SE Illinois News

Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education met Sept. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The first regular meeting of the month of September of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District 200, DuPage County, Illinois, was called to order at the Whittier Elementary School, 218 W Park Ave., Wheaton, IL, by Board President Rob Hanlon, on Wednesday, September 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

Ms. Katy Ebbesen

Mr. Erik Hjerpe

Mr. John Rutledge

Also in Attendance: Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent

Ms. Faith Behr

Mr. Matt Biscan

Ms. Melissa Murphy

Dr. Brian O’Keeffe

Dr. Chris Silagi

Mr. Jason Spencer

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Board Member Dave Long led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE HOST SCHOOL

Mr. Bob Cerny, principal of Whittier Elementary School, welcomed the board and community to the school. Mr. Cerny introduced two fifth-grade students to talk about what makes Whittier a special place, including various activities and the spectacular staff who make learning fun. Whittier is celebrating its 100th anniversary of the building this year. The school and its people are rich in tradition and history. The fourth-grade staff team, all of whom live in the Whittier community and whose children attended the school, spoke about what makes the school special.

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 a community member or 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:

● Principal Bob Cerny recognized three members of the Whittier PTA Community, who have a long-standing tradition of excellence. Past PTA Presidents Michelle Potter and Lauren Self were honored for organizing events and re-energizing parents to get involved with the PTA again after the pandemic. Current PTA member Amanda Petry was also recognized for leading and organizing many community-based PTA events that engaged numerous families and staff, creating opportunities for fun, family-oriented activities and events.

PUBLIC COMMENTS – Agenda Items & Non-Agenda Items

None

SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

Dr. Schuler provided the following updates:

● Introduced the Student Ambassadors at WNHS and WWSHS, who reported on their high schools’ activities, athletics, and events from the past weeks.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. Acceptance of Gifts from Wiesbrook Elementary School PTA – Recommend acceptance of gifts from Wiesbrook PTA as presented.

2. Acceptance of Gifts from Franklin Middle School PTA – Recommend acceptance of gifts from Franklin PTA as presented.

3. Acceptance of Gift to Wheaton Warrenville South High School - Boys Basketball Program - Recommend acceptance of gifts to WWSHS boys basketball program as presented.

4. Approval of Annual Vendor Contracts Generating Revenue – Recommend approval of annual vendor contracts generating revenue as presented.

5. Approval of the Purchase of Three Chrysler Pacifica Minivans - Recommend approval of the purchase of the minivans as presented.

6. Approval of Purchase of CrowdStrike Falcon Complete MDR Solution - Recommend approval of purchase of CrowdStrike Falcon complete MDR solution as presented.

7. Approval of Bills Payable and Payroll – Recommend approval of bills payable and payroll as presented.

8. Approval of Minutes - August 13, 2025, Regular Meeting, Open and Approval to Destroy Recordings of Closed Sessions Prior to April 2024 As Allowable by Law - Recommend approval of the minutes as presented and approve the destruction of recordings of closed sessions prior to April 2024 as allowable by law.

9. 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 were comments and/or questions on the following:

● #1-3: Recognition was given for the three generous gifts, and it was noted that the first PTA Council meeting of the year was held this week. The administration expressed appreciation for the valuable partnership with PTA and the gifts that the Board accepts at every meeting.

● #5: The purchase of minivans for the Transition Program, and hope that in the future funding can be secured for a wheelchair-accessible van.

MOTION

Member Kulovits moved, Member Rutledge seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.

POLICY POSTING CONSENT AGENDA

1. Approval to Post Revised Policy 1:20 District Organization, Operations, and Cooperative Agreements for Public Review and Comment - Recommend approval to post revised policy 1:20 for public review and comment as presented.

2. Approval to Post Revised Policy 2:80 Board Member Oath and Conduct for Public Review and Comment - Recommend approval to post revised policy 2:80 for public review and comment as presented.

3. Approval to Post Revised Policy 2:130 Board-Superintendent Relationship for Public Review and Comment - Recommend approval to post revised policy 2:130 for public review and comment as presented.

4. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:140 Search and Seizure for Public Review and Comment - Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:140 for public review and comment as presented.

5. Approval to Post Revised Policy 7:300 Extracurricular Activities for Public Review and Comment - Recommend approval to post revised policy 7:300 for public review and comment as presented.

Additional information/comments were provided on the following:

● These policies were reviewed with the Board HR/Policy Committee and are from the latest issue of PRESS.

MOTION

Member Long moved, Member Blatner seconded to approve the Policy Posting Consent Agenda as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.

ACTION ITEMS

#1 - Approval of the Resolution to Adopt the FY26 Budget

The Illinois School Code, ch. 105, ILCS 5/17-1, requires the Board of Education to adopt an annual budget within the first quarter of each fiscal year (by September 30). A 30-day public inspection period and a public hearing must precede the budget adoption. The FY26 tentative budget has been available for public inspection since July 9, 2025, and a public hearing was held on August 13, 2025.

The final FY26 Budget document to be filed with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Regional Office of Education was attached to the board item. The ISBE Budget Form includes activity accounts as now required. Changes from the Tentative Budget will be reviewed with the Board at the meeting. The operating budget is balanced for the 16th year in a row.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Services, Dr. Brian O’Keeffe, provided an overview of the FY26 Final Budget, which included the final budget changes. There was additional information on the following:

● Budget Presentation Outline

○ Budget Background Information, Historical Audited Financial Information, FY26 Final Budget Highlights, FY26 Financial Summary - All Funds, FY26 Financial Summary - Operating Funds

● Budget Calendar

○ Began in January 2025 with the authorization to prepare the FY26 Budget and will end tonight with the approval of the FY26 Final Budget

● FY26 Budget Posting

○ Publication of Public Hearing posting in local newspaper (Daily Herald); FY26 Tentative Budget document on display at the School Service Center (SSC) and online at www.cusd200.org

● CUSD 200 BOE Policies Guiding FY26 Annual Budget

○ 4:10 - Fiscal and Business Management, 4:20 - Fund Balances, 4:152 - Capital Renewal Funding - Sherman Dergis Methodology

● Operating Fund Balance History (FY15-FY24)

○ Fund Balance by fund and percentage for CUSD200 - Funds 10 (Educational), 20 (Operations & Maintenance), 40 (Transportation), and 70 (Working Cash)

● FY26 Budget Priorities - Vision 2026

○ Academic Excellence Strategies - Implement learning acceleration strategies and programming, Design and implement a balanced assessment system, Develop implementation resources aligned with our Portrait of a Graduate (POG), Expand programming to prepare students for full range of post-secondary opportunities, Develop a comprehensive professional learning program and support system for staff, Support the social and emotional needs of students

○ Operational Excellence Strategies - Address facilities projects identified in the Facilities Master Plan, Maintain strong fiscal health of organization, Develop and maintain robust technology systems, Engage community on an ongoing basis to determine its priorities, foster partnerships and promote learning; Hire, develop, and retain diverse, high-quality staff; Maintain and enhance a positive organizational culture

● CUSD 200 Methods of Accounting

○ Cash Basis Accounting (used for budget and in the IVisions financial system) and Accrual Basis Accounting (used for AFR and all financial statements)

● CUSD 200 Budget Funds

○ Funds 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70

● Revenue Sources

○ Local Sources (Property Taxes, CPPRT, Fees, Interest Income, Food Service), State Sources (Evidence-Based Funding, Special Education Private Facility

Reimbursement, Pupil Transportation Reimbursement, Drivers Education

Reimbursement, Career & Technical Education Improvement), Federal Sources (Title Grants, IDEA Grants, Medicaid Reimbursement, CTE/Perkins Grants)

● Expenditure Types

○ Salaries, Benefits, Purchased Services, Supplies, Capital Outlay/Construction, Other Objects, Non-Capitalized Equipment, Termination of Benefits, Provision for Contingencies

