Batavia Illinois – The 5th Ward

HC Storm School building updates reviewed, the Buddy Bench, new assistant principal, girls flag football and more!

Call to Order and Opening

• Pledge of Allegiance: The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Agenda Modifications: One item was clarified under Board Discussion to ensure it covered both the Student Ambassador program and the potential for a Student Board Member program.

Celebrating Successes: Buddy Bench Initiative

• Proposal and Execution: A fourth-grade student from Grace McWayne Elementary School was recognized for proposing and executing a project to install a “Buddy Bench” on the school playground.
• Purpose: The student explained that the bench is intended as a safe space for lonely students to find a friend, ensuring no one feels alone.
• Fundraising: To fund the bench, the student organized a raffle of popular items at the school’s winter festival. The goal was to raise approximately $1,166, but the project successfully raised $1,344.
• Outcome: The bench, along with an engraved stone featuring a kindness quote, will be installed in the spring.

Public Comment: Girls’ Flag Football

Eight individuals addressed the Board, primarily advocating for the addition of Girls’ Flag Football as an official sport.

 

• Student Advocacy: Several middle school students shared their positive experiences with the existing club, citing benefits such as increased confidence, leadership skills, and connection with peers. They emphasized that without a high school team, they would have to play for other districts or organizations.
• Growth and Opportunity: Speakers highlighted that the sport is rapidly growing, with the NFL committing funds and its inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. They noted that surrounding high schools already have teams, and Batavia is currently the only school in the DuKane Conference without a team slated for the 2026-27 school year.
• Community Support: A petition supporting the addition of the sport has garnered 918 signatures. Parents and students expressed a willingness to help with fundraising and community partnerships to overcome financial or facility barriers.
• Request for Action: The speakers urged the Board to clarify the process for adding the sport, improve communication, and approve the program for the 2026-27 school year.

Student Ambassador Report

The Student Ambassador provided updates on student activities:

• Athletics: The track team had numerous first-place wins and set a new indoor record for the triple jump. Boys’ basketball won against a rival school, and wrestling teams secured sectional wins with athletes qualifying for state.
• Clubs and Events: Upcoming events include the “City of Lights” winter dance, a Key Club state conference, and a Youth and Government trip to Springfield. The Scholastic Bowl team and Esports team also have upcoming competitions.
• Arts: The drama program recently performed “The Government Inspector,” and the “Rock the Runway” fashion show is scheduled for March.

Consent Agenda

The Board approved the following items via a single motion:

• Minutes from the January 20, 2026, meeting (open and closed sessions).
• Destruction of closed session recordings from August 1, 2024.
• Monthly personnel report, including the appointment of a new Director of Facilities and a replacement for the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
• Payrolls, bills, and donations from various local organizations.
• Review of closed session minutes and an updated service agreement for the Boys and Girls Club.

Committee Updates

District Coordinating Council (DCC): The committee reviewed academic progress, noting the strongest winter MAP testing results in Math and ELA seen to date. They also discussed staffing plans and significant disproportionality citation data.

Resource Allocation Committee (RAC):

• Food Service Review: The committee is conducting a programmatic review of the high school’s food service to determine whether to rejoin the National School Lunch Program. Currently, the high school operates off the program, meaning it does not receive federal reimbursement for free meals. The review will consider financial implications and food quality.
• Health/Life Safety (HLS) Bonds: The committee is exploring issuing $11 million in HLS bonds to address critical maintenance such as fire alarms, HVAC repairs, and roofs. This funding mechanism would allow the district to address mandatory safety updates without depleting the “Warm, Safe, and Dry” capital project funds. The tax impact on a median home ($440,000) was estimated at $155 annually for a seven-year payback, though “feathering” the debt to graduate the increase was discussed.

Policy Committee: A tentative meeting is scheduled for the first Monday in March.

Action Items

HC Storm Site Improvements (Bids Awarded):

• Project Scope: The Board approved bids for site improvements at HC Storm Elementary. The project aims to improve traffic flow by creating a new one-way entrance for parent drop-off and a separate two-way entrance for buses and staff.
• Features: The plan includes a trash enclosure, new sidewalks, bike racks, and a detention area with native plantings to manage drainage.
• Vote: The motion to award the bids passed unanimously.

HC Storm Playground Purchase:

• Details: The Board approved the purchase and installation of a new playground using cooperative purchasing. The design consolidates two existing playgrounds into one larger area featuring turf surfacing for fall protection.
• Student Input: Students voted on the color scheme and equipment choices. The PTO contributed funds to add an extra piece of equipment.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Elementary Assistant Principal Position:

• Rationale: The Board approved a new 10-month Assistant Principal position for Louise White School. This role was created to support the principal, who is taking on additional district-wide administrative duties.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Data Center Support Contract:

• Details: The Board authorized a two-year renewal for data center storage support and maintenance, not to exceed $65,000.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously.

Board Discussion: Student Board Member Program

Current State vs. Future Vision: The Board discussed evolving the current “Student Ambassador” role into a more formal “Student Board Member” position.

 

• Goals: Members expressed a desire to give students a genuine voice at the table, allowing them to provide feedback on policy and share the “story behind the data”.
• Structure and Selection: Ideas discussed included open application processes rather than staff recommendations to ensure inclusivity , potential advisory voting rights , and mentorship components where seniors train juniors.
• Next Steps: Two Board members volunteered to form a small committee to outline a plan, potentially piloting new responsibilities with the current ambassadors before the end of the school year.

Administration and Board Comments

Administration: The Superintendent recognized Black History Month, paying tribute to the late Reverend Jesse Jackson and his impact on equity in public education.

 

Board Members:

• Members praised the fourth-grade student’s Buddy Bench initiative and the students advocating for flag football.
• The significant improvement in MAP testing scores (Math: 53% to 71%; Reading: 53% to 68% over three years) was celebrated.
• One member highlighted the story of Dr. Gladys West, a mathematician instrumental in developing GPS, in honor of Black History Month.
• Members acknowledged the students’ recent civic engagement, including a walkout regarding attendance policies.

Adjournment

The Board moved to enter a closed session at 9:25 PM, with no further action items expected afterward.

Documents:  https://go.boarddocs.com/il/bps101/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=DNQLA85573A1

Author:  Jim Fahrenbach