February 23, 2026 at 6:30 PM - Regular Board of Education Meeting

A. Call to Order

B. Pledge of Allegiance

C. The mission of Sunnybrook School District #171 is to maximize student achievement by cultivating: critical thinking skills, innovative instructional practices and a collaborative school, home and community partnership.

D. Roll Call

E. Any person wishing to address the board about an item that is on the agenda should do so when that item is up for discussion. Visitors' statements will be limited to two minutes per person. A total of 30 minutes will be allocated for visitor comments. All comments about items not on the agenda will be held until the Visitors' statements at the end of the meeting. Items related to personnel issues will be redirected to the appropriate Administrator. 

F. Recommended Motion:
To approve the Regular Board of Education meeting minutes of January 26, 2026, closed session minutes of January 26, 2026, February expenses and January payroll in the amount of $1,371,032.05, as presented.

G. Communications

H. Informational Items
FOIA Request:
Request from Retired Teachers Association requesting any certified teachers retiring in the 2025-2026 school year. 

Annual Investment Report

 

I. Board Reports

J. Administrator Reports:
Dr. Erika Millhouse Pettis, Superintendent
Dr. Lori Owens Stranc, Assistant Superintendent/Director of Curriculum
Mr. David Shrader, Chief School Business Official
Ms. Juliann Greene, Director of Pupil Services
Dr. Mike McGowan, Technology Director
Mrs. Chantelle Cambric, Principal, Heritage Middle School
Mr. Joseph Kent, Principal, Nathan Hale School

K. Recommended Motions:

K.1. Recommended Motion:
To renew our phone service and rLock contract for 5 years at a cost of $2,975 per month with Rival5, as presented. 

K.2. Recommended Motion:
To accept the retirement notice of Mrs. Terri Pasko, teacher, Nathan Hale School, effective at the end of the 2027-2028 school year, as presented. 

K.3. Recommended Motion:
To approve the Heritage Gym Wall Pad Replacement from E.T. Paddock Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $13,880, as presented. 

K.4. Recommended Motion:
To approve the employment of Ms. Elisa Talis, teacher, Nathan Hale School, covering two maternity leaves until the end of the 2025-2026 school year, effective February 9, 2026 (Kindergarten and 3rd grade). First year prorated for late start, based on Step 1 of lane BA for the 2025-2026 school year, salary of $51,126.00, as presented.

K.5. Recommended Motion:
To accept the retirement of Mr. Eugene Johnson, Custodian, Heritage Middle School, effective February 27, 2026, as presented.  

K.6. Recommended Motion: 
To approve the contract with WT Group AEC, LLC (WTG) for the construction phase civil engineering services for the proposed New Track and Field improvements at Heritage Middle School, as presented. 
 

K.7. Recommended Motion:
To approve all expenses for six board members to attend the NSBA (National School Board Association) Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas which will take place on April 10-12, 2026, as presented. 

K.8. Recommended Motion:
To approve the 2026 summer mowing and fertilizing services with American Lawn, as presented.

K.9. Recommended Motion:
To approve the ISBE calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, as presented. 

K.10. Recommended Motion:
To accept the Operational Funds Balance Compliance Report, as presented.

K.11. Recommended Motion:
To approve the three-year renewal for audit services with Baker Tilly US, LLP as presented.

K.12. Recommended Motion:
To accept the retirement of Ms. Carol Linvillle, Paraprofessional, Nathan Hale School, effective on the last day of school for the 2025-2026 school year, as presented.

L. Recommended Motion:
To move in to Closed Session for the purpose of the appointment, compensation, student discipline, performance for dismissal of specific employees of the district. 5ILCS 120/2 (c) (1). 

M. Visitors' Statements

N. Adjourn Meeting.