Board Notes

January 12, 2026 Board of Education Meeting Agenda

Superintendent Report

Dr. Gravel shared several updates, beginning with the announcement that the cross-town basketball games will take place this week. He also noted that auditions are being held for the spring musical, Cinderella. Additionally, he provided an update on the TrueNorth restructuring plan, including the fact that he will serve as treasurer for the next two years. He explained that the Strategic Plan presentation to the Board is available on the district website and shared a copy of the district’s “two-pager” highlighting the work of our staff in advancing Strategic Plan Goal 1: Student Empowerment, which is also posted on the website.

Freshman Curriculum Night

Freshman Curriculum Night offered a meaningful opportunity to welcome our newest families and help them feel informed and supported as they begin their high school journey. We celebrated that all families received both the course guide and the new family guide, and spent time discussing what families learned about course offerings, electives, and the core curriculum.

The second half of the evening allowed families to connect more personally with instructional supervisors, teachers, and students. Hearing current students speak about their own freshman-year experiences added an especially authentic and reassuring perspective. It was also wonderful to see members of our parent organizations warmly welcoming families and helping to create such a positive atmosphere. We are grateful to everyone who worked together to make the evening informative, welcoming, and successful.

Mr. Matt Bowser named Glenbrook North Associate Principal

Glenbrook North Principal, Mrs. Mandy Hughes, introduced Mr. Matt Bowser, who will assume the role of Associate Principal of Operations and Student Experiences effective July 1.

Bowser brings nearly two decades of administrative experience to Glenbrook North High School. For the past 18 years, he has served as the assistant principal for athletics at Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream, Illinois. During his tenure, he prioritized building strong relationships with staff, students, and the community. Colleagues describe him as a collaborative leader with a visible presence and high expectations for excellence.

 

Board Reports

Members of the Board of Education reviewed items from the Glenbrook North Parents' Association meeting and the evening's Facilities Committee Meeting:

Mrs. Hope reported on the Glenbrook North Parents' Association meeting, noting that more than 70 parents and guardians attended. Presentations were made by Mr. Joe Bruno, Instructional Supervisor for Career and Technical Education, and Mr. Chad Davidson, Instructional Supervisor for Fine Arts.

In addition, she was pleased to see parents and guardians of incoming freshmen, as well as many members of the Parents' Association board.

Mr. Shein reviewed highlights from the Facilities Committee Meeting. He noted that the Facilities Master Plan represents more than a year of thoughtful work by the district and the Board of Education. Throughout this process, members of both the Finance and Facilities committees have been actively engaged in discussions to ensure the plan reflects shared priorities and long-term needs. Mr. Shein also shared that the development of a 10-year facilities plan is a state requirement for school districts, providing an important framework for planning and accountability.

The committee's conversation focused on how the plan prioritizes essential safety, security, and mechanical upgrades across the district. Mr. Shein highlighted the district's ability to continue completing construction projects without taking on additional debt, a point of pride for the district. The committee also reviewed how district leaders have partnered closely with architectural and construction firms to thoughtfully prioritize future projects, including proposed outdoor improvements slated for completion in the coming phases.

Consent Agenda Items

The consent agenda is a tool used to streamline meeting procedures by collecting routine items into a group, whereby all are passed with a single motion and vote. Items that are routinely in the Consent Agenda include the personnel report, Freedom of Information Act requests, gifts to the district, board of education minutes, accounts payable, and payroll distributions. The agenda was approved unanimously.
 

Discussion/Action Agenda

The Board of Education regularly hears presentations from members of the administration. Often, the information is presented at one meeting, and action based on the topic will be brought to the board for approval at the next meeting. Some presentations are informational only.

7.1  Intergovernmental Agreement Between Glenbrook High School District 225 and Oakton College
The administration discussed the updated Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Oakton College, updating a decades-long partnership that provides dual credit coursework and community enrichment.

Developed in collaboration with neighboring high school districts (Evanston, New Trier, and Niles) to create a unified regional framework, the agreement ensures compliance with legislative updates to the Dual Credit Quality Act.

