Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education met Dec. 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the board
The first regular meeting of the month of December of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District 200, DuPage County, Illinois, was called to order at the Bower Elementary School, 4S241 River Road, Warrenville, IL, by Board President Rob Hanlon, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Upon the roll being called, the following were present:
Board Members: Mr. Rob Hanlon
Ms. Julie Kulovits
Mr. Dave Long
Ms. Angela Blatner
Mr. Erik Hjerpe (arrived at 8:33 PM)
Mr. John Rutledge
Absent: Ms. Katy Ebbesen
Also in Attendance: Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent
Ms. Alyssa Barry
Mr. Matt Biscan
Ms. Melissa Murphy
Dr. Brian O’Keeffe
Dr. Chris Silagi
Mr. Jason Spencer
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Board Member John Rutledge led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMUNICATION WITH THE HOST SCHOOL
Ms. Bridget Moore, principal of Bower Elementary School, welcomed everyone to the school and thanked the Board and administration for the many ways they support the students. A video titled “If You Bring a Bobcat to Bower” highlighted what makes Bower a special place. Ms. Moore also shared a few sentences from a parent whose student was recognized as “Student of the Month,” noting that inclusion and action are at the heart of everything they do at Bower.
MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
None
RECOGNITIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
As part of this year’s Community Partner Recognition Program, principals from our hosting schools were asked to recognize community members who have played an important role or made a significant impact in advancing the school’s work, mission, or community. Dr. Schuler and the Board recognized the following:
Community Partnership Recognition:
Patrick Graff, Assistant Principal at Bower, recognized Stephanie Kaurin for her dedication to the school. She is the current Bower PTA President, a parent, and a Behavior Technician in one of the Essentials classrooms. She was praised for being calm, patient, and kind, as well as for going above and beyond and managing multiple roles as a parent, community member, and full-time staff member.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Agenda Items & Non-Agenda Items
In accordance with Board Policy 2.230, members of the public wishing to offer public comment had the opportunity to do so. A public comment sign-up sheet was made available until 7:00 p.m. at the meeting site. The Board Meeting was available for viewing via live stream on the District’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/communityunitschooldistrict200.
Per Board Policy, the Board may shorten the time allocation for each person to less than three minutes to allow the maximum number of people the opportunity to speak. The Board did not shorten the time allocation for each speaker due to the number of speakers.
Speaker Topic
Beth Sullivan and Sherry Snyder Bower
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Dr. Schuler provided the following updates:
● The Student Ambassadors at WNHS and WWSHS reported on their high schools’ activities, athletics, and events from the past week, and provided updates and next steps on the projects they will be working on this school year. Wheaton Warrenville South’s main project will be the school bathrooms, while Wheaton North’s primary focus will be on participation in extracurricular activities. Additionally, each team will work on smaller projects.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Acceptance of Gift to Sandburg Elementary School Giving Tree Program – Recommend acceptance of gift to Sandburg as presented.
2. Acceptance of Gift to Wheaton North High School Boys Track & Field Program – Recommend acceptance of gift to WNHS as presented.
3. Approval to Post Proposed 2027-28 School Calendar – Recommend approval to post 2027-28 school calendar as presented.
4. Approval of Curriculum Content for Principles of Engineering High School Course – Recommend approval of curriculum content for engineering course as presented. 5. Approval of Printshop Paper Bid – Recommend approval of printshop paper bid as presented.
6. Approval of Xerographic Bond Paper Bid – Recommend approval of xerographic bond paper bid as presented.
7. Approval of a 3-year Strategic Facility Planning Program with McKinstry – Recommend approval of 3-year strategic facility planning program with McKinstry as presented.
8. Approval of Extension to Superintendent’s Employment Agreement through July 31, 2027, based on the terms reviewed by the Board, and Approval of the Superintendent’s Retirement Letter Effective July 31, 2027, as presented – Recommend approval of extension to Superintendent employment agreement and approval of Superintendent retirement letter as presented.
9. Approval of Bills Payable and Payroll – Recommend approval of bills payable and payroll as presented.
10. Approval of Minutes – November 12, 2025, Regular Meeting, Open and Closed, and Approval to Destroy Recordings of Closed Sessions Prior to July 2024 As Allowable by Law – Recommend approval of the minutes as presented and approve the destruction of recordings of closed sessions prior to July 2024 as allowable by law.
