[11:59] Everyone logged in.

[12:04] » Good evening. I'd like to call the September 17th Lincoln Way 210 Board of

[12:07] Education meeting to order. Please stand if you're able for the pledge of

[12:10] allegiance.

[12:27] Can you please call the role? >> Dana Dana Berthal

[12:31] » here. >> Katherine Johnson

[12:33] » here. >> Joseph Costic

[12:35] » here. >> Richard Lassine.

[12:37] » Caitlyn Oennic >> here. Dedra Stokes

[12:39] » here. >> Aaron Jan

[12:40] » here. This time I'd like to open the Lincoln

[12:45] Way 210 budget hearing. We have one individual signed up for public comment

[12:49] on the budget. Uh Dr. Kenishha Brown

[13:12] Ma'am, there's a little green or a little button in the middle.

[13:15] » Okay. I'm usually loud enough. We Okay. All right, team. We cooking with gas.

[13:21] Good evening, board members, community, and also any Lincoln Way staff that is

[13:26] here. I want to advocate for certain areas in the budget in light of recent

[13:31] events. I'm not going to spend too much time on what necessarily has happened.

[13:36] I'm going to spend my time on solutions. In reviewing the budget, I've noticed

[13:40] two things. Number one, I was disheartened to see that we're not

[13:45] getting any Title 4 funding which could be used to um provide programs for the

[13:53] whole education of students. However, that should not stop us from providing

[13:58] professional services through supports, especially in light of recent events.

[14:04] Where could we find this money? Lincoln Way has just received a little bit over

[14:10] 2% increase in your evidence-based funding. I would advocate that 1% of

[14:15] that, approximately 140,000, be put back into schools for student supports. It is

[14:22] important as a community that we show we are reflective, that we understand what

[14:27] happened, but as we move forward, we're going to make sure that our students

[14:31] have the support that they need. I also want to advocate for more professional

[14:36] services not only under your um psychological services area but for your

[14:43] social work services area as well. I don't think that we have done a good job

[14:49] in the followup of our students. I can say this as a parent because my daughter

[14:55] Ocean has not received any follow-up social work services after the event. In

[15:02] addition to that, I would implore you to also maybe consider using some of your

[15:07] title one. That money could be used for professional learning for staff. It

[15:12] could additionally also be used for programs for students. Once again,

[15:18] please use the budget to reflect that we as a community care about our students.

[15:24] We're going to support our students and move forward while acknowledging the

[15:28] recent events that happened. Thank you. Thank you. [applause]

[15:38] All right. We have no one else signed up for the budget hearing. With that, I'd

[15:42] entertain a motion to close the budget hearing.

[15:45] » We have a motion and a second. All those in favor signify by saying I.

[15:49] » I. All right. The budget hearing is closed. With that, I would uh entertain

[15:55] a motion to adjourn to close session to discuss the appointment, employment,

[15:59] compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of employees, student

[16:02] disciplinary cases, student related matters, and/or litigation.

[16:08] We have a motion, a second. All those in favor signify by saying I.

[16:11] » I. We are in close session. The board will uh step out and we'll be back with

[16:16] uh action after uh our close session deliberations.

[56:18] All right, we are uh back in open session. I appreciate everyone's

[56:21] patience. Uh may I have a motion to approve student 20267-1

[56:27] agreement to voluntary withdrawal from Lincoln High School in lie of it

[56:31] proceeding with the administration's recommendation for expulsion as

[56:34] presented and discussed in close session.

[56:38] We have a motion to second. Can you open the vote, please?

[56:48] Voting is open.

[56:54] » The vote is unanimous. Motion passes. >> All right. May I have a motion to

[56:59] approve student 20267-2 agreement to voluntarily withdraw from

[57:04] Lincoln High School in l of proceeding with the administration's recommendation

[57:07] for expulsion as presented and discussed in close session.

[57:12] Have a motion a second. Please open the vote.

[57:19] Voting is open.

[57:30] The voters unanimous motion passes. >> All right. May I please have a motion to

[57:36] approve student 20267-3's agreement to voluntarily withdraw from

[57:40] Lincoln High School in L of proceeding with the administration's recommendation

[57:43] for expulsion as presented and discussed in close session.

[57:48] A >> motion second.

[57:51] Please open the vote.

[57:59] Voting is open.

[58:09] » The vote is unanimous. Motion passes. >> All right. May I please have a motion to

[58:15] approve student 20267-4 agreement to voluntary withdrawal from

[58:19] Lincoln High School in L of proceeding with the administration's recommendation

[58:22] for expuls expulsion as presented discussed in close session.

[58:30] We have a motion a second. Can you please open the vote?

[58:40] » Voting is open.

[58:56] Vot is unanimous. Motion passes. >> All right. May I have a motion to

[59:01] approve student 20267-5's agreement to voluntary withdrawal from

[59:06] Lincoln Waste High School in L of proceeding with the administration's

[59:08] recommendation for expulsion as pre is presented and discussed in close

[59:13] session.

[59:17] Motion second. Please open the vote.

[59:24] Voting is open.

[59:30] The vote is unanimous. Motion passes. >> May I please have a motion to approve

[59:35] student 20267-6 agreement to voluntary withdrawal from

[59:39] Lincoln High School in lie of proceeding with the administration's recommendation

[59:42] for expulsion as presented and discussed in close session.

[59:48] » Second. >> Have a motion. Second, please open the

[59:51] vote.

[59:58] » Voting is open.

[1:00:05] » The vote is unanimous. Motion passes.

[1:00:10] » All right. Before we get to public comment, Dr.

[1:00:14] Tingley would like to make a statement. So before we move forward, I want to

[1:00:18] take a moment to address some of the process here that the district has

[1:00:22] followed. We became aware of the students of students behavior late

[1:00:26] Friday night, September 4th, and into Saturday morning, September 5th. The

[1:00:30] district promptly released a statement condemning the students behavior and

[1:00:33] apologizing to the homework fossil community. I made clear the students

[1:00:37] behavior does not reflect the expectations and values we have for

[1:00:40] Lincolnway students. From that point forward, however, my responsibility as

[1:00:44] superintendent was to ensure the law and the board of education policies were

[1:00:49] followed at every step with respect to those students discipline. To do that,

[1:00:54] the administration conducted a thorough and timely investigation, carefully

[1:00:58] assessed each student's individual level of involvement, and offered every one of

[1:01:03] them the right to be heard. This investigation, which involved

[1:01:06] interviewing numerous students, reviewing multiple video recordings and

[1:01:10] angles, and speaking with their attorneys, took the administration only

[1:01:14] eight school days and ultimately resulted in the administrating

[1:01:18] recommending expulsion for the students determined to have been involved.

[1:01:23] The parents of those students have chosen, however, to voluntarily withdraw

[1:01:27] their children from Lincoln Way East High School and forfeit all student

[1:01:31] privileges rather than proceed through the expulsion process. Given the nature

[1:01:36] of the investigation and the due process requirements involved, I am confident

[1:01:40] that this matter was handled as quickly and responsibly as possible.

[1:01:45] I also want to address the situation involving the Lions Township cross

[1:01:49] country meeting. The district and certain of its employees have been

[1:01:52] threatened with legal action and the allegations surrounding that incident

[1:01:56] are currently under investigation by the IHSA.

