[{"_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",6266609,"mediaKeyId","3087025-bf223fc7e00ce1581c84355c8d0d052a","parentId",3087025,"title","Superintendent highlights hospital-career pilot, educator awards and Springfield High renovations","audioSeconds",744,"startMs",1330000,"endMs",2074000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3087025-bf223fc7e00ce1581c84355c8d0d052a&start=1330&end=2074","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3087025-bf223fc7e00ce1581c84355c8d0d052a/thumbnail_1330000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6266609/Illinois/Superintendent-highlights-hospital-career-pilot-educator-awards-and-Springfield-High-renovations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6266609-2c555365830a23b21f36db9dd187eba9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770522512&Signature=dhp1sO6Bo6zgL3JgooXNzF0mhlU8y3vhIwPU90hgLoNyZwVi3aN1HWHcBXBqqMO6afxjTJUXwF7Fzd33dBwDKv~Jh7CNnjNLRnw-UiauvjiZl4s2YxVEuFLOcFsQgO38fUAG~WEHtezaaD57wCdeLwLP3CHubYQKkzUfqlErtp0T7w1Ou8De5Gix1aWYrRWScsHSNjfUFvMHdP8aGDMrHRFYlVJ8ra6yoVKSSefmJEbBdHcUoS3rQIZZcjhEK3jxw~AqdawF8ywLLMWpPKdL758YhzRieSAyn9jz1BFmFBjfWHWEQJbGiGcM8s6RvUosMXjHehR99me3THTR--9XzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Springfield SD 186","date","2025-04-23T00:18:13.24Z","article","Superintendent Gill on April 21 highlighted district programs and construction updates, including a pilot program to expose elementary students to healthcare careers and progress on high-school renovations.

Gill described a partnership with Memorial Health that produced a ‘‘Hospital Heroes’’ starter kit — books and classroom materials intended to introduce students to a range of hospital careers beyond doctors and nurses. The district said the pilot is running at Ridgeley, Wilcox and Southern View elementary schools this year and that staff hope to expand the program after evaluating materials and teacher use.

Gill announced the 2025 Horace Mann Administrator of the Year, Erica Metz, an assistant principal at Southeast High School, and Educator of the Year Leecha Sweska, a fifth-grade teacher at Blackhawk Elementary (with prior service at Fairview and Sandburg). Gill noted celebration events and the role of the Springfield Public Schools Foundation in supporting arts and music programs.

On facilities, Gill walked the board through progress at Springfield High School’s renovation, describing the emerging atrium/commons, a new office wing, storm-shelter gym and a competition gym at Lewis and Monroe, plus renovated classrooms with flexible space and cabinetry similar to other district renovations. Gill also provided updates on Lamphere’s landscaping, curbs and re-used architectural details (lentils) repurposed as benches. Staff said moving more classrooms into renovated space was completed during a recent four-day weekend.

Gill said the district’s embedded learning visits and specialized classrooms, such as a school-within-a-school ‘‘Swiss room’’ at Grant Middle School, were producing promising results for students who need a smaller setting to get back on track. The superintendent closed by encouraging participation in the district’s upcoming kindergarten preview night and noting the district’s school-locator tools on the website.

No formal action was taken on these highlights; they were presented as the superintendent’s report.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting | April 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Gill reported on a pilot hospital-heroes program in three elementary schools, named administrator and educator of the year, and provided updates on construction at Springfield High and Lamphere.","taxTitle","Springfield SD 186, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",14971,"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},6266613,"Parent urges softer tardy penalties as Springfield SD 186 faces high chronic absenteeism rates",176,2334000,2510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3087025-bf223fc7e00ce1581c84355c8d0d052a&start=2334&end=2510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3087025-bf223fc7e00ce1581c84355c8d0d052a/thumbnail_2334000.jpg","/articles/6266613/Illinois/Parent-urges-softer-tardy-penalties-as-Springfield-SD-186-faces-high-chronic-absenteeism-rates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6266613-1a49d89ef05bf19035178fa0a770b9d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770522512&Signature=YEXpIrcaxj2levxLrdkT15tctLpB9GF-0xvDq9FiV3kSGmWwkatr9H7XHCoFnPm5xe-n4mZhAeIbNm6NU6RHgDSgf97TB9MEdZkT08AnqcBuNUwdIyyy8QxIDSlWVqeoKywUTjflC7HsE1DtJJ8f2UJ-cS9jJj7d1G1It7uH8113NjTjRgyWG8gPyGiDXuF3iV1pF-QtrexZUu3WXcUw35-hUxMOPQ7Y~SjfNKE3LxPGEDhekAKJ~1JSxUyoupyAnCjblzvKRtwe8t2qjYaLZTnxrdgmrqUhhXBQuXFeFQoqYB1v2pfKVUqzkm7k51WgI6O3jJMofxJ0od3cV5zlaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Springfield parent told the Board of Education on April 21 that the district’s tardy and discipline practices are contributing to high chronic absenteeism and urged the board to adopt policies that encourage students to attend even if late.

