December 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Description:  The Board of Education will be presented with a first reading for Board Policies that should be implemented. 
 

Description:  As we shared in the last memo, the ELC is continuing to look at all of our systems that we currently use. Frontline has been used for many years, but there have not been improvements to the overall system. Frontline is also very expensive for each module.

Ann started looking at the hiring system and reached out to other HR directors asking for recommendations. Ann did demos and brought a recommendation to cabinet to make the change to Red Rover for the hiring process. This system is more robust and is a cost savings to the ELC. 

Description: 

We have received a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) from CT Mills, representing Public Info Access LLC. The request seeks the most current records that list all active employees within our school district. This request encompasses the following fields:

• Full Name
• Title/Position
• Work Email Address
• Work Location (School Name or Central Office)

In response, the required data has been compiled and submitted in accordance with FOIA guidelines.  

This request has been fulfilled within the required timeline, and the submitted documentation reflects accurate and up-to-date employee information.

Description: 

-Staffing Update: 

Round of Applause — This month’s "Round of Applause" recognitions are attached for your review. The Round of Applause initiative is designed to highlight and celebrate exceptional employees across the ELC. Each month, administrators and cabinet members identify staff members who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, teamwork, or performance and share their names with Human Resources.

Human Resources then prepares a formal memo of appreciation for each recognized employee, acknowledging their contributions and the positive impact they have made.

This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to strengthen our organizational culture, promote authentic and meaningful feedback, and nurture strong connections between administrators and staff. By celebrating the great work happening throughout the ELC, we continue to build a supportive, appreciative, and engaged workplace community.

-Professional Development Update: 

• We are excited to welcome everyone to Institute Day on January 5th. A detailed description of the day was shared in the board memo document. 

-Parent Education Report: 

• On Friday, November 21st, District 128 and the Exceptional Learners Collaborative hosted the final workshop of 2025, focusing on the intersection of mental health and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Over 40 families and professionals attended the event to learn about available mental health supports for young adults with I/DD.
• Upcoming Event - January 2026- Building on the work of our 2025 series, we are excited to partner with The Arc of Illinois for an upcoming listening session. These sessions, which have been taking place statewide since late October, aim to hear directly from individuals with disabilities and their families to help shape the future of the I/DD system in Illinois. We will host this event on Friday, January 30th at the ELC.

ATTACHMENT: See December 2025 Parent Education Board Report

-ELC West Update:

• Throughout the school year, our staff participates in a variety of professional development opportunities offered at the building level. During the first semester of this school year, sessions occurred in the areas of assistive tech, behavior strategies, case management, motor coaching, IEP writing, and sensory processing. While the majority of these are led by the building administrators, there have been opportunities for a few of our staff members to lead these presentations as well. As we continue to grow our programming, we are excited to support the ongoing learning of all staff within our setting as we believe this then increases the overall success of our students within our classrooms. 

-Technology Update:

• As we approach the end of 2025, the Director of Technology is ensuring that all computers and iPads are updated to the latest supported operating systems and web browsers. Although Apple releases new operating systems in the fall, it is best practice to wait until major issues are resolved before deploying updates broadly. With winter break approaching, update commands will be sent to district devices during this low-usage period. Other systems will be reviewed and updated as necessary. 

-Facilities Update:

• Combined Roofing Services update regarding the 950-990 Roofing Project. At this time, the project is approaching—the 50% completion mark for the building.
  
  Recent weather conditions have significantly impacted progress. The roof is currently covered with approximately 2 inches of ice and an additional 3 to 4 inches of snow, creating unsafe working conditions. In addition, sustained cold temperatures have prevented the crew from resuming work, as the ballast has not had sufficient opportunity to thaw.
  
  With temperatures forecasted to remain unfavorable through the weekend, work is expected to remain paused in the short term. Weather permitting, Combined Roofing Services anticipates returning to the site by the end of next week to resume construction activities.

-Business/Finance Update:

• On December 11th, the District convened its monthly business managers meeting via Zoom with representatives from two of the three member districts. The meeting focused on a review of the November financial reports and continued coordination on shared financial planning efforts.

  Key discussion items included the impact of Fund 40 transportation expenditures on the FY26 transportation aid claim, particularly in light of the recent acquisition of two MFSA buses. The group also reviewed the Purchased Services — Overhead account, which is currently over budget. This variance is primarily attributable to the cost of a contractual TVI/O&M teacher secured through Soliant to meet instructional service needs.