August 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM - Burnham ESD 154.5 School Board Meeting
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A. Call to Order
Speaker(s):
Board President
Description:
President Uribe calls this meeting to order.
I would like to call the meeting to order at: We have a quorum present with: |
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B. Pledge of Allegiance
Speaker(s):
All
Description:
Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance
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C. Questions/Comments from the Public
Speaker(s):
Board President
Description:
We have come to the item on the agenda for Public Comment. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person. At this time, the Board President will call on those who have requested to make Public Comments. Please understand that the Board will not respond to comments made during Public Comment but may direct the Superintendent to address the matter at a later time. |
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D. Presentation of Agenda Items
Speaker(s):
Superintendent
Description:
Mr. Geraci will present the Agenda items.
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E. Adoption of Agenda
Speaker(s):
Board President
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F. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes
Speaker(s):
Secretary
Description:
Approval of Board Meeting Minutes
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G. Financial Report
Speaker(s):
Board President
Description:
The School Board Financial Report provides an overview of the district’s current financial status, including revenues, expenditures, and fund balances.
The Secretary read the Treasurer's Report (Cash Balance for each fund) as of: |
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G.1. Presentation of the FY 27 Tentative Budget
Speaker(s):
Mr. John Gibson
Description:
The Tentative Fiscal Year 2027 Budget presents the school district’s preliminary financial plan for the upcoming year,outlining projected revenues, expenditures, and allocations across all programs and departments. It serves as a framework for discussion, public review, and eventual adoption. Key components include operational costs, staffing and benefits, instructional programs, capital improvements, and contingency funds. The tentative budget provides transparency and allows stakeholders, including the Board, staff, and community members, to understand the district’s financial priorities and ensure alignment with educational goals before final approval. The tentative budget has been posted (8/14/2026) and is available for review in the school office for 30 days prior to the Budget Hearing on September 17, 2026.
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H. Administrator Report
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The administrator’s report provides a concise overview of key developments within the school district, incorporating updates from both the principal and the superintendent. The principal’s report highlights school-level activities, student achievement, staffing, and day-to-day operations, while the superintendent’s report addresses district-wide initiatives, policy matters, and strategic priorities. Together, these reports offer a comprehensive snapshot of current progress, challenges, and upcoming plans.
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H.1. Principal Report
Speaker(s):
Mrs. Pozdzal
Description:
The Principal’s Report provides the Board of Education with an overview of current instructional initiatives, student achievement data, school culture updates, and day-to-day building operations.
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H.2. Superintendent report
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The Superintendent’s Report provides the Board of Education with a comprehensive update on district-wide operations, strategic initiatives, and leadership activities. This report ensures alignment between Board goals, district priorities, and day-to-day implementation.
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I. Old Business
Description:
Old Business includes items previously discussed or introduced at earlier Board meetings that require further review, action, or follow-up. This section allows the Board to address unresolved matters, consider updates, and make decisions based on continued discussion or additional information.
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J. New Business
Description:
New Business includes items being presented to the Board for the first time. This section allows for the introduction of new topics, proposals, or initiatives for discussion, consideration, and possible action.
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J.1. Informal IFB Vended Meals Post-Contract Award Summary Sheet
Description:
An Informal IFB (Invitation for Bids) Vended Meals Post-Contract Award Summary Sheet serves as an official record summarizing the results, administrative evaluation, and final selection process after awarding a contract for vended meal services under informal bidding procedures.
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J.2. Burnham SD 154.5 approval for participation in WCSIT and ISDA coverage.
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
Approval is requested for Burnham School District 154.5 to participate in coverage programs provided by the Workers' Compensation Self-Insurance Trust (WCSIT) and the Illinois School District Agency (ISDA).
