Rockford Sun

Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 Board of Education met Sept. 15.

Here is the agenda provided by the board:

A. Call Regular Meeting of the Board of Education to Order

1. Call to Order

2. Appoint Secretary Pro Tem

B. Closed Executive Session of the Board of Education from Section 2 of the Open Meetings Act

1. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body - 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) 

2. Security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public property - 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8) 

3. Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting - 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) 

C. Reconvene in Open Session 

1. Call to Order

2. Meeting Norms & Board Protocols

3. Approval of the Agenda

D. Public Hearing Regarding District 100's Final 2025-2026 Budget

1. District 100's Final Annual 2025-2026 Budget

E. District Celebrations 

1. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program 

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a free monthly book gifting program that mails high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children from birth to age 5, regardless of family income. The goal is to inspire a love of reading, promote early literacy, and give children the best possible start in life.

"Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of a child's future success in school and in life," said Dr. Joy Bauman, Early Childhood Principal. "By putting books into the hands of our youngest learners, we are investing in the future of our community." 

Locally, the initiative is being facilitated by the Boone County Community Foundation, and Belvidere School District's 100 and 200. A fund has been established through the Boone County Community Foundation to ensure the program's long-term sustainability. 

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library began in 1005 and has since become a global program, mailing over 200 million books to children in the U.S. and abroad. "We're thrilled to help bring this incredible program to Boone County," said Melissa Erickson, executive director of the Boone County Community Foundation. "By working together, our community can make a lifelong difference for our youngest residents." 

2. Gold Circle of Quality 

On behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education, they are pleased to recognize the Circle of Quality that District 100's Preschool for All/Preschool for All Expansion (PFA/PFAE) program has achieved in ExceleRate Illinois, the state’s quality recognition and improvement system for early learning and development programs. ExceleRate unifies all the state’s early learning programs under a common set of standards across multiple settings to provide families with important information about quality early learning programs in their community.

ExceleRate Illinois is anchored by a set of standards that focus on early learning and development and places a high priority on instructional excellence, family services, staff qualifications, professional development, and program administration. Central to its design is the recognition of multiple forms of evidence to meet the universal standards. Evidence is obtained through the monitoring visits conducted through National Louis University’s contract with the Illinois State Board of Education. During these monitoring visits, assessors collect evidence using the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale-Third Edition (ECERS-3) and the ISBE Compliance Checklist. Each program site is awarded an ExceleRate Circle of Quality based on its Compliance and ECERS-3 scores. 

Based on your most recent monitoring results, your PFA/PFAE site, Washington Academy and Caledonia Elementary School, has achieved the Gold Circle of Quality. This will serve as your active rating in ExceleRate and replaces any previous rating. A certificate to recognize this award was sent from Illinois Network of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies (INCCRRA). 

To learn more about ExceleRate Illinois, including the specific requirements for each Circle of Quality, visit www.excelerateillinoisproviders.com. A website that provides parents and families with information to assist them in making early care and education decisions can be found at www.excelerateillinois.com.

Together, we will make a difference for all children in Illinois.

3. College Board's 2025 National Recognition Award

The College Board recognized 15 current Belvidere High School, and 15 Belvidere North High School students as part of the Big Future National Recognition Program. These students were eligible for recognition based on their GPA of B+ or higher and their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT Exam (Top 10% in their school) and/or on AP Exams completed during their 9th and 10th grade years. There are three award categories: the First Generation Recognition Award, the Rural and Small Town Recognition Award, and the School Recognition Award. 

Please help us celebrate the following students and the specific awards they have earned.