[1:02:00] We we are fully cooperating with the IHSA and will cooperate with any other

[1:02:04] appropriate agency or law enforcement authority should an additional

[1:02:09] investigation occur. While that investigation remains

[1:02:13] ongoing, I will not make additional public comments regarding the

[1:02:16] allegations. The district has already made one public statement available,

[1:02:20] noting that it has been unable to corroborate the allegations. Once the

[1:02:26] IHSA has completed its investigation and it is clear that no additional

[1:02:29] investigations are pending, I intend to address the matter more fully.

[1:02:34] Finally, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Goldie has researched and contacted 28

[1:02:38] organizations and/or individuals that provide training and support in areas

[1:02:43] including restorative justice, equity, inclusion, and wellness. We have

[1:02:47] scheduled meetings with four potential providers for Monday. Both the

[1:02:50] principles, Dr. Goldie and myself will meet. We will keep the community updated

[1:02:55] as we move forward with a plan. Recent events have reinforced that there is

[1:03:00] still work to be done in this area and we are committing to doing that work

[1:03:04] moving forward.

[1:03:08] » All right. Thank you, Dr. Tingley. Uh we are now to the public comment portion of

[1:03:12] our agenda. Uh our public comment is uh 30 minutes in total. Uh each individual

[1:03:19] will have five minutes to speak. Obviously, if you don't take the full

[1:03:22] five minutes, that that's fine. Uh we do have quite a few people that are signed

[1:03:27] up to speak. If we don't get to everyone, we we are going to ask that uh

[1:03:31] people are welcome to submit a statement which we would include in the board uh

[1:03:37] packet for tonight along with other communications we've received uh from

[1:03:41] the community over the past uh few days. Um so with that, we would welcome

[1:03:47] Jasmine Malinowski.

[1:04:22] Good evening. Good evening. My name is Jasmine Milanowski and I'm here tonight

[1:04:26] because I believe that the students who found the courage to stand against

[1:04:30] racism deserve to know that the adults in their community are willing to stand

[1:04:36] with them. What happened at these sporting events

[1:04:39] should disturb all of us. Black students should never have to

[1:04:44] attend school sporting events and hear monkey noises, see monkey gestures, or

[1:04:50] feel as though that color of their skin has made them a target.

[1:04:55] I also want us to examine something uncomfortable.

[1:04:59] I want to un or I want to understand that these students are minors or I

[1:05:03] understand that these students are minors and that there may be legitimate

[1:05:08] privacy rules governing what the district can publicly release. But I

[1:05:13] want the community to ask whether the same protective restraint presumption or

[1:05:17] privacy are all applied equally to every student regardless of race because

[1:05:24] accountability and privacy can exist at the same time.

[1:05:30] We do not need the names or faces in order for the district to clearly tell

[1:05:35] the the community what happened, what policies were violated, what correct

[1:05:40] what corre corrective measures were taken, and what will uh

[1:05:46] prevent this from happening again. And when children experience or witness

[1:05:50] racism, the lesson we teach them through our response matters as much as what

[1:05:54] happened in the first place. That is why I also that is why I am also

[1:06:00] concerned about the students who participated in the walk out. Those

[1:06:04] students made a decision, a conscious decision decision that this is not okay.

[1:06:10] This does not represent us and there's no room for racism here.

[1:06:16] Yet they walked out knowing that they could potentially face school

[1:06:19] consequences for doing so. I understand that the schools have attendance

[1:06:24] policies and procedures, but I want the board to think about the larger message

[1:06:28] we send young people when students peacefully stand against racism and

[1:06:33] their primary primary lesson from the experience becomes that speaking up can

[1:06:38] get them punished. We tell children to stand up to

[1:06:42] bullying. We tell them to report discrimination.

[1:06:46] We tell them not to be bystanders. We tell them to do the right thing even

[1:06:51] when doing the right thing is difficult. So when they actually find the courage

[1:06:56] to do exactly that, our response should not make them wish that they remain

[1:07:00] silent. Protecting the privacy of minors does not prevent the district from being

[1:07:05] transparent about what it's going to do moving forward. We need accountability.

[1:07:10] We need education. And we need clear expectations for students, coaches,

[1:07:17] staff, and spectators. And we need black students to know that

[1:07:22] when they walk into a classroom, onto a field, or into the stands, their dignity

[1:07:28] is not negotiable. The young people who stood up against

[1:07:33] racism should know that their voices matter.

[1:07:36] Because I don't want the lesson from this situation to be stay quiet, stay

[1:07:40] compliant, don't make trouble. I want the lesson to be when something is

[1:07:46] wrong, you have the right to speak. When someone is being dehumanized, you have

[1:07:51] the courage to stand beside them. And racism has no place in our schools.

[1:07:56] Thank you.

[1:08:01] [applause]

[1:08:07] Next up is Josie Iligas.

[1:08:21] Good evening. [snorts] My name is Josie Hiligus and I'm a

[1:08:24] senior at Lincolnway Central. My parents are both alumni at HF. I have two older

[1:08:29] siblings that have both graduated from Central.

[1:08:33] I'm really disappointed to say that I am finishing my senior year with a deep

[1:08:37] sense of shame and embarrassment for being a part of Lincoln Way District

[1:08:40] 210. What upsets me the most is that this district called what occurred at

[1:08:45] the football game a display of inappropriate and behens offensive

[1:08:49] behavior. Please call it what it was. It's racism and it's hate speech.

[1:08:55] [applause]

[1:09:01] I am also deeply upset with central silence on this matter. This situation

[1:09:07] doesn't just affect East. It is a district-wide issue.

[1:09:12] [snorts] Racism affects students at every school

[1:09:16] and your silence is extremely disappointing.

[1:09:19] [snorts] Do the right thing and acknowledge this is a district-wide

[1:09:22] problem. Stop sweeping this under the rug. Students at Central want to talk

[1:09:27] about it and we want to make it better. Please take action as a school district

[1:09:31] to address this with students across the community. Thank you.

[1:09:36] [applause]

[1:09:42] Next up is Rebecca Brown.

[1:09:59] Good evening and thank you for having us here tonight. My name is Rebecca Brown

[1:10:04] and my daughter is a junior at Lincoln Way East. She is a student athlete and

[1:10:09] she is a person of color. I am here about the racist behavior at the East

[1:10:14] Homewood with Flossom football game and about what happens next.

[1:10:18] These last two weeks, I spoke with two friends from home Flossmore. Both

[1:10:23] parents of color with sons who play sports there. Neither of them were

[1:10:28] surprised. They told me that they have heard Lincoln Way students say things

[1:10:33] from the sidelines at other athletes event athletic events going back years.

[1:10:39] One of them told me her own sons have had slurs said directly to them. They

[1:10:44] were called monkeys, blackies. They were called the nword and nothing was done.

[1:10:50] This broke my heart. It means that this did not start with the video. The only

[1:10:56] thing that changed is that this time it was recorded.

[1:11:03] » [applause] >> A small number of students is enough to

[1:11:07] make every student of color at this school and at home with Flossmore and

[1:11:12] around the community wonder who around them thinks that way and whether the

[1:11:16] next time it will be said or done directly to them. I wonder about that

[1:11:20] for my own daughter. I wonder about it for my two other children who will be at

[1:11:25] East in the next couple of years. I want to make sure students of color at

[1:11:30] East and at every surrounding community school feel safe and supported. What

[1:11:36] cultural competency and anti-racism education is planned for students and

[1:11:40] for staff. I do want to say I thank you for addressing some of this already

[1:11:45] tonight. Two additional suggestions. Number one,

[1:11:50] send out an anonymous survey to every student asking how safe and supported

[1:11:55] they actually feel. Other parents I've heard raise this to.