● FY26 Final Budget Highlights - Changes

○ Revenues - small decrease in Fall 2025 levy collections, and increases in CPPRT, interest earnings, and state transportation reimbursements

○ Expenditures - increase in salaries and benefits, and a decrease in purchased services

● Revenues by Source - All Funds

○ Includes Local, State, and Federal sources of revenue; does not include other source of funds - $7.08 million transfer from Operations & Maintenance to Capital Projects funds

● Expenditures by Type - All Funds

○ Includes Salaries & Benefits, Purchased Services, Supplies, Capital Outlay/Construction, and Dues/Fees/Tuition/Other expenditures; Does not include other source of funds - $7.08 million transfer from Operations & Maintenance to Capital Projects Funds

● All Funds Summary

○ Revenues, Expenditures, and the Difference Totals for All Funds

○ Reflects the Sherman Dergis Transfer to Capital Projects Fund, as well as the Middle School Debt Proceeds

● Revenues by Source - Operating Funds

○ Includes Local, State, and Federal sources of revenue

○ All funds excluding: Bond & Interest, IMRF/Social Security, and Capital Projects

○ Proposed Revenue Allocation by Source (Property Taxes - 78%, Other Local - 7%, Evidence-Based Funding - 6%, Federal Revenue - 5%, Other State - 4%)

● Expenditures by Type - Operating Funds

○ Includes Salaries & Benefits, Purchased Services, Supplies, Capital Outlay/Construction, and Dues/Fees/Tuition/Other Expenditures

○ All funds excluding: Bond & Interest, IMRF/Social Security, and Capital Projects

○ Does not include Other Expenses: $7.08 million transfer from Operations & Maintenance to Capital Projects Funds

○ Proposed Expenditure Allocation by Object (Salaries / Benefits - 66% / 10%, Purchased Services - 14%, Supplies and materials - 5%, Other Objects - 5%)

● Year-Over-Year Operating Budget Comparison

○ Operating Revenues and Expenditures for FY25 vs. FY26

○ Percent Change

● Operating Budget Summary

○ Revenues and Expenditures and the Difference totals for funds 10, 20, 40, 70

○ Reflects the Sherman Dergis Transfer to Capital Projects Fund

There were comments and/or questions on the following:

● There is nothing statistically significant from the tentative budget to the final budget.

● The fund balance policy aligns with the operating budget. It is based on revenues from funds 10, 20, 40, and 70—the working cash fund compared to total revenue. Aware that the Board’s fund balance range per policy 4:20 is between 25-40%.

● Wheaton TIF #3 - expecting to receive $2 million for our share of the surplus disbursement.

● CPPRT - the FY26 budget matches the FY26 Illinois Department of Revenue Projections, reflecting an approximate $102,000 increase in revenue from the tentative budget.

● The main change on the education side involved our costs for FY25. A larger reimbursement request was submitted to the state of Illinois for our expenses from the previous year. Some of this is due to timing issues related to when bills are received and paid. There is still some uncertainty about the exact nature of the reimbursements from a proration perspective, but a target has been set that is believed to be higher than what was initially estimated in the tentative budget. Proration percentages are both the key factor and the unknown.

● On the expenditure side, higher expenses for salaries and benefits are balanced by lower costs for purchased services.

● Looking at the overall All Funds Summary, it may seem like a budget shortfall, but the main reasons are the transfer of revenue or funds specifically from fund 20 to fund 60 to cover all Sherman Dergis capital work this summer. Additionally, there was a transfer of cash into the capital projects fund to cover any middle school capital project expenses this year.

● Sherman Dergis' transfer of funds and how that process works in the budget.

● Interest earnings from the first debt issuance, the debt service fund, and the legal requirements for each.

● Time stipulations regarding arbitrage.

● Appreciation for all the presentations and opportunities to ask questions during the budget process, and noting the many iterations the team, finance committee, and board go through during it.

It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the resolution to adopt the final FY26 Budget as presented.

MOTION

Member Hjerpe moved, Member Ebbesen seconded that the Board approve the resolution to adopt the final FY26 budget as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.

