I call this meeting of the Township High School District 21 to 11 Board of Education to order. May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron, >> here. >> Miss Cavl, >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> here. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> here. >> Miss Russell, >> here. >> Mr. Van Dyk >> here.
>> Mr. Rosenlum >> here. Thank you. Please stand and join me in the pledge of >> allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> 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 and matters pertaining to an individual student. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron,
>> I. >> Mr. Dumbowski, >> I. Mrs. Lopez >> I >> Miss Russell >> I >> Mr. Van Djk >> I >> Mr. Rosenlum >> I >> Good evening. The recommended action 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. >> Mr. Dumbowski, >> I. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. >> Miss Russell, >> I. Mr. Van Dyk. >> Hi. >> Mr. Rosenlum. >> I.
>> The next item on the agenda is that I'd like to ask you to please stand and join me in the pledge of allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence immediately following the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, >> born and unborn. Thank you.
The next item on the agenda is recognition. We have no recognition scheduled for this evening. So, the next item on the agenda is public comments. The board welcomes you and is pleased to listen to your comments this evening. It
is important to know that this is a public board meeting and not a dialogue. So, the board members will not be responding to your comments or answering questions at this time. During public comments, individuals should address the board about school
district matters. Speaker should not discuss students or share information which may identify individual students unless consented to by the parent or guardian of the student or by the student themselves if they are 18 years
or older. When addressing the board or sitting in our audience, individuals are expected to act with mutual respect, civility, and in an orderly manner. Vulgar, obscene, libalists language or
interruptions will not be tolerated. If community members have concerns with individual district employees or board members rather than sharing those concerns during public comment, it is requested that they follow district communication protocols so they can be
addressed in the appropriate manner. I will begin calling the names of those who signed up to speak prior to the start of our meeting. When I call your name, please come forward to the podium and state your name for the record. Although not required, you may state if you are a
resident of the district. Please limit your comments to three minutes. Any individual's unused time or place in order may not be deferred to another individual. The screen
here to your left will display your time and when this time has expired, you will be informed if your comments are still ongoing. If you wish a response from the superintendent, please leave your name and phone number with Mr. Tenniper at
the end of the table. As a reminder, the board meeting is being taped and livereamed. It is being watched by people from across our community, including neighbors, staff, parents, and students. 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, as well as other members of the audience. Thank you.
The first name on our list tonight is Michael Progee >> Probe followed by Deborah Jurgen. >> All right. Is this on? >> I believe it is. >> Hello. >> Yes,
>> okay. Okay. So, I worked with uh for district 211 for approximately 3 to four years. And what I saw going on in the schools, it actually shook me a bit. I saw academic standards being lowered, uh behavioral standards being lowered,
and uh I saw drug use in the bathrooms, students threatening staff, and very little repercussions at times. I actually saw the administration turn to the staff and tell them that they needed to do better, which maybe they did in
some instances, but when there's zero repercussions for the kids, the students, we see the effects of that out in society. Uh I also witnessed uh communist propaganda being put up on the walls for different organizations.
I've urged people to actually pull their kids from the public schools at this point, seeing what's going on in our society. Several years ago, I read a book, the Gulag Archipelago, and I mentioned it to a buddy, and he said those people were weak for allowing that to happen. But
the standard we're seeing lowered in our schools, whether it's behavioral, academics, is part of a movement to rip our country apart. And I just lost that. Give me one moment. Sorry guys. I'm urging everybody, everyone out here
to start talking about what's going on in the schools. Start talking about politics and God. We are all in this together. And we heard that that mantra being repeated over and over and over. But we are more
divided now than ever. >> That's it. That's what I got for you guys. So, >> thank you, Deborah Jurgen, followed by Jessica Hinkle. Good evening, members of the board. I
first would like to recognize the people that could not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance of America. I'm not sure if you're really taking the respect as far as you think that you should. My name is Deborah Jurgen and I am a lifelong resident of Shamberg. That means I'm a
taxpayer and a voter for your positions. I was proud to be a District 211 athlete during my high school years and my daughter followed in those same footsteps. Thankfully, during our time in athletics, girls teams were for the girls. My roots in this community run
deep and it is out of love and commitment to this district that I feel compelled to speak tonight. I am here to express deep concern regarding the recent decision by the board to allow an intact biological male to join the girls freshman volleyball team at Kodet High
School without the consideration of the undeniable biological differences. This issue is not rooted in hatred or discrimination. It is about fairness, integrity, and safety. The emotional well-being of the girls on that team
matters. The physical safety of these young athletes matters, and the long-standing structure and trust in our athletic programs matter. When decisions are made that elevate the rights or protections of one student while ignoring the valid concerns of many,
many others, we have a serious imbalance. There is also concern for us as taxpayers. We are financially supporting a district that is by allowing this decision directly violating an executive order issued by the president of this
United States. While this is not about politics, at the very least, we and you should be able to set an example for our children in this district to demonstrate that respecting our country and the decisions made by its elected leaders matter.
This is not about headlines or division. It's about responsibility. Every athlete deserves a fair, respectful, and safe environment. Whether they're serving a volleyball, running track, or stepping onto a court, please listen to these
parents, athletes, and community members who are not out here out of hate, but of deep, genuine concern for the future of girls in sports and the safety of our children. The courage of America has changed. Since you as a board adopted these
protocols, which are both outrageous and quite frankly unlawful, you have undermined the very principles of truth and freedom that have long guided our nation. As with all living documents, we respectfully urge that these decisions,
decisions not founded in science, be re-examined and corrected. Both scripture and science affirm this truth. Men are men, women are women, and men cannot be women. Thank you.
>> Thank you, Jessica Hinkle, followed by Noah Rodriguez. [Applause] >> Uh, my name is Jessica Hinkle. I am a student or I'm a parent of a student at Shamberg High School. I'd like to state before I go on with my speech that um I
have this has nothing absolutely nothing to do with hate or bigotry towards any student or group of students. This is purely about supporting the maintenance of separate separate sports categories for biological girls. This is rooted to ensure rooted in ensuring fair competition, preserving athletic
opportunities, and promoting the physical and psychological benefits unique to female athletes. As a reminder, there are 48% 48% of our students are females. This district is not, but should be ensuring fair competition for biological female
students. Biological difference differences between sexes particularly after puberty create performance gaps that can disadvantage females female athletes in open competition. Men on average have uh on average have higher bone density, muscle mass and different
skeletal structure that gives them a physical advantage in many sports even with testosterone suppression. The district is not but should be preserving opportunities for biological females. Separate categories guarantee females have dedicated space to compete, grow,
and lead. Title 9 was enacted to ensure equal athletic opportunities for females. Allowing males into female sports will reduce female participation, particularly at the athlete uh elite level where scholarships and roster spots are limited. Single sex
environments provide girls more opportunities to take on leadership roles which can be critical for developments developing self-esteem and ambition. The district is not but should be enhancing safety for its biological female students in contact and combat sports. Separate categories are
essential for protecting the safety of females. Allowing athletes with male bi biology biology to compete in these sports increase the risk of of injury for female participants. The district is not but should be providing powerful inspiration for biological female
students. When girls have their own category, it allows them to see other women and girls succeed and win. Seeing female athletes on the podium is a powerful tool for promoting gender equality and providing uh providing role models that inspire young girls to
participate and excel in sports. Women's cha sports challenge gender stereotypes by uh about female capabilities and create a space where strength and competitiveness are celebrated. This district is is not but should be developing critical life skills uh for
its biological female students. Girls sports are crucial for personal and professional development teaching range of skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Girls who play sports report higher levels of confidence and more positive body image and less likely to experience depression. Studies show
that female athletes have higher graduation rates and better academic performance. A significant number of females um executives including myself uh credit their participation in sports >> speaking time has ended >> in sports with teaching them valuable
life skills, teamwork, discipline and resilience. Reminder, 48% of your students are females. >> Next is Noah Rodriguez, followed by Vincent Skinner. >> Good evening to the board. My name is
Noah Rodriguez. I'm a Conan student. I am a senior at Conan High School. And I'm here before you because that community is very important to me. It is a community, I believe, as Dr. Campell put it very well in her introduction letter that values public education as a
foundation for growth, equity, opportunity, and success. When I saw that foundation being challenged, I feel it important to speak in support of it. Recently, there has been some discussion surrounding the place of transgender athletes in our athletics. I'm not here
to discuss that issue in particular, but the treatment of transgender people in our community. I love my community and in that community are transgender people. Those transgender people deserve to be treated
just like any of us. As people who feel scared when people point fingers at them, who feel perhaps a little bit cornered when people call them names, perhaps incorrect names. Without these people, this community
would not be the same place. At Conent High School, we are taught about the Cougar way. As cheesy as it is, its focus on treating your fellow student with kindness in your heart and understanding in your mind is part of what makes Conan High School as such a
magical place as it is. If we do not continue to support and uphold that foundation, we are not the same community. Not the same community that I love and that has changed me as a person. This sense of community only exists as
long as we choose to foster it. We foster it by to show kindness to our fellow humans, no matter what creed or what sexual orientation or gender identity they choose to identify with because they are again at the end of the
day people just like us. is my belief that our continued support of the transgender community is part of what makes us who we are as a community. It puts forth our ideals and our beliefs
that inclusiveness and kindness are important. If we do not continue to uphold that, we lose part of who we are and that is so integral to how we have been shaped as one of the best districts in the state.
I would like to end with a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hate is too great a burden to bear. I choose to love. Thank you. Thank you. Next is Vincent Skinner followed by Paul
>> Dumbrossski. So I think that'll be good. >> I would like to issue a good meeting to the board and I would like to express how much I appreciate that D211 provides this outlet to the community to permit discussion of issues that should be addressed. My name is Vincent Skinner
and I am a senior at James B. Conan High School wishing for my voice my voice to be heard about topic that was brought up at the last board meeting transgender athletes. It is quickly spread through our school and student body that transgender athletes involvement and participation on our volleyball team is
being questioned and attacked by members of this community. I love the Ko community because I love what it stands for and what I hope it will continue to stand for. The Township High School District D211 mission statement, which was approved by the board of education on May 26, 2022,
just before my freshman year, is as follows. Township High School District D211 serves the needs of our diverse community by providing relevant and rigorous learning experiences, opportunities for involvement, and strong support systems that empower all students to reach their full potential.
This message fosters the community that I have been a part of throughout all of high school. This message is what pushes me to better myself. This message displayed for both teachers and other faculty alike is what makes Conan what it is. Conan is diverse. Conan empowers everyone to be involved and Conent
supports students to be who they wish to be. And this is challenged when members of our own community attack what Conan stands for. Conan is the Conan is the way it is because people care for and respect others. This must be upheld. District D211 cannot allow the prosperous
community of inclusion, kindness, and most of all acceptance to be fra to be fractured. Though I may take it for granted, this community has shaped me into who I am today. With Conan and D211 being pillars of light and progressiveness to those in our community, we must never discriminate against our own LGBTQIA
plus community. We are all people. We bleed the same blood. We sit on the same benches and we wash our hands with the same water. When we foster hate, we begin to lose ourselves to discrimination and incite distrust, distrust and harm into our community, attacking the same people we pass by at
the store. If someone supports you, you support them. There's a quote from Marcia P. Johnson I wish to share tonight. Marshia P. Johnson was a trailblazer for both transgender and gay rights alike, co-founding the Street Transvestites Actual Revolutionaries, also known as
STAR, a civil rights group for the LGBTQ community. She marched in the first gay gay pride rally and paved the way to the progressive world we strive for today. When she spoke in an interview in 1992, she asked, "How many years has it taken people to realize that we are all
brothers and sisters and human beings in the human race? If we are all human, why must we discriminate against ourselves?" Thank you for your time and may D211's values be upheld. >> Thank you.
Next is Paul Dumbowski, followed by Dennis Wagner. >> Good evening. My name is Paul Dumbrossski. I spent 33 years teaching in district 15 in Palletine. My husband and I have been residents of Palletine for over 25 years. I am one of the
organizers of a new grassroots organization called the Northwest Suburban Pride and Action Network called NSPAN. We are newly formed grassroots coalition of LGBTQIA plus individuals, families, friends, allies dedicated to
building an inclusive and equitable Northwest suburban community. Through advocacy, education, and visible action, we will work to celebrate the diversity of one another and ensure that everyone's voice is heard. I am here to support the trans youth that was on the
Conan volleyball team. I'm disappointed to hear that this 14-year-old freshman looking for a place to fit in in high school experienced tr hateful trans rhetoric at school and was made a spectacle to their school community and in this public forum and removed
themselves from the team. We went through this in district 211 in 2017 regarding trans locker room usage. It was determined in the courts and stated in the Illinois Human Rights Act that students are entitled to equal access to educational opportunities, programs, and
activities, including athletic programs, without fear of discrimination. Prohibiting students from participating in or competing in school sports that align with their gender identity constitutes discrimination under the Illinois law. This is law in Illinois.
Presidential executive orders are not laws. There have been many versions of what happened at Conan on social media. Much of it misinformation or hateful gossip. Being transgender is often misunderstood and results in and as a result it elicits elicits
unfounded fears. Trans and gender non-conforming students are the least represented and most underserved. They are at risk. They pose no risk to you, your children, your identity, or your belief system because they are misunderstood, unknown to many. They
make you uncomfortable. Your discomfort does not place you in danger, nor does it empower you to restrict the rights of others. As an educational opportunity for the community, NSPAN is planning an educational presentation on October 7th
from 7 to 8:30 in Palatine by Crystal Larson from the LGBTQ center of Lake County. The presentation is called Safe Zone, an introduction to LGBTQ identities and allyship. It's an hour-long program, a great place to
start learning about LGBTQI identities from the basics about language labels and understanding pronouns at what it means to come out and to be an ally. We would like to invite all members of the school board and everyone here tonight to this educational opportunity.
If you go to Facebook groups and look up Northwest Suburban Pride Action Network, you'll find information and your time is >> Thank you. Thank you. Next is Dennis Wagner, followed by Gregory Wagner.
My name is Dennis Wagner and I'm a a resident of District 211 and a parent of a student at Friend. I'm here to ask that we protect the integrity of girls sports. Before Title 9 was passed in 1972, girls were denied the rewards of athletics.