[1:12:01] You cannot fix what you have not measured.

[1:12:06] Also, please bring a panel or cultural competency and anti-racism

[1:12:11] uh group to the school. Not a one-time assembly, but real voices with real

[1:12:16] experience and time for students to ask questions.

[1:12:19] Part of your plan here has to be making sure that every student knows exactly

[1:12:23] what the consequences are for behaving this way. Not a vague reminder about the

[1:12:28] code of conduct, but a clear message that says, "If you do this, here is what

[1:12:32] happens." They need to hear it before the next game, not after the next

[1:12:36] incident. We are asking that you please do not

[1:12:39] sweep this under the rug. And we are watching how it is handled. Thank you.

[1:12:46] » [applause]

[1:12:52] » And thank you. One one thing I did forget to mention here from my

[1:12:56] statement. Uh Dr. Goldie and I met with a uh company that is planning to do a

[1:13:01] climate survey and and we'll do that districtwide, not just for Lincoln Ways.

[1:13:06] That will be a district thing and that will be encompassing all social

[1:13:09] emotional needs of our students. So we're working on that now and that's in

[1:13:13] the works um that's in the works to be next week and uh that'll be part of our

[1:13:18] meetings also on Monday to see how that can be incorporated with whatever

[1:13:24] whatever whatever avenue we choose to take. But thank you.

[1:13:31] Next up is Sequoia Williams.

[1:14:00] Good evening board, cabinet members, parents, staff, and communities.

[1:14:05] My name is Sequoia Williams, and I'm here as a parent advocate.

[1:14:11] I'm here tonight because what happened between Homewood Flossmore and Lincoln

[1:14:14] Way East is not simply a football incident or a student discipline issue.

[1:14:18] Our children were hurt at Lincolnway East versus Homeway Homewood Flossmore

[1:14:24] football game. There were reports and videos of Lincoln Way East students

[1:14:27] directing racial slurs, monkey noises, and monkey gestures towards HF students.

[1:14:34] HF leadership described the conduct as racist harassment and Lincoln Way East

[1:14:40] acknowledged that racist slurs and gestures occurred and called the

[1:14:43] behavior hurtful and unacceptable. Let's be clear, calling black children monkeys

[1:14:49] is not harmless. There's a long history of using that comparison to dehumanize

[1:14:55] black people. Our children experienced that humiliation in 2026 and we cannot

[1:14:59] simply tell them to forget about it and move on. I'm also not saying every

[1:15:03] Lincoln way east student is racist. Many students spoke out because they knew the

[1:15:08] behavior was wrong and did not believe it represented them. That brings me to

[1:15:12] the walk out. These students were not simply trying to skip class. They were

[1:15:16] protesting racism, standing with HF students, and saying this is not who we

[1:15:21] are. I understand schools have rules. I understand attendance matters. But

[1:15:25] students were reportedly told that they could receive three detentions for every

[1:15:28] period missed, one period, three detentions, three periods, nine

[1:15:32] detentions, four missed periods, 12 detentions. Correct? So the question is,

[1:15:37] are these ordinary attendance consequences applied consistently or are

[1:15:42] students being punished because they are participating in expressive activity

[1:15:46] protesting uh racism? That distinction matters. The first amendment protects

[1:15:51] freedom of speech and peaceful uh peaceful assembly. And in Tinker versus

[1:15:54] De Mo Independent Community School District 3 393US5031969,

[1:16:01] the US Supreme Court recognized that the students do not share their

[1:16:04] constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse

[1:16:07] gate. Tinker does not give students unlimited freedom to disregard school um

[1:16:11] rules. Schools can maintain order and address legitimate disruption. But it

[1:16:15] does not require us it does require us to look carefully at why students are

[1:16:19] being disciplined and whether their expression is being punished. So, I

[1:16:23] asked the question for Lincoln Way East students. Where does the three

[1:16:26] detentions per period consequence come from? Is it in a student handbook or

[1:16:30] board policy? Was it already the standard consequence for unauthorized

[1:16:34] absences? And is it applied consistently to students who miss class for other

[1:16:38] reasons? Accountability must be uh fair, transparent, and consistent. There was

[1:16:43] also a separate reported allegation involving a Lincoln Way East coach and a

[1:16:47] comment referencing running uh past those monkeys. Lincoln Way East has

[1:16:52] disputed the characterization and stated the culture was referring to a portion

[1:16:56] of the course known as the jungle. That allegation should be investigated

[1:17:01] fairly and based on facts and documentation. It is the audacity for

[1:17:05] the lack of accountability. But regardless, our children deserve to feel

[1:17:09] safe and respected. Before we talk about detentions, let's talk about dignity.

[1:17:13] Before we talk about attendance, let's talk about the racial accountability.

[1:17:16] And before we punish students for speaking up, let's ask what caused them

[1:17:19] to speak up in the first place. I am not asking anyone to um to punish an entire

[1:17:24] school. I'm asking for four things. Protect our children. Investigate the

[1:17:28] facts. Take this racial harassment incident seriously and apply discipline

[1:17:33] fairly and consistently with students constitutional rights. There they are

[1:17:36] children. They are watching us as adults and they're watching how we respond.

[1:17:40] Let's show them what accountability looks like. Not retaliation, not

[1:17:44] silence, not minimizing. accountability. I commend our HF community on their

[1:17:48] handling of this situation. I came here to tell you that this behavior will not

[1:17:52] be tolerated in our communities and I'm saying that as a parent that is not from

[1:17:57] Homewood, but I'm right next door to it. And we all from the suburbs are one

[1:18:01] community and you will not come to our community and harass our children.

[1:18:07] And we do show up for our children and we utilize our voices. And I'm here to

[1:18:11] tell you that to allow those children to withdraw rather than expelling them is

[1:18:16] very problematic for me because there is no accountability.

[1:18:24] Our children will feel safe in their communities and if your children cannot

[1:18:28] do what they need to do when they come to our side of town, keep them here.

[1:18:33] Have a good night. [applause]

[1:18:43] Next up is um having trouble reading the first name. Uh Deming Senior

[1:19:07] Good evening. It's actually both of us, but I'm just going to speak on behalf

[1:19:10] for my husband and myself, Yolanda Deming and Mich.

[1:19:16] First of all, good evening to everybody and to everybody out here. I'm very

[1:19:20] happy and I'm excited to know that we all were able to come here as one.

[1:19:25] That's the first thing. Come here as one and as professionals and as parents to

[1:19:31] discuss a issue that's very near and dear to me as well. I am a parent. I am

[1:19:37] a parent of a Lincoln Way Central student. And as the Lincoln Way Central

[1:19:42] students said, I'm upset too at the fact that Lincoln Way Central students didn't

[1:19:47] come together and surround their sister school, Lincoln Way East. However, I'm

[1:19:53] coming as a parent of a African-American young black boy. And I'm here to say my

[1:19:59] son was very upset. This was new to him because in our household we teach, we

[1:20:06] preach and we practice love. Despite the color, despite the race, wherever you

[1:20:12] come from, that's not what we teach him. So my concern is these youth and these

[1:20:18] children that did this. This was a parent issue. This was a learned issue.

[1:20:23] This was a taught issue. And if we're not teaching our, this

[1:20:29] starts from home. This starts from the cradle. We have to teach our children.

