening in their world. Um because we
need our money. We've dipped into our reserves, our families, our communities, they deserve more. So, I really hope that moving forward, we're seeing some really good um things put into place so we do not receive any more delays in payment. And I also want to mention we're not the only one we're not the
only district that's creating and and adopting these resolutions and sending them and making these these demands. I'll just put it out there. We're we're telling them that you need to reimburse. do your job and reimburse us for the money that we've lost and the money that
we've lost for our students and the taxpayers in this in this community and make sure this is fixed and never happens again because it to to Miss Baron's point this is unacceptable unacceptable. Any other comments or questions?
May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Russell, >> I >> Mr. Van Djk. >> Hi. >> Miss Baron, >> hi. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> hi. Miss Caval, Mr. Dumbowski, >> I. >> Mr. Rosenlum, >> I. The motion passes. >> Next item on our agenda is a recommended
action that the board of education approve the business for propane school buses to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for a total of $979,520 be awarded to Central State Bus Sales, Inc. as detailed in the administrative
bid recommendation dated January 22nd, 2026, 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?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Are there any comments or questions? >> Just one quick question. What part of the bid that was rejected didn't meet specification? Is it schedule or equipment? >> They prop or excuse me, diesel buses.
>> Diesel buses. So, we only received one propane. >> Okay. Any others? May have a roll call, please. >> Mr. Dumbroski. >> Hi. >> Miss Russell. >> Hi. >> Mr. Van Djk. >> Hi. >> Miss Baron. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Lopez. >> Hi.
>> Miss Caval. >> Hi. >> Mr. Rosenloom. >> Hi. The motion passes. The next recommended action is that the board of education approve BMI Loom Light to conduct a dependent audit and
authorize administration to execute the contract for services at a cost not to exceed $48,560 as submitted by Lauren Hmel, chief operating officer, CSBO, and Helen Miller, director of insurance and group benefits, and as recommended by Dr.
Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> So I just want to point out um in reading the information that we received, it's not to exceed 48,560, but actually the the base amount is less than that.
>> And then there's an additional amount as outlined. I think it's $4,000. >> The supplemental fees not to exceed 7,500. >> 7,500 over that is a supplemental fee. So the base fee is less than the 48560.
>> This 41 060. >> Are there any questions or concerns? May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Caval, >> hi. >> Mr. Dumbroski, >> hi. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> hi. >> Miss Baron, >> hi. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> hi.
>> Miss Russell, >> I >> Mr. Rosenloom. >> I The motion passes. The next recommended action is that the board of education approve the pre-approval form for future expense reimbursement for Steven Rosenlum and Jane Russell to attend the ED Red Legislative Dinner
meeting January 26, 2026 as submitted by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? >> Second. >> Are there any questions or comments? I um >> I do not want to education and you know
continuing education is important but um if possible to try to cut some cost somewhere um you know two board members to the same conference I think one board member could go and then bring back the information to the board for future
recommendation and what I feel comfortable moving forward. >> I appreciate that. Okay. May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Caval, >> hi. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> hi. >> Miss Baron, >> hi. >> Mr. Van Djk, >> hi.
>> Miss Russell, >> hi. >> Mr. Dumbowski, >> no. >> Mr. Rosenlum, >> I The motion passes. The next item on the agenda is possible topics for future discussion. I didn't receive any prior, but I believe Mr. Dumbrosski has one.
>> Right. Um, policy BDDB has a specific order of business unless consent of the majority of the board members present changes that order. And we had our recognitions
after public comments, but our policy specifically states public comments are to be after recognitions. Um, I'd like us to adhere that policy or change it if there's the intention to reorder >> and Mr. Donley, I'll speak on that. Um,
as we upload this information into board docs and as we're moving to a new system diligent, we are finding that these systems are colliding at times and that information was inadvertently changed not not something of the function of the
staff of changing that. Sometimes we save the information. So, it was not intended to be switched until we uh arrived this evening and saw that it had been done. So, it's not intended unless uh at the will of the board to make that change.