They had they had second rate fields, old uniforms, and few or no scholarships. They were often told sports simply weren't for them. Title 9 changed that. It guaranteed equal status, and equal opportunity. But it accomplished this by protecting separate
girls teams, not to exclude, but to make fairness possible. Without that separation, girls could never have competed on a level playing field. Advocates, especially many here, insist that trans students are under attack, that their rights are being trampled on,
and that they are unsafe. They argue that it's just like the fight for racial integration. But that comparison does not hold. In the 1950s, black students were excluded from white schools and white teams for one reason and one
reason only, prejudice. Their inclusion did not undermine fairness. It restored justice. Black and white athletes could compete as equals. With sex, the situation is different. Biology after puberty creates real
differences in size, strength, and speed. Girls sports were created precisely because those differences matter in competition. Protecting girls teams is not about bigotry. I want to say it again. It's not about bigotry.
It is about preserving fairness. To say otherwise confuses two very different struggles. We are not denying the struggle that transgender students have. We are telling you these are different struggles. We want you to protect girls sports. If biological males are allowed
to compete in girls sports, we risk undoing the very progress Title N achieved. Girls lose team sports, scholarships, and championships. But beyond that, they lose the deeper rewards, the sense of belonging, the equal status, and the chance to compete
as athletes in their own right. Telling girls to simply un accept unfairness is not compassion. It is a betrayal. Title N promised them equal opportunity. To take that away in the name of inclusion is to break that promise.
So tonight I urge you to protect girls sports. Honor the vision of Title 9. Respect the biological realities that make sex-based comp competition necessary and preserve the right the rewards of fairness, safety and
belonging. This is not about hate or exclusion. It is about justice. Justice means ensuring that the opportunities girls fought for are not quietly erased. And I want to remind you know the women on the board here. I don't know if you
played sports in high school, but a lot of but the the school sports that were protected for for you started with title n 1972. Let's not take that away. >> Your speaking time is ended. >> Thank you.
Next is Gregory Wagner, followed by Jim Schmouse. Hello, I'm Gregory Wagner, member of the two uh D211 community. Firstly, I'd like to thank the members of the board for allowing us to provide our comments during the meeting today. I also want to
thank all the family, friends, and community members that have come out today in support of our LGBTQ and marginalized students. I have not previously spoken at a board meeting or even attended, but after seeing the deplorable rhetoric and behavior from some at the last open session, I felt
compelled to raise my voice as part of this community. I will start my remarks by thanking the members of the board that have and continue to stand up for education, diversity, and equality. Our communities in D211 are just that, educated, diverse, and all wanting equal
opportunities for our children. There are those among us that wish to tear that down for what they call parental rights and their slanted view of what that should mean. These far-right groups will try to influence you under the guise of protecting our children. But let's look at just how much they really
want to protect our children. First, they advocate for blocking gun laws uh when guns continue to be the number one cause of death for kids aged 1 to 17 in the US with over 2,000 deaths a year. Two, they advocate for banning books and restricting access to content around
sexual orientation or race despite studies showing it creates safe spaces, understanding, and community. They want to undo that despite studies showing LGBTQ plus kids are 8.5 times more likely to attempt suicide when they don't feel acceptance. Third, they
fought against mass mandates during co COVID surges and support elected officials trying to remove common sense vaccine mandates from schools despite the CDC estimating that vaccines have saved the lives of 1.1 million children in the US since 1994. They advocate against free and reduced
lunch programs in schools at a time when grocery prices are skyrocketing and upwards of 1 in5 kids face food insecurity. They openly support the current US administration that is systematically dismantling the Department of Education at a time when the National Report Card reports that US high school seniors just scored the
worst marks in two decades with only 35% being proficient in reading and 22% proficient in math. I could go on and on, but I know I have a time limit. It's pretty evident from what they espouse that they do not care about the well-being of our kids. What they care about is perpetuating their agenda and
forcing everyone to live in a world shaped by their antiquated ideas. So I want to implore you not to buy into their incendiary reic and fabricated victimhood being espoused today. They are a fringe minority. Their views are not our views. What they want is not
what our community wants, not what our schools need, and certainly not what our students deserve. Before I leave, I have just one more thing to say to all the kids feeling attacked in today's polarizing world. Whether you're a minority, autistic, gay, trans, please
remember this community's pledge, my pledge, and the immortal words of the late great Mr. Fred Rogers. I like you just the way you are. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next is Jim Spouse, followed by Vicky Wilson.
Hi, my name is Jim Schmouse. I'm a resident of 30 plus years in the uh district 211. I've had children that gone to the schools here in this district and um my concern and issue today is with
safety in women's sports. It's a given that injuries can happen in virtually every sport. When we allow transgenders in female sports, we increase the likelihood exponentially. The common sense reason for this is biologically on average males tend to be
larger and stronger than females. This is due to differences in hormones, particularly higher levels of testosterone in males, which promotes muscle mass and bone density. It has nothing to do with a person identifying as the opposite sex. Additionally, males
generally have a higher proportion of muscle mass relative to bo body weight and larger lung and heart capacities contributing to physical strength and endurance. In September 22, Pton McNav was knocked unconscious and suffered a brain injury due to a male volleyball
player spiking a ball in her face. She was a student at North Carolina High School. In January of this year, a Dutch rugby player, Alina King, suffered a severe injury after a tackle by a transgender athlete, leading to concerns about safety in women's rugby.
Given what we know to be true, why is this even a topic of conversation in our educational system today? Why would we put our children at risk? I'm not aware of any transgender athletes in the NFL, NBA, or PGA. Why?
because that would be a great disadvantage to the male athletes they would be competing with. However, if you take a mediocre transgender and put them in a women's sport, all of a sudden they may be able to dominate the sport. It's actually been happening with some frequency over the last few years.
I ask you, how fair is that to biological females? I grew up at a time when we had two genders, male and female. Life was so much simpler then and certainly less confusing.
Sex is not a choice an individual makes. Now, if we take it a step further, allowing transgenders in women's locker rooms and bathrooms. The Postmillennial investigated a tragic rape story in October of 21. The victim was a 12-year-old girl who was assaulted
and violated by a classmate in her school bathroom in New Mexico. This awful incident was the latest consequence of gender ideology which has safely infiltrated school districts throughout the US.
Young girl who the postmemorial millennial referred to as Ry said she was used to sharing the bathroom with boys because the academyy's gender identity policies. She said she was too afraid to approach the school board because she thought she would be labeled
a bigot. You also have >> Thank you. Your time is ended. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Next is Vicky Wilson followed by Jesse Miller.
Vicky Wilson Paline resident. I want to start by showing the calls to action that were floating around online for this meeting. one from trans upfront Illinois that says stand up against hate and one from the party of socialism and liberation out of Chicago and Lake
County saying uh trans students are under attack by bigots. For 10 years, people inside and outside our community have fed young people malicious lies in order to further their own selfish agendas. Kids are being told they are hated. Who in their right mind
would put that idea into their heads when it couldn't be further from the truth? These people do. They're vile. It's vile. They define hate as disagreement. So, kids are not being taught to have civil discourse and debate. They are being taught that words
are violence and anyone who has a different viewpoint is attacking them. What a tremendously false and dangerous mindset. It's the same mindset that allows people to profit off at risk and kids with autism for money leading to
mutilation and sterilization. Here's an idea. Why not give them same sex hormones if they are struggling with their sex and gender instead of cross- sex hormones? That would actually be gender affirming care.
Same mindset. It's the same mindset that has been celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk. A young dad who gave people who a young dad who gave people who disagreed with him respect, a microphone, and the ability to get to
the front of the line at his events. It's the same mindset that's painted a completely false image of Charlie that some or many are falling for during this last week. the evil the world witnessed last Wednesday. Not just the horrific
murder in front of college kids who simply wanted to learn and listen, but in the sickening and widespread enjoyment many people took in it, going so far as to record themselves and post it online. Our society now has a portion
of people who have lost all touch with reality and morality, no sense of right and wrong, and a larger portion pretending it's not happening and gaslighting us to not believe our eyes and ears. This violent and dangerous rhetoric that our D211 students have been subjected to, the medical
experiment they've been used as guinea pigs for, and the so-called leaders providing cover for all of it with your heinous policy has reached its evil peak. Kids are now so brainwashed they think uh fascists are people who talk to their opponents civily.
They're so brainwashed that they answer uh to disagreement is not discourse and debate but celebrating murder. And they wonder out loud with excitement online who will be next to be assassinated. They think people who suggest that they get to the root cause of their distress,
who love and care about them as fellow image bearsers because we are all made in the image of God, that somehow we are the villains. >> Next up is Jesse Miller, followed by Crystal Larson. And before you begin, Miss Miller, I would like to remind
everybody that comments and disrespect during speakers will not be tolerated. Will not be tolerated. Thank you. >> First off, I just want to say thank you so much for the opportunity to speak
tonight. Um, my name is Jesse Miller. I'm originally from Hoffman Estates and I graduated from Friend High School in 2012. I was one of the first openly out LGBTQ people at FEM High School. I came out in a writer's week gay rights speech
in February of 2009. I'm really happy to hear that the board has not taken any discriminatory action towards the student and I want to express my firm support for all students being able to participate in the sport that aligns with their gender identity. However, I am highly, highly
disappointed that yet again, my home community finds itself at odds with the needs of a transgender student. I know exactly what it is like to grow up in this community and to not be accepted by it. When I was first outed in junior high
school, right before I started at FEM, I had students follow me around calling me the fsler and they egged my house six times. I also belonged to a church community that told me I was going to hell and never deserve the same rights as others to get married, to live, to
love, to be. I know how this student feels because that's how I felt for 18 years. And I also now extra relate to this student as someone who identifies as non-binary. I am saddened that likely due to the hatred from this community,
from my hometown, is likely the reason that this student has already left the volleyball team. The existence of a transgender child in a bathroom does not make others unsafe. The existence of a transgender child in a locker room does
not make others unsafe. The existence of a transgender child on a sports team does not make others unsafe. But what is unsafe is how this community responds to a transgender child being on
a sports team that aligns with their gender identity. And to those who argue that biological males are stronger and faster than biological females, this is not actually true from a biological standpoint. It is only a result of social
conditioning. And I can talk about this extensively as a college professor. in all district 211. Um, I hope you'll continue to do the right thing in terms of this student. And I just have to say personally, I did not grow up with having you as my schoolboard members,
but I am so thankful and grateful that you are all the people representing uh this community tonight, and I hope you continue to do right by this community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next is Crystal Larson, followed by Angela
Christman. >> Good evening and thank you board for the work that you do. My name is Crystal Larson. I'm the executive director of the LGBTQ plus center Lake County and I'm here before you tonight to advocate for women's rights. Back in 2018, an article in the Yale Law and Policy
Review discussed the bathroom debate at length, specifically about how bathrooms originally became separated by sex. The article disputed two prevailing theories of the day around bathroom access. The first theory suggested sex separation was done to push sex minorities such as transgender people like myself back into
the closet. The second theory offers that bathroom segregation was rooted in sexism and outdated notions of modesty. The author concluded that neither were correct and that sex separation in public intimate spaces dates backs in fact to ancient times rooted primarily
in safety and privacy concerns for women. I agree. I'm not here to argue with a scholar whose research helped pave the way for genderneutral bathrooms in Illinois. Rather, I'm here to acknowledge the root of the problem, our mindset as a society. While many here have argued the problem is about men
being in women's spaces, the author argues that the reason these theories are wrong is because they failed to center women's experiences and their genuine struggles with sexual harassment. And so, the real question we should be asking ourselves is not how do we protect women. We've failed at that
for thousands of years. The real question we should ask is why do we continue to promote a culture where women feel a need to be separated from men in order to feel safe in the first place? In our nation's history, some of the first laws around bathroom separation came about in the late 1800s
to protect women in the workplace from systemic sexual harassment. These laws were conceived by men by centering them as both predator and protector while women were cast as victims and unable to protect themselves. These laws were born out of a separate but equal philosophy
that centered on white men's experiences. A philosophy which persisted in culture through the Jim Crow era laws, the adoption of the Civil Rights Act, the policies of don't ask don't tell, and one that persists in this room today. So here we are still having the same argument as we've been
having for the nine generations before us. Still through the same lens where men's perspectives are centered as the norm. But like all Illinois schools, D211 has the tools to help reimagine those norms through the Illinois culturally responsive teaching and
learning standards. Specifically, section B talks extensively about systems of oppression and how educators must work actively against these systems in their everyday roles. Systems such as policies and cultural norms that reinforce women as victims and less than
and suppress actual empowerment. So tonight, I urge this public body, follow your strategic plan, continue your work towards a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture. one where women, including transgender women, don't have a reason to fear who is next to them in the bathroom or in a sports team. Thank
you for your time. Thank you. Next is Angela Christman followed by Cal Fasi. Good evening. My name is Angela Chrisman. I'm a parent in the district. My daughter is on the volleyball team at Conan High School. Thank you for the
opportunity to speak tonight. I'd like to start by saying that we're not talking about women. We're talking about girls, children, minors. I'm here representing a part of the community that you were elected to serve. The activists here want to bully you into believing something about us that
is simply not true. We are not here to hate anyone. We are simply asking for this district to accommodate all students, including the biological girls who are not comfortable undressing, urinating, or managing their menstrual cycles in front of a biological male in their protected private spaces. These angry activists who criticize us for
looking out for our own children will say that trans students deserve to live their truth and to participate in the fullest extent of all high school activities. Yet, this truth was delivered to the girls on the Conan volleyball team in the form of the threat of a lawsuit if the transgender student didn't make the team. And as a parent of a current player, I must
correct a previous speaker. This student decided not to play, but still practices with the team and still uses the locker room. In a callous direct quote from Conan's athletic director Eric Hower, the district policy states that one student's discomfort is not a valid reason to discriminate against the other
on the basis of gender identity. You could easily apply this in reverse. A transgender student's discomfort with changing in the locker room that matches their biological gender is not a sufficient reason to discriminate against another student who identifies as a biological female minor that is uncomfortable taking her clothes off in
front of a 6'4 biological male. Yet, no one says that to their parents. Moreover, my daughter and her teammates have seen regular posts on TikTok about body dysmorphia and claims to be recovering from bulimia. Yet, the athletic director and principal at Conan suggests that my daughter needs mental health support because she's
uncomfortable. Where's the support for students who are actually clearly asking for it? Granting access to girls private spaces doesn't address these issues. In fact, it causes more. To be honest, it seems like this policy has done nothing to further the cause of transgender students, nor does it appear to be interested in supporting their mental
health and well-being at all. You cannot write a district policy for a handful of students, accommodate these marginalized students in a way that does not violate the rights of other students. As a teacher in Illinois, I am a mandated reporter. So are the coaches, athletic directors, administrators, and
counselors at all district 211 schools. So are every one of you. If a female student reported to me that a biological male came into her locker room and undressed in front of her or watched her undress in that private protected space, I would be required by law to report that. And so would you. How can you
create a policy for a school district that goes directly against a decades old state law for mandated reporters that is rooted in decency, morality, and protecting civil rights? There's a lot of young people in our country who are hurting right now. Many of them do not feel seen or do not feel heard. Many of them feel alone and the
only thing they have to cling to is an ideology that makes them feel supported and that they belong. Others are scared, afraid to speak up for themselves or to defend their own rights and beliefs for fear of being punished, labeled, or attacked. We owe it to our children to show them all love. We owe it to them not to shove them into a political
spotlight and unwelcoming spaces armed with threats, blame, and name calling. We owe it to them not to resend basic human and civil rights. There's a way to do this for all students in the district. >> Thank you. [Applause]
>> Next is Cal Fasi followed by Britney Pachenko. [Applause] >> Good evening. My name is Kai Fasy. I'll keep this brief. Um, I'm a resident, a
therapist, a trans person, and a former athlete. I played both on boys and girls, uh, baseball and softball teams. Um, as a therapist, I've seen the impact of exclusion on trans adults. When trans individuals are targeted in this way and
not shown the care and love that they are due, they are traumatized. They struggle with their mental health and um, they're at risk for suicide. Um, a lot of folks have come up and claimed that
advocating for biological girls in girls sports only is not coming from a place of bigotry. And I believe for some people that's true. Maybe it isn't coming from a place of bigotry. But the insistence that a trans girl can't be a girl will have a
lasting impact on their life, it lands as bigotry. And it hurts. It hurts. I have this experience. I have watched this experience through half of my clients who struggle day in and day out listening to people litigate their
livelihood and their life and their existence. I'm really appreciative that you all have taken time to hear these comments. I know that this is a really divisive issue and I appreciate the board's time and the community members that have
shown up in support of uh trans individuals. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next up is Britney Bachenko followed by Joseph Kean. Good evening, District 211 school board.
