[{"_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",6047674,"mediaKeyId","3516580-73d19283004cbfd4803ceb30947ecf62","parentId",3516580,"title","Parent asks board to let son walk in graduation after suspension tied to disability-related behavior","audioSeconds",121,"startMs",3241000,"endMs",3362000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516580-73d19283004cbfd4803ceb30947ecf62&start=3241&end=3362","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516580-73d19283004cbfd4803ceb30947ecf62/thumbnail_3241000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6047674/Illinois/Parent-asks-board-to-let-son-walk-in-graduation-after-suspension-tied-to-disability-related-behavior","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047674-c7ec1e373dc1842c7f494285490ebeac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153261&Signature=isKUF-ZXQLCTaUGDQUwnC3g2bOklSTOLwGAHx-Ca4zI2LcoRL3qOW9FDPmeIFrruQ-Yyz3hhm8C8BwoKrIOw59p~S-bPQ9eu036DNglvrEojy~zsLyzzMyqZQXyDCXup28BqGfAzx2x-Si4yWxTO4m8vH-ni7njVNzN4TTMjBXI-ddSMpBktEaYXZEHA2yMb0bIA0DwDAatq9Al6vn3I16G0zYr1EcSSqixl~ATr-96K6QtMZ5I-yAZGpGmJT0DLC0ovQPixqqrzXk3mo64Ztbc7Sc9ikm42o8ybp5vp5NOy4i3IHO6rj~qmt4wqzbl4sA4w7OTORWyXzBdA0ZvPGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","CUSD 300","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","A parent asked the District 300 Board on May 13 to allow her son to participate in his home-school graduation after he was suspended from the interim placement school for behavior she said was a manifestation of his disability.

Jessica Allen addressed the board during public participation and said her son, who she said was transferred from Westfield to Allendale for supports, engaged in behavior on May 8 that she characterized as a manifestation of his disability. Allen said the district suspended her son pending a May 19 meeting and she asked the board to permit him to “walk in graduation” at his home school on May 22.

She said the family’s understanding at the time of transfer was that the student’s record would reflect graduation from Westfield and that he would be able to attend graduation with his home school. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event… to the families and our children facing life while managing autism, it is a major milestone,” Allen said, asking the board to intervene so her son would not be denied participation.

Board members clarified the comment related to middle-school recognition during subsequent remarks and indicated the superintendent or appropriate administrators may follow up. The board’s public participation rules, read earlier in the meeting, state the board will consider comments but will not engage in dialogue during the public forum and that questions may be assigned to the superintendent for response.

No formal board action occurred during the meeting on the parent’s request; the board’s public guidance indicated the superintendent or administration may reach out to the speaker to provide additional information.

Speakers: Jessica Allen (parent); Duro Allen (accompanying family member, introduced during comment period).

Nut Graf: The parent asked the board to allow her son to participate in his home-school graduation on May 22 despite a suspension tied to disability-related behavior; the board did not take immediate action and indicated administration may follow up after the meeting.

Discussion/Decision distinction: The presentation was public comment; the board did not deliberate or vote on the request in open session and may refer the matter to administration for follow-up.

Authorities referenced: The parent referenced the pending May 19 meeting and the family’s understanding of the transfer; no statutory citations were made in the public comment. The board’s public participation procedures and the Open Meetings Act were referenced earlier in the meeting as governing comment rules.

Clarifying details: Suspension date referenced as May 8, 2025; pending meeting scheduled May 19, 2025; graduation ceremony date mentioned as May 22, 2025; the student’s original school named as Westfield and current interim placement as Allendale (per parent’s statement). The parent asked that the son not be punished for behavior she described as a manifestation of disability.

Proper names: Westfield Community School; Allendale (placement school); Community Unit School District 300.

Community relevance: Implicates special education procedures, disciplinary and manifestation determination processes, and graduation participation for students with disabilities.

Searchable tags: special-education, student-discipline, graduation, Allendale, Westfield.

