Approval of Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
During a public hearing, Superintendent Mark Cross reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, with no changes from what was originally presented at the August meeting. The budget includes a relatively small total deficit of just over $185,000, excluding planned capital improvements as the district continues to execute its facilities plan. This follows a healthy surplus at the close of FY25, as the school district has continued to build its fund balances and improve our financial standing over the last several years. Excluding estimated expenditures related to planned facility improvements, the total expenditure budget for FY26 is just under $15.5 million.

Superintendent Search Update
The Board heard that there are 29 applications so far for the vacancy created when Mr. Cross retires next June. This is a strong number with over two weeks still remaining until the October 10 application deadline. After work with the screening consultants, the Board will review candidates in October, will be interviewing finalists during the month of November, and is expected to announce the next superintendent in December. The new superintendent will officially begin duties July 1, 2026.

Update and Discussion Regarding Joining an Educational Benefit Cooperative
Mr. Cross reviewed a resolution that would authorize membership in the Educational Benefit Cooperative. The EBC is a large Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance consortium of approximately 135 school districts. As a small district, membership in the cooperative may put the district in a better position to maintain a strong insurance program for teachers and staff, with hopefully less fluctuation in premiums. The EBC has been in place since the 1980s.

Discussion Regarding Phase III Facility Planning
The Board discussed the potential for Phase III facility planning, which would be for work expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. The Board authorized Mr. Cross and the Facilities Committee to vet proposed projects with the school district architects for further review later this fall. Potential Phase III improvements under consideration can be found on the Facility and Safety Planning page.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education …

• Adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget
• Approved four construction change orders totaling approximately $180,000
• Approved the employee health, dental, and vision insurance renewal
• Approved a resolution authorizing membership in the Educational Benefit Cooperative
• Approved the District Concussion Oversight Team members

Welcome New Teachers and Staff
Principals Katie Doyle and Christine Marcinkewicz introduced the new 2025-26 staff members at Concord Elementary and Cass Junior High Schools. There are 17 new employees to start the school year, and the Board of Education welcomed 3rd grade teacher Jamie Adams, Concord teacher assistant Maddie Canong, Concord assistant principal Megan Conlin, Cass STEAM teacher Kelly Henrikson, Cass social worker Rozie Hornig, Cass teacher assistant Nicole Klein, Cass special education teacher Bryan Koh, Cass permanent substitute teacher Rebecca Kondrisack, Cass ELA teacher Alayna Krajack-Chavez, Cass nurse Amy Lesnicki, Concord teacher assistant Nicole Linarez, Concord special education teacher Jessica McGinness, Concord teacher assistant Danielle Moring, Concord bus driver, custodian, and assistant Gina Negrete, Cass ELA teacher Lauren Niedziela, Cass musica teacher Gretchen Stanfa, and Concord teacher assistant Rubaiyat Tasnova.

Superintendent Search Update
With the retirement of Superintendent Mark Cross next summer, the Board is planning the hiring process of the next superintendent. Part of that planning was the recent community and staff survey, which had an excellent response and provided the Board with great feedback. Cathie Pezanoski and Bob Carlo will be assisting the Board as screening consultants to narrow the applicant pool down based on the characteristics and leadership profile the Board develops, as well as the pre-screening interviews and background checks that will be conducted on the candidates.

It is expected that the vacancy announcement and job posting will go out next week, with an application deadline of October 10. The screening and interviewing of candidates will take place in October and November, prior to the announcement and hiring of the next superintendent in December. The selected candidate will transition with Mr. Cross over the course of the following six months before officially taking over duties on July 1, 2026.

Board Approves Tentative Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
Mr. Cross reviewed the tentative fiscal year 2026 budget, which has a small total deficit of just over $185,000, excluding planned capital improvements as the district continues to execute its facilities plan. This follows a healthy surplus in the final FY25 fiscal year, as the school district has continued to build its fund balances and improve our financial standing over the last several years. Excluding estimated expenditures related to planned facility improvements, the total expenditure budget for FY26 is just under $15.5 million.

The Board established a public budget hearing for Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the District Community Room. Following the hearing, the Board will consider final approval of the FY25 budget.

