The District 128 Board of Education on Sept. 29 took multiple routine actions and several specific votes on contracts and procurement, and it rejected a separate motion to destroy certain closed-session audio recordings.

The board voted unanimously to reaffirm the board governance handbook and to approve a resolution regulating expense reimbursements for board members, both items presented as carry-overs from prior committee work. The reaffirmation passed on a roll-call vote after a motion recorded in the meeting; the board chair noted the handbook is "a living document" that can be revised going forward.

The board approved routine employment items presented in the meeting's personnel packet. Members also approved a 2026 graduation agreement with Rosemont Theatre for Vernon Hills High School in the amount of $44,650, which the administration described as a 3.84% increase over the prior year.

On facilities, the board approved additional bidding and awarded contracts for extra work on the Libertyville High School cafeteria remodel. Construction staff reported four concrete bids and three acoustical-ceiling bids; the low concrete bidder was identified as Schaeffkes Brothers at approximately $261,000, and the combined package award for the additional concrete and acoustical ceilings totaled $378,393. The board approved that combined amount by roll call.

A consent-agenda motion clearing routine items passed earlier in the meeting on a motion by Doug Flegal with a second by (recorded) Austin; roll call reflected unanimous approval of the remaining consent items.

Separately, the board considered and rejected a motion to approve the destruction of closed-session audio recordings for Feb. 25, 2024, and March 18, 2024. The item had been pulled from the consent agenda after board counsel recommended pausing purges while legal review is pending. When members voted on the destruction motion, several board members recorded "No," and the motion did not pass.

Board members also noted the recent resignation of member Lisa Hessel and reminded interested community members that the board will accept applications to fill the vacancy; the board will review applicants and make an appointment to serve until the next election. The board then moved into executive session on personnel and student-placement matters and announced no action would follow the closed session.

No penalties, contract terminations or policy changes beyond the reaffirmation and procurement approvals were recorded during the public portion of the meeting.