[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6317446,"mediaKeyId","2373782-d7a230e27bc01ffbf4c0d463c2068847","parentId",2373782,"title","Board approves consent agenda, staffing changes and new policies; property-tax relief resolution passes","audioSeconds",492,"startMs",5168000,"endMs",5660000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2373782-d7a230e27bc01ffbf4c0d463c2068847&start=5168&end=5660","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2373782-d7a230e27bc01ffbf4c0d463c2068847/thumbnail_5168000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6317446/Illinois/Board-approves-consent-agenda-staffing-changes-and-new-policies-property-tax-relief-resolution-passes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317446-e40ba4ff0b466cedc54d3e345c3af1dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1772869594&Signature=NZ2MbfVmYRKFrmk3BvYJCxWgZiXAKJvMxV5y5EmGugmreVdIpE0f3iwEzGhb2EI5eB7mkqZ2VLL2szlAnHT9WS2J9pV~ja~8cBLEYWwbV6JqH449Limr9UdtcHy4fXGme60vzV4T0btZnJadwplzumXcOSeU9hHdPezcowGs~xk8dI-Rx4m3vpcA6IMlFZuqMaybbvIs52ojzZBg98GMad8Jjd3Rcm7VI3JxbDZUe5ZKwtwPSDYoloYmLekNJXw9tJuuQGe413vEXhbTzJEsFqgdULyYJtCCq0RGt9ARb~AuyTSELFuiQLBgR~wZLLgH8Cfqk0wVGa7FIAFv9ATc8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Evergreen Park ESD 124","date","2025-02-20T13:37:06Z","article","The Evergreen Park ESD 124 Board of Education took a series of routine and policy votes during its Feb. 19 meeting. Most motions passed unanimously by roll call. Key actions included approving finances, staffing changes, and policy updates.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda (monthly transaction reports; fund-balance reports for January 2025; expenditure and projected payroll reports; minutes from Jan. 14 special meeting and Jan. 22 regular meeting; destruction of closed-session tapes from Oct. 2020; personnel recommendations including FMLA and a resignation). Outcome: approved (roll call recorded; motion passed).

- Summer-school principals (as listed in meeting packet). Outcome: approved (roll call recorded; motion passed).

- Project Tree teacher, Northeast School — approve 0.5 FTE (listed on the agenda). Motion language: “Motion to approve the 0.5 project tree teacher at Northeast School.” Mover/second: not specified on record. Roll-call result: Doctor Michael Thomas: Yes; Laura Dowden: Yes; David Shepherd: Yes; Rachel Marquez/Merricklin: Yes; Denise Jones: Yes; Michael Allmiller/Michael Wallmiller: Yes; Colleen Klinsack: Yes. Outcome: approved.

- TVE split position for Northeast and Central Middle School (agenda item). Outcome: approved (unanimous roll-call vote recorded).

- Property Tax Relief Grant resolution (authorizing submission/acceptance of the 2024–25 property-tax relief grant). Finance staff reported the district applied for a grant that would generate $1,800,000 in tax abatements for the 2024 and 2025 levy years and would add about $1,500,000 annually to the district’s evidence-based state funding if approved. Motion: approve the property-tax relief-grant resolution. Outcome: approved (roll-call recorded; motion passed).

- Policies: The board approved first and second readings as listed in the packet and adopted multiple recommended revisions from the IASB (policy numbers listed in the packet). Notably, the board approved new policy 8-35 regarding immigration enforcement activities by federal agents (first and second readings and adoption were completed). Outcome: approved (roll-call votes recorded for first and second readings and adoptions).

- Closed-session motion: The board recessed into closed session to discuss personnel matters under the Open Meetings Act. Outcome: motion to recess to closed session passed; the board did not indicate any public action would follow the closed session.

Roll-call voting details were captured in the meeting transcript for each motion. If a specific mover or seconder was given on the record, it was noted in the meeting audio; many motions were moved and seconded without the speaker name captured in the transcript.

