[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",5977633,"mediaKeyId","5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1","parentId",5819412,"title","Superintendent announces CARES mental health clinic pilot with ReferralGPS award and free therapy referrals starting in October","audioSeconds",95,"startMs",1831000,"endMs",1926000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1&start=1831&end=1926","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1/thumbnail_1831000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5977633/Illinois/Superintendent-announces-CARES-mental-health-clinic-pilot-with-ReferralGPS-award-and-free-therapy-referrals-starting-in-October","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977633-c28e1d3d7c48b573e87e5cb081a3161c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125957&Signature=iXWMf7y-3ik8Pzh0WenxN87fWjGCcdF2GRu0qxKd9tkGrZWOPjWa2t5w33hJCEU8K1U4E369u0sWe6V94zqyz6ER6xofxAH2kx-QYeNYG6aCtu~-0aGzRkgPuEKeqpqsfa7~XfPSP-XDotQ0Rc2OdEDGfxBrELKUu8fgqeRdUJfp1jAa8JotkvzxVNMlVyg34kAMxQ69budlmiaOLLNuv~F5r1sUkkmAUwHQZfDXdVyqQONKcV9XYIr2Dnwf9TRIpXGxWtaIYmDT3Zx~AWhrud1josKNOBrA4nongDq0zTFGrA-db2nOifxvRE8VjE59lkKTiXeu-wZDB2oCU54n6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Indian Prairie CUSD 204","date","2025-09-22T00:00:00Z","article","Superintendent Dr. Talley told the District 204 board Sept. 22 that ReferralGPS, a partner in the district's CARES mental health clinic initiative, was recognized by Partnership for Connected Illinois with a 2025 award for excellence in telehealth leadership. He said the award recognizes ReferralGPS's role arranging therapy for district children and families and that CARES clinic services will start in October.

\"It is because of ReferralGPS we have been so successful in arranging therapy for our children and families,\" Dr. Talley said, noting the clinic will begin in October and operate at Granger, Longwood, Georgetown, Neuqua Valley and Mattia High School. He said parents should contact their schools' social workers for referrals to the free therapy sessions.

Dr. Talley also encouraged parents and staff to join local PTAs and cited the CARES program as an example of partnership between the district and outside providers. No contract or detailed program budget was read into the record at the meeting; Dr. Talley described the announcement as an operational update and thanked ReferralGPS and partners for their work.

Why this matters: The CARES clinic offers district families additional mental health resources and the telehealth award highlights the district's use of an external provider to expand access to therapy. School-based mental health services can increase access for students who might otherwise face barriers to care.

Discussion vs. action: This announcement was informational. Board members and staff referenced the district's mental health symposium and IPEF support for related events, but no new board action or contract vote was recorded on the CARES program at this meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education Meeting 09/22/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Dr. Talley said a community mental health partner, ReferralGPS, received a Connected Illinois award for telehealth leadership and that the district's CARES clinic will begin in October at five schools with free therapy referrals available through school social workers.","taxTitle","Indian Prairie CUSD 204, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",13067,"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},5977638,"District 204 highlights equity plan in curricular and school practices, ends with Kalashaw Elementary example",890,3374000,4264000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1&start=3374&end=4264","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1/thumbnail_3374000.jpg","/articles/5977638/Illinois/District-204-highlights-equity-plan-in-curricular-and-school-practices-ends-with-Kalashaw-Elementary-example","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977638-2d7fcce2d4c9f1d3fc334cf45e5bf151/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125957&Signature=noYUAwDluuy~nx7YKdiJoKqV62hliO1cv-wp7QfzXPyjH~45UliuXhUk0NBLkizpguMoY3zgghDGsKX3xPijh28n6gEQfHqO2oVku3dbN9b5gOxgjJCb09GYDgl0YI0pRH6rjvJ96etDaeVvdQ7D-iBmox9ZWRh4DA2oeGpJ26xnCHHLHH~WE7~t7QiingJ1pfDGcpMsK7CXrAm02Bh9dbUmbmZfAjlDtzybgAhvUPnBVET36pwGOveOlcA4ApcuIF~3-sWnrknJXhuyxg~twi0rWgOtTqOVDBtmLQ0Enxv~KrNYAfPYUVFYq~JY5fcpIIZbIjsFzxN7TvivwblxCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District 204 leaders presented the district's equity plan Sept. 22, saying the plan is a through line for curriculum, systems and daily operations and is embedded in the strategic plan. The presentation included examples from kindergarten through 12th grade, career and technical education (CTE) pathways, artificial intelligence guidance and a building-level highlight from Kalashaw Elementary School.