ORAL REPORTS

#1 - Middle School Capital Project Update

Mr. Michael Dolter and Mr. Carl Giometti of Perkins & Will, the senior project architects for the middle school capital projects, provided the Board of Education with an update and PowerPoint presentation on the projects. This included information on the following:

● Agenda: Project Overview, Construction Update, Design Update, Budget Update, Open Discussion

● Project Overview - Project Schedule, Sequencing

○ A 3-Issuance Approach - Issuance 1 (Enabling Work at Monroe and Franklin), Monroe Standard Classrooms; Issuance 2 (Building Additions & Associated Projects at all 3 Schools); Issuance 3 (Bulk of Work at all 3 Schools)

○ Project Timeline - Includes Design, Bidding, BOE Approval, Permitting, Construction, Project Closeout, and Design Budget Review for all 3 Issuances

○ Construction Phasing - Overall Strategy (Approach to how the buildings are going to be constructed over the course of the next couple of summers) - Balanced

Construction Efforts, Net Zero or Net Positive total number of Classrooms year-by-year, Clear understanding of what will be available after each summer, Maintain building systems operation as needed

○ Construction Phasing - Edison Overview (Edison Phasing Focus by Year: 2026 - Classrooms, LLC, Main Office, Music, Exploratory Labs, PE, Courtyard; 2027 - Classrooms, Auditorium, Science, Cafeteria)

○ Construction Phasing - Franklin Overview (Franklin Phasing Focus by Year: 2025 - Enabling Work; 2026 - 7th/8th Classrooms, LLC, Main Office; 2027 - PE Facilities, Auditorium, Science, 6th Grade, Cafeteria, Exploratory Labs)

○ Construction Phasing - Monroe Overview (Monroe Phasing Focus by Year: 2025 - Classrooms; 2026 - Science, Commons, PE, LLC; 2027 - Exploratory Labs, Essentials, Art, Main Office)

● Construction Update - Issuance 1 - Monroe / Franklin; Issuance 2 - Monroe / Franklin

○ Issuance 1 & 2 Design Scope - Edison (Building Addition > Gym Expansion); Franklin (Enabling Projects; Building Addition > Performing Arts Classrooms); Monroe (Classroom Renovations; Enabling Projects; Building Addition >

Performing Arts Classrooms, Theater

○ Construction Progress - Monroe - Issuance 1 (Temporary PE Locker Room, Interim Room Wayfinding Signage, Classroom Renovations)

○ Construction Progress - Franklin - Issuance 1 (Rerouted Interior Corridors, Temporary North Stair, New North Entry Stair & Ramp)

○ Construction Progress - Franklin - Issuance 2 (Excavation for New Addition, Temporary West Stair)

○ Construction Progress - Monroe - Issuance 2 (Preparation for Building Addition, Stormwater Management Improvements)

● Design Update - Issuance 3 - Edison / Franklin / Monroe

○ Issuance 3 Design Scope - The Presentation will Focus on the following: Edison (LLC Improvements, Auditorium Upgrades, Exploratory Labs); Franklin (LLC Rebuild, Auditorium Upgrades, Exploratory Labs); Monroe (Essentials Upgrades, LLC Improvements, Exploratory Labs)

● Design Update - Library Learning Centers - Edison / Franklin / Monroe

○ Library Learning Center - Monroe (Updated design features: Maker Space, Display, Circ Desk, Soft Seating/Reading, Movable Stacks & Soft Seating, Storage, Workroom, Small Group Rooms, and Flexible Group Space/Presentation, Collaboration Spaces, Improved Daylight Access, and Circulation Position)

○ Example Maker Space Finishes - Franklin

○ Library Learning Center - Edison (Updated design features: Small Group Rooms/Spaces, Workroom, Soft Seating/Reading Space, Stacks, Flexible Group Space/Presentation, Storage/Class Novels, Makerspace, Display, Circulation Desk, Collaboration Spaces, Improved Daylight Access, and Circulation Position)

