[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_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",6145943,"mediaKeyId","5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4","parentId",5529900,"title","Parent criticizes changes to LT sideline cheer program; board hears request for transparency","audioSeconds",263,"startMs",354000,"endMs",617000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4&start=354&end=617","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4/thumbnail_354000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6145943/Illinois/Parent-criticizes-changes-to-LT-sideline-cheer-program-board-hears-request-for-transparency","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145943-2cd5d17b2cb7a74ff626e99f18955452/orig.mp4?Expires=1770512603&Signature=W8bgv4shnqBv93VCqBZIgEalnKnzLxrMBvqbJW9pRMcMRIdoxLrE9dGTJXwon67x8N0Pt4rSZjYrjxCqTT1wkQ6EUIZYSj1sE6R3Bvb0pLga-z7o3mycqmj0IyH3gyKUhteNZTslAPYu2YqNQXKzS2-V3bSq5TIC7GyAfuMHEN9LmUWVH3CPPAIi8pwL7bBJRkKE2KtQy287TfaR4dvIqmftqAymTISJO1wNh8ABB6-XzT3rOelpQacFRD5BO2h5wOu4TppzK5GRvrw5TZ5p~0OX3gKSoV8jaGhY8vHPqOfUOQyypSvcgMH4i4j39nZrf6pJWo7ovyGxycrCbGvM3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lyons Twp HSD 204","date","2025-08-05T07:37:41.933Z","article","A parent raised concerns during public comment that a long‑standing sideline cheer program at Lyons Township High School was converted to a competitive selection process without notice to students and families, which she said contradicted the district’s equity and inclusion statements.

Why it matters: The speaker said the program historically emphasized inclusivity and served students of varied abilities; sudden changes to tryout processes affect participants’ extracurricular engagement and, for seniors, college‑application narratives.

What the speaker said: Christy (identified in public comment as a taxpayer, resident and former District 106 school board member) described her involvement and that of others with the sideline cheer program. She told the board the new sponsor \"made sweeping, unneeded changes\" and \"adopted a competitive style tryout process\" that expected students to learn a complex routine in a single day. She described three seniors who were cut and learned of that decision by email while volunteering at a cheer camp. \"This lack of transparency and inability to provide rationale for the change is unacceptable,\" she said, asking the board to reinstate seniors and to commit to transparent processes before any program is fundamentally changed.

Board response and limitations: The public‑comment segment concluded without board response; administrators later noted the board does not engage in dialogue during public comment and said follow‑up would be provided by the appropriate administrator if required. The speaker requested (1) clarity on who authorized the program changes, (2) reinstatement for seniors and (3) that future changes be preceded by a transparent process.

Ending: The board formally acknowledged the public comment and the meeting proceeded with scheduled agenda items. No board action on the cheer program was recorded at this meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-08-04 Lyons Township High School D204 Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A parent and former local school board member told the board that a long‑running inclusive sideline cheer program shifted to a competitive tryout model without notice, urging reinstatement of seniors and transparent decision‑making.","taxTitle","Lyons Twp HSD 204, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",74185,"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},6145947,"District 204 identifies South Campus condensate‑tank failure, seeks competitive quotes for emergency replacement",128,11582000,11710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4&start=11582&end=11710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4/thumbnail_11582000.jpg","/articles/6145947/Illinois/District-204-identifies-South-Campus-condensatetank-failure-seeks-competitive-quotes-for-emergency-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145947-04f8e8a2a98fb53092acb1b595d679b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770512603&Signature=YBhEXDTHZc6TenczoUAtbqLgU9KoN4ZUNidXyTtVeO41NebEzBdmjQuSLn3bE38qJFf~N08ubtFhF11xZXPBxjw0-Sh4xgJzNG4RFQvSvOp-rHUhQdEPlOI0cDMeqZYaaI6Sjh4TTvCYzore4ybNiWVOdHr0dSQY17119Ab25hfuntdYrlStV6LLnbdxlRQjkr76zXuG7BjcdF~NwhGgvatT0vHVpbrIdj1k9Hm4q1RPizVr7v4LCWVVNeshbsKJ9iAv6zeJQgBNF9Vxh7vHYOIrQ-FvOI8IQqh0eHKqMPSH4P9uibshPxiEB2uxgUs~uGKeg4LMNUvS7OkqD1-IPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District 204 facilities staff notified the school board that a condensate tank serving the South Campus steam‑boiler system failed during the spring and that a replacement is needed to prevent elevated water and chemical makeup costs and risk of complete failure.

Why it matters: The condensate tank returns steam condensate to the boiler; running without it forces the plant to consume large volumes of fresh water and chemicals and risks equipment damage. Administrators said the tank is roughly 50 years old and that replacement should be scheduled to avoid heating‑season failures.

