[{"_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",5977104,"mediaKeyId","5832388-58ad5a3efc8ffa8e01d70fcf353256ce","parentId",5832388,"title","Students and community group ask board for an eighth period and scheduling changes as state law adds foreign-language requirement","audioSeconds",2609,"startMs",1551000,"endMs",4160000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5832388-58ad5a3efc8ffa8e01d70fcf353256ce&start=1551&end=4160","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5832388-58ad5a3efc8ffa8e01d70fcf353256ce/thumbnail_1551000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5977104/Illinois/Students-and-community-group-ask-board-for-an-eighth-period-and-scheduling-changes-as-state-law-adds-foreign-language-requirement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977104-25a39343d98bc0c04808bb8a65b6245c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773644791&Signature=DDQdAKj68XVj1eF0LSUne75CbXpfgMQergReIEUphoKjJwYN3-hluRktZC5AFgV9q-kPqXuoW4Hu9pTEfpPUH3o-p4E2iDkrus2m44ZrAvhSHV5nfujkXXfgF-Oe~l0dI2zwqeMLALFV8Oag~N9GTK2fzTUiZ6TiqIS2y8XXnnU1nTzCCDzRnLQlQllLD6CeCTBwR51x6xga2MSqsYx--ZN8nR3o3DTUEhOnr-4wajhulPcmE-yFW7Dw1IkgtPMRME2YGVAdryvT0eOA8we39JvIARGtTUBGRSQc9XBso9d-DRm4jFIIc9LaSjUMSAsNk1-JPGkf3IbRGx1qe90Oxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Valley View CUSD 365U","date","2025-09-23T00:00:00Z","article","Students and community program leaders spoke during public comment at the Sept. 22 Valley View board meeting about schedule constraints that leave some students without time for lunch or necessary coursework. Willie Poll, executive director of FOCUS (a program serving at-risk and underserved students), brought FOCUS students to the meeting and described students who must move between credit-recovery, work-based programs and bus schedules without adequate time to eat or rest.

Several students described the same problem. \"The added 20 minutes would help people who need to eat because they don't have enough time,\" said Jaleel Funches, a BHS sophomore. Blessing Gajiri, a Bolingbrook High School junior, said she sometimes cannot eat because early bus schedules prevent packing a lunch, and the only grab-and-go options offered include peanut butter items she cannot eat.

FOCUS and leadership students said an additional eighth period could provide study time, support for students in credit recovery or AP classes, and a scheduled lunch break for students who otherwise go long stretches without food. \"All these kids need help … they need a break, they need time to rejuvenate their minds and get ready for the next class,\" said Timothy Morgan, a BHS junior.

Legal and scheduling context
During liaison reports, a board liaison noted a change to state graduation requirements and cited the statute by number: 105 ILCS 5/27-22, explaining that the law as amended will require two years of foreign-language instruction for ninth graders entering in the 2028–29 school year. The liaison said that means districts should consider schedule structures to ensure students who depend on bus transportation or early arrival options are not disadvantaged when new course requirements take effect.

Why it matters: Students in credit-recovery, work-based learning, or who rely on transportation may be unable to meet new course requirements or to get the nourishment and academic support they need without intentional schedule adjustments.

Board response and next steps
Board members and administration did not take immediate action on the public comments during the meeting. The liaison urged families and the community to review the Illinois State Board of Education FAQ on the statute for planning purposes and to raise questions with the district.

Ending: Students and FOCUS leaders asked the board to consider adding an eighth period or other schedule changes to protect students’ access to meals and coursework as state graduation requirements evolve.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Valley View CUSD 365u Board Meeting 9/22/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Students and community leaders asked the Valley View board to add an eighth period or otherwise adjust schedules so at-risk students can eat, access coursework, and meet a forthcoming state foreign-language graduation requirement.","taxTitle","Valley View CUSD 365U, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",38217,"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},5977107,"Teacher-librarian warns schedule changes have left four elementary libraries without service; asks district for paraprofessional support",230,1343000,1573000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5832388-58ad5a3efc8ffa8e01d70fcf353256ce&start=1343&end=1573","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5832388-58ad5a3efc8ffa8e01d70fcf353256ce/thumbnail_1343000.jpg","/articles/5977107/Illinois/Teacher-librarian-warns-schedule-changes-have-left-four-elementary-libraries-without-service-asks-district-for-paraprofessional-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977107-23208eca3f3b7fa8d1e7f61c1d41b589/orig.mp4?Expires=1773644791&Signature=fqqMQQKLXmxKEVFXwvrxS4KoBMemzl4EsvgEJLJYN8von5K4lmRponTzvfQOzkT86C7VCkdKoG9wP0RAiLSTeUDA8HWs4FcrpgIFlNxTIjAR5WIsNZY7Dkt1SeNjJgr7BflyLeF-cyVX2QO-Rw9lAL9zAJa8-dtJzwtQKNqCnBI5b4YYkCLs1GyQ3qZlxWiS3hXU4WRVGw9ELJgdOtFxCHTcUZ0i6HwMJI2ahLO9qtknyqFVf2CVJRGScVwT6~RIjMF5bMSjjuZfCo9oG8YoM3nElTyPYEG7AjJ1lKNMH7wG917PEoS-IVYhgN0-s-DRj~~kQJQrhnuYgtoU9iyGDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Katie Thomas, a teacher-librarian at BJ Ward Elementary, addressed the Valley View board during public comment on Sept. 22, saying schedule changes this year have left four elementary libraries with no time to run library programs and have drastically reduced services at others. \"Because of our recent changes to the special schedule, four of our elementary schools now have no time at all to run a library program,\" she said.

