A recording from tonight’s meeting will be posted to the District 54 YouTube Channel once it has finished processing.
Call to Order
The Board meeting was called to order at 7 p.m.
Public Comment
No one asked to speak.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
- HYA Corporation Presentation
With Superintendent Andy DuRoss announcing his retirement in June 2027, the School Board invited HYA, a superintendent search firm, to the meeting to share a proposal for selecting the district’s next leader.
- Cook County Property Tax Bill Delay
Cook County property tax bills that are normally due on August 1 were not even sent to taxpayers until Nov. 15, with a Dec. 15 due date. The delay was due to the county upgrading its computer systems this year. School districts had to issue tax anticipation warrants to pay their bills. District 54 has only received 2/3 of expected collections to date. District 54 incurred $485,042 in interest costs, $48,500 in issuance costs and an estimated $1.5 million in lost interest earnings. A group of Cook County administrators have been collecting this data and prepared a resolution for school boards to adopt to try to better inform the County Board of the impact of the delays. The District 54 Board will consider the resolution at its next meeting in February.
- Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Participation
The administration outlined the logistical considerations and costs should District 54 join the IESA. The sports being considered at this time are cross country and track & field beginning next fall for each of our junior high schools and Lincoln Prairie. This will be brought to the School Board for a possible vote in February.
Freedom of Information Act Requests
District 54 received and replied to nine Freedom of Information Act requests since the last report to the Board, related to law firm invoices, purchasing records, reports of misconduct/abuse/assault, employee information, the masonry bid, vendor contracts and communication/contracts with the Qatar Foundation.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the following items on the Consent Agenda.
- Minutes of the regular Board of Education meeting on December 11, 2025
- Minutes of the special open and closed session Board of Education meeting on December 16, 2025
- Resignations, leaves, termination and retirement of personnel
- Checks dated December 12 and 19, 2025
- The treasurer’s reports on cash and investments for November 2025
- The monthly update of revenues and expenditures for November 2025
- Contracts for roofing replacement at Fairview and masonry work at various schools
President’s Report
Board President Nick Scipione thanked students, staff, families and community members, who participated in charitable events during the holiday season. He also congratulated the District 54 Grizzlies Special Olympics Teams who participated in three different regional competitions in the past week – snowshoeing, alpine skiing and basketball, where one team qualified for the state championship basketball tournament in March. Scipione reminded everyone that Mead is hosting its annual history fair on Feb. 5 and the district’s Multicultural Fair will be held on March 7.
D54 Foundation Report
Board Member Jim Pye reminded everyone to save the date for the Foundation’s Golf Outing June 8 and Run to Read on Sept. 27, 2026. These events help support the four District 54 food pantries, as well as the Foundation’s Crisis Funds, which have both seen an increase in families requesting support.
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New Business
- The Board appointed representatives to the District Citizens’ Advisory Committee.
- The Board approved Nicholas & Associates as the construction manager for summer 2026 renovation work.
- The Board approved expenses for board members who attended the Illinois Association of School Boards Conference.
- The Board approved an agreement with HYA Corporation to conduct a superintendent search.
Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 8:10 p.m. to closed session for the semi-annual review of minutes of closed session-meetings and for employment/appointment matters.
