[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,76,88,99],{"_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",6298910,"mediaKeyId","2499467-974065eab092a4fb0028fa5cc3a5f682","parentId",2499467,"title","Administrators propose ‘Little Barb Academy’ orientation program for incoming kindergarteners; grant funds proposed to pay cost","audioSeconds",408,"startMs",1169000,"endMs",1577000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2499467-974065eab092a4fb0028fa5cc3a5f682&start=1169&end=1577","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2499467-974065eab092a4fb0028fa5cc3a5f682/thumbnail_1169000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6298910/Illinois/Administrators-propose-Little-Barb-Academy-orientation-program-for-incoming-kindergarteners-grant-funds-proposed-to-pay-cost","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298910-d323dee2344ff515efac9b4dc02981dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1777265445&Signature=AuFPUyVhYhwlr15vSfYy3KUfxiq1~eTRJFKJ0rI96~JTEzZE7SN1n-iQOjsng-BCjIDQpmzjMCl-5jfgpcCm2naY0S63mJXE6K~0GshMyH~7VWtozhzRU3v4mgHpq~5YbhmF7TpismU8rNpjU87tXk6CeWAZDB~woXn7g6M9Xbbgk8WsQBHCsNhBl1UiP7w5vl12zxX9UE3PteYOD7oIisDJLq9RYxjvF7hY5nEleuzaZMTk6A906hp4XS03dRzROA1Qb5E0T0u9cX5z0dwjfoShfWcyqn3hi7gYcmAOnXuaVmWlqlZp0CBbjGuKc3Ssr77~9TLXibE4FO0noLvRag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","DeKalb CUSD 428","date","2025-03-05T14:05:59Z","article","District staff presented a proposal to pilot a one-week orientation program called Little Barb Academy for incoming kindergarten students during the first week of August. The program would bring small groups of entering kindergartners to their assigned school for about two hours with a kindergarten teacher to acclimate them to classroom routines, common school spaces and social-emotional expectations.

Presenters said the program targets students who have not had formal preschool experience and would aim to reduce first-week instructional time needed to teach routines. The proposal described using 12–15 students per site for short, teacher-led sessions, supplemented by paraprofessionals and possibly a counselor for social-emotional support. Administrators estimated the pilot would cost approximately $13,080 for about 19 teacher hours at $40 per hour plus additional staff; funding was proposed from Title I, II and IV federal grants.

The board had no substantive objections and gave consensus to bring the proposal back for formal action and final budgeting.

Why it matters: Early orientation can reduce transition barriers for children entering kindergarten, particularly those without prior structured preschool experience. Funding from federal Title grants was proposed to cover the pilot’s cost.

What’s next: Administration will return with final program design, schedules, site lists and a formal funding recommendation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DeKalb CUSD 428 Board Meeting 3/4/2025","oneSentenceSummary","District staff proposed a weeklong, half-day orientation (Little Barb Academy) in early August for incoming kindergarten students, estimated to cost $13,080 and to be paid from Title I, II and IV grants; the board gave consensus to return the item for action.","taxTitle","DeKalb CUSD 428, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",49811,"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},6298915,"Administration proposes 11.5 FTE for 2025–26, including social work, special education and instructional positions",1121,1877000,2998000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2499467-974065eab092a4fb0028fa5cc3a5f682&start=1877&end=2998","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2499467-974065eab092a4fb0028fa5cc3a5f682/thumbnail_1877000.jpg","/articles/6298915/Illinois/Administration-proposes-115-FTE-for-202526-including-social-work-special-education-and-instructional-positions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298915-1576bcd4eb0bd799ba3be25ee3cc6398/orig.mp4?Expires=1777265445&Signature=IQBA7iEdWBeUW36OxLouVvuhhbf81gGqZUcSWAX2no8xDb92sHElkgUAyDNFabJO~xQsgIUHSWRuvADuXiPhocyryaoJ0QNrH~uct~QYtKmwq~bGEIQOxPkSJRj-aSx3QJwQW3v2vZy0bFGiQMnuiGM8RZVIMq4bVIp4OzakEBpDnrtx3aeGWlzK~ofuc4JJFVOvi6Swc7w-ciCfnl~0qaWr~xr9nEuClB-5UadS7lm~fjHyOxNuHs1VqdLK9kTQgdtwc0Kza5qzZTaN93aIA~HgK5ULC6Zj0mZ3owe8i4lC0g-MlQ5rvSr7nPqkNjj1mINZQXISr-qmSFAHizJejA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District administration presented a 2025–26 FTE request on April 1 that would add 11.5 full-time-equivalent positions across the district to support student services, special education, interventions and operations.