○ Library Learning Center - Franklin (Updated design features: Flexible group Space, Stacks, Work Room, Small Group Room, Learning Stair/Presentation Gathering & Instructional Space, Soft Seating/Reading, Central Circulation Position/Desk, Makerspace, Courtyard/Outdoor Learning, and Collaboration Spaces)

● Design Update - Auditorium Improvements - Edison / Franklin (a refresh from both a functional and aesthetic standpoint)

○ Franklin / Edison Middle Schools - Auditorium Renovation - Axonometric (Features Follow-spots in Control Room, In-house Mix Position, Lighting Truss, Full Seat Replacement & Revised Seat Layout, and Wheelchair Positions at Front and Rear of House)

○ Franklin / Edison Middle Schools - Auditorium Renovation - Rendering from House (Features Replacement Seating, Updated Finishes & House Lighting, and Updated Theatrical Lighting & Sound)

● Design Update - Essentials Program - Monroe (one of the key pieces was making sure the space was as open and inviting as possible)

○ Monroe - Essentials Program (Updated design features: Classrooms, Toilets, Sensory Nooks & Rooms, Life Skills Lab, OT/PT, Social Worker, Speech Pathologist, and Shared Conference Room)

○ Monroe - Essentials Program - Life Skills Lab (Featured Residential Scale, Accessible Kitchen Stations, Accessible Laundry Station, and Flexible Classroom Space)

● Design Update - Exploratory Labs - Edison / Franklin / Monroe

○ Exploratory FACS Lab - Representation from Monroe (Features Residential Scale, Accessible Kitchen Stations, Flexible Power, and Flexible Classroom Space)

○ Exploratory SHOP Lab - Representation from Monroe (Features Project, Material, & Equipment Storage, Sliding Whiteboard Walls, and Flexible Classroom Space)

○ Visual Arts - Representation from Franklin (Features Project, Material, & Equipment Storage, and Flexible Classroom Space)

● Budget Update

○ CUSD 200 - Middle School Improvements - Global Budget Assessment

○ Includes Construction Costs, CM Fee Structure, for Project Issuances 1, 2A/2B, and 3; and Total All-In Estimated Costs as of 9.9.25

There was additional information on the following:

● Recap and forecast timeline: completed the first phase of work on the middle schools this summer; work related to the second bid issuance (including the new additions and some enabling work) is in progress; we are moving toward the third and final bid issuance (scheduled for October). The goal is to have the third bid issuance in October and all work under contract by December. The second debt issuance is planned for January, and we aim to have the parameters resolution for this before the board in November.

● Tonight’s update will provide a high-level overview of the phasing and some of the work involved. Additionally, an update will be given on our current status regarding the global budget.

● Significant effort has gone into the design and construction since the last presentation to the Board in April. There have been many discussions and efforts to ensure the right people are involved at the right time.

● Have been working with both local and regional regulatory agencies, as well as utilities, to ensure they are informed of ongoing activities. The permitting and zoning processes for all projects moving forward with this are also underway.

● Franklin - the new north entry ramp and stairs, which will be part of the permanent construction, were expedited to ensure the north entry provides an accessible route for students into the building.

● There is a significant amount of work to be done at each of the three middle schools throughout Issuance #3.

● Library Learning Centers - much of the focus on the design has been on the flexible use of space, defining zones within those areas, and bringing natural light into as many of the core spaces as possible.

● Maker spaces - flexible areas that can be used by various classes; resource spaces that can be utilized by different classes, clubs, and more.

● Monroe Essentials Life Skills Lab - collaborating closely with the instructors to ensure it fulfills all their needs and remains a valuable program space for the long term.

● Front entries - all three are being renovated for both functionality and aesthetics.

● A feasibility study was conducted for the Franklin entryway to determine what work would be needed to preserve the arch and its location. It was found that there were significant masonry and electrical issues that would require ongoing investment, as well as challenges related to the configuration of that piece in making an accessible entrance to the main entrance. The plan is to remove the archway and restore the original entry to the building, add a new accessible ramp, create a gathering space in front of it, and extend the stairs. This will provide a much more welcoming front entrance to that space.