Jessica Handy, speaking during public comment, said she has been connected to Springfield Public Schools since 1987 and currently is a foster parent of a Springfield High freshman. Handy recounted an exchange in which her foster daughter chose to stay home rather than face escalating consequences for repeated tardies, and said the district’s chronic-absence rate is 42% overall and 52% among ninth graders. She cited statewide chronic-absence at 26% and noted that ninth-grade on-track rates are lower in the district (67% versus 88% statewide), asking the board to consider changing policies so tardy students are welcomed and not automatically penalized.

Board members acknowledged the concern and said the district has been reviewing chronic absenteeism. The superintendent and other board members said principals and staff have been discussing the issue and that a handbook review is underway; one board member noted a recent handbook meeting led by a staff member named Jason and said updates would be brought forward for board approval.

Board members emphasized the role of relationships between students and adults in improving attendance and noted that some families do not know their students' attendance status. The board did not make an immediate policy change at the meeting but described the conversation as timely and ongoing.

The parent’s full public-comment remarks were made on the record; board leadership asked staff to continue reviewing attendance policies and share recommended changes in a future meeting.","A parent urged the board to revise tardy and make-up-work policies after citing a 42% chronic absenteeism rate in District 186 and 52% for freshmen; board members said the issue is already under review.",{"_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},6266618,"Board approves higher SCOPE summer fees after advisory discussions; community donors may be solicited",421,3755000,4176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3087025-bf223fc7e00ce1581c84355c8d0d052a&start=3755&end=4176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3087025-bf223fc7e00ce1581c84355c8d0d052a/thumbnail_3755000.jpg","/articles/6266618/Illinois/Board-approves-higher-SCOPE-summer-fees-after-advisory-discussions-community-donors-may-be-solicited","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6266618-3f5e95fdce7ee5a4f56ec94dbe895267/orig.mp4?Expires=1770522512&Signature=hX9a6b5NukoBYiJ4~ablVj8JRmFzznlaBl~QDciJeUKVcMV9iYgJzcHvXV3wGsMmSjylvUaty5hd~1E5rrtjplr1vjhs5t4U5Rq7qz5z9fVBWHlJrDFK2Bjyf0LuIOloVABegRx95y3k8f~ti5qJAcckzZe3YuiPyuYh-2aVoJAACNSBe4NVUtRKw1GK9FwoEtLCsacXb5NW~pHA71AnY8jI2Vc9U9hKFiR4PLR3GVQLI2-dPn9CMWVVdu~QuS-rkNTl8voMvPh285D8Dp95SY0wwPiXHr-l2~6yeRRwcxInoL0EnrKxXqgiYs28~jZj8tuFUYgPsvHJTvym5vMOQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield School District 186 Board of Education approved an increase to its SCOPE summer program fees on April 21, following input from an advisory group that included SCOPE staff, parents and administrators.

The board authorized a weekly fee of $155 per child (up from $125) and an activity fee of $30 per child for the full-day program that runs roughly 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Board and staff presenters said the increase reflects the full-day schedule, transportation and field-trip costs, and the district’s goal of operating the program in-house without outsourcing.

District staff described an advisory meeting with scope employees, parents and school administrators and said they would return with additional planning for fall programming, marketing to boost enrollment and options for an online donation mechanism so community members can contribute to keep the program affordable for families. Staff noted the district previously used ESSER funding and private donations to support activity costs and cited about $54,000 in prior ESSER activity supports over past summers.

Public speakers included John Barry of Teamsters Local 916, who thanked the board for maintaining the SCOPE program and urged continued partnership, and several parents and staff who spoke in favor of preserving the program’s staffing and offerings. One board member clarified that there was never a formal proposal earlier to end SCOPE.

The motion passed with six votes in favor and one abstention. Board members said they expect to finalize registration timing and any donation platform before the start of summer registration, and to continue advisory-group deliberations on enrollment trends and program locations.

