Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
May 18, 2026
The lede
- Board approved expanding the facility therapy dog program from North High School to South Middle School after positive impacts on student mental health and engagement
- Perry Elementary closure fallout continued: Public comments criticized administration’s treatment of Perry staff during transition and questioned transparency around closure decision
- Board approved District 100’s Portrait of a Graduate framework and Phase II strategic planning work, following student-led design process
- $2.2 million savings on secure entrance project achieved through rebidding; multiple construction contracts approved
- Administrative contracts and 2.7% non-union wage increases approved; one board member abstained on admin contracts, one voted no
Attendance & housekeeping
Present: All seven board members (Barbi Yunk, Jermaine Pigee, Scott Mueller, Holly Houk, Jorge Herrera, Jeff Diestelmeier, Brian Hoemke)
Meeting began with closed executive session at start, reconvened in open session at 6:24 PM. Meeting included performance by BHS Mariachi band. Board went into second closed session at end of meeting.
Decisions & votes (each with vote count and notable discussion or dissent)
Consent Agenda (items 2–19): Approved 7-0
Included personnel report, financial reports, bills, contracts (NWEA MAP, Axis server replacement), activity account requests, excess property disposals, overnight field trips, and fundraisers.
Policy Revisions (first readings): 24 policies presented for first reading; no votes required.
Policy Revisions 6:280, 7:190, 7:220, 7:260 (final approval): Approved 7-0
Policy 6:280 (Grading and Promotion) discussion noted addition of word “significant” to require board approval only for significant changes to grading system. Dr. Carson explained this prevents small operational changes from requiring board action while maintaining oversight.
Facility Therapy Dog Expansion to South Middle School: Approved 7-0
Liz Sherman presented update on “Dixie” serving North HS and BHS. Program operates at no cost to district through partnership with Canines for Comfort. Opt-out forms available; zero opt-outs this year (one last year). Dog is hypoallergenic (part doodle). Board praised program’s impact on student mental health, IEP meetings, and social-emotional learning.
Meehan Elementary Playground Equipment: Approved 7-0
Total cost $224,413 (under $303k budget). Member Mueller questioned $6,500 trucking cost and overall expense. Sean Winter explained equipment is 20+ years old with unavailable replacement parts, creating safety/liability issues (same situation as Washington School previously). Soft surface chosen over mulch for ADA accessibility and lower maintenance. Part of approved Phase 1 facilities plan using capital funds. Landscape Structures selected through co-op pricing for consistency across district playgrounds.
Belvidere North High School Woodshop Remodel: Approved 7-0
Funded entirely by state direct allocation from Representative Bella for CTE programming (no district match required). Funds must be encumbered by end of June.
Middle School Schedule Research Study Proposal: Approved 7-0
Dr. Valant explained study will examine how staff, time, and schedule can maximize learning, particularly for math instruction and interventions, considering additions like accelerated math and dual language since current schedule adopted.
District 100 Portrait of a Graduate: Approved 7-0
Student-led design process with 12 student facilitators praised by board. Dr. Schug noted process was “inspirational” and student facilitators were “remarkable” managing adult learners. Board members commended Dr. Carson’s leadership.
Portrait of a Graduate Strategic Plan – Phase II: Approved 7-0
Will develop continuum of outcomes by grade level, professional “portraits” for educators/leaders, and revised strategic plan. Expected completion by spring break next school year. Member Mueller cautioned against short-circuiting elements and advised methodical approach rather than too much in parallel.
Secure Entrances Scopes 3 & 4 Rebid: Approved 7-0
Mrs. Armstrong highlighted rebidding saved $2.2 million compared to first bid. No bids received for site concrete (addressed in separate item).
Secure Entrances Abatement: Approved 7-0
Secure Entry Site Concrete Change Order ($319,000 to Cord Construction): Approved 7-0
Brent explained concrete bid failed twice; general trades contractor (Cord) obtained two sub-bids, recommending lower at $319k vs. $409k. Covers south parking lot at BHS plus sidewalks at all secure entry locations. Member Mueller questioned cost and whether district could do work itself, noting liability concerns. Work addresses aging sidewalks with salt damage and safety issues.
ROE #4 Regional Crisis Reunification Team MOU: Approved 7-0
Establishes partnership for coordinated crisis response and student reunification across Boone and Winnebago County districts. Training conducted January 2026. Company name “I Love You Guys” comes from last text message founder’s child sent before incident.