What was presented: Building and grounds director Brad Drake told the board the district attempted repairs through a vessel‑repair firm that could not restore the unit. The district has received one replacement quote of $78,960 (vendor and equipment lead times included) and is seeking two to three additional quotes; Drake told the board he expected additional quotes by the end of the week. He said delivery lead time is approximately 14 weeks and installation about two weeks after delivery.

Board response and next steps: Administrators asked the board for authority to move forward as soon as comparable bids are received. The administration said if a vendor can provide an apples‑to‑apples price under $50,000 the board will not need to take further action; otherwise staff will return to the August 18 meeting with a recommendation for formal board approval. No emergency contract was awarded at the meeting.

Technical note: Drake explained the condensate system components and the risk of continuing operations without the tank. Board members asked whether new equipment connections and piping were included in the quote; Drake confirmed the vendor’s quote includes replacement of piping, valves and controls necessary for installation.

Ending: Facilities staff will pursue additional competitive quotes, and administration will return with an approval recommendation if the low bid exceeds the district’s $50,000 in‑house purchasing threshold.","Facilities staff reported a failing 50‑year‑old condensate tank at South Campus; administrators requested authority to replace the tank, estimated at $78,960 in the first quote while they pursue additional bids and said delivery lead time may be roughly 14 weeks.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145952,"Board approves five‑year First Student bus contract after 21% first‑year rate increase",0,11067000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4&start=11067&end=11067","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4/thumbnail_11067000.jpg","/articles/6145952/Illinois/Board-approves-fiveyear-First-Student-bus-contract-after-21-firstyear-rate-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145952-a78c48477b3c492f805e683d4e4e61ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770512603&Signature=Z7ZM5ELDpDDLE~9EbbGHv8YmGDjhuMZ05k18Ukox3gi6C-bW1K1hzrgCkh5FHvjvxa0V13ozzGDiDY2AT2kKRw0zbgJRvIQBH-MsjsDSuI8qGYWlkdFwzMqRQiXIJMb4~FOlz1ieKlwZy~eRyETDJ9HqxvjKtk0iKZ8yx3MH~ycpbMwNDQTXSdrB1vrM8UwfsakrWiT0knOfD6-1KUn2Z~YKsqZkNbfpxz017L1Oa342ttWNtyk5nQZoocsEJLK3K9F-Y5aJB2d~3aKhd0~IxoKmCF8bG7MV-cU3Li36zGC-n1qh5Fcr-zV2FaCrg7lrD9K2sh3UhQpQsWTp74HCYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The District 204 Board of Education approved a five‑year transportation contract with First Student after administrators reported the incumbent company was the only bidder and proposed a 21 percent contract increase in year one.

Why it matters: Student transportation is a major operating expense. Board members and administrators discussed the limits of competition in the market, paired‑route economies with neighboring districts and tradeoffs between higher contractor costs and the logistics of running buses.

What the board heard: District business staff presented bid results from a cooperative solicitation with several nearby districts. First Student was the sole bidder and proposed a 21 percent increase in the first contract year; under the contract language presented the vendor’s price in subsequent years will be adjusted by the lesser of 5 percent or the CPI for the district. Finance staff said the initial year jump equates to roughly a $400,000 district cost increase and that attempts to negotiate a lower first‑year charge plus higher guaranteed growth later produced higher total five‑year costs in the vendor’s counteroffers.

Market context and options: Administrators explained that transport markets have consolidated and that local carriers were often absorbed by larger companies, making new entrants rare. The district considered but declined to form an in‑house transportation operation, citing startup capital, facility and staffing needs and vehicle procurement as material constraints. Special‑education routes are handled through a cooperative purchasing arrangement under a separate provider agreement (Grand Prairie) arranged by the special‑education cooperative.

Contract structure and remedies: The district said its ITB (invitation to bid) and contract documents include remedies for vendor nonperformance, such as per‑route credits for late or missed service; the bid specification requires a 50 percent credit of the daily route cost for late service. Administrators said they will continue regular monitoring of on‑time performance and will invoice the contractor for service credits if applicable.

Board action: The board approved the five‑year contract with First Student by roll call. No alternative bidder was available at bid opening, and administration said the performance provisions and local paired routes with neighboring districts preserved some cost efficiency.

