Board Notes

January 13, 2025, Board of Education Agenda

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 consent agenda was unanimously approved.

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.

On January 13, 2025, the Board of Education heard several presentations. The descriptions and links to the memos are listed below:

6.1 - Lease of Space at 1200 Shermer Rd., Northbrook for Glenbrook Transition Services
In alignment with the District’s initiative to bring Glenbrook Transition Services wholly in-house by the
fall of 2025, the administration has identified a new, larger facility in downtown Northbrook Glenbrook. The proposed new facility offers 8,076 square feet, allowing us to consolidate services and provide a dedicated, supportive environment for all students accessing Glenbrook Transition Services. 

6.2 - Award of Bid Summer 2025 Capital Projects
In the summer of 2025, the district will be continuing its commitment to providing students and staff with learning environments that are conducive to teaching and learning. In the fall, the district worked with its architectural firm to develop bid specifications for the summer's capital projects. The memo outlines the process, outlines the lowest bids received and provides a recommendation to the board for approval. 

6.3 - Commencement Ceremony Dates for 2025-26
Several factors have converged that impact the day we recommend conducting the commencement ceremonies for the 2025-26 school year. Due to the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the placement of
final examinations, and the last day of classes for seniors, the administration and board discussed the possibility of holding graduation on two separate dates during Memorial Day weekend. The district recognizes that holding graduation during the Memorial Day weekend will be challenging for some families, which is the reason the board and administration have begun discussing it now. No action was taken at this meeting and discussions will continue. Please refer to the memo that outlines a comparison of date advantages and disadvantages.

6.4 - District 34 TrueNorth Withdrawal Request
District 34 is petitioning to withdraw from TrueNorth. As part of the withdrawal process, the other member district boards of education must approve District 34's petition to withdraw. The board and administration discussed the petition and its implications for students in District 225.

6.5 - Policies and Procedures
Policies related to the mission statement, recruitment, students attending private special education facilities, itinerant instruction for special education students, grading and promotion, and graduation guidelines were discussed. Typically, the administration brings policies to the Board of Education for a first read after they have been discussed and edited at the Policy Committee Meeting. These policies will be brought back to a subsequent meeting for approval. 

6.6 - SchooLinks Implementation Course Planner
SchooLinks is designed to help students discover their interests and strengths, explore colleges and
careers, create a personal graduation plan reflecting post-secondary goals, and track their four-year
experience in the Glenbrooks towards those goals and is being implemented in phases. Members of the educational services team provided an overview and demonstration of the next implementation phase, the Career Planner module. 

6.7 Recommendation to Approve Updated 2025 Summer Session Calendar 
The summer session calendar previously approved by the board needs to be updated in order to better align the calendar with the district's fiscal year. The updated schedule moves the entirety of semester 1 in June and semester 2 in July. 

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

December 9, 2024, Board of Education Agenda

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 consent agenda was unanimously approved. Items of note include:

Acceptance of Donation and Award for Bid for Glenbrook South Weight Equipment

District 225 is grateful to the Glenbrook South Booster Club, which has committed to donating the funds necessary to purchase 16 weight racks for use by the athletic and physical education programs. These racks will support a wide range of upper and lower-body strength training exercises, allowing students and athletes to perform workouts to build overall muscle strength and endurance. The equipment includes advanced safety features, providing a secure environment for users of all skill levels.

Curricular Change Proposals and Course Guide

Each year, course offerings are reviewed by instructional supervisors and teachers and refined to meet the needs of students. Significant updates were made the the course proposal process during 2024, which have resulted in a clearly defined district-wide review process. The 18-month initiative underscores a commitment to providing staff, students, and families with an accessible, transparent, and equitable curriculum framework. The course guide is available on the District 225 website.

Public Hearing/Action: Tax Levy

The annual public hearing was held on the estimated tax levy. At the meeting on December 9, 2024, Ms. Vicki Tarver presented the memo that included the following topics:

• The Estimated Tax Levy
• The Truth in Taxation Hearing on the 2024 Estimate Levy
• Resolution Regarding Application of Loss and Cost Factor to 2024 Tax Levies
• Resolution to Instruct County Clerk How to Apportion 2024 Tax Levy Extension Reduction
• Public Act 102-0895 Compliance

The board unanimously approved the administration's recommendations. 

Presentations to the Board

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.

On December 9, 2024, the board heard one presentation in which Dr. Johns and Dr. Gravel discussed the plan for the superintendent transition. 

Prior to the presentation, Board of Education President Mr. Bruce Doughty read this statement outlining the process to approve Dr. Gravel as the next superintendent.  

"We want to thank the members of our community who contacted the Board of Education about the selection of Dr. Gravel as our district’s superintendent designate.  The Glenbrooks are one of the finest districts in the country, and Dr. Gravel has been instrumental in helping us achieve this status. As the board entrusted with hiring and evaluating the superintendent, stewarding the District’s budget and investments, and determining school goals, priorities, and policies, we take our responsibilities seriously.