>> Yeah, we we've been here a long time so we're used to a certain flow and we should have had a motion to change that to match. >> There should have been a motion brought forward. >> Okay. Thank you. So I I don't know if it's necessarily an
item for future discussion. I think this is an item for future correction. >> Well, do we have a policy for next month that then changes to align with this agenda format or are we changing the agenda format back to match our policy? >> I mean, if I understood correctly, it
was an error. They were going to correct it. We're making sure moving forward. >> That's what was just explained. >> Well, I was under the impression that it was a new system with So we're trying to move from board docs to diligent which is the board doc
system that we currently have. What we're noticing as this system is expiring we often we have found often more often than not errors when we save documents it'll switch information. So just to state it was it was an error. We
did not catch it prior to beginning our board me meeting this evening, but we will pay greater attention. >> Thank you for the clarification. I thought it was with the with the policy system. I didn't catch that board. >> Okay, thank you. All right, moving on to
committee reports. The first one is the NSSO report. And uh what I want to point out is um NSSEO actually doesn't have a January governing board meeting. So I don't have an update from that. But I did want to
point out that there are some items and important dates coming up. And that includes um and I mentioned this last month as well, January 31st uh from 11 to 3. They're having their winter wonderland. And that is at the
outdoor education center for NSSEO. Um, I went to the pumpkin fest or the har fall harvest. Fall harvest, sorry, NSSO folks. Um, and it was an absolute delight to launch pumpkins and have corn
and hot dogs and see the facility, Winter Wonderland. I was told at the fall harvest that I needed to come back for Winter Wonderland because it's, I guess, even better to see the outdoor education center during the wintertime
and they have all kinds of great activities. So, um, so I encourage, um, our board members and community to take advantage and come to this event because there's a lot of activity for families and kids to explore the outdoors in this
beautiful setting next to a a very nice lake. So, take advantage of that if it's not going to be tomorrow. So, and it's not. So, okay. Uh, February governing board meeting is February 4th. uh they have an
operational board meeting that uh Dr. Campbell is scheduled to attend on February 5th and there's an annual basketball tournament called the Amy Rudolph Basketball Tournament and it is for uh for young people with um special
needs and I have attended on more than one occasion and it's being held at Hoffman Estates High School on February 20th at 6 pm. if you want to come and first of all see these very special young people and root
them on um in a a fun and exciting environment in the gym at Hoffman Estates. I strongly encourage anybody who who would like to to be part of that and part of that community and support that community to come out. Again, it's
February 20th at 6 PM at Hoffman Estates High School, the Amy Rudolph Basketball Tournament. That's it for the NSSCO report. >> If they're selling any shirts, let me know. >> Okay. All right. Next is the Ed Red report.
Miss Russell, do you have a report for us today? >> I do not have a written report because we did not meet since the last time the board met, but we will meet for a legislative dinner at Stevenson High School this coming Monday. Thank you for approving that.
>> All right. Thank you. Next is the community and family services report. Miss Baron, >> um the up the United Coalition is meeting next week, so I do not have anything to report on this week. Um but I will say if there's any events that are happening in the community or any um
community meetings that are happening, you can send me an email. Um I'm happy to see if I can attend. >> Great. Thank you. Next is the Illinois Association of School Boards report, Miss Miss Russell. >> So, I have a written report for that.
Um, and I said that I would talk about the uh different workshops that I attended at the conference um in November. And the one that I'm highlighting tonight was about having students voice on the board. And um
Asiggo School District presented this. I was very very impressed and maybe it was the two students that were graduates, but there seemed to be an exceptional amount of student voice and activity
within the district um because they have two students serving on the board and it was a junior senior model like we had talked about. So anyway, um and I think they would probably be very helpful if we had other questions about that, but um it was very
positive and I listed the things that I thought were um that I learned from that session. And then in addition there, the IASB is um following during the legislative session three bills again,
cell phones, tier 2 pension reform, and K to2 discipline. And then they also have 2026 legislative priorities. Um I there should be a link that's in my report and they are looking at
fulfillment of state and federal uh commitments, funding commitments, curricular mandate reform and support for student achievement tools, assessment, accountability and evidence-based research. So this is this
is the first year for the new ACT or is it the second year? >> First year. Okay. Back again. I guess it used to be for >> ACT. AC. Yes. >> Um and then we have um a IASB North Division meeting coming up in March um
beginning of March in Niles. And once again, as your representative, I will be requesting to be able to attend that meeting. And that's it for my report. >> All right. Thank you very much. Next on the >> I'm sorry, I did forget one thing. Um
this came up after um there is going to be an must be advocacy day in Springfield and it's going to be Tuesday, March 24th um advocating for the things I just talked about obviously and um it's an
opportunity to talk to legislators and uh hear about policy decisions, network with peers. Um it is a drive to Springfield. I didn't see any information about, you know, taking a bus or whatever. begins at 8:30 at the Bank of Springfield.