A central focus of this update is using dual credit as a strategic tool to close opportunity gaps, with specific attention given to student success in introductory college math. By expanding dual credit math opportunities supported by high school-based resources, the district aims to better prepare students for collegiate graduation requirements and increase postsecondary completion rates.

This deepened collaboration with Oakton ensures that the District continues to provide meaningful educational pathways that support the long-term success of every graduate.

7.2 IEP Management Software License Agreement with Embrace Education 
Dr. Lara Cummings, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, and Dr. Skip Kumm, Director of Special Education, discussed the district's need to transition its Individual Education Program (IEP) management system from PowerSchool to EmbraceIEP. The change is in response to feedback from special education teachers, psychologists, and related service providers.

This decision was made to adopt a solution that streamlines processes, reduces administrative burden, and offers better translation services for families. EmbraceIEP is currently used by all of our feeder districts and approximately 95% of high schools in Illinois, making this move a significant step toward aligning our compliance and documentation with broader regional standards.

To ensure a smooth rollout, the full transition for current high school students is scheduled for the beginning of the 2026-27 school year, allowing staff to avoid a disruptive mid-year switch. However, an immediate exception will be made for rising freshmen, as our feeder districts already utilize EmbraceIEP. Consequently, high school case managers will begin using the platform for these incoming students immediately. This targeted early implementation enables staff to access data seamlessly, eliminating the need for manual copying of information between systems and thereby improving efficiency during the transition of our newest students.

The administration will present the contract to the Board of Education for approval at its meeting on January 26.

7.3 Board Policies and Procedures 
The administration presented a recommendation to the Board to update Policy 7:180, proposed to be renamed "Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment." While policies are typically reviewed on a five-year cycle through the Superintendent’s Policy Committee, this specific revision was brought forward for immediate review following a notification from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) regarding statutory compliance.

The proposed update would align the district’s policy with the standard PRESS model, ensuring it meets all current state regulations identified during ISBE’s recent biennial review.

The administration recommended this expedited review to ensure the district remains fully compliant with state safety requirements now, rather than deferring the changes to the broader policy manual update scheduled for later this spring.

 

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 7 p.m.

All Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on the YouTube channel. You may access the recording of the meeting here.

December 8, 2025 Board of Education Meeting Agenda

Superintendent Report

Dr. Gravel reviewed the social media analytics report compiled by the communications staff, which outlines trend data since July 1, 2025, for Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Dr. Gravel discussed the board engagement activities and shared that he will provide a set of supportive tools in January that will assist in tracking the board’s outreach efforts.

Board Reports

Members of the Board of Education reviewed items from the evening's Policy Committee Meeting

Consent Agenda Items

The consent agenda is a tool used to streamline meeting procedures by collecting routine items into a group, whereby all are passed with a single motion and vote. Items that are routinely in the Consent Agenda include the personnel report, Freedom of Information Act requests, gifts to the district, board of education minutes, accounts payable, and payroll distributions. The agenda was approved unanimously.
 

Public Hearing/Action: Tax Levy for 2025

7.1 The Board of Education reviewed and approved the estimated 2025 tax levy at its meeting on November 10 and directed the administration to publish the estimated levy and schedule a public hearing for December 8, 2025. Although the estimated levy reflects a 3.9% increase—below the threshold that requires a Truth in Taxation hearing—the District continues its long-standing practice of holding a hearing to ensure transparency and provide the community an opportunity to share feedback. 

The Board approved resolutions related to the 2025 levy at its regular meeting.

• 7.2 Resolution to Levy 2025 Taxes
• 7.3 Resolution Regarding Application of Loss and Cost Factor to 2025 Tax Levies 
• 7.4 Resolution to Instruct County Clerk How to Apportion 2025 Tax Levy Extension
         Reduction 

Discussion/Action Agenda

The Board of Education regularly hears presentations from members of the administration. Often, the information is presented at one meeting, and action based on the topic will be brought to the board for approval at the next meeting. Some presentations are informational only.

