Meeting report · Board of Education
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Board of Education — May 18, 2026
While the board was largely aligned, tension arose from significant budget/staffing cuts and several community members being unable to finish their remarks due to time constraints.
Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01
Title I Funding and Position Cuts
$1.2 million reduction in federal funding and loss of 25 positions. Affected: Students in Title I schools and staff members in affected roles.
budget cut
02
Preschool Transportation Reduction
Elimination of busing for all preschool students to reduce costs. Affected: Preschool families requiring transportation services.
service reduction
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Approval of Consent Agenda items D through N
The motion to approve items D through N as presented was carried unanimously.
Passed
Approval of four-year negotiated agreement with the Indian Prairie Classified Association
The Board approved the negotiated agreement between the District and the Classified Association. The contract was signed by representatives immediately following the vote.
Passed
Topics discussed
Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
▶ 01:30 Superintendent's Report
The Superintendent shared news regarding the passing of a student, recognized a teacher for receiving the Golden Apple Award, reported on the Fine Arts Festival, acknowledged Project Lead the Way distinctions for three high schools, highlighted top volunteers, and announced upcoming graduation events.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Dr. Talley
▶ 02:44 Curriculum Presentation: Middle School ELA
A team presented a proposed curriculum revision for Middle School Project Arrow (PA) English Language Arts (6th-8th grade) and 7th-grade standard ELA, including new core resources, supplemental vocabulary, and book club titles.
Speakers: Dr. Barbie Chisholm, Angela Borin, Christine O'Toole, Chrissy Webber, Jessica Walch
▶ 03:19 Board Salutes
Recognition of various student, teacher, and community achievements including music education awards, video festival honors, National Merit Scholarship winners, and STEM competition winners.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Ms. Genz, Ms. Fasbender, Mr. Rising, Ms. Grover, Mr. Kurbis
▶ 11:09 -4 Budget Forecast
A detailed presentation on the district's five-year financial outlook, discussing revenue sources (property taxes vs. state/federal), operating expenditures, and the impact of Title I funding reductions.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Matt Shiple
▶ 18:13 Legislative Advocacy Update
An update on upcoming meetings regarding the 'Notice to Remedy' bill and evidence-based funding, as well as upcoming IASB meetings in Springfield.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 37:49 Non-Operating Funds and Capital Program
Discussion regarding the capital fund and debt service fund, including potential opportunities to accelerate debt repayment and bond issuance due to lower-than-expected tax rates.
Speakers: Matt Shiple
▶ 1:01:04 Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) and District Tiers
Discussion regarding the district's position in Tier 2 of the state's evidence-based funding model and the impact of census data accuracy on funding.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 1:50:30 Budgetary Challenges and Title I Funding
A discussion on a $1.2 million reduction in federal Title I funding due to census data shifts and the district's plan to use local resources to offset the impact.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 2:01:53 Waubonsie Valley High School Report
A student report detailing the school's 50th anniversary celebrations, academic achievements, and upcoming graduation events.
Speakers: Anushka Sandeep
▶ 2:07:38 Gombert Elementary Spotlight
Presentation on the success of Gombert Elementary's Family Learning Night and the use of Title I funds to engage the community.
Speakers: Sheila Owens, Melissa Harry, Lauren Rivera
▶ 2:18:47 District Awards and Recognitions
Presentation of various district awards including the Illuminator, Impact, Ignite, and Inspire awards to staff, students, and community partners.
Speakers: Various
▶ 2:50:20 Retiree Recognition
Formal recognition and proclamation for retiring administrators David Worst and Sally Osborn.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 3:45:09 Public Comment: Eola Road Safety
A resident expressed concerns regarding the safety of Eola Road for students walking to Fischer Middle School, citing traffic volume and fatalities.
Speakers: Resident
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
Title I Funding Reductions and Staffing Cuts
A $1.2 million reduction in federal Title I funding is projected, leading to concerns about the loss of 25 positions and the impact on academic intervention for vulnerable student populations.
Board position: The board and administration plan to use local resources to offset the cuts and maintain smaller class sizes through an 'equity lens'.
high concern
02
State Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) for Tier 2 Districts
Community members and board discussions highlighted that the current state funding formula inadequately supports 'Tier 2' districts, placing financial strain on the district.
Board position: The board expressed agreement with the need for more robust advocacy at both the state and federal levels to address funding inequities.
medium concern
Community vs. board tension
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Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Provide a semi-annual report to the community regarding non-operating funds work.
Assigned: Matt Shiple · Due: End of the month or next board presentation
Conduct a 'Safer Stronger 204' update regarding design work for Hill Middle School.
Assigned: Matt Shiple · Due: 2026-06-08
Hold budget public hearing and adoption.
Assigned: Matt Shiple · Due: 2026-08-24
Open Project Arrow ELA curriculum changes for public comment.
Assigned: Curriculum Team · Due: June 8, 2026
Send updates to DuPage County school board members regarding the IASB meetings in Springfield.