\"Our strategic plan mentions equity 27 times,\" Dr. Nadir Najjar said as he described how the equity plan operationalizes those commitments. The presenters emphasized Tier 1 instruction (the core experience every student receives) and said the district is aligning curriculum choices, culturally responsive instruction guidance and SEL (social and emotional learning) to ensure equitable access.

At the high-school level, Dr. Michael Purcell described new course offerings and curriculum review processes that begin with standards and the district's portrait-of-a-graduate competencies. He highlighted senior inquiry and dual-credit courses as examples of student voice and choice integrated into coursework.

Administrators also outlined how the district is applying an equity lens to math (including a geometry curriculum effort that aligns mathematical practice standards with culturally responsive instruction), grading policy pilots intended to measure mastery and growth rather than only points, and CTE endorsements that include hands-on challenges and internships. The district said several students earned state-recognized endorsements this year, including in education and construction pathways.

Kalashaw Elementary principal Carlos Esquettia described how equity shows up at his school through culturally responsive classroom libraries, a scheduled instructional block for small-group intervention and a set of school community agreements emphasizing compassion, unity, transparency and joy. \"Our mission is to provide a safe and positive and equitable learning environment in order to prepare all students to be lifelong learners,\" Esquettia said.

Presenters also noted multilingual learner supports, a districtwide induction and mentoring program for new educators, an AI belief statement with staff training on bias and ethical use, and food-service practices that gather student feedback and offer varied menu options to meet diverse needs.

Why this matters: The presentation shows district leaders' effort to integrate equity into academic standards, school culture and operational practices so that curriculum, grading and school routines aim to provide consistent, culturally relevant access for students across schools.

Discussion vs. action: The presentation was informational. Board members asked questions about small-group instruction, student voice and CTE endorsements; district staff said pilots and curriculum proposals will return to the board for approval where required. No policy changes were adopted at this meeting.","District leaders presented how the equity plan is embedded across curriculum, systems and operations, citing curriculum adoptions, culturally responsive instruction, tier 1 supports, CTE pathways, AI guidance and a Kalashaw Elementary school highlight showing community engagement and differentiated supports.",{"_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},5977644,"Indian Prairie Education Foundation reports $400,000+ fundraising year, expands at-risk and student health programs",902,2057000,2959000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1&start=2057&end=2959","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1/thumbnail_2057000.jpg","/articles/5977644/Illinois/Indian-Prairie-Education-Foundation-reports-400000-fundraising-year-expands-at-risk-and-student-health-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977644-9d3c6508f810d2275ac995832aa50067/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125957&Signature=FXU12-xppvGGB5FtWQBLWjRb6NSjflPm4PSeQS6m3tBitLTYx00OuIAlUqKPssfa5rS7tsC9IuQZ1t8TUmRBbkgZB23ckHyYV5WVgCffd7Fjl4NB15uRktavWOJpJmMhHllKla-EtdIZDIZpHsAoexYK8lYRRoKCPvU51Eum9Bz~FccdEpa8AiGOW7OggxKbbH9Xw2zjq-tQzmwEKZmxtoZGsaq1KUeFFEPnvgWoa6ef4EyUKV1uTPSlylccjIED2HhHiwNRNglJZ~vydsP9Ogxoaax1qb8veOzmuqaDfPPfJGqmJcRKJnMGChbjucJO2dzvB5Z~P5ELgsW0a-E2yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Indian Prairie Education Foundation (IPEF) told the District 204 Board of Education Sept. 22 that it exceeded a $400,000 fundraising goal for fiscal 2025 and has provided more than $5.7 million in programming and support to the district since 1988. Trudy Ranson, IPEF executive director, presented the foundation's semiannual report to the board and outlined current programs, recent outcomes and upcoming events.