In Other Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

• Approved the FY26 tentative budget and approved holding the public budget hearing on Tuesday, September 23, at 7:00 p.m.
• Approved changes to the 2025-26 teacher evaluation plan
• Approved the district behavioral threat assessment procedures
• Approve Cathie Pezanoski and Bob Carlo as superintendent search screening consultants

Public Hearing for Amended Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Superintendent Mark Cross presented an amended budget for fiscal year 2025 to account for unanticipated special transportation costs, as well as costs from Phase II and the recent awarding of an energy tax credit resulting from the geothermal HVAC project. The total increase in budgeted expenditures is $113,000 in the transportation fund and $748,000 in the capital projects fund. There was an increase in revenue of $2,865,042 from the recent award of the federal energy tax credit, as well as a matching school maintenance grant of $50,000, both in the capital projects fund.

Superintendent Search Process and Timeline
Mr. Cross has announced his plans to retire in June of 2026, and the Board is planning for the search process and timeline to get the best possible candidate to lead the district. The process will begin with a formal announcement from Board President Lana Johnson in late July, when a search survey will be sent out to parents, staff, and the local community. The survey will assist the Board in developing a candidate profile before the position is formally posted. It is expected that the application deadline will be in mid-October, followed by the screening and vetting of candidates in October and November, and the formal appointment in December. The new superintendent will transition with Mr. Cross for the following six months, and will take over on July 1, 2026.

Presentation of Strategic Plan Progress Review
The Board of Education reviewed progress on the district’s Vision 2025 Strategic Plan. Adopted in 2021, the plan includes three pillars and 21 indicators of success to provide the Board with an overview of progress made since the last update in January 2025. Mr. Cross shared several updates, including significant growth on indicators 2A, 2F, 2G, 3C, and 3F. Previous six month progress reviews are also provided below.

In Other Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

• Adopted the amended fiscal year 2025 budget
• Approved recommendations for employment of Cass Junior High nurse Amy Lesnicki, Concord 3rd grade teacher Jamie Adams, and Concord special education teacher Jessica McGinness for the 2025-26 school year
• Accepted the resignation of Cass Junior High STEAM teacher Matt Etherington, who will be the next assistant principal at Mark DeLay Elementary School
• Approved 2025-26 school lunch prices at $4.00 for students
• Approved recommended Board policy updates
• Authorized Mr. Cross to approve summer 2025 facilities project change orders, per legal requirements

New Board Member Fiyaz Khan
The Board of Education has selected and seated Mr. Fiyaz Khan as the newest member of the Board of Education. He is replacing Liz Mitha, who recently won a seat on the Hinsdale High School District 86 Board. Mr. Khan is a bank executive and lives in Darien with his wife Shafaque, and their two children. We welcome Mr. Khan and thank him for his willingness to serve in this role.

Recognition of Retirees
At the May 20 Board meeting, President Lana Johnson and Superintendent Mark Cross recognized the following staff members who will be retiring at the close of the 2024-25 school year.

Joe Messina – Bus Driver and Custodian, 11 years
Dr. Laura Anderson – Concord Principal, 18 years
Audrey Vaci – Cass and Concord Teacher, 31 years
Jenn Callahan – Cass Teacher, 33 years
Karen Hyder – Concord Teacher, 33 years
Becky Kriz – Cass Teacher, 35 years

These six people represent 161 years of service to our school district and community! Each have made an immeasurable impact on not only generations of students, but also our school district. We wish all six the best as they enter a new and exciting adventure of retirement. Congratulations!

Recognition for Years of Service
The Board also recognized employees who have reached the following milestone years of service in Cass School District 63:

5 Years – Pete Alt, Jessica Cahill, Jessica Chapman, Mark Cross, Kelsey Daniluk, Donna Gerren, Danielle Hosman, Tina Milutinovic, and Michelle Roberts
10 Years – Lia Lamb and Kristyn McElligott
15 Years – Lauren Holder and Scott Kondraschow
20 Years – Deb Dolehide and Karen Mosquera
25 Years – Jim Bundy and Jane York
35 Years – Becky Kriz

Congratulations and thank you to all of these district team members for their service to our students and school district!