11. Approval of Personnel Report to Include Employment, Resignation, Retirement, and Leave of Absence of Administrative, Certified, Classified, and Non-Union Staff – Recommend approval of the personnel report as presented.
There was additional information/comments provided on the following:
● Items #1-2: Thank you to our partner organizations and our community for the generous gifts. A summary was provided to the Board of gifts accepted for the last six months, since the start of the fiscal year (nearly $423,000).
● Item #3: Posting of the proposed 2027-28 school calendar. Planning a year in advance, provided a set of criteria that the calendar committee continues to review and prioritize. A reminder that a calendar can do anything, but it cannot do everything. It was noted that this posted calendar would end the first semester before winter break, which remains a priority.
● Item #7: 3-year facility planning program with McKinstry – this was presented at yesterday’s facilities meeting; reviewed how the program works and its highlights. The facilities committee members were comfortable with moving it forward.
MOTION
Member Long moved, Member Rutledge seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 5, NAY 0. The motion carried 5-0.
POLICY POSTING CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval to Post Revised Policy 2:120 Board Member Development for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 2:120 for public review and comment as presented.
2. Approval to Post Revised Policy 2:150 Committees for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 2:150 for public review and comment as presented.
3. Approval to Post Revised Policy 2:270 Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 2:270 for public review and comment as presented.
4. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:20 School Calendar Year and Day for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:20 for public review and comment as presented.
5. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:40 Curriculum Development for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:40 for public review and comment as presented.
6. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:130 Program for the Gifted for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:130 for public review and comment as presented.
7. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:160 English Learners for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:160 for public review and comment as presented.
8. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:220 Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) Program; Responsible Use and Conduct for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:220 for public review and comment as presented.
9. Approval to Post Revised Policy 6:260 Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 6:260 for public review and comment as presented.
10. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:10 for public review and comment as presented
11. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:290 Suicide and Depression Awareness and Prevention for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:290 for public review and comment as presented.
12. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:310 Restrictions on Publications; Elementary Schools for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:310 for public review and comment as presented.
13. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:315 Restrictions on Publications; High Schools for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:315 for public review and comment as presented.
14. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:340 Student Records for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:340 for public review and comment as presented. 15. Approval to Post Revised Policy 8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised policy 8:30 for public review and comment as presented.
There was additional information/comments provided on the following:
● All of these policies have been reviewed and discussed by the HR/Policy Committee and were recommended for posting for public review and comment.
MOTION
Member Kulovits moved, Member Blatner seconded to approve the Policy Posting Consent Agenda as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 5, NAY 0.
The motion carried 5-0.
ACTION ITEMS
#1 Acceptance of the 2024-2025 Financial Audit and Annual Financial Report Annually, our auditors prepare an independent audit of the financial statements of CUSD 200. They also express an opinion based on the combined financial statements of the District. The Board is asked on an annual basis to accept the independent audit as presented by Lauterbach & Amen, LLP.
Matt Beran, a partner with Lauterbach & Amen, LLP, gave the Board of Education a high-level overview during this meeting, highlighting the audit process and sharing the results of the 2024-2025 AFR and Financial Statements.
The results from the audit are as follows:
1. All financial statements were found to be materially accurate.
2. No audit findings were issued.
3. There were no questioned costs in the 2024-2025 AFR or Annual Financial Statements.
4. The district received an unmodified (“clean”) audit opinion.
A copy of the audited 2024-2025 Annual Financial Report (AFR), the audited 2024-2025 Annual Financial Statements, Management Letter, and a communication from Lauterbach & Amen, LLP were attached to the agenda item for the Board of Education.
Additional information/comments were provided on the following:
● The audit information was reviewed at the most recent Board Finance Committee meeting.
● This is the first year that the firm of Lauterbach & Amen has conducted the District’s audit.
● There were some differences in how the audit was approached in certain areas compared to the previous firm, but confident in what was done.
● Ensuring the District has an adequate internal control framework in place. Confirmed there were no internal control findings.
● Thank you to Dr. O’Keeffe, Mr. Thorse, and the entire team for their hard work.