Belvidere High School

 Edgar Alfaro - First Generation Recognition Award

 Joslyn Cnota - School Recognition Award

 Brianna Dillion - School Recognition Award

 Victor Flores - School Recognition Award

 Addyson Forman - School Recognition Award

 Matthew Lasiowski - School Recognition Award

 Rory Miller - School Recognition Award

 Roberto Ochoa - School Recognition Award

 Melanie Pacheco - School Recognition Award

 Joshua Perez - School Recognition Award

 Elle Rhode - School Recognition Award

 Cadyn Shrontz - School Recognition Award

 Keegan Sweeney - School Recognition Award

 Andrew Wooten - School Recognition Award

 Jackson Wooten - School Recognition Award

Belvidere North High School

 Hannah Bartlett - School, Rural & Small-Town Recognition Award

 Jonas Blair - School Recognition Award

 Thomas Decker - School Recognition Award

 Rae DeWall - School, Rural & Small-Town Recognition Award

 Lauren Elliott - School, Rural & Small-Town Recognition Award

 Isaac Erwin - School Recognition Award

 Lukas Hoemke - School Recognition Award

 Austin Lindell - School Recognition Award

 Ellen Logli - School Recognition Award

 Kaleigh Lovell - School, Rural & Small-Town Recognition Award

 Benjamin Meyers - School, Rural & Small-Town Recognition Award

 Eric Poon - School, Rural & Small-Town Recognition Award

 Zachary Rediger - School Recognition Award

 Keeley Richardson - School Recognition Award

 Bridgette Schoenwolf - School Recognition Award

4. Best High School Winner - Belvidere North High School

Belvidere North High School earned high National and metro-area rankings in 2025-2026 Best High Schools, which U.S. News released on August 19, 2025. Here is Belvidere North’s updated U.S. News profile page, with details about its rankings: 

By earning a national ranking in the top 40%, Belvidere North High School achieved status as a U.S. News Best High School and gained eligibility to display a U.S. News-trademarked 2025-2026 Best High Schools award “badge” (logo).

5. Frozen 

For the first time in history, Belvidere High School and Belvidere North High School will be presenting a cross-town performance of the musical, Frozen in February! Be watching for more information to come!

6. Board Shout Outs Description: The following people have been nominated by their peers for going above and beyond in District 100! Thank you all so much for continuing to send in your shout outs to recognize our outstanding staff here in D100. 

 Dr. Phillip Vermillion, Belvidere North High School - The documents that he turns in to us for payments/reimbursements/refunds, etc., are always absolute perfection. He keeps track of things incredibly well and documents everything. He has got to be one of the most organized teachers we have had the pleasure of working with. We are just so grateful for all the work he puts into everything. He is a model teacher for best practices when it comes to paperwork sent over to Central Office. Thank you so much for everything you do Mr. Vermillion - we appreciate you! Keep up all the great work! Submitted by Kelsey Mark

7. Board Celebrations

F. Student Council Reports

1. Belvidere High School

G. Board of Education Committee Reports

1. Business Services Committee Meeting - September 2

2. Educational Services Committee Meeting - September 3

3. Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee Meeting - September 12

H. Hearing of Visitors

1. Public Comment - Limit to THREE (3) Minutes of Speaking

I. Consent Action Items

1. Approval of Consent Agenda Items

2. Minutes

 Special Meeting of the Board of Education - August 18, 2025 

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - August 18, 2025

 Executive Session of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - August 18, 2025 

3. Personnel Report 

Background: Policy 5.30 requires the Superintendent to make hiring recommendations to the Board of Education. Policy 5.200 requires the Superintendent to make dismissal recommendations to the Board of Education.

4. Financial Reports 

Policy 4.10 requires the Superintendent or designee to supply monthly financial reports. Included in this report are year-to-date and month-to-date revenue and expenditure reports, fund balance report, investment report, and grant payments

5. Bills

Background: Policy 4.50 requires the Superintendent or designee to supply monthly due and payable bills. Included in this report are:

 Board Payables

 Paid Since Last Meeting

6. Facilities Master Plan & Nexus Update

Approve the Partnership Development Agreement (PDA) with Nexus 

7. FY26 Copy Paper Bid

Approval by the full Board of the FY2026 annual copy paper bid to Contract Paper Group at $66,960 for 50 skids of paper, with delivery to multiple locations, on demand for 2-3 skids at a time, with a 48-hour turnaround time. 

8. Frazil Slush Program 

The Business Services Committee discussed and recommend to bring this item forward for the board to approve with the following conditions:

1. 8 oz servings only

2. Sold only during lunch periods

3. Only serve options with natural food coloring

Recommendation to the Board to approve.

9. Orland Park Dental Services

The district utilizes Orland Park Dental every year to provide free dental services for students who qualify and have parent permission to receive such services.

 The attached contract is presented annually for the continuation of those services.

 There are no changes to the contract from previous years.

Orland Park.pdf

Superintendent Recommendation: Approve attached requests.

10. 2026 Graduation Date

The Graduation Venue Selection Committee is recommending that the class of 2026 (and beyond), hold its graduation ceremony at the BMO Center. The best date available for the class of 2026 is Sunday May 17th . 