Thomas said the loss will cancel district family reading night for 2025–26 and could end other library-supported activities such as book fairs, book clubs, Battle of the Books and STEAM enrichment at the elementary level. \"These are not extras. These are the programs that inspire all kids to be readers,\" she said.

Request and funding suggestion
Thomas asked the district to provide staffing support in the form of a paraprofessional for schools with large student populations so all students have access to library instruction and programming. She pointed the board to the state’s evidence-based funding guidance and noted that the budget being presented recommended using a portion of EBF dollars for librarian aides. Thomas cited a line in the state’s fiscal documents referenced in the presentation: part 2, section 5, core investments in the fiscal year 2025 adjusted adequacy target, which she said included a suggested amount of $1,600,000 for librarian aides.

Why it matters: School libraries provide literacy instruction, family engagement activities and supports for students with accommodations. Thomas told the board that without time and staffing, those opportunities disappear and “we create a system of haves and have nots among our students.”

Board response and context
District staff did not provide a substantive response during the public-comment period; the board later completed its business, including budget adoption. Thomas urged families to contact the district to request that libraries be protected and supported.

Ending: Thomas closed by stressing equity and student outcomes: \"When libraries are cut, students are the ones who lose. Please speak up and ask the district to protect our libraries.\"","A Valley View teacher-librarian told the board that schedule changes removed library time at four elementary schools and greatly reduced services at others, and asked the district to use evidence-based funding to add paraprofessional library support for large schools.",{"_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},5977112,"Valley View board adopts $324 million operating budget after public hearing",1383,2032000,3415000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5832388-58ad5a3efc8ffa8e01d70fcf353256ce&start=2032&end=3415","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5832388-58ad5a3efc8ffa8e01d70fcf353256ce/thumbnail_2032000.jpg","/articles/5977112/Illinois/Valley-View-board-adopts-324-million-operating-budget-after-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977112-150bcd300ef5897aeeba9e9ccc43bc59/orig.mp4?Expires=1773644791&Signature=XzovTFrgNxnWddP~YK-vkHaVrT9kWQUnzxaLC5pcZbUa1KLcq1SStZ~nu0wO-EarJxZhsDx~6GQWU2kf3BTPHW5g7-prAHfCGXX26kPBI8m7txKNDQi~gDyCbLwr7pnP-DYEcOm40888qVUca2WGUlCNbRh0w3eubgen0GnhkR9CsqA81h9kyzShy~LMfx37QhnP411h4SKYti9U1rR9CsmtgCav4oC97qKcid0zSb3oUeLpfcsiNPp01GO5yZMiKT-WRyYEQbiHQspfQ7YVZwd4I8S3Vp0uMFpZ26peCYkvD1Kqo8CjBvOvOGanTnBM~gpHD5fLmRktJoMdL8tb5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Valley View School District Board of Education on Sept. 22 adopted the fiscal year 2025–26 operating budget after holding the required public hearing. The board approved resolution 2602 to adopt the budget by roll call vote with all members voting yes.

The budget document presented by John Renich, the district's budget presenter, lists nearly $324,000,000 in operating expenditures, excluding about $82,000,000 in on-behalf pension payments. Renich said the tentative budget had been on public display for 30 days and the required public-notice affidavit was included in the board packet. “Tonight’s presentation is called ‘Making a Grade,’” he said at the start of the hearing.

Why it matters: The budget balances significant ongoing instruction priorities against mounting pressure from declining replacement-tax revenues and rising personnel costs. The administration highlighted both a strong liquidity position and a looming structural gap that will require action in future years.