There were comments and/or questions on the following:
● Internal controls – were they thoroughly examined? A walkthrough was conducted, and the District has a solid internal control framework. Any best practices from experience that were not seen during the audit? There was nothing significant. Since it was the first time with this firm, comments and feedback were provided for future years.
● IT security and industry best practices – provide some informational feedback that is offered to all clients, as more school districts are becoming targets of cyberattacks.
● Funds over budget or deficit fund balance – mostly built on the timing of certain purchases. Noted the student activity funds being included – this is new to the state budget form, the education fund and the use of TIF dollars collected in FY24 to pay for security updates done in FY25, and private education tuition costs. Expecting this to look different in the FY26 audit.
● Private tuition – the state reimburses some, and it is also prorated. This is part of mandated categoricals.
● Transportation issue in Illinois—significant increase in cost and substantial proration of already prorated amounts for reimbursement.
● Proration amounts from the state – current vs. five years ago. There is a significant difference.
It was recommended that the Board of Education accept the 2024-25 Financial Audit and the Annual Financial Report as prepared and presented by Lauterbach & Amen, LLP.
MOTION
Member Kulovits moved, Member Long seconded to accept the 2024-25 Financial Audit and the Annual Financial Report as prepared and presented by Lauterbach & Amen, LLP. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 5, NAY 0. The motion carried 5-0.
#2 Approval of Bids for the Middle School Capital Projects – Issuance 3
The Project Issuance 3 bid openings were held on December 2, 2025, at the School Service Center. A range of two (2) to five (5) bids were submitted per bid package. The bid packages were designed to complete all interior renovation work in the summer of 2026 and 2027 at Edison, Franklin, and Monroe Middle Schools as follows:
Package #1-Sitework, Plumbing & Structural – Base Bid plus Alternates
Package #2-Masonry – Base Bid plus Alternates
Package #3-General Trades – Base Bid plus Alternates
Open Session Minutes – December 10, 2025 Page 5
Package #4-Roofing – Base Bid plus Alternates
Package #5-Aluminum & Glazing – Base Bid plus Alternates
Package #6-Framing & Drywall, Acoustical, Flooring & Painting – Base Bid plus Alternates
Package #7-Fire Protection – Base Bid plus Alternates
Package #8-HVAC – Base Bid plus Alternates
Package #9-Electrical – Base Bid plus Alternates
Each package has an identified low bidder (Base Bid #1, Base Bid #2, and Base Bid #3), as highlighted in the bid tabulation sheet. Administration has also identified Alternate Bid 1 as an additional bid to be awarded for each school (E1, F1 & M1). These Alternate Bids will allow for the full replacement of all existing windows at each of the three middle schools.
The Project Issuance 3 total bid submission per building is as follows:
Edison Middle School – $32,374,220
Franklin Middle School – $32,547,328
Monroe Middle School – $27,146,772
A copy of the letter of recommendation from Nicholas & Associates and the bid tabulation sheet was attached to the agenda item. The total bid recommendations for all three middle schools = $92,068,320.
There was additional information, comments, and questions regarding the following:
● These bids will help us reach substantial completion of the middle school projects by the first week of August 2027.
● The bids were not as aggressive as in previous issuances, but we still remain within the approved referendum and its associated budget.
● The contractors will hold the low bids on the alternates submitted through issuance #3, so the prices will be maintained if the budget allows.
● The last step will be the issuance of the second set of bonds that will fund the work. This is scheduled for early January.
● Thanked the District partners from Perkins + Will and Nicholas and Associates, who have been instrumental in the process as we move into implementation.
It was recommended that the Board of Education award the bid submissions for all nine (9) bid packages under Edison, Franklin, and Monroe Middle Schools as presented and defined in the Nicholas & Associates Letter of Recommendation dated December 4, 2025. The total construction cost for bids under Project Issuance 3 is $92,068,320.
MOTION
Member Blatner moved, Member Rutledge seconded to award the bid submissions for all nine (9) bid packages under Edison, Franklin and Monroe Middle Schools as presented and defined in the Nicholas & Associates Letter of Recommendation dated December 4, 2025. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 5, NAY 0. The motion carried 5-0.