Amended Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Mr. Cross presented a tentative amended budget for fiscal year 2025 to account for unanticipated transportation and planned capital project related expenses. There will be a public hearing regarding the amended budget on June 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

In Other Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

• Accepted the resignations of Concord special education teacher Julia Holbert and Cass nurse Sarah Acitelli effective at the close of the 2024-25 school year.
• Approved the tentative amended budget for fiscal year 2025
• Approved the Board agreements and protocols
• Approved the Board committees and appointments
• Approved Gallagher as the employee health, dental, vision, and life insurance broker effective July 1, 2025
• Approved the low base and alternate bids from M & O Companies for summer asbestos abatement projects at Concord totaling $65,000 and also at Cass totaling $31,200.
• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cass Education Association

Recognition of Outgoing Board Member Liz Mitha
Board members and Superintendent Mark Cross recognized outgoing member Liz Mitha who has resigned after two years of exemplary service on the Board. Mrs. Mitha ran for and won a seat on the Hinsdale High School District 86 Board, which is why she is resigning from her seat mid-term. Mrs. Mitha is committed to excellence and we thank her for her dedication to the students, staff, and community of District 63 and we wish her the best as she moves on to represent our community in District 86.

Board Vacancy
As a result of Mrs. Mitha’s election, the Cass 63 Board is seeking qualified candidates for her replacement. The eventual appointee will serve as a member of the Board for the remaining two years of the original four-year term. Potential candidates who wish to be considered must complete the Board Candidate Application no later than noon on Thursday, May 1. A letter to the community from Board President Lana Johnson also includes the details, requirements, timeline, as well as a link to the online application.

Oath of Office and Election of Officers
At the April 1 election, Chris Green, Urszula Tanouye, and Steve Wyent ran unopposed and were re-elected to four-year terms. All three Board officers were also re-elected to their respective roles, including Lana Johnson as President, Dr. Rinku Patel as Vice President, and Urszula Tanouye as Secretary. 

Phase II Facility Projects
Mr. Cross updated the Board on progress and planning with plans for the summer 2025 renovation projects. He also updated the Board on potential plans for the new Concord playground. The new playground is a cooperative effort between the school district, CARE, and local fundraising efforts. More information on the upcoming fundraising efforts with plans to recognize individual as well as corporate support for the project will be shared soon.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved the employment of five teachers at Cass Junior High School for the 2025-26 school year, including choral music teacher Gretchen Stanfa, special education teacher Bryan Koh, English language arts teacher Alayna Krajack-Chavez, English language arts teacher Lauren Niedziela, and permanent substitute Rebecca Kondrisack.
• Approved Board of Education meeting dates for the 2025-26 year, and also moved the upcoming June meeting to June 24, 2025.
• Adopted a Resolution for Appointment of SASED Governing Board membership, with Katie Marinelli serving as the Governing Board representative, and Chris Green serving as the alternate.
• Approved the purchase of a used 28 passenger school bus at a cost of $76,340.
• Approved a new three-year contract with before and after school care provider Ivy League Kids through June 2028.
• Approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Darien Park District for the use of the Smart Oaks Park soccer field.
• Approved an intergovernmental Agreement with Woodridge District 68 to provide extended school year services during the summer of 2025.
• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cass Education Association regarding extended school year services within the school district.
• Accepted the resignations of Concord teacher assistant Meagan Garcia and Cass permanent substitute teacher Michael Gallagher.

The Board of Education held a special meeting for the purpose of discussing the bid for the Phase II interior renovation project. The District submitted an application to receive an energy tax credit for the HVAC work done last summer and Mr. Cross announced that the District has received confirmation that the application was approved and that the District should receive a credit in the amount of approximately $2.8 million. The credit should be received in the next several months and will be used to cover the cost of the phase two renovation projects. After a discussion, the Board approved the recommended bid from Reed Construction in the amount of $1,485,000 for summer 2025 interior renovation work.

5th Grade Wax Museum Presentations
The Board of Education welcomed four 5th grade students who won in their respective categories in the recent wax museum project under the guidance of teacher Marie Musil. Sofia Schoper as Queen Elizabeth, Rhett Hofbauer as Steven Spielberg, Ada Shields as David Bowie, and Rayan Patel as Louis Armstrong came dressed as their characters and did an outstanding job sharing with the Board.

Approval of Curriculum Resources and Equipment
The administration reviewed recommended updates to curriculum, equipment, and resource materials for art, music, physical education, social and emotional, and Spanish. Included in the recommendations are replacement physical fitness equipment including treadmills for the fitness room, band instruments, and the installation of a rock climbing wall in the Concord gymnasium. After some discussion, the Board approved the expenditure of approximately $96,000 to fund these areas for the 2025-26 school year and beyond.

Geothermal Energy Tax Credit
Superintendent Mark Cross updated the Board on the district’s prospects of receiving a federal energy tax credit for the recent geothermal project. With an estimated credit range of approximately $2.3 to $2.9 million, the Board discussed the timing of when the funds will be received to coincide with planned Phase II facility projects that are expected to be completed this summer.