Approve the administration to enter an agreement with the BMO Center to host the class of 2026’s graduation ceremonies on Sunday May 17th.

11. Request to Establish an Activity Fund Sub Account - PA Crosstown Productions 

It is a request from the BNHS and BHS performing arts departments to establish an account to keep track of funds for any crosstown productions without confusion of using individual building-level accounts. 

Approval of Establishing a Crosstown Performing Arts Sub Account

12. Excess Property Disposal - Instruments SMS 

Policy 4:80 requires the Board of Education to approve the disposal of District Property. South Middle Schools seeks approval to dispose of musical instruments that are no longer repairable. 

Recommendation to the Board to approve. 

13. Excess Property Disposal - BNHS Construction Equipment

14. Excess Property Disposal - BNHS CTE

Recommendation to the Board to approve.

15. Overnight Field Trip Request

Policy 6:240 requires student activities involving travel in which the trip will require an overnight stay to receive Board approval, at a minimum of one month, prior to the field trip. Included in this report are such activities

 October 29 - November 1, 2025, Belvidere High School FFA to Indianapolis, IN

 January 11-12, 2026, Belvidere High School Vocal Music Department to Decorah, IA

 January 28 - 31, 2026, Belvidere North High School Music Department to Peoria, IL

Superintendent Recommendation: Approve attached requests.

16. Request for Fundraisers

Background: Policy 8:80 requires individuals to obtain a preacceptance commitment from the Board of Education for any fundraising attempt identifying the District or any school as a beneficiary if the gifts will exceed $1000. Below are such fundraising activities seeking a pre-acceptance commitment.

 Belvidere High School Poms Team - Funds2Orgs Shoe Drive

 Belvidere High School DECA - Double Good Fundraiser 

 Belvidere North High School Choir - Fannie May Gourmet Candies

 Belvidere High School Girls Volleyball - Adrenaline

 Belvidere High School Football - Adrenaline Card Fundraiser 

Superintendent Recommendation: Approve attached requests. 

17. Donations

Background: Policy 8:80 denotes that upon acceptance, all gifts to the district become district property, and that the acceptance of a gift is not an endorsement by the Board, District, or school of any product, service, activity, or program. The Board of Education recognizes the following and accepts their gifts as listed.

 Muffins and two packs of ice coffee from Tory Suehs for Seth Whitman ABC Program 

 $150 from Aly Beck-Author for Seth Whitman ABC Program 

Superintendent Recommendation: Accept listed donations.

J. Roll Call Action Items

1. IASB Delegate Assembly

Each year District 100 selects a delegate to represent our school board at the IASB Delegate Assembly! Delegates will vote on the proposed resolution and 10 proposed amendments to the IASB Constitution and elect IASB officers. The Delegate Assembly takes place November 22 at 10:30 a.m., the Saturday morning during the Joint Annual Conference in Chicago.

The benefits of electing a delegate include:

 Save time at Conference

 Registered delegate will receive email updates regarding webinars and other important information and reminders about Delegate Assembly

2. Approval of 2025-2026 School District Scorecard

identifies growth targets for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each of the five goals of our strategic plan. Throughout the year, the scorecard provides information that tracks our progress in each goal and strategy. The proposed Smart Sheets multi-year scorecard can be viewed by following this link along with a 2025 - 2026 scorecard document that can be viewed by following this link. 2025 - 2026 School District Scorecard

Approve the 2025 – 2026 District 100 scorecards as submitted.

3. Elementary School Time Study

As a part of Goal 2 of the Strategic Plan, the Ed Services committee conducted a comprehensive review of how we allocate instructional time at the elementary level and the conditions needed for academic and social emotional growth.

4. Community Solar Farm RFP Recommendation Community Solar RFP

Approve Nexamp for District Community Solar Provider

5. Resignation and Release Agreement for Employee 091525-A

6. District 100's Final Annual 2025-2026 Budget

Adoption of the FY2026 budget as presented.

7. Superintendent Goals

Task-Oriented

 Facilities Master Plan - implementation and Phase 2

 Safety Audit/Plan

 Inclusion Research Study

 Strategic Plan - operationalizing and next steps

 Family and Community Partnerships

Data-Oriented (SMART) - Benchmark Districts (3 year targets)

 Graduation Rate

 Math Achievement

 ELA Achievement

 Achievement Gaps - SPED and EL

K. Board Discussion

1. Vision

D100 - student-first, inclusive and community strong—where every child thrives every day.