[1:20:34] We have to set that example and be that example and let them know despite the

[1:20:39] color, the race, the issue, the disability because my child is visually

[1:20:43] impaired. So, he can be and will be discriminated double. We need to teach

[1:20:48] our kids. But again, it starts at home. What are we doing as parents, as adults

[1:20:55] to ensure that we are teaching our children? This is something that needs

[1:21:00] to be taught. This is something that needs to be placed in somebody's book.

[1:21:05] Parents, we need to teach the parents, too, because they're no better than the

[1:21:08] kids. If the kids is doing it, they're getting this from their parents. This is

[1:21:11] a learned behavior. Thank you. And on behalf of Lincoln Way

[1:21:16] Central student and all Lincoln Way students and the parents, I personally

[1:21:22] apologize to HF because this is totally unacceptable. We thank you for coming

[1:21:27] here. I don't teach my child that. Again, in my house, we love everybody

[1:21:32] regardless. Period. The end. So, on behalf of Lincoln Way Central and

[1:21:37] Lincoln Way 210 District, I love all of y'all up in here. I don't care. I don't

[1:21:41] know you. And if I don't know you, fine. and I still love you cuz that's what I

[1:21:45] know. That's what I was taught and that's what my son is going to continue

[1:21:49] to be taught. Thank you. Have a good evening.

[1:21:53] [applause]

[1:21:57] Thank you. Next up is Camille Howard.

[1:22:15] Good evening members of the board, superintendent, administrators,

[1:22:20] parents, students, and community members. My name is Camille Howard and I

[1:22:27] come before you tonight as a member of the HF community and most importantly as

[1:22:34] a parent of a former HF student athlete. What occurred at these sporting events

[1:22:40] is hate speech. Seeing the videos that we saw, reading

[1:22:47] the lackluster responses that we that were justifying a staff member's actions

[1:22:54] signifies there is an institutional problem. And as a parent of a black son,

[1:23:01] this is personal to me. HF students distri um demonstrated

[1:23:08] extraordinary restraint and maturity in the face of these actions and these

[1:23:14] hateful words. But accountability cannot end with just five students as the

[1:23:20] demeaning incidences incidents affected many more than five students, families

[1:23:27] and parents. The question before this board should

[1:23:30] not simply be how do we discipline the students

[1:23:34] for what they did. The larger question should be what allowed young people in a

[1:23:40] school administrator to believe that they could behave and that it would be

[1:23:45] acceptable. The actionable response to this question

[1:23:50] must be so uncomfortable that it forces institutionwide change inside and

[1:23:56] outside the classroom. So I am asking this board to examine the

[1:24:02] totality of what took place and truly listen not only to your students but

[1:24:08] listen to the HF students and the HF community. The student voices should not

[1:24:14] be second to conversations about intent, reputation,

[1:24:20] income level, or damage control. They are students who were hurt by other

[1:24:26] students and not just at one event, but at backto back school sponsored sporting

[1:24:33] events. So, this is a moment where Lincoln Way

[1:24:37] has a choice. It can be remembered as simply an ugly incident that resulted in

[1:24:43] an apology and fractional discipline. Or it could become a moment when people put

[1:24:49] in place to be concerned about the welfare of students demonstrate to those

[1:24:56] students that institutionwide accountability, leadership, and

[1:25:01] meaningful change. what that really looks like.

[1:25:09] As a parent, I am asking something that is absolutely within your power. When

[1:25:16] hate enters your school or school sponsored activities, make it

[1:25:21] unmistakably clear through your actions, through your words, that there is zero

[1:25:28] tolerance. there is no tolerance and that hate has no place in the entire

[1:25:36] Lincoln Way district.

[1:25:43] So yes, Lincoln Way students are watching, HF students are watching, HF

[1:25:50] community is watching, and I would say the world is watching.

[1:26:02] I want to thank the Lincoln Way families who are standing with the HF community

[1:26:08] and I want to thank this educational board for this forum tonight. Thank you.

[1:26:14] [applause] >> Thank you.

[1:26:18] » Next up is Kimberly Christmas.

[1:26:29] » [clears throat]

[1:26:36] » First, I want to say good evening to the parents, all the parents in the

[1:26:40] building, to the board, and um everyone watching.

[1:26:46] First, I'd like to say if we are looking at actions, the current superintendent

[1:26:51] has been writing. You all have been paying attention to every speaker that

[1:26:56] has come to this podium and I thank you for that. But the superintendent has

[1:27:01] been writing has been looking at paper as if to disregard all of the speakers

[1:27:06] that have come before me and I think that is problematic.

[1:27:10] » Ma'am, I'm I'm taking notes. I I've done that consistently through my time as

[1:27:14] » This also is being recorded though, >> so you could go back and look at the

[1:27:18] notes, too. >> Yes, I could. But I take notes. But

[1:27:21] thank you. Thank you. Now that we all know that there will be

[1:27:27] no punishment levied for the incident, we need to talk about two other Ps

[1:27:35] outside of punishment. We need to talk about policy and purpose.

[1:27:39] According to your own Lincoln Way handbook on page 25, prevention and

[1:27:45] response to bullying, imitation, intimidation, and harassment is covered.

[1:27:51] It's based on race, origin, and etc. and explains the settings in which behavior

[1:27:57] is not acceptable. The behavior has in fact been part of the Lincolnway culture

[1:28:03] for many years. In 2017, there was a complaint levied with the NAACP that was

[1:28:11] never addressed. There are several of them. As a matter of fact,

[1:28:17] these complaints were never addressed from the school district, from the

[1:28:20] superintendent. The parents were never contacted. As a matter of fact, the

[1:28:26] young lady, the incident that occurred, someone took her lunchbox,

[1:28:32] another student, and called her blackie, and told her she couldn't have her

[1:28:37] lunchbox back. There are loads of stories in here from parents just like

[1:28:42] that here. in Lincoln that have never been addressed. We need to find out why

[1:28:48] that is. Why when our students report something to a teacher, a principal, an

[1:28:54] aid, or anyone that these are not taken seriously. None of these incidents were.

[1:29:02] This subject has become taboo at Lincolnway and it needs to stop. It

[1:29:08] needs to be addressed by everyone that is confronted with it.

[1:29:13] » [applause]

[1:29:17] » It should no longer be acceptable to be racist in this community. This is

[1:29:23] supposed to be a community. It's supposed to include everyone. We all

[1:29:29] live here. And I also don't think that the advisory

[1:29:35] committee should wait until next year to address policy changes for the next

[1:29:40] school year. changes should be addressed right now. I also believe that a parent

[1:29:47] panel, a student panel should also be implemented to address some of these

[1:29:52] issues and maybe possibly send recommendations to this board for what

[1:29:57] should be done under these circumstances because in some cases I feel some people

[1:30:03] on this board may be too close to these decisions to make the decision.

[1:30:11] Because these things are happening right now to our children. We need to do

[1:30:16] something right now. Not next week, not in a few months, not when people call

[1:30:21] you back, but when right now. Thank you.

[1:30:28] [applause]

[1:30:35] Next up is Terrence Jackson, I believe it is.

[1:30:50] Good evening. I have a statement prepared from the

[1:30:53] NAACP Chicago Far South Suburban Branch 30006-B.