Ending: Board members asked administration to continue exploring long‑term alternatives and to monitor service delivery and invoices closely. The motion passed by roll call vote at the meeting.","The board voted to approve a five‑year transportation contract with First Student; the company bid a 21% increase in year one and future increases capped at the lesser of 5% or CPI. District administrators said limited market competition and economies of scale in pairing routes constrained options.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145958,"District 204 board adopts tentative FY26 budget; administration flags $2 million gap and one-time costs",1194,8700000,9894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4&start=8700&end=9894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4/thumbnail_8700000.jpg","/articles/6145958/Illinois/District-204-board-adopts-tentative-FY26-budget-administration-flags-2-million-gap-and-one-time-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145958-728c2290f0aafb24998eddf01b03cb47/orig.mp4?Expires=1770512603&Signature=DxCo1Vtv6b1Jgwz4nloyjZ3oPZPmzGLH8Dtk9cY99N7GlBLM4O-KYc16YBjCPmlVgMgovZ23BiLLhXTcHG3YXZMDbVNmKtRMQ-TnulVDYQXQvDrOussoUIBEQepASNQgP61IZTofAEsNhyriDBJLb3-owVLAp2NRPx36vpkLOMKqjfAdRyXYpiRZ~JCoOZIGZYR8I4q0KR1lw9n42Rp3~MbcRTS~xkIT6Nt8iGJKkW576KvpXoa37gu2ymLWbA797mFKtyTU2eYBWQ88FzpF2k0zbM7Sei51hBOt5kqkpcmiezO58kUuzqq9Qp6HwH83DPHLmK6Dg-waE8xUpAQ4PA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The District 204 Board of Education voted to adopt a tentative fiscal 2026 budget at its committee meeting so the document can be posted for the required 30‑day public-review period before final adoption in September. Finance officials told the board the draft reflects higher projected personnel and benefit costs, lower near‑term investment earnings and several one‑time capital or facilities expenses.

Why it matters: The tentative budget sets public expectations and triggers the statutorily required posting and 30‑day review period. Administrators said the draft requires monitoring and further refinement while audits and county levy details are finalized.

Key numbers and drivers: Director of business services Brian Dachette told the board the tentative FY26 operating projection shows about a $2 million deficit on the high-level worksheet. He said approximately $1.5 million of that is attributable to one‑time items (furniture and equipment for the South Campus addition, music-room lockers, and other capital or nonrecurring costs) and that when those onetime expenses are removed the operating shortfall narrows to roughly $500,000. Dachette identified these other drivers:

• Health benefits: administration said health‑insurance claims are still elevated versus pre‑pandemic levels and that the district’s self‑insured expenses are roughly $1.2–$1.3 million higher than prior forecasts. Officials said benefits will be monitored and that invoices are processed weekly.

• Salaries: the tentative budget reflects an across‑the‑board salary increase projection of about 5.4 percent compared with FY25 cash balances, pending final contract settlements.

• Corporate Personal Property Replacement Tax (CPPRT): Dachette said the district’s CPPRT estimate for FY26 is $3.8 million, down from extraordinary recent years when that revenue spiked; the county’s final tax‑levy timetable is delayed and the district has not yet received final levy numbers.

• Investment income: projected interest earnings for operating funds were estimated at $2.4 million in FY26, down from $3.2 million the year before, reflecting a combination of lower invested balances after capital draws and falling market rates for maturing investments.

One‑time costs listed in the memo included: remaining South Campus gym wall repairs (approx. $308,300), furniture and commons seating for the South Campus addition (approx. $250,000), replacement music lockers (approx. $250,000), a contingency line for unforeseen building repairs ($200,000) and sound‑dampening work for cooling towers connected to permit conditions (budgeted at $200,000 pending options from architects). Dachette noted the district paid a portion of the gym wall repairs in FY25 and is carrying the remainder forward to FY26 because delivery and installation were delayed.

Board action and next steps: The board voted to approve the tentative FY26 budget for public posting and the required 30‑day public‑review window. Dachette said auditors will begin field work in September and that the administration will present final audited figures and any adjustments at a subsequent meeting; board members asked for an update on the fund‑balance ratio after the audit to confirm the district's financial profile and reserves.

Context and caution: Dachette cautioned that the tentative budget is an administrative plan and that some numbers could change as auditors close FY25, as county property tax timing is finalized, and as healthcare claims are monitored. No additional appropriations or final budget votes were taken at the meeting.","The board approved a tentative FY26 budget for public posting. Finance staff said rising benefit costs and one‑time capital and facility items produce a provisional $2 million operating shortfall before offsetting steps and audit adjustments.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6145962,"Lyons Township presents sharp drop in exclusionary suspensions, expands Restorative Intervention Room",4223,647000,4870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4&start=647&end=4870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5529900-e78fbb856daf2234a1c633ad4aab52f4/thumbnail_647000.jpg","/articles/6145962/Illinois/Lyons-Township-presents-sharp-drop-in-exclusionary-suspensions-expands-Restorative-Intervention-Room","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6145962-77106e19d409cec8ee8c4e5e8e76c0b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770512603&Signature=S78BQcePbx6rio7le5vBtbw61aoy1DNEq-LucUymggSxJKSMqLhbi9nY6dT5oUbNuWVtnblGHfVnygzusv9YqHISwGF~Ovov-6lMCQiZFRuBCOA6-h4Z6Vjbw5Gf4XosWuP7x76Dq9LIa5dm7OZ7dGiC~kejZ2LKMlAnR6uMBZpaEoQs~Vgv0P1KWLmpqE-TmEZXArRgf4pX1hrX2lWFO2LHJ6nRKJSM1Y0iiemxRER5qSe-Ms~Whv6fuUN8GIY6K~DhSFWMxF1fS4JdaMfQBgyCIAQziyZqDXXqWNT0GDaDo39J7F~XwSDIzL8m6wWRhlcyw~xUlJqlSHfpZmApMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lyons Township administrators presented the district's annual attendance and discipline report and the first-year results of a new Restorative Intervention Room at the Board of Education committee meeting, saying the program helped reduce exclusionary discipline and created new, individualized supports for students. \"We went from having 58 out of school suspensions in 23–24 to having 9 during the last school year,\" said Dr. Leslie Owens during the presentation.