2. Board Workshops 

Since the last meeting, board and cabinet members have begun suggesting topics for possible Board Workshops. These workshops would give the board dedicated time outside of regular meetings to take a deeper look at important issues, share ideas, and review information together. The proposal is to begin holding them every other month starting in October. 

The Board will be discussing Board Meeting rotations

3. Policy Committee Update – Policy 1:30 School District Philosophy 

The Policy Committee has reviewed Policy 1:30, School District Philosophy, and suggested updates to align the policy with the district’s current Mission Statement and Core Values. The revised draft is scheduled to return to the committee in October; however, we are sharing it with the full Board at this time to invite feedback and suggestions before it is sent back to the committee for further review.

4. Upcoming Contract Renewals & Reports

Submitted By: Dr. Schug

Description: Linked here is a list of annual reports and contracts.

Administration is working to add contracts in excess of $25,000 to this list for regular review by the board.

Below are contracts in excess of $25,000 that will possibly need future approval that are being reviewed for the list as well.

 Capital Expenditures

 Curriculum Renewals

 Content Filtration Renewal

 Microsoft Renewal

 ClassLink Integration

 iStation Renewal

 Elevation Renewal

 Learning A-Z

L. Administration Reports

1. Superintendent Comments

2. Strategic Plan Updates

Submitted By: Dr. Schug

Description: Each month the administration will provide a review of the District's progress to achieve the goals of the strategic plan. Each goal is aligned to a committee, and at each meeting of each committee, the progress on that goal will be shared with the committee for feedback and reflections.

 Goal 1: Academic Achievement and Growth - Educational Services Committee

 Goal 2: Learning Environment - Educational Services Committee

 Goal 3: Family and Community Partnerships - Parent Teacher Advisory Committee

 Goal 4: Policy and Personnel - Premier Workforce

 Goal 5: Operational Resources - Business Services and Long Term Facilities Planning

This monthly presentation, the District's scorecard, and the Schools' Scorecard provide key updates about the school district's progress to implement the strategic plan. 

3. Updated Performance Levels and Proficiency Benchmarks ISBE adopted new performance levels to give students, families, and educators better data on academic achievement and college/career readiness. Prior performance levels mislabeled students, often indicating that the students were less academically successful and prepared for college than they actually were. New benchmarks were created to correct long-standing alignment. (Per ISBE) Updated Performance Levels and Proficiency Benchmark

4. District 100 Seniority Report (as of 8/29/25) 

Here is a breakdown of each bargaining unit's seniority reports to start the school year. These are revised throughout the year and shared with union leadership. They are also accessible under the staff bookmarks area---SOP Knowledge Base---HR---D100 Seniority Lists

5. Sixth Day Enrollment Figures for the 2025-2026 School Year

6. School Activity Reports

7. Department Highlights

8. FOIA Log

9. A Look Ahead to Upcoming Board Meeting & Events

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - October2

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - October 20

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - November 6

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - November 17

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - December 4

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - December 15

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - January 20

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education – February 5

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - February 17

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - March 5

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - March 16

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - April 2

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - April 20

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - May 7

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - May 18

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - June 4

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - June 15

M. Closed Executive Session of the Board of Education from Section 2 of the Open Meetings Act

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - November 17

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - December 4

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - December 15

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - January 20

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education – February 5

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - February 17

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - March 5

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - March 16

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - April 2

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - April 20

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - May 7

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - May 18

 Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education - June 4

 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education - June 15

M. Closed Executive Session of the Board of Education from Section 2 of the Open Meetings Act

1. The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body - 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) 

2. Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting - 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11)

N. Reconvene in Open Session

1. Call to Order

O. Roll Call Action Items

1. Superintendent Goals

Task-Oriented

 Facilities Master Plan - implementation and Phase 2

 Safety Audit/Plan

 Inclusion Research Study

 Strategic Plan - operationalizing and next steps

 Family and Community Partnerships

Data-Oriented (SMART) - Benchmark Districts (3 year targets)

 Graduation Rate

 Math Achievement

 ELA Achievement

 Achievement Gaps - SPED and EL

P. Adjournment

1. Motion to Adjourn

https://district100.community.highbond.com/portal/