#3 Approval of Resolution and Final Contract for Guaranteed Energy Savings with Performance Services, Inc. for Summer 2026 and Summer 2027 Middle School Capital Project Work – Project Issuance 3
In 2012, the Board of Education entered into a performance contract with Performance Services, Inc. (PSI) to perform a series of projects based on their District-wide evaluation of all of our buildings. After nine project years, the District re-bid performance contracting services in 2021 and once again selected Performance Services. Inc. as the preferred partner of CUSD 200.
Mechanical HVAC controls are an important aspect of managing the operation of our heating, ventilation and cooling systems. CUSD 200 has been working with PSI for more than a decade to update/upgrade our mechanical systems and controls throughout the district. Significant HVAC improvements have been incorporated into the Middle School Capital Project designs. For Project Issuance 3, all required controls will be updated at Edison, Franklin, and Monroe Middle Schools. This work will take place over the summer of 2026 & 2027, with a firm price guarantee for the work presented. To ensure hardware and software consistency and symmetry with our existing building automation systems, we have asked PSI to work under Nicholas & Associates and provide the required control updates that have been defined in the Project Issuance 3 bid package. PSI has confirmed the control work identified in Project Issuance 3 and has submitted the attached updated agreement accordingly. The total cost for control work in Project Issuance 3, as submitted by PSI, is $3,943,033.
Additional information/comments were provided on the following:
● These are the controls for all the mechanical systems in the middle school projects.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the Eighth Amendment to the Installation Contract in the amount of $3,943,033 with Performance Services, Inc., for the Middle School Capital Project Issuance 3 Controls work.
MOTION
Member Long moved, Member Rutledge seconded to approve the Eighth Amendment to the Installation Contract in the amount of $3,943,033 with Performance Services, Inc., for the Middle School Capital Project Issuance 3 Controls work. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 5, NAY 0. The motion carried 5-0.
#4 Approval of the 2025 Tax Levy
The school code empowers the Board of Education to levy taxes to support the public school system. If the levy request exceeds 105% of the previous year’s aggregate extension, a public notice and hearing are needed before the official levy is adopted. The Board of Education is limited to an increase no greater than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the previous year under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL or “Tax Cap”).
Annually, the Board of Education reviews a levy proposal prepared by the Administration. The levy proposal was previously discussed with the Board Finance Committee and presented to the Board of Education on November 12, 2025. The recommended levy, which provides for an aggregate 2.53% increase, is listed below.
The proposed levy increase of 2.53% is a blend of an increase in the Operational Levy of 3.81%, and a decrease in the Bond and Interest Levy of 12.27%. The decrease in the Bond and Interest Levy reflects smaller annual debt payments associated with the 2025 Levy. The “Tax Cap” will limit tax growth by the consumer price index for 2024 of no more than 5.00% (December 2024 CPI was 2.90%), plus any new construction growth in the District, which is estimated at $40M. While the exact growth in new construction is unknown at the time of this request, a levy request was developed to capture all potential new EAV growth. Additionally, the 2025-26 Budget anticipated accessing the full CPI (2.90%) and included new construction growth; therefore, it is recommended that the Board access the funds available under the tax cap plus any anticipated new EAV growth.
FUND 2025 LEVY REQUEST
Education – $147,424,938
Special Ed – $3,600,000
Tort – $0
O & M – $19,622,392
Transportation – $6,500,000
IMRF – $1,100,000
Social Security – $2,800,000
Life Safety $0
Working Cash $0
TOTAL $181,047,330
The proposed 2025 tax levy (excluding debt services) increase is less than 105% of the previous year’s (2024) aggregate extension, which was $174,398,419.65. Therefore, the Board of Education is not required to hold a public hearing on the tax levy. The anticipated Debt Service (Bond & Interest) levy is $13,287,154.00.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Dr. Brian O’Keeffe, provided an overview of the 2025 Final Tax Levy, noting there were no changes from the tentative levy presented to the Board in November.
Additional information/comments were provided on the following:
● This information was reviewed with the Finance Committee at their last meeting.
● The presentation is the same as last month when the tentative levy was presented to the Board. The parameters around everything discussed have not changed.