Participation in these intergovernmental risk-pooling programs ensures comprehensive insurance coverage, dedicated claims administration, and cost-effective risk management services for the district. |
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J.3. Updates and policy proposals for the 2026–2027 (FY 2027) school year requiring Board approval
Description:
These updates and policy proposals for the 2026-2027 (FY 2027) school year require Board approval:
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J.4. PRESS Policy 122 - First Reading
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
This agenda item represents the First Reading of the updated policy language contained in PRESS Issue 122, issued by the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB). The revisions included in Issue 122 reflect periodic updates necessary to keep district policies aligned with recent changes in state and federal law, statutory regulations, legal reviews, and best practices in school governance (including updates to the Equal Access Act and administrative guidelines). This submission is presented for board review and discussion. No formal action or adoption vote is required during this first reading. Final board adoption will be requested upon the second reading at a subsequent meeting. |
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J.5. Contracted custodial work services
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
Contracted custodial work services involve outsourcing routine cleaning, maintenance, and facility support to specialized commercial vendors. Both Jani-King and City Wide Facility Solutions provide customized custodial programs tailored to commercial, educational, healthcare, and industrial facilities. |
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J.6. ISBE Active Grant Approval
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
ISBE Active Grants refers to state and federal grant awards administered by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to local school districts, educational service region entities, and eligible education providers. These grants fund academic programs, specialized student supports, professional development, and district operations. |
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J.6.a. FY 27 Consolidated District Plan
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The Consolidated District Plan (CDP) is an overarching planning document required by state educational authorities—most prominently the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)—to comply with federal regulations under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Instead of requiring school districts to submit separate, redundant planning documents for various state and federal funding streams, the CDP unifies these requirements into a single, comprehensive strategy. |
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J.6.b. FY 27 ESEA of 1965
 As Amended
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The FY 27 ESEA of 1965 As Amended refers to the federal funding streams and program guidelines under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (most recently reauthorized as the Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA) designated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Overview & Purpose The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is the nation’s primary federal education law, designed to ensure equal educational opportunity for all students, particularly those in low-income or underserved communities. FY 27 allocations are distributed by state educational agencies—such as the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)—to local school districts to support targeted academic interventions, staff development, student well-being, and instructional technology. |
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J.6.c. FY 27 IDEA Part B - Consolidated Application
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
The IDEA Part B - Consolidated Application is the official grant funding application local educational agencies (LEAs) submit to their state educational agency—such as the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)—to access federal funds under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It unifies key special education grant allocations into a single streamlined submission. |
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J.7. Adoption Agreement for Burnham School District 154.5 Governmental Pre-approved 403 b Plan
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
Burnham School District 154.5 will adopt a governmental 403(b) plan to provide retirement benefits for its employees. The plan utilizes Code §415 compensation definitions and specifies that employer contributions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts.
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K. Closed Session
Speaker(s):
Secretary
Description:
The Board will convene in Closed Session, as permitted under the Illinois Open Meetings Act, to discuss confidential matters including personnel, collective bargaining, student discipline, litigation, and other topics legally exempt from public discussion.
*Secretary — please ensure that the closed session is being recorded. |
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L. Personnel
Description:
The Personnel section includes recommendations and actions related to district staffing, including employment, appointments, resignations, leaves, assignments, and other personnel matters necessary to support district operations and student learning.
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L.1. Notice of intent to retire
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
Formal notification and consideration of the notice of intent to retire submitted by Jennifer Polley
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L.2. Soliant - Speech Language Pathologist
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
Approval is requested for a contract agreement with Soliant Health to provide a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for the school year. Services Provided
Rationale Securing therapy services through Soliant ensures the district meets required IEP caseload coverage and fulfills state-mandated special education services in a timely manner. |
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L.3. Instawork Services
Speaker(s):
Mr. Geraci
Description:
Instawork is an AI-powered staffing and digital labor marketplace connecting local businesses with hourly, frontline professionals. It provides flexible workforce management for companies while offering flexible shift work to local workers (known as "Pros"). Services for Businesses
Services for Workers ("Pros")
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M. Adjournment (ACTION REQUESTED)
Speaker(s):
Board President
Description:
Adjournment marks the official conclusion of the School Board meeting after all scheduled business is completed.
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N. Next Board Meeting - September 17, 2026
Description:
The regular September meeting of the Board of Education will be held on September 17, 2026. Prior to the commencement of the regular board meeting, the Board will conduct a public Budget Hearing to present and receive public comment on the final FY 27 Budget. Following the conclusion of the hearing, the Board will consider formal approval and adoption of the budget before proceeding with the remaining regular business items.
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