[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6281040,"mediaKeyId","2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c","parentId",2608432,"title","Resident urges board to reject ‘Vision 30’ and cautions about federal order on critical race theory","audioSeconds",147,"startMs",3602000,"endMs",3749000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c&start=3602&end=3749","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c/thumbnail_3602000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6281040/Illinois/Resident-urges-board-to-reject-Vision-30-and-cautions-about-federal-order-on-critical-race-theory","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281040-4a0449734dbc685ba75f2f6c6410943c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177775&Signature=dNZgbJNP1N3eojugxd7fkdf99ICrx60vW3tbwSJMrq26ELAc7-bHDPBVtTaqIJhKRqccd2GcVVK7wF9uiht4xI9lnVAWvhUyR2POfWq4GqrkwzRzBt3eVuVVVa84I-7NKoLG9cG86Usn8p~LL3ERao00pS5I~uANbMHjpLS-r4hzuobDuVmFJvSzkJhnRahgsKFgATFRov3viNOen4uwhEijyx53FScm9dAE98n5d9LbNgpsa11ILQNLcWHx60cXLF-QnDXN3cNvvStqiBN4lXki31cZfr4PIlfEQPc60vBeiFTJ75rd8fBamYn~L5qsQ~cJlGdTjhfy03TdHjz3pQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Arlington Heights SD 25","date","2025-03-13T18:31:18Z","article","During the board’s community input period on March 11, resident Sam Pappas addressed the board on two topics: the Illinois Vision 30 proposal and a recent executive order concerning critical race theory (CRT).

Pappas urged the board not to implement Vision 30’s recommendations, arguing the initiative would “lower proficiency benchmarks for students” rather than invest in literacy interventions. He cited statewide third‑grade reading proficiency data and local 2024 IAR results, saying the Vision 30 approach would “muddle the understanding of students’ progress.”

On the CRT matter Pappas told the board he was concerned about recent federal action. He said the president had signed an executive order “banning the teaching of critical race theory in K through 12 schools” and warned that schools that continued CRT‑related lessons could “risk losing federal aid.” He urged the board to consider the potential fiscal risks to District 25.

Why it matters: Public comment raised policy themes that board members may weigh when considering curricula and district policy. The board did not take action in response that evening; the speaker’s remarks were advisory.

What the board heard: The board listened but did not comment substantively during the meeting. Superintendent and staff did not present a corresponding recommendation or action based on the public comment during the March 11 meeting.

Note on attribution: Remarks are summarized from a community‑member presentation during the public comment period; the board did not take action on the topics at the March 11 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Of Education Meeting | March 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment, speaker Sam Pappas urged the Arlington Heights board not to implement Illinois’ Vision 30 recommendations and warned that a recent executive order on critical race theory could put federal funding at risk.","taxTitle","Arlington Heights SD 25, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",38280,"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},6281045,"District surveys show mixed but largely favorable reactions to first full e‑learning day",824,7674000,8498000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c&start=7674&end=8498","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c/thumbnail_7674000.jpg","/articles/6281045/Illinois/District-surveys-show-mixed-but-largely-favorable-reactions-to-first-full-elearning-day","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281045-7a98d90179c323620d032c6c393c36f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177775&Signature=Pm56y1nBt1fOH3-1wXUNq63aWhkvdbYHov6knmNwW06K2O01nmPdeWOC~sm-OmQKD8v~oC1dlBwSvWBwAFRxdLXi~C9mYa4J6Uf~mUN42uVEjHyz4CHvPDqrxygFUxvSSOkEt3kLptFRr6U7rJ3qgYEAJVRLf3H3VnICdHA7lwkvfaeUgpqpxZzdvigNCG5AOmFA2fW1P1ZSZbLWFZ6SzmiNR~k5XWWr4ZxZgKn6Y1KXlGJQbozoKUPxJmPUUM6mNrgVONeqwP8VoB~D-i0Gnl~81fOaDiwk6fucJTmU4mzssf6dijDeKMqv-BVHtb7roMiqNU9jGA96bnKFp6-AMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After running its first fully executed e‑learning day this winter (following a failed attempt during poor regional connectivity last year), Arlington Heights SD 25 surveyed parents and staff and reported results to the board on March 11.

Superintendent Doctor K and technology and instructional staff collected feedback from 941 parents and about 400 staff. The parent survey showed strong approval for district and school communications (91% and 86%, respectively) and that 75% of respondents said student devices worked well. Ratings were lower on whether the day was positive overall for the child (65%) and whether workload was manageable (77%).