Phase II Facility Project Bids
After some discussion, the Board approved moving forward with the low bid of $300,000 from R.L. Sohol of Plainfield for Concord exterior site work. The Board tabled approval of the low bid of $1,485,000 from Reed Construction for interior renovation work at both schools. The Board may hold a special meeting to determine if it is ready to move forward with the bid for the interior work after Mr. Cross gets more clarity regarding the specific amount and timing of the energy tax credit. The Board set a tentative date and time of Wednesday, April 9, at 6:00 p.m. for this purpose.

Approval of Retirements
The Board approved the retirement requests of Lisa Daly and Amy Underhill effective June 2027, Kristina Patrey and Pam Worth effective June 2029, and Christine Marcinkewicz effective June 2030.

In Other Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved the employment of Rozie Hornig as Cass Junior High social worker, effective at the start of the 2025-26 school year.
• Accepted the resignation of Concord teacher Bridget Berger, effective at the close of the 2024-25 school year.
• Approved a contract for mowing and trimming services.
• Approved the consolidated district plan for federal grant funding.
• Approved a contract renewal agreement for the school lunch program.
• Approved a three-year contract for special education transportation services.

Megan Conlin Named Assistant Principal
The Board of Education unanimously approved Mrs. Megan Conlin as the next assistant principal at Concord Elementary School. She will begin her new position on July 1, when Mrs. Katie Doyle moves into the principal role to replace Dr. Laura Anderson. Mrs. Conlin was present at the meeting to introduce herself to the Board and shared her excitement at joining the team at Concord, and members of the Board gave her a warm welcome to D63. A formal announcement provides additional details on Mrs. Conlin’s background and experience.

2025-26 School Year Fees Unchanged
For the fifth straight year, the Board kept registration fees unchanged at $275 for Concord and $325 for Cass. Transportation fees will also remain unchanged at $275, while next year’s lunch fees will be determined at a later date.

Phase II Facility Planning
Superintendent Mark Cross shared several updates related to Phase II facility planning. Final details are getting pinned down with the architects and the expected timeline is to hold a bid opening on March 12, with potential recommendations for approval of the lowest responsible bid on March 18. Mr. Cross did express concerns regarding the district’s funding source for the project, which is the federal energy tax credit. He will keep the Board updated on the status of both the funding and the bidding process.

Federal Impact Aid Funding
Mr. Cross shared his concerns about the future of federal impact aid funding, an important source of revenue for the school district. This funding is necessary because 37 percent of our district’s land is Argonne National Laboratory, which is owned by the federal government. Federal property is not taxable and this puts our school district at a disadvantage in terms of our local tax base.

As a result, Cass School District 63 is one of only eight school districts in Illinois that receives federal impact aid to partially offset the loss of local tax revenues. Federal impact aid payments to the district are approximately $400,000 per year, which is only 7 percent of the funding the district would expect to receive if it were taxable real estate. Nevertheless, it is a key source of revenue that the district needs, and the concern is that it could be significantly reduced or eliminated completely.

Mr. Cross will continue to keep the Board apprised of any action from Washington, DC, and will continue to work with federally impacted school districts around the country and members of Congress to maintain this critical funding source for District 63.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved recommended fees for the 2025-26 school year.
• Approved 2025-26 salary increases for non-union employees.
• Accepted the resignation of Concord teacher assistant Kerry Glimco.
• Approved contracts for assistant principals Michelle Roberts and Megan Conlin.

Moving Forward with Phase II Facility Plans
Superintendent Mark Cross summarized the recent work of the Facilities Committee and plans for Phase II, which is expected to be completed at both schools in the summer of 2025. The preliminary grand total estimate totals approximately $1.9 million, but the final cost will be determined after final project design and bidding. Several items included in the project include completion of ceiling replacement and LED lighting installation at Cass, renovation of the Cass gymnasium, renovation of Concord restrooms, and updates to music rooms in both schools.

Additionally, a fundraising effort is currently under way to replace the Concord playground. Most of the Phase II projects are expected to be financed through the federal energy tax credit the district is planning to receive in 2025, resulting from the geothermal project completed in 2024.