To find a superintendent, school boards may take a number of approaches, such as using search firms, committees, surveys, and job postings, drawing from internal leadership development, and executing long-term succession planning. Our board has employed each of these methods at various times. Whether used independently or in combination, they all aim to ensure that our district maintains its high standards of excellence, while moving forward with its myriad initiatives. 

With Dr. Johns’s retirement less than two years away, we fortunately have an extraordinary opportunity in Dr. Gravel, whose executive duties and deep understanding of our district have grown over the years. Dr. Gravel’s proven track record of success has been recognized across the state, and his efforts in championing positive change, coupled with his dedication to our district, have positioned him uniquely as a leader. Our fortune is all the greater, given the more than 75 districts in Illinois alone that are wrestling with superintendent vacancies and the impacts that such a shortage is having on schools. We therefore determined, after careful evaluation, to select Dr. Gravel and direct our resources towards implementing a comprehensive succession plan with a detailed schedule. Beyond bringing us a known, outstanding administrator, this approach will allow for an especially smooth transition, without the typical year or more of startup. Instead, our district will be able to continue focusing on its strategic plan, strengthening our schools and enhancing our students’ learning experiences. 

As part of our transition, the board would welcome our community members’ help and input.  In the coming months, starting with our welcome reception for Dr. Gravel on December 17 (5:30- 7 pm in the Boardroom at 3801 West Lake Avenue, Glenview), there will be meetings with various groups, as we work together to implement the district’s programs and strategic initiatives.

We appreciate the inquiries that we have received, and we look forward to our collaboration as we strive towards new levels of excellence across academics, athletics, activities, and the arts."

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

November 25, 2024, Board of Education Agenda

Superintendent Dr. Johns Retirement Announcement 

At the beginning of the Board of Education meeting Superintendent Dr. Charles Johns announced his intention to retire from District 225 effective June 30, 2026. In his remarks, Dr. Johns said, "It has been an honor for me to serve this district and community, and it is time for me to step aside and allow others to lead this exceptional district. My decision to retire also provides me with the opportunity to spend more time with my family and enjoy life beyond the superintendent’s desk. This is a decision I have been contemplating for several months and I am excited to share it with the community." 

Dr. Johns also expressed appreciation to the board, staff, parents, community members and district leadership colleagues for the support, confidence and encouragement they have shown.

Board of Education Vice President Pete Glowacki said, "On behalf of current and past board members, our students, staff, families, and the community, I am sincerely grateful for Superintendent Johns and his years of unwavering commitment to our district and community. Yes, we thank you for all that you have done and all that you will continue to do. And we want you to know that your impact on this district will be felt for many years. Glenbrook 225 is a better place because of your leadership." 

Dr. R.J. Gravel Named Superintendent Designate

Continuing his comments, Glowacki announced, "It was important to the board that we continue pushing forward while maintaining our high standards and commitment to excellence. We have focused our attention on selecting an outstanding leader and developing a plan to continue our mission while maintaining the positive momentum for our district. “We do not want anyone in the community to wonder about who will be our next superintendent,” Glowacki added. It gives me great pleasure to announce tonight that Deputy Superintendent Dr. R.J. Gravel has been named as superintendent-designate and will follow Dr. Johns as the next superintendent of Glenbrook High School District 225 effective July 1, 2025."  

Prior to joining Glenbrook, Dr. Gravel served as a music teacher and technology director. Since July 2015, Dr. Gravel has held several positions in Glenbrook High School District 225, including service as Director of Technology Services, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services, and Associate Superintendent. He has served as Deputy Superintendent for the past year and a half. “We are excited to see what he will help us accomplish as our Superintendent,” Glowacki said. Dr. Gravel holds two Master of Science degrees - one in school business management and one in instructional technology from Northern Illinois University (NIU). Dr. Gravel also earned his Educational Specialist in Education Administration and Doctor of Education degrees from NIU.

“I am deeply honored and truly humbled to have been selected to serve as the next Superintendent of Glenbrook High School District 225,” Gravel said. “I enthusiastically accept this new role and greatly appreciate the board’s board’s confidence in having me lead the district, which has been an integral part of my life and career for many years.”

“As superintendent, I understand that trust is the cornerstone of a successful school district. Building and maintaining that trust will guide my daily efforts as I support our students, staff, families, and the community. While strategies and priorities may evolve, my commitment to fostering trust and collaboration will remain constant."

Over the coming months, responsibilities will gradually transfer from Dr. Johns to Dr. Gravel. Some of the areas of responsibility that will transition to Dr. Gravel immediately include assuming responsibility for district communications and district personnel and creating a revised administrative staffing plan, with an initial focus on hiring a School Business Official for the district. Dr. Johns will continue to serve the district in an administrative capacity until June 2026, with assigned responsibilities including overseeing the Special Education audit and program evaluation, monitoring and updating strategic plan progress, and supporting Dr. Gravel in all areas of his transition to the role of superintendent.