Beatrice Salas, presenting the request, told the board the 11.5 FTEs were selected after cabinet review of school improvement plans, enrollment trends and student-need data. Presenters described proposed positions including a warehouse specialist (to manage the district’s stored furniture and equipment and serve as head custodian for two smaller buildings), additional social work time shared between Cortland Elementary and Hundley Middle School (0.5 FTE each), a special-education elementary self-contained teacher to meet rising primary-level special education needs, and an elementary math interventionist at Malta.

At the high school level, administration proposed two ESL teachers to address rising English-learners enrollment, one social studies teacher for newcomer Spanish-speaking students, a CTE teacher for food, clothing and textiles and adult living coursework, and a multilingual instructional coach (this latter position was described as a previously tabled request being reintroduced).

Presenters said some positions are tied to specific school-improvement plans or to the opening of the new Mitchell Elementary, where new furniture and asset-tagging are planned. Finance staff told the board the fund balance projections support the additions and that the requests fall within normal “organic growth” projections.

Board members asked how boundary changes and projected student movement affected the staffing needs; administration said building-level enrollments and projections were factored into the requests. The board gave consensus to bring the item back for formal action.

Why it matters: The requested FTEs address special-education caseloads, multilingual learner instruction and intervention supports; approval will change staffing and budget allocations for 2025–26.

What’s next: Administration will return to the board with the formal FTE request and recommended hires for board action.","District administration presented a request for 11.5 new full-time-equivalent positions for 2025–26 to support special education, multilingual learners, interventions and operations; the board gave consensus to return the item for action.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298920,"Board tables associate superintendent proposal after public criticism over cost and role",0,2871000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2499467-974065eab092a4fb0028fa5cc3a5f682&start=2871&end=2871","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2499467-974065eab092a4fb0028fa5cc3a5f682/thumbnail_2871000.jpg","/articles/6298920/Illinois/Board-tables-associate-superintendent-proposal-after-public-criticism-over-cost-and-role","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298920-f3d46745a94397710bf5208ff345fa95/orig.mp4?Expires=1777265445&Signature=JuFF6UP6rqCS-dpybk6v6gqWYbM-HaHKyVTrt-iTE3SCWgpgaQ9GA34I79BoSByie7XkDIRBmE0Roo0~1ylpGVxTTUONK6nur3cHe5Ay7iFIL8EAloMgMNl86T5V7yiWnkaVmrSs9cHfL3zEJtNwWshThCSzYddwhsqqowWsaskfvTGMcAKeeJfxoOmXErXiPqfQi0wa03sBAQG4JfZkAJKUgohEt0bOJHqZ3ON4o4yioAOYgt-aaZrg1jkiG1TpQqgzifC5sGqnggoVuCwP0cHYTMde8-g1hXeXutnYQ-SdOeDX6ctY~ur648R69cL1uzj5qZgYiU2LIl2~Fi2NTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb CUSD 428 Board of Education on April 1 tabled discussion of a proposed associate superintendent position after extended public comment and board debate over the role’s duties and cost.

Public commenters raised concerns about the proposed position’s cost and priorities. “I believe it would be irresponsible of the board to spend an additional $223,748 on one person,” said Erin Grick, identifying herself as a citizen and parent, referencing the figure printed in public comment materials. Another commenter, identified in the record as Mr. Marsherbot, said the district should prioritize classroom spending rather than additional administration: “You could allocate the money you have for the education of our students, not for more administration.”

Board discussion covered succession planning, departmental oversight and fiscal priorities. A board member who supported the position said it would create a clear line of succession and help ensure important departments do not “fall through the cracks.” Other board members questioned whether the district could develop succession plans without adding a high-salary position and asked for comparative information on how similar districts structure central office leadership.

Because the superintendent was not present to answer detailed questions about reporting structure, specific duties and whether the role would be posted externally or filled internally, a board member moved to table the item until the next meeting. The motion to table carried by roll call.

Why it matters: The proposed role would add a senior administrative layer and, depending on salary and fill strategy, could have material budgetary impact. Public commenters framed the proposal as a choice between additional central office spending and classroom resources.

What’s next: The board directed that the associate superintendent proposal return to a future meeting with the superintendent present to answer questions about duties, hiring process and cost implications. Members asked administration to provide comparisons to similarly sized districts and to clarify whether the appointment would be an internal promotion or an open search.

