[{"_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",6263125,"mediaKeyId","3108150-f933677610a195af60c8b33515a9cce1","parentId",3108150,"title","Board hears first reading of student-handbook updates covering grading, vaping and AI protocols","audioSeconds",236,"startMs",1479000,"endMs",1715000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3108150-f933677610a195af60c8b33515a9cce1&start=1479&end=1715","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3108150-f933677610a195af60c8b33515a9cce1/thumbnail_1479000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6263125/Illinois/Board-hears-first-reading-of-student-handbook-updates-covering-grading-vaping-and-AI-protocols","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263125-e62ff7398c59f3b3bc376652a589a1e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1777214762&Signature=kVtDaXvUwzshKtTlWwvv7FmyDCnXSgXa0daiK3TA9xpBfdHViKvjex01BR-KSVcN9GstMOd-Oh~TohydNN9PYU1EpJZAWhEK1PhSxGhh0529wfaZRgPjkN0pACrjjIbBUNqgEm67fjmd8i-rBevdaAGfrYakrpqp-f~uZyMNS-lq5DHdm8wHUMZEPOrWPiT0t3XZsBV794VUmGOx7SGTfeXnjKhCX8DUGRWgD4eNMVbcYYyTi35MwamgJen~bL7KDLlqw0MtqbsFBTjXYSQ2w1tW4cg7QL2XizNz3eIyPOkZBJHaqwxSdnip1Idc-Vb4BtX8EXHYjnn8BAZuwKuOCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Elmwood Park CUSD 401","date","2025-04-22T12:30:07Z","article","Elmwood Park CUSD 401 administrators presented first-reading revisions to student handbooks for the elementary, middle and high schools at the July 1 meeting.

Elementary updates: Elementary administrators said changes were primarily clerical (updated cover, calendar and page numbers). They revised lunch and breakfast language to discourage parents from bringing lunches after the school day begins, added administrative-discretion language for dress code, linked to the preschool handbook rather than reproducing it, and changed the district’s standard-based-grading language to indicate the K–5 scope (previously referenced K–8 in the handbook).

Middle-school updates: Elm Middle School administrators reported a substantive change: standards-based grading (SBG) will be sunseted at the end of the school year and handbook language replaced with traditional grading language. The middle-school update also adds language about vape detectors, strengthens dress-code language (a specific reference to tube tops was discussed), and incorporates an artificial-intelligence protocol consistent with district policy.

High-school updates: High-school administrators reported changes to grading language that mirror the middle school’s return to traditional grading, updated attendance and tardy procedures (including language for weekly and chronic tardiness), an updated bell schedule moving to eight periods with a \"tiger time,\" and AI-related academic-dishonesty language. The high-school handbook also adds vape-detector protocols (including parent notification procedures), allows students to carry either a physical or virtual ID through a district app, and removes the student directory from the handbook.

Trustees discussed consistency across grade levels, especially on dress-code language and enforcement. One trustee asked that the handbook committee revisit dress-code alignment between middle and high school. Administrators indicated the handbooks will return for further consideration after the committee meets; this meeting was the first reading, not a vote.

The district referenced an internal AI protocol and cited the Illinois Principals Association as a reference point for dress-code language.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","EPCUSD 401 Board Meeting April 23, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees reviewed first-read updates to elementary, middle and high school handbooks that include changes to lunch delivery, grading systems, vape detectors, dress-code language and an artificial-intelligence protocol.","taxTitle","Elmwood Park CUSD 401, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",56318,"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},6263130,"EPHS choir and band propose April 2026 Colorado tour; students to fund trip",200,930000,1130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3108150-f933677610a195af60c8b33515a9cce1&start=930&end=1130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3108150-f933677610a195af60c8b33515a9cce1/thumbnail_930000.jpg","/articles/6263130/Illinois/EPHS-choir-and-band-propose-April-2026-Colorado-tour-students-to-fund-trip","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263130-e173a122e08b8a438cea4f41fce0d5cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1777214762&Signature=AueY6fEM8Z6pdL3ni9rbZbydws3PbxX-pvjymJFhYN72-M2X4HNwCY21JwwiVbGlSl2ig6VB3jCmt2QJRakFxr5AcNbW~V72zChYzjl4C28UNbDqq0ruHnCd0oy2J2o2tYMEAAL11LddGQJxHpJZLVLkinaqjY7KEX7lgAveXr~gKUBmTEJDBaD-FEBXPgwdkzjecBnBNJmDXDDBSobNdq~HW9CSx2A1eNv1APH6KYrZb-DUao8qFCo6rAJ8tf~PGECfqGv6Z~Bkl2hCjVK-N1U8koINPcdRaHmnrZ6w9QDqrpxFS5W4aWmVs3hXCo2BMW2fo3gUGVuivi3b9vvj9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Choir director Grant McKechn told the Elmwood Park CUSD 401 board on July 1 that Elmwood Park High School plans a student choir and band trip to Colorado from April 23–27, 2026. The trip would follow the district’s long-standing biennial touring tradition and is intended to expose students to music, performance and cultural opportunities outside Illinois.

