FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189

4 Monday, February 23, 2026 FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 REGULAR MEETING East St. Louis School District 189 Administration Building 1005 State Street East St. Louis, IL 62201 12:00 p.m. URL: http://go.boarddocs.com/il/est189/Board.nsf 1. Call to Order Subject A. Roll Call Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 1. Call to Order Type Procedural FOP Chair will call the meeting to order. File Attachments 2. PRAYER Subject A. Prayer Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 2. PRAYER Type File Attachments 3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Subject A. Adoption of Agenda Giving the Oversight Panel Chairperson Discretion to Take Agenda Items Out of Order. Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Type Action, Procedural Recommended Action Motion to Approve the Agenda. File Attachments 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS Subject A. Public Comments - A request to speak form to address the Financial Oversight Panel must be submitted 30 minutes prior to the time the meeting is scheduled to convene Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS Type Information, Procedural File Attachments 5. PRESENTATIONS / RECOGNITIONS Subject A. Recognitions Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 5. PRESENTATIONS / RECOGNITIONS Type Information, Recognition, Report Students Shine in Annual District Spelling Bee The annual district-wide Spelling Bee took place at East St. Louis Senior High School on January 29, 2026, where students showcased their impressive spelling skills. Their commitment to excellence and their ability to perform under pressure reflect not only their individual determination but also the strong support of their teachers, families, and schools. We c ongratulate this year’s top spellers: 3rd and 4th Grade Round Winners: 3rd Place: Terrance Sawyer, Avant Elementary 2nd Place: D'Aysia Scott, Dunbar Elementary 1st Place: JoSunda Lister, Younge School of Excellence 5th and 6th Grade Round Winners: 3rd Place: Olivia Johnson McNeely, Younge School of Excellence 2nd Place: Asha Taggert, Avant Elementary 1st Place: Makayla Washington, Mason/Clark Middle 7th and 8th Grade Round Winners: 3rd Place: Devin Westbrook, Lincoln Middle 2nd Place: Aden Mumphard, Younge School of Excellence 1st Place: Kenzel Webber, Younge School of Excellence Student Named Essay Contest Winner East St. Louis VFW Post 3480 has selected Dalyla Rodgers, a 7th-grade student at Younge School of Excellence, as the district winner of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. This distinguished honor recognizes her outstanding writing and thoughtful reflection on civic values. She received a certificate and monetary award for her achievement, and her essay will now advance to the state-level competition. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and wish her continued success as she represents our community. High School National Honor Society Earns Service Project Grant The East St. Louis Senior High School National Honor Society has been awarded a National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Service Project Grant in support of their Community Baby Shower initiative conducted in late January. This student-led project provided diapers, clothing, blankets, and other essential baby items to families in need. The initiative reflects the chapter’s strong commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and character while making a meaningful impact within our community. We commend the National Honor Society students for earning this competitive grant and for translating student leadership into real community impact. Holiday Assistance Brings Vital Resources to Families During the holiday season, School District 189 families once again benefited from critical community support through the 100 Neediest Families Program, coordinated in partnership with United Way and carried out by our district social work and counseling team. This initiative delivered direct financial assistance to hundreds of families, with many also receiving holiday gifts and additional monetary support after their stories were highlighted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch . Specifically, 315 families received financial assistance or gifts, a nearly 100 count increase over the previous year. These families received an estimated value of more than $10,000 in donated resources, many of whom were facing urgent challenges. A second check distribution occurred in February, where several families received additional stipends to assist with utility bills as well as rent or mortgage payments. Beyond meeting immediate needs, this collective effort reinforced a powerful message of compassion, dignity, and shared responsibility across our community. Overall, the 100 Neediest Program has shown strong growth, increased reach, and meaningful impact across the district. The rise in cases served and the level of financial and community support demonstrate the program’s importance and effectiveness in meeting the needs of vulnerable families. We would especially like to recognize Catrice Johnson, Social Worker at Gordon Bush Alternative Center, for her leadership in coordinating this initiative. Overall, the effort ensured that families in East St. Louis felt supported, valued, and uplifted during the holiday season. File Attachments February 2026 Recognitions.pdf (499 KB) 6. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT'S STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL Subject A. Reports/Updates: Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 6. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT'S STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL Type Information, Report File Attachments 7. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Subject A. Reports/Updates: Superintendent Arthur Culver Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 7. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Type Information, Report File Attachments 8. DISTRICT BUILDING & GROUNDS REPORT Subject A. Report/Updates: Joseph Haskell, Director Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 8. DISTRICT BUILDING & GROUNDS REPORT Type Discussion, Information, Report File Attachments 9. DISTRICT FINANCE REPORT Subject A. Report: Delfaye Jason, Chief School Business Official Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 9. DISTRICT FINANCE REPORT Type Information, Report File Attachments 10. ISBE REPORT Subject A. Report/Update: Michael Gum, ISBE Division Administrator Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 10. ISBE REPORT Type Information, Report File Attachments 11. EXECUTIVE SESSION Subject A. Motion to Enter to Executive Session. A closed session in accordance with the Illinois Open Meeting Act (5 ILCS 120/2(c)) will be necessary to consider one or more of the following subjects: 120/2(c)(1) Employee appointments, employments, compensation, discipline, performance, dismissals or dismissal of specific employees, and complaints; 120/2(c)(2) Collective Negotiating Matters; 120/2(c)(5) Property Acquisition/Lease/Purchase; 120/2(c)(8) Security Procedures; 120/2(c)(11) Litigation; 120/2(c)(21) Closed Meeting Minutes Discussion/Review Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 11. EXECUTIVE SESSION Type Action, Procedural Recommended Action Motion to Enter to Executive Session under the exceptions set forth in the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2) as follows:.............................. A closed session in accordance with the Illinois Open Meeting Act (5 ILCS 120/2(c)) will be necessary to consider one or more of the following subjects including: 120/2(c)(1) Employee appointments, employments, compensation, discipline, performance, dismissals or dismissal of specific employees, and complaints 120/2(c)(2) Collective Negotiating Matters 120/2(c)(5) Property Acquisition / Lease / Purchase 120/2(c)(8) Security Procedures 120/2(c)(11) Actual/Potential Litigation 120/2(c)(21) Closed Meeting Minutes Discussion/Review File Attachments 12. OPEN SESSION Subject A. Motion to Reconvene in Open Session. Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 12. OPEN SESSION Type Action, Information, Procedural Recommended Action Motion to Reconvene in Open Session. File Attachments 13. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS Subject A. Buildings and Grounds Committee Report Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 13. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS Type Information, Report Attached you will find the respective Committee Report(s). File Attachments 1BG FEB 2026.pdf (716 KB) Subject B. Joint Curriculum & Policy Committee Report Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 13. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS Type Information, Report Attached you will find the respective Committee Report(s). File Attachments 2A_3A_Minutes_Curriculum Reports_02.03.26.pdf (915 KB) Subject C. Finance Committee Report Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 13. INFORMATIONAL REPORTS Type Information, Report Attached you will find the respective Committee Report(s). Any financial item needing approval has been identified and will be found in either the Consent Action Agenda or the Action Agenda for FOP approval. File Attachments Finance Meeting Minutes -2.10.26.pdf (331 KB) 14. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Subject A. Regular Meeting of February 3, 2026 Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 14. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Type Action, Minutes Recommended Action Motion to approve the minutes as presented. The FOP will approve the minutes as presented. The minutes will be made public within 10 days of passage of this motion. File Attachments 15. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Subject A. Finance Items: Part B - H - Treasurer's Report, Part B - Board Bills $4,667,810.32, Payroll $3,930,982.96, Credit Card $62,096.50, Payroll Wire Transfers $2,717,987.72, A/P EFT's $2,633.41, W/C Claims $57,785.49, Part C Miscellaneous Cash Receipts $858,739.42, Part D Athletics $9,437.99, Part E Monies Returned and Miscellaneous Payments $0.00, Part F Open A/P $0.00, and Part H Overtime $51,350.51, for Month of January 2026 Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 15. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type Action (Consent), Discussion, Report Recommended Action Approval of District Finance Items - Parts B - H Part B - Board Bills January- $4,667,810.32; January Payroll $3,930,982.96; Credit Card $62,096.50; Payroll Wire Transfers $2,717,987.72; AP Wire Transfers $2633.41; W/C Claims $57,785.49 Part C - Miscellaneous Receipts $858,739.42 Part D - Athletic Activity - $9,437.99 Revenue, $; Expenditures = ($) Net Part E - Money Returned from Expense Checks & Misc Payments $0.00 Part F - Projected Open Accounts Payable Un-Restricted $0.00 Part F - Projected Open Accounts Payable Necessary Unpaid $0.00 Part G - No Report Part H - Payroll Overtime $51,350.51 File Attachments 1F. Finance Committee Meeting Report ending January 31, 2026.pdf (4,211 KB) January 2026 Payroll.pdf (4,192 KB) Subject B. Approval of Payment of Invoices for Legal Services from Becker, Hoerner & Ysursa, P.C. for the Month of January in the Amount of $3,612.47 Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 15. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type Action (Consent), Discussion Recommended Action Approval of payment of the invoices for legal services from Becker, Hoerner & Ysursa, P.C. for the month of January in the amount of $3,612.47 File Attachments Subject C. Approval of the proposal from Missouri Floor to provide emergency gym floor replacement at East St. Louis Sr. High School. Cost: $246,800 Source: Insurance (Travelers) Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 15. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type Action (Consent), Discussion Recommended Action Motion to approve the Superintendent's recommendation Addendum 2.2.26 2BG. Approval of the proposal from Missouri Floor to provide emergency gym floor replacement at East St. Louis Sr. High School. Cost: $246,800 Source: Insurance (Travelers) File Attachments FEB 2BG [addendum] A326037 Missouri Floor Emergency Quote.pdf (1,275 KB) Subject D. Approval of Professional Development Requests and Addendums. Approximate Cost $309, 881.60 Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 15. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type Action (Consent), Discussion Recommended Action Approval of Professional Development Requests and Addendum(s) as presented. Approximate Cost: $309, 881.60 File Attachments 4A_5A_Minutes_Curric Prof Dev_02.03.26.pdf (245 KB) Subject E. Approval of Field Trip Requests and Addendums. Approximate Cost $17,104.00 Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 15. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type Action (Consent), Discussion Recommended Action Approval of Field Trip Requests and Addendums. Approximate Cost $17,104.00 File Attachments 6A Minutes_Curric Field Trip Reqs_02.03.26.pdf (14 KB) 16. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Subject A. Approval of Personnel Report/Addendums and Contracts. Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 16. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type Action, Discussion, Report Recommended Action Motion to Approve the Personnel Report - Employments, Separations, Contracts & Addendums. File Attachments Subject B. Approval of Curriculum Action Items 7.A List and Addendums. Approximate Cost: $1,134,987.51 Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 16. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type Action, Discussion, Report Recommended Action Motion to Approve the Curriculum Action Items 7.A List and Addendums. Approximate Cost: $1,134,987.51 7.A. Action Items: Consider approval of an agreement with Playworks for structured recess programming at all elementary schools. Cost: $68,260.00 Funding Source: Project AWARE Consider approval of an agreement with Tyrus Armour to provide musical recording therapy to students at Bush, Lincoln, and JDC. Cost: $12,500.00 Funding Source: Project AWARE Consider approval of an agreement with Cartwheel Health Services to provide telehealth therapy. Cost: $23,437.50 Funding Source: Project AWARE Consider approval of an agreement with Kerengende Foundation to provide safe touch and/or healthy relationship workshops to all schools. Cost: $20,000.00 Funding Source: Project AWARE Consider approval of an agreement with Savvas Learning Company for district wide kindergarten-4th grade curriculum resource materials to include textbooks, teacher guides, additional practice books, differentiation library resources, and digital licenses. Cost: $344,066.25 Funding Source: Curriculum Department Consider approval of