8.1 Personalized Learning Plans (PLP)
SchooLinks is the district’s comprehensive college and career readiness platform, supporting students as they explore their interests, reflect on their strengths, and build a clear plan for life after high school. Aligned with statewide expectations established by the Illinois State Board of Education, the tool helps students navigate the Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) framework, College and Career Pathway Endorsements, College and Career Readiness Indicators, and the Accelerated Placement Act. Since adopting SchooLinks in January 2024, the District has implemented key features, including the College Application Manager and the Course Planner. Meanwhile, counselors from both Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South have worked collaboratively to ensure consistent guidance and a shared approach to college and career planning across campuses.

A central component of the platform is the Personalized Learning Plan (PLP), developed each November during individual conferences with students, parents/guardians, and counselors. These meetings provide an opportunity to review a student’s transition to high school, discuss academic progress, and map out tentative course requests for the following year. The PLP helps students understand graduation requirements, explore potential pathways, and connect their course decisions to long-term goals. Features such as goal-setting tools, four-year course plans, real-time graduation progress, career and learning style assessments, and additional activities for grades 10–12 guide students in making informed choices and building a meaningful plan for their future.

8.2 Strategic Plan Progress Update
Since the Board of Education adopted the Strategic Plan in August 2024, the District has worked deliberately to keep it active and visible in daily practice. Staff have integrated the plan into Board agenda items, memos, presentations, and discussions about future initiatives, ensuring clear alignment between the plan’s priorities and ongoing work. A dedicated webpage, printed copies for stakeholders, and consistent references to focus areas have helped make the plan an accessible tool for families, staff, and community members. At the same time, the District has taken steps to enhance the clarity and structure of the plan by establishing a shared terminology for goals, strategies, activities, and performance indicators, and by developing examples that illustrate how these elements inform decision-making and progress monitoring.

As implementation continues into the second year, the District is utilizing the Strategic Plan to inform program development, assess progress, and support ongoing improvement. Much of this work is visible through efforts tied to Focus Area 1: Student Empowerment, including the creation of a districtwide PaCE Framework, the alignment of four-year curricula, and the rollout of Personalized Learning Plans. These examples illustrate how strategies are translated into meaningful actions that enhance student experiences. The administration will continue sharing updates through Board presentations and the interactive Strategic Plan dashboard, inviting ongoing feedback and reinforcing the plan’s role as a living framework that keeps the District’s priorities student-centered, coherent, and aligned with its mission and vision.

8.3 Update on the Policy Manual Modernization Project for Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 

8.4 Rescission of Intent to Withdraw from TrueNorth Education Cooperative 804 
The Board of Education continued its review of the district’s involvement with the TrueNorth cooperative, focusing on the advantages and limitations of remaining a member versus formally withdrawing from it. As part of this discussion, the administration outlined key considerations related to financial impact, program access, and long-term service needs for students. Under the updated Articles of Agreement, membership fees and assessments will be eliminated as of June 30, 2026, meaning there is no financial penalty for remaining a member. The district would only incur tuition or service costs if specialized programs are used. In contrast, non-member districts may access programs only on a space-available basis and are subject to a 25% surcharge, creating both financial and operational constraints.

Board members also reviewed the programmatic and student-service implications associated with membership. With the district’s recent expansion of in-house services—including the transition of TLS and Transition Services—Glenbrook is well-positioned to meet a wide range of student needs. However, continued membership preserves guaranteed access to additional specialized placements, such as therapeutic day school options, that may be necessary for some learners. Because all other Northfield Township districts, with the exception of District 34, plan to remain members, staying in the cooperative also supports continuity of services for students who currently participate in TrueNorth programs at the elementary and middle school levels. Withdrawing would likely require these students to transition to new providers for high school services, introducing potential disruptions in their support.

The Board of Education unanimously approved a motion to rescind its intent to withdraw from the TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 7 p.m.

All Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on the YouTube channel. You may access the recording of the meeting here.

 

November 24, 2025 Board of Education Meeting Agenda

Board and Superintendent Reports

The Board of Education and the administration recognized students and staff members for their outstanding achievements. 

Student Recognitions
Student Journalists
The Board of Education recognized student journalists. Students from Glenbrook North earned an All-American rating from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) for the 24-25 edition of the Torch. 