Provenance: [{\"block_id\":\"block_3243\",\"evidence_excerpt\":\"My name is Jessica Allen... My son was displaying behaviors as a manifestation of his disability... I am here today to ask that my son not be punished for behaviors that were a manifestation of his disability and be allowed to walk in graduation ceremony that is being held on May 22.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_3362\",\"evidence_excerpt\":\"My ask today is that my son be able to walk in his graduation and be able experience his momentous achievements... I would greatly appreciate any help from the board.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}].","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE 05-13-2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Woodstock parent asked District 300 to allow her son, transferred to Allendale, to participate in his home-school graduation after he was suspended for behavior the parent said was a manifestation of his disability; the parent requested board assistance ahead of a May 22 ceremony.","taxTitle","CUSD 300, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",13066,"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},6047679,"District 300 board adopts resolution dismissing employee for cause",108,2652000,2760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516580-73d19283004cbfd4803ceb30947ecf62&start=2652&end=2760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516580-73d19283004cbfd4803ceb30947ecf62/thumbnail_2652000.jpg","/articles/6047679/Illinois/District-300-board-adopts-resolution-dismissing-employee-for-cause","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047679-0ea00cf5e86c7d439c3deace908ec787/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153261&Signature=K152b1tmEj2m-WO4SxFoAecQpelkQJJh-noRxlxe~FCQkTr5KlNtxMZZNJOZ09tOFA2uuOJ9N04LpbgWBFLxLe-PGpoapPVMGFBXlEwQvvsuMd8PzRaExbLz1greCote7D-slnDWpOR5HtvDaZWvPZzBeF7dMRd8Qi9rozn878-RQjnPMiEHWJtDB4wrP5JCD9Vdp5X6Rg~JSN7UGjfkC-SbcP~Y9GGwTkU5EN4Jngjioj8Kzi1Co8qLBOnJGcb29GsFZSx~Buk9jMo5cTH2zY~~qFyQ2vECGNQV71sjTfggQLxvgfGPQZD2BVpD8R1d8C7nv~PDAsVfUQWWWRZCMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education adopted a resolution on May 13 authorizing the dismissal for cause of an employee identified in board materials as Miss Devona.

The board’s public resolution, read into the record, stated the board had authority to dismiss under board policy 5.29 and Article 7 of the DESA collective bargaining agreement. The resolution said Miss Devona received notice on May 7 that the administration would recommend termination for cause, that she had the right to request a hearing, and that evidence was presented and deliberated in closed session.

The resolution directed the board president and secretary to give Miss Devona written notice of the dismissal by certified mail and regular mail. The resolution became effective on adoption.

At roll call the board voted unanimously to adopt the resolution; the secretary recorded seven aye votes and the presiding officer declared the resolution adopted. The board’s public statement said no further action would follow from the closed session.

Speakers: Board President (unnamed in the public record excerpts), Madam Secretary (roll call), and references to the employee Miss Devona (named in resolution language).

Nut Graf: After notice and a closed-session hearing, the board found cause to dismiss the employee and formally directed written notice to be issued; the action was adopted by a unanimous roll-call vote.

Discussion/Decision distinction: The dismissal followed closed-session evidence presentation and deliberation; the public record shows a formal resolution and a roll-call approval (formal action). No additional public details about the factual basis were provided in open session.

Authorities: Board policy 5.29 (referenced in resolution); Article 7 of the DESA collective bargaining agreement (referenced in resolution); Open Meetings Act (governing closed-session procedures referenced elsewhere in meeting guidance).

Actions: Resolution adopting dismissal for cause, roll-call vote passed 7-0, written notice to be mailed by certified and regular mail.

Clarifying details: Resolution states Miss Devona was employed as a DESA union-group employee during the 2024–25 school term; notice to the employee occurred on May 7, 2025; board directed written notice per exhibit form attached to resolution (exhibit not reproduced in public minutes excerpt).

Proper names: Community Unit School District 300 (CUSD 300); DESA (collective bargaining group referenced in the resolution); Miss Devona (employee named in resolution).

Community relevance: Personnel action affecting a district employee; procedure followed board policy and the DESA collective bargaining agreement and involved closed-session deliberations.

Searchable tags: personnel-action, dismissal, DESA, board-resolution.

Provenance: [{\"block_id\":\"block_4392\",\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I have a resolution to read... authorizing employee dismissal for cause... Miss Devona is dismissed for cause immediately.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_4510\",\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Do I have a motion for the approval? And do I have a second?... Madam Secretary, please take the roll... Motion passes 7 0.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}].","The Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education approved a resolution to dismiss an employee (identified in the resolution as Miss Devona) for cause after closed-session hearings; the board voted 7-0 to adopt the dismissal resolution and directed written notice be sent.",{"_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},6047684,"Board declines approval of Dundee Crown High School interactive ‘Wall of Fame’ project",96,2792000,2888000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516580-73d19283004cbfd4803ceb30947ecf62&start=2792&end=2888","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516580-73d19283004cbfd4803ceb30947ecf62/thumbnail_2792000.jpg","/articles/6047684/Illinois/Board-declines-approval-of-Dundee-Crown-High-School-interactive-Wall-of-Fame-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047684-f4fd4d51e6e6ae0b54ab808bc137b620/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153261&Signature=Uo9pZmP1K0KEGDFOwsWAWrXyRNGR7cSkNN5iqlAps2XCKazj9ZY1ZRNZW-~m3RF~1ZlhKsPqChJhkjO7b-rcLaAl9y0tif90vPNgdWdeERJEnWMp0mP3mt8WKm61oPt1y4MG5URh2eKtl9Rbf98ge4e4K6H77WY8xz7sBauqTdauPEXE7GawqOnVeMhiEjYdBFdttRr5uVZ~HzQbpUWmymSHXK79D0dlj~ieuxLSAFAN3uMaoFqbYs0JueRRhDSMI1V07By4yw7k0elpmLksr2G4eZx3KGFlEPxjFynYCSeDLq~whXB8YVxkqmu8iPatoywu6cgyj2Y9qQZVm~iaeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education declined to approve an Interactive Touch Wall of Fame project for Dundee Crown High School on May 13 after board members said they still had unanswered questions about preservation of existing photographs and ongoing maintenance costs.