Elementary Multilingual Supervisor Job Description: Approved 7-0
Replaces bilingual integration specialist position; employee completing first year in district.
2026-27 Administrative Contract for Seth Whitman Elementary AP (Nicole Dawson Foley): Approved 7-0
Dr. Edy noted Foley brings wealth of special education experience. Approximately dozen applicants; no internal candidates.
2026-27 Administrative Contracts: Approved 5-1-1
Member Yunk abstained, Member Mueller voted nay. Mrs. Armstrong clarified contracts and pay rates are connected; if not approved, administrators would not have renewed contracts.
2026-27 Non-Union Employee Group Wage Increases (2.7% plus market adjustments): Approved 7-0
Covers approximately 105 employees including HR, finance, buildings/grounds, custodial managers, computer techs, nurses (not teachers, social workers, or union members).
Discussion items (no vote)
Board Committee Reports: Business Services (May 5), Educational Services (May 6), Policy & Personnel (May 7), Parent Teacher Advisory (May 8) reviewed; no significant concerns raised.
Upcoming Contract Renewals & Reports: Administration working to add contracts exceeding $25,000 to list for regular board review.
Strategic Plan Updates:
- Goal 1 (Academic Achievement): Elementary team training on integrating literacy resources; summer school coordination underway; record 86 students earned Illinois Seal of Biliteracy (up from 10 in 2022)
- Goal 2 (Learning Environment): Castle teams focusing on mental health next year; summer transition support for students in need; in-district job shadowing/internships expanding (buildings/grounds, PT, nursing, speech therapy)
- Goal 3 (Family/Community Partnerships): Committee reconvening this week; cell phone policy review meeting scheduled (data showing positive staff/parent feedback, “reluctantly positive” student feedback)
- Goal 4 (Personnel): Substitute fill rates in mid-to-upper 80s, about 10% higher than last year; new staff year-end roundings overwhelmingly positive (8-10 satisfaction ratings)
- Goal 5 (Operational Resources): Phase 1 projects advancing; Phase 2 discussions ongoing; Chromebooks arrived; final FY26 budget amendments coming next month; tentative BEA agreement in progress
Inclusion Research Study Update: Miss Fabian Chuck presented year-end update on committee work developing five-year inclusion education plan modeled after Boston Public Schools. Framework centers on Universal Design for Learning (UDL). “Shift 1” for 2026-27 focuses on professional development for certified and non-certified staff. Plan aligns with existing initiatives (MTSS, co-teaching, play-based kindergarten). Committee will resume September–May.
Public comment
Jen McCormack (BEA Vice President): Shared highlights from Educator Appreciation Week contest submissions (May 6–10). Teachers wrote about why they teach, student wins, staff shoutouts, and what keeps them going. Emphasized “the best thing about District 100 are the people—the teachers in our district truly care about our kids.”
Betsy Kosil: Parent with three children in district; daughter has ASD, ADHD, dysgraphia, dyslexia. Family spent over $30,000 on tutoring and services. Stated Seth Whitman denied ADA accommodations and FAPE for three years; IEP only recently approved. Claimed four administrators violated ADA over 12 months and showed no empathy. Requested district review special education program comprehensively and volunteered to advocate for parents/teachers facing retaliation.
Beth Stucky (BEA Executive Board): Presented list of computer systems elementary teachers use regularly, including Google suite, ParentSquare, eSchool, Mastery Connect, GoGuardian, Panorama, PBIS apps, Benchmark, Envision, Canvas, Discovery Ed, Skyward, NWEA MAP, and many others. Questioned total cost (operational and staff time) and whether overlapping features could be consolidated for savings.
Nicole Hill: Parent of Belvidere North girls flag football player. Concerned program may be cut due to budget. Questioned who is making decision, actual cost to run program, and whether district explored options before cutting. One player signed with American University; incoming freshmen want to play. Requested clear numbers and asked if girls can save season by fundraising. Called for independent Title IX athletics equity review before any decision, noting potential disparities if booster-supported programs continue while girls’ program eliminated. Stated families learned of potential cut only through rumors, not district communication.
Dawn Smith (Organic Life District Manager): Thanked district for partnership and expressed gratitude for polite students, community, board, and administration during her three months in role.