Ranson said the foundation's largest and fastest-growing category is at-risk funding, which supports low-income and homeless students through programs such as Kid Essentials and after-school programming. \"We have provided more than $5,700,000 in funding programming and support, since we were founded in 1988,\" Ranson said.

She told the board that in the 2024-25 year IPEF returned more than $288,000 directly to the district and cited two major programs: RISE after-school programs (funded by an Illinois State Board of Education grant) and Young Hearts for Life cardiac screenings. Ranson said Young Hearts screened over 5,000 high school students free of charge during the last year and that the foundation hopes to run the screening again in the 2026-27 school year.

Ranson also described the foundation's role as title sponsor for the district's mental health and wellness symposium and support for robotics, fine arts festivals, teacher innovation grants and Team IPEF fundraising. Team IPEF is the foundation's long-running race fundraising effort; Ranson said the team has raised about $1.3 million over the last 11 years and must meet a minimum fundraising goal for charity runners.

Board members praised the foundation's fundraising recovery from pandemic-level lows and the breadth of services it supports, including $10,000 in fall teacher innovation grants and spring \"quick grants.\" Board members encouraged community members to consider volunteering, serving on the IPEF board (Ranson said there were three openings), and donating to school-specific campaigns.

Why this matters: IPEF funding supports district programs that serve wide cross-sections of students, including low-income and medically vulnerable students. The foundation's fundraising and grant programs feed directly into classroom supports, after-school enrichment, health screenings and staff grants that district leaders said boost student opportunities.

Discussion vs. action: This was a presentation and report to the board; no formal board action was required at the meeting. The board responded with questions and thanks, and members encouraged outreach to families and community donors.","At the Sept. 22 board meeting the Indian Prairie Education Foundation reported exceeding $400,000 in fundraising for fiscal 2025, $5.7 million given in total since 1988, continued support for at-risk students and health programs, and upcoming fundraising and grant opportunities.",{"_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},5977648,"District 204 board approves memorandum of understanding with IEA local association",44,1970000,2014000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1&start=1970&end=2014","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1/thumbnail_1970000.jpg","/articles/5977648/Illinois/District-204-board-approves-memorandum-of-understanding-with-IEA-local-association","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977648-5880909997f29e2df4fe54b45d71db9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125957&Signature=RB3GyGhpt1B4E4~7QxCKKN6OYWteEfwpGIovVvlBpJj7IJrB7RI6Ck8dHzwpbqgTDDhsYM94D4XtxOEOZXN9nplwq9pJ9Czla1K9S1C9MUfFoT-VmyJTJ75guevDLdvp9ECe4u3V1Xgb2WwmgaWOXnCtygJnRQ9I9YrvHw2oo40ppZA7yQeemggMHFCGNgsnMUNVCWXeEAZpZEM19GJQXjAylma9C5bfpAH1dJRVhqfXMYlIiw1h8wh9-tVBt3EF-YEm8ohNK8b~aRC-4q4DXAPAd67YrSZBFVPE0B8Skx6HQGHWZXd9EsJxrYtXk8OsCcUQS3PZiOOnTx099Snt-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 Board of Education approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Illinois Education Association (IEA) local affiliate at its Sept. 22 meeting. The motion to approve the MOU passed on a roll-call vote recorded during the meeting.

Board members voted in favor in a roll call that included Mister Reising and Mister Karubas, among others. \"The motion passes,\" the board clerk announced after the affirmative votes were recorded.

The meeting record shows the board approved the MOU as presented; the text of the MOU itself was not read into the public record at length during the meeting. The board made the MOU approval part of the consent and subsequent action items on the agenda.

Why this matters: An MOU with the teachers' local union typically documents agreed clarifications or temporary understandings related to collective bargaining terms, implementation timelines, or local practices. The board's approval indicates the district and the bargaining unit reached agreement on the item presented that night.

Discussion vs. action: The approval was a formal board action confirmed by roll-call; the transcript does not show extended debate on the MOU during the public portion of the meeting.