My name is Britney Bochenko. I use she her pronouns and I am a resident of Hoffman Estates. I'd graduated from FEM High School where I swam competitively and played water polo. My personal views align with the human rights campaign to
support transgender and non-binary students to compete in sports that align with their gender identity. Inclusion reflects the true spirit of sports, unity, opportunity, and celebrating human potential. Discriminatory efforts
are deeply harmful to already at risk trans and non-binary children. Attempts to exclude trans athletes isn't about fairness. It's about fear and division. I am an ex alete of D211 and I support
trans rights. I kindly request that the school board continues to support its students to feel safe and confident to be their authentic selves both in and out of sports. Thank you. >> Thank you. Next up is Joseph Kean
followed by Dimmitra Vogiatsi Vociatsis. >> Good evening board members. My name is Joseph Chan and I'm a resident of Parentine for 22 years and I'm current
of district 211. Uh we started this fight 10 years ago. the title N which said no person in the United States shall on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in be
denied the uh benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Okay, make
no mistakes here. It says sex. The meaning is very clear. It refers to the biological bi biological male and female, not gender nor gender identity. The Obama Biden administration replaced
the sex by gender and the gender identity. It is totally wrong. Um, it's shameful that D2X 211 is the first district in the nation adopted the radical transgender policies.
During the 10 years, countless girls students were raped and harassed by so-called transgenders. Girls sports were badly destroyed. Girls indignity was invaded.
President Donald Trump signed an NEO on January 27th of 2025, which states that federal funds will will be withheld from any school that facilitates
uh social transition of minor students. Social transition means the process of adopting a gender identity or gender maker that differs from a person's sex. So the decision you guys made to allow a
bi biological male student to join girls sport team and assess girls bathroom and locker room directly violated the EO. Miss Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education,
uh, announced that the federal government is on the process of suspending the federal funds from five school districts of North V uh, North Virginia because they refused to stop
their trans transgender policies. Please withdraw your decision and stop all the transgender policies of district 211. By the way, >> we talk about the policies of district 21.
>> Your speak time is ended. >> I saw a lot of aliens here. Please ignore them. Thank you very much. Thank you. Next up is Dimmitra Vogiatsis, followed by Joyce Slavic. Good evening, members of the board,
parents, students, and friends. My name is Dimmitra Voyadis, and I'm a parent of a student at Conent High School. Thank you for giving me the chance to speak tonight on an issue that is deeply important to our schools and to the well-being of our children. I rise today with deep respect for every student's
right to safety, privacy, and dignity. Bathrooms and locker rooms are designated by sex for a reason. They are private spaces, and students deserve reassurance that their privacy will be protected. Allowing boys to enter the girls locker room and bathrooms undermines that protection. These young
girls are standing at a tender and vulnerable stage in life. At such an age, they deserve protection, guidance, and safe spaces where they can grow with confidence. Allowing boys into their locker rooms strips away that security, leaving them exposed to confusion and
discomfort when what they need most is reassurance and dignity. Our responsibility is clear. We must safeguard their innocence, not compromise it. When it comes to academic decisions, we as parents are notified, our voices are sought, and our opinions
are valued. Yet, on an issue far more personal, an issue that touches the dignity and privacy of our daughters, we are left unheard. Why are we not asked when the question arises of allowing our girls to be exposed in the presence of boys in their locker rooms? If our voices matter in academics, how much
more should they matter in safeguarding the well-being of our children? A girl's locker room is not a political battleground. Yet, we are being told to ignore biological reality, to set aside reason, and to let boys in spaces that were never meant for them. This is not
about hate. It is about truth. It is about courage. It is standing up when others are afraid to speak. We cannot allow ideology to erase biology. Every mother, father, every coach, and every teacher, you know in your heart that this is wrong. You know in your soul that this is beyond unfair to these
young girls. With all due respect, why should the school board cast a vote on whether boys are allowed in the girls locker room when they themselves are not the ones who must live with the consequences of that decision? Shouldn't the voices of those directly impacted, the students, the young girls who walk
into that space every single day, be the ones guiding this choice? It is our responsibility to give voice to the voiceless to ensure that the silence of our daughters is not mistaken for consent. I ask you to not only listen to the loudest voices in this room, but
also the quiet ones, the ones who cannot bring themselves to speak tonight, but who have to live with the consequences tomorrow. Thank you. Thank you. Next is Joyce Slavic, followed by Jenny Living.
My name is Joyce Slavic. I'm a parent of graduates in the district. On the carpet, as you enter Friend High School, where my kids went to school, it says, "You belong." That's always made me a little emotional as I entered the building. The hate I've heard from some of the adults in our community is the message, you belong, except for Except
for the trans kid trying to fit in and belong. Trans kids are already at a higher risk for suicide. They need our support and love, not hate and exclusion, from bullying adults. So, I want to voice my support for protecting our LGBTQ plus students and talk about something that does threaten all our students. According to CNN's analysis of
events reported by the gun violence archive, there have been 47 school shootings in the United States so far this year as of September 10th. 24 were on college campuses, 23 on K through2 school grounds. The incidents left 19 people dead and at least 77 other
victims injured and countless survivors traumatized for life. And to bring this close to home, there was a report recently that a student at Plum Grove Middle School was caught bringing a gun to school. When we often hear what we often hear after school shooting is, I didn't think it could happen here, but it happens everywhere in the United
States. It could have happened in our district last week. The good news is we can and are do doing something about it in our school districts to educate the public about safe gun storage. I greatly appreciate the district has created a page on gun safety as part of our district website and I'm especially thankful that BS smart is included as a
resource as where as well as where to obtain free gun locks. SB8 safe gun storage was signed into law in July and requires gun owners to secure firearms in a lock container or otherwise render them inaccessible and unusable to prevent access by minors. Aside from the
legal requirements, we want adults to understand they have the ability and responsibility to prevent gun deaths. My ask is that there is a communication pushed out again to parents and guardians with information on the importance of safe gun storage. Safe gun storage is the law for homes that have children under 18 years old present.
It's great to have that information there, but we want to make sure it's pushed out so people are more likely to see it, especially now that it's a new school year and we have many new families. Guns are now the number one cause of death for children, surpassing even car accidents. 4.6 million American children live in homes with at least one
gun that is locked and loaded. 50% of gun owners have at least one gun that is not secured. 76% of firearms used in school violence were obtained from the home of a friend or close relative. And suicide attempts for are almost always lethal. There is no responsibility for the school board to make sure parents
lock up their guns. This is an opportunity to get gun owners and non-gun owners to recognize the lethal risk of unsecured guns. Safe gun storage saves lives. Thank you for your service and for considering this very important topic. Thank you.
Thank you. Next is Jenny Leven, followed by Anna Estrada. My name is Jenny Levan. I am a graduate and current resident of District 211. I am a nurse who've worked in emergency and trauma for the last 10 years. I'm a
candidate to represent the 51st District because this is my community and more than anything, I am an advocate for safety, especially when it comes to children. I want to thank the board members before me who are doing their jobs at a time of unrest. And I also want to thank everyone in the gallery who came to express their views because
whether or not we all agree with each other, it's essential to our society that we both listen and be heard. With that being said, I want to use my time to address the snowballing pattern of harmful rhetoric I've seen in this room over the last month on social media, in our personal conversations, and more
because I am again at my core an advocate. And makes no mistake, our children are watching us right now. They're looking for how they will be received in this world, for how they should present themselves and how they should be treating others. And what message does it send when we vilify a child for presenting themselves to the
world in a way that we personally cannot relate to? Let's talk about safety for our children. In the trauma bays, I have seen the consequences of concussions and sports injuries that have been mentioned in this room, and they are no joke. But I tell you what is going to forever haunt me are going to be the screams of
parents from the days that I had to be the one to tell them that their child is not coming home tonight. If we're honestly here for the safety of children, let's recognize that suicide remains one of the highest causes of death among our youth. And study after study shows that those in the LGBTQ community are at significantly higher
risk. A national survey showed that 35% of young adults in the LGBTQ community who recognize they need mental health interventions refuse to seek care because they're afraid of their parents finding out. That means more than one out of every three would rather suffer their mental health crisis alone than
risk talking to their parents because they don't feel safe. If this was truly about protecting children, let's talk about how we achieved common sense gun laws the week after a child in our own community was able to bring a firearm to school. If this is about safety, let's talk about the fact that our educators
are being t targeted and doxed for their personal views and opinions. And if this is about expressing genuine concern, let's remember our humanity and compassion and our sense of community. That if we're going to express our concerns, half of communication is actively listening to the other side.
Times are scary enough without having to invoke anger and taking our frustration out on each other, especially on our children. We all want safety for them. Let's keep that in mind and rediscover how to disagree constructively because I promise you our children are watching.
Thank you board. >> Thank you. Next is Anna Estrada followed by Kathy Reeseburg. Is Anna here? Okay. >> Good night everyone. Uh first to the board, thanks for all your work, Dr.
Campbell. It's a pleasure to meet you. Um I am a district 211 um resident and I support the transgender community and I support district or board teachers and staff and their commitment to following
the Illinois Human Rights Act and protecting the transgender students in our district. Keep up the good work. Thanks. >> Thank you. Next is Kathy Reeseberg, followed by Tom Morrison. >> Good evening. My name is Kathy Rizberg
and as a resident of Palatine for the past 47 years, I want to thank you and the 211 staff for all that you are doing to provide each and every District 211 student an emotionally and safe, physically safe
learning environment where everyone belongs and everyone thrives. Thank you so much for valuing, respecting, and protecting all of our students. all of the time. I wanted to share with you that as a wife, mother, grandmother, and
great-g grandandmother, the safety of all of our students and staff here in D211 is something that is often on my mind. And since I've been a volunteer for six years now with Wings Program, Inc., the largest domestic violence
service pro provider in Illinois. I have learned the importance of emotional, psychological, and physical safety and what can happen when it's threatened or taken away. And now at a time when according to a
September 17th, 2005 NPR article written by Julianne Kim, a series of horrific high-profile shootings has gripped our country and brought national focus to the issue of gun violence, especially as it relates to school safety
and politically motivated attacks. It seems most appropriate to once again thank you for letting parents know secure gun storage at home is an essential way for all parents to partner with D211 and our local police to create
a safe learning environment and work environment for all students and staff. I was reminded when I read this article and I quote, "Most mass shootings are not events that generate a lot of publicity. Most mass shootings have some
connection to domestic violence. 46% of mass shootings from 2015 through 2022, the perpetrator shot a current or former intimate partner or family member. And it was enlightening to read, and I
quote, "Only a small share of K through 12 schools reported gun related instances each year. And among school incidents, part of the issue is that some students live in homes where firearms are easily accessible or not
properly secured. Certainly importance of secure gun storage is often highlighted each September, National Suicide Prevention Month, whenever we hear of or read, as I did in this article, the sobering fact that while gun homicides have declined since 2021,
suicides continue to make up a majority of gun deaths. So, as always, my thanks to you for the way you show your love to our public and schools and our students by tirelessly serving on this board. May you know the majority of us who live in this community stand with you and are aligned with you in your efforts to
respect, value, and protect all students. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Next to speak is Tom Morrison. Thank you and thank you board for uh giving us this opportunity. I just once
again want to stand as a parent of two district 211 students but also someone who has been very deeply involved with this community and the thoughts and opinions of people from all over the political spectrum and different de
demographics and such. Uh this issue has been um a hot one in our district and the state and around the country and I come here to stand once again just for common sense. I can't improve upon so many of the excellent comments that uh
we've heard so far. Um just particularly the the mother of the uh Conan volleyball um player I thought was particularly relevant. I would urge the board talk to those students. They are the ones who have to live under these consequences of
your policy decisions or those down in Springfield or those in Washington DC. And we owe it to them. Uh many of them are afraid of speaking up. They have been bullied into uh thinking um terrible, horrible things or being
called names just because they're expressing their their right and understandable um desire for modesty and for fairness and for opportunity. It occurred to me this issue again really seemed to pop up about 10 years
ago. What happened 20 years ago, 30 years ago, 40 years ago? Why is it all of a sudden a major issue in just the last 10 years? It seems to me that it has the hallmark of social contagion. And so I would uh
again just urge the board, stand on solid ground, common sense, stand up for these girls, stand up for their rights, for their privacy, and for common sense solutions, giving individuals, all of them, the dignity and the uh opportunity
um that they deserve. Have a space for the girls, have a space for the boys. If there are those who are struggling uh with their gender identity, there's a coach's locker room. There are are single-use restrooms that are available. And again, Title N, as it's been stated
repeatedly tonight, Title 9 was created so that girls and women would have the opportunities to participate in sports equal to men, and these policies greatly erode that. Thank you.
