October 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order by President Chris VanSpeybroeck at 6:00 PM.

Discussion: 

Present: Amy Beeding, Kimberly Dyer, Debra Faralli, Evelyn Gay, Jessica Krol, Joann Snelling, Christopher VanSpeybroeck.

Absent: None

Kristin Humphries, Superintendent; Kelly Ronnebeck, Associate Superintendent for Student Achievement; Casey Kyser, Business Manager; Tracy Anderson, Human Resources Director; Jodi Sierra, Wells Principal; Charity Vesey-Upchurch, Wells Associate Principal; Blanca Leal, Director of English Learner and Diversity

Visitors: 9

 

Discussion:  The BOE received a thank-you card from Mark Honener and family for the memorial plant. 
 

Discussion: 

At this time, the President of the Board of Education recognized visitors and asked if any citizen of the community was interested in speaking to members of the Board of Education. Time allowed is generally limited to three minutes for each individual unless waived by the President. All individuals who wish to address the Board of Education must sign up in advance. The President may limit the opportunity to address the Board in cases where a person has previously addressed the Board on the same or related subject. Issues brought to the Board prior to being channeled through the proper chain of command will be referred back to the appropriate level.
 

Kylie Johnson spoke regarding a fake TikTok page created using her sister’s name and the school’s logo, which contained inappropriate content. She reported that her sister experienced harassment, threats, and removal from classes. Her family contacted the school and law enforcement; the page has since been removed.

Kylie expressed concern over the school’s initial response and communication, urging the board to review social media policies, student safety procedures, and family communication practices. District representatives acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, noted ongoing legal and investigative procedures, and encouraged continued communication with school administration.

 

Discussion:  The Board of Education received a FOIA request from Steve Watts, Janie Jordan from Data Research Partners, and two from Ana Calil. 

Discussion:  It was recommended that the minutes from the September regular meeting, Budget Hearing, and closed session be approved.

Discussion:  It was recommended that the Treasurer’s Report for September 2025 be approved subject to audit.

Discussion: 

It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the payment of bills listed, received during the month of September 2025, to be paid during the month of October 2025, and quick pays during the month of October 2025.

Education                        639,662.14
Community Wi-Fi                3,500.00
Building                              99,920.63
Transportation                  240,404.01
Capital Projects                  40,152.00
Tort Immunity LE               179,385.43
Insurance                               1541.67
Subtotal:                      $1,204,565.88

QUICK PAYS: 
Education  10                    $83,615.50
Building (20)                       $ 8,310.52
Transportation (40)             $ 6,830.97
Capital Projects                 $ 16,096.00                 
Community Wi-Fi              $ 12,279.80
Subtotal:                         $127,132.79

TOTAL:                       $1,331,698.67

Discussion:  It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the destruction of recordings from the Executive Session in March 2023.

Discussion: 

Bonnie White has been employed as a part-time SPED teacher at Wells Elementary, effective 9/22/2025.

Carlos Colin has been employed as a 5th-grade social studies teacher at Glenview Middle School, effective 10/14/2025. Mr. Colin was previously employed as an instructional aide at Glenview Middle School.

Bachir Djehiche has been employed as an ESL teacher at the elementary and middle school buildings, effective 10/23/2025.

Discussion:  Joseph Hoener has submitted a letter of intent to retire from his custodial position, effective 1/1/2026. Mr. Hoener will retire with 23.5 years of district service.

Discussion: 

Vjosa Beciri has been employed as a family educator at the Early Learning Center, effective 9/29/2025.

Jonathon Thies has been employed as a floater custodian, effective 10/20/2025.

Donald Lannen has been employed as a crossing guard at Ridgewood Elementary, effective 9/22/2025.

Victoria Little has been employed as a playground aide at Wells Elementary, effective 9/22/2025.

John Stickler has been employed as second shift maintenance, effective 9/21/2025. Mr. Stickler was previously employed as a supply clerk II. 

Davianna Morgan has been employed as an instructional aide at Wells Elementary, effective 10/3/2025.

Ma Luisa Falcon changed from a 3 hour kitchen helper to a 6.5 hour kitchen helper, effective 10/14/2025.

Discussion: 

Rhezlane Gourari has resigned from her instructional aide position at Glenview Middle School, effective 10/3/2025. 

Dean Bull has resigned his position as a 4-hour driver and playground aide at Ridgewood Elementary, effective 9/26/2025.

Ivonne Morales resigned from her position as a 4-hour bus monitor, effective 10/2/2025.

Aaron Johnson resigned from his instructional aide position at Hillcrest Elementary, effective 10/3/2025.

Dianna Casas resigned from her instructional aide position at the Early Learning Center, effective 10/3/2025.

Tina Houk resigned from her kitchen helper position at Glenview Middle School, effective 10/23/2025. 

