Call to Order
The Board meeting was called to order at 7 p.m.
RECOGNITION
Prior to tonight’s meeting, the School Board celebrated the 2025 Blue Apple Award Winners. The Blue Apple Awards honor two staff members from each District 54 school and the Rafferty Administration Center who embody The Core of 54 values: Academic Success, Belonging and Culture. These awards spotlight the exceptional staff who create welcoming environments, inspire academic growth, and contribute to a strong school culture.
At tonight’s meeting, the School Board recognized 14 students from seven District 54 schools who performed at the Illinois Music Educators Association Festival in November. To be selected for the ILMEA Junior Band or Orchestra, students had to audition by submitting a video of themselves performing. Eight of these students were also selected for the inaugural ILMEA Junior High All-State Orchestra in Peoria in January.
Public Comment
No one asked to speak.
Freedom of Information Act Requests
District 54 received and replied to eight Freedom of Information Act requests since the last report to the Board, related to purchase orders, contracts, disciplinary information, transcripts, employee training and legal bills.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the following items on the Consent Agenda.
- Minutes of the regular and closed-session Board of Education meetings on November 13, 2025
- Resignations and retirement of personnel
- Checks dated November 14 and 25, 2025
- The treasurer’s reports on cash and investments for October 2025
- The monthly update of revenues and expenditures for October 2025
- A resolution authorizing Attorneys Franczek P.C. to intervene in PTAB appeal proceedings for assessment year 2025
- A resolution authorizing Attorneys Franczek P.C. to intervene in tax objection complaint proceedings for assessment year 2025
- A contract for web design and hosting with Apptegy
- The destruction of the verbatim records of the closed-session School Board meeting held May 16 and 30, 2024, for which approved minutes already exist
President’s Report
Board President Nick Scipione announced that he received a letter from Barbara Hengels with her resignation, effective Jan. 7, 2026. Part of the letter, which he read, said, “I am proud to have been part of this board since June 4, 1997 as a champion for students. I have served with many distinguished board members, all who have put students first.”
He also celebrated some of the activities that have occurred in District 54 since the last board meeting, such as the PTA Reflections Showcase, the District 54 Grizzlies Special Olympics Pack the Stands game, Parent Conferences and today’s Mead Magnet Science Symposium.
District citizens advisory committee
Board Member Bob Kaplan reported that DCAC had a presentation from math teachers on the new math curriculum, which included an opportunity to participate in the same hands-on activities being used by students in the classroom.
D54 Foundation Report
Board Member Jim Pye shared that the Foundation has an ongoing fundraiser called THANKS – To Honor and Notice Kindness and Service. Fill out the THANKS Donation Form and a certificate will be sent to the person you wish to honor notifying them of the donation; or choose THANKS from the online donation form at d54foundation.org/donate.
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New Business
- The Board approved changes to the following policies
- The Board approved the purchase of a Ford F-350 utility vehicle.
- The Board approved the 2025 Certificate of Tax Levy.
- The Board approved a resolution authorizing the Cook County Clerk to reduce the education levy by 100% for any amount in excess of the limiting rate.
Announcements
- Board members and Superintendent Andy DuRoss all shared their gratitude to Barb Hengels for her service to District 54, calling her a mentor and an advocate for children.
- Former Board Member Charlotte Kegarise also shared her fond memories of serving on the Board with Barb.
- Barb Hengels in turn expressed her gratitude or being able to do this work and her commitment to ensuring student success. “It’s been such a pleasure working with the people in the district and all my colleagues.”
Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 7:51 p.m.
