Public Hearing
The School Board held a public hearing on the Board’s intent to issue not to exceed $70,000,000 or working cash bonds. No one asked to speak at the hearing.
Call to Order of Regular Business Meeting
Public Comment
One parent spoke about the Imagine IM math curriculum implemented this year and asked the board to monitor to ensure it’s a successful program for all students.
Administrative Report – 2026-27 Calendar, 2026-27 Conference Schedule and e-Learning Plan for 2025-27
Calendar
Superintendent Andy DuRoss shared key dates on the 2026-27 Calendar, which was approved later in the meeting. The District 54 calendar is developed collaboratively each year by the Schaumburg Education Association (SEA), Schaumburg Educational Employees’ Organization (SEEO) and the administration. The calendar includes several days for professional development, including an additional full-day building institute day on Jan. 4, 2027, the first day back from winter break, with students returning on January 5.
Conferences
To maximize the time staff and families have to connect about their students, the conference schedule has been adjusted for the 2026-27 school year. Student-led conferences will be held on the Wednesday and Thursday evening the week prior to Thanksgiving, allowing additional opportunities for working families to attend conferences. All District 54 schools will be closed the entire week of Thanksgiving, November 23-27, 2026, allowing families to spend time together.
E-Learning
In the fall of 2024, the District 54 School Board and North Cook Regional Office of Education approved a 3-year District 54 E-Learning Plan for use during emergency days. The current school year is set to end on Friday, May 22, 2026. Under this e-learning plan, only the first two emergency closures will be traditional cancellations. The last day of school would be no later than Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day). If District 54 has to cancel a third day, we will implement our e-learning plan and you will receive a communication explaining how to access e-learning virtually.
Administrative Report – Proposed Insurance Benefit Rate Increase for Calendar Year 2026
The Benefits Committee, comprised of union members, non-represented staff and administration, meets three times a year to review employee benefit plans. The committee has taken several strategic steps in recent years to control the rising costs of our health benefits, while ensuring our employees receive quality coverage. The Board voted on insurance rates later in the meeting. These rates included a 2-4% increase in paycheck premiums to keep up with the rising costs of insurances.
Administrative Report – Updates Related to Assessment, Academic and Whole Child Success
Assessment
In August 2025, the Illinois State Board of Education adopted new, research-informed, and right-sized assessment performance levels to provide families and educators more accurate data on academic achievement, aligned across all Illinois state assessments. The new performance levels have indicated an increase in District 54 students identified as proficient on state assessments. In addition, during the summer of 2025, NWEA updated their assessment norms on Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Fluency and MAP Growth, which District 54 uses to monitor literacy and mathematical skills. Teachers also utilize ongoing informal and formal assessments to monitor student progress.
Math Curriculum
In January 2025, the District 54 School Board approved the Origo Stepping Stones and Imagine IM Math curriculum for kindergarten through eighth grade. All District 54 teachers participated in training sessions to prepare for successful implementation of the new curriculum in August 2025, and continue to receive professional development. The 60-minute math block consists of numeracy, lesson activities, practice time, and lesson reflection. Students are engaged in hands-on learning, problem-solving activities and mathematical discourse.
EnCORE Curriculum
After a successful pilot in the fall of 2025, the enCORE curriculum is being implemented in specific special education classrooms. This curriculum provides differentiated and accessible instruction for students with significant learning challenges in the areas of literacy, math, social studies and science. The data collection and assessment tools embedded in the curriculum allow teachers to monitor student progress continuously through lessons and activities. To ensure successful implementation, teachers have participated in training and receive ongoing support from special education instructional coaches and their Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).
Whole Child Success
District 54 is committed to fostering student voice, agency and leadership development through impactful initiatives such as the Student Ambassadors and Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). The Student Ambassador program empowers our fifth- through eighth-grade students to become active participants in their school committees and develop skills for future success. The students facilitate belonging activities, lead assemblies and plan whole school fundraisers to give back to the greater District 54 community. The Youth Advisory Committee, which includes three eighth–grade ambassadors from each junior high school and Lincoln Prairie, was recognized at tonight’s meeting.
Freedom of Information Act Requests
District 54 received and replied to four Freedom of Information Act request since the last report to the Board, related to instructional contracts, technology and assessment software; the salary and hire dates of Rafferty Center employees; employee contact information; and administrator benefit information.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the following items on the Consent Agenda.
- Resignations, leaves, honorable dismissal, retirements, salary adjustment and employment of personnel
- Checks dated September 5 and 19, 2025
- The treasurer’s reports on cash and investments for August 2025
- The monthly update of revenues and expenditures for August 2025
- The purchase of technology equipment with licensing and support
President’s Report
Board President Nick Scipione thanked everyone who supported the Run to Read in September, which raised $15,000. Board members also attended the Elk Grove Parade, the Hoffman Estates Chamber Legislative Event, and a celebration of Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod’s 45 years of service to the village.
DCAC Report
Board Member Bob Kaplan reported that the District Citizens Advisory Committee had a presentation on the Lincoln Prairie Experience and addition. The committee also learned that Hanover Highlands Elementary and Mead Jr. High will both be receiving the Special Olympics Unified Banner recognition on Nov. 5 for creating inclusive environments at their schools.
D54 Foundation Report
Board Member Jim Pye reported the SEA/SEEO will host the third annual Craft and Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. November 8 at the District 54 Professional Learning Center to raise funds for the Foundation.
- New Business
- The Board Policy Committee brings the following policies for a first reading:
- 2:265 – Title IX Grievance Procedure
- 5:10 – Equal Opportunity Employment
- 5:20 – Workplace Harassment Prohibited
- 7:10 – Equal Educational Opportunities
- 7:185 – Teen Dating Violence Prohibited
- 8:30 – Visitors to and Conduct on District Property
- 7:60(a) – Proof of Residence
- 7:255 – Students Who Are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence
- 2:210 – Organizational School Board Meeting
- The Board approved the minutes of the regular and closed session Board of Education meetings on September 11, 2025.
- The Board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Schaumburg Education Association (SEA) and the Schaumburg Educational Employees Organization (SEEO) related to the use of cameras inside schools for safety purposes.
- The Board approved the Delta Dental and Vision Service Program insurance rates for calendar year 2026.
- The Board approved the long-term disability, life, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance rates for calendar year 2026.
- The Board approved the voluntary life insurance rates for calendar year 2026.
- The Board approved Symetra as the excess loss carrier for the district’s PPO Plan and Blue Cross Blue Shield for the district’s HMO Plan for calendar year 2026.
- The Board approved the medical insurance rates for calendar year 2026.
- The Board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Schaumburg Education Association (SEA) related to plan time.
- The Board approved the 2026-2027 Calendar.
- The Board approved the holidays for 12-month employees for 2026-2027.
Announcements
- Board members thanked the Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Rotary for their generous support of the District 54 Foundation through a $10,000 donation.
- The Early Learning Center held its Fall Fest for all students and their families.
- Hoover and the Schaumburg Park District dedicated the new playground at the school last month.
- Board members toured Lincoln Prairie and commented on the outstanding staff, students and facility they encountered.
Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 8:53 p.m. to closed session for employment/appointment matters and student matters.