Ending: The board approved the listed items; staff said they would proceed with administrative steps (e.g., submitting the property-tax relief paperwork to the county) and implement staffing and policy changes already approved by the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2/19/2025 Regular Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At its Feb. 19 meeting the Evergreen Park ESD 124 Board of Education approved the consent agenda, summer-school principals, Project Tree staffing at Northeast (0.5 FTE), a TVE split position, a property tax relief grant resolution, and multiple policy readings/adoptions including new policy 8-35 on immigration enforcement.","taxTitle","Evergreen Park ESD 124, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",54698,"location","Illinois","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317450,"Board discusses expanding Mulcrone scholarship to middle school, lowers application barriers",1037,3721000,4758000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2373782-d7a230e27bc01ffbf4c0d463c2068847&start=3721&end=4758","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2373782-d7a230e27bc01ffbf4c0d463c2068847/thumbnail_3721000.jpg","/articles/6317450/Illinois/Board-discusses-expanding-Mulcrone-scholarship-to-middle-school-lowers-application-barriers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317450-db1199c6dbe67629dce1f283c407dc9d/orig.mp4?Expires=1772869594&Signature=TjfTMRm4oM36fQbwUsX47ZjdGihciVMApEdIX-intRTlt4e~nCH9MJAy2MkIngeJiT37Pvx8wVxFZj9qYpo118~OC-XVQ4nbrebKFOfiLwEj~l~VDaeYGNwyir2v2wZ-lMDcsXuqw8Y3kPE26OlNa-hiSSgZQXGQE65jY8vuO-8wU3jrY263Xe9OYUjAXFty0fx4ttGCFoYs~Qx7b~bwb0NiiyW7mcapjEFGKQqR1LUXiSwNDLXqhT8KR~546cS2sA5DsQsRha-zNHj4hHY3PEdjUJKxZI0ockFAmyRZK464hsF8w-wc38g2XohTAC-WjGxlWO2Bs3APvG0VhIzFeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members reviewed the Judy Mulcrone scholarship and agreed to broaden eligibility and lower application barriers to increase access.

The board discussed last year’s disbursements (12 students, $3,600 in 2023–24; $4,000 in 2022–23) and noted the fund balance has historically not been fully spent. Members favored allowing current Evergreen Park middle-school students (grades 6–8) to apply rather than limiting the award to eighth graders only.

Board members also agreed that GPA should not be a deciding criterion and that applicants should be able to submit either a short (1–2 minute) video or a written application to reduce friction for students who are not comfortable writing. The board suggested application prompts focus on leadership, service and community involvement — the original intent of the Mulcrone award — and discussed connecting the award to PBIS character traits and Special Olympics involvement.

On award size, members proposed asking applicants for a requested amount while setting a single-student cap; the board settled on a preliminary cap of $500 per recipient and discussed an overall annual program cap of $6,000 to begin, subject to revision. Members also supported publicly recognizing scholars on a hallway display near the gym.

The board asked district staff to draft application materials and an online submission process (video uploads or written forms) and to circulate the draft to board members for review. Staff targeted publishing the application materials in March and aiming to have awards confirmed before families make summer-program decisions.

Ending: The board asked staff to return with a finalized application and timeline for distribution and awards. No formal vote was taken on these design decisions; staff will implement the agreed direction and present the final application for board review.","Board members agreed to open the Judy Mulcrone scholarship to all current middle-school students (grades 6–8), drop GPA as a required filter, allow video or written submissions, and cap individual awards at $500 with a preliminary overall cap of $6,000.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317455,"District to expand Project Tree enrichment, keep accelerated high-school credit options in place",881,2327000,3208000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2373782-d7a230e27bc01ffbf4c0d463c2068847&start=2327&end=3208","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2373782-d7a230e27bc01ffbf4c0d463c2068847/thumbnail_2327000.jpg","/articles/6317455/Illinois/District-to-expand-Project-Tree-enrichment-keep-accelerated-high-school-credit-options-in-place","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317455-6c8568927600af86d5147bde552283ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1772869594&Signature=kIChgTG2xck8QIb3MSBj4~mWHkjUaNHGmWNExSy5jCJPnXymS3HqcD7Mhz~8QhqAva5ey~1d4AjrWsG8oWAN2h2YhTGJtoNg5kYGV1k1~0gMRRnNALQZ15wleQHQV9y9AVY8repkv~7UpcrGmkrWLRgb6ssO1gCySErqZNkx~Z2OV-pteNdO-v-MkWdInBZmgSH4qg0fM4~MWIgaJiCTDBUj1rDY0Uj5qSUrF2ftn5eeZuJqE-k~6J9CV23cjBBlSEvIF9~LQ9VNF-s3NowHaCu67vAOTpHSKTaheONxMHeOJ-apgKjf4jvqWImXMF42mS5LN5BBjOW1Shx86kvP7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District curriculum staff presented proposed changes to the Project Tree enrichment and acceleration program at the Feb. 19 board meeting, aimed at keeping enrichment inside students’ home schools and expanding access for younger grades.

Presenters said the plan would stop the early-morning pullout model that required some students to travel between buildings. Under the proposal, K–3 students would receive aligned classroom enrichment during a new district-supported 45-minute intervention/enrichment block (“win time”), with consistent lesson materials developed by grade-level ELA and math representatives. Grades 4–5 would receive classroom core instruction plus pull-out enrichment; grades 6–8 would continue the current accelerated math and ELA offerings that allow eighth graders to earn high-school credits in algebra and English.