Student Learning and Academic Growth
Principal Christine Marcinkewicz and Assistant Principal Katie Doyle shared some information on our student growth from the district’s Measure of Academic Progress assessment data. The MAP assessment is nationally normed and provides real time data for the teachers and administrators to monitor the academic growth and progress of our students. The district leadership will discuss methods to provide clear information for parents to interpret this data both for their own children, as well as school and district wide.

Strategic Plan Progress Review
The Board conducted a brief six month review of the district’s Strategic Plan. The plan includes three pillars and 21 indicators of success to provide the leadership team and Board with an overview of progress and growth. Mr. Cross shared that the mid-year review is typically incremental, and the larger progress is noted at the end of each school year. He emphasized the two major areas of focus continue to be facility planning and the district’s work to develop and build systems and support in the areas of student services and multi-tiered systems of support.

2025-26 School Year Calendar
The Board approved the 2025-26 District Calendar. Parent-Student Orientation will take place on Tuesday, August 19 and the first day for K-8 students will be Thursday, August 21. Orientation Day will be held later in the day and with a slightly different format to better accommodate our families, and more details will be shared later in the spring.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education… 

• Approved the 2025-26 school year calendar.
• Approved recommended Board policy updates.
• Approved the employment of Bridget Gilmartin as the social worker at Cass Junior High School for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year.

Approval of the 2024 Tax Levy
Superintendent Mark Cross reviewed with the Board the 2024 tax levy, which is unchanged from last month’s initial presentation. The recommended levy of $11,275,152 excluding debt service, compared to last year’s extension of $10,843,578, is an increase of 3.98 percent. The final amount of taxes on an individual property could be higher or lower and will depend on any changes in assessment of the individual property, as well as what other taxing bodies levy for taxes. Mr. Cross provided the detailed Questions and Answers about Local Property Taxes for anyone interested in learning more.

Adoption of Resolution in Support of Illinois Vision 2030
The Board approved a resolution in support of Illinois Vision 2030 which is a framework for the future of public education in Illinois, and has been put together from stakeholders from Illinois Association of School Administrators, Illinois Association of School Boards, and various other education management and leadership organizations. It as in follow up to Vision 2020, which was a game changer with everything from school funding to the governance of the Illinois State Board of Education. You can read more about the framework under the link.

Phase II Facility Planning
Mr. Cross updated the Board on recent planning with the architects as it relates to Phase II facility plans. The Board is hoping to complete as much of the work as possible in the summer of 2025, and is currently considering three distinct bid packages, including one for interior renovation, one for exterior renovations, and a third for needed site work. The Facilities Committee will review the options and more details with the architects in January.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education …

• Adopted the Resolution for Approval of the 2024 Tax Levy
• Adopted the Resolution Authorizing a Supplemental Property Tax Levy to Pay the Principal of and Interest on Outstanding Limited Bonds
• Approved of a change order of $176,841 for the geothermal HVAC project
• Adopted the Resolution in Support of Illinois Vision 2030
• Approved Michael DellaMaria for the position of special education driver

Katie Doyle Named Concord Principal
At the November 19 meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Katie Doyle as the next Concord Elementary School principal. Mrs. Doyle will take the helm on July 1, 2025 upon the retirement of Dr. Laura Anderson after 18 years of service. Mrs. Doyle previously taught at Cass Junior High School, and has served as the assistant principal at Concord for the past five years. Here is the formal announcement of her appointment. Both our staff and Board are excited to have Mrs. Doyle as our next Concord principal!

Review of Tentative Tax Levy
Superintendent Mark Cross presented the tentative 2024 tax levy. The recommended levy of $11,275,152 excluding debt service, compared to last year’s extension of $10,843,578, is an increase of 3.98 percent. The final amount of taxes on an individual property could be higher or lower and will depend on any changes in assessment of the individual property, as well as what other taxing bodies levy for taxes. Mr. Cross provides the detailed Questions and Answers about Local Property Taxes for anyone interested in learning more. After some discussion, the Board approved the tentative levy and will review the final levy at the December 17 meeting.

Phase II Facilities Plan
Mr. Cross reviewed the potential Phase II facility priorities that were recently reviewed and reprioritized by the Board Facilities Committee with the school district architects. As a result of the committee’s work, the Board agreed to move forward with the updated Phase II Facilities Plan.