At the same conference, the Glenbrook South Oracle was awarded 3rd Place in the nation in the Best of Show competition for newspapers.

Students from both schools also earned individual awards at the conference.

KEMPA Adviser of the Year
Mr. Bob Wysocki from GBS, for being recognized as the Kettle Moraine Press Association (KEMPA) Adviser of the Year Award Recipient, and the GBN Boys Soccer Team for placing third in the IHSA Division 3 State Tournament.

GBN Boys Soccer Third Place Finish at IHSA State Tournament
The Glenbrook North Varsity Soccer team finished the year with a 21-3-3 record, winning six trophies. The season culminated with the team finishing in 3rd place at the IHSA State Championship. 

District 225 Communication Team Awards
Dr. Gravel recognized the communications team for receiving four awards at the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association's (INSPRA) annual communications contest. The team earned Awards of Excellence for the Magazine and Writing categories, and Awards of Merit
for the Podcast and Single Video categories.

Dr. Gravel paused before the Thanksgiving holiday to express his heartfelt gratitude to our staff, parents, and community partners who tirelessly support our students throughout the year—both in moments of great excitement and in times of challenge.

Consent Agenda Items

The consent agenda is a tool used to streamline meeting procedures by collecting routine items into a group, whereby all are passed with a single motion and vote. Items that are routinely in the Consent Agenda include the personnel report, Freedom of Information Act requests, gifts to the district, board of education minutes, accounts payable, and payroll distributions. The agenda was approved unanimously.
 

Discussion/Action Agenda

The Board of Education regularly hears presentations from members of the administration. Often, the information is presented at one meeting, and action based on the topic will be brought to the board for approval at the next meeting. Some presentations are informational only.

Rescission of Intent to Withdraw from TrueNorth Education Cooperative 804 
The Board reviewed a recommendation to rescind its previously approved intent to withdraw from TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804. Since the initial decision, member districts, including District 225, collaborated on a comprehensive restructuring plan that eliminates membership fees, creates a sustainable tuition-based model, and establishes a single therapeutic day school to support students with significant needs. With the revised Articles of Agreement now formally approved, the new structure addresses the district’s initial financial and programmatic concerns while preserving access to high-quality specialized services. The full memo outlines the background, evaluation process, and details of the restructured cooperative.

Glenbrook South STEM Booster Club 
The Board reviewed a proposal to recognize a new Glenbrook South STEM Booster Club as an auxiliary adult organization. Formed by a group of interested parents, the club would operate as a 501(c)(3) and focus on expanding access to STEM opportunities through fundraising, volunteer support, and community partnerships. Its goals include sustaining STEM programming, supporting student participation in activities such as robotics and STEM racing, and strengthening real-world learning experiences aligned with the district’s strategic priorities. Recognition by the Board would enable the organization to operate under district guidelines and access designated support services. Full details of the proposal appear in the accompanying memo.

2026-27 Curricular Change Proposals 
The Board reviewed the annual curriculum update, which includes seven proposed new courses and several additional curricular modifications. These recommendations stem from the district’s structured Curriculum Improvement Process and align with key areas of the Strategic Plan, specifically focusing on post-secondary readiness, flexible learning pathways, and whole-student support. Instructional Supervisors and teachers collaborated to evaluate current offerings, propose refinements, and ensure alignment across schools. Building- and district-level administrators then completed a multi-step review to confirm need, rationale, and coherence with Board Policy 6:40. The full list of new course proposals and supporting details is available in the accompanying memo.

Resolution Authorizing Intervention in Property Tax Assessment Proceedings 
The Board of Education approved its annual resolution authorizing the district’s legal counsel to intervene in property tax assessment appeals. This action enables the district, in partnership with our feeder districts, to protect public funds when commercial property owners seek significant assessment reductions that could shift the tax burden to other taxpayers and reduce district revenue through non-recoverable refunds. The resolution permits the law firm of Petrarca, Gleason, Boyle & Izzo, LLC, to participate in pending and future cases and to negotiate settlements that align with the district’s financial interests.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 7 p.m.

All Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on the YouTube channel. You may access the recording of the meeting here.