Staff responses were generally favorable: 92% said district communication was clear, 78% reported technology platforms functioned smoothly, and 78% said the e‑learning experience was manageable and effective. Teachers raised equity concerns — particularly for students with individualized education plans or who require in‑person support — and reported that balancing synchronous and asynchronous instruction helped manage screen time and workload.

Doctor K told the board the district does not equate an e‑learning day with a typical in‑person instructional day but said the survey results were more positive than expected. She described the main takeaways as: advance notice and clear communication reduce stress for families and staff; technology performed adequately for most students during the exercise; and parents and staff still voiced significant concerns about supervision and equitable access for students who need in‑person support.

Why it matters: The district’s e‑learning plan is intended to give the calendar predictability and avoid extending the school year for weather-related closures, but administrators must weigh parent and teacher concerns — especially equity and supervision — when scheduling future e‑learning days.

What’s next: District staff said they will use the feedback to refine expectations, communications and technical supports and will bring follow‑up recommendations to the board.","Arlington Heights SD 25 reported results from parent and staff surveys after the district’s first fully executed e‑learning day: most respondents rated communication and technical performance positively, while concerns remained about workload and equity.",{"_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},6281048,"Superintendent schedules district‑level meeting after two ‘stranger danger’ incidents; Westgate safety night drew parents and police",101,7271000,7372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c&start=7271&end=7372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c/thumbnail_7271000.jpg","/articles/6281048/Illinois/Superintendent-schedules-districtlevel-meeting-after-two-stranger-danger-incidents-Westgate-safety-night-drew-parents-and-police","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281048-c9fd3f8f53ad3afbd3b4176edeedf7c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177775&Signature=BrNnJnYU992H-PWDJG9Y7bgRIOxNN1isfYiE05WQF01UL0m4BUDyZBtqtr8gNhNC3QuHwEYCputRxOC373NrDFr5k2XOWJEahTyHD1naHnT5mCfZ87wcbyDHUqqbb~Eouwjst8HsUf3897HHKWiNj8TUSJ2JTZV10O1KEUJtMo8xvdxa8aZ7mKTHTrhRA9DvoUulqgUp8rmwLQQnMnxW1zf7LR24UHCE4xovqz07QHOZ0l2Hn20DStHGsKOpxu7lfgTuakBnEBx7pxTaOXMsc01IOp9xIeYWgj8ATXsEt~-JN494QBAhwo8jRqjIame0D5QWOwYlIYPQCnFeecBG2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Doctor K announced on March 11 that the district will host a community meeting on stranger‑danger concerns after two separate incidents prompted school‑level notifications earlier that day and the prior week.

Doctor K told the board she and school staff met with Westgate parents, administrators and the district’s two school resource officers — Officer O'Leary and Officer Seabacher — at a Westgate safety night. She said the meetings gave parents a chance to ask questions and to hear from police about response and prevention practices.

The superintendent said the district sent targeted communications to South and Dryden communities following a recent incident and planned a broader community discussion for March 12 at 6 p.m. at Thomas Middle School to answer questions, review communication protocols and discuss follow‑up investigative steps. She emphasized that the meeting would collect concerns and surface themes for district response but would not be a forum for live incident investigations.

Doctor K said staff prioritized rapid notification to directly affected schools; in the haste to notify families quickly some language was adjusted after police review and the district issued a corrected communication for clarity. She said the district intends to publish a summary of the meeting and any district‑level next steps for families who cannot attend.

Why it matters: The incidents heightened community concern and prompted the district to prioritize clear, timely communication and to convene police, administrators and families for discussion. School resource officers and building leaders will continue coordinating responses and the district said it will update families about any operational changes.

