Galesburg Reporter

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education met July 29

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Call to Order: Vice President Henry called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Board of Education Members:

Present- Dr. Kelly Henry, Vice-President; Mrs. Kelly Asseff, Secretary; Mrs. Courtenae Trautmann; Mrs. Beth Hosler; Mrs. Nikki Slowinski; and Mr. Brian Bresnahan

Absent- Mrs. Athena Arvanitis, President

Vice President Henry stated there are 6 board members present, 1 board members absent, a quorum is present.

Administration:

Present- Dr. Keisha Campbell, Superintendent; Mrs. Tonya Daniels, Chief of Staff & Communications; Mr. Rudy Gomez, Exec. Dir. Technology; Mrs. Katie Lyons, Asst. Superintendent of Teaching & Learning; Mr. Joe Blomquist, Asst. Superintendent of Finance & Operations; Dr. Joe Schumacher, Asst. Superintendent of Human Resources; Dr. Kevin Rubenstein, Asst. Superintendent of Student Services; and Ms. Kerry Leuschel, Asst. Superintendent of School Leadership

Absent – none

Pledge of Allegiance:

Board members led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comments:

There were nine public commenters at tonight’s meeting.

• Public commenter #1, parent with three students in D205: Raised concerns about districtwide class sizes, lack of a math interventionist at Emerson, and emphasized that smaller classes help maintain strong academic outcomes and Elmhurst’s “elite” status.

• Public commenter #2, parent of two students at Edison, former educator: Highlighted gaps in social-emotional and math support, particularly for students with 504 plans, noting that large class sizes make it difficult for teachers to differentiate instruction.

• Public commenter #3, parent of two children at Jackson, current educator: Praised the district but expressed concern that rising class sizes threaten stability and quality, noting limited small-group instruction last year affecting mid-level performing students.

• Public commenter #4, parent of a Lincoln student: Emphasized the need for manageable class sizes to support learning and social-emotional development, citing an example of a disruptive student last year and the challenge for teachers to provide individualized attention.

• Public commenter #5, parent of two students at Jefferson: Reported that a 26-student classroom negatively affected her child, requiring families to supplement learning at home and with tutors due to insufficient district resources.

• Public commenter #6, parent of two students at Edison: Moved to the district for school quality and expressed concern that known class size issues were not addressed proactively.

• Public commenter #7, parent of two students at Lincoln: Discussed the referendum and stressed the importance of the district responding to the needs of today’s parent community, advocating collaboration to find solutions.

• Public commenter #8, parent of a Jefferson student: Reported challenges due to large, chaotic classrooms, especially with younger students, and urged reconsideration of class sizes.

• Public commenter #9, parent of three D205 students, special educator: Emphasized that even excellent teachers cannot meet the needs of 26 students in one classroom, particularly when accommodating students with special needs.

Approval of Board Meeting Minutes:

Approval of Regular Board Minutes and Special Board Meeting Minutes- June 17, 2025 and June 30, 2025.

Vice President Henry asked if there were any changes to minutes and hearing no changes, the minutes were declared to stand as presented.

Reports and Presentations:

Overview of Summer Programming

Dr. Patrick Baker and Dr. Colleen Cook presented a report on the 2025 Summer Programs, which served nearly 1,500 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Programs included Extended School Year (ESY) services for students with IEP’s targeted reading, and math interventions, bridge courses for middle schoolers, and high school credit-earning opportunities. Enrichment offerings in STEM, arts, and athletics also allowed students to explore interests and build skills. Family and staff feedback reflected strong satisfaction, and participation data highlighted continued demand for both academic and enrichment programs.   

The Board questioned or commented on the following:

• A board member questioned how many recommendations were sent out versus how many students enrolled.

• A board member extended her gratitude for everyone who supported the programming as they are aware of the work that goes into, but is so happy that the students can receive that “extra” help during the summer, or get a class in during the summer to provide them the opportunity to take another class during the school year.

• A board member extended their gratitude as two of their children attended and enjoyed the ESY programming.

• Thanks for the robust programming, personally witnessed the athletic programs and to see all the young children in the gym excited to be a duke even for a week and to establish relationships with the older students who served as role models.