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 consent agenda was unanimously approved. Items of note include:

Student Overnight Trips

Throughout the year, our teachers and activity sponsors/coaches identify overnight trip opportunities that provide valuable experiences for students. These trips are sponsored by the school district and connected with a regularly scheduled school-sponsored activity.

The following overnight trips were approved as part of the consent agenda.

Glenbrook South Cross Country:
IHSA State Tournament in Peoria, Illinois - November 8 - 9, 2024

Glenbrook South Girls Diving:
IHSA State Tournament in Westmont, Illinois - November 14 -15, 2024

Glenbrook South Business Professionals of America: Conference Planning: 
Conference Planning in Oak Brook, IL - December 12 - 13, 2024

Glenbrook North Debate:
Southern Bell Forum in Nashville, Tennessee - January 3 - 7, 2025

Glenbrook South Boys Basketball:
Hoosier Gym Game in Knightstown, Indiana - January 3 - 4, 2025

Glenbrook South Boys Basketball:
Pickneyville Shootout in Pickneyville, Illinois - February 1 - 2, 2025

Glenbrook South Business Professionals of America:
Conference Planning in Oak Brook, Illinois - February 6 -7, 2025

Glenbrook South Debate:
University of California- Berkeley Tournament in Berkeley, California - February 14 -17, 2025

Glenbrook South Debate:
Junior Varsity/Novice National Debate Championship in Atlanta, Georgia - March 13 - 16, 2025

Glenbrook North Boys Lacrosse:
Spring Break Tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio - March 28 - 29, 2025

Glenbrook South Debate:
Tournament of Champions Debate Tournament in Lexington, Kentucky - April 24- 28, 2025

Presentations to the Board

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.

On November 25, the board heard four presentations. The memos provided to the board are linked in the presentation title. 

Dashboard Report with Illinois School Report Card for 2023-2024 Data 
The District's learning environment remains robust and responsive to opportunities based on a review of our district data. Many factors contribute to a strong and supportive learning experience within the district, and our annual analysis of those data points reinforces our commitment to continual excellence and student success. This report achieves compliance with state and federal laws requiring the release of the annual Illinois School Report Card from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). New this year, Section Three of this report indicates connections between the strategic plan and the district’s Intended Areas of Focus based on the data analysis. 

The primary purpose of the Dashboard Report is to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the District 225 learning environment based on an analysis of data from various sources: the Interactive Illinois School Report Card, Panorama, Collegeboard, SchooLinks, and more. Dr. Ninja Idrizi and members of the Educational Services Department reviewed the dashboard report.

Curricular Change Proposals
Each year, instructional supervisors work with teachers in their departments to review course offerings, prepare modifications to existing courses, and propose new courses. The buildings facilitate this process through an Application for Curricular Change, which identifies any change's need, rationale, description, and implication. Adhering to Board Policy 6:40- Curriculum Planning Strategy, all recommendations are reviewed by school and district administrators before presenting them for consideration by the Board of Education.

Members of the Educational Services Department and the Associate Principals for Teaching and Learning reviewed the course development process, timeline and curriculum updates that will be approved at the meeting on December 9, 2024.

Acceptance of Donation and Award of Bid for Glenbrook South Weight Equipment
The Glenbrook South Booster Club has committed to donating the funds necessary to purchase 16 weight racks for use by the athletic and physical education programs. These racks will support a wide range of upper and lower-body strength training exercises, allowing students and athletes to perform workouts to build overall muscle strength and endurance. The equipment includes advanced safety features, providing a secure environment for users of all skill levels. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the donation of $140,599 from the Glenbrook South Booster Club and award the corresponding bid for weight equipment to Direct Fitness Solutions.

Dr. Johns expressed appreciation to members of the GBS Booster Club for their involvement in the school and their continued financial support. 

Board Policies and Procedures
The Board of Education Policy Committee meets monthly to review recommendations to update existing policies or create new policies and procedures based on recommendations from members of the superintendent's cabinet.

The three policies discussed during the board meeting had previously been discussed at the November 11 meeting. The board requested that the administration bring the policies back for further discussion.  

Policy 7:160 - Personal Appearance  - This policy is being updated to reflect two laws passed by the General Assembly and to address sections in the Parent Student Handbook related to student appearance. Once the policies are approved and the handbook is revised, the district will communicate with students, staff and families. 

Parent Student Handbook Section 6.2 - The changes to this portion of the Parent and Student Handbook are related to the dress code. 

Parent Student Handbook Section 6.8 - The changes to this portion of the Parent and Student Handbook outline that electronic devices may never be used in any manner that disrupts the educational environment, violates student conduct rules or violates the rights of others.

