Board Briefs

The Community Consolidated School District 21 Board of Education meeting was held on Thursday, December 11, 2025. The full meeting agenda can be found on BoardDocs, while a livestream of the meeting can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

Board President Jessica Riddick took time to thank Glen Michelini, director of operations, and his staff in the Operations Department in their ongoing efforts to clear the district's parking lots and walking paths as winter weather has moved into the area.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Connolly recapped the 2025 Holiday Card Challenge, which saw more than 80 student entries showcasing the theme "Shining Bright for the Holidays." Nine designs were selected to represent the district on our official holiday cards this year. Dr. Connolly congratulated all participating students and celebrate the talent and imagination they bring to our schools.

Dr. Connolly also highlighted some recent successes of our middle school student musicians, 18 of whom recently qualified for this year's Junior Illinois Music Education Association District 7 Concert and Jazz Festivals, which took place over two weekends in November. From this group, three students: Ellie F. and Sebastian M. of Holmes, and Cora W. of Cooper earned all-state honors and will travel to Peoria in January to perform at the all-state festival.

Dr. Connolly highlighted several district- and school-led initiatives from recent months that have provided meaningful, hands-on support for families. These efforts include a new mini food pantry installed outside Field, multiple community-driven food drives, and Whitman’s Halloween Goodie Bag project — led by general music teacher Lauren Reynolds — which assembled 400 festive bags for students to enjoy during the holiday.

Dr. Connolly took time to celebrate two outstanding leaders recognized by the Illinois Principals Association. Catherine Joy, the principal of Frost, was named the North Cook Region Elementary Principal of the Year, while Anastasia Netzel, principal of London, received the regional Herman Graves Award.

Amy Breiler, director of teaching and learning for literacy, highlighted a partnership with the Indian Trails Public Library and neighboring districts that has seen more than 1,400 library cards and applications distributed to students over the past two school years. This gives them access to more than 1 million items, 50+ research databases, and the resources of 32 partner libraries.

President Riddick took some time to celebrate the life of Beverly Sussman, the 11th president for the Village of Buffalo Grove and an ardent supporter of the district. "She was just the kindest soul; she always wanted to lend a hand and had an open ear ... may her memory be for a blessing."

Dr. Beatrice Reyes-Childress, deputy superintendent, highlighted several members of the district's administration, faculty and staff who have recently delivered professional presentations at state and national conferences.

Carolyn Droll, director of teaching and learning for mathematics, provided a mid-year implementation update for the district's new DESMOS Elementary Math program.

The board approved the supplemental debt service levy resolution to authorize the Cook County Clerk to adjust the series 2013A, 2020B and 2020C bond levy, as needed, in accordance with the dollars of the resolution for each subsequent levy year.

Each board member offered their thoughts on the Illinois Association of School Boards/Illinois Association of School Administrators/Illinois Association of School Business Officials Joint Annual Conference, which took place from November 21-23 in downtown Chicago.

Two board members shared updates on the sections of the district's 2025-2028 Strategic Plan for which they serve as "champions."

• President Riddick provided an overview of the plan's social-emotional growth component
• Member Iliana Guzman highlighted a recent meeting she participated in related to the "Meeting the Unique Needs of Learners" component.

Other meetings concerning the remaining sections will take place in the new year, according to Dr. Connolly.

Vice President Debbi McAtee discussed the results of the organization's recent audit, and mentioned the articles of agreement have also passed, among other updates.

Member Harrison highlighted the organization's monthly meeting, which included a presentation on the different types of short-term borrowing available to school districts in consideration of the late collection of property taxes this year. He added the organization is tracking a State Senate bill concerning cell phone bans or limitations in schools. Further, he previewed the annual legislative dinner that will be held on January 26, 2026.

Harrison highlighted the organization's online kickoff for its Advocacy Ambassadors program, among other updates.

Member Arlen S. Gould said he had no new updates on the organization, but anticipated he would have some news to share on the organization's new building following its January meeting.

The student representatives to the Board of Education shared updates from their respective schools and discussed a recent project with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council focused on enhancing the district’s school lunch program.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Community Service Center and Administrative Office, 959 W. Dundee Rd., Wheeling.