Regular Meeting

4 Monday, September 8, 2025 Regular Meeting Round Lake Area School District - CUSD #116 Board of Education John T. Magee Middle School Cafeteria 7:00 PM 500 N Cedar Lake Rd. Round Lake, IL 60073 Phone: 847-270-9060 1. MEETING OPENING Subject A. Call Meeting to Order Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 1. MEETING OPENING Type Procedural The meeting was called to order at _______ p.m. File Attachments Subject B. Roll Call of Members Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 1. MEETING OPENING Type Procedural File Attachments Subject C. Pledge of Allegiance Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 1. MEETING OPENING Type Procedural File Attachments 2. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Subject A. Approval of Meeting Agenda Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 2. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Type Action, Procedural Recommended Action Motion to approve the agenda. File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to approve the agenda. Motion by Julie Lee, second by Peg Larson. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera Not Present at Vote: Scott Jewitt 3. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE BOARD Subject A. Enrollment Projection Study Presentation (Apgar) Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 3. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE BOARD Type Presentation File Attachments Enrollment Projection Study Presentation.pdf (1,071 KB) Enrollment Projection Study 2025 Final Report.pdf (1,333 KB) Long-Range Enrollment Projection Study Executive Summary.pdf (271 KB) Subject B. Review Contracts Under $1,000.00 Report - Nothing to report Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 3. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE BOARD Type Information File Attachments 4. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Subject A. Opportunities for Public Comment Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 4. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Type Information Members of the public may participate in Public Comment during Regular Board meetings by attending in person or by submitting an electronic public comment form. Please note that speakers are limited to three minutes. Electronic public comments will be accepted up until 12:00pm on the day of the scheduled regular meeting. The public commentor will be contacted to confirm identity. Once confirmed, the electronic public comment will be provided to all Board members in written form. A link to the electronic public comment form can be found below. Electronic Public Comment Form: Electronic Public Comment Formulario de Comentarios Públicos Electrónicos: Formulario de Comentarios Públicos Electrónicos File Attachments 5. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Subject A. Comments from Dr. Donn Mendoza Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 5. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Type Information File Attachments 09.08.25 Superintendent's Report.pdf (89 KB) 6. COMMITTEE REPORTS Subject A. Community Engagement Committee Update Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 6. COMMITTEE REPORTS Type Information File Attachments 7. APPROVAL OF OPEN MEETING MINUTES Subject A. Approval of Minutes of the August 19, 2025 Special Board Meeting - Expulsion Hearing Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 7. APPROVAL OF OPEN MEETING MINUTES Type Action, Minutes Recommended Action Motion to approve the Minutes of the August 19, 2025 Special Board Meeting - Expulsion Hearing. Minutes View Minutes for Aug 19, 2025 - Special Board Meeting - Expulsion Hearing File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to approve the Minutes of the August 19, 2025 Special Board Meeting. Motion by Julie Lee, second by Jennifer Klingler. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera Abstain: Scott Jewitt Subject B. Approval of minutes of the August 25, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 7. APPROVAL OF OPEN MEETING MINUTES Type Action, Minutes Recommended Action Motion to approve the Minutes of the August 25, 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Minutes View Minutes for Aug 25, 2025 - Regular Meeting File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to approve the Minutes of the August 25, 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Motion by Scott Jewitt, second by Jennifer Klingler. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Scott Jewitt, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera 8. CONSENT AGENDA Subject A. Approval of Consent Agenda Items Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 8. CONSENT AGENDA Type Action (Consent) Recommended Action Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REPORT $1,552,959.88; SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 EMPLOYMENT REPORT. File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REPORT $1,552,959.88; SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 EMPLOYMENT REPORT. Motion by Scott Jewitt, second by Jennifer Klingler. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Scott Jewitt, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera Subject B. Approval of Accounts Payable Check Summary Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 8. CONSENT AGENDA Type Action (Consent) Preferred Date Sep 08, 2025 Absolute Date Sep 08, 2025 Fiscal Impact Yes Dollar Amount $1,552,959.88 Budgeted Yes Budget Source FY26 Budget Recommended Action That the Board of Education approves the Accounts Payable Check Summary as part of the consent agenda. Attached for review and approval is the Accounts Payable Check Summary. File Attachments 09.09.25 Accounts Payable Board Check Summary.pdf (200 KB) Motion & Voting Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REPORT $1,552,959.88; SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 EMPLOYMENT REPORT. Motion by Scott Jewitt, second by Jennifer Klingler. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Scott Jewitt, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera Subject C. Employment Report - September 08, 2025 Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 8. CONSENT AGENDA Type Action (Consent) Recommended Action Recommend approval of Employment Report as part of Consent Agenda. File Attachments 09.08.2025 Employment Report.pdf (139 KB) Motion & Voting Motion to approve the Consent Agenda Items: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REPORT $1,552,959.88; SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 EMPLOYMENT REPORT. Motion by Scott Jewitt, second by Jennifer Klingler. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Scott Jewitt, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera 9. OLD BUSINESS Subject A. REVISED Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget for Display Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 9. OLD BUSINESS Type Discussion Abstract Board of Education Policy 4:10 states that each September, the Board adopts a proposed budget calendar, indicating dates for presentation by the Superintendent of receipts, estimates, preliminary expenditure recommendations by funds, and major Board actions affecting the budget. The District’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. In compliance with this policy, the Superintendent shall present to the Board, no later than the meeting in August, a tentative budget with appropriate explanation and recommendation for achieving a balanced budget. This requirement was completed on August 25, 2025. Background The tentative budget must be on display for at least 30 days prior to the adoption of the final budget. A public hearing and adoption must occur no later than September 30, as required under Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/17-1). The Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget has been prepared in accordance with these requirements. As in prior years, Round Lake Area Schools CUSD #116 continues to be identified as a Tier 1 school district under the Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) model. The budget will remain available for public inspection both at the Administrative Service Center and on the District’s website. Request The Round Lake Area Schools CUSD #116 Board of Education approve the REVISED Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget for Display and conduct the upcoming Public Hearing scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Rationale Illinois law establishes specific dates, protocols, and procedures for the formal consideration and adoption of a school district budget. This requires that the tentative budget be displayed for not less than 30 days following publication of notice in a newspaper of general circulation within the District. The notice must announce the budget’s availability for public inspection and provide the date and location of the Public Hearing. The final budget, reflecting all revisions and corrections to revenues and expenditures, must be adopted no later than September 30. Considerations This action pertains to the REVISED Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget for Display. Adjustments will be made prior to the presentation of the final Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, which will be submitted for adoption on or before September 30, 2025. The attached REVISED Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget for Display includes estimates for EARL members. Once the September 15 payroll is processed, Administration will review the updated payroll information and adjust the estimations in this version of the budget as necessary. In the meantime, both this REVISED Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget for Display (and the original Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget for Display from August 2025) will remain available and on display for public review. Connection to Strategic Plan Theme F: Securing the Future Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source The REVISED Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget for Display reflects the District’s anticipated revenues and expenditures across all funds for Fiscal Year 2026. Recommendation Administration recommends that the Board of Education review and support the REVISED Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget for Display as presented, and conduct the Public Hearing scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. as required by the Illinois School Code, adopt necessary resolution(s), and authorize Administration to execute the necessary associated documentation. File Attachments REVISED Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget for Display.pdf (232 KB) FY26_Draft_Budget_Presentation.pdf (421 KB) 10. NEW BUSINESS Subject A. School Improvement Plans 25-26 (Kurtz) Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 10. NEW BUSINESS Type Action Fiscal Impact No Budgeted No Recommended Action Motion to approve the 2025-2026 School Improvement Plans Abstract This memorandum is to request that the Board of Education review and approve the 2025-2026 School Improvement Plans for each school. These plans help guide continuous improvement at all of the district’s schools through the work of the Administration, School Improvement Leadership Team (SILT), and the school’s staff. Background Each year, schools within Round Lake Area Schools District 116 engage in the school improvement process through their School Improvement Leadership Team (SILT). These teams work collaboratively to develop and implement their School Improvement Plans (SIPs), ensuring alignment with the district's Strategic Plan. This year marks year two of the district-wide three-year Continuous School Improvement process. This initiative is designed to ensure alignment and consistency in school improvement efforts across the district, as well as to provide time to work towards long term goals. Throughout the year, SILT teams will meet on a bi-weekly basis to review data and track progress. School principals will report on their School Improvement Plan progress either through individual meetings with the Teaching and Learning leadership or during monthly data and progress sharing sessions with their principal peers. Request The administration is requesting that the Board of Education review and approve the 2025-2026 School Improvement Plans at their Regular Board Meeting on 9/8/25. Rationale The School Improvement Plans allow the schools to make meaningful changes and improve the learning environment for students and staff. Considerations The Board of Education approval of the School Improvement Plans is necessary in order for the district to access IL-Empower Grant funds dedicated to schools designated as “Targeted” and “Comprehensive.” Connection to Strategic Plan This process aligns with the Strategic Plan areas of Teaching & Learning and Meeting the Unique Needs of Learners. Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source There is no cost related to this request. Recommendation The administration is requesting that the Board of Education review and approve the 2025-26 School Improvement Plans at their Regular Board Meeting on 9/8/25. File Attachments 24-27 EEC SIP Plan.pdf (1,633 KB) 24-27 Beach SIP Plan .pdf (1,212 KB) 24-27 Ellis SIP Plan .pdf (3,869 KB) 24-27 Indian Hill SIP Plan.pdf (1,100 KB) 24-27 Murphy SIP Plan .pdf (863 KB) 24-27 Village SIP Plan .pdf (2,663 KB) 24-27 Magee SIP Plan.pdf (1,825 KB) 24-27 RLMS SIP Plan .pdf (2,214 KB) 24-27 RLHS SIP Plan.pdf (1,294 KB) Motion & Voting Motion to approve the 2025-2026 School Improvement Plans Motion by Jennifer Klingler, second by Julie Lee. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Scott Jewitt, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera Subject B. Solution Tree Embedded Coaching for Secondary Schools (Dampf) Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 10. NEW BUSINESS Type Action Preferred Date Sep 08, 2025 Absolute Date Sep 08, 2025 Fiscal Impact Yes Dollar Amount $21,300.00 Budgeted Yes Budget Source FY26 Teacher Vacancy Grant Recommended Action Motion to review and approve the contracts for Embedded Coaching from Solution Tree. Abstract RLAS secondary schools have been focusing on improving professional learning communities (PLCs). Part of this project entails having Solution Tree, the industry leader in professional learning communities, provide embedded coaching– in other words, conduct site visits at our schools to observe our teams and our classrooms. Administration respectfully requests that the Board of Education review and support hiring Solution Tree to provide embedded coaching. Background Administration partnered with Solution Tree to deliver a “PLC reset” to all secondary teachers throughout the 2024-25 school year, and we intend to continue this partnership through the 2025-26 school year. Solution Tree provides a service called embedded coaching, which entails visiting schools to watch professional learning community meetings and plan strategically with building leadership. Embedded coaching helps schools assess their progress and plan next steps. All three secondary schools received this service last school year and hope to receive it this year as well. Request The Department of Professional Learning respectfully requests that the Board of Education review and support these three contracts with Solution Tree: one each for Magee, Round Lake Middle School, and Round Lake High School. Rationale This will help building leaders support the faithful implementation of PLCs. Connection to Strategic Plan Theme A: Teaching and Learning, Goal 3: Implement 3-year professional development plan Potential Cost Breakdown & Funding Source Three identical contracts (one per school) at $7,100 each. The total cost for three contracts is $21,300. This will be funded through the FY26 Teacher Vacancy Grant. Recommendation The district respectfully requests that the Board of Education review and support this agreement. File Attachments Embedded Coaching Contract September 29, 2025.pdf (126 KB) Embedded Coaching October 27, 2025.pdf (126 KB) Updated RLHS Embedded Coaching Nov. 7.pdf (187 KB) Motion & Voting Motion to review and approve the contracts for Embedded Coaching from Solution Tree. Motion by Jennifer Klingler, second by Scott Jewitt. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Scott Jewitt, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera 11. POSITIVE OCCURRENCES Subject A. Positive Occurrences Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 11. POSITIVE OCCURRENCES Type Information File Attachments 12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Subject A. Future Agenda Items Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Type Information File Attachments 13. APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES REVIEWED AT PRIOR MEETING Subject A. Approval of Closed Session Minutes of the July 31, 2025 Special Board Meeting Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 13. APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES REVIEWED AT PRIOR MEETING Type Action, Minutes Recommended Action Motion to approve the Closed Session Minutes of the July 31, 2025 Special Board Meeting. File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to approve the Closed Session Minutes of the July 31, 2025 Special Board Meeting. Motion by Jennifer Klingler, second by Julie Lee. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera Abstain: Scott Jewitt Subject B. Approval of Closed Session Minutes of the August 4, 2025 Regular Board Meeting Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 13. APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES REVIEWED AT PRIOR MEETING Type Action, Minutes Recommended Action Motion to approve the Closed Session Minutes of the August 4, 2025 Regular Board Meeting. File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to approve the Closed Session Minutes of the August 4, 2025 Regular Board Meeting. Motion by Julie Lee, second by Scott Jewitt. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Scott Jewitt, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera Subject C. Approval of Closed Session Minutes of the August 18, 2025 Special Board Meeting Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 13. APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES REVIEWED AT PRIOR MEETING Type Action, Minutes Recommended Action Motion to approve the Closed Session Minutes of the August 18, 2025 Special Board Meeting. File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to approve the Closed Session Minutes of the August 18, 2025 Special Board Meeting. Motion by Jennifer Klingler, second by Julie Lee. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Scott Jewitt, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera 14. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Subject A. Convene in Closed Session Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 14. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Type Action Recommended Action Motion to convene in Closed Session as permitted by Statute 5 ILCS 120/2 for the purpose of discussing the following: 1. Employment Matters 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) 2. Real Estate Matters 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) 3. Closed Meeting Minutes 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) The OMA permits a board to go into closed session only for very specific reasons, which are delineated in the statute at Section 2(c). 5 ILCS 120/2(c). The following is a listing of the permitted reasons for holding closed meetings as set forth in Section 2(c): Employment Matters: 1. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the Local Government Wage Increase Transparency Act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance with [the Open Meetings Act]. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), amended by P.A. 101-459. 2. Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning the salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). Selecting a Person to Fill a Public Office Vacancy: 3. The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the OMA, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given the power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3) . 4. Evidence or testimony presented in open hearing, or in closed hearing where specifically authorized by law, to a quasi-adjudicative body, as defined in the Open Meetings Act, provided that the body prepares and makes available for public inspection a written decision setting forth its determinative reasoning. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(4) . Real Estate Matters: 5. The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5). 6. The setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) . 7. The sale or purchase of securities, investments, or investment contracts. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(7) . Security Matters: 8. Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public or public property. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8) . Student Matters: 9. Student disciplinary cases. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9). 10 . The placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(10). Litigation or Claims: 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. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). 12. The establishment of reserves or settlement of claims as provided in the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, if otherwise the disposition of a claim or potential claim might be prejudiced, or the review or discussion of claims, loss or risk management information, records, data, advice or communications from or with respect to any insurer of the public body or any intergovernmental risk management association or self insurance pool of which the public body is a member. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(12) . 13. Self-evaluation , practices and procedures or professional ethics, when meeting with a representative of a statewide association of which the public body is a member. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(16). Closed Meeting Minutes: 14. Discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the OMA, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated in Section 2.06. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21). 15. Meetings between internal or external auditors and governmental audit committees, finance committees , and their equivalents, when the discussion involves internal control weaknesses, identification of potential fraud risk areas, known or suspected frauds, and fraud interviews conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards of the United States of America. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(29) . File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to convene in Closed Session as permitted by Statute 5 ILCS 120/2 for the purpose of discussing the following: 1. Employment Matters 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) 2. Real Estate Matters 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) 3. Closed Meeting Minutes 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21) Motion by Scott Jewitt, second by Peg Larson. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Scott Jewitt, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera 15. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Subject A. Reconvene to Open Session Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 15. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Type Action Recommended Action Motion to reconvene to Open Session. File Attachments Motion & Voting Motion to reconvene to Open Session. Motion by Julie Lee, second by Scott Jewitt. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Jennifer Klingler, Julie Lee, Michael Francisco, Peg Larson, Scott Jewitt, Annette Negrete McGinley, Kevin Devera 16. ADJOURNMENT Subject A. Adjourn the meeting Meeting Sep 8, 2025 - Regular Meeting Category 16. ADJOURNMENT Type Procedural The meeting was adjourned at _______ p.m. File Attachments