>> Thank you. So, so as we wrap up public comments, I just want to mention and ask everybody to please remember that we are al this board is made up of residents. We are taxpayers. We are parents of current and
former students and yet to be district 211 students and some of us are district 211 graduates as well. I again thank you for coming tonight and providing us with your comments. Thank you. Next on our agenda is a public hearing
on the 2025 2026 budget and the recommended action is that in accordance with section 5/17-1.3 of the Illinois school code balances are reported in items 7D and 9A
of tonight's meeting agenda and the public hearing on the 2025 2026 budget of Township High School District 211 will open. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. Second.
>> May I have um all those in favor say I? >> I. >> I. Any opposed? Okay. At this time the public hearing is open. We have one person who signed up to speak and um
like in public comments I will call your name. Please come up to the podium and you will have similar time to be able to speak and for that I have Stacy Gail. Good evening. My name is Stacy Gail. I'm
a resident of District 211. Our federal funds at risk with the current policies regarding transgender access to private spaces and sports participation. Are federal funds at risk with current comprehensive sex edge curriculum taught
by District 211? If so, or if you don't know, I request that you postpone instruction until the spring semester, which has done been done in the past, to ensure that the community is not at risk of losing
federal funds. Are the district liability and insurance costs greater because of the current policy allowing transgender participation in sports, which increases the risks for serious injuries to participants? I noticed in the agenda that policy GAB
has been revised and that's with regard to staff. I have a few questions. Are staff private spaces governed by the same access rules as student spaces? Are staff restrooms open to any general?
I ask that the board consider revising policy JA equal education opportunities JAB non-discrim discrimination statement to align with the current federal laws
and executive orders in order to ensure that federal funding for our district is not at risk. I noticed that policy GAB which is if my understanding is correct with regards to non-discrimination for
for staff is on the agenda for tonight. So I ask that you take the same diligence and review it with regards to our students so that we as taxpayers are not at risk of losing funding from the
federal government because of the current policies not being in alignment with the laws. Thank you. >> Thank you. Because we had one person sign up. Is there anyone else seated in the auditorium who is who would also like to
address the board regarding this particular issue? Okay, hearing none, the next recommended action is that the public hearing on the 2025 2026 budget of Township High School District 211 closes. May I have a motion, please?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> May I have a voice call, please? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Any opposed? Hearing none, the motion passes. The next item on our agenda is
college now and we have a presentation this evening. Dr. Campbell. >> Thank you, President Rosen Bloom. District 211 in partnership with district 214 and district 220 and Harper College. The Northwest Council for
Student Success is launching College Now program to expand college and career readiness opportunities. Beginning with this first cohort in August of 2026, the program will allow students to earn a high school diploma plus an associates
degree. This will take place over the course of students junior and senior year. I will now turn it over to Mr. Shoemaker and Miss Napier to share more about this partnership and the opportunity.
>> Good evening. Good evening. >> District 211 serves the needs of our diverse community by providing relevant and rigorous learning experiences, opportunities for involvement, and strong support systems that empower all students to reach their full potential.
This mission drives our district 211 strategic plan, which is organized around 10 key priorities with defined goals, strategies, and targets. Collectively, these priorities ensure that every student graduates prepared not just for high school completion, but
for their future. While tonight's presentation isn't focused on any singular goal, it's worth noting that college now aligns with our overarching priorities. In particular, goal seven, college and career readiness, reinforces
this work by ensuring students have preparation and experiences that connect directly to their chosen pathway, whether that's employment, enlistment, or enrollment. It is my pleasure tonight to introduce to you Michelle Napier, our
director of college and career readiness, who will share how College Now expands opportunities for students and helps them turn passion into profession. >> Thank you. Good evening everyone. Imagine
this. A student walking across the high school graduation stage with their district 211 diploma in one hand and a degree from Harper College in the other. That is powerful. And that is the opportunity college now
creates. Tonight, we'll show you how this program expands possibilities for our students, giving them the chance to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associates of art degree. It's a two-year dual enrollment program
beginning junior year. Students take college level courses at Harper while completing their high school requirements. By senior year, they are fully immersed at Harper. and upon graduation, they hold both a high school diploma and an associate of arts degree.
As previously mentioned, nationally, programs like this have been shown to boost college success. Students who participate are more likely to enroll in a 4-year university, persist, and graduate on time. This saves both
time and money for families while giving students a true head start. The benefits of this program are significant, and here are a few reasons why it matters. Students graduate with two credentials instead of one. Families
save thousands in tuition costs. Students gain a head start on transfer or career pathways. They experience college level rigor in a supportive environment. But beyond the numbers, College Now has the power to change the
trajectory of a student's pathway. For some, it's about exploring careers and building skills that lead directly to employment or future certifications. For others, it's about getting a head start on a degree. And for many, it's about discovering what they're
passionate about before making their next move. And the outcomes speak for themselves. Students in early college programs are more likely to persist and complete their post-secary goals. With College Now, we're helping students
build momentum and expand the options open to them for their future. Imagine what it means for a student to graduate high school already confident in their path forward. That's the difference that this program can make. This program is specifically designed
for current 10th grade students since they would begin college now in their junior year. Meaning to participate, students must meet readiness benchmarks including a minimum 2.0 gradepoint average with no D's and Fs, strong
attendance, successful completion of English, math, and science, and meet Harper's placement requirements during their sophomore year. Once admitted, students must maintain a C or better in all courses, and this helps ensure they're successful in the
dual degree environment. College now is an incredible opportunity, but it's not meant for every student, and that's okay. District 211 already offers multiple pathways for students. For students who are ready,
this program provides a exciting accelerated option. We're also taking a regional approach to this work. As we research programs, we learned from districts partnering with Mckenry County College and Rock Valley
College that families value consistency. They want the same eligibility requirements and cost expectations regardless of which school or which district. Our ongoing partnership with district 220 and district 214 are strong
and we work together in building that consistent consistency in our region for our families. The structure is designed to balance opportunity with connection. In junior year, students spend mornings at Harper College and return back to
their home school in the afternoon. In senior year, students take all courses at Harper while still having the opportunity to participate in their high school's extracurricular extracurricular and support systems. It is the best of
both worlds. Students are immersed in college, but they still belong to their high school community. The cost of participation in the program is $250 per semester for each family or
$1,000 for a total of over two years to leave with an associates degree. And I want to give some context to that number. Much of the over that's not the total overall cost of the program. Much of the overall cost of the program is already being covered in the same way
that we cover the costs for our students in dual credit courses. now either dual credit courses they take on our campus taught by our teachers or the existing dual credit courses that they take on Harper's campus taught by the Harper
faculty collectively the districts that um developed the program and Harper College have worked together to determine that this is an important family commitment and contribution because of the commitment required for
the program. The $250 per semester cost covers a portion of the tuition fees and estimated textbooks for both junior and senior year. Traditionally, district 211 has funded dual credit in two ways. As I
mentioned, the students that take uh campuses or Harper courses on our campus taught by our faculty and then the courses that are students already travel to Harper College to take from their faculty. And both of those situations
are covered under an existing memorandum of agree of understanding that we have with Harper. We're very appreciative of Hartner's part of Harper's partnership, their willingness to be flexible with our schedules and their commitment to
meeting the needs of our students and supporting them while our students are in their environment. And when you step back and look at the big picture, families are paying $1,000 over the course of two years for an opportunity that could otherwise cost thousands of dollars at a college or university. It's
an affordable and accessible way to give our tr our students a true head start. The application process is specifically for our current 10th grade students and their families since they would begin this program in their junior year. Let's
walk through the inaugural year timeline which is designed to keep families informed and supported throughout this process. The online application opens on October 1st. Each that night, each district will hold information sessions to support families
questions throughout uh this process. Applications will be due on October 15th and will be reviewed and students will be notified of a decision the week of October 22nd. Families will have time to review and
discuss amongst their family and then confirm by November 1st if they are interested in continuing to move on. Students and families will be kept well informed throughout with emails, information sessions, and direct
guidance from their counselors setting clear expectations. And looking ahead, we plan to move the application opening earlier by midepptember to give families more f more time for future years. For accepted students, the transition is
structured to ensure success. Course registration will be completed and reflected during the course request process in December. We will facilitate orientations at Harper College during January. Students will complete any necessary
assessments with Harper College by April and we will be ready to welcome our first class of students in August of 2026. We will continuously monitor initial accepted students progress towards eligibility requirements through the end
of their sophomore year. Support for students and families is embedded in every step with support from their school counselor, the district office, and Harper College. This thoughtful approach to help students transition into the program
smoothly. We are setting them up for success. Each of these steps builds confidence so by the time students begin classes at Harper, they don't just feel prepared, they see themselves as college students.
College Now is an innovative partnership that reflects who we are as a district and how we serve our students. It expands opportunities, breaks down barriers, and prepares every student for the future they choose. Whether it's employment, enlistment, or enrollment.
Our commitment is to ensure that students just don't graduate from district 21, but that they leave us with the knowledge, confidence, and real world preparation to thrive. College Now is one more way we are turning that commitment into action. Beginning with
our current 10th grade students who will be the first to step into this opportunity. We are proud to partner with districts 214, District 220, and Harper College to bring this forward and even more proud of the difference it will make for our students, our
families, and our community. This is about opening doors for students and making sure that when those doors open, they're ready to walk through them. Thank you so much. Thank you.
All right, I'm going to open it up. Thank you very much for the presentation. I'm going to open it up to board members for any comments or questions that they have. And I will start to my left with Mr. Van Djk. >> All right. Um, can you hear me? Yeah,
>> sure. All right. Um the uh acceptance process obviously you showed in your presentation academics. Um what beyond that is is there a limited number of
people is it based off of uh I guess just go from there. What? >> Sure. So to the size or the capacity of it, uh all of the decisions for the program were made by the partnership between the four districts. And so for
what the uh Harper College could handle for the new students and making room for our students in this the size for district 211 for the program for the first year would be 50 total students. So if you have a 100 applicants, what
what makes those 50 get in and the 50 not? >> Sure. So the first thing that we have to look at is um do you meet all of the criteria to get in and will you sustain all of will you be able to sustain and make a commitment to continue those
criteria through the sophomore year. So um in pre part of the research that we did in previous districts was looking at the number that they received of applicants the first year of the program and that was part of the 50 size. So we believe we will stay within that size
for the first year. >> Can I do another question or we go down the line first? >> Nope. You can continue on. We'll get all of your questions first. >> So it's a two-year program. If after the first year they decide they don't want to continue, how does that um how does
that look for their high school side of things? Are they still current as a high school or um and then do they just go right back into swing of things senior year? >> Everything that's designed is geared to ensure that they meet all graduation
requirements for district 211 within both years of the program. So, while we're asking for a two-year commitment, right, because they're going to take one of those 50 spots, right, >> and you can't enter the program your senior year. So, we're asking for a two-year commitment and then we're going
to provide additional supports junior year to ensure that students do. Now, if there's an extenduated circumstance and a student has to for some reason, then it is possible they would rejoin full-time high school student and um as
long as they passed all of the courses, they would maintain on track to graduation. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Lopez. >> Yes, thank you. I'm very excited for this program. Um sounds amazing. I had the similar question um about the second
year. It didn't work out. So, thank you for answering that. Um, another question is if say a student, you guys have all the applications and at the end of their sophomore year, um, some of them decide not to go into the program, are you guys
going to have like a wait list, a waiting list or of, you know, kind of like backup applicants that, you know, could you guys could call to replace those students who decide not to enter the program? So, the the logistics on this type of
program, especially when you put four districts together with different school schedules and start times and end times and all of those pieces are very complicated, okay, but also very tight. And so, the reason that the application is due when it is and the commitment is
due when it is because we will actually do the scheduling into Harper College. And so they're going to get a Harper College seat and they're not going to be scheduled in a district 211 class during that time. So if they pull out, there's really not an opportunity to put someone
in at that point. So again, we're a lot of the communications that we're having in the parent meeting, uh, Miss Napier and I are going to be just stressing the the like it's a real commitment that we're asking you to do. And also, while it's an opportunity, it's not for every
student. And District 211 has tons of pathways and opportunities based on interest and career choices. And so we're going to stress that with parents, right? This is a great opportunity, but it's not necessarily for everybody. >> Thank you. I do have one more question. Um I it was answered, but I just want to
ask it just in case anybody else has it. Um transportation, I know that transportation will be um available to these students, but if they have their own transportation, can they drive themselves to to Harper? So originally as we've designed this, the decision of
the four districts was that there would be an opportunity for students to drive their senior year because of the way the program is structured, but the desire is that they take district transportation during their junior year. Now again, if there's an extenduating circumstance for
a reason, then we'll consider that. >> Thank you so much. >> Thank you. I'm starting to learn the disadvantage of being president when I'm going down the board table and being last because all of my questions are starting to be asked. So, Miss Baron, >> thank you so much for the presentation
and the information. I'm really excited about this program as well. I think this is um a testament to the leadership that we have here at District 211. And I am excited that we're giving students that
opportunity to um have some cuts costs because we know college is expensive. I know I'm having those conversations right now with our daughter and figuring out colleges and right we're looking at tuition. So I think this is a really exciting opportunity um for our students
to be um to give them a a head start. Um, are there conversations regarding um, as we go on year by year like seeing if we can increase the number of students? >> So, I'm going to let Miss Napier talk
about this one because when you say uh, strong leadership in district 21, Miss Napier has been amazing and I call her the architect of this program for district 211. So, she's got some exciting things that she'd like to do for expansion. Uh, so I'll let you take that one. So we as a region decided to
look at an associate in arts first but you can also earn an associates in science and some certifications at Harper as well. So while we are starting here um which is a degree that will is very easily transferable to many majors.