McKechn said the per-student tour cost would be approximately $1,265 at quad-occupancy hotel rooms. The planned itinerary includes the U.S. Air Force Academy, clinics at the Air Force Academy and the University of Colorado Boulder, the Olympic and Paralympic Museum, Cave of the Winds, Garden of the Gods and a performance at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

The district presentation named Bob Rogers Travel as the preferred travel vendor; McKechn said the company handles collections, trip insurance and security staffing for overnight hotel coverage. He said the trip would seek about 50 students (filling one coach bus) and that students would be expected to pay through a combination of fundraisers and installment payments (McKechn described a schedule of approximately $200–$300 every two months as an example to keep families on a payment plan).

Board members asked about vendor selection, minimum/maximum participant counts and chaperone selection. McKechn said the vendor is preferred because it processes payments centrally and manages collections and insurance; he said a company-sourced security guard would provide overnight coverage so chaperones could rest while supervising students during daytime activities.

No board vote was recorded for the trip at the July 1 meeting; McKechn asked the board to consider the itinerary and recommended vendor so parent permission and fundraising could proceed.","Elmwood Park High School staff proposed a student choir and band trip to Colorado for April 23–27, 2026, at an estimated cost of $1,265 per student, with funding expected from student fundraisers and a third-party travel vendor.",{"_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},6263135,"Board approves curriculum adoptions, software renewals and assistant-principal hire",209,2001000,2210000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3108150-f933677610a195af60c8b33515a9cce1&start=2001&end=2210","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3108150-f933677610a195af60c8b33515a9cce1/thumbnail_2001000.jpg","/articles/6263135/Illinois/Board-approves-curriculum-adoptions-software-renewals-and-assistant-principal-hire","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263135-e9e2db033f2908b922407201d4195514/orig.mp4?Expires=1777214762&Signature=SBDPynP9duzQkAyzD~r2ihpSeQbgilFGvTsYtXueCBBKq4XDv-yJdGXKC~d65N-ujs~xvpaDw3w4hvq9rTcRN6OicotXTwAGY4dTVecEisqDIbaKJArBkNJWZyxPYsCOkjXYzpXeItzcbKBppik6jM~9hXuivQRi81lVNw6VNGMwOC4FIyjIIjoeDLHrPuz8gLUoGtTojW2ch5bTzSLC2Hn7dGBkOPxT3Rui6f--Ceoolx0z9FFXbh4Aty2AjyA4ATAO1ei0-SPL~90QS501~7qmoU1jSSi21oj~PXFGtBj8wWhCOD1o1ZZW8XgbWpfR~8YNEwNN5Jh3FGL7sj39Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its July 1 meeting the Elmwood Park CUSD 401 Board of Education approved several curriculum and technology purchases, and confirmed a personnel appointment.

The board approved science instructional-material adoptions for grades K–5 and 6–8: PCI materials for K–5 at $199,629.15 and SAVVAS materials for grades 6–8 at $155,847.20. Trustees also approved a social-studies adoption for K–8 with TCI pricing totaling $229,955.25.

For high-school assessment and data systems, the board approved a benchmark assessment platform for grades 9–12 from Horizon Education at $9,750 and renewed the annual PowerSchool subscription for the 2025–26 school year at $67,394.83.

The board approved an employment agreement for Angela Andrews as high-school assistant principal, pending certification. The motion to approve Andrews’ agreement was moved and seconded and carried on roll call.

Separately, trustees approved the consent agenda after removing item 9.6 for separate consideration; the separate vote on item 9.6 approved the district’s financial reports. The transcript shows each motion was seconded and passed by recorded vote.

Meeting minutes and the transcript list vendor names and exact dollar amounts for each adoption item. The transcript did not include contract terms beyond the purchase amounts, nor did it include itemized budget lines showing which fund(s) will pay for the adoptions; those funding sources were not specified in the public remarks.

