Hinckley-Big Rock board approves personnel hire with abstention, passes routine motions

The Hinckley-Big Rock Community Unit School District #429 Board of Education met Jan. 21, 2026, in the Hinckley-Big Rock High School Library and approved a slate of routine items including a personnel hire, inter-district athletics cooperation and grant application. President Greg Pritchard called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., and the agenda was approved by a 5-0 voice vote.

During the consent agenda the Board approved routine minutes, the treasurer's report, bills and payroll and personnel items. Board member Tim Badal disclosed a family conflict and pulled the hire of Joleigh Badal from the consent agenda; after discussion the Board voted to approve the hire with Badal abstaining on that personnel vote (4-0, Badal abstained). The initial agenda and subsequent motions were made and seconded by board members on the record: for example, the agenda approval motion was made by Jack Haines and seconded by Abigail Barrett and passed 5-0.

On formal actions the Board approved an IHSA girls soccer cooperative agreement with Leland and Somonauk school districts for the 2026 and 2027 seasons (motion by Jack Haines, second by Abigail Barrett; passed 5-0). The Board also approved a resolution to execute the Illinois Valley Vocational Center (IVVC) Joint Agreement aligned to a sixth amendment (motion by Tim Badal; passed 5-0). Members voted to designate person(s) to prepare the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (motion by Jack Haines; passed 5-0) and approved submission of a School Maintenance Project Grant application (motion by Abigail Barrett; passed 5-0).

The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 18, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school library.