Assigned: Superintendent/a speaker · Due: After June 6, 2026
Notable statements
I want to make sure that as a district that we're aligning our instructional practices and strengthening that equally and all together and we're all on the same page because that's what we have we don't have fidelity across the district. — Board Member (unnamed) · Questioning the curriculum presentation regarding the importance of instructional alignment over just having new resources. ▶ 26:42
The school board will adopt upon the superintendent's recommendation the curriculum... if it meets the seven standards that are in there. — Board Member (unnamed) · Discussing the importance of adhering to board policy during the curriculum development and adoption process. ▶ 30:02
The district needs to expand advocacy to include a tier two district organization to better address the challenges of the evidence-based funding formula. — Mr. Kurbis · Discussing the inadequacy of current state funding for Tier 2 districts. ▶ 42:10
Expressed concern regarding the reduction of 25 positions and the impact on Title I schools that may lose vital interventionists. — Ms. Gantz · Questioning how the district will support students academically following Title I funding losses. ▶ 46:01
The district is utilizing an equity lens to ensure Title I buildings maintain smaller class sizes through local funding, despite federal cuts. — Unidentified speaker · Responding to concerns about the impact of Title I reductions on specific student populations. ▶ 48:10
We're no longer going to bus for preschool. — Unidentified speaker · Discussing efforts to reduce transportation costs. ▶ 1:48:59
We did work to soften it a little bit [the Title I cut]... we are committing some local resources to help offset that. — Unidentified speaker · Responding to questions about how the $1.2 million Title I reduction will be managed. ▶ 2:00:33
Suggested the district advocate at the federal level by using personal stories of how small changes in poverty rate calculations impact funding. — Ms. Donahue · Discussion on the disproportionate impact of the Title I funding formula. ▶ 1:01:00
The true measures are the reluctant readers who became readers for life. — Rhonda Jenkins · Reflecting on her 13-year legacy as a library media center director during public comment. ▶ 3:14:14
Dr. Tally's impact... [is] demonstrated by the nearly $8 million in competitive grant projects. — Dawn Forkner · Tribute to the Superintendent regarding mental health and wellness initiatives. ▶ 3:17:06
Member positions
2 issues · 0 explicit · 0 inferred
Present
Title I Funding Reductions and Staffing Cuts
✓
Advocate federally with personal stories on poverty impacts
Present
State Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) for Tier 2 Districts
✓
Expand advocacy to tier two district organization
Present
Present
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position.
Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
22
Total speakers
15
Addressed
0
Partial
7
Not addressed
Mr. Krouse
Addressed
The speaker suggested that the district and school board expand their advocacy efforts by forming a 'tier two' district organization. He argues that grouping together with other districts would be a more efficient way to lobby for changes to the state's evidence-based funding formula.
Key concern
Need for more effective state-level advocacy for tier two districts regarding special education funding.
Board responseBoard members echoed the sentiment and discussed the unique challenges of being a tier two district and how they are currently engaging with advocacy groups.
The board members engaged in a lengthy discussion acknowledging the validity of the tier two struggle and shared their current advocacy efforts.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The speaker expressed concern regarding the direction of the district's financial reserves, noting a projected decrease over five years. They requested that the district look into slowing this decrease or beginning to build the reserves back up.
Key concern
The downward trend of district financial reserves.
Board responseThe administration provided a detailed explanation of how reserves were used to level out the budget and noted that the budget is structurally balanced.
The administration addressed the data presented and explained the rationale behind the reserve levels and the movement of the budget.
Ms. Gantz
Addressed
The speaker expressed appreciation for the district's transparency regarding budget challenges, specifically the loss of Title 1 funding. She raised concerns about the impact that cutting 25 positions might have on the academic support available to students in Title 1 schools.
Key concern
Impact of Title 1 funding cuts on student intervention services.
Board responseThe administration explained that they are looking at the cuts through an equity lens and that local funds are being used to maintain smaller class sizes in Title 1 buildings.
The administration provided specific details on how they are mitigating the impact of the funding loss on vulnerable students.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The speaker inquired whether the district has communicated with neighboring districts regarding the high costs and challenges associated with substitute teaching. They wanted to know if this is a regional or national trend.
Key concern
High expenditure on substitute teaching.
Board responseThe administration stated that the data suggests this is a regional or national trend and mentioned that they are committed to looking at all factors contributing to it.
The administration directly answered the question regarding the scope of the issue and its relation to other districts.
Mr. Carubis
Addressed
The speaker highlighted the financial strain caused by the state's evidence-based funding formula, which they feel does not adequately support tier two districts. They specifically pointed to the rising costs of purchased services, like transportation, as a major driver of the deficit.
Key concern
Inefficiency of state funding for tier two districts and rising costs of outsourced services.
Board responseThe administration explained that while food and custodial costs track with inflation, transportation costs have risen well above the consumer price index.