We will look to be expanding in these other areas. It's important to recognize that not all students look for a degree program that there are many certification programs that Harper offers and we want to be able to reflect on that and meet the needs of our
students. >> I have also heard those comments as well about Miss um Nepier. So um I think that is those are all my questions. So thank you. >> Thank you Mr. Dumbroski. Um, yes, thank
you for the presentation and I I actually have a lot of questions, but um, don't take them negatively. It's just our role as board members is to protect all the students regardless of of where they are. And I've been here long enough to hear some students comment that sharing a hallway as a
freshman with a senior is uncomfortable. So, the target audience for this is 15 to 16 year old high school students who will be in an environment with much older students. What are the supports for that environment? >> Sure. So I would say the first support
which I think is very notable is the parent commitment that they are supportive of this program that they understand the environment that their students will be in and that that's the choice that they want to make for their student first of all and then as we've worked in partnership with Harper who
again has been amazing uh they have designed supports uh and spaces that are specifically designed to support these students in the program um in So, if I understand what you're saying, it's the parents responsibility to wave
the district of liability for anything that may happen on the Harper campus. >> Is that what I said? Because I don't believe >> that's the way I understood what you said as far as the parents being involved and then once they're on Harper's campus, Harper supports go into effect. I didn't hear anything about
D211 supports when they're off campus or on the Harper campus. >> I'm just going to be clear that is not what I said. >> Okay. Well, then yeah, that's why I was just repeating what I heard. So that's not what I said. >> Okay. So where did I misunderstand? >> What I said is the parents have the knowledge of of the environment that
their students will be in which is Harper College and their courses and that they would make that commitment and that choice that that is the right environment for them to be in. I didn't speak about liability or any of the words that you said. >> Okay. Okay. All right. So we still carry liability when they're on the Harper
campus. >> I would have to ask our risk people on the liability end. >> Yes, we do. We do. >> Okay. just just making sure because you know the program has the seniors full-time on a different campus. I'm not even sure if they they will be on the 211 campus. So
>> they will have opportunities to and they can choose to. Yes. >> Okay. So I'm just clarifying that. >> And that first year they is structured that they will be in a cohort together. So >> then the second year they'll be intermingled with the other school districts or
>> have they have some opportunity to take elective courses but overall it will be structured that our students will be in class together. >> So as far as like a blended class of 211 214 220 students that'll occur after or
during junior year? >> During jun beginning and junior year. Yes. >> Okay. and all of our policies will align for our students or will we be in a situation if there's an interaction between two different school districts that we have two different policies that may conflict as far as behavior or uh
resolving uh conflict. So we would partner with Harper College on what their policy states for a specific situation and what our policy states. >> And then that goes to another question I have then. So there's no board action
for this, right? We're not approving this. We don't have policies set up that we are working on. There's this is done independent of the board with what resources we're dedicating for this. And so if I understand this correctly,
>> we have an existing with Harper College that we have had for many years and it delineates and defines uh what happens and how it works when our faculty teach their courses on our campus and what happens and how it's defined when our
students travel to Harper to take courses by their faculty. So this is kind of a bundled programmatic approach to the existing uh opportunities and connections that we have with Harper. >> Okay. The the sample districts that you
looked at, what was the size of that? Was it comparable to our district with the 50 applicants? So I'm not familiar with too many other districts in um the areas that were mentioned that have, you know, a large district like we do. So,
I'm just wondering as far as scale, >> yeah, we scaled it based on the size of the districts that we studied and actually not just studied, but we interacted with them um and the size of our district. So, there was a scaling process to it. >> Okay. Are we holding 10 slots for each
school or are we excluding like Hoffman because it's on a block schedule and may not align? >> No one is being excluded that could be eligible for the program based on the application guidelines. >> Okay. So, for junior year and block scheduling, we've already worked out all of that and that'll be okay. >> Yes.
>> All right. And then with uh students that are athletes in the morning, they don't necessarily have to choose between their athletics and getting on a bus to Harper or that might be something they have to decide. >> So, students can still participate in
all of the before and after school activities. The program was designed for that. >> Okay. And then with regard to like um free and eligible uh lunches for students that'll be carried over onto the Harper campus as well for seniors.
>> So we are working with Harper at that and we have a over a year to refine how that works. >> Okay. Um with regard to the qualifications to get into why a C in science and a B in English and math. Why
is that criteria lower? there. So, go ahead. >> There are specific assessment requirements to take English and math at Harper College. There is um support that
those students in that track with those grades will be more successful in the program. At the end of the day, in April, they will have to take the Harper English assessment and math assessment to ensure that they're meeting the Harper requirements to be part of this
program. Okay. And then we we're going to have uh schedule flexibility to the questions where if they find this isn't right for them or if they just can't keep up, they'll be able to find a class to come back to and stay on track for graduation. Because I know we do have
trouble with overcrowding some classes or just even finding classes for students. We've had students come in here and say, "Hey, this class was offered at FEM but not at Paladine and nobody's offering it." So, I just want to make sure that we have comparable courses and availability for that. >> We do.
>> Okay. Thank you. Because that that's that's probably my biggest concern is is hanging on for them. Um, another concern that I had is late starts and and things like that. That's not going to impact because we're on a different schedule
than than Harper College is. Um, and I think I think that covers most of my concerns and questions and thank you for listening and responding. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Russell. >> Um, I have one question left because it's been answered by by others. Do you
have any idea which of the programs where the students would get a degree or certification would be the most popular? What kinds of programs would they be involved in? like they have a big nursing yes uh program at Harper. Is
that something they might be involved in or are there others? Are there manufacturing or whatever? >> Oh, Miss Napier may talk for hours now on this one. I'm going to sit back. >> Yeah. So, we are very fortunate in district 211. We have strong partnerships in the career tech
education area with Harper. We have manufacturing dual credit already in existence. We have medical terminology and our CNA program where students can earn their CNA but there are additional certifications for example in manufacturing right we can get them to a
certain point in manufacturing but there are some classes that we are not dual credit with so we would want to be able to create that pathway here at district 211 and then for example say to the student in manufacturing you're missing
three more courses that you can take your senior year at Harper. So when you graduate with us, you will also have your certification in manufacturing and that's just one example for sure. Health sciences has certifications, criminal justice, fire science. So it's endless.
Um but it gives the students an opportunity to still continue pathways here and then just enhance them at Harper. And I think part of it is with we had to start somewhere and we wanted to start at a scale that we felt like we could be successful as a group of four
districts and we could set our students up for success. So certainly plans to grow uh and dream of what it could look like in the future, but wanting to set that solid foundation of let's do it right the first time and set it up well and then look at the dozens of
possibilities that we could go to. >> It's pretty exciting. >> Yeah, that's wonderful. I look forward to hearing about the kids and their participation. And so it'll be another two years really before the students are graduating. Right. >> So they'll set foot on Harper campus in
the fall of 26 for the first time and then graduate in the spring of 27 if my math is >> 28. >> 28. My math is rusty. Rusty. >> Thank you. >> Um Mr. Rosen Bloom, I just have one
follow-up question. Um I'm just curious to um know like how you're advertising or how you're marketing this program to our students and how are we um really like nudging students who might not be aware of like >> that this might be available to them or
like those first generation students. >> Sure. So tomorrow morning an email will go out to all of our families and students in grade 10. We will also put a Maya learning post out there for our students. We will send a reminder email
in about a week after that um to invite them to provide the information and to invite them to the inter information evening on October 1st and then the day of October 1st we will also then share that out again uh as an invite and as a
reminder and the application opens on that day. In addition, um we are going to each one of the schools to meet with the school counselors >> next week >> uh to review all the details and you know speak to them about identifying potential students who may show an
interest in an alignment in this program. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> I have another question. I'm sorry. um for the information night. If there are families that are not able to make it, will that can that be recorded and then sent out like in a link or
something so parents have access to it? >> We're we're actually going to do a hybrid model where we'll be in here in person but also live streaming it. >> Awesome. >> We may record it and send it out, but only if we do a good job. So, if it doesn't go well, probably not. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. So, uh, I agree and it's an incredible program and opportunity for our students. You know, we started with, uh, what was it? 15, what was that? >> Power of 15. >> Power of 15. Uh, just asking students to get 15 credit hours before they
graduate. And now we're offering the opportunity for them to get their associate degree before they gra when you know when they graduate. Um, so thank you for um, Miss Russell for your question on certifications and things like that. uh as I look in our audience
um maybe automotive sometime might be because we have an automotive instructor from one of our schools here um in the audience as well. So I love the expansion possibilities. Um I know the program began in Texas. Um
one of the question and I lived there for a little while. Um, what if a student were to transfer into our district in the middle of their junior year or after the application process or toward,
you know, and they wanted to get into this program to get what I'll call some of the credits under their belt towards their associate degree and take advantage of the cost factor alone. So it's a the application process and the
eligibility is a regional decision. So we wouldn't be able to make that as district 211 for one student. But what we can do for that student is uh explore with them all of the dual credit possibilities that we have available on our campus to also work towards as many
early college credits as they could offer. Because I'm thinking if this started in in Texas, maybe they're in the program in Texas and then their parents get moved to our district and they want to continue to pursue their associate degree while they're also still in high school. And
>> I think that exception would have to look at their transcripts and articulate that credit to confirm if it's even transferable to Illinois and if it would make sense with the review of Harper College to see if we can continue that student's education
>> and and I'm fairly confident that this will be extremely rare if ever. So just hypothetic total hypothetical out there. >> If anyone could do that it would be Miss Nabir though. So just >> I have confidence in that as well. Um, I know we have uh in the state there's a
fast fill requirement for students to graduate. Um, they're going to be taking college classes. >> Um, question I had when I first learned about this program is, is there a FASA requirement for them in their sophomore
year to get into this program and be able to start taking Harper classes and paying part of that? There's no FAFSA requirement for them as sophomores. They will still be required to complete the FAFSA as part of their graduation
requirement, which if many of these students want to continue a 4-year degree, they would need to do that anyway. >> Thank you. Um, are you planning to Oh, I know college night is March 5th. Yes. >> At Palatine High School for anybody who's listening in or sitting in our
audience, um, are you going to share more information? I know you're planning to share more information with the students and their families about the the college now information night. Could you also make sure please that the board members get that information in case we want to attend and learn more because
some of again some of us have children who are in the pro in the the schools and might want to participate in that program and some of us just might want to stay informed. >> Absolutely. >> Sure. >> Thank you very much. Um and and I would hope and I know we have
some time to worry about this that um Harper associate degree graduations and district 211 high school graduations are somehow coordinated and I know there's also 214 and 220 that there's a
lot of moving pieces here. So >> we're good on our dates. >> Okay, >> I checked I checked them. >> Okay. And I know transportation came up and and first of all, I also know that this is still under construction, right? And it's still a lot of things still being figured out and there's some time
we have to get some things figured out. So, I appreciate you taking the time to listen to all of our questions. Um, I want to go back to transportation and the hope is that we will be transporting our students from what using our transportation services from
our schools to Harper. Um, I want to everybody to keep in mind there's a shortage in drivers. Our buses are already fully in use with all the routes that we have and the schools that we have. And um, and I applaud whoever's
working on figuring all that out with how to get our students and and what that means to our district from do we need how we going to be able to handle the demand as Mr. Dumbroski said with with early starts and late starts, which are
already, you know, two two routes for every bus. I see the signs on them. So, now we're going to have a Harper route that some buses are going to need to to be taking advantage of. So, I'll leave that up. You guys are the experts in working with the transportation services folks to figure that out.
>> If we could just give them a shout out, Mr. Slife and the rest of his team in transportation are amazing and we've worked with them. Uh, so they know the logistics and they're they're really good. Great. And just a couple more things. Um I know the question came up of um of
about the students being on campus and I know one of the things that will be encouraged especially of the parents is is your student I I don't want to belittle our students in any way but are they mature enough to
be on campus right and be able to handle that type of a learning environment and moving around and going to different buildings and all those things that right now they're not experiencing. So I know that's something that the parents are going to have to consider when whether or not this is the
right program for their students. One more thing I wanted to mention before I conclude this and that is um my adult children um harped on me when Harper Promise came about because my daughter was in school
and it was too late for her to start the Harper Promise. um as we continue to provide such wonderful opportunities. I can't wait to hear what she has to say about this one. So, we'll see how that goes. >> So, thank you very much again for your presentation. Outstanding.
>> Thank you all. >> Thank you. >> All right. Next on our agenda is the consent agenda. And because not all board members were present at the August 14th, 2025 regular board meeting of education and the
August 20th, 2025 special board meeting of education meeting. Separate motions on approvals of the minutes of the meetings is um is being conducted here. So we're going to have three separate
motions. The first motion is that the consent agenda with the removal of the minutes of the regular meeting of August 14th, 2025 and special meeting of August 20th, 2025 be approved as presented. May I have a
motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron, I. >> Mr. Dumbrosski, I. >> Mrs. Lopez, I. >> Miss Russell, I. >> Mr. Van Djk, >> Mr. Rosenlum.
>> I The motion passes. The next motion is that the minutes of the regular meeting of August 14th, 2025 be approved as presented. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. May I have a roll call, please? >> Interrupt. Yes. Can I get a little
clarity, please? >> Sure. We're we're voting on the the minutes to um we're voting on the minutes with some removed. We're we're voting specifically on the
minutes of each of these meetings and then we're going to vote on the rest of the consent agenda. >> Okay. So, if we can go back to the beginning and redo the vote on >> Okay. >> the last one. >> We can >> because there's one board member missed.