The plan includes 10 items that are planned for inclusion in a potential bid package for work to be completed in the summer of 2025, as well as a number of stand alone projects that are expected to be completed over the course of 2025 and 2026, subject to the availability of funding. Mr. Cross also reviewed potential plans for updating the Concord playground through a partnership with CARE. Later in the meeting, the Board authorized moving forward with planning and design for bidding.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

• Approved the Tentative Fiscal Year 2024 Tax Levy
• Employed Zainab Tapal as a teacher assistant at Cass Junior High School for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year
• Authorized the superintendent to engage with the school district’s architects to pursue project design and bidding for the Phase II Facilities Plan.
• Approved a $50,000 school maintenance matching grant application through the Illinois State Board of Education
• Approved the 2024 audit and annual financial report.
• Approved the district employee health and dental insurance renewal
• Approved the property, liability, and worker compensation insurance renewal
• Approved an agreement with Skyward for the district’s student management information system, beginning with the 2025-26 school year.

Student and Staff Spotlight and Recognition

The Board of Education welcomed cross country team members Skylar Herbert and Decker Kuntz, along with their families and coaches Scott Kondraschow and Sarah Leganski. Skylar and Decker have had standout seasons and recently competed in the cross country conference and sectional meets. Skylar qualified for the state cross country meet, and will compete in the IESA finals this Saturday.

The Board also recognized preschool program director Pam Worth, along with teachers Lauren Grochowski and Kara Blatt for their achievement of Gold Circle status for our preschool program. Gold Circle status is very difficult to attain and our program has consistently achieved this tremendous honor over the past 20 years. Ms. Worth and Mrs. Grochowski also made a presentation on the preschool program, which serves 80 students a year.

Fiscal Year 2024 Audit and Annual Financial Report
Superintendent Mark Cross presented the fiscal year 2024 financial audit, completed by auditor Evoy, Kamschulte, Jacobs, LLP. During FY24, the district continued to build its fund balances, continued its practice of not issuing short-term debt, and continued to maintain a balanced budget. There were no findings or concerns expressed and the district continues to perform well financially.

Phase II Facility Planning
With the Phase I geothermal HVAC, safety, and security work completed, Mr. Cross reviewed an updated listing of potential Phase II facility planning items for Board consideration and discussion. The list includes, but is not limited to, completion of energy efficient lighting, installation of low maintenance flooring, replacement of classroom whiteboards, improvements to music rooms and gymnasiums, addressing drainage issues on the Concord property, completing masonry repair and tuck pointing, replacement of parking lots and drives, improvement of the courtyards both schools, and potential replacement of the Concord playground.

The Facilities Committee will schedule a meeting soon to begin more detailed planning, and Mr. Cross will continue to work on budgets and funding sources so that potential work items can be prioritized.

Federal Impact Aid
Mr. Cross plays an active role in two national organizations that advocate for federal impact aid funding to help offset the loss of local tax revenues, since 37 percent of our school district’s land is the federal government owned Argonne National Laboratory. Federal property is not taxable and this puts our school district at a disadvantage in terms of our local tax base.

Cass School District 63 receives approximately $400,000 per year in federal impact aid funding, which is roughly 7 percent of the funding the district would expect to receive if it were taxable real estate. Mr. Cross was recently in Washington, D.C. where he and other district leaders meet periodically with legislators to help ensure that this important revenue source continues for our district and others similarly impacted across the country.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education …

• Appointed Urszula Tanouye as the Board representative to the 2024 Illinois Association of School Boards Delegate Assembly.
• Approved the employment of Michael Gallagher, as a permanent substitute teacher at Cass Junior High School, and Kerry Glimco, Tinesha Anderson, and Alexandra Gale, as teacher assistants at Concord Elementary School.

Introductions of New Faculty and Staff
Superintendent Mark Cross introduced new faculty and staff members to the Board of Education. Our new 2024-25 staff as are follows:

Sarah Acitelli, Cass Junior High Nurse
Bridget Berger, 4th Grade Teacher
Sharon Chacko, Speech Pathologist
Jeanne Erickson, Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher
Cathy Fisher, Director of Student Services
Alex Gula, 4th Grade Teacher
Julia Holbert, Special Education Teacher
Jenny Kirkpatrick, Special Education Teacher
Bryan Koh, Teacher Assistant
Sarah Leganski, Occupational Therapist
Claire Monroe, Math Teacher
Megan Newton, Science Teacher
Sally Oakes, Permanent Substitute Teacher
Monica Rothbard, Kindergarten Teacher
Kali Sheldon, Music Teacher
Lauren Slomski, Teacher
Assistant

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Hearing
Mr. Cross reviewed the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget. He said there were no changes with the budget that was originally presented last month. Excluding planned capital facility expenditures of $8.1 million, budgeted expenditures for FY25 are just over $15.6 million, while revenues are projected at just over $15 million, resulting in a total budget deficit of approximately $600,000.