What the board heard: Doctor K said there is no single answer to all such incidents and called for continued “see something, say something” vigilance. The board did not take action but supported the district’s plan to convene community input and follow up with summary communications.","Following separate incidents that prompted targeted communications to affected schools, Arlington Heights SD 25 scheduled a district meeting to discuss safety and communication protocols and said it will publish follow‑up summaries.",{"_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},6281053,"District 25 enrollment projected to rise modestly over next decade, consultant says",1026,5770000,6796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c&start=5770&end=6796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c/thumbnail_5770000.jpg","/articles/6281053/Illinois/District-25-enrollment-projected-to-rise-modestly-over-next-decade-consultant-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281053-fe22a705863d06595f5545f8915ac707/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177775&Signature=bFRvBkW7dp3M-TzgQq13dm1BDKLAKLSIL0vJtF88b~uZShBVRy8359OuCKOftRf5R3UOd1~RJ9JjShNgw3INh7Bz0fNFvTBp4Fb9A8bMe4f7YXtVykuQ2npAl5VboKzLrJr3ik6R0uPvITLU2diiaztilJucF2jPHic8RdvLU2Qju7RxVgE0uLsPZV3fjZ6-yWGl25HMVc0i5im0XTdY07p05NBs~s2hITFtwHDIbYA3wndi8Bre~mfvWTgJBCHzGRqYXoZhwYDV19PzByy7je42cjTbQdmUgDizBd0EWOVnXrWSPuNwugibmOi4ogtzIHdhaaEa1z3TAsvbjpwPug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Arlington Heights SD 25 staff and demographer Dr. John Casarda presented updated demographic and enrollment projections at the board’s March 11 meeting that show modest district‑wide growth over the next decade under the report’s most likely (Series B) scenario.

The district currently reports 5,186 students (K–8) and the Series B forecast projects an increase to roughly 5,357 students by 2029–30 and 5,499 by 2034–35. The projection depends heavily on continued housing turnover from older homeowners to younger families with children, Dr. Casarda’s team told the board.

Kendra (staff presenter) summarized the methodology: the consultant analyzed long‑run demographic trends, housing turnover and student migration/transfer patterns and produced school‑by‑school forecasts. The presentation compared earlier (2022) projections with the 2024 update and showed that actual enrollment has remained above the 2022 forecast and aligns more closely with the more optimistic 2024 scenario.

At the building level the 5‑year outlook showed Windsor, Westgate, Dryden and Ivy Hill with expected double‑digit gains; Patton and Olive were projected to be roughly flat or have modest increases. South Middle School’s headcount was projected to grow from about 802 students in 2024 to about 908 by 2034–35; Thomas Middle School projections showed a decline to the mid‑900s followed by a modest rebound.

Why it matters: The district used Casarda’s projections to justify capacity planning and to inform staffing and capital decisions, including the full‑day kindergarten additions installed under the recent referendum. Board members asked whether projected increases would require additional classroom capacity; administration said the referendum additions were sized to provide margin for modest enrollment bumps.

What the board heard:
- Dr. John Casarda described methodology emphasizing housing turnover, tear‑downs and migration patterns dating to 1990.
- Staff noted kindergarten numbers fluctuated: full‑day kindergarten implementation and housing turnover influenced the recent rebound from a low of 386 in 2023–24 to 491 in 2024–25.

The board thanked staff and Dr. Casarda and asked that administration continue monitoring housing and enrollment trends as the district finalizes plans for staffing and facilities.","A demographer’s Series B projection presented to the Arlington Heights SD 25 board forecasts modest K–8 enrollment growth through 2034–35, driven by continued housing turnover to younger families.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6281058,"Board approves consent agenda, student fees and multiple capital contracts; construction finance update shows referendum near balance",1292,4325000,5617000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c&start=4325&end=5617","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2608432-fdd48ab4813877868e524ae07e3e108c/thumbnail_4325000.jpg","/articles/6281058/Illinois/Board-approves-consent-agenda-student-fees-and-multiple-capital-contracts-construction-finance-update-shows-referendum-near-balance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6281058-f2e2b37ec08ae79534b1ca64365a65f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177775&Signature=PEJkInlBsONG7Hnu~M9qCyEO1zsLlSK46OvySb~iR0Ahus0InmAuljc6IKlAf9ASXLDfb-D92ezomweoIZaIC0GtOZR9Df-0VtvLtrQD0QrfYATo~qPvmF10inprIdxgBDn92kTKSGlMcHDVk3G-WWf56jPSFg6Q~k6VqZssDjeYV~UnAU4vV34TkcdotclbtsexpsU8k73ZlGsjvcVRoXR8b5fXmKIo6pqI10Inix-qQLuY4jH-UgAx4oLByjbTAFtPP83SMGVqY7ec1rgvH81gmZUbMK~Igj3VWNwxEjlNBwNFejnXliIvtuGBMHsjD9DAsUqtPjmxyiqXWOpIQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Arlington Heights SD 25 Board of Education on March 11 approved a slate of routine and capital items including the consent agenda, the 2025–26 student fees, several construction contract awards and a memorandum of understanding on bereavement leave.