Votes at a glance:
- Angela Andrews, high-school assistant principal (pending certification): approved (motion carried).
- Superintendent contract extension (see separate article): approved.
- Science K–5 (PCI): $199,629.15 — approved.
- Science 6–8 (SAVVAS): $155,847.20 — approved.
- Social studies K–8 (TCI): $229,955.25 — approved.
- Benchmark assessment platform 9–12 (Horizon Education): $9,750 — approved.
- PowerSchool annual renewal (2025–26): $67,394.83 — approved.
- Financial reports (agenda item 9.6): approved after separate vote.

The board discussion during these items was procedural and focused on vendor selection and pricing; no motions were amended during public meeting discussion.","The Elmwood Park Board approved multiple curriculum adoptions, a benchmark platform and PowerSchool subscription renewal, and hired Angela Andrews as high school assistant principal pending certification.",{"_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},6263140,"Elmwood Park board extends superintendent contract through 2030 amid public objections",51,2059000,2110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3108150-f933677610a195af60c8b33515a9cce1&start=2059&end=2110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3108150-f933677610a195af60c8b33515a9cce1/thumbnail_2059000.jpg","/articles/6263140/Illinois/Elmwood-Park-board-extends-superintendent-contract-through-2030-amid-public-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6263140-5f94947ee63c9a8baaeed7916ea143a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1777214762&Signature=TgVlnrgr0mxE8U3HJZF22UYsSO7DlM7rXEw6BwpuHPcjF~~lTUowowesKwTGk3gwe3dAvkNxrHOQr9KPGnHC-Ejo1WilZlsGbQfbUlipGTZPKF3lx3OR2jI8-Ec78LNofnwRubeSuurw-rapxBc9tb5FiwY8DCpGb4tkaqf-nAiCCHJcksb~POo-hp7kaGt4oEh6atUhi19Q-PWwwP~gjWbeRJ-OYlc~wfxM3Pb2brdnqoVfB29JiZhEN9097~NmDi1Ae8WG-kfG2rv~AXbrti~BWeeDrDKkOtx2hXOKoQfovBCpXj1AZsHgKjyNdv0BHWtNjf5BOPqrS5VbKJUnsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elmwood Park CUSD 401 Board of Education voted July 1 to extend Superintendent Dr. Leah Gautti’s contract from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030.

Board members approved the contract in a roll-call vote after a motion from a board member and a second; the motion carried with all members voting in favor. The vote followed public comments urging the board to postpone action until newly elected board members are seated.

Public commenters raised safety and accountability concerns and asked the board to delay the contract vote. At the start of public comment, resident Robert Doyle said the district still lacks adequate language-access measures for non-English speakers and urged the board to allow high-school Spanish students to serve as volunteer translators at meetings. Doyle also said a firearm had been brought into the building in March (as recorded in his remarks) and asked the board to require an annual public safety update from the district security team.

Another resident, Damien Estrada, urged the board to delay approval so newly elected trustees could participate. Estrada also criticized the district’s recent handling of grading reforms and staff retention, and he called the proposed superintendent salary for 2025–26 “outrageous,” saying it would start at $230,000 under the extension. \"Start tonight by postponing the motion,\" he said.

Board members who spoke after the vote praised Gautti’s work and supported extending her contract. At the meeting’s close, a trustee thanked Gautti for her service and expressed optimism about continuing the relationship through the extended term.

The meeting record shows the motion to approve the contract was made and seconded on the July 1 agenda and that the board confirmed the contract extension by voice/roll-call vote. The transcript did not provide the full motion text beyond approving the superintendent’s contract for the stated dates. The meeting minutes linked the item to the consent and action items on the agenda.

No other contractual terms (salary schedule beyond the $230,000 starting figure mentioned by a commenter), severance provisions, or performance benchmarks were included in the public transcript; those details were not specified in the public record provided at the meeting.

Looking ahead, several public commenters asked that the district provide clearer, regular updates on building safety and language-access measures and that the board consider deferring contract decisions until newly elected members join the board.","The Elmwood Park CUSD 401 Board of Education voted to extend Superintendent Dr. Leah Gautti’s contract to June 30, 2030, after public commenters urged postponement and raised concerns about safety and grading changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board hears first reading of student-handbook updates covering grading, vaping and AI protocols

EPHS choir and band propose April 2026 Colorado tour; students to fund trip

Board approves curriculum adoptions, software renewals and assistant-principal hire

Elmwood Park board extends superintendent contract through 2030 amid public objections