Called but not answered. >> I'm sorry. >> So, there's one board member called but not answered. >> Oh, all right. >> So, I'd like to start from the beginning so I can be on the same page. >> We will do that. >> So, my apologies. >> No problem. We will do that. So the motion is that the consent agenda with
the removal of the minutes of the regular meeting of August 14, 2025 and special meeting of August 20th, 2025 be approved as presented. May I have a motion again, please? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> Thank you. May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron, >> I. >> Mr. Dowski, >> I. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. >> Miss Russell, >> I. >> Mr. Mr. Van Dyk >> I. >> Mr. Rosen Blum. >> I The next motion is that the minutes of
the regular meeting of August 14th, 2025 be approved as presented. May we have a roll call, please? >> You say that again, please. >> So moved. >> Thank you. >> Second. >> Thank you. May I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Dumbrossski.
>> I. >> Miss Baron. >> I. >> Miss Russell. >> I. >> Mrs. Lopez. I >> Mr. Van Dyk >> abstain >> Mr. Rosenloom >> I The motion passes and the third is that the minutes of the special meeting
of August 20th 2025 be approved as presented. May I have a motion please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron >> I. >> Mr. Dumbowski >> abstain. >> Mrs. Lopez >> I. >> Mrs. Russell >> I.
>> Mr. Van Dyk >> I. >> Mr. Rosen Bloom. >> I The motion passes. Thank you. Next on the agenda are board updates and information. The first is the Freedom of Information Act requests. That's for information
purposes. Next is the report on new professional staff. That's for information purposes. Next is the sixth day enrollment report. any uh that's also forformational
purposes. The next is the class size committee report. That's forformational purposes. Next is the salary compensation report forformational purposes.
Next is the 2025 summer school enrollment report forformational purposes and the strategic plan update report or update that is also forformational purposes. Next on the agenda is unfinished
business and the recommended action is that the board of education adopt the resolution as presented to establish the fiscal year of the school district to begin July 1st, 2025 and end June 30th, 2026
and that the budget as presented for the fiscal year 2025 to 2026 be adopted as presented by Lauren Hmel, chief operating officer. and recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please?
>> Second. >> Is there any discussion or Yeah. Is there any discussion? May I have a roll call, please? >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> abstain. >> Miss Baron,
>> I. >> Miss Russell, >> I. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> no. Mr. Rosenlau. >> I The motion passes. Next on the agenda under new business is
the 2025 tax levy introduction. This isformational. Next is the proposed policy revision. It is GAB equal employment opportunities non-discrimination and employment policy. This isformational. Is there anybody who
wishes to discuss this proposed revision? Okay. Next is proposed policy deletion GCCB minority recruitment. Is there any discussionformational
purpose? Next is the proposed policy revision GBO staff qualifications informational. Is there any discussion? Next is the proposed policy revision DFC school funding and title one.
This isformational. Any discussion? Next is proposed policy deletion IGB correspondence courses. This isformational. Is there any discussion? Next is proposed policy deletion IGBA
online courses. This isformational. Is there any discussion? Next is a proposed policy revision IC IGCF credit for non-school educational experiences. This isformational. Is there any
discussion? Next is the proposed policy deletion IGCFA policy for accepting language transfer credit. This is for information. Is there any discussion?
Next is the proposed policy revision IGDBA management of student athlete concussions and head injuries. This isformational. Is there any discussion? Next is the proposed policy revision IGBC homebound hospital services. This
isformational. Is there any discussion? Next is proposed policy revision IGDA student organizations. This isformational. Is there any discussion? >> Dr. Campbell. >> Yes. Thank you, President Rosa Bloom. I just wanted to state that um the board
has now started to begin the revisions of board policies. um it was paused but we are uh reigniting them um during this month of September. Just noting we have about 320 policies for review and so making you
aware as we get started you just listen to some of the um either deletions or revisions of the policies as you look at that some deletions are because they have been embedded or they are just revised um within the new policies as
you review the information. So we will look forward to uh bringing additional additional policies forward as we have just looked at um 10 A through 10M on our agenda for you to
review. So thank you and not to be preempted but 10M proposed policy revision IGD extracurricular activitiesformational any discussion all right thank you very much Dr. Campbell. Next on the agenda is
the Illinois Association of School Boards membership 2025 to 2026. And the recommended action is that the the District 211 Board of Education approve the renewal of its membership in the Illinois Association of School
Boards for 2025 to 2026 and authorize the superintendent to pay the annual dues of $19,911. utilized board of education general funds budget as recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell,
superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> Yes, >> Mr. Van Dyk. >> Thank you. Uh will you please remind us how that number comes comes about? Are we charged the
same as the downstate schools that have 400 students? >> I have a little insight into that. So, um, until last year, the year before, uh, there was a funding model that was put in place on how much schools had to pay.
Um, and schools were put into tiers. Um, and every school in our tier paid the same amount. and um and then um ISB went to a number of students um kind of a dues structure. So it's
based on your student population. Um and in fact um if you look at our student population hasn't changed all that much and in fact this is the exact same amount that we were charged by ISB last year for our annual dues. So that's
that's how it's determined. >> What do we get for services above and beyond a school district with 400 students >> from IASB? What do we get for two or for $20,000 that the school district with 400
students? Do they get the exact same service that we do? So that is something we could look into in terms of the details, but I know they offer a host of variety of professional development opportunities, trainings
um for board members, in addition to superintendent, in addition to our staff. So there are a lot of components as it relates to the association that connects to the ISAB, ISAA
um for administrators. And so we I can definitely follow back up with you as it relates to your questions of the difference of what that looks like in the >> I appreciate that. I it seems as though nothing has changed over the last few years since I was on a on a school
board last and um I didn't appreciate that then that our districts being overcharged in my mind. I'm all for the their service of of the um education because that's one of the only if the
only place that we can get some education is board members. But I I completely don't agree with us paying $20,000 for the exact same service as a smaller district. >> So So I know that we we thank you for
that that thought. We we did look at this uh a year or two ago as well and inquire with with ISB specifically for that for that reason that you're talking about. Um, and I also know that there are some services, be they webinars,
interactions, and networking for board members and certainly board presidents of larger districts than smaller districts. Um, I don't know about downstate versus the Chicagoland area. Um, but I do know that there are
certain programs that they offer for larger districts and they categorize those based on the number of students and the number of buildings that we have. And and I absolutely know that uh if you think about our neighboring
districts that that were in the larger district grouping of ISB, so there are a few services, but it's not a tremendous amount. So to your point, you know, a district with 400 students versus a district with 12,000 students um and the
services that are available, there's a huge overlap. I agree. >> So my my vote will reflect a stand on the the cost, not on the stand of the service. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Any other comments? >> All right. May I have a roll call,
please? >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. >> Mr. Van Djk. >> Nay. >> Mr. Dumbrossski. >> No. >> Miss Russell. >> I. >> Miss. Baron. >> I. >> Mr. Rosen Bloom. >> I.
Next on the agenda is uh an action item that the board of education approved the purchase of gymnasium scoreboards from Nevco using the source well cooperative purchasing agreement in an amount not to exceed $227,160
from the 2025 2026 operations and maintenance fund budget as submitted by Ricky Sparks, director of facilities and purchasing and Lauren Hmel, chief oper operating officer and recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please?
>> So moved. >> I second. I'm sorry. >> Is there any discussion? Please. Um if we could get a little clarification there. Two, three years ago, we had big monitors installed in
every gym. Um, at the time I was attending events in the gyms, they weren't operational. They weren't operational. Um, it took a long time. And my thought was those were
scoreboards, but then once they were operational, it didn't seem as though they were. Could you explain what what those big units are? >> Uh, yes. They are um essentially digital
uh video boards that can be used for scoreboard capacity. Um part of the update that's recommended here is that um there is a need for additional software. Um so it's the hardware and software components that we are looking at here to make our systems compatible
within our schools. Um we have tried a number of solutions uh that provide intermittent um continuity of our uh scoreboard systems within our gyms and um this just have not been uh satisfied
with what the recommendations of that company have been. So um we are looking we have a a Nevco system in place within our gyms that has been in place for decades and are looking to update the software within that system so that um we are able to utilize the the
scoreboard system on both ends of the gym so that they are are compatible. >> So currently that big new monitor is not a scoreboard but if we approve this then it will be a scoreboard incorporated with >> um there will be a component added to
that scoreboard. So there's the the traditional scoreboard and then there would be a time and score element added to that so that it would be um utilized on both ends of the gym. Right now um it can be challenging depending on you know
if you're playing a game of basketball and you're running up and down the court to make sure that there is consistent score. So this would provide the opportunity on both sides. There would be an element that's displayed above that scoreboard um to be utilized. >> Yeah, I found myself looking at that
like where's the score? Got to look over here. So this way I can look either direction. >> Yeah, there are some some uh what I would describe is it is a very techheavy dependent system. Uh this will simplify
the system and bring greater efficiency not only to the staff that are running the scoreboards but also just to uh the fans and athletes that are are use uh relying on it as well. >> And the hope is to get this up and running by the winter sports.
>> It is our in our hope um it's four to six week lead time. So our hope is that we would have everything installed by end of October, early November so that we would be operational for winter sports >> and then um with the big display that wasn't
operational for a long time. We we don't foresee we get the scoreboard installed and now it's not functional for >> one reason or another >> like the big district. Uh so um
we have been working on this for uh a long period of time and exploring different options and have found a couple school districts that are utilizing the same system as what we are recommending. Uh our director of athletics and one of our athletic directors have gone on site. they have gone to these various districts to see
how they work and make sure that they work and we feel very confident um that this will provide the solution that we are searching for um based upon our work with Nevco and with um and seeing it in person with these districts. >> Thank you. >> So, so this morning I visited Shamberg
High School to see firsthand how the gymnasium scoreboards were we're current we currently have are not working properly for various sporting events. I've been to a lot of basketball games and when you're looking down one way, you see this big beautiful new digital
board and it has messages, it has pictures, it has all kinds of things on it and sometimes it has the score and sometimes it has the time. Um, and then you look at the other end and there's this much smaller scoreboard like an older one and it says, you know, home
and visitor and it has the time in the middle and that's pretty much it, right? and and so the issue is that the the the scoreboard on the one side that's smaller and the big beautiful digital display are not communicating with each
other and and I got to see that firsthand. Um and and so this is really uh more than anything it's a software issue. Um, and I think approving this request would fix that as well as
provide a smaller workable scoreboard kind of like the one that's on the opposite end from the digital board. Um, at Shamberg specifically, they're planning on mounting it directly above the big beautiful digital board and that
will be the one that has the score and the time on it. And then they'll use the the digital board for all different kinds of digital looking things. Um and and but the the two scoreboards will be
compatible um with with keeping the time. Um, I actually saw a um an example of a time when the digital scoreboard was counting down time on a basketball game and it went from 60 seconds to 54
seconds to 59 seconds to 58 seconds. And I'm like, what's going on here? Right? And then the the smaller scoreboard at the other end is the one that blows the horn when it goes to zero. and it could blow the horn at zero on one end and the
big beautiful digital board could still have two seconds on it. So there's there's the possibility that people aren't seeing the same thing. Plus our our students are either playing volleyball looking one way and looking the other way and seeing different
things or dribbling the ball down the court one way and seeing something then from when they're going the other way. So, I really think this is going to help fix that and provide that additional smaller scoreboard.
And behind the the scoring table is where all the all the action takes place for keeping track of these things, right? And there's the laptop that controls the big digital board and a Nevco box that you know they press the buttons
and it changes the time and it changes the score and it makes things happen like that on the scoreboards. And right now you need two different pieces of equipment or a line going from one to another in hopes that the box that
connects them operates properly. And so when I was at the school this morning, they showed me four of these interconnecting boxes. And I'm like, why do you have four boxes? Because in the middle of a game, the box goes out. So they're scrambling. Do we have another
box? Quick, get it. Plug it in so we can keep going. So So there's a definite issue going on there. And wires all running behind the scoreboard, too, to connect all these things to different ports. Now, when I first saw this on the agenda, I said the same thing you did.
Wait a minute. We just spent a quarter of a million dollars three years ago on scoreboards. So why are we spending another quarter of a million dollars on scoreboards? What's going on? And so that's when I I asked to see it firsthanded, you know, firsthand what is the issue? And I want
to thank Marty Manning and and and Miss Hmel for their time to show me this this morning in person um and show me how it currently is set up. But I think to properly align the boards to the needs of our schools, our students, and our
visitors, I think this is an investment that we really need to take. And I know they've been working very hard with the the service providers and the software providers to make sure and like Miss Humble said to see how other people have
been using it and to see that it it does work and it will work for us. I have an a couple additional questions, Mr. President. >> Sure, Mr. Dumbroski. >> Um, so the insulation is included in the
cost. Is that going So I assume that we can't do that in house. Correct. >> I asked that question actually. Um, and they said no for a couple reasons. Number one, programming is involved with that and um, warranty issues. However, uh, they have granted us a credit of
$5,000 if we run the cable, which we will do. Okay. So then that leads into my second question especially with the um Microsoft dropping Windows 10. What is the software commitment with updates? What is the support and basically the
lifespan or life cycle? Cuz obviously three years ago we didn't think we would be having issues. I'd like to know that in three years we won't be having similar issues because we're only getting support for a year. Uh, no. The,
um, purchase of the software comes with ongoing support. Um, it is a one-year software fee. There's not a renewal fee every year on the system. Um, as far as the life cycle, the life of
the scoreboards, I mean, we the ones that we are currently have in our gyms are over 20 years old. So, we hope to get 20 plus years out of the new scoreboard system. So, what is the warranty then? Are they >> uh I don't know that off the top of my head. I'm sorry. >> It's probably not 20 years, but just
kind of an >> expectation. I can get that for you. I I just don't know if >> we didn't have a warranty on the other system from three years ago. >> Um the system is working. It's just the compatibility of the system is is not
>> okay. But we we vetted that compatibility when we bought the system, right? uh we did >> and so >> and they have worked with us >> and they weren't able to resolve that. >> Uh they have provided a solution but it has been a very labor intensive solution
that has not been extremely reliable. Yes. >> So have we sought executing the warranty since it hasn't performed as the expectations in the agreement were? >> Um not particularly but I I do not believe that there is a warranty issue.
I think it is uh it is just it is And I'm going to get into information that's beyond my content knowledge here, but it is has to do with how our IP addresses and the um cycling of those in our system are working. It's not the system itself.