The administration addressed the specific driver of the deficit mentioned (purchased services) and provided context on why costs are rising.
Ms. Fosdick
Addressed
The speaker suggested that the district should also pursue advocacy at the federal level. They recommended using personal stories, such as the impact of census changes on specific student populations, to influence legislators.
Key concern
The need for federal-level advocacy regarding student demographics and funding.
Board responseThe board members expressed agreement and discussed how they are working to tell the 'tier two story' more effectively.
The board acknowledged the suggestion and integrated it into the broader discussion on advocacy.
Anushka Sandeep
Not addressed
Representing Waubonsie Valley High School, the student provided a report on school successes, including the 50th anniversary, musical performances, and athletic achievements. They also mentioned ongoing construction and room relocations at the school.
Key concern
Student report on school activities and building renovations.
This was a student report rather than a public comment/concern requiring a response.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
Staff members from Gombert Elementary presented a report on their successful 'Family Learning Night' event. They highlighted how the event increased family engagement through hands-on interactive learning.
Key concern
Highlighting a successful school community event.
Board responseThe board thanked the staff for their creativity and engagement.
The board provided positive reinforcement and acknowledgment of the presentation.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The board recognized three high school student representatives with awards for their service throughout the year.
Key concern
Recognition of student leaders.
This was a formal board recognition ceremony.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The district presented several awards, including the Illuminator Award to Ram Alban for his volunteer photography services and the Impact Award to Jennifer Campin for her work at Longwood Elementary.
Key concern
Recognition of community and staff members.
This was a formal award presentation.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The district presented the Ignite Award to Kylie Tran for her leadership in student organizations and her resilience.
Key concern
Recognition of student leadership.
This was a formal award presentation.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The district presented the Inspire Award to the P3 Pillar Coalition for their long-term dedication to African American and Black parent groups and student equity.
Key concern
Recognition of community organizations.
This was a formal award presentation.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The board presented a proclamation to David Worst to honor his 33 years of service as an educator and administrator.
Key concern
Recognition of a retiring administrator.
This was a formal retirement recognition.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The board presented a proclamation to Sally Osborn to honor her 15 years of service as principal of Prairie Children Preschool.
Key concern
Recognition of a retiring administrator.
This was a formal retirement recognition.
Mike Rezak
Addressed
The speaker offered thanks to the board and the superintendent for their professional leadership and governance over the past several years, especially through the challenges of the pandemic.
Key concern
Expression of gratitude for board governance.
The comment was a tribute and did not require a formal response.
Rhonda Jenkins
Not addressed
A long-time educator shared reflections on her 13-year career as a librarian at Kendall, highlighting the impact of her work on student literacy and belonging. However, she concluded by stating she was being reassigned to a different building against her wishes just before her planned retirement.
Key concern
Unwanted reassignment of a veteran staff member.
Board responseThe speaker was interrupted by the board president due to time constraints.
The speaker was cut off by the timekeeper before she could conclude her point or receive a response.
Dawn Forkner
Addressed
The speaker provided a tribute to Dr. Tally, highlighting his leadership in mental health initiatives, specifically the 'Peace of Mind' and 'Mental Health and Wellness Symposium' projects funded by competitive grants.
Key concern
Recognition of Dr. Tally's impact on mental health services.
This was a tribute and did not require a formal response.
Arlene Sanders
Addressed
The speaker shared the success of the 'Club Hub' project, a grant-funded after-school program that helped close achievement gaps for students in Georgetown and Longwood. She praised Dr. Tally's personal involvement in the program.
Key concern
Recognition of successful grant-funded after-school programming.
This was a tribute and did not require a formal response.
Natalie Johnson
Addressed
A former teacher and resident shared the success of the 'RISE' project, an after-school and weekend program that focused on student engagement and community building, specifically noting the role of federal grants.
Key concern
Recognition of the RISE project's impact on community and student engagement.
This was a tribute and did not require a formal response.
Amit Thacker
Addressed
The speaker discussed the 'CARES' program, a homegrown mental health intervention that provides no-cost treatment sessions to students and families, emphasizing how it was funded through competitive grants rather than local dollars.
Key concern
Recognition of the CARES mental health program's success and funding model.
This was a tribute and did not require a formal response.
Beverly Matthews
Addressed
The speaker provided a collective tribute to Dr. Tally, summarizing the impact of numerous grant-funded projects and presenting him with commemorative challenge coins to honor his service.
Key concern
Collective recognition of Dr. Tally's legacy.
This was a formal tribute and presentation.
Unidentified speaker
Not addressed
A resident expressed serious concerns regarding the safety of Eola Road for students walking to school. They argued that the district's safety studies are inadequate and requested that the road be evaluated correctly and that students in the affected neighborhoods be provided with busing.
Key concern
Pedestrian safety on Eola Road and the denial of bussing for students.
The speaker's time expired, and no response was recorded in the transcript.
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Report composed by
grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-05-29.