Quote: “We were spending a quarter million dollars on more administration,” said Mr. Marsherbot during public comment.","Board members debated a proposed associate superintendent position and citizens criticized spending; the board voted to table the proposal until its next meeting so the superintendent can be present for questions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6298926,"Board approves consent items, labor LOAs and building bid request; student trip and staffing actions also pass",1502,568000,2070000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2499467-974065eab092a4fb0028fa5cc3a5f682&start=568&end=2070","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2499467-974065eab092a4fb0028fa5cc3a5f682/thumbnail_568000.jpg","/articles/6298926/Illinois/Board-approves-consent-items-labor-LOAs-and-building-bid-request-student-trip-and-staffing-actions-also-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298926-d52ddc3cad3d39289a313a0ce13adce0/orig.mp4?Expires=1777265445&Signature=QVKWI5yH4Z5bGyV9qu-yLdQJzRoLPhMXz7yeVur4QXxMBrhXaFb7XlDO1VX-d5qUQiJqdROsV~1ABrBakMNI~fTJCttB0bcXlkGo6FZe6PHQweLR4WvVZkNevxbOgqIMNvIAJTylf3vjPEs1TgqhvggDz8eubW1rWbFlCzpu5ia4Mq5zPPNZ4cieVgE-L2QYuwX84qctcfnat0ggWCNTb0ILAlTYNsSiu1IG4cgshvL1sSw52hDyvAQY4y9m2mbRkiJx~8lDVPaiqBvdcsyKEsevym8RJYnilTbFdBZqZzYTojWCv1hDqjdkmSlA26ZR4CT3jXrMqJAgLDLeV0uiJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb CUSD 428 Board of Education on April 1 approved a slate of consent and action items, including labor memoranda of agreement, a Title IX grievance policy update, additional support staffing for Mitchell Elementary, authorization to bid renovations at three elementary schools, and an overnight student trip.

Board members voted to adopt the consent agenda, which included minutes, personnel actions and an employment contract for an elementary principal at Tyler Elementary School. The board then approved two memoranda of agreement with the DeKalb Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA) covering elementary vacancy coverage and certified school nurse subbing for health-office and 1-on-1 nursing coverage.

The board approved PRESS Policy 2265 (Title IX grievance procedures, dated October 2022) to bring district policy into alignment with federal law, and it approved the staffing recommendation to add 3.1 DFSA support staff positions for Mitchell Elementary School. The DHS Student Council was authorized to attend the IASC state convention in Lombard, Illinois, May 1–3, 2025, and the EHS Trio Upper Bound program was authorized to take eight students to a first-generation college conference in Miami, Florida, April 3–6, 2025; Kishwaukee College will cover the cost for those students, the board was told.

Administration gained approval to go out to bid for additional summer renovations at Founders, Jefferson and Lincoln elementary schools; the board was told bids would be solicited April 15 and returned in May so the board could consider awards at the May 20 meeting.

Board members also moved several procedural items: the board removed a previously scheduled new-business item (an a cappella trip) after the students did not advance in competition, and the board voted to table discussion of a proposed associate superintendent position until the next meeting so the superintendent can be present for questions.

Votes at a glance (selected items approved)
- Consent agenda (including minutes and Tyler Elementary principal contract): approved (roll call)
- DCTA LOA: elementary vacancy coverage: approved
- DCTA LOA: certified school nurse (CSN) subbing/1-on-1 nursing: approved
- PRESS Policy 2265 (Title IX grievance procedures): approved
- Mitchell Elementary support-staff positions (3.1 DFSA): approved
- DHS Student Council overnight trip (IASC State Convention): approved
- EHS Trio Upper Bound overnight out-of-state travel (Miami, April 3–6): approved (Kishwaukee College covering student costs)
- Authorization to bid renovations at Founders, Jefferson and Lincoln: approved

The board recorded roll-call votes for each motion. A motion to table the staffing request for an associate superintendent was carried by roll call; the board set the matter for further discussion at the next meeting.

Why it matters: The approved actions move planned staffing, personnel and capital work forward ahead of the next school year and summer construction season. The board’s decision to table the associate superintendent request keeps a larger personnel and budgetary debate open to additional public and board scrutiny.

What’s next: Administration will return bid results on the Founders/Jefferson/Lincoln projects for board consideration in May and will bring back the associate superintendent discussion with the superintendent present. Several informational items (FTE requests, Little Barb Academy, staff professional development) were given consensus to return for future board action.","At its April 1 meeting, the DeKalb CUSD 428 Board of Education approved multiple consent and action items including labor LOAs, a Title IX policy update, support-staff positions for Mitchell Elementary, an overnight student trip and authorization to bid building renovations. The board tabled discussion of a proposed associate superintendent.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Administrators propose ‘Little Barb Academy’ orientation program for incoming kindergarteners; grant funds proposed to pay cost

Administration proposes 11.5 FTE for 2025–26, including social work, special education and instructional positions

Board tables associate superintendent proposal after public criticism over cost and role

Board approves consent items, labor LOAs and building bid request; student trip and staffing actions also pass