Why it matters: The district framed the shift as consistent with state guidance against exclusionary discipline and as a strategy to keep students connected to learning. Board members pressed for detail on racial disproportionality in referrals and on plans to reduce chronic absenteeism.

Administrators said the RIR — a 1–3 day in-school placement staffed by restorative intervention specialists — is meant to hold students accountable while providing skill-building and connection. Sarah Smith, an associate principal who assisted the program, described individualized student success plans, psychoeducational modules on the Third Millennium platform and reentry meetings led by students. \"Students also provide feedback through a couple different forms,\" Smith said, noting 136 students completed an exit survey and that \"126 of the 136 students that took this survey say that they would recommend the RIR program to peers in a similar situation.\" That figure was reported by the RIR team during their summary.

Program metrics: Presenters said 141 distinct students experienced RIR placements during the year, representing 200 total placements. RIR staff reported students spent 358 total days in the intervention rooms during year one. The team gave a breakdown of referral reasons: confrontations 29 percent, attendance 19.5 percent, no-show detentions 17.5 percent and substances 14.5 percent. The presenters also said 38 students had more than one RIR placement; the team added that 18 of those 38 would not count as repeat placements if certain attendance-program placements were treated separately.

Attendance and disproportion: The presentation included disaggregated discipline data showing that Hispanic/Latino and Black/African American students remained overrepresented in referrals while white students were underrepresented. Board members asked for multi‑year trendlines and deeper disaggregation (by grade and by students who cycle through feeders). Board member comments also pushed for pre/post measures for implicit-bias training; administrators cited the district’s use of Panorama survey data to pulse staff perceptions and promised ongoing professional development.

Planned actions and directions: Administrators outlined an attendance campaign — \"We are present, we are engaged, we are LT\" — that will include: weekly progress-report emails to families (grades, absences and tardies for each class starting after Labor Day), attendance roadmaps for families and staff, quarterly communications, and an \"attendance support room\" pilot to provide restorative, skill-building placements in place of traditional consequences for chronic tardiness/absences. Brian Radovich, assistant principal, said the RIR intake process includes parent/guardian meetings and coordination with counselors or social workers; Terriana Bland and Maya Wallen, RIR specialists, described intake, individualized lessons tied to CASEL competencies and reentry meetings that are student-led.

Safety and supports: Administrators said the district has added more than 50 exterior cameras and updated emergency plans and classroom flip charts; they described expanded student services staffing (two restorative specialists added last year and four new psychologists this year). Presenters also described partnerships for mental‑health screening: for substance-violation placements the district coordinates screening with Rosecrans clinicians and offers a virtual parent support group.

Questions and next steps: Board members asked for clarification on the RIR recidivism rate, grade-level breakdowns of placements and how the program is used for attendance versus behavior. Administrators said they are collecting more coordinated restorative-response data in Infinite Campus and expect richer metrics next year. No formal policy change or board vote was taken on the RIR at this meeting; the report was informational and administrators were directed to return with additional data and proposals for the attendance-support pilot.

Ending: The district characterized the RIR’s first-year results as promising but in need of continued data collection and refinement. Administrators committed to posting more detailed disproportionality and placement data to the district web pages and to reporting back to the board with follow-up metrics once quarterly and year-end analyses are complete.","Lyons Township administrators told the school board that a new Restorative Intervention Room program helped cut out-of-school suspensions from 58 to 9 in 2023–24, and presented attendance and disproportionality data plus plans for weekly family attendance reports and an attendance support room.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parent criticizes changes to LT sideline cheer program; board hears request for transparency

District 204 identifies South Campus condensate‑tank failure, seeks competitive quotes for emergency replacement

Board approves five‑year First Student bus contract after 21% first‑year rate increase

District 204 board adopts tentative FY26 budget; administration flags $2 million gap and one-time costs

Lyons Township presents sharp drop in exclusionary suspensions, expands Restorative Intervention Room