Update and Discussion Regarding Facility, Safety, and Security Projects
The geothermal HVAC, safety, and security project is wrapping up with just a few punch list items remaining. The systems are working well, although there are several rooms that still need to be regulated and working properly soon. Overall, the improvements are incredible and the focus will now shift to Phase II planning. Mr. Cross expressed how thankful the staff is to the Board and community at large for their support in allowing the district to make these updates, and he looks forward to the planning for future improvements as well.

In Key Action Items, the Board of Education …

• Adopted the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
• Approved the recommended policy updates
• Accepted the resignation of Cass permanent substitute teacher Mary DeGroot.
• Approved the District’s Concussion Oversight Team Members

Board Approves Tentative Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
Superintendent Mark Cross and Fiscal Services Director Deb Dolehide reviewed the tentative fiscal year 2025 budget. Excluding estimated expenditures related to planned facility improvements, the total expenditure budget for FY25 is just over $15.6 million. A budget deficit was expected for the coming year to meet staffing and program needs. Mr. Cross shared the district’s progress related to finances for the last several years while building fund balances and improving the district’s overall financial health.

The Board established a public budget hearing for Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the District Community Room. Following the hearing, the Board will consider final approval of the FY25 budget.

Construction Project Updates
Mr. Cross shared several updates on the geothermal, safety, and security project the district has undertaken over the course of the summer. Despite the challenge and timeline, he said everything is finally coming together and scheduled to be completed on time. He praised the maintenance and custodial staff for their extra effort and hard work, as well as the cooperation between the district’s architects, engineers, and contractors. Mr. Cross said that it is coming together to be a very successful project and he looks forward to working with the Board on Phase II facility planning.

In Other Key Action Items, the Board of Education…

• Approved the fiscal year 2025 tentative budget and approved holding the public budget hearing on Tuesday, September 17, at 7:00 p.m.
• Approved three geothermal HVAC project change orders
• Reviewed a first reading of recommended policy updates
• Discussed changes to the schedule and times for music concerts
• Approved the behavioral threat assessment procedure
• Approved the acknowledgment of Board’s role as DCFS mandated reporters
• Approved the release of closed session minutes from January 24, 2024, as well as the destruction of verbatim audio records from closed session meetings per statute

Lunch Program Requests for Proposals
A special meeting of the Board of Education was held on July 9, 2024 for the purpose of reviewing recommendations and approving proposals for the school district lunch program for the 2024-25 school year. This is the final step in reaching the goal of providing our students with the highest quality lunches at the most reasonable price, while also remaining in compliance with the requirements of the National School Lunch Program.

Mr. Cross reviewed a summary of the proposals from three potential food service management companies. This concluded a long process working with our partner Center Cass School District 66, while complying with the rules and regulations through the National School Lunch Program and the Illinois State Board of Education.

Approval of Just a Dash Catering
After completing required taste testings, reviewing proposals, and checking references on all three potential vendors, the six-member committee of the two school districts was unanimous in the recommendation to move forward with Just A Dash Catering as the food service vendor for the 2024-25 school year.

Mr. Cross shared with the Board that he believes Just A Dash will provide high quality and fresh lunches for our students, with more transparency related to ingredients and nutritional value. This will end the current partnership with Aramark, who has been the lunch program provider for District 63 for many years.

2024-25 Lunch Prices Set at $4.00
Mr. Cross shared that Just A Dash was not only the top recommendation on other metrics, but they also had the lowest cost proposal. The goal of the District is not to make money from the lunch program, but to break even in providing this service to children and families.

The Board discussed the results of the parent survey that was conducted in the spring. Results showed that parents overall were supportive of keeping the prices as low as possible, while also achieving the goal of improving quality. After some discussion, the Board was unanimous in following the recommendation from Mr. Cross to establish the 2024-25 lunch prices at $4.00 and later review pricing for the 2025-26 year to see if adjustments are necessary.

Under Action Items, the Board of Education…

• Approved the Food Service Management Company Vended Fixed Price Meal Contract with Just a Dash Catering for the 2024-25 school year.
• Approved the Food Service Intergovernmental Agreement with Center Cass School District 66.
• Approved the student lunch fee cost at $4.00 for the 2024-25 school year.