There is a $50 um fee which includes breakfast and lunch. Um you know, I think it would be great to attend. It's during the day. It's a long drive. So um if someone can attend that would be great. >> That's it. I'm done now.
>> Okay. Thank you. Next on the agenda is the superintendence report. Dr. Campbell. >> Yes. Thank you and good evening again. As we have entered into 2026, we are renewed and ready to continue expanding learning and support for our district
211 students, staff, and families. Students returned Tuesday, January 6th, and it has been energizing to see our schools back in session. I would like to begin by thanking our central office operations and maintenance team for the
impressive in-house renovations completed over the renov over the winter break. As you look around the boardroom now um and also throughout the district office, the cost savings and efficiency achieved by our internal team on such a
large project in a small amount of time are truly remarkable. So, thank you all for the outstanding work that was done. During our first week back, I enjoyed attending Palatine Rotary Breakfast. That same week, many of our district 211 students were represented in the
Illinois Allstate production of Disney's Newsies, a high caliber performing featuring top high school talent from across the state recently held at Illinois State University. We also celebrated a milestone at Palletine High
School as a music department commissioned an original song in honor of the school's 150th birthday. Created from students reflections on what it means to be a pirate and part of the Palatine's legacy. This project was powerful was a powerful reminder of the
impact of the work. The song will premiere on February 8th, so stay tuned. On Friday, January 16th, Conan High School hosted the 20th annual District 211 all school honors choir. If you see the trend, we started off heavy in music
coming back. Um, this was led by the guest clinician Lisa Klesley Maidens from the University of Illinois Chicago. This brought much joy to my heart to see all five high schools represented in this concert that was led that led us
into the D Dr. for Martin Luther King weekend, which numerous events and activities took place in recognition and celebration of his legacy. I look forward to hosting my second coffee with Campbell on Tuesday, January 27th. I'm
going to say that again. I look forward public, I'm talking to you, my community members, students, no students, we need you in school. staff and um families, please join me Tuesday, January 27th
from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 at the Starbucks on Al Gangquin um road in Shawnburgg. These informal gatherings offer a great opportunity for us to connect and to engage in conversations about District
211. Bring questions, bring your ideas, or just come and sit and enjoy coffee with me. I look forward to our student superintendent advisory council returning not tomorrow. They were to return tomorrow. However,
our weather had different plans. So, we will look to get this rescheduled and I can't wait to connect with our amazing students. And as I just alluded, the weather has not been in favor of us. So, please note that due to the predicted
cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills, district 211 schools and district off office will be closed tomorrow, January 22nd, 2026 with no evening activities or events. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Dr. Campbell. Next on the item on the agenda is board of education. Is there anybody on the board who would like to make any comments regarding what y'all have been doing? what's going on in the schools, anything like that.