● The Global Budget Assessment is an estimate, and there are many moving parts in this process. The largest part of the total budget has not yet been finalized in terms of actual costs, as the bids for Issuance #3 are not due to go out until the end of October, will be submitted in November, and will go to the Board for final approval in December. The figures are based on the best cost estimate from two weeks ago for Issuance #3.

● Each project has contingency funds allocated to cover unforeseen issues during construction. Any unused contingency funds return to the District.

● Construction management costs or fee structure are based on total construction costs. As construction costs decrease (meaning we don’t use contingency), those dollars decrease similarly.

● Construction management reimburseables - the same applies here as with contingencies. If it is not used or spent, it goes back into the project.

● Although the total estimated all-in costs appear to be about half a million dollars over budget, the main remaining issue to understand is Issuance #3. The District is confident that the current plans and the authorized spending limit of $151.5 million represent the maximum amount we will actually spend.

There were comments and/or questions on the following:

● The construction phasing line drawing for Monroe omits the addition, and there was a request to correct that.

● How staff are managing living amid construction - The team has made their best effort to coordinate with the school building teams. The most intensive work this summer was at Monroe; the site supervisor for construction and Principal Huetteman kept in regular contact. This is a typical challenge of construction projects like this, and the building staff has handled it well.

● Stormwater management improvements at Monroe are expected to resemble the space on the north side of the football field — a wetland-type area with tall grasses in a dry bottom space.

● Have been working with Comm Ed and the Wheaton Park District on relocating the transformer at Monroe and coordinating the crossover time for all utilities so that service is not interrupted when students are in the building.

● The process for gathering input from the users of the spaces and how we have been able to replicate it for the various spaces included in the upcoming issuance three. Noted the series of different meetings that took place during the spring semester and over the summer for each of the spaces. This process will continue to ensure the spaces meet the needs of the staff. Surveys and responses will be collected from the Monroe classrooms that were renovated this summer.

● Is there any feedback on Monroe spaces that have been touched, suggesting what could have been done differently, and how to apply this going forward, and are there any adjustments needed to go back and handle afterward? It is early in the process, and there are still some modifications to be made, such as updating the light fixtures and controls. It was suggested to live in the space for a while before making further changes.

● Accessibility - the LLC at Franklin and access to the second floor—an elevator will be installed across from the maker space to provide access to the upper-level LLC.

● The evolution of Library Learning Centers - The bookshelves will have wheels, allowing the space to be reconfigured. Do not want to provide a fixed space. Power in the LLC space - there have been lengthy discussions on this, and as much as possible, we want to avoid providing power on the ground due to the long-term challenges involved. Instead, we aim to supply power from the perimeter whenever feasible.

● Examples of allowances approved to date for Issuances #1 and #2 include modifications to the AV that was assigned for the classrooms and adjustments to the final skylight fabrication elements.

● Why the allowance percentage for Issuance #3 is smaller than Issuances #1 and #2 - noted that it is a specific percentage of the estimated construction cost. However, Issuance 2A and 2B had more unknowns, and the percentage was higher.

● Furniture, security cameras, projectors, and monitors—this total is close to the original estimate in the plans. Furniture costs and potential manufacturer discounts depend on the number of spaces to furnish and equip in Issuance #3.

● The second debt issuance and whether it will bring us to $151.5 million in proceeds, considering all the unknowns. This is being reviewed with the finance committee through various scenarios. We will have the bid results for Issuance #3 before finalizing the parameters for debt issuance #2. This will become clearer in the coming weeks and months.

● Monroe skylights and how that work will be completed without disrupting the learning environment - Based on the timeline, there is a good chance they will be installed over winter break.

#2 - Vision 2026 Human Resources Department Update

Annually, the CUSD 200 Human Resources Department shares with the Board of Education the work the Department has completed during the school year. The annual updates were shared with a connection to Vision 2026 in the Operational Excellence Strategies: Hire, develop and retain diverse, high-quality staff.