 

November 10, 2025 Board of Education Meeting Agenda

Board and Superintendent Reports

The Board of Education recognized the Glenbrook North Field Hockey Team and its coaches, head coach Thomas Rosenbaum and assistant coach Kendall Delaplane, for placing second in the IHSA State Tournament.

Congratulations to members of the team:

Sarah Anetsberger  
Ellie Avadek
Bridget Beach 
Ella Beach 
Abbey Cook 
Annabelle Demakis
Elissa Dubinsky 
Emily Gasior
Olivia Gassman 
Margaret Griffith 
Mavis Liu
Lotte Lokerse
Liliana Moore 
Taylor Panek
Eila Song
Gabriela Stevenson
Charlie Stuart
Roslyn Stuart
Sophie Wenk
Avana Young
Orla Oregan
Sara Fine

Groundbreaking at Glenbrook North High School
Dr. Gravel discussed the groundbreaking that took place on October 28 at Glenbrook North High School for the Guaranteed Energy Savings Project. The project integrates solar arrays and energy storage systems to reduce operating costs, support long-term sustainability goals, and generate future revenue by helping balance the regional energy grid. 

New District 225 Administrator
Dr. Gravel introduced Mrs. Lauren Bonner as the new assistant superintendent for operations and student experiences, effective July 1, 2026. Mrs. Bonner currently serves as the assistant principal for operations and student experiences at Glenbrook North High School. Her depth of experience, leadership skills, and passion for the Glenbrooks consistently set her apart as the top choice with all the interview teams. 

School Board Members' Day
Observed in Illinois on November 15, School Board Members' Day recognizes and thanks volunteer school board members for their service and commitment to local education.

Dr. Gravel expressed his heartfelt thanks to members of the board for their volunteerism and dedication to the students, staff and families in the district.

Consent Agenda Items

The consent agenda is a tool used to streamline meeting procedures by collecting routine items into a group, whereby all are passed with a single motion and vote. Items that are routinely in the Consent Agenda include the personnel report, Freedom of Information Act requests, gifts to the district, board of education minutes, accounts payable, and payroll distributions. The agenda was approved unanimously.
 

Discussion/Action Agenda

The Board of Education regularly hears presentations from members of the administration. Often, the information is presented at one meeting, and action based on the topic will be brought to the board for approval at the next meeting. Some presentations are informational only.

Illinois School Report Card
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the Illinois State Board of Education released its annual Illinois School Report Card. State and federal laws require public schools to release the Illinois School Report Card annually, outlining student performance, finances, and student enrollment.

The Illinois School Report Card provides information on the district’s academic performance, school environment, educators, and students, based on data from the previous year.  This year’s 2025 Illinois School Report Card, therefore, is based on information compiled for the 2024-25 academic year.  

The presentation by Mr. Ryan Bretag highlighted the ongoing success at Glenbrook North and South, and also identified areas for growth and improvement. 

Resolution Regarding Estimated Amounts Necessary to be Levied for the Year 2025 
Each year, the business services department prepares an estimated tax levy for review by the Finance Committee and the Board of Education. The levy outlines the amount of money the district is requesting to be raised through property taxes for the 2025 tax year. This presentation marks the first step in the annual process to secure the district’s property tax revenue. During the meeting, administrators reviewed the timetable for the levy process and provided an overview of how the estimated levy amount was calculated.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 7 p.m.

All Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on the YouTube channel. You may access the recording of the meeting here.

 

October 27, 2025 Board of Education Meeting Agenda

Board and Superintendent Reports

The Board of Education recognized 31 students from Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South who have been named National Merit Semi-finalists. There are only 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, representing less than 1% of all students.

Additionally, the board recognized members of the Glenbrook North Girls' Golf Team who won an impressive third straight title in the IHSA 2A Girls Golf State Championship.

Facilities Committee meeting update

Board members from the facilities committee reviewed the events that occurred at the committee meeting earlier this evening. 

• Reviewed portions of the 10-year facilities plan that was developed with staff, the architects and the construction company.
• Reflected on some of the projects that have been completed over the past 10 years. 
• Discussed the importance of creating a plan that will not be funded with any tax increase for our community.
• Noted that the district has done a good job of keeping its facilities up to date, and there is a commitment by the board to continue maintaining our facilities to meet the needs of students and staff members.
• Shared that the plan will not impact the district’s budget.