[1:31:00] The NAACP Chicago Fire South Suburban Branch is deeply disturbed by the

[1:31:05] reported racist harassment directed toward Homewood Flossmore High School

[1:31:09] students during a September 4th football game involving Lincoln Way East High

[1:31:14] School. Racial serves, racist gestures, and dehumanizing conduct have no place

[1:31:20] in our schools, athletic programs, or communities. Such behavior cannot be

[1:31:25] dismissed as a joke or simply attributed to youthful misconduct. It causes real

[1:31:30] harm and reinforces a culture of intolerance that we must work together

[1:31:35] to eliminate. We commend the homesmore administrators

[1:31:40] and staff for responding to the incident and protecting their students. We also

[1:31:45] acknowledge Lincoln Way public apology and a stated commitment to addressing

[1:31:50] the conduct through his disciplinary process.

[1:31:54] An apology, however, must be accounted accompanied by accountability and

[1:31:59] meaningful action. The Chicago Far South Suburban Branch,

[1:32:04] NAACP, calls upon the school districts and the Illinois High School Association

[1:32:09] to ensure that this incident is thoroughly reviewed and appropriately

[1:32:12] addressed in accordance with its established policies and applicable law.

[1:32:18] We also encourage both communities to strengthen efforts around racial equity,

[1:32:23] student accountability, respect, and inclusion so that every student can

[1:32:27] participate in school activities without fear of racial intimidation or

[1:32:33] humiliation. We will not normalize racism. We will

[1:32:38] not excuse it. And we will not remain silent.

[1:32:42] We stand with the students, families, educators, and Homewood Flossmore

[1:32:46] community. Every young person deserves to learn, compete, and participate in

[1:32:52] their community with dignity and respect. The Chicago Far South Suburban

[1:32:57] Branch NAACP remains committed to confronting racism, protecting our

[1:33:02] children, and building communities where every student is treated with dignity,

[1:33:07] fairness, and respect. Thank you for your time.

[1:33:12] » [applause]

[1:33:18] » I think we have time for one more. Um, Kelly Johnson.

[1:33:33] Worried I wasn't going to make it in. Uh, good evening. My name is Kelly

[1:33:37] Johnson. Uh, you might recognize my name. sent quite a few emails since this

[1:33:42] all occurred a couple weeks ago. I'm the mother of a current Lincoln Way East

[1:33:47] varsity football player, so I was at the game. Um, and I'm also the parent of

[1:33:52] three black children, two of whom enter Lincoln Way East next year. Um, and this

[1:33:58] isn't in my notes, but they are I'm not even sure that they would know if racism

[1:34:03] happened to them. they're they have a lot of other things going on. So, it's

[1:34:07] my job to protect them because I'm not even sure they would recognize it. I

[1:34:11] know there's many things that need to be addressed. Um, and it sounds like some

[1:34:15] of it we're addressing with the um restorative justice, the education, the

[1:34:20] accountability, policy changes need to happen. So, I'm happy to hear all of

[1:34:24] that is taking place. And I'm not an expert at any of that. Um, so I won't

[1:34:29] even touch it. What I am good at is advocating for my

[1:34:33] children. You can ask anyone who's ever sat across from me in an IEP meeting. I

[1:34:39] am absolutely a teammate. I will listen, collaborate, volunteer, and do the work.

[1:34:44] But when my children need someone advocating for them, I am relentless.

[1:34:49] And right now, I believe our children need that kind of advocacy. Not just my

[1:34:53] children, but every minority student in this district. My concern is that while

[1:34:58] the district is kind of trying to figure some things out and things are taking a

[1:35:02] while, the silence that is coming from us has been into the broader community

[1:35:06] is creating a vacuum and that vacuum is being filled by everyone else. The

[1:35:11] conversation hasn't stopped. It's simply happening without us talking about it.

[1:35:17] That's why my request tonight is actually very simple and it sounds like

[1:35:21] it's going to happen. So, I'm going to have to adjust this. Um, we are going to

[1:35:25] be doing the climate survey. It sounds like um which is great that it's already

[1:35:29] next week. So there's a couple of things I was thinking about when I um heard you

[1:35:34] say that you were doing it is that there maybe having some input from other

[1:35:39] people to make sure that we're asking the right kind of questions. I have

[1:35:42] three teenage boys. Having large amounts of questions are not going to to be

[1:35:49] tolerated. And we need to make it really clear not everyone we're not High

[1:35:55] schoolers don't always feel like they belong and that's not what we're talking

[1:35:58] about here. We need to make it direct about the problems that we're obviously

[1:36:02] experiencing and so there needs to be some feedback as to what that survey

[1:36:06] looks like and who's putting it together.

[1:36:10] Um we need to make it short. I'm sure it's going to be anonymous, but it has

[1:36:14] to be measurable as well so that we can have action items that we're taking

[1:36:18] forward and we're looking at. And it has to be transparent. Don't do it and not

[1:36:23] tell us what the results are, even if they're bad. We need to know what it

[1:36:28] looks like so we know which direction we're going to

[1:36:32] without a baseline. We can say that we're doing better. And I think some

[1:36:35] people do say we're doing better. It's getting better. It's getting better. But

[1:36:39] we have no way to know if our students actually feel that difference. And there

[1:36:44] is another group of students that I don't want forgotten and some of them

[1:36:47] have talked. There are many students at Lincoln Way East and at the other 210

[1:36:52] schools who did not participate in this behavior and they do not want their

[1:36:56] values or school defined by the actions of others. They deserve the opportunity

[1:37:02] to change this story, too. I've offered it privately in the emails

[1:37:07] that you have received and I'll offer it publicly tonight to help in any way

[1:37:11] that's appropriate. I obviously don't expect to control this, although I like

[1:37:15] to control a lot of things. Um, I simply want to see it begin. So, my question

[1:37:22] was to make sure that we are going to do the anonymous survey, which we are. We

[1:37:26] have the timeline, but I am going to ask for to publicly report the findings and

[1:37:32] the actions that will follow. Um, there's more.

[1:37:39] I'm not asking for perfection tonight. I don't think anybody here is expecting

[1:37:43] it. Um, I'm just asking for a concrete first step, timeline, and transparency.

[1:37:49] Our students are watching us right now how us adults are responding to this

[1:37:54] moment. And I hope that we show them when something is wrong. Lincoln doesn't

[1:37:58] just address the incident. We listen, we measure, we act, and we make sure things

[1:38:05] actually do get better. Thank you. [applause]

[1:38:14] » All right. Uh we're going to close off the public comment. I know there are

[1:38:17] still several people that still uh want to speak. Um we are going to move

[1:38:20] forward with the rest of the agenda. I would just ask if you wanted to submit a

[1:38:24] comment, we would include it in our packet um in our correspondence portion

[1:38:28] of the agenda um at a future date. So we thank everyone for coming tonight.

[1:38:33] Obviously, we've heard from several of you via emails, obviously those that

[1:38:37] spoke tonight, and we continue or expect to continue to uh hear from people over

[1:38:42] the coming weeks. Thank you. Uh, moving on with the rest of the

[1:38:47] agenda, we have the consent agenda items F1

[1:38:53] through F7 or excuse me, F6. Can I get a motion to approve the consent agenda as

[1:38:58] presented? >> So moved.

[1:39:00] » We have a motion second. Can you please open the vote?

[1:39:09] » Voting is open.

[1:39:19] Vote is unanimous. Motion passes. Next up under action items, we have the

[1:39:24] presentations of invoices from August 21st, 2026

[1:39:32] through Oh jeez, this new diligent platform

[1:39:38] uh through probably today, September 17th of 2026. Thanks.

[1:39:43] » Motion to approve invoices as presented. So

[1:39:47] » move a motion and a second. Any questions?

[1:40:02] The diligent platform is still being platformed out by May.