Mr. Matt Biscan, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, gave the Board an update and shared a PowerPoint presentation. He presented the data from the 2024-2025 school year on hiring, leaves of absence, student teachers, guest teachers/substitute teachers, micro-credentials, FOIA's, graduate course work processing, retirements, and permissive transfers. This included information on the following:

● Human Resources Department (HRD) Duties

○ Talent Acquisition, Retention, and Development

○ Initial Contact for Interested Job Applicants

○ Entry Point for All New Employees

○ Verify Licensure, State Reporting, Evaluation, and Staffing

○ Support the Vision and Mission of CUSD200

● HR Snapshot (2024-2025)

○ Total New Hires - 481

○ New Guest Teachers - 141

○ Leaves of Absences - 187

○ Resignations - 361

○ Lane Changes - 184

○ Assignment Changes - 1,052

○ Service Award Recipients - 105

○ FOIA Requests - 79

○ Micro-Credentials - 828

○ Student Teacher Observations - 138

○ Permissive Transfers - 208

● Recruitment and Selection

○ Virtual Job Fair, Social Media Campaigns, Student Teacher Partnerships, IASA Job Posting Site, IASBO Job Posting Site, Interview Stream, Indeed, LinkedIn, Introduction to Teaching Course

● Retention of Staff

○ Competitive Compensation and Benefits, New Teacher Mentor Program, Focus on Culture, Morale Survey Data, Stay Interviews, 5Essentials Data

○ Monthly Guest Teacher Orientations, Welcomed Nearly 90 Certified Staff Through New Hire Induction Program, In-District Leadership Training

Open Session Minutes – September 10, 2025 Page 10

● Progress In Focus Areas to Begin the 2025-2026 School Year

○ Fully Staffed Special Education Certified Positions, Overall More Teaching Assistant Positions Filled, Contracted Teaching Assistants Reduced From 42 to 25

○ Sharing Our Story Through Media, Implementation of the New CEA Contract, Contacting Introduction to Teaching Candidates, CEA Stay Interviews, Integration of AI to Enhance the Sharing of Information Within our District

● Staffing Totals

○ Certified Staff - 2022 (1160), 2023 (1172), 2024 (1148), 2025 (1164), 2026 (1179)

○ Classified Staff - 2022 (476), 2023 (428), 2024 (434), 2025 (444), 2026 (443)

○ Administration - 2022 (56), 2023 (58), 2024 (59), 2025 (59), 2026 (59)

○ Retirements for 24-25 - Certified (30), Classified (16), Administration (2)

● Vision 2026 Strategic Plan

○ Mission and Vision, Portrait of a Graduate, Academic and Operational Excellence Strategies

There was additional information on the following:

● The job of the Human Resources Department is to make sure they support the buildings in hiring, retaining, and developing the best people possible who can make an impact on our students.

● Assignment changes can be for a number of different reasons - including coaching, those teaching a new class, those moving to a new building, etc.

● 19% of the District’s full-time teaching staff have engaged in the microcredential process.

● There were 42 student teachers in the district last year, and 20 were hired for roles in our district.

● Virtual job fairs are a great way to get exposed to a lot of candidates (75-80 candidates) in a short period of time.

● Interview Stream is an in-house screener that asks candidates three questions when they fill out an application for a job in our district (1- How did you choose your field of study? 2- Describe the type of teacher who has created the most beneficial learning setting for you, and 3- What is your ultimate goal in your career?)

● We are four years past the first class that completed the Intro to Teaching classes at both high schools. There is a plan to contact those students to remind them they have the opportunity to interview for a job they are certified for.

● In-District Leadership Training — new this year, offered to WWEA and CEA, and designed for those interested in leadership. It was developed based on feedback received.

● Integration of AI to enhance the sharing of information - Developing a model that provides HR with information on frequently asked questions. This will free up the HR team's time, enabling them to spend more time face-to-face with people providing assistance as needed.

● The increase in certified staff from 2025 to 2026 includes more special education staff, multilingual learner staff, and additional grade-level sections at the elementary schools.