The board’s business-and-finance discussion included a near-final construction finance update showing referendum revenue and expenditures nearly aligned. Finance and facilities staff reviewed how recent bids and project scope changes shifted previously shared estimates but said bond proceeds and interest will cover current obligations.

Board president’s designee called the roll and the consent agenda — including the personnel report, treasurer’s report, invoices and the Feb. 11 regular- and closed-session minutes — passed on a 5–0 roll-call vote. Board member Kevin made the motion and board member Anisha seconded.

On student fees for 2025–26 the board voted to approve a set of modest increases, including a 5% transportation increase for paid riders (matching the district’s bus-contract increase), a 25-cent increase to elementary and middle-school paid lunches, a 10-cent milk price increase, a 25-cent breakfast increase and a $5 rise in middle-school activity participation fees. The motion passed on a 4–0 vote; one member was not recorded on that tally.

The board awarded the Minor Window Replacement Phase 2 contract to Monarch Construction Company for $931,300 and assigned the contract to construction manager Nicholas & Associates; the motion passed 5–0. The board also approved three separate 2025 capital-project awards (general trades, HVAC and electrical) as recommended by staff and assigned those contracts to the district’s construction manager; the combined motion passed 5–0.

Separately the board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Arlington Teachers Association clarifying bereavement leave usage (including non‑consecutive use within a school year and retroactive adjustments for affected employees); that motion passed 5–0.

Construction-finance staff reported that total referendum-related contracts and all-in costs to date total about $78.378 million and that the district received roughly $78.5 million in bond proceeds plus interest projections; staff said the district expects to remain within the referendum funding envelope after anticipated interest, arbitrage adjustments and remaining projected summer work.

The board then recessed into closed session to continue previously announced topics; no formal action was taken in closed session.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (personnel report; treasurer’s report; invoices; minutes): Mover: Kevin; Second: Anisha; Outcome: Approved, roll call: Nearman yes, Jogi yes, Scapolato yes, Michael yes, Faso yes (5–0).
- Student fees for 2025–26 (transportation, lunch, milk, breakfast, kindergarten consumables, middle-school participation fee +$5): Mover: Kevin; Second: Anisha; Outcome: Approved, roll call: Scapolato yes, Michael yes, Faso yes, Newman yes (4–0; one member absent/unrecorded).
- Minor Window Replacement Phase 2 — Monarch Construction Company — $931,300: Mover: Kevin; Second: Anisha; Outcome: Approved, roll call: Scapolato yes, Michael yes, Faso yes, Nearman yes, Jogi yes (5–0).
- 2025 capital projects (three awards: general trades $1,114,000 to RB Construction; HVAC $146,900 to Amber Mechanical; electrical $570,000 to Shoreline): Mover: Kevin; Second: Anisha; Outcome: Approved (combined vote), roll call: Michael yes, Faso yes, Nearman yes, Jogi yes, Scapolato yes (5–0).
- ATA memorandum of understanding (bereavement leave non‑consecutive/specified retro adjustments): Mover: Kevin; Second: Anisha; Outcome: Approved, roll call: Faso yes, Nearman yes, Jogi yes, Scapolato yes, Michael yes (5–0).

Why it matters: The actions finalize near‑term financial commitments and operational fees that affect families, staff and the district’s capital schedule. The construction updates and contract awards move referendum projects into active execution and the MOU alters leave accounting and restores bereavement days for impacted employees.

What’s next: Staff said they will continue closeout work on phase‑1 projects this spring, finalize remaining allowances and monitor cashflows as bond proceeds are spent over the next 12–24 months. The board returns in April for its next regular meeting.","Arlington Heights SD 25’s board approved routine business, set student fees for 2025–26, awarded several construction contracts and received an update showing referendum proceeds and expenditures close to balanced.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges board to reject ‘Vision 30’ and cautions about federal order on critical race theory

District surveys show mixed but largely favorable reactions to first full e‑learning day

Superintendent schedules district‑level meeting after two ‘stranger danger’ incidents; Westgate safety night drew parents and police

District 25 enrollment projected to rise modestly over next decade, consultant says

Board approves consent agenda, student fees and multiple capital contracts; construction finance update shows referendum near balance