[1:40:06] » Voting is open.

[1:40:15] » Vote is unanimous. Motion passes. >> All right. Next up, we have the

[1:40:19] treasur's report for can't read the dates. So, we have the

[1:40:25] treasures report. >> You got

[1:40:27] » in August, uh, revenues totaled 6.5 million. Expenses totaled 15.1 million.

[1:40:33] District's total cash balance on August 31st was 62.4 million.

[1:40:38] through August 31st of this fiscal year, 7 and a half% of budgeted operating

[1:40:42] revenues have been received and 18.5% of budgeted operational spending has

[1:40:46] occurred. Uh the comparison I always give through this point last fiscal year

[1:40:50] it was 6.3 and 18.2 both operating revenues and expenses are trending

[1:40:56] appropriately at this time through August liquid investment rates

[1:41:01] were 3.6% 6%. We have laded investments maturing in September and in November

[1:41:07] and December. A lot of short-term investments right now just because we

[1:41:11] need to ensure we keep enough liquid cash for January bond payments. Happy to

[1:41:16] take any questions you might have. >> Any questions for Dr. Dubc?

[1:41:28] Hearing none, I'd entertain a motion to approve the treasures report as

[1:41:32] presented. >> So moved.

[1:41:34] » Motion a second. Can you please open the vote?

[1:41:41] » Vote is open.

[1:41:48] » Vote is [clears throat] unanimous. Motion passes.

[1:41:52] » All right. Next up is the student activities report for July and August.

[1:42:02] So those that are watching, we just switched our

[1:42:06] platform and everything is in different spots now. So it's hard to find it real

[1:42:10] quick on the fly. >> It's it is a challenge. So for the month

[1:42:14] ended, we we have two this evening. We have both July and August. For month

[1:42:17] ended July 31, fund balance is 2,824,793.

[1:42:22] um the accounts in in that have been negative have been taken care of by the

[1:42:28] time of this meeting. And then for

[1:42:35] for the month of August, we're at 2,726,829

[1:42:41] with revenues of 420,88 and expenditures of 517989,000.

[1:42:48] Quite a few here, but once again, at the time of the printing, we're We're in

[1:42:52] pretty good shape moving forward. Be happy to answer any questions, but I ask

[1:42:55] that you approve the student activities reports as presented.

[1:43:02] » No, it's not. >> No, go ahead. No, go ahead. Go ahead.

[1:43:06] » All right. Okay. So, all the ones that are on the September 17, 2026 report,

[1:43:12] you said that they are now positive. >> Correct. So, the individual band

[1:43:17] accounts for for music boosters, that one's larger. That's a transfer that

[1:43:22] that goes through then in the summer once the individual students begin to

[1:43:26] fund raise. Uh boys golf central same thing they they purchased all their

[1:43:31] supplies, all their golf balls, all their bags and freshmen buy their own

[1:43:35] bags. That's why that's a large expenditure as well. But yeah, once once

[1:43:39] then we you make the team then you write the check, you get your bag and you keep

[1:43:43] it for four years. So that's why some of those are a little larger.

[1:43:47] » Yes. What what is tri? >> Try math. All

[1:43:56] right. Any additional >> music? Music. Music. Music music. My

[1:43:59] bad. Trying this music society. Got it. Any other questions?

[1:44:06] Hearing none. I entertain a motion to approve the student activities reports

[1:44:09] as presented. >> Second.

[1:44:12] » Motion a second. Can you please open a vote?

[1:44:16] » Rich, I think you said why don't we switch back? I think they got bought out

[1:44:19] and this is what we get now. >> [laughter]

[1:44:22] » choice.

[1:44:26] » The vote is open. >> It's like the screen just shrunk.

[1:44:29] Everything's all compressed. >> All right. Next

[1:44:33] » vote is unanimous. Motion passes. >> See that pops up. I can see.

[1:44:38] » All right. Next up is the second reading for policies, student superintendent

[1:44:42] notes. >> Just including your backing materials is

[1:44:46] second reading of policies primarily our our footnotes. Um, nothing as I wouldn't

[1:44:53] consider a major consequence. Happy to answer any questions. Obviously, this

[1:44:58] comes through press and something we bring to the board quarterly as we

[1:45:02] adjust based upon press recommendations. >> Just for clarification, any of the

[1:45:07] policies or procedures that were addressed tonight or by public comment

[1:45:11] are not included in this. This was already on the horizon.

[1:45:13] » This was this had a first reading from last month and a second. We typically

[1:45:17] would do two readings for any policy uh policy changes

[1:45:22] » and these policies are recommended by the service we use to change.

[1:45:26] » Correct. >> All right. Any additional questions?

[1:45:33] Hearing none, I'd entertain a motion to approve the policies as presented.

[1:45:41] » Motion second. Can you please open the vote?

[1:45:50] What is open?

[1:45:57] » Vote is unanimous. Motion passes. >> Next up is the district 210 advisory

[1:46:03] meeting calendar for 2026. >> Have the meeting calendar included for

[1:46:07] your consideration. Um we continue to work through different types of topics.

[1:46:13] Obviously this after listening this evening uh it's a possibility we would

[1:46:18] bring some of our analysis and our discussion points back to this group as

[1:46:22] we have teachers and students and parents from all three schools. So

[1:46:25] that's something we'll work on moving forward. But we need to approve the

[1:46:28] dates as this is a committee of the board. These are considered public

[1:46:32] meetings. And so this would be the procedure to to do at this point is to

[1:46:36] approve the meeting dates.

[1:46:42] That's okay. I had to entertain a motion. Motion to approve the calendar.

[1:46:46] We have a motion. Do we have a second? Any questions or comments on the

[1:46:49] calendar? All right. Hearing none. Open the vote.

[1:46:56] What is open?

[1:47:09] » Vote is unanimous. Motion passes. >> Right. Next up is the adoption of the

[1:47:13] fiscal year 2027 budget.

[1:47:18] » All right. Thank you. Good evening. Um my presentation tonight will be be

[1:47:22] succinct. There are no surprises in this final version of the fiscal year 27

[1:47:26] budget and the work that has gone into this budget aligns with the board's

[1:47:32] strategic initiatives. Tonight, what we'll take a look at are any changes

[1:47:36] from the tenative budget presented in June and at the end we'll provide a

[1:47:41] snapshot of fund balances. Our our district administrative team believes

[1:47:45] this year's budget shows continued stability for our district. There are

[1:47:50] several resource documents included in your packing materials tonight I'd like

[1:47:54] to draw your attention to. These include a cover memo summarizing the budget. Uh

[1:47:59] a brief two-page Q&A document highlighting what we anticipate may be

[1:48:04] common questions from the board uh andor the community and the accounting book

[1:48:08] detail outlining each fund and its revenue and expenditure types.

[1:48:14] We've prepared this fisc year 27 budget to include roughly 33.3 million in

[1:48:21] operating revenues as you can see in the top right of that light red uh column

[1:48:26] and 133.1 million in operating expenditures. This represents a 4.9%

[1:48:33] increase on the revenue side and a 6% increase on the spending side which we

[1:48:37] feel is conservative uh but appropriate from that. Uh moving your way down that

[1:48:43] column we've set aside 2.2 2 million in transfers out of the operating funds and

[1:48:48] into other areas such as debt service for capital lease payments which I'll

[1:48:52] talk about in a little bit and capital projects for s uh future our capital

[1:48:56] projects fund excuse me for future site improvements.