Board members raised concerns during discussion about how historical photographs would be preserved or returned to families and about a proposed $600-per-year software maintenance fee referenced in the project packet. One board member said the district had received additional information from the Operations Committee but still wanted more detail on implementation and long-term upkeep.

At the roll call the motion failed. The board reported six votes against and one abstention; the president announced, “Motion does not pass… 1 abstention.” No formal approval occurred and the board noted the item could be brought back after further information was provided.

Speakers during the agenda item emphasized balancing the desire to modernize displays and recognize recent students with preserving the legacy represented by longstanding physical photographs. Board members asked staff and the Booster Club (identified in the project materials as a funding source) for clearer plans for: digital archiving of existing photos, family access to originals or scanned copies, a defined schedule and funding for ongoing software maintenance, and assignment of responsibility for long-term upkeep.

The board did not adopt the project and concluded that additional detail be supplied before reconsideration. No timeline for reintroduction was set at the meeting.

Speakers: Board members (multiple; discussion during agenda item), district staff (unnamed) presenting project details.

Nut Graf: The board cited preservation of historical materials and sustainable maintenance funding as primary unresolved issues that led to declining to approve the digital Wall of Fame project.

Discussion/Decision distinction: This was an agenda item with formal motion and roll-call vote; the motion failed and no implementation direction was adopted.

Authorities referenced: None specific beyond district procurement and budgeting practices discussed in committee meetings.

Clarifying details: Proposal included a $600-per-year software maintenance fee (referenced by board member during discussion); Booster Club identified as paying for initial project costs in proposal materials (as discussed by board). Board asked for plans for preserving physical photographs and family access to images.

Proper names: Dundee Crown High School; Booster Club (as project funder referenced in materials); Community Unit School District 300 (CUSD 300).

Community relevance: Directly affects Dundee Crown High School alumni and families; concerns about preservation of historical imagery and ongoing costs affect district fiscal planning.

Searchable tags: Dundee-Crown, touch-wall, digital-archives, school-facilities.

Provenance: [{\"block_id\":\"block_4592\",\"evidence_excerpt\":\"approval of Interactive Touch Wall of Fame project, Dundee Crown High School... Any discussion?\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_4748\",\"evidence_excerpt\":\"Burkett? No. Lynn Mark? No. Mackenzie? No... Fiorentino? I'll abstain... Motion does not pass.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}].","The District 300 Board did not approve a proposed interactive digital Wall of Fame at Dundee Crown High School; board members raised concerns about preservation of existing photographs and long-term maintenance costs before a roll-call vote resulted in failure of the motion.",{"_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},6047689,"Jacobs students and coaches urge district to add boys volleyball program",503,2713000,3216000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516580-73d19283004cbfd4803ceb30947ecf62&start=2713&end=3216","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516580-73d19283004cbfd4803ceb30947ecf62/thumbnail_2713000.jpg","/articles/6047689/Illinois/Jacobs-students-and-coaches-urge-district-to-add-boys-volleyball-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6047689-40d5d78bcab180426f5a3c6a1077bfd1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153261&Signature=dVPkdBxfOl9yEGZigUYlP1NttAe1wWDq8fOrHlYy2SqArUQSG2sodc86FHbCGLU5DRzKrpBu3vbpHGbHq-jGKNXJklY4LwvV4QuGeR0G9YKPr~1EhVkbedv8ab-MmQicLSCNyjeuK5n4YAa2gotTEQ1bABHaEI0kefR-~~tt69SUiiVDo1583Qtpkf4Eb7GY0BYBJyO1poK6QAOIZMneqlMZ0fScHdYOB510Ht9~hF-npdCWWwFT2TmyZlmBzdIEHQ0CGHHraMwoEaiSC-N1YPZmy5OWfICeI9aB-sl~ujQMG-cllscx2FMDqGqC-iHG79Kz11H~e9IDfvX2LctjnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jacobs High School students and staff asked the Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education on May 13 to authorize a boys volleyball program at the school, saying there is substantial student demand and modest start-up costs.