>> Okay. So then it's a compatibility with our system and then three years ago we were told that this system would work with our IP system. That's the way I I mean otherwise why would we purchase if we knew it wasn't going to be >> Yes. And we'll continue to use the scoreboard. I mean it will be utilized
in the gym. Uh this is just providing an update again to technology that's old and outdated in our systems and provides an update in the software so that all of our scoreboards you know there are many times we have events in our gyms where you are utilizing each scoreboard for a different you know
the example that uh Mr. Manning shared this morning was you can have two wrestling matches going on where you're using different systems. So this allows us that opportunity. >> Okay. I you know just overall in the last three years I'm looking at you know we're spending $500,000 on scoreboards
and you know three years ago 250 was a tough pill to swallow. Now we're looking at a total investment of 500 and I don't know how long that's going to last. >> Uh I can understand and I appreciate the board's support today. Um I can assure
you that this is a a challenge in our gymnasiums. Um we have spent the last three years exploring various options looking at less expensive options and ultimately have not been able to resolve it which is why we have the recommendation in front of you today
>> and Mr. Donoski will provide you provide an update to the board of what that warranty will be for this new device. >> Thank you. >> Are there any other comments or questions? Okay. May I have a roll call, please?
Miss Russell, >> I >> Mr. Van Djk, >> I. >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> present. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. >> Miss Baron, >> I >> Mr. Rosenlum, >> I. The next item on the agenda is the
standard board committees. So, this isformational. Um, what I'd like to do is ask that. Um, so I'm gonna read a little bit about it since it's my submission. Um,
one moment. Okay. So, um, there are two standing board committees. One is called the parent teacher advisory board committee and that committee assists in the development and annual review of student behavior policies and other factors
related to safety of the school pupils and staff in accordance with Illinois school code and the behavioral interventions board committee. This committee assists in the development and review of policies and procedures on the use of behavioral interventions for
students with disabilities who require behavioral intervention. So these are two committees that we are activating um according to um policy and code. And
what I'd like to encourage is that um members of the board, members of our staff across our district, as well as members across our community, look at these committees and the
descriptions of the committees that are contained in the agenda. And these committees include um board members, staff members, and community members. So if you are in the
community and you would like to be on a board committee, now's your chance. And the way you can take advantage of that is by sending me, Mr. Rosen Bloom an email at my email address that's
included in the agenda by Monday, September 22nd because I would like to start identifying who's going to be on this committee and working with those individuals on on um on you know selecting a chairperson and deciding
when they're going to meet and how often they're going to meet and those kinds of things so that they can begin the work of these committees. So, if that's something of interest, please let me know. Okay, moving on. The next item
is an action item, and the recommended action is that the board of education approved the pre-approval form for future expense reimbursement for Steven Rosen Bloom and Jane Russell to attend the Ed Reddd annual kickoff lunchon meeting on October 20th, 2025 as
recommended by Dr. Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any questions or discussion? May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron, >> I. >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> nay.
>> Miss Russell, >> I. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> I. >> Mr. Rosenlum, >> I. The next item on the agenda is Board of Education social media use. This was an item for future discussion requested by board member Mr.
Dumbrossski. Mr. Dumbroski, would you like to open up possible discussion on this topic? >> Uh, yes. uh based on um current rulings, the use of social media by some board members. If social if you're if you're a
board member that's uh speaking to board business and you're putting that on social media and you're blocking specific people or or people in general, um it's been found to be a a First Amendment violation. And I bring I
brought it up at the last meeting because there have been members of the community that have approached me for other members that have been blocking um individuals while posting about schoolboard business. So um I thought
it'd be appropriate to have that discussion so that the entire board is on the same page and are concurrent with uh how they're using their social media. Any other board members have any comments or discussion for this?
Okay. Um the only comment I have is that to my knowledge all district 21 board members are adhering to our district policies regarding social media. Um and this might be something perhaps that the policy committee could review
related to this uh for potential revision and inclusion. Any other comments or discussions on this? Okay. Next item on the agenda is potential topics for future discussion. Do any
board members have anything that they would like to have included as an item for future discussion at a future board meeting? >> I would if I may. >> Certainly, Miss Russell. I have uh been researching
uh the the availability of allowing students to be representatives to our board of education. Uh the high school where I taught, I have been in touch with the superintendent as well as the board president. They have uh been doing this for about
10 years. I've also been in touch with another superintendent um who the districts are smaller granted but they have uh worked with the ISB and they have a lot of the application forms
and things like that that are available. I thought we'd have to do things from scratch, but that may not have to happen. And so, I would like your permission to continue to research it, bring that information back, and of course, I would want to talk with students from all of the schools to make
sure that um they would agree that this would be something good for our board. Is there anybody else who would like to comment or discuss this particular topic at this time in preparation for my asking you if you're open to having this
as an item for future discussion? >> Um, just to Miss Russell's point, I think it's a good idea. I think in the past when we've discussed it, it was how many student representatives would you have? Would you have one? Would you have one from each school? If you add five
voices to the board table, even though they're not board voting board members, the the question then becomes having the seven of us plus another five students potentially, does that amount of
presence um slow down and bog down the work that we're doing? And is there a better forum for student representation? Uh but that that has been the discussion in the past. I I support the idea. I'm not sure that it would be beneficial to
have it during board business, but I could see a um a committee of the whole with just the student members um for the purposes of discussion and feeding that up into something versus
maybe having them here during during business. sort of maybe a a similar um amount of discussion on maybe specific topics related to the agenda, but I'm not sure since they're not voting how much input they would have in 95% of the
agenda. But I do I do like the idea of having a mechanism to hear those voices and give feedback and have discussions >> and I will definitely work on that. I wondered also about having five students present. Um so um if that's something to
be worked out I think >> and and thank you very much and um both of you for your your suggestion and your comments um and and um I'm also in very much agreement with having students provide us with their direct feedback uh
representing their schools and and perhaps it's more than five. Perhaps it's representatives of all of our schools um including um those alternative schools and giving their students an opportunity to also provide
us with feedback. Um but it's I definitely think it's something worth discussing. So, I'm going to ask each board member um for your consensus as to whether to have this as an item for future discussion at a future board meeting and allow Miss Russell the
opportunity to do maybe a little bit more research and um and come back even with a proposal or or just so we can have some more conversation around how this might work. So, Mr. Van Djk, would you be in support of that? >> Sure. >> Miss Lopez,
>> Miss Okay. Mr. Drosski, >> hi. and Miss Russell obviously and I am also so we will have that as an item for future discussion. >> Is that going to be next meeting or is that gonna be >> um we I will actually work with Miss
Russell to determine when she is feeling comfortable to have that um as an item for us to talk about and provide us with any information we may need and and so forth. So, thank you for that question. >> Okay. Any other board members have something they would like to have as an
item for future discussion? I do, >> Mr. Van Djk. >> Um, back in May, I believe it was, I had brought up about bringing forth a conversation on revisiting a finance committee. Um,
I'd like to have that brought forth. I think that got lost in in the moving boxes between administrators. So, I just a little friendly. Can we agree on that again? So, we can move that.
>> I think that's a great idea and and I think if I remember correctly and and if you remember correctly, it was it was voted in favor at as a consensus item at the time, but I'll ask again. Um, and I have a feeling I know what the answer is going to be, but Mr. Mr. Van Djk, are
you in favor of having and Miss Lopez, >> can we clarify this because I'm not sure if we're talking about a board committee for a finance committee or we're talking about administrative committee which is under the purview of the superintendent. I don't think it benefits the board to
direct the superintendent to create administrative committees that they they may not receive a benefit from. So in the past we've had two committees both which were absolved one was the finance committee and the other was the
policy committee and um I I don't >> those were both administrative committees at the purview of the superintendent and I believe when we brought this up to Mr. Van Dijk's point the discussion at the board table was that was the decision to be made by the superintendent. So I I don't want to
countermand the roles and responsibilities of our superintendent. >> Thank you, Mr. Derowski. Well, in my mind, and that that's why I want to bring it up for for future discussion, is that it it should be a board committee that's open to the public,
open to members of of our community, our stakeholders, so they're they're more aware of of the ins and outs of our our finances and our financial decisions and what's coming and going. And if it's an internal committee, they they get the
information here, which I think is kind of a an endgame and more of a formal setting. I would I would like to have a more informal setting, which is a committee in my mind that's open to the stakeholders, whether that's uh
taxpayers, parents, uh union members, teachers, board members, and that that's where the um want of a discussion comes in what
that may look like. So, if I'm not mistaken, the the finance committee when it was in in place and operating before, it was open to the public. Um but it wasn't operated under OMA like with >> No, it was if it's open to the public
and met the OMA requirements that was um you know that was the decision that was made by the superintendent at the time to have three board members on there which triggered the OMA and then it was open. But um in administrative
transitions if there wasn't a liaison then the administration didn't um follow through with with hosting that committee and then two years ago it was um just dissolved. So um you know there's certain standing
committees um that we have to have which are required by law but our policy doesn't necessarily allow standing committees. So these would be ad hoc committees which should have like a goal. Um but you know it's up to the discretion of the majority of the board which way they want to go with with having this
committee. But I I understand what you're seeking. But that would be an ad hoc board committee that you're requesting. >> I'm requesting a discussion at a future board meeting is what I'm requesting right now. >> I'm not requesting. So, we're not and
and we can't take any action as far as whether or not we're going to put this in place as a committee right now anyways. So, uh so the question is um are board members in consensus to have this as an item for future discussion um at a future board meeting. Um Dr.
Campbell, do you have anything you'd like to comment on this since historically really the finance committee is a superintendent committee versus having it as an ad hoc board committee and I know you're working on your committees. So >> yes, and I will just state um committees
were shared per my purview as a superintendent with the board and um very uh transparently just continuing the same committees uh that the previous uh superintendent had so that I can get kind of acquainted with what's already
in place >> and and to my knowledge that did not include a finance committee at this time. Okay. All right. So um so thank you. So, the the question to board members is whether or not you would like to have this as an item for future discussion at a future board meeting uh
specifically on the um discussing the creation of a a board committee um of some kind. I'll leave it at that. Uh whether it's an ad hoc or whatever um for a finance committee, a
board finance committee um for discussion. Mr. Van Djk. >> Yes. Miss Lopez, >> yes. >> Miss Baron, >> um, yeah, >> Mr. Dumbrossski, >> no.
>> Miss Russell, >> yes. >> Mr. Rosen Bloom, no. So, the motion passes. So, we will have that as an item for future discussion. And then I do have one more. >> Okay. uh based on our last couple meetings
here, I I feel as though as we're going through uh board policies here that uh board policy JA, I feel as though we should review that at a future board meeting.
And specifically JAA is the equal educational opportunities policy um that was adopted in November of 2019. um that gives equal educational and extracurricular activ opportunities for
all students regard without regard to many of the things color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual educa orientation, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity, status of being homeless, immigration
status, or protection status, actual or potential marital or parental status including pregnancy. and that is the policy that gives equal access to our students for activities.
Um and it includes um really um any educational or extracurricular opportunity for our students. So um so that is the policy. Um, and so is there
any comments or discussions from any board member with regards to reviewing this policy at a future board meeting? And I would like to open that up by saying I was on the the board um as was another one of our board existing board
members back when this policy was very very very thoroughly discussed between community members and board members, students and staff.
And it was uh all sides and all possible issues at the time this was being discussed were brought forth. And if you were in our community and
paying attention to what was going on in our school districts, you are very well aware of how that how that transpired. And I feel very confident that the work that we did when this was put in place
was the right work to be done. And um and I think that it still holds true today. And so that so you all can probably see how I'm going to be going forward on this um whether or not to bring this for
an item for future discussion. But that is my >> perspective. I said review not change. >> Review is different. Correct. >> I understand that. So my so >> and that's our position as board members is to review policy. Create and review
policy. >> So the request is to review a policy. >> Okay. >> I'm not going any further on one side or the other or the middle. I'm asking to review a policy. >> Okay. >> Thank you. So the question is to the board members whether or not you are
interested in reviewing this policy as part of a discussion at a future board meeting. That is the question. Mr. Van Djk, >> yes.
>> Miss Lopez, >> no. Miss Baron, >> um can I make some comments as well? you can >> because I think um we've had two two different meetings now where folks have
come in to share their comments and I think as of right now um like you said we did all the or you all did all the leg work um sought out I'm pretty sure right um with our lawyers and as of
right now I think our policy should stand and I am not in favor for reviewing the policy at this time. >> Thank you, Mr. Dearoski. >> Um, how much effort would it take the administration to give us basically a
quick history in the adoption of the policy and how it stands under the the current federal requirements versus the state requirements? It depends on the detail of what the board is requesting um based upon what
you're asking, but I think we would be able to depending on if we are wanting to have future discussion for our October board. If you all are wanting that for the October, >> I I think it would benefit the board and the district just to get an
understanding of how our policy sits in relation to federal laws and state laws. Not necessarily to make a change, but just um as a discussion item with information presented with input from the administration and legal counsel. I
I would be open to that. >> So I would I would be in favor. Yes, >> Miss Russell. No. >> And I say no. So the motion does not pass. >> So >> so the the consensus does not pass. So
this does not move forward as an an item for future discussion to review the policy at a future board meeting. >> For clarification, as we move through our board policy reviews, this will be reviewed. Every board
policy will be reviewed. >> Yes, but not at this time. >> I understand that. But this will be reviewed >> eventually. >> Yes. >> And can we get some clarification on the process as far as the order of review of policies?
