School Board Approves MOU with Kishwaukee Family YMCA for After School Services

The DeKalb CUSD 428 Board Meeting on August 5, 2025, highlighted significant initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement and improving after-school services. A key focus was on developing new strategies to address changing student behaviors, particularly at the elementary level. Board members discussed the need for innovative approaches to keep students engaged in the classroom and to find alternatives to traditional disciplinary measures like in-school and out-of-school suspensions.

The conversation emphasized the importance of building a supportive educational environment where students can thrive. One board member, with 18 years of experience as a principal, stressed the necessity of equipping educators with the right tools to foster a positive learning atmosphere. The board is considering a district-wide rollout of these strategies, which could involve collaboration among various elementary schools to address common challenges.

Another significant topic was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kishwaukee Family YMCA, which is essential for providing after-school services. The board noted that the MOU has been in development since April and is crucial for ensuring safe and effective transportation for students. The YMCA will now partner with First Student for transportation, which is expected to offer better service at the same cost as the previous provider, TransVac. This change aims to streamline transportation logistics and enhance service reliability for students attending after-school programs.

The board's discussions reflect a commitment to improving educational outcomes and community partnerships, with the upcoming school year serving as a pivotal moment for implementing these initiatives. As the school year approaches, the board is focused on ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.