A recording from tonight’s meeting will be available on the District 54 YouTube channel after it has finished processing.
Call to Order
Public Comment
No one asked to speak.
Recognition
The School Board recognized 37 employees who have given 25, 30 or 35 years of service to District 54.
Click here for a complete list of honorees.
Administrative Report – McKinstry Strategic Planning Partnership
District 54 administration is recommending partnering with McKinstry, a national facility operations management and consulting company, to conduct an assessment of all District 54 buildings, in order to develop comprehensive capital maintenance and replacement plans. This process would entail a walkthrough of all facilities, a complete description of each building’s systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, building envelope, interiors, fire and life safety, surfaces and conveyance); the determination of the remaining life of each system and its components; and identification of any major building and maintenance deficiencies as well as the recommended methods for repairing/replacing equipment and the associated costs. It would also include an interactive Capital Planning Dashboard that would assist us in managing our capital assets.
Administrative Report – Spring School Improvement Updates
In District 54 we know how important it is for our students and staff to reflect on their academic and social emotional goals in order to monitor their building, team and individual progress. We prioritize time each fall for teacher leaders and building administration to come together to collaboratively develop strategic plans to ensure we are achieving our board goals.
School Improvement Process
In the fall, winter and spring our school administrators present to cabinet their school’s progress toward the three District 54 goals, the school’s SMART goals created at the Data Retreat, and the school’s work around our District 54 projects. Across each of the 90 days, guiding questions are utilized by teams to evaluate their progress toward the SMART goals. These opportunities to meet with Cabinet foster an ongoing improvement cycle that has led to adjustments and improvements in curriculum, collaboration, assessment and program implementation at both the school and district level. The district focuses on comprehensive approaches and programming to ensure the success of the whole child, and promotes a sense of belonging for students, staff and families through various systems and practices. Each spring we reflect as a district, and in each of our schools, to monitor the academic and social emotional progress of our students.
SEL Task Force Update
In District 54 we know that every interaction matters and that the classroom is a child’s first community. The district has implemented a guaranteed and viable Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum, developed collaboratively by more than 100 staff members, to meet the diverse needs of all students and ensure consistent delivery across all schools. SEL plays a critical role in promoting safety, well-being, belonging, and engagement while reducing bullying and isolation. This spring, the SEL Task Force came together again to reflect on the monthly themes, the SEL weekly lessons, student-led opportunities, additional resources and the support provided through ongoing professional development and instructional resources. These reflections allow for District 54 to provide consistency across all grades and reinforce concepts in various settings. The task force also discussed Senate Bill 2872 regarding relaxation activities for students in the classroom, such as stretching, quiet time, mindful-based movements and yoga. These activities are already part of the district curriculum. Schoolwide SEL is emphasized to create caring learning environments and actively engage all students and adults in practicing and modeling SEL.
Student Leadership
District 54 is engaging student voice and leadership through various initiatives, including Student Ambassadors and the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). Student Ambassadors, comprised of select seventh- and eighth-grade students, build strong relationships within the school community, act as student leaders, and contribute to creating a positive school environment. They model kindness and positivity, which builds confidence and agency amongst the student body.
The YAC, consisting of 12 eighth-graders, further enhances student leadership by planning a districtwide community service project, expanding empathy, and developing leadership skills. Both programs aim to create connections with feeder schools, implement belonging strategies, and provide leadership opportunities for students. This year the YAC students planned a districtwide community service project that supported the American Cancer Society, an organization that impacts many of our families. All schools created opportunities for their students to come together to plan, fundraise and celebrate their collective efforts to raise money for a common cause. District 54 raised more than $62,000 and a representative from the American Cancer Society attended the board meeting to thank the district.
Three of the student ambassadors shared their perspectives on the role they played in their schools. They also shared how being a student leader has impacted them. As one student said, “being in the student ambassador program helped me hone my leadership skills and this is a year I will never forget.”
Freedom of Information Act Requests
District 54 received and replied to two Freedom of Information Act requests since the last report to the Board related to food services and transportation contracts and proposals.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the following items on the Consent Agenda.
- Minutes of the regular and closed session Board of Education meetings on April 17, 2025
- Minutes of the Reorganizational Board of Education meetings on May 1, 2025
- Resignations, leaves, retirement, employment and re-employment of personnel
- Checks dated April 4 and 17, 2025
- The treasurer’s report on cash and investments for March 2025
- The monthly update of revenues and expenditures for March 2025
- The treasurer’s bond for the 2025-26 fiscal year
- The parent-paid student accident insurance plan for the 2025-26 school year
- The 2025-26 workers’ compensation insurance policy
- The purchase of technology licensing and support from Seesaw, ParentSquare, TEACHTOWN, Dell Pro Interactive Monitors, Conen Mounting Kits and Palo Alto Cortex security
Board President’s Report
Board President Nick Scipione expressed gratitude for all the individuals who organized and participated in so many wonderful events the past month including the PTA Scholarship Dinner, the Rocket Launch, the Battle of the Books and the Special Olympics Unified Sports Day. He also congratulated the employees retiring this year and the eighth-grade students graduating on May 27.
DCAC Report
Board Members Barbara Hengels and Bob Kaplan reported that the District Citizens’ Advisory Committee heard a presentation about the Special Olympics program in District 54. DCAC also elected officers for next year, with Kent Perry returning as chair and Valerie Jakobi as vice chair.
D54 Foundation Report
Board Member Bob Kaplan announced that the D54 Foundation Golf Outing is sold out, but sponsorships are still available. The Foundation is also hosting a Dine to Donate event with McAlister’s Deli on May 21. All funds raised are used to support the District 54 Food Pantry and Families in Crisis Fund.
New Business
- The Board approved expenses for Board Members Mary Kay Prusnick and Debbie Schmidt to attend the COSSBA (Consortium of State School Boards Associations) annual conference.
- The Board Policy Committee brought the following policies for a first reading:
- 6:235 – Acceptable Use of the Internet
- 7:180 – Prevention and Response to Bullying
- 7:20 – Harassment of Students Prohibited
- 7:310 – Restrictions on Publications, Elementary Schools
- 7:395 – Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- The Board approved revisions to the following policies:
- 5:340 – Employment of Employee’s Relatives
- 5:360 – Staff Protection-Incident Reporting
- 7:130 – Student Rights and Responsibilities
- 7:140 – Student Searches
- 7:190 – Student Behavior
- The Board approved the retirement of policy 5:40 – Employees with Chronic Infectious Diseases.
- The Board approved a contract with Gordon Flesch Company for a districtwide copier lease for 60 months beginning with the 2025-26 school year.
- The Board appointed Alissa Carey as the Principal of Hoover Elementary School for the 2025-2026 school year.
Announcements
Board members congratulated the former District 54 students who received scholarships at last night’s PTA Scholarship and Recognition dinner.
Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 8:41 p.m. to enter closed session for employment/appointment matters.