District staff told the board they want to preserve single-subject and grade-level acceleration where appropriate, citing two eighth graders currently taking honors geometry in high school as examples of successful acceleration. The plan also proposes expanding the part-time (0.5) Project Tree teacher position at Northeast School to a full-time role.

Speakers stressed equity and access: staff were asked to analyze qualifying data so resources can be distributed more evenly and Northeast receives comparable staffing to other schools. The presenters said the change is intended to reduce bus time, increase instructional minutes and give principals more flexibility in master scheduling.

Board members asked about teacher workload and how enrichment activities would be developed and shared; presenters said the district will provide ready-to-use enrichment units so classroom teachers are not expected to create extra materials alone.

Ending: District staff said they will return with implementation timelines and staffing requests; the board’s consent agenda later included an item to approve a 0.5 Project Tree teacher at Northeast School (see Votes at a glance).","District staff proposed moving Project Tree pullout services into students’ home schools, expanding K–3 classroom enrichment, preserving accelerated math and ELA credit pathways and seeking additional staff at Northeast School.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6317458,"Central Middle School reports mixed behavior-referral trends after PBIS push",930,883000,1813000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2373782-d7a230e27bc01ffbf4c0d463c2068847&start=883&end=1813","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2373782-d7a230e27bc01ffbf4c0d463c2068847/thumbnail_883000.jpg","/articles/6317458/Illinois/Central-Middle-School-reports-mixed-behavior-referral-trends-after-PBIS-push","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6317458-3ec6aec320475b003d6d68c7fb303fec/orig.mp4?Expires=1772869594&Signature=lnmXsemLiF5IErAURiQt9PWxoUBRCPayO43EcFVoj12P6T9ivRFuAyKhtnshPtrV8NLHMWoPn7DKDAO9kwgr-3ooaePFM7Dg68M8tZoyGNMyLx~RsfkMkJHYYai8D8O27nL2~0HQfWBSmae3e7DT4VB~jKAehiL2DOUBTULKGsbxfpQGOr12tc3L6lPZ8uJYkcTAME-FL6xlpoL~S8dWE9ck4lp5pKsBe9IW1Hp9gofr-ZQ209AgiiJRt20QqCKmySq-5CDo5UJMirjxlY4RRADRRVZvHn-pkqQAfeZjjmplhYdV6gWjs1L7lo38RL1xrZkydL7eKUhIoW6VuPCl7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Central Middle School administrators told the Evergreen Park ESD 124 Board of Education on Feb. 19 that targeted PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) work and dean-led interventions have coincided with large declines in some referral categories, though other categories rose.

Megan (CMS administrator) presented a comparison of referrals from August–January of 2023–24 and August–January of 2024–25. She said defiance referrals fell from 241 to 125 and disruption referrals fell from 359 to 98. At the same time, disrespect referrals rose from 53 to 70 and physical-contact/aggression referrals rose from 45 to 60.

Those changes come after schoolwide implementation of a progressive-discipline matrix, increased de-escalation professional learning for staff, more-visible expectations and incentives tied to the district’s PBIS tier-1 work. “It really is a direct result of intentional and targeted effort on everyone’s part,” Megan said, describing the declines as the outcome of coordinated staff actions and dean-led interventions.

Megan walked the board through specific steps the school has taken: consistent consequences and follow-through using the matrix; de-escalation training for staff; quarterly PBIS incentive assemblies; weekly advisory time to review expectations; a districtwide schedule for SEL lessons; and consistent use of the LiveSchool positive-reinforcement system. She said school leaders will now focus on improving fidelity for tier-2 and tier-3 interventions and creating shared language so teachers and staff consistently identify “disrespect,” “disruption” and “defiance.”

Board members acknowledged the work in the building and praised the administrative team and deans for increased consistency and visibility. The PBIS tier-1 team — which Megan said includes Paula Polasic, Eli Morales and Michaela Akaveli — produced a short video of students thanking staff; the board viewed the recording during the presentation.

The administrators said they will continue to monitor referral data monthly and meet as a school-improvement and PBIS team to refine interventions. They emphasized that some behaviors — notably physical-contact incidents — have not decreased and require continued attention and restorative interventions.

The board did not take formal action on the CMS behavior update; it was presented as a progress report and will be revisited at future meetings with updated data.

Ending: The district said it will continue to report referral trends and intervention outcomes at upcoming board meetings so the board and community can track whether changes in tier-2 and tier-3 supports reduce the categories that increased this year.","Central Middle School administrators credited PBIS, deans and classroom interventions for large drops in defiance and disruption referrals but reported increases in disrespect and physical contact referrals in the current school year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves consent agenda, staffing changes and new policies; property-tax relief resolution passes

Board discusses expanding Mulcrone scholarship to middle school, lowers application barriers

District to expand Project Tree enrichment, keep accelerated high-school credit options in place

Central Middle School reports mixed behavior-referral trends after PBIS push