Matt Ziggert: Commended biiteracy achievement but noted potential conflict with Running Start. Urged continued spending scrutiny given uncertain funding future. Praised retirees, especially Mr. Paige. Highlighted positive Caledonia experiences. Raised concerns about Policy 6:280 (grading/promotion), suggesting district practices social promotion despite policy language about retention for failure of two or more core classes. Recommended examining early childhood and play-based education with same scrutiny as literacy (phonics vs. whole language).
Dan Snow: Stated board made “poor decision” to close Perry except Member Mueller. Contradicted board’s positive comments, reporting “nothing but bad news” from families regarding school placement and split families.
Andrew Kitson: Extended critical public comment about Perry closure. Stated board failed to ensure administration kept promise to “take care of” Perry staff. Listed grievances: packing supplies (boxes/tape) only arrived after his email; no tape dispensers provided; Perry omitted from Teacher Appreciation Week emails; one Perry retiree didn’t receive card. Filed multiple FOIA requests revealing concerns: survey questions changed after board vote, Phase 2 costs added to Phase 1 survey, Perry project costs actually decreased $2 million (contradicting “no money” explanation), maintenance told last summer not to re-mulch Perry playground (suggesting decision made before public announcement). District requested FOIA extension; Kitson approved but received response that emails “too burdensome” to produce due to “opinions” and “planning.” Stated situation “looking dirtier and dirtier by the day” and pledged to continue FOIA requests.
Notable moments (anything colorful, tense, or unusual)
Musical opening: BHS Mariachi band performed two songs before meeting; President Herrera praised difficult traditional song, noting it “goes back decades.” Students received enthusiastic applause.
Retirees honored: 22 retirees recognized with combined 440 years of service. Michael Paige recognized for 40 years (longest tenure). Julie Davis’s plaque inadvertently not included; Dr. Schug apologized and promised to send to school. Dr. Schug joked district won’t know what to do without Paige as “last one standing” at annual years-of-service exercise.
Mike LaScola recognition: Principal recognized as one of Northwest Quarterly Magazine’s “25 Most Interesting People” (nominated by Member Pigee). Celebrated record 50 Everest graduates (34 at ceremony attended by many alumni). Dr. Schug noted 20 years of service and praised legacy of helping students graduate who didn’t think it possible.
Therapy dog presentation: Dixie (facility dog) attended meeting with handler Liz Sherman. Board members visibly delighted; President Herrera joked it was “best part of meeting.” Sherman described daily routine, impact on IEP meetings (helps families relax), speech therapy benefits for student recovering from brain surgery, and success with leadership training. Lisa Hornley (Canines for Comfort co-founder) explained rigorous training, no “dog in a box” approach, and growing program (52 placements, 8 in schools). Dixie politely declined photo opportunity but remained present for discussion.
Senior sendoff video: Dr. Schug played BHS senior sendoff video featuring “Count on Me” soundtrack with student/staff footage. Received applause; Dr. Schug noted it exemplifies staff “doing wonderful things for our kids all the time.”
Graduation celebrations: Over 80 students awarded over $500,000 in scholarships ($302,000 from community donors). Dr. Schug called scholarship night “best night of the year” and graduation “best day of the year.” Beemo venue received positive initial feedback.
Concrete cost debate: Member Mueller questioned $319,000 concrete change order cost and $6,500 trucking fee, asked about doing work in-house. Joked about quitting for two years to do concrete work himself. Light banter with Sean Winter about liability and volume of work. Later joked with Member Hoemke they “will probably not let us sit together” after voting pattern.
Portrait of Graduate students: Three of 12 student facilitators present (many were recent graduates). Dr. Schug praised their leadership facilitating adult groups: “They turned on and off the lights, they used cues, they got everybody’s attention. They were remarkable.” Participant quote: “The student facilitators were in my mind a portrait of what a graduate should be.”
Superintendent intern clarification: Member Pigee asked “off topic” question about superintendent intern on inclusion committee. Dr. Schug explained practicum student working toward certification; formerly community member still invested in district work.
Perry closure tensions: Multiple public comments critical of administration’s Perry handling. Andrew Kitson’s extensive comments most pointed, alleging ADA violations, lack of transparency, and document withholding. Dan Snow’s brief comment simply stated board made “poor decision except for Mr. Mueller.”
Voting patterns: Member Yunk abstained and Member Mueller voted no on administrative contracts (otherwise unanimous votes throughout). On playground equipment, Member Mueller’s cost concerns didn’t result in no vote after explanations provided.