Markus Murphy resigned from his assistant wrestling coaching position at Glenview Middle School, effective 10/22/2025.

Cody Brewster resigned from his position as a 4-hour bus driver, effective 10/23/2025. Mr. Brewster will remain employed with the district as a substitute driver.

Discussion: 

Jessica Genzmer submitted a request for an unpaid leave of absence from her teaching position at Bowlesburg Elementary through March 13, 2025. This request follows the use of allowable paid maternity leave.

Mercyvannunpar Zathang submitted a request for an unpaid leave of absence from her teaching position at Ridgewood Elementary, effective October 1, 2025, through the 25/26 school year.

Meghan DeBaillie has requested an extension of her previously approved leave of absence from her teaching position at Ridgewood Elementary through November 7, 2025.

Kristina Dodge has requested an unpaid leave of absence from her teaching position at Hillcrest Elementary from October 15, 2025, through December 19, 2025.

Discussion: 

Maria Cruz-Almanza submitted a request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a general kitchen helper through October 31, 2025. 

Caitlynne Navarro submitted a request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as an instructional aide at Bowlesburg Elementary. She will return to work on December 1, 2025.

Rachel Fosbinder submitted a request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a two-hour general kitchen helper from September 11, 2025, through September 26, 2025, then on October 22, 2025.

Ray Graham submitted a request for an unpaid leave of absence from his position as a mechanic in the transportation department through December 18, 2025.

Lisa Falcon submitted a request for an unpaid leave of absence from her position as an instructional aide at Ridgewood Elementary through December 9, 2025.

Tammy Crosby requested an unpaid leave of absence from her secretary position at Wells Elementary for .5 day on October 1, 2025.

Angela Cervantes requested an unpaid leave of absence from her instructional aide position at Wells Elementary from August 11, 2025, through September 5, 2025.

Trisha Johanson requested an unpaid leave of absence from her playground position at Glenview Middle School from August 13, 2025, through September 19, 2025.

Amy Sergeant requested an unpaid leave of absence from her secretary position at Wells Elementary on October 2, 202,5, and October 3, 2025.

Mitchell Gekas requested an unpaid leave of absence from his instructional aide position at Glenview Middle School on August 11, 2025.

Discussion: 

Enclosed with the Agenda Information were the September 2025 Activity Fund Report, the Budget Summary Expense Report, and the Budget Summary Revenue Report for September 2025.

Discussion:  The Foundation recently held its mini-grant ceremony, and East Moline School District had 21 mini-grants approved. These grants provide teachers with additional resources to enhance the learning experience, and our district was well represented.

Discussion: 

BHASED continues to provide professional learning and collaborate with member districts to address professional development needs. Recent training offered at BHASED included sessions with the Special Education coordinators and the Behavior Regulation team. A trunk retreat is scheduled at BHASED on Wednesday.

Discussion:  None

Discussion: 

Wells Elementary shared updates on their participation in the United for Schools initiative, a partnership between United Way, West Cities, Communities in Schools, and East Point School District 37. The program, which began in January with the hiring of site coordinator Tracy Hadley, focuses on supporting students in three key areas: attendance, behavior, and academics, with Wells currently emphasizing behavior.

Mr. Hadley provides direct support to a caseload of 25 students identified as needing additional behavioral and social-emotional support. Supports include structured interventions during recess, classroom assistance, and individualized check-ins, helping students transition from unregulated to regulated states and preventing classroom disruptions. Since the program’s implementation, referrals have significantly decreased from 558 last year to 474 this year, demonstrating a positive impact on both students and staff capacity.

Additional supports introduced by Mr. Hadley include a lunch group program, mentorship opportunities with community professionals and high school students, and the development of an on-site school pantry to provide food resources for families. Wells Elementary also hosted a successful Fall Fest event to promote community engagement.

Principal Sierra highlighted that Mr. Hadley’s coordination and impact have been instrumental in implementing these supports and enhancing the school environment.

Discussion: 

The Latinx Club at Glenview Middle School fosters a sisterhood, or hermanas, that celebrates Latinx culture, history, and identity while empowering members to give back to the community. The club is open to all students and provides a positive circle of support and belonging.

Over the past few years, members have focused their leadership efforts on addressing period poverty at Glenview. The group created and distributed discreet pouches filled with period products for every classroom, office, and after-school location. These pouches ensure that students can access needed supplies quickly, maintain dignity, and minimize classroom interruptions. The club raises funds through T-shirt and sweatshirt sales, with 100% of proceeds supporting this initiative.

Recently, the Rock Island County Democratic Women’s Club donated a large quantity of period products to sustain the effort. In addition, the students identified a need for underwear and black leggings, which are now available through the school nurse to further support students’ comfort and dignity.