The request was made during the meeting’s public participation period by student Zachary Anderson and supported by Jacobs teachers and coaches who spoke afterward. Anderson said 37 male students responded to an interest form this week and pledged to try out if a team were offered. “We have talented, passionate athletes who want to represent their school and play,” Anderson said.

The student who introduced the idea framed it as both an equity and opportunity issue. “Boys at Jacobs High School are denied access to competitive volleyball while other schools have access,” Anderson said, citing Title IX and national participation trends. He asked the board to consider starting a program that would use existing girls volleyball equipment and add transportation, coaching and facility scheduling.

Two Jacobs staff members who identified themselves as coaches and teachers urged the board to move past perceived bureaucratic barriers. Kurt Dedick, a chemistry teacher and varsity girls volleyball coach at Jacobs, said he had repeatedly encountered inconsistent explanations for why boys volleyball is not offered. “Title IX is being misinterpreted as a requirement for equal numbers instead of equal opportunities,” Dedick said. He told the board it was common in other districts to offer boys volleyball even when participation numbers are not identical across genders.

Michael Depa, a math teacher and head girls volleyball coach at Jacobs, said collegiate scholarship opportunities provide additional rationale for a program. “Between NAIA and NCAA, more than $21,900,000 in athletic scholarships are awarded yearly to collegiate male volleyball athletes,” Depa said, asking the board either to approve a pathway or to provide a written rationale and steps the school community could follow to realize the program.

Board members did not take action on the request at the meeting. The public participation rules stated the board will not engage in back-and-forth during public comment and may assign follow-up to the superintendent or staff. The board’s next Operations Committee meeting on June 9 was mentioned by members as the usual venue for detailed program and budget discussion.

If the board directs staff to study the proposal, the likely next steps, as discussed by speakers, would include verifying facility availability, assigning coaching staff, confirming transportation costs and ensuring Title IX compliance.

Speakers: Zachary Anderson, student, Jacobs High School; Kurt Dedick, chemistry teacher and varsity girls volleyball coach, Jacobs High School; Michael Depa, math teacher and head girls volleyball coach, Jacobs High School; Board member (unnamed), Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education.

Nut Graf: Jacobs students and coaches presented evidence of demand (37 interested boys) and argued start-up costs could be low because girls volleyball gear could be repurposed; they asked the board to either authorize a team or provide a clear, written explanation of why it could not be added.

Discussion/Decision distinction: The presentation occurred during public participation (discussion only). No formal board motion or vote was taken on adding the sport; the board may route the request to staff or an operations committee for study.

Authorities referenced: Title IX (federal law) — cited by speakers as governing equal opportunity in educational programs receiving federal funds.

Clarifying details: 37 boys reported as willing to try out (reported by Zachary Anderson); coaches argued equipment could be reused from girls volleyball and cited needs for transportation and coaches; one coach cited an annual collegiate scholarship pool figure of about $21,900,000 (source: speaker Michael Depa). The board’s Operations Committee meets June 9 and is the customary venue for detailed follow-up.

Proper names: Community Unit School District 300 (CUSD 300); Jacobs High School; Title IX.

Community relevance: Affects Jacobs High School student-athletes and families; equity in athletics; potential scholarship paths for students.

Searchable tags: boys-volleyball, Jacobs-High-School, athletics-equity, Title-IX, student-voice.

Provenance: [{\"block_id\":\"block_2713\",\"evidence_excerpt\":\"I'm Zach, a student at Jacobs High School ... I'm here to suggest that the district start a boys volleyball team at our school.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"},{\"block_id\":\"block_2742\",\"evidence_excerpt\":\"37 boys have committed that they would be interested in trying out for a boys volleyball team next spring at Jacobs if there were one.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}].","Students and coaches from Jacobs High School asked the District 300 Board to create a boys volleyball team, saying 37 boys have already indicated interest and that adding the sport would be low cost and increase equitable athletics opportunities.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parent asks board to let son walk in graduation after suspension tied to disability-related behavior

District 300 board adopts resolution dismissing employee for cause

Board declines approval of Dundee Crown High School interactive ‘Wall of Fame’ project

Jacobs students and coaches urge district to add boys volleyball program