May 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Description:  No committee meetings since last Board meeting. 

Description:  BPS recently solicited competitive bids for the Bloomingdale High School Auditorium Lighting Replacement Project. Three bids were received and publicly opened in accordance with the District’s bid process:

SLS Production Services: $139,120
Hi Tech: $156,000
Spectacle Lighting Design LLC: $115,500

Following the bid opening, Chris conducted a post-bid review meeting with the low bidder, Spectacle Lighting Design LLC, to review the proposal, confirm understanding of the project scope, and address questions regarding equipment, installation, and system functionality. We are satisfied that the bidder is capable of completing the project as proposed.

During this review, the contractor also presented an enhanced system option that provides additional functionality at a modest cost. Enhancements include increased lighting output, zoom functionality, and more compact fixtures that improve the overall visual appearance of the auditorium.

Additionally, it was identified that pricing for 14 can lights used to light the front part of the stage was inadvertently omitted from the original bid specifications and therefore was not included in any submitted proposals. We recommend including this additional scope as part of the overall project to ensure a complete and fully functional auditorium lighting system.

I recommend awarding the project to Spectacle Lighting Design LLC and authorizing a total project cost not to exceed $130,000, inclusive of the enhanced system option and the additional stage front lighting scope. Funding will be provided through available Bond Series 1 project funds.
 

Description: 

Pullman Elementary teacher Courtney Corbin has been absent from work since October 2024 due to a documented medical condition. She utilized paid and unpaid medical leave through the end of the 2024-25 school year.

In summer 2025, Ms. Corbin submitted medical documentation from her physician indicating that she remained unable to return to work along with a request for extended unpaid leave. Based on that request, the Board approved unpaid leave through January 28, 2026. That leave was granted as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with the understanding that the District and employee would re-engage in the interactive process prior to the expiration of that leave to assess her status, potential return-to-work timeline, and any accommodations that may be needed.

On February 24, 2026, Ms. Corbin submitted a written request for an additional extension of unpaid leave, indicating that her care team remained unable to provide an estimated return-to-work date.

Following subsequent communication and a meeting with me held on May 8, 2026 as part of the ADA interactive process, Ms. Corbin confirmed that:

• there have been no changes in her medical condition since her prior documentation;
• she remains unable to return to work in any capacity;
• she has no anticipated return-to-work date;
• she has received no updated guidance from her physician regarding a timeline for return; and
• she is not aware of any alternative accommodation that would allow her to return at this time.

I discussed the District’s need to appropriately staff classrooms and plan for the 2026-27 school year, including the challenges associated with holding a teaching position open indefinitely and the potential staffing implications under the collective bargaining agreement.

As part of the interactive process, Ms. Corbin agreed to provide written notice to the District no later than June 15, 2026, indicating whether she intends to return for the 2026-27 school year. If she intends to return, she must also provide appropriate medical clearance and/or updated medical documentation identifying any accommodations needed for return.

I recommend approval of an extension of unpaid leave through August 16, 2026, conditioned upon the employee meeting the June 15 notification and documentation requirements outlined above.

Description:  Middle School Science Teacher

Description: 

As part of the district’s efforts to strengthen student support systems and align services with our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, I am recommending the creation of a new Middle School Counselor position.

Currently, counseling services for grades 6-12 are provided through a single counseling position. This structure creates a broad scope of responsibility spanning both middle and high school student needs, and therefore limits the level of proactive support available to middle school students.

The addition of a dedicated Middle School Counselor would allow us to expand support for students in grades 6-8 across the core domains of school counseling: academic development, career awareness and planning, and social/emotional support. The position would also strengthen the district’s MTSS efforts through participation in intervention planning and student support coordination. This change would also allow the existing counseling position to focus exclusively on high school students, improving capacity for graduation planning, postsecondary advising, and individualized student support.

We anticipate funding this position through Section 31a At-Risk funds. However, because the State budget has not yet been finalized, bringing this recommendation forward at this time is intended to establish Board approval for the position itself. We would move forward with posting and hiring only after we have a clearer picture of projected funding levels to support the addition.

Job descriptions for a (new) middle school counselor position and a (modified) high school counselor position are attached for your review.

Description: 

Description:  Michael Larson was hired by Bloomingdale Public Schools on August 22, 2022 and is currently serving as a probationary teacher.

Since his employment began, Mr. Larson has continued to serve under a full-year basic substitute permit and has not yet completed the requirements necessary to obtain standard teacher certification.

During his employment, administration has documented ongoing concerns related to classroom management, instructional planning, and overall instructional effectiveness. Mr. Larson’s 2024-25 year-end evaluation rated his performance as Developing, noting that while he demonstrates preparedness and enthusiasm, he continues to need stronger classroom routines and procedures to reduce disruptions and improve student engagement.

For the 2025-26 school year, Mr. Larson was reassigned to a STEAM teaching role aligned with his interests and district programming needs. Despite that reassignment and continued support, concerns related to classroom management, student engagement, and instructional planning have persisted.

After consideration of Mr. Larson’s overall performance, lack of sufficient progress toward standard teacher certification, and the District’s instructional needs moving forward, the administration recommends nonrenewal of his probationary teaching contract effective June 30, 2026.

Mr. Larson has been informed of his right to have this recommendation considered in closed session. 
 

Description:  This item is time set aside for the board to discuss a special board meeting date for the month of June, primarily for the Board to conduct the superintendent's annual performance evaluation. June's regular board meeting will include the budget hearing, budget amendment, and 2026-27 budget resolution among other regular board business items. I think it's best for the board to consider as a group whether 1 or 2 meetings for these items is preferred.