● Reviewed the highlights – taking into account CPI, EAV, analysis of new construction (anticipated to be a significant increase in DuPage County), the symbiotic relationship between existing EAV and tax rate, tax rate history, peer comparison, fund balance history, and cash balance as of 6/30/2025.
● Reminder, everything we do on the budget side of things and our day-to-day operations is on a cash basis, and the financial statements are on an accrual basis.
● Major tax levy considerations: noted that tax year 2025 is for the assessment of property values as of January 1, this calendar year, and the first collection occurs in May and June 2026; Capturing potentially $40 million in new construction. The county will extend the final number; The uncertainty in MCATs (mandated categorical) reimbursements from the state; and the funding of projects identified in the capital plan.
● How the extension is calculated; note that the final levy will not be completed until the final bond sale occurs next month.
● Overall, we estimate just over a 2.5% increase in the levy year over year.
There were comments and/or questions on the following:
● The debt service levy (13.3) is the new debt issued under the first issuance last March, and our estimate for the second issuance next month. That will be codified once those numbers are final.
● A reminder that the levy process is a complex and lengthy procedure that the District team navigates to reach this stage. The team was thanked for their efforts, as was the finance committee for vetting this.
● Every aspect of this process has been public.
It was recommended that the resolution and certificates for the 2025 Tax Levy be adopted as presented, that the Certificate of Tax Levy be executed, and that all forms be filed with the DuPage County Clerk.
MOTION
Member Kulovits moved, Member Blatner seconded that the resolution and certificates for the 2025 Tax Levy be adopted as presented, that the Certificate of Tax Levy be executed, and that all forms be filed with the DuPage County Clerk. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 5, NAY 0. The motion carried 5-0.
ORAL REPORTS
Student Wellness and The Student Experience
Ensuring student wellness and providing a high-quality student experience correlate to CUSD 200’s comprehensive SEL framework. As part of the CUSD 200 dashboard, three key metrics are monitored as foundational components to student wellness and the student experience. These metrics include student attendance, co-curricular participation and student connectedness. Additionally, providing a safe school environment with high expectations and high levels of support for students is a key priority.
The Board of Education was provided with a report on student wellness and the student experience related to key focus areas including safety, attendance, co-curricular participation, behavioral wellness and student connectedness. Additionally, a summary of student leadership conversations was given.
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Dr. Chris Silagi, provided the annual presentation on Student Wellness and the Student Experience, which included information on the following:
● SEL Framework
○ Relationships, Mindset, Learning, Emotional Wellness, Behavioral Wellness
● Connectedness – High Care + High Expectations
○ Behavioral Wellness (Clear Expectations + Consistent Feedback > Optimal Learning Environment to be successful in school)
○ Mindset (High Belief, High Support + Perseverance > Trajectory Changing Moments)
○ Emotional Wellness (Prevention, Care + Support > Ready to Learn
○ Impact – Safety; Pathways for the Future; Maximized Learning; Athletics, Clubs, Activity Engagement; Attendance
● Connectedness and the Student Experience
○ Connectedness – 96.5% (a 7.5% increase since 2022)
● Attendance and the Student Experience
○ Attendance Rate – 94.3%
○ Not Chronically Absent – 85.6% (4.4% increase since 2022)
● Impact on Student Experience
○ Athletics, Clubs, Activities – 78% HS & MS participation; expanded offerings at the Elementary; (6% increase since 2022; 12% since 2019)
○ Safety – Supportive Environment (top 10% of all Districts in IL; #1 vs. comparables based on the 5Essentials survey data)
○ Safety – PREPaRE Trained Crisis Teams (all schools)
○ Safety – CUSD 200 Crisis Team (build mini plans/annexes to prepare to respond in the event of a crisis)
○ Safety – CUSD 200 Safety Team/Committee (comprised of District staff and first responders)
○ Safety – Preventative Programs/Supports/Protocols
○ Emotional Wellness – SAEBRS (92.3% low risk, 7.1% some risk, .06% high risk); Emotional Wellness Programming; Preventative Programming, Responsive Supports; Referral GPS
○ Behavioral Wellness – 93.8% of students do not have a behavioral referral this year, 3.9% of students only have 1 referral, 1.2% of students have 2 referrals, 1% of students have 3 or more referrals; The Tier 1 Effect; Proactive Programming and Supports
● Hearing from our Students
○ Student Leadership Groups – Strong sense of safety; Connectedness is significant; Teacher authenticity and clarity; Value activities, clubs, athletics; High expectations and high support
○ Student Ambassadors – Key projects (Extracurricular Participation, Bathroom Safety)
● Trajectory-Changing Impact for Our Students (reviewed five real success stories – examples from WN High School, detailing each student’s background, extracurricular activities, and the specific impact on each student)
There was additional information on the following:
● This topic has been a key part of the District 200 strategic plan for the past four years.