Consent Agenda Items:

A. Personnel Report

B. Financial Reports

C. FOIA- Freedom of Information Act Requests

D. Stuart- Rodgers Ltd. Photography Contract Extension        

E. Beck’s Bookstore Extension

F. Approval of Athletic Trainer Contract Amendment

G. Second Read Section 2: Board of Education- Policy Review 2:260; 2:265

H. Second Read Section 4: Operational Services- Policy Review 4:15; 4:80; 4:120; 4:150

I. Second Read Section 5: Personnel- Policy Review 5:10; 5:20; 5:60; 5:100

J. Second Read Section 6: Instruction- Policy Review 6:150; 6:235; 6:310

K. Second Read Section 7: Students- Policy Review 7:10; 7:20; 7:50; 7:60; 7:70; 7:180; 7:185; 7;190; 7:200; 7:210; 7:250; 7:255; 7;270; 7:310; 7;315; 7:340

L. Second Read Section 8: Community Relations- Policy Review 8:30

Vice President Henry asked for a motion to approve the following consent agenda items: A. Personnel Report; B. Financial Reports; C. FOIA- Freedom of Information Act Requests; D. Stuart-Rodgers Ltd. Photography Contract Extension; E. Beck’s Bookstore Extension; F. Approval of Athletic Trainer Contract Amendment; G. Second Read Section 2: Board of Education- Policy Review 2:260; 2:265 H. Second Read Section 4: Operational Services- Policy Review 4:15; 4:80; 4:120; 4:150; I. Second Read Section 5: Personnel- Policy Review 5:10; 5:20; 5:60; 5:100; J. Second Read Section 6: Instruction- Policy Review 6:150; 6:235; 6:130; K. Second Read Section 7: Students- Policy Review 7:10; 7:20; 7:50; 7:60; 7:70; 7:180; 7:185; 7;190; 7:200; 7:210; 7:250; 7:255; 7;270; 7:310; 7;315; 7:340; L. Second Read Section 8: Community Relations- Policy Review 8:30

Mrs. Hosler moved and Mrs. Trautmann seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Asseff, Dr. Henry, Mr. Bresnahan, and Mrs. Slowinski voted aye. Motion carried.

Agenda Action Items:

Approval of Next Path

The Board was presented with and approved a one-year contract with Next Path Solutions, at a cost not to exceed $42,650, to support the District’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) implementation. Next Path will replace Embrace MTSS and reduce reliance on ECRISS, offering an integrated platform with interactive data walls, consolidated student profiles, real-time attendance reporting, and visual dashboards. This investment will enhance data-informed decision-making and strengthen academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports for students Districtwide.

The Board questioned or commented on the following:

• A board member asked whether this contract is a one-time agreement or requires annual renewal and if there is a discount got a multi- year contract.

• A Board member asked if the District anticipates this platform will eventually begin to phase out ECRISS.

Vice President Henry asked for a motion that the Board of Education approve the one-year contract with NextPath Solutions at a cost not to exceed $42,650 for use as a part of our MTSS Implementation Plan as presented. 

Mrs. Asseff moved and Mrs. Slowinski seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Slowinski, Mr. Bresnahan, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Hosler, and Mrs. Trautmann voted aye. Motion carried.

Approval of Flexible Learning Plan

Mr. Rudy Gomez presented the renewal of District 205’s Flexible Learning Plan, which provides for virtual instruction during times when in-person attendance is not possible, such as inclement weather days. The renewal, required every three years by ISBE, was published for public review and discussed at a public hearing on June 17, 2025. The Board will vote on final approval at the July 29, 2025 meeting, extending the plan through the 2027-28 school year.

The Board questioned or commented on the following:

• A board member wanted the community to be aware that this does not mean that we do not have snow days. This is an annual requirement that is done and must be renewed every three years.

Vice President Henry asked for a motion that the Board of Education renew the Flexible Learning Plan, for a period of three school years to expire at the end of the 2027-2028 school year as presented. 

Mrs. Trautmann moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Trautmann, Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Slowinski, Mr. Bresnahan, and Dr. Henry voted aye. Motion carried.

Approval of Monitoring Progress & Taking Action: Instructional Material Selection

Mrs. Katie Lyons presented the adoption of new instructional material for middle school Spanish for Spanish Speakers courses, beginning in the 2025-26 school year. The materials, selected by the Learning and Teaching team in collaboration with middle school leadership, were chosen based on student outcome data and curriculum needs. The recommended resources were placed on public display for 30 days beginning June 17, 2025, for community review and feedback.

Vice President Henry asked for a motion to approve the adoption of materials for use in middle school Spanish for Spanish Speakers courses, as presented.

Mr. Bresnahan moved and Mrs. Asseff seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mr. Bresnahan, Mrs. Asseff, Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Slowinski, Mrs. Trautmann, and Dr. Henry voted aye. Motion carried.

Approval of Recommendation for Hazardous Crossing

Mr. Joseph Blomquist presented that Elmhurst School District 205 will continue providing hazardous busing for students living within 1.5 miles of their schools where walking poses a serious safety hazard. The Board approved the annual resolution for the 2025-26 school year, allowing the District to maintain this service and receive state reimbursement through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The Board questioned or commented on the following:

• A Board member sough clarification that there are no changes to current routes or services.

