The District 64 Board of Education convened for a regular meeting on August 14. Superintendent Dr. Ben Collins reported that construction projects across all district schools were progressing on schedule and would be completed in time for the first day of classes. He acknowledged the efforts of maintenance and facilities staff, stating, “They are working very hard. By my calculations, by the time students start, some of our maintenance team will have worked for about 15 days in a row. That’s really significant. If you see one of our maintenance team members, a thank you goes a long way for them for all of the great work that they do inside of the schools and outside of the schools.”
During committee reports, Board Member Rachel Georgakis provided an update from the policy committee, which has met twice since the previous board meeting.
The board approved Policy 4:110 Transportation after removing it from the Consent Agenda and waiving its second reading.
Dr. Collins presented his goals as superintendent for the 2025-26 school year. These objectives include improving academic achievement, leading efforts to create a renewed district vision and strategic plan, and planning for financial restructuring along with future facility needs.
The board also adopted Resolution #1368 to approve the tentative budget for 2025-26 and set September 19 as the date for a public hearing at Jefferson Early Childhood Center’s Hendee Rooms.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations Brian Harlan and Director of Business Services Phoebe Wood presented details on the tentative budget to board members.
A contract was approved for natural gas services.
Items approved under the Consent Agenda included a financial update through June 30, 2025; personnel report; first readings of policies from PRESS Issues 117, 118, and 119; several change orders with Ameresco regarding electrical, carpentry, and ventilation work at Emerson School; appointments of McKinstry as commissioning consultant for renovations at Emerson School as well as Field, Washington, and Lincoln Schools; contracts with Patriot Pavement Maintenance for fencing at Roosevelt and Franklin Schools; approval of an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement with Park Ridge Park District related to Beyond the Bell program facility use; hiring VK Gardens as sustainable community consultant; and approval of minutes from meetings held June 26 (regular and closed) and July 21 (special).
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