There were comments and/or questions on the following:

● Stay interviews, and how long has this process been in place?

● Headcount and directionally where we are based on the number of new hires, resignations, retirements, and contract/temp staff.

● Having more in-house than contracted workers this year.

● Permissive transfers - refer to the number of students who have applied for a permissive transfer.

● Student Teachers - the obstacle is that there are fewer student teachers available; some issues noted were timing and whether the student lives in the area.

● Retention rate for CUSD 200 is approximately 93% and how this compares with our peer districts.

● Intro to Teaching students - could see some candidates as early as the next school year (2026-27).

● To help children see themselves in their educators, is there anything new since last year’s update that we are doing to retain and hire staff who reflect our community? Continue building relationships with students in our schools so they are more likely to return.

● Love the idea of sharing stories to showcase us as a district. Noted the fourth-grade Whittier team, who spoke at tonight’s meeting as an example. Another example is the number of district teachers who are products of our school district. Appreciate the focus on stay interviews and district culture.

● Macro trends and supply of teachers in the last few years - it will be a few more years before we can quantify a trend. The number of students in higher education state schools or programs in the education field has decreased overall. Noted that the licensure board in Illinois is considering some adjustments that will make it more difficult for people coming from out of state. This could negatively affect the supply of candidates from outside the state.

BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

Board Facilities Committee

The Board Facilities Committee met on September 4, 2025. The meeting notes were attached to the agenda item. There was additional information on the following:

● Member Long noted the bulk of the meeting discussion was on the facility updates.

● Had a general discussion about sponsorships. Noted the board has policies regarding both sponsorships and naming rights. We will review some facility master site plans, so this may be a topic to revisit later.

● Solar projects - this is something the District was considering just before the pandemic. Will plan to review this more thoroughly in the coming months.

Board Finance Committee

The Board Finance Committee met on September 3, 2025. The meeting notes were attached to the agenda item. There was additional information on the following:

● Member Hjerpe noted there was discussion on the budget and interest earnings, which were covered earlier in tonight’s meeting.

● There was discussion recapping the first bond sale and talking about the second bond issuance.

● Topics for future discussion include the fund balance policy (due to the shifts in revenues and expenditures and how this impacts the percentage, which is dropping), and cash flow analysis.

Board HR/Policy Committee

The Board HR/Policy Committee met on August 21, 2025. The meeting notes were attached to the agenda item. There was additional information on the following:

● Member Kulovits noted the committee reviewed the latest PRESS Issue 119. The revised policies to consider were approved to be posted for public review on tonight’s agenda.

● There were also policies reviewed during the PRESS five-year review and monitoring process. Reminder that the HR/Policy committee reviews policies every five years to ensure they align with current practices.

REPORTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS

Board members noted visits to and participation in the following:

● Adopted School Visit to Lincoln

WRITTEN REPORTS

Monthly Financial Reports

FOIA Report

Board Communication Log

Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Report

Teacher, Administrator, and IMRF Compensation Reports

TOPICS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION

Middle School Capital Projects Update

State of the Schools Overview

Illinois State Report Cards

● Follow up on the request to schedule a board self-evaluation session with IASB. There has been a conversation about potential dates and topics. More information will follow.

NEXT REGULAR MEETING

October 8, 2025, 7:00 PM, Wiesbrook Elementary School

ANNOUNCEMENTS

September 13, 2025 - Coffee with the Board, 9:00 AM, School Service Center

September 24, 2025 - 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)

MOTION

Member Kulovits moved, Member Rutledge seconded to adjourn the meeting to closed session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1). Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0. No action was expected following the closed session.

The meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 9:16 PM.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

There being no further business to come before the Board in Open Session, Member Long moved, Member Hjerpe seconded to adjourn the meeting. Upon a voice call being taken, all were in favor. The motion carried 7-0.

The meeting adjourned at 10:02 PM.

https://cusd200public.ic-board.com/Attachments/00f7b113-5fc4-4eb1-a5c0-c8afd0151228.pdf