>> So currently we are looking at some of our policies that are most outdated. So we had some policies that existed from 19 like 88. So we have organized the policies in terms of the end date of of
those policies that have not been reviewed and need most immediate review based upon the year. >> Okay. So we're going by year of of when it was last reviewed. >> Yes, that would be correct. >> And where would I find that? But based
on what I saw on our policy currently, it does not say a last reviewed date >> within board docs. It should display when it was reviewed or last updated. >> I also >> adopted 2019. So what where am I finding
the date that it was last reviewed? >> So I think they're organized in a couple different ways. If there's not a reviewed or revised date, it would be the original date that's on there is when it was last talked about and voted
on. And so for this one, I believe that was the start date for this particular piece. >> So it has not been reviewed since 2019. >> Correct. >> Okay. Thank you. For instance, policy JALKAG
GAAC says adopted September 25th 2008 last reviewed December 10th 2020. So um if JA was re reviewed that date
would appear on the policy document as well. I will also state there um as stated by Mr. um Shoemaker the organization of the review on some of these policies are also based upon some
immediate reviews that need to take place. So, one of the first components was looking at the date, but then also immediate updates that need to take place that would put us out of compliance with some of our policies compared to some of the the the laws and
changes that have taken place. So, there were multiple factors, but the one main factor um depended on when it had last been reviewed. Okay. Thank you. Moving forward to committee reports. The first committee
report is the NSSO report and um like last month um I have a video In 2024, the shareholders of the NSSO met over several sessions to write the
first of its kind strategic plan. The NSSO strategic plan has four priority areas: governance, facilities, and finance. A focus on recruiting and retaining high quality staff and ensuring our program and instruction meet the continuing everchanging needs
of our students. [Music] At MSCO, everything we do begins and ends with students. This guiding belief is at the core of the instruction and programming pillar of our strategic plan. Our goal is to ensure that every
program, every service, and every classroom is intentionally designed to support what students need to thrive. That means strengthening what works, reimagining what doesn't, and continuously improving the quality and consistency of instruction across our
system. At the heart of our mission is creating a sustainable financial model that supports the outgoing needs of our facilities, ensuring they remain safe, efficient, and future ready. By developing a fiscally responsible longrange facilities plan, we're not just maintaining buildings. We're
protecting our community's investment, optimizing resources, and planning smartly for tomorrow's challenges. Together, we can ensure that every dollar makes a lasting impact. [Music]
at NSO. Our educators and support staff are the foundation of our success. Strategic recruitment brings fresh thinking and energy while strong retention efforts ensure stability, meaningful relationships, consistency, and deep understanding of student needs. Our staff's dedication is what truly
powers our mission and meaningful student outcomes. >> As a mom of a child with special needs, there's nothing more important than knowing that your child is truly seen, valued, and believed in ato. It's not just hiring qualified staff. It's about
choosing people with heart, purpose, and the courage to fight for our kids every single day. My son wouldn't be where he is today without them. He's thriving because of his extraordinary team. Teachers, aids, therapists, nurses, and so many others. They lift him up,
advocate for him, and they never give up. Their dedication has truly changed his life and ours. >> Our governance strategic priority is implementing a clearly defined advisory governance structure that promotes collaborative decision making and
meaningful engagement for all member districts and NSCO. We excited to be well on our way to ensuring any changes are sustainable and strategic plan will take a full 5 years to complete and is very rigorous. It will take all the stakeholders of NSSO
students, staff, administrators, member districts working together, collaborating to provide for our students and ensure that we are looking beyond what is to what is possible. Thank you to our technical staff for
helping me show that. If you are watching live stream or you watch it on video and you're unable to hear the sound, it is available to you uh in the public area of our agenda. So you click on it and watch it as well. Um,
as you may recall from our previous meeting, the articles of agreement uh for NSSEO are being revised and um, as Miss Russell had requested, I I shared a redlinined version of the revision so
you could very clearly see kind of like when we revise our policies where the changes are taking place. Um, as I had asked before, if board members have any questions or concerns regarding anything in the revised articles of agreement, uh, and I know there's several pages,
um, I ask you once again to please let me know by October 15th so that I can take that back, um, to the NSSO, um, administration, um, because the the hope and plan is that we have the the final version
approved uh, by our December board meeting and put it into effect in January. Now, part of the articles of agreement includes the establishment of a superintendent board, which will be an operations board um for the organization. and the superintendents
have a meeting coming up at Kirk School and Kirk School is the NSSEO high school where our students go and I am planning and it's an all morning meeting and I am planning to attend um one to see what
they talk about but also so that I get an opportunity um because part of the meeting is going to be getting a tour of Kirk School and see uh see where our students are and see it in operation. So, I'm very excited about that as well.
So, that is my NSSO report. Next on the agenda is the EDA report and Miss Russell, over to you. >> I don't have one at this time because there have really been no changes since we last met. >> All right. And thank you to this board
for approving our expenses to attend the the kickoff lunchon. The next is community and family services report. Miss Baron, >> um the United Palatine Coalition met on August 28th and it was a really great
meeting at the Palatine Library. Um was let's see here. The annual their annual wellness fair is Saturday, April 25th, 2026. So, I know that's a little far off, but put it in your calendars um that it's going to be
a bunch of resources, some activities, and um a really good event at the YMCA. And our next meeting is November 5th at 11:00 a.m. If you are interested in joining, um it's at the Palatine Library.
>> Thank you. Next on the agenda is the District 211 Foundation report. Although Miss Caval is not here with us today, she did submit a report in writing and it is available online for anybody who would like to take a look at it. It includes both a written report as well
as a lot of financial information um of the the foundation. Next on the agenda is the Illinois Association of School Boards report. Miss Russell, >> thank you. The next to you should be the 2025
resolutions committee report um that will be discussed and voted on at the triple eye conference in November. There are 10 amendments to the constitution and only one resolution.
Um we need to vote on this. So on each of those I guess I should say. So the third bullet on the report is your homework and um we please review pages 6 through
17 which talk about each of the changes and they also give information of with rationale for each of those changes for both the constitutional amendments and the the resolution. And then if you would complete the form
that's on page 21 of the guide and return it to President Rosen Bloom before the November 1211 board meeting, so you have a bit of a time to do this. And then the last two bullets are just
reminders that um both are still available as far as people attending if you are interested in the North Cook Division meeting. That's October 22nd and also still available the triple I
conference if anyone else uh would like to attend. And that's my report. >> Thank you. I want to add to it. Um I can I almost can't help myself being having been the the ISBA liaison for like six years. Um, one is if you can't find the
the homework assignment um to return to me, it is the page before the page that says appendix with a big paper clip on it. So, if you can check off how you would like um our delegate to vote on
behalf of our board. Um she we're soliciting that feedback. So, if you can do that and secondly, I want to I want to again mention the triple eye conference. I do this every year and that has really emphasized the value um and I believe Mr. Van Djk, you have
been to that conference as well. >> The value of attending this conference. Now, it is the weekend before Thanksgiving and a lot of people are like, I can't go anywhere the weekend before Thanksgiving. It is downtown. You don't have to go the whole weekend. You could just go on Saturday and hear the
keynote and attend multiple workshops and see the expo hall, which fills the basement of the Hyatt Regency. It is big enough that they have school buses in there from bus companies showing different school districts across the
state and marketing to them. There's construction companies. There's IHSA is there. Um there's so many different things that are really things that that as board members um we might want to take a look at. Maybe a scoreboard
company might be there or something like that. You never know. >> We're done with that. >> Okay. I'm sorry. That was that's old business. Sorry. So, um, so I really encourage you, um, if if you think I can't take the whole weekend, but I'm interested in coming down for the day
just to experience this. Um, it is a true school board happening. when you're there with thousands of other school board members and superintendent and school administrators to really uh learn
and network and uh and experience things together. Um it is really something that I encourage any and everybody to partake in. Plus, if you come down on Saturday, Saturday night is the electric light parade down Michigan Avenue, which goes
right by the hotel and fireworks over the river that night. So, and those are free. Um, so take a look at it. It is on the ISB website and the the whole workshops are all there and all that good stuff. So, >> they should hire you as a promoter.
>> I know. I know. Um, but I love it. So, thank you very much, Miss Russell. Next on the agenda is Dr. Campbell's superintendent report. >> Yes, thank you. Good evening. On August 28th, our district held its annual
openhouse night at all of our school sites where students, parents, community members, and many of us as staff experienced a day in the life of a high school student. Each school showcased this unique culture and pride while reflecting on our district's mission and
core values. This week has been particularly busy though, starting with NBC 5 News featuring Conit Senior and inspiring engineer Joseph Basil. The story highlighted his idea to design replacement parts for the school's
microscopes and 3D print them for immediate use. If you missed this news story, I encourage you to Google how his ideas came to fruition and were showcased for our community to see. A reception was held at village at the
village of Hoffman Estates to celebrate Mayor Barl Mloud's remarkable 45 years of service. The event reinforce the message that our villages thrive because we work as a community. It was a powerful reminder of how much can be
accomplished when we dedicate ourselves to service. Yesterday, it was an honor to join District 214 and District 220 along with Harbor College for the official launch of the college now initiative which was presented to you this evening. This partnership is going
to be a gamecher for our students offering an exciting pathway to graduate with a high school diploma plus an associates degree. This afternoon, I had the privilege of standing alongside Palatin Principal Tony Medina, President Rosen Bloom, district staff, and
community leaders to recognize Dr. Nancy Rob, former Palletine High School principal and former District 211 Superintendent as Palletine High School's Nate Natorum was named in honor of her. And we are also nearing our
first six weeks into the 2526 school year. Therefore, please note progress reports are on their way out and they're on the horizon and fall sports are in full effect. Lastly, we're in the midst of homecoming season and many exciting
events are taking place. You can find details and dates and times of activities for each of our schools on our district site and that our district site will take you directly to the link for our schools. Thank you. >> Can I just add some comments on open house? >> Sure.
>> Thank you. Um, I attended Hoffness State's open house and I attended as a parent and I just wanted to give a huge shout out to um the entire team there. They did a phenomenal job just making the environment warm and welcoming for
all of our families um from students helping families out and translating, getting them to where they're at. There's administrators or staff at every single corner guiding parents to where they need to be at. So, a huge shout out to the entire Hoffman Estate staff. Um,
one of the things that they also every single teacher that our daughter has um talked to us about was that cell phone um it's not a policy but like cell phone practice that they're um doing schoolwide. Um, and across the board,
our teachers said nothing but great things about how that has helped them in the classroom and getting students engaged, all students engaged in the material. Um, right, because cell phones are a big distraction. So, all of them were in huge favor of that being
implemented this year. Um, and not only were they happy, but all of the parents that were in attendance were also um, very pleased with that. um being implemented. Quick question, is that being just implemented at Hoffman or all our schools?
>> So that is a a Hoffman practice in which they uh got with parents and community members to uh see how it would entail for students just to have their by their choice put their cell phones aside and not have them engaged during instructional time.
>> Thank you. And then um you touched on a little bit about communications, but I just want to give um our communications team a huge shout out as well. They're doing a really phenomenal job keeping um the community informed of like all the great things that our students are
doing, our teachers are doing. So, um I think Miss Holmes is still here. >> She's over there. She's >> So, great, great, great job. >> Thank you. I also wanted to add because I did go to open house for um Shamberg High School. Um I live right down the
street and I've never been inside of Shamberg High School. So I decided to attend that high school. I've been in Hoffman plenty of times for my daughter, but this year was the first year that I did not attend as a parent. I attended as a board member. Um and I had my own
tour. So I had a student that walked me around to each class so I didn't have to worry about where I was going. Um, so I just kind of followed him. Um, I loved listening to all the teachers and how they just
expressed how they how they guide their curriculum from their students. Like they take what they say and they they drive their instruction in the way um and what interests them. and specifically um the
cooking the cooking class. I thought that was neat. All the not to take away from all the other great teachers that I saw, but the the cooking class. Um she said that a parent asked, "Well, how do you decide what you're going to cook or what you're going to make?" And she's
she just says she said, "I don't know. I go by what the kids tell me, what they want to cook and what their parents do not let them cook at home. So then they cook it there." And I thought that was really nice. But a a lot of the teachers said that they really um let the kids
drive their own instruction and just are very held accountable for all their um work that they do and things like that. So I thought that was pretty neat. I really um enjoyed my time there. So thank you.
And and I also want to chime in um regarding um this afternoon's um very very honorable um recognition of former superintendent Nancy Rob. U Dr. Rob is currently a
trustee for Harper. So her her dedication and solidification in our educational community continues. uh she moved up the ranks into 11 and I learned today she was a swimmer. So the having
the natiatorum named uh named for her is is really very fitting and it was a great uh great program. Um we had a former district 211 school board member there uh with his spouse and it was nice to see him. I haven't seen him in a
while. And a lot of great alumni and former staff and a former superintendent uh was there a few superintendents ago or at least yeah a few superintendents ago who actually u mentioned that he
hired Nancy Rob uh Dr. Rob to the district. So uh so it was really a very very nice affair and great to see that. So um so thank you. It was hot. we were outside but uh but it was really a very special occasion. Uh next on the agenda
is upcoming events and calendar items. Um as was mentioned home we're in the the heat of homecoming and football season is upon us. Um we have a couple things including the next regular educa board of education meeting is on October
16th. Um, and it's also we're getting close to performing arts season in our schools. So, I encourage board members, we get we get a list, but I encourage the public as well. Uh, whether you have a student or not, take advantage of some
of these these kids talent, the the musicians and the the arts that we have in our schools are are top-notch. They really are wonderful. and I encourage you to check out the schedules for for
whatever you're interested in. Um but that season is upon us as well. So um so that is it for communication and announcements. Um the next item, we were able to finish our close session uh prior to the
meeting. So the next item is to return to close session. So I'm going to make a recommended action. Um, if you feel we do not need to go back to close session, um, say say nay or say no to
this recommended action that we do. So, the recommended action is 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 and matters pertaining to an
individual student. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. Second. >> May I have a roll call, please? >> Miss Baron? >> No. >> Mr. Dumbrossski? >> No. >> Mrs. Lopez? >> No. >> Miss Russell? >> No. >> Mr. Van Dyk? >> No. >> Mr. Rosen Bloom?
>> No. All right. Scroll. Scroll. Scroll. Okay. So the next recommended action is that the board of education in accordance with master contract of the district 211
united support staff approve the retirement requests of Lynn Hendris effective June 2027 and Charles Reed effective May 2029 and in accordance with the master contract of the district
211 teachers union approved the retirement request of Eric Schaefer effective December 2029 as submitted by Helen Miller, director of insurance and benefits and Lauren Hmel, chief operating officer and recommended by Dr.
Judith Campbell, superintendent of schools. May I have a motion, please? >> So moved. Second, >> may I have a roll call, please? >> Mrs. Lopez, >> I. >> Mr. Van Dyk, >> I. >> Mr. Dumbowski, >> I. >> Miss Russell, I >> Miss Baron, >> I.
>> Mr. Rosenlum, >> I. The motion passes. Having no additional items left on the on the agenda, the board president declares a meeting of the board of education adjourned.