[1:48:59] The ending budget on paper shows an operating deficit of $2 million, which

[1:49:04] however includes the planned spendown of debt certificate dollars from revenue

[1:49:09] that hit last year's books uh for our financing to own purchasing model for

[1:49:14] the new buses. Um that those dollars cross fiscal years and so that was a

[1:49:19] planned check of $2.9 million, excuse me, that we spent in uh

[1:49:25] July, which hits this fiscal year. when you exclude that payment, uh, we see a

[1:49:30] true structural state of the operating budget. And I like to show both of these

[1:49:34] because if we had a structural recurring deficit forecasted, that would be

[1:49:39] something I would want to make sure we discuss. That is not the case. Um, we

[1:49:43] have an operating surplus of 874,540 when you exclude that one-time planned

[1:49:49] payment from the purchasing the board approved last year.

[1:49:55] A brief overview of some revenues and expenses um talk a little bit about

[1:49:59] local revenues illustrates um our sources local sources are expected to

[1:50:04] increase to 113 million this year. You can see here on this slide uh some of

[1:50:10] the changes listed from the tentative version of the budget presented in June

[1:50:14] for example. One particular note is our CPPRT allocation uh which we had um

[1:50:21] anticipated to be about a 10% reduction uh is higher than was initially

[1:50:25] anticipated. will actually be a moderate increase this year, which is great news.

[1:50:29] Uh, as for state revenues, our evidence-based funding allocation

[1:50:33] released from ISBY, as was mentioned earlier, uh, in public comment, has a 2%

[1:50:38] increase this year, and federal revenues are a bit higher based on grant and

[1:50:43] Medicaid reimbursements. On the expenditure side,

[1:50:48] salaries and benefits are planned to increase 4.4 million this year to

[1:50:53] roughly $92 million in total. Um these salary costs, as we discussed in June,

[1:50:59] are based on staffing needs and the district's collective bargaining

[1:51:02] agreements. Many benefits costs as well also mirror those wage rates because

[1:51:08] they're percentage based such as pensions, social security, uh and

[1:51:12] Medicare. One item we've we I feel like we do discuss many months is our medical

[1:51:18] insurance continues to trend high. That is a focal point for our district

[1:51:22] administrative team as we review plan design coming up here for open

[1:51:27] enrollment. Purchase services are budgeted to

[1:51:31] increase $700,000 this year. One example I did want to note here are special

[1:51:36] education transportation costs and um just wanted to share an update. Our our

[1:51:42] team is currently identifying ways in which I believe we can streamline this

[1:51:46] and try to make um more efficient our outofd district transportation costs. I

[1:51:52] I would like to acknowledge um here as we look at the aggregate of the purchase

[1:51:56] services budget just in light of public comment this evening um and particular

[1:52:01] the budget related public comment. We allocate funds across all of our various

[1:52:06] departments for a variety of professional development planning um And

[1:52:11] in light of recent events and and to echo Dr. Tingley's comments um about

[1:52:15] initiatives and and things we will take a look at for next week, we do have room

[1:52:19] uh in our professional services budget for the professional development student

[1:52:24] supports um that we will continue to investigate.

[1:52:28] » Mike, can I quick question for you? >> Of course.

[1:52:31] » We're purchase services are around 13.4 now and they're going to 14.1.

[1:52:37] » Going to 14.1. >> Okay, gotcha. Just the way I read it at

[1:52:40] first, it looked like it was going from 700,000 to 14 million.

[1:52:43] » I'm sorry. It will increase 700,000 to get to 14.1. I'm sorry.

[1:52:47] » At first, I sound like that's a massive jump. Where do we How did I miss that

[1:52:49] the first time? >> No, I apologize.

[1:52:51] » Okay. >> So, Mike, I have a quick question, too.

[1:52:54] So,

[1:52:57] » so as it relates to the public comment, as you indicated,

[1:53:01] » so it was regarding the increase that we received and was it the title one funds?

[1:53:07] Was that what it was? And so you said that across the board we have increased

[1:53:13] uh for professional services for all of the and so it's shown where where would

[1:53:18] we be able to point that? So within the accounting book detail um of the actual

[1:53:24] budget book we have professional services across be that psychological

[1:53:29] services social work title federal grants um and then local spending in

[1:53:34] terms of our be that the business office budget the curriculum budget and so on

[1:53:37] and so forth. So that book detail has salaries, benefits, purchase services,

[1:53:41] supplies, so on in each of those areas. And in aggregate, as we take a look at

[1:53:46] some of those line items, be that evidence-based funding, tier money, or

[1:53:50] title, or some of our local district dollars, um I I believe there are are

[1:53:55] several areas in which we have some room in terms of the planning for fiscal year

[1:53:59] 27 where we can financially incorporate some of those initiatives.

[1:54:04] » So when we would pay for some of the uh programs or the the different companies

[1:54:11] that we are engaging in or that Superintendent uh Tingley is engaging in

[1:54:16] that those funds will come out of each one of will come across the board out of

[1:54:20] different categories. Is that correct? Is that what I'm hearing?

[1:54:23] » Yes, that is that is correct. I would need to take a look at exactly where we

[1:54:27] choose to take that from, but I I believe there are a few spots from where

[1:54:30] it can be. Okay. Yep.

[1:54:39] Moving on through other expense types, the aggregate supply costs um in this

[1:54:44] year's budget and to clarify increase 1.6 million to go to 13.4 million. But

[1:54:50] the two primary reasons here are our student devices, laptops. We've been

[1:54:55] able to hold those flat for two or three years um with a new generation of

[1:55:00] devices and things. Um we talked about that previously at another meeting.

[1:55:04] There's a jump there as well as our utility rates for electricity and

[1:55:07] natural gas capital spending. Now, this is capital

[1:55:12] spending in our operating funds is set actually to decrease one point or $1

[1:55:17] million as only one payment, sorry, as only one payment was needed for the

[1:55:22] buses compared to two payments last year. So, that's why the capital outlay

[1:55:26] in the operating budget is going down. And finally, our expenditure category of

[1:55:31] tuition dues and fees, which Yes, that's a broad expense category

[1:55:36] is is expected to increase 1.6 million this year. One budget line we're

[1:55:42] tracking closely is private facility tuition costs which are projected to be

[1:55:46] up $600,000 based on special education student data and programming needs this

[1:55:52] school year. Now, this budget line does fluctuate. There are years it goes down.

[1:55:56] There are years it goes up. Um we feel this is conservative but appropriate for

[1:56:01] this year's projected and needs at this time.

[1:56:09] $200,000 of the 2.2 million transfer total I mentioned earlier is for capital

[1:56:15] leases, which are uh driver's education car lease payments. It's printer copier

[1:56:19] leases. If you recall, this was an accounting exercise we discussed uh when

[1:56:23] our auditors were here last time. They asked us to instead transfer this money

[1:56:27] into our debt fund and make payments from there. It's the same money,

[1:56:31] different accounting exercise. The remaining 2 million is the capital

[1:56:37] projects transfer for this uh this year for summer 2027 projects. This amount is

[1:56:43] smaller uh than the last couple of years. It does align with what we talked

[1:56:47] about in June. Again, illustrating that this is a tighter year. We do have some

[1:56:52] other revenues in fund 60, be that from rental income or investment income. And

[1:56:57] so when we combine that, we're targeting right now conservatively a three 3

[1:57:01] million 3.1 million total allocation as we begin planning with our district's

[1:57:08] architects and more to come in uh future months on that.