● A lot of time was spent this year in the buildings listening to kids’ leadership groups, and it was expanded to include fifth-grade students.
● During each student feedback session, kids discuss their experiences and the significance of feeling connected within our schools.
● Student wellness will remain a priority for the District and the upcoming strategic plan.
● Every child should have one or more people who deeply care for them and hold them to high expectations. This connection is the foundation of our SEL framework.
● Mindset – having our staff believe in students and taking the time to communicate that belief.
● Emotional wellness – from a school perspective, ensuring students are well enough to access education and maximize their total school experience so they can be their best selves when they leave the district.
● Connectedness is vital and non-negotiable, necessary to maximize all the other experiences we want for our students.
● Attendance and targeting the not chronically absent number: the District and State metrics tell us that when kids are absent for more than 10% of the school year, they are at risk for decreased academic outcomes and increased risk of other factors. District 200 schools work tirelessly on an attendance improvement plan.
● The district offers over 400 clubs and activities beyond athletic programs. The expanded offerings at the elementary level were highlighted. This significantly enhances the overall student experience.
● Ensuring kids feel safe enough in a learning environment to take risks, and making sure they feel safe physically.
● The PREPaRE-trained crisis teams at all of our schools are prepared to respond in case of a crisis.
● Examples of preventative programs/supports/protocols include the Risk of Harm to Self and Risk of Harm to Others.
● SAEBRS (Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener) assessment and data.
● Students who may need additional help and outside care: use Referral GPS to connect students and families with providers for outside support care.
● It was noted that based on the data, a large portion of our discipline or behavioral infractions are coming from a small percentage of our students. The numbers are even an improvement from last year.
● The Tier 1 Effect related to reducing behavioral issues emphasizes proactively teaching behaviors, clearly communicating expectations to students, and modeling appropriate actions and conduct in school.
● Trajectory-changing impact for our students – noting you never know the time or the moment when you are having an impact on kids.
There were comments and/or questions on the following:
● Clarification on the not chronically absent rate – current and increases since 2022.
● The composition of the District 200 Crisis Team and its objectives; the overlap between this team and the District 200 Safety Committee.
● The South Student Ambassador’s project on bathroom safety. Suggestion on having a structured plan and how this can yield results.
● Positive feedback on the Student Ambassadors’ efforts to promote extracurricular participation and connectedness as one of their projects. Noted that this was also being discussed at the elementary level.
● How to gather feedback from students who are not identified as leaders. Noted that students meeting with members of the District’s Senior Leadership Team are not only those labeled as leaders. Principals are working to ensure that we include as wide a cross-section of the student body as possible. This is more challenging at the high school level, where the student population is larger.
● Noting reasons and repercussions for students who are not chronically absent, there are valid reasons why kids may miss school. The District is working with the ROE (Regional Office of Education) on truancy issues. Additionally, District 200 has a clear, detailed process outlining our response mechanisms for families facing attendance issues, developed in 2021.
● While data points are essential to understand the overall health of the system, hearing stories and examples of impact for our students is very helpful. Hoping we also use this to train and encourage teachers and staff.
BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
Board Facilities Committee
The Board Facilities Committee met on November 10, 2025. The meeting notes were attached. The committee also met on December 9, 2025. The January 2026 board packet will include the meeting notes from this date. There was additional information on the following:
● Member Long mentioned that the McKinstry agreement (from the consent agenda) was discussed at the meeting, as were the bids for the middle school capital project (from the action items).
● The committee also discussed the high school master facility plan (primarily athletic facilities and grounds). A couple of bids have been received on that.