• A Board member asked whether the District received requests to reevaluate or add new hazardous crossings.

Vice President Henry asked for a motion to approve the resolution to continue providing hazardous busing for the 2025-2026 school year and authorize the submission of hazardous crossing data to the Illinois Department of Transportation for final approval.

Mrs. Asseff moved and Mrs. Hosler seconded the motion. ROLL CALL VOTE: Mrs. Asseff Mrs. Hosler, Mrs. Slowinski, Dr. Henry, Mrs. Trautmann, and Mr. Bresnahan voted aye. Motion carried.

Superintendent’s Communication:

D205 Highlights

Over the past several months, our school and district leaders have engaged in thoughtful conversations with families regarding class configurations and enrollment for the upcoming school year. On behalf of the Board of Education and the District 205 administrative team, I want to thank all of our parents and community members who have taken the time to share their perspectives, ask questions, and participate in this important dialogue. Your partnership remains vital to our shared goal of providing a high-quality educational experience for every student while also upholding the deep value of our community school model in District 205.

Since January, our district and school leaders have been carefully reviewing current enrollment data, analyzing trends, and working collaboratively across departments to make staffing recommendations that reflect both student needs and available resources. Given the complexity of being a unit district, there are many factors taken into consideration to ensure that all decisions result in quality educational experiences beginning with our Mini Dukes through York and the Transition center. As a Unit District, our decisions and allocation of resources are distributed across five levels, Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, and our Transition Center. Therefore, we must carefully consider the potential impact a decision has on the system as a whole, not just an individual school or grade level.

As a District made up of community schools, each school serves a unique neighborhood and community. Due to this, enrollment and class sizes may vary by school and grade level. Additionally, class sizes shift slightly as students’ progress through grade levels and families often have questions and concerns each year as students enter a grade with slightly larger class sizes. This long-standing practice helps ensure that we are allocating resources equitably and responsibly across all levels and programs. We continue to welcome all feedback and will always acknowledge and engage with families regarding their student’s experience. 

Our experience and data show that D205 students continue to grow and thrive when supported by strong educators, high-quality curriculum, and well-designed learning environments, even with class sizes varying across the District. In the 2024-2025 school year we saw the greatest percentage of students achieving both math and ELA proficiency since the IAR was established in 2018-19 and all K-8 schools met expected growth or better than projections on both math and ELA.  

D205 also has a robust learning support system throughout our schools. Beyond our certified classroom teachers, we offer multi-tiered support services to meet the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of our students. These include reading and math specialists, EL educators, instructional coaches, REACH teachers, special education staff, social workers, and more working together to provide individualized support and care.

We want to let our parents and community know that we are committed to continuous improvement and regularly review our structures, systems, and practices to ensure they continue to align with best practice, research, and result in desired outcomes.

Based on current enrollment figures, there are no additional classrooms planned beyond what is already in place at our elementary schools. As we approach August and the first day of school, administration continues to analyze class lists, identify student needs, and review plans to support teachers and staff in providing a successful learning environment in every classroom throughout the District. 

Thank you again for your engagement, your trust, and your partnership as we work together to ensure every student in Elmhurst 205 is supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

Successful Start of the School Year

Leader Learning

D205 will be welcoming back District Leadership Team with a DLT kick-off on Tuesday, August 5th and 6th to prepare to welcome back students and staff the following week! 

New Educator Welcome

• Number of new educators - 53

• Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce hosting lunch - August 6, 2025 at 11:30 am

 We look forward to welcoming our students back into the buildings Wednesday, August 13.

Summer Cleaning and Prepping- We are so thankful for all of our custodians and maintenance team members who have been working tirelessly since the end of last school year to prepare our buildings for students in August. Each and every classroom and learning space across the district has been carefully cleaned, floors have been waxed, and repairs have been made to ensure our students will learn in high quality spaces this school year.  Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the team members who have worked hard to make this happen.

Mark your Calendars! August 12 - Madison ribbon cutting ceremony and community open house!

Communications Highlights

Mrs. Daniels introduced the communications highlight video, which can be viewed on BoardDocs.

Board Communications:

If applicable, Board members present reports and/or share information to the full Board.

Upcoming Meetings:

• August 5, 2025 Finance and Operations Committee Meeting, 5:00 p.m.- District 205 Center, Rooms 215, 216, and 217

• August 19, 2025 Regular Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 p.m.- District 205 Center, Rooms 215, 216, and 217

Adjournment- End of Meeting:

The open session of the board meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/elmhurst/Board.nsf/Public