Short meeting highlighting the District’s success with over 20 AP and Dual Credit courses , the Board’s resolution to implement full-day kindergarten starting in the 2026-27 school year , and approvals for new technology and facility upgrades.
Celebrations and Recognitions
- Special Education Parent Network (BSPN): The Board recognized the Batavia Special Education Parent Network. A staff member and a parent volunteer presented on the organization’s history since 2012, noting its role in providing resources and networking for families. They highlighted events such as parent education nights, social outings like bowling, and the upcoming Resource Fair in February, which has grown to include over 55 vendors.
- Student Achievements: Student Ambassadors provided updates on high school activities. Highlights included the wrestling team’s senior night, the cheer team placing fourth with a record score, and successful events for various clubs like Amnesty International and the “Snowman Showdown” food drive.
- Staff Shout-outs: The Student Ambassadors presented survey results recognizing specific teachers from each grade level and the school nurse for their positive impact, engaging teaching styles, and care for students.
Partner Reports
- Batavia Education Association (BEA): The Union President addressed the Board, announcing an upcoming Trivia Night fundraiser for scholarships. The President reported on recent collaborative problem-solving sessions with district administration regarding professional learning and English Learner (EL) programming. It was also noted that the union has begun preparations for collective bargaining for the next contract.
Routine Business and Consent Agenda
- Consent Agenda: The Board approved routine items including meeting minutes, personnel reports, payroll, and the acceptance of donations from the Music Buffs and Batavia Youth Athletics.
- Committee Updates:
- Hall of Honor: The Board was reminded that nominations for the Hall of Honor are open until February 1st.
- Resource Allocation Committee (RAC): A discussion was reported regarding a new subdivision. The committee decided to assign it to Hooverwood Elementary instead of J.B. Nelson to ensure walkability for students.
Presentations
- Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Credit: Administrators presented data on post-secondary opportunities.
- AP Results: The district offers over 20 AP courses. In 2025, 85% of students taking AP exams scored a 3 or higher, which typically earns college credit. The district does not mandate taking the exam if enrolled in the course, though participation is encouraged. Data showed a need to close participation gaps for Hispanic/Latino students.
- Dual Credit: These courses, offered largely in partnership with a local community college, allow students to earn credit by passing the class without a final standardized exam. The presentation highlighted significant cost savings for families (e.g., $12 per credit hour versus university rates).
- Demographics: Dual credit enrollment has shown improvements in participation among low-income and African-American students.
Action Items
- Board Policy: The Board approved amendments to Board policy following a second reading.
- Contract Employment: The Board authorized the hiring of a contract special education teacher for an elementary school to fill a mid-year vacancy, at a cost of approximately $50,000.
- Technology Contracts:
- PaperCut Renewal: A five-year maintenance and support contract for printing software was approved, locking in a price of roughly $25,000 per year.
- Device Purchase: The Board authorized the purchase of student Chromebooks and staff/lab computers for the 2026-27 school year, totaling approximately $898,900. This is part of a standard replacement cycle (4 years for students, 3 years for staff).
- Flooring Projects:
- General Flooring: Bids were awarded for flooring replacements in hallways and cafeterias at two elementary schools.
- Gym Flooring: A separate vote approved the installation of new rubberized gym flooring at the same two schools. It was noted that this option is safer for students and more durable than the previous tile.
- Full-Day Kindergarten: The Board adopted a resolution of intent to implement full-day kindergarten beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. This resolution is a procedural requirement for state funding calculations, though administration noted it is unlikely to result in additional funding due to the district’s tier status.
Board Discussions
- Meeting Dates for Data Presentations: The Board and administration discussed combining the building-level and district-level data presentations into a single special meeting in June rather than spreading them out. They agreed to target a date in late June and start the meeting earlier (e.g., 6:00 PM) to accommodate the length of the presentations.
- Personal Electronic Devices: The Board continued a discussion regarding cell phones and smartwatches.
- Survey Feedback: Administration shared that high school staff reported difficulties with enforcement and inconsistency between classrooms. Elementary staff noted specific issues with smartwatches and parents texting students during the day.
- Consensus: The Board decided not to enact a strict ban immediately but directed the Policy Committee to review the language to explicitly include smartwatches. They also directed administration to work on procedural improvements and better communication with families regarding expectations and enforcement.
Closing Comments
- New Year & Weather: The Superintendent and Board members wished the community a happy new year. Concerns were raised by Student Ambassadors and acknowledged by the Board regarding upcoming extreme cold weather.
- Community & Gratitude: Board members expressed gratitude for the maintenance staff clearing snow, the success of the incoming freshman night, and the student advocacy regarding girls’ flag football.
- MLK Day: A Board member shared a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. regarding power and love to commemorate the holiday.
Agenda: https://go.boarddocs.com/il/bps101/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DNQL8U555D30
Author: Jim Fahrenbach
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