The Latinx Club was awarded an IEA SCORE Grant in August to expand their outreach. Members and their families will be selling churros on November 15 at the Mercado on 5th building from 12:00 p.m. to noon, with all proceeds reinvested into their projects. Their work continues to promote leadership, empathy, and empowerment among students.

Discussion: 

The district continues the implementation of the new attendance boundaries approved in August. Families will receive letters by the end of October indicating their child’s assigned school for 2025-26, with accurate information for those receiving specialized services. Transfer requests are now open through May 1 via a Google Form on the district website.
Transportation planning is underway, with new routes expected to be finalized by March. The district is collaborating with local municipalities to ensure safe walking routes and will notify families in the spring whether they are in a bus or walking zone. Staffing reviews will continue through January and March to align classroom sections and support staff with enrollment needs.

Administration provided updates on staffing and programming as part of the redistricting process. Ridgewood Elementary will have three full-time counselors to ensure equitable caseloads, while smaller elementary schools will retain full-time counselors. Office and nursing support were also reviewed. Internal postings for newly created positions have closed, and staff will be notified of assignments before the second round of postings to reduce uncertainty.

Elementary exploratory offerings will include PE, science, music, art, and library. Ridgewood will have dedicated teachers for each subject, while smaller schools will share staff, with librarians teaching both library and art. Music instruction will continue, with a slight reduction in class time, and the district plans to maintain programs such as mariachi in the future. Curriculum plans for art and library integration will be shared to ensure instructional depth and alignment with standards.

Administration provided updates on Ridgewood Elementary staffing, programming, and redistricting plans. Ridgewood will have three full-time counselors to ensure equitable caseloads, while smaller elementary schools retain full-time counselors; office and nursing support were also reviewed. Staff notifications for new positions are underway, with a second round of postings planned to reduce uncertainty. Exploratory programs will include PE, science, music, art, and library, with Ridgewood having dedicated teachers and smaller schools sharing staff. Preliminary playground design concepts are being developed, and cost estimates will be shared with staff and families for input once finalized. Monthly collaboration with the union will begin in January to plan safe and equitable bus routes. Work continues on the East Moline New School student profile, incorporating student and parent feedback to guide future decision-making. Strategic plan efforts under staff excellence remain focused on long-term stability and benefits, while administrative attention continues on redistricting and staffing.

Discussion:  The administration provided an update on the district’s communications efforts, highlighting the development of content creation teams in each school. This initiative aims to increase visibility of school-level events and classroom activities while ensuring consistent messaging across the district. Previously, communications relied on individual staff, but with these teams, content is created closer to the source, then reviewed and approved by the principal to ensure student privacy and appropriateness. Parent surveys conducted during the last parent-teacher conferences indicated that families want more information about their child’s school in addition to district-wide updates. The district plans to survey families again in the upcoming months to assess improvements and identify areas for growth. All social media responses to inquiries are currently handled by one internal staff member, who addresses general questions and directs more complex concerns as needed. Additionally, the district is exploring improvements to the website to better serve families who speak languages other than English, including real-time communication capabilities as a possibility in the future. These efforts align with the strategic plan and reflect ongoing work to enhance communication with families, staff, and the community, with continued support and leadership from the communications team.

Discussion:  Business Manager Casey Kyser provided an update on the 2025 tentative Equalized Assessed Valuation, which is $500,824,203, reflecting a 7.05% increase from the previous year. Based on this EAV, the district’s maximum calculated tax rate is projected to decrease, marking the ninth consecutive year of a slight reduction. Due to the EAV increase exceeding 5%, a Truth in Taxation public hearing will be held at the December Board Meeting. The estimated 2025 tax levy is $18,338,145, a 1.09% increase over 2024. Final levy figures, including allocations for IMRF, Social Security, and Tort Immunity, will be presented to the Board in December for approval.

Discussion:  The Board recognized Principal Appreciation Month, highlighting the dedication and hard work of the district’s building leaders, including principals, associate principals, and administrative interns. The Superintendent acknowledged the daily challenges these leaders face, often managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously, making on-the-spot decisions, and working long hours, sometimes extending into the late afternoon, to ensure the needs of both staff and students are met. The Board expressed sincere gratitude for their tireless efforts, commitment, and leadership, publicly thanking all building leaders for their contributions to the success of the district.

Discussion: 

The Superintendent acknowledged public input received at the previous board meeting and shared a follow-up regarding board agendas. After feedback from a community member, the Superintendent researched practices from other districts, particularly those using BoardBook, and noted that there are options to publish board agendas with all attachments, including financials, in advance. The Superintendent and his administrative assistant will learn how to implement this feature to ensure accuracy and completeness. They plan to have the process in place by January, with the goal of providing more transparent and accessible information for the public, while ensuring the implementation is done correctly.