Consent Agenda Items

The consent agenda is a tool used to streamline meeting procedures by collecting routine items into a group, whereby all are passed with a single motion and vote. Items that are routinely in the Consent Agenda include the personnel report, Freedom of Information Act requests, gifts to the district, board of education minutes, accounts payable, and payroll distributions.
 

Discussion/Action Agenda

The Board of Education regularly hears presentations from members of the administration. Often, the information is presented at one meeting, and action based on the topic will be brought to the board for approval at the next meeting. Some presentations are informational only.

Curriculum Improvement Annual Report for the 2025-26 School Year 
Annually, the administration highlights Glenbrook's curriculum improvement work known as the Curriculum Improvement Process (CIP). Mr. Ryan Bretag, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and the instructional supervisors of all departments, provided key insights into the work from the past year and presented next steps.

The curriculum improvement process empowers instructional supervisors and their department teams to identify focus areas, analyze evidence, and implement action plans that support ongoing growth and development. Guided by the district’s Strategic Plan, this process encourages collaboration among associate principals of teaching and learning, instructional supervisors, and teachers to ensure each department’s goals are meaningful, data-informed, and aligned with district priorities.

The table included in the memo offers concise summaries of each academic department’s work and how it aligns with the District’s Strategic Plan. Each overview captures the department’s primary focus areas and its contribution to the district’s mission in a single, cohesive statement. This collaborative and transparent process brings together associate principals for teaching and learning, instructional supervisors, and department teams to clearly articulate their shared goals and ongoing progress.

Update on the Policy Manual Modernization Project 
The Policy Committee met on Thursday, October 16, 2025, to review the initial collection of policies in preparation for its next meeting with representatives from the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025.  It was a highly productive session during which the committee reviewed 91 policies and reached consensus on recommended actions for each. 

The sections reviewed by the committee, outlined in the memo, are foundational to the district’s daily operations, and accuracy is crucial. District leaders will work closely with building administrators and key stakeholders to analyze proposed updates and policy changes, ensuring full alignment with existing practices, collective bargaining agreements, and administrative procedures. I am also coordinating with the district’s legal counsel, as needed, to review any policies that require additional consideration or clarification. 

Summer 2026 Recommended Capital Projects 
School and district leadership teams have maintained a flexible, short-term facilities plan that focuses on infrastructure and enhancement projects directly impacting student experience, safety and building integrity. While continuing to manage this short-term plan, the teams have also partnered with Arcon Associates, Inc. over the past year to develop a longer-term vision through a comprehensive 10-year Facility Master Plan, with detailed prioritization for the first five years. The plan addresses four key categories: 

• Safety and Security 
• Building Infrastructure 
• Programmatic Facility Enhancements  
• Modernization of Facilities

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 7 p.m.

All Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on the YouTube channel. You may access the recording of the meeting here.

 

October 14, 2025 Board of Education Meeting Agenda

Board and Superintendent Reports

Dr. Gravel updated the Board of Education on several topics:

TrueNorth Updated Articles of Agreement
There was a recent meeting with the TrueNorth Reorganization Committee, joint legal counsel and the interim superintendents to draft updated Articles of Agreement. 

Recognition of Principals, Associate Principals, and Assistant Principals
October is National Principals Month, and he recognized the exceptional leadership of the principals, associate principals and assistant principals in our district. 

IASB 2025 Resolution Committee Report
The Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) has proposed several constitutional amendments to the organization’s governing document, as well as a new position statement on school bus safety funding.

Each year, the Delegate Assembly, comprising school board leadership, votes on proposals at the statewide conference in November. These proposals will be voted on by the 2025 Delegate Assembly on Saturday, November 22, of which Ms. Muhlenbeck serves as our District’s voting representative.

