District administrators provided several operational and safety updates at the Aug. 11 meeting, including a memorandum of understanding to house a Moline Police Department search-and-rescue drone on the Moline High School rooftop, a phase-one traffic-reduction project at Roosevelt Elementary and testing and notification related to a revised parade route.

Dr. Seth Savage told the board the MOU with the Moline Police Department was approved at the prior meeting and that the district provided a talking-point sheet from Chief Gault and the administration to principals so staff and students can ask informed questions about drone use in law enforcement and emergency response. "This was also given to all principals today so that they can be prepared to answer staff and student questions," Savage said.

Savage described a phase-one project at Roosevelt Elementary to reduce arrival and dismissal congestion: a new parent drop-off and pickup lane has been cut into previously fenced area near a small parking lot; cars will circulate around the large parking lot and exit toward Moline High School. The administration said new fencing, signage and painted lanes will complete phase one and future phases will further reduce congestion.

On parade and route changes, administrators said they issued a press release in coordination with Chief Gault and notified residents along the parade route. Staff reported limited negative feedback after early tours; they also referenced recent incidents as context for safety changes, including a spring car accident involving two students who were struck but are now OK and a separate incident where a car jumped a curb during a homecoming parade the prior year. The administration said a test run and further coordination with parade vehicle operators (flatbed truck operators) were options to ensure safety around tight corners.

Other operational notes included a summer CNA certification cohort run in partnership with Blackhawk College and the Area Career Center and the district’s role as host for the Illinois Association of School Boards Blackhawk Division event on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Savage said the district will provide the venue and meal organization and will receive eight complimentary registrations and one free professional development session as the host.

No formal board action was taken on the operational updates; administrators requested the board consider the information and participate in follow-up planning where needed.