Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Actions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Forest Park SD 91 board elects Monique Cotton as vice president, ratifies teacher contract and adopts 2026–2030 strategic plan
Summary
The board held a special election to replace the vice presidency (Monique Cotton elected), approved a 2026–2030 negotiated agreement with the Forest Park Education Association, adopted the district’s 2026–2030 strategic plan and revised mission/vision statements, and approved a one‑year site‑program lease amendment (passed with one no vote).
At its June meeting, the Forest Park School District 91 Board of Education approved a series of governance and policy actions, including filling officer vacancies, ratifying a multi‑year teacher agreement, approving the district’s strategic plan and approving several administrative housekeeping items.
Officer reorganization and appointment The board voted to hold a special election to fill the now‑vacant vice president position created when Board President Shannon Wood resigned. Following nominations, the board elected Monique Cotton to the vice presidency by roll call.
Teacher contract The board approved a negotiated agreement between District 91 and the Forest Park Education Association covering 2026–2030. Board members thanked union representatives for an efficient bargaining process; the teachers had ratified the agreement prior to the board vote.
Strategic plan and mission/vision After a year of stakeholder collaboration, the board adopted the 2026–2030 strategic plan and approved revised mission and vision statements aligned to the plan’s goals. The motion to adopt the strategic plan passed by roll call; one member recorded a recorded 'nay' on the mission/vision approval.
Lease amendment and finances The board approved a one‑year amendment to the site program lease in exchange for the site program covering half the cost of the gym air‑conditioning. That motion passed by roll call with one recorded 'nay' by John Lyons. In a separate discussion, administration described revenue timing issues: the district reported recent receipt of prior-year state revenue but noted anticipated delays in funds scheduled for July, which could leave funds below the district’s 12‑month reserve target until state accounting is applied.
Other actions The board approved the 2026–2027 meeting calendar, changed bank signatories on student activity accounts, and approved personnel recommendations after closed session.
Votes at a glance - Special election to fill vice president vacancy: Approved (roll call unanimous); Monique Cotton elected vice president. - Accept resignation of Board President Shannon Wood: Approved (roll call unanimous). - Approve 2026–2030 negotiated agreement with Forest Park Education Association: Approved (roll call unanimous). - Approve site program lease amendment (one‑year extension; site program to cover half gym AC cost): Approved (roll call; John Lyons recorded a Nay). - Adopt 2026–2030 strategic plan and updated mission/vision: Approved (roll call; one recorded Nay on mission/vision vote). - Approve 2026–2027 board meeting dates: Approved (roll call unanimous). - Change student activity account signatories: Approved (roll call unanimous).
Board members said they will pursue a policy cleanup to remove ambiguities in board policy 2.110 and other governance documents so future officer reorganizations and vacancy procedures are clearer to staff and the public. The board adjourned following final remarks of thanks to outgoing members and staff.