Clarifying details: The MOU was described as between \"IEA, Local Education Association, and the Indian Prairie School District Board of Education as presented.\" The board recorded its vote in the meeting minutes and the motion passed.","The Indian Prairie School District 204 Board of Education approved a memorandum of understanding with the Illinois Education Association local affiliate during its Sept. 22 meeting; the action passed on a roll-call vote.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5977654,"Indian Prairie School Board appoints Natasha Grover to fill vacancy after waiving policy 2:70",198,897000,1095000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1&start=897&end=1095","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5819412-b10c637e609223a0d04501894b3299b1/thumbnail_897000.jpg","/articles/5977654/Illinois/Indian-Prairie-School-Board-appoints-Natasha-Grover-to-fill-vacancy-after-waiving-policy-270","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977654-3df5e8954bfb33e9ef05a3f047a4b6a0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771125957&Signature=f4Ah7BEhRv~1TnIX0lvMUiXr7fCh1cM76bGJzw1aCNkKAcBwnTjW4rcv-z6DLKmtnNczp6np2UnY~ACXXs5mCKwOXMrEIPk21ymJceBHTU2wLCkuVkrbtm9jPiuu9eHOYHy~3uedcCPy55So1h9ssOPlSi1qSNL6vR6XQh0D4rUZyD--N2sstAYnM9QX3WREH35chcApWAyQlByMBTdNfeoNUHjxY2yeHLt9IiuNjq4DTtdiGk3jgssOby-s-tDcrZTuiU5B9h6eRQx-Fp6uXXq9HxGUxut-PYK8LA1EVl0Wc6j53QrR-XzGwV80IRjQyWB8dQ1XCAzhO0~DoWX2~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204 Board of Education voted unanimously Sept. 22 to suspend normal posting requirements under Policy 2:70 and appoint Natasha Grover to fill the board vacancy created by Sapna Jain's resignation. The appointment will run through the next board election in April 2027.

Board President Donahue said the board has 60 days to fill the vacancy and cited two immediate priorities informing the request to waive the usual process: selecting a new superintendent and beginning upcoming contract negotiations. \"After careful evaluation and given the immediacy of these critical tasks, I'm asking the Board to waive our typical process for filling a vacated Board seat,\" Donahue said during the meeting.

The board first approved a motion to suspend and waive the provisions of policy 2:70 that relate to publication of the vacancy and acceptance of resumes. The motion passed on a roll call in which district board members voting in favor were Mister Reising, Mister Karubas, Miss Deming, Miss Donahue, and Miss Fosdick. The board then voted to appoint Natasha Grover to the seat; that motion passed on a 6-0 roll call with the board recording six affirmative votes.

Grover, who previously served on the District 204 board from 2018 to 2023, addressed the board after being sworn in. \"It is truly an honor to return to the school board,\" Grover said. She described herself as \"an attorney and a parent\" and said she looks forward to working with the district and fellow board members to \"continue building on the strong foundation and to ensure that we inspire all students to achieve their greatest potential.\"

Grover took the oath of office at the meeting, swearing to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Illinois and to \"respect taxpayer interest by serving as a faithful protector of school district assets.\" The oath recited at the meeting also referenced obligations to protect student and employee privacy and to follow majority decisions made at public meetings.

Why this matters: The board's decision to waive the usual vacancy posting process allowed the immediate placement of an experienced former member during a period the board described as including time-sensitive work on the superintendent search and labor negotiations. The appointee will hold the seat until the April 2027 election.

Discussion vs. action: Board President Donahue framed the waiver as a request driven by timing and district priorities; the waiver and the appointment were formal actions recorded as passed by roll call votes. No alternative appointment process was adopted and the board did not solicit a public application pool during this meeting.

Clarifying details: The board stated a 60-day window to fill the vacancy; the appointment will remain until the next board election in April 2027. The waiver specifically referenced Policy 2:70 provisions related to publication and acceptance of resumes.","The Indian Prairie School District 204 Board of Education voted unanimously Sept. 22 to suspend the district's usual vacancy posting requirements under policy 2:70 and appointed former board member Natasha Grover to serve until the next board election in April 2027.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent announces CARES mental health clinic pilot with ReferralGPS award and free therapy referrals starting in October

District 204 highlights equity plan in curricular and school practices, ends with Kalashaw Elementary example

Indian Prairie Education Foundation reports $400,000+ fundraising year, expands at-risk and student health programs

District 204 board approves memorandum of understanding with IEA local association

Indian Prairie School Board appoints Natasha Grover to fill vacancy after waiving policy 2:70