BENJAMIN SCHOOL DISTRICT 25

Jack Buscemi, Andrew Drinnin, Jodi Krause, Bridgette Pedersen, Dennis Peterson, Eric Rogers and Gina Vlantis.

The Board and community had the opportunity to preview this year's theater musical, Bye-Bye Birdie. Benjamin's students put on an outstanding performance.

Regular Board of Education Minutes of January 13, 2025

Facility and Finance Minutes of January 24, 2025

Special Board of Education Minutes of January 27, 2025

Four executive search firms—BWP, HYA, School Exec Connect, and Educational Leadership Solutions—presented their proposals for conducting a superintendent search. Each firm outlined its processes, fees, and relevant experience in the field. All firms highlighted their expertise in superintendent searches and their extensive networks for candidate recruitment. They expressed a strong commitment to community engagement, ensuring that non-English speaking families would be accommodated during the search process. Additionally, the firms shared their strategies for mentoring new superintendents and managing the transition period effectively. The board expressed particular interest in how each firm would navigate the upcoming board election and incorporate diverse community input into the search process. Hazard Young and Associates was selected as the executive search firm for superintendent search.

Dr. Fitzgerald updated the Learning and Teaching Department on professional development. The Countywide Institute Day is February 28th. Details on the mentoring program, featuring a two-year teacher-mentor structure and a new book study on Lena Aguilar's "Onward," were shared. The science resource adoption process is still ongoing.

Dr. Filas updated on the FY26 budget, noting a 2.9% Consumer Price Index (CPI) and a double AA++ credit rating for the bond issue. The capital improvement plan has a positive balance of about $2 million. Updates also included a $50,000 grant for locker improvements.

Mr. Langton thanked Dr. Fitzgerald for his report on teaching and learning, emphasizing regular updates to keep the board and public informed. He acknowledged the selected executive search firm and announced a vote on the agreement for the March 10th meeting. He recognized Mrs. Snyder, the new social media manager, for distributing a parent survey to enhance stakeholder communication and reminded the board about the agreement with ABRE, with an update meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Lastly, Mr. Langton updated the board on draft seniority lists for licensed and support staff, shared with employees, who have until February 21st to propose edits, with final approval at the March 10th meeting.

• February 24, 2025: Special Board Meeting - B25 ReImagine
• February 28, 2025: CountyWide Institute Day
• March 5, 2025: DuPage Division Dinner

The Board voted unanimously to approve all District 25 financial reports presented by Business Manager Dr. Joel Filas.

Consent Agenda Approvals include:

• Approval of the Personnel Report

• Approval of the Accounts Payable

• Approval of all Payroll

The Board unanimously approved all action items presented by President Rogers.

The board discussed the possibility of live broadcasting future board meetings.

The next regular District 25 Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the District Administration Center Board Room, 28W250 St. Charles Road, West Chicago. Please enter through Door #16 no earlier than 6:45 p.m.