McLean County Times

McLean County Unit School District 5 Board of Education met March 19.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

Public Session Minutes

A McLean County Unit District No. 5 Board of Education meeting was held Wednesday, March 19, 2025, beginning at - 6:30pm (Sign up for public comments will be open from 5:15pm - 6:15pm) at the Normal West High School, 501 N Parkside Rd, Normal, IL 61761.

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Members present: Mark Adams, Kentrica Coleman, Stan Gozur, Kelly Pyle, Amy Roser, Alex Williams, Jeremy DeHaai. Members absent: None.

2. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION (5:45p.m.)

At 5:45pm Coleman moved and Pyle seconded to adjourn to closed session to discuss the following matter according to the exceptions provided in the Open Meetings Act and specified as follows:

•2(c)(1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity and

•2(c)(2) Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees and

•2(c)(10) The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students and

•2(c)(11) Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.

Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle, Roser, Williams, DeHaai. Nays: None. Motion carried.

3. RECESS

At 6:09 pm the Board recessed to public session.

4. RETURN TO PUBLIC SESSION

At 6:30 pm Coleman moved and Pyle seconded to return to public session.

Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle, Roser, Williams, DeHaai. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Also present: Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle, Assistant Superintendent Michelle Lamboley, Chief Financial Officer Martin Hickman, Attorney for the District M. Curt Richardson, Director of Human Resources Heather Rogers, Executive Director of Operations Joe Adelman, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Kristal Shelvin, Director of Communications/Community Relations Dayna Brown, Clerk of the Board Emily Sargent.

5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

6. FOCUS ON STUDENTS AND GOOD NEWS REPORTS

A Good News - EJHS Chess 6th, 7th, and 8th IESA Team Place Finishers

Martin-Boyd presented the EJHS Chess team who had the most successful showing at the IESA state tournament. EJHS had 8 bronze medalists, 2 silver medalist, 1 shared gold medal.

B Good News - EJHS Cheer 5th place finish at State Cheer Competition

Martin-Boyd presented the EJHS Cheer team who earned many 1-3rd place finishes. This is the first year that eJHS has had a competive cheer squad.

C Good News - Those Who Excel Winners

Brown presented winners of Those Who Excel. Unit 5 received one of the highest number of awards in the state. We are thankful for their dedication to our students and community.

7. SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS

Dr. Weikle celebrated that we are just a couple of days away from spring break, and said the last couple of weeks have been incredibly busy. Over the last week she had the opportunity to see first hand the talent and dedication of our students, staff, and community, from thoughtful discussions at the Citizens Advisory Committee and the lively energy of Jazz Night to the creativity of students at the Normal West fashion show, and the moving choral concert. But, even with all of that, she said she can't think of a better way to begin tonight's board than by celebrating the incredible students and staff of Unit 5. Tonight's Good News Reports are a small sample of the talent, dedication, and contributions across the district.

We are always looking for ways to honor our staff members for their incredible work. Earlier this month we recognized School Social Workers Week, a time to celebrate the vital role these professionals play in our schools. They foster relationships with students and families, advocate for student needs, and support social emotional growth. Unit 5 is fortunate to have such dedicated professionals making a difference in our district.

Even though it is only March, we are looking ahead and preparations for the 2025-26 school year are underway. Hiring, scheduling, and summer projects are in progress. Online registration opens March 31st, and now includes integrated residency verification for a more streamlined process. Families can find registration information on the Unit 5 website.

Tonight, the Board will be asked to approve the adoption of Illustrative Math as the new elementary and junior high math curriculum. This recommendation follows a pilot across various grades and schools. Illustrative Math aligns with best practices outlined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

We are quickly approaching the April 1 election, where McLean County voters will be asked to consider a 1% sales tax to support all public schools throughout the county. She provided a brief overview of what the question on the ballot entails. Presentation

She did take a moment to address today's severe weather and the decisions that impacted student transportation. As always, the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.

We had been monitoring the weather all day and the situation escalated quickly from a tornado watch to a tornado warning just after buses had departed from schools. Due to the immediate threat, we made the decision to pause drop-offs and, in some cases, redirect buses to safe locations. This was done out of an abundance of caution to ensure that students were not exposed to dangerous conditions.

In emergency situations like this, our priority is always to follow safety protocols designed to protect students and staff. Once the tornado warning expired, bus drop-offs resumed as quickly and safely as possible.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigated this fast-moving storm. We also want to extend our gratitude to our bus drivers and staff, who acted swiftly to keep students safe.

Finally, a reminder that Unit 5 will be on Spring Break March 24-28.All of our offices and schools will be closed during this time. Students will return on Monday, March 31. She wished students, staff, and families a safe and enjoyable break.

8. PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments

9. REPORTS

A Grading and Reporting Practices

Lamboley and the curriculum team presented grading and reporting practices throughout the district. Instruction is deisnged om standards set by the State Board of Education. The district began using SBG for numerous reasons such as provigin focus on learning, providing specific feedback related to learning targets, etc.

o At an elementary level, a task force met from May 2024 to March 2025. The feedback that was received from both staff and families was to continue using SB instruction and assessment, continue ratings at the standard level that demonstrates student progress and keep the 4 point scale. Outcomes and recommendations from the elem. Task force was to keep the 4pt scale, revised the rubrics to reduce subjectivity, and create a teacher resource guide. For reports, teachers will be required to provide rating for standards at each trimester. In 25-26 there will be 3 report cards instrad of 2 progress and 1 final. There was also a family and caregiver resource guide and IC video created.

o At the middle school level, a task force met from May 2024 to December 2024. The feedback that was received from both staff and families was to continue using SB instruction and assessment, continue ratings at the standard level that demonstrates student progress. Outcomes and recommendations from the middle school task force was the implement grading principles as determined by the task force for the 25-26 school year. For reporting, to continue with current reporting practices for the 25-26 school year. More time is needed to make decisions as any changes to campus gradebook requires significant work. They will reconvene on these items.

o At the high school level, a task force met from May 2024 to December 2024. The feedback that was received from both staff and families was to continue using SB instruction and assessment, continue ratings at the standard level that demonstrates student progress. Outcomes and recommendations from the high school task force was the implement grading principles as determined by the task force for the 25-26 school year. For reporting, to continue with current reporting practices for the 25-26 school year. HS teachers are working within their departments.

o Overall, elementary uses a 4pt scale (1-4), middle school uses a 4pt scake (0-4), and high school uses a 5pt scale (0-5).

o The curiculum directors will communicate to families by providing resoucese at all levels, having videos to show how to access Infinite Campus at all levels, and communicate in multiple ways such as back to school nights, newsletters from principals, etc.

B 1st Reading of Board Policies, Administrative Procedures and Exhibits

1 Section 7 - Students

a. Policy 7.60 Residence

b. Policy 7.70 Attendance and Truancy

c. Policy 7.190 Student Behavior

d. Policy 7.200 Suspension Procedures

e. Policy 7.210 Expulsion Procedures

f. Policy 7.250 Student Support Services

g. Policy 7.255 Students who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence

h. Policy 7.330 Student Use of Buildings - Equal Access

i. Administrative Procedure 7.250-AP2 Prot. for Responding to Students with Soc., Emot., or Mental Health Problems

j. Administrative Procedure 7.255-AP1 Supporting Students who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Sexual or Domestic Violence

k. Administrative Procedure 7.255-AP2 Complaint Resolution Proc. for Students who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims

I. Exhibit 7.200-E1 Student Short Term Suspension (1-3 Days) Reporting Form

m. Exhibit 7.200-E2 Student Long Term Suspension (4-10 Days) Reporting Form

n. Exhibit 7.210-E1 Notice of Expulsion Hearing

C Requests for Information Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act The District has received and processed the following requests for information:

1 FOIA List - 03.19.2025

D Field Trips/Overnight Trips

Dr. Weikle presented to the board the following overnight trip requests to inform the Board.

1 NCWHS Boys Tennis Team

2 NCHS Future Business Leaders of America

10. CONSENT AGENDA

Weikle reviewed and recommended the following consent agenda items for approval

A Approval of Minutes

Minutes are not released for public viewing until approved by the Board of Education

B Personnel Matters

C APPROVE RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 5, MCLEAN AND WOODFORD COUNTIES, ILLINOIS, DISMISSING A FINAL YEAR NON-TENURED TEACHER FOR REASONS OTHER THAN A REDUCTION- IN-FORCE

D Payment of Bills and Payrolls

1 Bills & Payroll reports

E Approve Finance Department Reports

1 January 2025 Financial Statements

F Approve Board Policies, Administrative Procedures, and Exhibits

1 Section 1: School District Organization

a. District Philosophy and Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Commitments

2 Section 2: Board of Education

a. Administrative Procedure - Title IX Sexual Harassment Response

b. Administrative Procedure - Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Grievance Process

c. Exhibit - Title IX Sexual Harassment Glossary of Terms

d. Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedure

e. Board Member Oath and Conduct

G Approve Requests for Authorization to Use Fire Prevention and Safety Funds

1 Prarieland Amendment #16

2 Northpoint Amendment #18

H Approve SmartNet Renewal & Networking Equipment Upgrades Funded By E-Rate

I Approve Student Activity Dissolution

J Approve Colene Hoose Water Service Replacement Bid Recommendation of Award

K Approve Elementary Math Curriculum Adoption

L Approve Middle School Math Curriculum Adoption

M Approve IHSA Membership for H.S. and IESA Membership for Jr. High

N Approve Agreement for Lacrosse Cooperative Team Sponsorship

O Approve Donation Request

Coleman moved and Williams seconded to approve the consent agenda as presented.

Roll Call: Ayes: Adams, Coleman, Gozur, Pyle, Roser, Williams, DeHaai. Nays: None. Motion carried.

11. BOARD REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND COMMENTS

Adams mentioned that on May 4th, there will be the Ed Fund 5K. He encouraged everyone to register and support.

Roser gave an update on the safety committee

Williams shouted out Eagles nation for all their students and staff that were recognized in combination with the other staff that were recognized. He encouraged the public to educate themselves on the 1% sales tax question that will be on the April 1st ballot.

Coleman congratulated all those recognized during good news and wished the district a nice spring break. There is a beyond the books meeting tomorrow. They are still in need for board members for the upcoming school year. She thanked Curt Richardson for all of his work with policy committee.

Pyle congratulated the Those who Excel nominees and winners. She wished everyone a well deserved spring break and an opportunity to rest.

Gozur thanked all those who participated in the citizens advisory council. He encouraged all to participate if they are intereseted.

DeHaai congratulated all that were reconized in the good news reports. He mentioned that the facilities team has saved 1.2 million dollars.

12. ADJOURNMENT

The Board adjourned at 8:19 pm

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/CustomMinutesForMeeting/1482?meeting=677817