Zion ESD 6 board approves $2.29M fire-alarm contract, tax abatements and multiple MOUs

ZION — At its Jan. 26, 2026 regular meeting, the Zion Elementary School District No. 6 Board approved a package of financial and operational measures including a $2,294,000 contract to replace fire alarm systems at multiple district schools, several tax-abatement resolutions and memoranda of understanding with educator partners.

The board voted unanimously to award Chicagoland Renovations, Inc. a contract for the replacement, materials and installation of fire alarm systems at East Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Elmwood Elementary, West Elementary, Shiloh Park Middle School and Zion Central Middle School at a total cost of $2,294,000. President Margie Taylor brought the item forward and the motion, made by Ken Fielding and seconded by Denise Lear, carried on a roll-call vote.

The board also approved three separate abatement resolutions for the 2025 levy year: a $1,323,683 abatement to pay debt service on the General Obligation School Bonds (Series 2007B and Series 2017), an abatement tied to the Property Tax Relief Grant (PTRG), and an abatement related to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) energy transition grant. Those measures passed on separate roll-call votes; Robert Surano was recorded as absent for the abatement votes noted in the meeting minutes.

In personnel and labor items, the board approved the employment recommendation for Kamara Thaxter as Special Education Coordinator for Zion Elementary District 6, effective Feb. 9, 2026, at an administrative salary of $82,500, contingent on required health exams and background checks. The board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Zion Education Association (IEA/NEA) regarding coaching stipends and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Academy of Urban School Leadership (AUSL) covering Jan. 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029; motions for both MOUs were made and approved by roll call.

Other routine actions included approval of the building usage fees for the 2026–2027 year, the proposed 2026–2027 school calendar, and the second reading of multiple PRESS policy updates (policy codes listed in the board packet). The board approved an unpaid partial leave of absence for Esmeralda Moreno, Health Aide in Student Services, through May 13, 2026, to pursue educational advancement, and accepted several staff resignations as recommended by the superintendent.

During the meeting Superintendent Julious Lawson and directors provided district updates: Julio Ugarte, the district’s director of buildings and grounds, presented on building conditions at Zion Central Middle School and East Elementary; Erik Youngman and Jennifer Sajovec outlined the district’s Instructional Coach Model and introduced members of the coaching team. Dr. Lawson also recognized the ZCMS 8th-grade boys basketball team for a 15–0 season and a North Shore Conference championship.

The board entered closed session at 7:04 p.m. to discuss personnel matters under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and returned to open session at 8:50 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of amended agenda: Motion by Denise Lear; second Netya Perez Rivera; Roll call: Ayes — Denise Lear, Netya Perez Rivera, Ken Fielding, Jacqueline San Diego, Robert Surano, Margie Taylor, Jazmine Crump; Outcome: approved.

- PRESS policy second reading (listed policies): Motion by Ken Fielding; second Jacqueline San Diego; Roll call: Ayes — Ken Fielding, Jacqueline San Diego, Netya Perez Rivera, Margie Taylor, Jazmine Crump, Denise Lear; Absent — Robert Surano; Outcome: approved (second reading).

- Resolution abating taxes to pay debt service ($1,323,683): Motion by Denise Lear; second Netya Perez Rivera; Roll call: Ayes — Denise Lear, Netya Perez Rivera, Jacqueline San Diego, Margie Taylor, Jazmine Crump, Ken Fielding; Absent — Robert Surano; Outcome: approved.

- PTRG abatement resolution: Motion by Ken Fielding; second Denise Lear; Roll call: Ayes — Ken Fielding, Denise Lear, Margie Taylor, Jazmine Crump, Netya Perez Rivera, Jacqueline San Diego; Absent — Robert Surano; Outcome: approved.

- CEJA abatement resolution: Motion by Ken Fielding; second Denise Lear; Roll call: Ayes — Ken Fielding, Denise Lear, Margie Taylor, Jazmine Crump, Netya Perez Rivera, Jacqueline San Diego; Absent — Robert Surano; Outcome: approved.

- Fire alarm systems contract (Chicagoland Renovations, Inc.), $2,294,000: Motion by Ken Fielding; second Denise Lear; Roll call: Ayes — Ken Fielding, Denise Lear, Jazmine Crump, Netya Perez Rivera, Jacqueline San Diego, Margie Taylor, Robert Surano; Outcome: approved.

- Building usage fees 2026–2027: Motion by Jacqueline San Diego; second Jazmine Crump; Roll call: Ayes — Jacqueline San Diego, Jazmine Crump, Denise Lear, Netya Perez Rivera, Robert Surano, Margie Taylor, Ken Fielding; Outcome: approved.

- MOU with Zion Education Association (coaching stipends): Motion by Jacqueline San Diego; second Jazmine Crump; Roll call: Ayes — Jacqueline San Diego, Jazmine Crump, Denise Lear, Netya Perez Rivera, Robert Surano, Margie Taylor, Ken Fielding; Outcome: approved.

- Proposed 2026–2027 school calendar: Motion by Denise Lear; second Jazmine Crump; Roll call: Ayes — Denise Lear, Jazmine Crump, Netya Perez Rivera, Jacqueline San Diego, Robert Surano, Margie Taylor, Ken Fielding; Outcome: approved.

- MOU with Academy of Urban School Leadership (AUSL) (Jan. 1, 2026–June 30, 2029): Motion by Denise Lear; second Jazmine Crump; Roll call: Ayes — Denise Lear, Jazmine Crump, Jacqueline San Diego, Robert Surano, Margie Taylor, Ken Fielding, Netya Perez Rivera; Outcome: approved.

What happens next: The contracts and MOUs will be implemented per the terms in the board packet; facilities work (fire alarm replacement) will proceed under the awarded contract. Personnel actions are contingent on completion of required pre-employment checks and documentation.