Kankakee SD 111 board approves treasurer, budget hearing date, facility repairs, vendor contracts and personnel changes

The Kankakee School District 111 board voted on a series of personnel, financial and vendor actions at its meeting, approving appointments, facility repairs, two student‑support contracts and several compensation items.

On personnel and financial timeline items, the board unanimously appointed Harrison Neal as treasurer for FY26 (7–0) and set the public hearing for the FY26–27 budget on Sept. 14, 2026 (7–0). Trustees approved a bid to repair high‑school softball and baseball fields damaged by a March hailstorm to make the facilities safe for play (7–0).

The board approved disposal and sale of surplus 15‑passenger vans to reduce insurance and maintenance costs; the roll call was recorded as 6 ayes, 0 nays and 1 abstention. Operations staff said ISBE guidance forbids the use of 15‑passenger vans to transport students and recommended replacing the fleet with 9‑ and 10‑passenger vehicles and activity buses. A board member asked whether the vans are prohibited or only discouraged; operations staff replied the district was following ISBE guidance and would obtain more detailed references if needed.

On personnel and contracts, trustees approved a two‑year extension of the superintendent’s contract and a 3.5% raise (5–2). Earlier in the discussion the board voted (4–3) to delete a residency requirement from the superintendent’s contract. The board also approved 3.5% raises for administrators and 3.5% raises for 12‑month central office employees (each 7–0) and authorized an intergovernmental agreement with the Kankakee Area Special Education Cooperative (7–0).

Dr. Gonzales, assistant superintendent for student services, asked the board to continue two partnerships that evening: Branching Minds (a data and MTSS vendor) and Capturing Kids’ Hearts (a relationship‑building professional development partner). She said an RFP committee recommended Branching Minds; the Branching Minds contract for 2026–27 was approved (7–0). The board also approved the Capturing Kids’ Hearts contract for 2026–27 (7–0). Dr. Gonzales told trustees that the district would use grant dollars for those contracts and put systems in place to monitor outcomes.

A number of board members pressed staff for evidence the programs produce measurable results before the district signs on. “Do we need this? Should we pull back? I need more data about the programs we already have,” a board member said during the discussion. Dr. Gonzales responded, “We are using grant dollars for this … and we are committed to putting systems and structures in place to see if it’s working,” and described plans to monitor student performance, suspension rates and other outcomes.

Consent items were approved after tabling one personnel appointment in item 10; the consent agenda passed as amended. The board had no public comments during the meeting and adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Votes at a glance (motion outcomes): - Appoint Harrison Neal as treasurer for FY26: approved, 7–0. - Set FY26–27 budget public hearing for Sept. 14, 2026: approved, 7–0. - Approve repair/remediation of high school softball and baseball fields: approved, 7–0. - Approve disposal/sale of surplus 15‑passenger vans: approved, 6–0 with 1 abstention. - Delete residency requirement in superintendent contract: approved, 4–3. - Extend superintendent contract two years and approve 3.5% compensation increase: approved, 5–2. - Administrative raises (3.5%): approved, 7–0. - Central office 12‑month employee raises (3.5%): approved, 7–0. - Intergovernmental agreement with Kankakee Area Special Education Cooperative: approved, 7–0. - Branching Minds contract for 2026–27: approved, 7–0. - Capturing Kids' Hearts contract for 2026–27: approved, 7–0.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 27 at the district offices.