District 118 Implements Cardiac Emergency Response Plan for Schools

During the recent District 118 Board of Education meeting held on July 19, 2025, significant discussions centered around the implementation of a new cardiac emergency response plan and the continuation of behavioral support services for special education students.

The meeting began with Molly Bailey, the Director of Special Education, presenting the cardiac emergency response plan, which is mandated by Public Act 1030608. This plan outlines the procedures for responding to cardiac arrests or similar emergencies occurring within school premises or during school-sponsored activities. Bailey emphasized that while the district had already been following many of these protocols, formalizing them into a written plan was necessary for compliance and clarity. The plan includes the deployment of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across all buildings, training for staff in CPR, and regular practice drills to ensure preparedness. Bailey noted that the district would enhance training efforts, aiming to have more staff certified in CPR and AED usage.

In addition to the emergency response plan, the board discussed the ongoing need for behavioral support in special education classrooms. Bailey recommended renewing a contract with Love Your Classroom, a service that provides behavioral analysts to assist teachers and staff in managing students with challenging behaviors. The contract, valued at $31,140, will fund coaching sessions, functional behavior assessments for students, and access to professional development webinars for staff. This initiative aims to address the behavioral needs of students who may not have access to therapeutic day schools due to space limitations.

The board unanimously approved the contract with Love Your Classroom, recognizing the positive impact it has had on student behavior in the past. The meeting concluded with a proposal to continue employing Ashley Mahone as a clinical receptionist for the psychiatric consultation clinic, further supporting the district's commitment to mental health services.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the district's proactive approach to ensuring student safety and well-being, both in emergency situations and through ongoing behavioral support. The board's decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing educational environments and addressing the diverse needs of students within the district.