an agreement with Amplify Desmos for district wide 5th grade-8th grade curriculum resource materials to include textbooks, teacher guides, center kits, manipulatives, and digital licenses. Cost: $384,183.76 Funding Source: Curriculum Department Consider approval of the contract for JTC, Inc. to provide transportation for seven (7) students to/from school per the IEP. Cost: $26,000.00 Funding Source: District Funds-Special Education Transportation (Previously Approved May 2025-Cost Increase ) Consider approval of the revised contract with Cope Care Services, LLC to provide supplemental door-to-door services for students with disabilities for SY 25-26. Cost: $25,000.00 $60,000.00 Funding Source: District Funds-Special Education Transportation Requested by: K. Hughes Consider approval of an agreement with Amplify Desmos for district wide 5th grade-8th grade professional development. Cost: $69,400.00 Funding Source: Curriculum Department Requested by: R. Huff Consider approval of an Independent Contractor Agreement with Ta’Shayla Montgomery, Legacy Roots Dance Ensemble to provide culturally grounded dance instruction to students after-school. Cost: $2,000.00 Funding Source: IL Arts Council Grant Consider approval of an Independent Contractor Agreement with Community Performance Ensemble to provide percussion instruction to students after-school. Cost: $3,600.00 Funding Source: IL Arts Council Grant (Previously Approved July 2025-Cost Increase ) Consider approval of the revised contract with EMT to provide supplemental transportation services for students during the SY 25-26. Cost: $50,000.00 $100,000.00 Funding Source: District Addendum 2-10-26 Consider approval of a contract with Kimberly Hopkins for Consultative Services for the Special Education Department between February 2, 2026 and June 30, 2026. Cost: $30,000.00 Funding Source: District Funds Revised Total: $1,134,987.51 File Attachments 7A Minutes_Curric Action Items_Addendum Revised 02.12.26.pdf (117 KB) 7A. 1 Agreement with Playworks (1).pdf (416 KB) 7A. 2 Agreement with Tyrus Armour (1).pdf (176 KB) 7A. 3 Agreement with Cartwheel (1).pdf (660 KB) 7A. 4 MOU Agreement with Kerengende Foundation (1).pdf (584 KB) 7A. 5 Agreement with SAVVAS Learning Company.pdf (934 KB) 7A. 6 Agreement with Amplify Desmos (1).pdf (1,563 KB) 7A. 7 Contract with JTC, Inc (1).pdf (805 KB) 7A. 8 Contract with Cope Care Services, LLC (1).pdf (177 KB) 7A. 9 Agreement with Amplify Desmos-Prof. Dev. (1).pdf (1,354 KB) 7A. 10 Contract Agreement with TaShayla Montgomery, Legacy Roots Dance Ensemble (1).pdf (432 KB) 7A. 11 Contract Agreement with Community Performance Ensemble (1).pdf (588 KB) 7A. 12 Contract with EMT (1).pdf (261 KB) 7A. 13 Independent Agreement-K. Hopkins 2-10-26.pdf (257 KB) Subject C. Approval of the East St Louis School District 189 Deficit Reduction Plan Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 16. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type File Attachments ESTL SD189 Deficit Reduction Plan 2.17.26.pdf (1,396 KB) Subject D. Approval to Read All Resolutions by Reading of Heading Only Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 16. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type File Attachments Subject E. Approval of Resolution Declaring the Intention to Issue not to Exceed $29,000,000 Working Cash Fund Bonds for the Purpose of Increasing the Working Cash Fund for the District, and Directing that Notice of such Intention be Published in the Manner Provided by law Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 16. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type Action, Discussion Recommended Action Motion to Approve the Superintendent's recommendation File Attachments Resolution of Intent -Issuance $29M Working Cash Fund Bonds 2.17.26.pdf (326 KB) Subject F. Approval of Worker's Compensation Settlement Agreement(s). Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 16. APPROVAL OF ACTION AGENDA ITEMS (February 17, 2026 Board of Education Meeting) Type Action, Discussion Recommended Action Motion to Approve Worker's Compensation Settlement Agreement(s) as discussed in Closed Session. File Attachments 17. OLD BUSINESS Subject A. Old Business Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 17. OLD BUSINESS Type File Attachments 18. NEW BUSINESS Subject A. New Business Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 18. NEW BUSINESS Type Action, Discussion Recommended Action Motion to Approve File Attachments 19. ANNOUNCEMENTS Subject A. Meeting Dates: March 23, 2026; April 27, 2026; May 26, 2026; June 22, 2026 Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 19. ANNOUNCEMENTS Type Information File Attachments 20. ADJOURNMENT Subject A. Motion to adjourn the meeting. Meeting Feb 23, 2026 - FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL FOR EAST ST. LOUIS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 189 Category 20. ADJOURNMENT Type Action Recommended Action Motion to Adjourn the Meeting. File Attachments