● An update was received on the elementary playground replacements. Washington and Emerson are preparing to go out to bid. It was noted that summer 2027 will be the final two playground updates for Madison and Longfellow.
Board Finance Committee
The Board Finance Committee met on December 3, 2025. The meeting notes were attached to the agenda item. There was additional information on the following:
● Member Hjerpe mentioned that most of the committee discussion was addressed through the action items tonight.
● The committee began discussing some of the assumptions for the five-year financial projections, which will be a future Board business discussion.
● District contracts will be a future discussion item for the finance committee, including which ones are up for renewal, those tied to CPI, etc.
Board HR/Policy Committee
The Board HR/Policy Committee met on November 13, 2025. The meeting notes were attached to the agenda item. There was additional information on the following:
● Member Kulovits mentioned that the committee has been working on the latest issue of PRESS 120 policy updates, which is quite extensive.
● There was also discussion about a flag policy, which will be continued at the next committee meeting next week.
● The committee discussed policy 8:30 (Visitors to and Conduct on School Property) – updating it to include virtual conduct. This was on tonight’s policy posting consent agenda.
● Policy 8:25 (Advertising and Distributing Materials in Schools Provided by Non-School-Related Entities) – staff will consult with the HR/Policy committee to create a framework for different categories. This will then be presented to the full board. This does not include naming rights.
REPORTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Board members noted visits to/participating in the following:
● Board members who attended the Joint Annual Conference in November shared highlights from some sessions they participated in.
● Visits to schools, including Wiesbrook, Hubble, WNHS, Lowell, Hawthorne, Lincoln, Jefferson.
● Attended the Special Olympics Pack the Gym Night at Hubble.
● WNHS choir performance at a Wheaton Rotary Meeting.
● Coffee with the Board: attendee/staff member story.
WRITTEN REPORTS
Monthly Financial Reports
FOIA Report
Board Communication Log
Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Report
TOPICS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION
5-Year Financial Projections
NEXT REGULAR MEETING
January 14, 2026, 7:00 PM, Pleasant Hill Elementary School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
January 28, 2026 – Committee of the Whole, 7:00 PM, School Service Center
CLOSED SESSION
The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees, Specific Individuals who Serve as Independent Contractors in a Park, Recreational, or Educational Setting, or Specific Volunteers of the Public Body or Legal Counsel for the Public Body, including Hearing Testimony on a Complaint Lodged Against an Employee, a Specific Individual who Serves as an Independent Contractor in a Park, Recreational, or Educational Setting, or a Volunteer of the Public Body or Against Legal Counsel for the Public Body to Determine its Validity 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1) and The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(10).
MOTION
Member Hjerpe moved, Member Rutledge seconded to adjourn the meeting to closed session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1) and 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (10). Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 6, NAY 0. The motion carried 6-0. Action was expected following the closed session.
The meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 8:45 PM.
RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION
Member Long moved, Member Rutledge seconded to reconvene in Open Session. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 6, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.
Roll call was taken, the following Board Members were present, and the open session was reconvened at 9:33 PM.
Board Members: Mr. Rob Hanlon
Ms. Julie Kulovits
Mr. Dave Long
Ms. Angela Blatner
Mr. Erik Hjerpe
Mr. John Rutledge
Absent: Ms. Katy Ebbesen
ACTION ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
Action on Uniform Grievance U2025-26-01
The Board is charged with making a decision and taking action on a Uniform Grievance complaint. The Board, in Closed Session, reviewed the Uniform Grievance investigative report and relevant documents submitted by the Complaint Manager.
It was recommended that the Board approve the Uniform Grievance appeal recommendation determined in Closed Session for U2025-26-01.
MOTION
Member Hanlon moved, Member Kulovits seconded to approve the Uniform Grievance (UG) appeal recommendation determined in Closed Session for U2025-26-01. Based upon the Board’s consideration of the written appeal as well as the information submitted related to the UG U2025-26-01 investigation, that the Board affirm the Superintendent’s decision dated November 4, 2025. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 6, NAY 0. The motion carried 6-0.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
There being no further business to come before the Board in Open Session, Member Hjerpe moved, Member Kulovits seconded to adjourn the meeting. Upon a voice call being taken, all were in favor. The motion carried 7-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 PM.
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