February 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM - Burnham ESD 154.5 School Board Meeting
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A. Call to Order
Speaker(s):
Board President
Description:
President Uribe calls this meeting to order.
I would like to call the meeting to order at: We have a quorum present with: |
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B. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
All
Description:
Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance
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C. Questions/Comments from the Public
Speaker(s):
Board President
Description:
We have come to the item on the agenda for Public Comment. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person. At this time, the Board President will call on those who have requested to make Public Comments. Please understand that the Board will not respond to comments made during Public Comment but may direct the Superintendent to address the matter at a later time. |
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D. Presentation of Agenda Items
Speaker(s):
Superintendent
Description:
Mr. Geraci will present the Agenda items.
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E. Adoption of Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President
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F. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes
Speaker(s):
Secretary
Description:
Approval of Board Meeting Minutes
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G. Financial Report
Speaker(s):
Board President
Description:
The School Board Financial Report provides an overview of the district’s current financial status, including revenues, expenditures, and fund balances.
The Secretary will read the Treasurer's Report (Cash Balance for each fund) as of January 31, 2026: |
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H. Administrator Report
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The administrator’s report provides a concise overview of key developments within the school district, incorporating updates from both the principal and the superintendent. The principal’s report highlights school-level activities, student achievement, staffing, and day-to-day operations, while the superintendent’s report addresses district-wide initiatives, policy matters, and strategic priorities. Together, these reports offer a comprehensive snapshot of current progress, challenges, and upcoming plans.
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H.1. Principal Report
Speaker(s):
Mrs. Pozdzal
Description:
The Principal’s Report provides the Board of Education with an overview of current instructional initiatives, student achievement data, school culture updates, and day-to-day building operations.
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H.1.a. ISBE Recognizes Outstanding Educators Through 2026: Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year Awards
Description:
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with our Burnham Elementary School family. As part of the ISBE 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards, the Illinois State Board of Education has recognized our very own Mrs. Ann Porras, 6th Grade Teacher, with an Award of Meritorious Service.
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H.2. Superintendent's Report
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The Superintendent’s Report provides the Board of Education with a comprehensive update on district-wide operations, strategic initiatives, and leadership activities. This report ensures alignment between Board goals, district priorities, and day-to-day implementation.
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H.2.a. MWRD/Greenprint Partners - Asphalt Demolition and Repaving - Boiler Room Area
Description:
The administration is recommending approval to demolish and repave a small deteriorated section of asphalt located adjacent to the school building near the boiler room. This area has experienced surface degradation and cracking and presents potential long-term maintenance concerns. Given that construction crews and equipment are currently mobilized onsite for ongoing exterior improvements, completing this work at this time is operationally efficient and cost-effective. Addressing the asphalt section now will prevent further deterioration, reduce future repair costs, and improve safety and accessibility in this service area. This work is not included in the current grant-funded project scope and will be funded through the District’s Operations and Maintenance budget, pending Board approval. |
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H.2.b. Johnson Controls Inc.
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
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H.2.c. ISC 4 Compliance - Health Life Safety Report
Description:
The Health/Life Safety Report provides the Board of Education with an update on the District’s compliance with state and regional safety requirements to ensure a safe, secure, and code-compliant learning environment for all students and staff.
The purpose of the Health/Life Safety Report is to ensure transparency, maintain compliance with state mandates, protect student and staff well-being, and proactively address any facility or procedural concerns before they become larger issues. Burnham 154.5 has had no incidents for the past seven years! |
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H.2.d. School Maintenance Program Grant
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The School Maintenance Project Grant (SMPG) is a state-funded matching grant program administered by the Illinois State Board of Education to assist school districts with the repair, renovation, and improvement of existing school facilities.
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H.2.e. Additional Allocation of School Improvement Funds
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has upwardly amended fiscal year 2026 Title I, Part A, Section 1003 Continuation School Improvement Grant allocations to eligible Local Education Agencies (LEAs). All schools currently in improvement status based on their initial designation on Report Card 2022, 2023, or 2024, will receive an additional allocation of $10,000 plus additional dollars based on the district’s evidence-based funding ratio and the school’s student count. In addition, schools serving newcomers will receive additional funds depending on their newcomer enrollment count.
We will need to amend our implementation year grant to conform to the increased budget amount. |
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H.2.f. Facilities Operations Program: Essentials of Custodial Operations
Description:
The IASBO Facilities Operations Program: Essentials of Custodial Operations is a professional development program offered by Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) designed to strengthen the knowledge and effectiveness of school custodial and facilities staff. This program provides foundational training in best practices for maintaining safe, clean, and efficient school environments. Topics typically include:
Participation in this program supports district goals related to health/life safety compliance, operational efficiency, and maintaining high-quality learning environments. It also reinforces professional growth and capacity-building within the District’s facilities team. |
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H.2.g. FOIA requests
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The FOIA Report provides the Board of Education with a summary of requests received under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and the District’s response to those requests.
The purpose of the FOIA Report is to promote transparency, demonstrate compliance with statutory timelines, and keep the Board informed of public records activity affecting the District. |
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I. Old Business
Description:
Old Business includes items previously discussed or introduced at earlier Board meetings that require further review, action, or follow-up. This section allows the Board to address unresolved matters, consider updates, and make decisions based on continued discussion or additional information.
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J. New Business
Description:
New Business includes items being presented to the Board for the first time. This section allows for the introduction of new topics, proposals, or initiatives for discussion, consideration, and possible action.
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J.1. McKinney Vento Transportation
Description:
Under this law, school districts must ensure that students experiencing homelessness have access to a free, appropriate public education, including transportation to and from their "school of origin" when it is in the student’s best interest.
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J.2. Scentworks K9 Services
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
Scentworks K9 is a professional K-9 detection services provider that partners with schools, businesses, municipalities, and organizations to enhance safety through proactive screening and deterrence. Their highly trained detection dogs and experienced handlers specialize in identifying the odor of prohibited substances and materials with accuracy and discretion.
Our intent is to use these services in response to bomb threats and for random narcotics inspections. |
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J.3. Burnham Brotherhood
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The Burnham Brotherhood will be a structured mentorship and leadership development program designed to support young men in grades 5-8 through character-building, academic accountability, positive peer relationships, and strong adult mentorship. Aligned with our district’s commitment to Building Extraordinary Students, this program will create a safe and empowering space where young men develop confidence, responsibility, resilience, and leadership skills. |
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K. Closed Session
Speaker(s):
Secretary
Description:
The Board will convene in Closed Session, as permitted under the Illinois Open Meetings Act, to discuss confidential matters including personnel, collective bargaining, student discipline, litigation, and other topics legally exempt from public discussion.
*Secretary — please ensure that the closed session is being recorded. |
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L. Personnel
Description:
The Personnel section includes recommendations and actions related to district staffing, including employment, appointments, resignations, leaves, assignments, and other personnel matters necessary to support district operations and student learning.
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M. Adjournment (ACTION REQUESTED)
Speaker(s):
Board President
Description:
Adjournment marks the official conclusion of the School Board meeting after all scheduled business is completed.
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N. Next Board Meeting: March 19, 2026
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