[1:57:14] Finally, really high level did want to share an update on our efforts to remain

[1:57:17] financially transparent and to enhance that transparency whenever we can.

[1:57:22] Within board policy, there's guidance from Illinois school code that outlines

[1:57:26] that school districts uh shouldn't tax more than necessary and accumulate

[1:57:30] excess uh reserves. There are actually a number of different analyses that we do

[1:57:34] to make sure we're compliant with school code and policy. Essentially, if we have

[1:57:38] cash reserves that are more than two and a half times our annual spending is says

[1:57:43] a school district should implement a reserve reduction plan. Now, Lincoln Way

[1:57:47] is nowhere near that. We do not have that in reserves as you know. Um we

[1:57:51] remain fiscally lean, very operationally efficient. Um but we want to share that

[1:57:56] our administrative team completes these analyses in our daily work to make sure

[1:58:00] that we're keeping us um in line financially and transparent.

[1:58:07] Summary slide here shows revenues and expenditures for each one of the

[1:58:11] district's funds. Third from the left is the transportation fund where um you

[1:58:16] will see the 3 million spendown which again was planned in the middle of this

[1:58:20] table. Do want to highlight a moderate spend down in the tort fund as well.

[1:58:25] You've heard me say that probably three or four years in a row. Now, we have

[1:58:29] enough in reserves here and so we've reallocated levy and interest income to

[1:58:33] other funds. On the right are the capital projects fund and the life

[1:58:38] safety fund. Both of these funds have planned spendowns for construction and

[1:58:43] life safety HVAC work. The money is already sitting in those accounts

[1:58:48] waiting to be spent. And so these are the uh conservative amounts that we

[1:58:52] believe will be spent this fiscal year. Once again, in terms of an ongoing

[1:58:57] structural operating picture, we are balanced and stable at this time. Happy

[1:59:02] to take any questions you may have about this presentation or any of the

[1:59:06] additional documents in your packing materials. Thank you.

[1:59:12] » Any questions for Dr. Dubc? >> I have one quick question.

[1:59:18] Um so [clears throat] I I did I am looking at the professional services and

[1:59:23] under the improvement of instructional services I see that there's a decrease

[1:59:28] in the professional services for you know what that's okay I look at it's

[1:59:34] fiscal year 2026 but fiscal year 2027 there is an increase so I'm good

[1:59:40] no question >> how do you project the uh increase in

[1:59:44] the private tuition is that just we know we're going need to place two students

[1:59:49] or is it and it's going to cost us X or is that I won't say a guesstimate but

[1:59:55] » uh yeah well well some of it is projection based on on students that we

[1:59:59] believe are moving in or where their placements will be. They might not be

[2:00:01] placed yet or they might have um IEP changes certainly um Katie Hunt can

[2:00:06] speak in more detail to this than me but but we meet and we go over the students

[2:00:11] that we know we have uh services that we know we can provide in the district

[2:00:15] versus outplacement needs. Like I that fluctuates every year. So I think and I

[2:00:19] don't I don't have this particular line in front of me. I think it was 3.2

[2:00:23] million a couple years ago, then went down to three million. Now it's up to

[2:00:26] three. So it it fluctuates with the needs. This is just a year where we we

[2:00:30] feel it's appropriate to be conservative based on what we anticipate.

[2:00:34] » As we as you know, we faced historically if we have a child move in or we we

[2:00:39] don't know of someone and then that's an additional significant increase. Um we

[2:00:44] we have to remain conservative. We we we were caught by that several years ago

[2:00:50] when we went to the dollar amount of the students that we just knew and and we

[2:00:55] were significantly short. And so we think this will encompass any additional

[2:01:00] changes, but that's always because of the level of cost

[2:01:04] that that can be challenging as a one or two student move can significantly swing

[2:01:09] that line item budget.

[2:01:15] I do have one other question. Under the auditorium, how did we um how did how

[2:01:20] did our budget go down there? Um there's a Oh, is it because of the is it because

[2:01:26] of repairs? >> No, actually that was something that's a

[2:01:29] very good question. Um a takeaway for me as well. Some of that uh overall

[2:01:34] auditorium budget has to do with we spent more in uh wages as we were doing

[2:01:40] extensive rental out of the North Auditorium and then once we partnered

[2:01:46] into that film production company taking over North this fiscal year we will have

[2:01:50] less of that. It's a great question. >> It's a huge decrease.

[2:01:56] » Okay. >> Also a decrease of revenue from the

[2:02:00] rental however made up by that production company.

[2:02:06] » Anything else for Dr. Dub? >> Appreciate the larger screen.

[2:02:11] » Yeah. screen for this. We should always move our budget hearing into this room

[2:02:15] so we can see. >> All right. Thank you.

[2:02:18] » So, I'm going to try to navigate the small screen now.

[2:02:21] » Uh, hearing no further questions. I entertain a motion to adopt the fiscal

[2:02:26] year 2027 budget as presented. >> So, move

[2:02:30] motion a second. Please open the vote.

[2:02:43] is open.

[2:02:54] The vote the vote is unanimous. Motion passes.

[2:02:58] » All right. Next up isformational items. Report of the Lincoln Way Special

[2:03:02] Education District 843. This report is from the August 6th

[2:03:08] meeting which was actually the July meeting that needed to be rescheduled

[2:03:11] due to the loss of power to Pioner Grove. Um so at this meeting our budget

[2:03:16] was preliminary presented which has now since been approved for 2627. Um we

[2:03:22] received updates on the extended school year staffing and full school year

[2:03:27] staffing which has all completed. Um some purchasing of additional technology

[2:03:32] in terms of a printer or that needed to be replaced and some

[2:03:39] additional playground repairs which have all been addressed as well.

[2:03:46] Questions?

[2:03:49] » Thank you very much. September foy

[2:03:53] included in your back of materials for your review our building and grounds

[2:03:58] report. >> Once again, utilities and contractual

[2:04:00] maintenance is all included. >> Anything on the legislative front?

[2:04:04] » Nothing. at this time. >> Superintendent District report. We we

[2:04:08] kind of covered a lot of that already this evening and we'll be reporting back

[2:04:12] in October with directions.

[2:04:15] » Marian Catholic. Oh, sorry. Correspondence.

[2:04:18] » Correspondence. We did receive a thank you from Marian Catholic for use of

[2:04:21] Lincoln Way North Cafeteria for their homecoming. Wonderful event last

[2:04:25] Saturday. Thank Michelle for helping coordinate that. They paid the actual

[2:04:30] cost because we did provide them with some of our cleaning crew and some

[2:04:35] different services, but uh they had lost their gym in one of the storms and

[2:04:39] didn't have a place to to host their homecoming. So, it actually it was

[2:04:43] fantastic. They brought the food trucks up the back. Really really had a nice

[2:04:47] time. So, that was we were we were happy to help out there. And then we also

[2:04:51] included any correspondents the board has received since September 4th. um is

[2:04:59] on there as well in PDF >> and then I'd like to make sure we update

[2:05:03] that with anything we get over the next day or two for the

[2:05:07] » uh topics that we discussed tonight.

[2:05:13] » No other business to attend to >> that. I'd entertain a motion to adjourn.

[2:05:20] Motion second. All those in favor signify by saying I.

[2:05:23] » I. We are adjourned. Our next meeting is October and Can't see the date. October

[2:05:30] 15th.

Board of Education Regular Meeting - Budget Hearing Sep 17 2026

Transcript