Principal Reports

Glenbrook South administration:

• Celebrated the success of the 2025 Homecoming themed Game On.
• Noted that they are seeing a bounce back in Titan pride and the number of students who participated in the Homecoming activities.
• Shared that more than 30 student groups participated in the parade in downtown Glenview.  
• Discussed the success of the girls’ flag football team and students who qualified for state in boys’ and girls’ golf.

GBN administration:

• Noted the success of the girls’ flag football team, stating that they rostered three levels of athletes
• Celebrated a student who qualified for the state in boys’ golf 
• Announced that the girls’ golf team is the state champions for the third year in a row. 
• Shared appreciation to the Northbrook Police Department, which gave the girls’ golf team an escort when they arrived in town after the tournament. 

Facilities Committee meeting update

Board members from the facilities committee reviewed the events that occurred at the committee meeting earlier this evening. 

• Reviewed the recommended capital projects for the summer of 2026 at GBS, including bathrooms and areas of the roof.
• Mentioned that the majority of work will be done at GBS since summer school will be held at GBN.
• Discussed the upcoming master facility plan that will include health life safety projects, including kitchens, cafeterias and athletic fields.
• Noted that the plan will be discussed more fully at the next facility committee meeting on October 27.

Consent Agenda Items

The consent agenda is a tool used to streamline meeting procedures by collecting routine items into a group, whereby all are passed with a single motion and vote. Items that are routinely in the Consent Agenda include the personnel report, Freedom of Information Act requests, gifts to the district, board of education minutes, accounts payable, and payroll distributions.
 

Discussion/Action Agenda

The Board of Education regularly hears presentations from members of the administration. Often, the information is presented at one meeting, and action based on the topic will be brought to the board for approval at the next meeting. Some presentations are informational only.

Supporting Students' Mental Health and Well-Being
District and school student support team members provided an update to the Board of Education on the ways in which students' mental health and well-being are supported in the schools. 

The administration shared a typical day in the life of the student support teams, noting that they are focused on intervention planning. Each student has a Student Support Team (SST) that reviews data to find out where students may need support, discusses how to identify the supports students need. The team also engages in cross-functional collaboration with other departments in the school. 

The administration discussed the SEL Benchmark survey, which is administered three times a year, noting that the majority of students reported having trusted adults in the building.  In addition, students report that their sense of belonging has increased. At the same time, the number of students who feel they have a growth mindset has decreased. 

The presenters described the Signs of Suicide Curriculum (SOS) and Screening and noted that it has saved lives. There are protocols the schools go through when dealing with a student who may be at risk for self-harm. Additionally, the schools use the Behavior Digital Threat Assessment (BDTA) process when students may be threatening harm to others. During challenging times, students and their families are supported.

Students continue to use the reporting systems available in the district, including TextForHelp, Safe2Help, Titan, and the Spartan Anonymous Concern form.

Opportunities for the Board of Education to Engage with the Community
Over the past several months, members of the Board of Education have expressed interest in identifying ways to engage with the community and stakeholders outside of traditional Board meetings. Of particular interest are opportunities that foster two-way dialogue and allow the Board to hear directly from community members about their interests and perspectives. 

The administration outlined opportunities that currently exist for board members to engage, as well as other ways that could be created in the future. 

• Explained the benefits of attending established meetings of parent groups.
• Described ways to build relationships with key stakeholders such as local legislators and feeder district leadership.
• Reviewed opportunities to engage with civic and community organizations.
• Discussed strategies to host community coffees. 
• Noted that only two board members can attend an event at a time.
• Clarified that board members must speak for themselves at events and not for the board.
   

Acceptance of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025 
On February 26, 2018, the Board of Education selected Lauterbach & Amen, LLP of Naperville, to perform an independent audit of the District’s financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2025. Preparation for the audit commenced in May 2025 and continued through October of the same year. During this time, members of our assigned team from Lauterbach & Amen, LLP were provided access to the Business Services team and the District’s financial records to complete their review and testing activities. Although not required by the Illinois School Code, the ACFR is a thorough and detailed presentation of the District’s financial condition, which includes an understanding of the District’s structure and academic activities, as well as an independent opinion on the information presented within the report from our auditor. 

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 7 p.m.

All Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on the YouTube channel. You may access the recording of the meeting here.