The Superintendent acknowledged the work of the English Learners team and school staff and expressed pride in both the EL students and the educators who support them. A question had been raised regarding a student, and the Superintendent shared that MS. Blanca Leal and her team facilitated a meeting with the student’s parent. This was the first direct outreach from the school to the parent, and the meeting was reported as very positive. The parent appreciated the discussion, and the teacher gained valuable insight into the student’s needs and classroom support. The Superintendent emphasized that all students receive attention and support, regardless of whether concerns are brought to a board meeting. The board was assured that staff take all concerns seriously and are committed to providing the best education possible. Families and teachers are encouraged to communicate openly with the district, and the Superintendent reaffirmed that their doors are always open for collaboration and advocacy on behalf of students.

The United Education Foundation hosted its annual Grant Awards Ceremony, an event that highlights the creativity and dedication of our teachers and staff. The ceremony recognizes the variety of projects submitted and funded by the Foundation, reflecting the commitment of staff to enrich the learning experience for students. This year’s grant awardees included Julie Beciri, Joe Brown, Sarah Drake, Jenny Darnall, Jen Claeys, Suzanne Farren, Rachel Foust, Jessica Genzmer, Jennifer Greene, Amber Hackett, Sarah Link, Jennifer McLeod, Megan Miller, Elizabeth Otten, Jen Neff, Stephanie Roselieb, Victoria Richardson, Amber Rumler, Rebecca Rumler, Tara Schofield, and Courtenay Spencer. Each recipient wrote a grant proposal to secure $300 to support projects that positively impact student learning. The Superintendent expressed gratitude to all awardees for investing their time, vision, and passion in the district, and acknowledged those who were able to attend the ceremony in person to receive their awards.

Discussion:  The Board of Education was asked to authorize the administration to pay four board bills for November. As there will be no regular board meeting during the month, the administration requested approval to process these payments in advance. A complete report of all bills paid will be provided to the Board at the December meeting.

Discussion: 

The Board received an update regarding the district’s upcoming health insurance renewal. The administration reported that national trends have shown a significant increase in insurance renewal rates, with the average reported at approximately 18%, reflecting ongoing challenges in the health insurance market. The district’s insurance committee, which includes representatives from all employee groups, union leaders, and business office staff, has been meeting regularly since June to evaluate the district’s options and assess associated risks.

The committee discussed the district’s transition from a partially self-insured plan to a fully insured plan. Historically, the district moved to a partially self-insured model due to changes in federal tax law and the Affordable Care Act, which allowed for cost savings compared to fully insured plans. However, the current structure carries a higher level of financial risk, particularly in light of recent large claims and the possibility of negative balances in the healthcare fund, which could impact other areas of the district budget. Continuing as self-insured was determined to pose an unacceptable risk. The committee also considered the financial implications of the "runout" process, whereby claims incurred prior to the transition continue to be billed for several months after moving to a fully insured plan. The estimated runout liability for making the transition at this time is approximately $600,000, whereas delaying the transition until the following year could increase the liability substantially, potentially up to $18 million.

Several fully insured options were reviewed. The district could maintain the current deductible structure, increase deductibles, or implement a high-deductible plan paired with a secondary "difference card" product, which functions as an insurance overlay to cover out-of-pocket expenses up to a set actuarial estimate. This option is intended to reduce premiums while still covering employee healthcare needs. Administration emphasized that the difference card funds are not held in individual accounts but are applied as claims occur. Employees would continue to have access to traditional FSAs. The committee also reviewed the competitiveness of the district’s benefits relative to surrounding districts, noting that while current premiums are slightly higher, the district has historically offered lower deductibles and richer benefits, which supports staff recruitment and retention.

The administration outlined that any solution adopted this year would serve as a short-term measure to manage costs and risks. While the committee anticipates mitigating immediate premium increases, it cautioned that substantial increases could occur in future years due to ongoing market uncertainty. Cash flow considerations were also discussed, with plans to allocate sufficient funds to cover runout liabilities while maintaining operational stability.

Following the detailed discussion, the Board was asked to authorize the administration to execute the insurance renewal after the insurance committee makes its final recommendation, which is expected following their meeting on November 5th. The Board acknowledged the complexity of the decision and the committee’s efforts to balance fiscal responsibility, risk management, and employee benefit competitiveness.

 

Discussion:  The Board of Education was informed at the September budget hearing of a projected budget deficit of $669,284 in the Transportation Fund. Typically, a permanent transfer would be requested around December or January; however, the district’s cash flow analysis indicated that the Transportation Fund could experience a negative cash balance if the State of Illinois did not release the anticipated transportation claim reimbursements by the end of October. To proactively avoid a cash shortfall, administration recommended a permanent transfer of $600,000 from the Working Cash Fund to the Transportation Fund. During the meeting, it was reported that the district had received the expected transportation funds from the state, alleviating the immediate cash flow concern. Nevertheless, the transfer was still recommended to ensure financial stability and to avoid the need to return to the board later in the year should cash flow issues arise.