Key figures and drivers
- Property taxes: the district’s largest revenue source, accounting for about 64% of budgeted revenues (approximately $230 million).
- Evidence-Based Funding (EBF): budgeted at about $54 million, an increase of roughly $700,000 over the prior year.
- Corporate personal property replacement tax (CPPRT): Renich told the board CPPRT dropped from roughly $32 million in 2023 to an estimated $12–14 million for this cycle — a decrease the presentation identified as a major budgetary pressure.
- Expenditures: salaries and benefits make up roughly 76% of operating costs (about 63% salaries and 13% benefits). The budget assumed a 4% salary increase for planning purposes.
- Net operating position: Renich said the education fund shows a structural deficit of about $3.2 million once accounting for the nutrition fund surplus; he cautioned that without action the deficit could grow in subsequent years.
- Cash reserves and ratings: the district expects roughly 140 days cash on hand (well above the Government Finance Officers Association benchmark of 90 days). Renich noted Valley View holds an AA1 rating from Moody’s.

Spending priorities called out in the presentation include continued investment in classroom instruction and literacy supports, a planned phonics program for K–2 aligned to the Illinois comprehensive literacy plan, about $3.3 million annually for technology lifecycle replacement, and approximately $3.9 million for facilities projects. The budget also accounts for staffing for the new early-childhood center listed in the presentation (about 20 full-time equivalent positions).

Public process and board action
The public hearing produced no speakers on the budget. After the hearing, a motion to adopt resolution 2602 passed unanimously in a roll-call vote. The board chair thanked staff for the presentation and for maintaining stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

What’s next
Administration and the board will monitor the structural deficit and revenue trends — particularly CPPRT and property tax growth limited to CPI rates — while balancing investments in instruction, technology, and facilities. The board indicated ongoing attention to controlling salary-and-benefit growth to align with revenue limits.

Ending: The adopted FY2025–26 budget emphasizes instructional spending and fiscal reserves while flagging the district’s need to manage personnel cost growth and reduced replacement-tax revenue to preserve long-term financial health.","After a public hearing with no public commenters, the Valley View School District Board of Education adopted a $324 million operating budget for fiscal year 2025–26, citing a strong cash reserve and a structural deficit in the education fund driven by slower state replacement-tax revenue and rising personnel costs.",{"_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},5977099,"Board approves purchase of nine theater lights for Bolingbrook High; boosters and student trust fund to split cost",113,3526000,3639000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5832388-58ad5a3efc8ffa8e01d70fcf353256ce&start=3526&end=3639","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5832388-58ad5a3efc8ffa8e01d70fcf353256ce/thumbnail_3526000.jpg","/articles/5977099/Illinois/Board-approves-purchase-of-nine-theater-lights-for-Bolingbrook-High-boosters-and-student-trust-fund-to-split-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5977099-19ade4ceb91d6daa594478a6c671c517/orig.mp4?Expires=1773644791&Signature=Yxbcuowpn1P8r5LW-pDQ6WXIft9Yv7MZOh9q6rGHLUAbyFPHVWzTrvToqihan3UyTCyi4jpfBOehrcfsbBVW7FtyH48Sq2268OS-MbJebTCxzEu7zhOHXu0QxlrGN~xMIXS5O4x~AJTmUYb5vo5kPWb~2VCeB2VOl-C50sdW9JicQQDOwcPzoVOMtqSzcGfm97FBANB9gxqlfSZudq55xoaXIOWk0zSsq2HJMOJqkyr1G8QuyHUrbHFgWD1T7ociC6FXOXgWh15833cF7yheVGLzpFafW4MDsAIKaus7m8-PZONIHtDKoVEdM0235-MwnZoLSLcF707Glmg09MhR4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Valley View School District Board on Sept. 22 approved the purchase of nine theater-performance lighting fixtures for Bolingbrook High School, authorizing a contract with JRLX Inc. not to exceed $50,018.50. The administration told the board the fixtures are typically mounted on auditorium rigging and have historically been rented for about $8,000 per year, plus delivery and installation logistics.

Funding and rationale
District staff said the purchase will be funded half by the BHS boosters and half by the Bolingbrook High School student trust account. Administration also noted possible shared use with Romeoville High School to accelerate district savings on future events.

Board action
A motion to approve the purchase was moved and seconded and passed by roll-call vote. No board member was recorded as opposing the item.

Ending: The district expects the purchase to reduce annual rental costs and streamline technical coordination for theater events at the high schools.","The Valley View board approved purchase of nine theater lighting fixtures for Bolingbrook High School for up to $50,018.50, to be funded 50% by the BHS boosters and 50% from the school's student trust account; administration said the purchase will reduce recurring rental costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Students and community group ask board for an eighth period and scheduling changes as state law adds foreign-language requirement

Teacher-librarian warns schedule changes have left four elementary libraries without service; asks district for paraprofessional support

Valley View board adopts $324 million operating budget after public hearing

Board approves purchase of nine theater lights for Bolingbrook High; boosters and student trust fund to split cost