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

November 11, 2024, Board of Education Agenda

Superintendent Report

At the beginning of the Board of Education meeting on Veterans Day, the administration and board paused to reflect, express gratitude, and honor the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. District 225 is privileged to have veterans among our staff who extend their commitment to service by making a positive impact on our students, their colleagues, and the entire community. The board and administration expressed appreciation to all veterans in our schools, our community, and beyond for their service and the enduring values they embody, specifically the district's core values outlined in the strategic plan.

Students and staff members also highlighted veterans at our schools. Photos and biographies of family members who served were hung in the hallways at Glenbrook South for everyone to enjoy. At Glenbrook North, Broadcasting and US History students produced a moving video that shared stories of local veterans.

In Illinois, November 15 is School Board Members Day. On Monday, we also expressed the district's heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated members of the District 225 Board of Education. School board members serve as volunteer advocates, amplifying the community’s voice, crafting a vision for our district, and forging a pathway to success for all our students. The District 225 administration profoundly appreciates the dedication, time, and passion our board members devote to ensuring that our district upholds the core values outlined in our strategic plan. 

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 consent agenda was unanimously approved. Items of note include:

Student Overnight Trips 

Throughout the year, our teachers and activity sponsors/coaches identify overnight trip opportunities that provide valuable experiences for students. These trips are sponsored by the school district and connected with a regularly scheduled school-sponsored activity.

The following overnight trips were approved as part of the consent agenda.

Glenbrook South Debate:
Southern Bell Forum in Nashville, Tennessee - January 3 - 6, 2025

Glenbrook South Debate:
Barkley Forum in Atlanta, Georgia - January 23 - 26, 2025

Glenbrook North Baseball:
Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona - March 24 - 28, 2025

Glenbrook North Softball:
Tournament in Murfreesboro, Tennessee - March 25 - 28, 2025

Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Village of Glenview and the Board of Education to Provide School Resource Officer Services

The agreement outlines that both the Board of Education of Glenbrook High School District 225 and the Village of Glenview are interested in fostering positive relationships with students, parents, and staff in an effort to promote safety and collaboration with law enforcement. The School District desires to have a Village police officer assigned on a contract basis primarily to Glenbrook South High School to serve as a school resource officer (“SRO”), and the Village is willing to provide a police officer for that purpose in exchange for the payment referenced in the Agreement.

Presentations to the Board

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.

On November 11, the board heard four presentations. The memos provided to the board are linked in the presentation title. 

Resolution Regarding Estimated Amounts Necessary to be Levied for the Year 2024
Each year, the school district publishes and schedules a public hearing on the estimated tax levy. The estimated levy represents an increase of 3.4% for the operating funds, while also capturing additional resources from new property growth, which will provide the financial resources necessary to support the school district’s educational programs for approximately 5,200 students. The Cook County Clerk will apply calculations required by the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law (PTELL) prior to determining the amount of funds permissible to be collected through the tax extension. Highlights of the presentation include:

• The district is 94% locally funded 
• By using the CPI of 3.4%, plus 1.6% for new growth, the district is estimating a 5% increase in the levy
• The district has one of the lowest tax rates compared to other area high schools
• The board scheduled the hearing for December 9, 2024

Summer Capital Projects
Director of Operations, Dr. Kim Ptak provided a summary of construction projects slated for the summer of 2025. Due to the shortened summer, most of the updates will take place at Glenbrook North High School since the school is not hosting summer school. Dr. Ptak outlined the bid process that will result in the actual costs being brought back to the board in February. In addition, there was a discussion about the long-term facilities plan that is now being developed with engineers and architects.

Acceptance of Donation and Award of Bid for Glenbrook North Digital Scoreboard Display
The Glenbrook North Booster Club has committed to donating the funds necessary to upgrade the stadium scoreboard. The upgrade will add a digital display below the scoreboard, replacing an existing illuminated signage area that houses static panels for corporate sponsor advertisements. The proposed upgrade will replace the static panels with a modern digital display, enhancing the spectator experience by showcasing both corporate sponsorships and live game statistics during events. 

Dr. Johns expressed appreciation to members of the GBN Booster Club for their involvement in the school and their continued financial support. 

Board Policies and Procedures
The Board of Education Policy Committee meets monthly to review recommendations to update existing policies or create new policies and procedures based on recommendations from members of the superintendent's cabinet.

During the board meeting, updates to Policy 7:160 - Personal Appearance were discussed. This policy is being updated to reflect two laws passed by the General Assembly and to address sections in the Parent Student Handbook related to student appearance. Based on the discussion and board members' suggestions,  the draft policies will be updated and brought back for additional discussion at the regular meeting on November 25, 2024. Once the policies are approved and the handbook is revised, the district will communicate with students, staff and families. 

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