>> Um, I'm going to plug that Palletine uh high school, their orchestra is doing a special 150 anniversary orchestra concert on Friday, March 6th, 2026. And it's special not just because all of our concerts are special, but there's an
open invite for Palletine High School orchestra alumni to join current students and play on stage. >> So, more information is a But I'm really excited about this one. So >> it's great. You know what they say, once a pirate. Anyway,
um so um so thank you very much. There's already So um on a regular basis, you all hear me talk about the performing arts and um and athletic events and the extracurricular that our schools provide and our students participate in,
especially when it comes to performing arts. And we have already seen even this month some performances in some of our schools go on and I know that other board members have attended those as well. Um if you look at the next item on
the agenda upcoming events and calendar items and I strongly encourage um the audience to log in to the agenda and look at that section. It is not all-incclusive, but it does highlight some very very good um things coming up
around um um plays and concerts and chamber music and band concerts. Um one that's always a highlight is the District 21 and 54
band concert together at Hoffman Estates. These um these dual performances between the high school students and our feeder districts does a couple things. One is it lets you see the kids going from their the feeder districts watching them perform and then
watching our high school students perform. you're like, "Wow, what a great improvement." But also, it's a great opportunity for our younger the younger students coming from elementary and junior high to partner with and
encourage them to continue their musical aspirations into high school and it's really a wonderful opportunity. Um, and then finally on on the list is our next board meeting coming up on February 19th. Obviously, Dr. Campbell mentioned that schools closed tomorrow. Um, and I
also want to encourage people if you're not already either subscribed to or following District 211 in social media. I strongly encourage you to do that because it is a very powerful communication tool for our district and
for you to keep informed on what's going on. There's lots of great pictures and videos and the superintendent um address to to the community and um and really a great way for you to to keep in touch and keep informed.
>> Mr. President, to follow up on item 9B, um I did attend the friend jazz concert last night. It was fantastic. They will be playing at both um jazz ensemble and jazz lab. Uh their jazz lab meets twice a week to practice between 3 and 5. Um
they'll be on Saturday at Buffalo Grove High School for the Chicago Land Jazz Festival that runs from 8 in the morning to 6:30 and it's entirely free. So if anybody is looking for a good time that's probably >> that's this Saturday.
>> That is this Saturday from 8 to 6. >> Great. Thank you. >> Um I just wanted to echo your sentiments about following us on social media. Our communications team does a really nice job highlighting a lot of the things that are going on in our school. So, thank you
for doing an awesome job. >> All right. Well, thank you all very much. The next item on our agenda is that the board the board return to closed session.
Um, so I think we were able to conclude all of our close session items during our pre-open session time frame. So, uh, there's going to be a motion and, um, so I'd like to make a motion that the board return to close session. May I have a
second, please? >> So, if you, uh, do not feel we need to go back to close session, then say no to the motion. May I have a roll call, please? Miss Baron, >> no. >> Miss Caval, >> no. >> Mr. Dumbrossski,
>> no. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> no. >> Miss Russell, >> no. >> Mr. Van Djk, >> no. >> Mr. Rosenlum, >> no. The motion fails. So in reviewing the items for close session for action, the first action
item is that the board of education in accordance with the master contract of the district 211 United support staff approve the retirement request of Lucita Hathaway effective May 2026 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? >> Mr. Dumbowski, >> I. >> Miss Russell,
>> hi. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> hi. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> Miss Baron, >> hi. >> Miss Caval, >> hi. >> Mr. Rosen Bloom, >> I. The motion passes. The second item is that the board of education approve a two-day suspension for employee Maria Bulman. Further that the board of se the
board secretary notify set 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? >> Second. >> May I have a roll call, please?
>> Miss Baron. >> Hi. >> Mrs. Lopez. >> Hi. >> Mr. Dumbowski. >> Hi. >> Mr. Van Dyk. >> Hi. >> Miss Russell. >> Hi. >> Miss Caval. >> Hi. >> Mr. Rosenloom. >> Hi. The motion passes. The next item is that effective July 1st, 2026,
Brittany Burlman be appointed as athletic director at Hoffman Estates High School at an annual gross salary of 159,495 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 Caval, >> hi. >> Miss Russell, >> hi. >> Mr. Van Djk, >> hi. >> Miss Baron, >> hi. >> Miss Lopez, >> hi. >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> I >> Mr. Rosenlum,
>> I. The motion passes. The next item is that effective July 1st, 2026, Leonda Sander be appointed as associate principal at William Friend High School at an annual gross salary of $166,000 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? >> Mr. Dumbowski, >> I. >> Miss Russell, >> I. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> hi. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> hi. >> Miss Caval,
>> hi. >> Miss Baron, >> hi. >> Mr. Rosenboom, >> I. The motion passes. Having no additional items on our agenda for this evening, the board president declares the meeting of the board of education.