Board Meeting Summary

Glen Ellyn School District 41

December 16, 2024 Regular Meeting

The Board of Education provides a "Board Meeting Summary" after each Board meeting. The summary includes a brief description of the main topics and action items. These summaries are not meant to replace minutes. The minutes for each meeting are approved and posted after the next regularly scheduled meeting. We hope these summaries provide some basic information and context around the reports, presentations and action items. For the full packet of information including presentations and reports, Click Here

Meetings are streamed live online and the videos are archived on the District website, Click Here.

In Attendance
President Dr. Robert Bruno, Vice President Jason Loebach, Secretary Jess Buttimer, Ted Estes, Julie Hill, Dr. Steve Miko, Tayyaba Syed, and student Board members Alessia D’Argento, Helen Manak, and Tess Reinmann

Public Hearing on the FY 2024 Levy | watch

Public Comment | None

Celebrations and Recognitions | watch

Hadley Band Director Chris Cooper and Hadley Orchestra Director Georgia Alemis presented information about ILMEA District 9 Festival participants and celebrated the students who participated in the prestigious festival. Superintendent McHugh presented the students with commemorative plaques. The students also presented Ms. Alemis with a plaque and thanked her for supporting them.

Mr. Cooper also honored 8th grade musician James Fanella (French Horn) for being chosen to participate in the Northshore Concert Band's (NCB) Lifetime of Music Concert. Student musicians are nominated by their band directors, and the ensemble will be welcoming 44 students representing 34 communities in Illinois. The concert will take place on February 16 on the campus of Northwestern University.

D41 Kids Foundation Executive Director Dr. Lynn Bruno presented a donation of $15,000 to support mental health resources provided to District 41 families. D41 Kids Foundation Director Amy Becker shared how the resources provided by District 41 through a federal grant helped support her family. The D41 Kids Foundation donation will support continuing this type of support through parent coaching.

FY 2024 Audit Presentation | watch

Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Facilities and Operations Eric DePorter introduced a representative from Lauterbach & Amen, LLP., who explained the audit process and the reports.

Culture and Climate Report | watch

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. David Bruno shared District and school building results from the annual Humanex staff culture and climate survey. Dr. Bruno also went over areas of growth across the district and next steps. Board members asked questions and engaged in conversation about the results and staff participation.

Public Participation

None

Superintendent’s Report | watch

Dr. McHugh shared information and updates about kindergarten, the new Superintendent’s Community Advisory Council, and District 41 holiday traditions.

Student Board Reports | watch

Board Reports | watch

Discussion

Board Policy Revisions - First Reading | watch

Mr. Estes and the policy committee presented the revisions/PRESS recommendations for review.

2025-2026 School Year Calendar | watch

Dr. McHugh highlighted the process for creating the school calendar. He shared that the district is proposing a later first day next school year. Board members discussed the draft calendar and thanked the calendar committee for their time and efforts.

District 41 Strategic Plan Review Discussion | watch

Dr. McHugh provided background information about the Strategic Plan Review process with Karen Sullivan of the DuPage County Regional Office of Education. He summarized the recommendations and next steps. The Board discussed the recommendations and provided the superintendent with direction for moving forward.

Action Items | watch | documents

Consent Agenda

Personnel Report

Monthly Financial Reports

- Disposal of Surplus Property

- Donation and Gifts

- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report

- Investment Schedule

- Monthly Revenue/Expenditure Summary Report

- School District Payment Order

- Summary of Bills and Payroll

- Treasurer's Report

Board Meeting Minutes

- November 18, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes

- November 18, 2024, Closed Meeting Minutes

- December 2, 2024, Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes

- December 2, 2024, Closed Session Minutes

Dr. McHugh announced current Lincoln Principal Sarah Rodriguez as the first Kindergarten Center principal. Mrs. Rodriquez thanked the Board and shared her enthusiasm about the opportunity. Board members congratulated her on the appointment. | watch

Accept the FY 2024 Audit