The board’s action applies to summer 2025; staff will bring more details and registration materials back to the board prior to program sign-up.","After an advisory-group review, the board raised the weekly SCOPE summer program fee from $125 to $155 and added a $30 activity fee; staff said registration and an optional donation channel will be developed.",{"_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},6266624,"Springfield SD 186 board approves consent items, personnel actions and $20 million standby line of credit",331,3357000,3688000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3087025-bf223fc7e00ce1581c84355c8d0d052a&start=3357&end=3688","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3087025-bf223fc7e00ce1581c84355c8d0d052a/thumbnail_3357000.jpg","/articles/6266624/Illinois/Springfield-SD-186-board-approves-consent-items-personnel-actions-and-20-million-standby-line-of-credit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6266624-7238af7ac68463b26d8447a07f8030e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770522512&Signature=MLxe7f3VRRlofrkXfWrMPTATtyQaxEl4UJJB3lqtLw-zOthTrIj8lfnlUnHdvMgYvCEDb6P-2ElRJ9GpiMxrdf2LvFYoIGdL-EZBLMrrNuThEfuDGEYa5Z6tV0fI7GyRfTFzkpFb9C7nQC~KOCE09uPLnzlOrSrg9w473cSymPP9knLIgUr5iUzznEfEA4KPTQm9kRVT6T60PJZLUvR8UrA1dAsJKlVP6ICndNtZSGM15NHJ1vTtdHmt-z50ivgEiDQGmfjnSJ7dzQGq5jLme7HeIDzuk3yU11WkGiFGlCLfgP547pxJ6MLtC9vFwC7XrjDjua8mvQ5P9p8H6cOmJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield School District 186 Board of Education on April 21 approved a slate of consent items and personnel recommendations, authorized a temporary $20 million line of credit, and voted to expel several students, among other formal actions.

Board members voted unanimously to adopt personnel recommendations and to approve two separate resolutions authorizing notices to remedy for teachers, each by roll call vote. The board also approved the March 2025 monthly business report and a package of consent contracts and bids including asbestos-abatement work, fuel supply, and a set of training and consulting agreements.

The board authorized a short-term line of credit with Bank of Springfield up to $20,000,000 at a stated rate of 5.95% for the period 04/22/2025 through 06/30/2025. Business office staff said the line is intended to cover temporary cash-flow shortages before county property-tax payments arrive in May and June; the district said any borrowing would be repaid within two months of drawing.

On student discipline, the board approved expulsions for five students from various middle and high schools to extend through the 2025–26 school year, with programs provided as noted in the recommendations. The board also approved several authorizations for summer and facility work, and multiple training and service contracts to be paid from federal, grant, or district funds as listed on the consent agenda.

Votes at a glance:
- Consent action items (11.2–11.11 as presented): approved by roll call; result recorded as seven votes in favor with a noted exception by one member on a specific item (vote recorded as 7 yes with one noted exception). (Transcript evidence: roll call at s=3357.82–3367.71; final tally at s=3369.855–3376.035.)
- Line of credit (resolution under School Code authority): approved by roll call, 7–0. (Transcript evidence: motion and discussion at s=3534.23–3594.645; roll call at s=3678.47–3688.73.)
- Summer SCOPE fees (increase to $155 weekly; $30 activity fee): approved, 6 yes, 1 abstention. (Transcript evidence: presentation at s=3695.43–3791.47; vote at s=4117.86–4136.155.)
- Personnel recommendations (12.1): approved by roll call, 7–0. (Transcript evidence: motion and vote at s=3385.56–3427.685.)
- Two resolutions authorizing notice to remedy for teachers (12.2 and 12.3): each approved by roll call, 7–0. (Transcript evidence: motions and votes at s=3435.985–3477.8298 and s=3483.675–3522.63.)
- Student discipline (expulsions): approved by roll call, 7–0. (Transcript evidence: recommendation and vote at s=4141.495–4206.03.)

Contracts and prices called out on the record included: asbestos-abatement lowest bids by site (Sandburg General Waste $31,000; Thornburg Abatement $13,345; Great Western Abatement $40,875), a fuel bid from Prairie Land FS for $200,280, a Partnership for Resilience agreement for Lee School at $35,212 (Title I School Improvement funds), a Don Parker consulting workshop for $7,500 (Title I funds), STAR Autism training funded by the IDEA grant, a keynote contract for Shelley Moore (paid from IDEA Part B flow-through grants), and an audiology services contract with Southern Illinois University School of Medicine at $50 per hour, not to exceed $9,000 annually if used.

Board members gave no additional conditions on repayment terms for the line of credit beyond staff assurances that any draw would be short-term and repaid after receipt of tax revenues. Business office presenters said the district had run cash-flow scenarios and might not need to use the line at all.

The meeting record identifies formal roll calls and the motions recorded above as the basis for these outcomes.

The board set its next regular meeting for Monday, May 5, 2025.","The Springfield School District 186 Board of Education approved routine contracts and personnel recommendations, authorized a $20 million line of credit to cover short-term cashflow needs, and voted on student discipline and other measures at the April 21 meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent highlights hospital-career pilot, educator awards and Springfield High renovations

Parent urges softer tardy penalties as Springfield SD 186 faces high chronic absenteeism rates

Board approves higher SCOPE summer fees after advisory discussions; community donors may be solicited

Springfield SD 186 board approves consent items, personnel actions and $20 million standby line of credit