Sara Olson - Principal, Elm School | Community Consolidated School District 181
Sara Olson - Principal, Elm School | Community Consolidated School District 181
Community Consolidated School District 181 Board of Education met March 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Call to Order
The Regular Business meeting of the Board of Education of Community Consolidated School District 181, DuPage and Cook Counties, Illinois, was called to order by Board President William Cotter at 6:00 pm on March 17, 2025, at Hinsdale Middle School, 100 S. Garfield Ave., Hinsdale, IL.
Roll Call
Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call. Board members present were Margaret Cooper, Grace Shin, William Cotter, Sinead Duffy, and Michael Martin. Absent: Asim Aleem and Margaret Kleber. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.
Pledge of Allegiance
William Cotter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Board of Education Celebrations
The Board celebrated the outstanding achievements in its music programs. The HMS 7th Grade Band earned a top Division 1 rating and qualified for State, while the Spartan Chorale also achieved Division 1 with a perfect score. The 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands all received Division 1 ratings, reflecting the hard work of students and directors and the excellent support of families and volunteers.
The Board also recognized the D181 Foundation’s successful Summer Camp Expo, connecting families with diverse summer options. The Expo was packed with families exploring academic, sports, arts, and outdoor camps.
Executive Session
William Cotter made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:10 p.m. to discuss personnel, safety, and the review of closed session minutes. Michael Martin seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye”: Grace Shin, Margaret Cooper, William Cotter, Michael Martin, and Sinead Duffy. ”Nay”: None. Absent: Margaret Kleber. And Asim Aleem The motion carried.
Call to Order
Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call at 7:02 p.m. Board members present were William Cotter, Grace Shin, Margaret Cooper, Sinead Duffy, and Michael Martin. “Nay:” None. Absent: Margaret Kleber and Asim Aleem. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.
Board of Education Celebrations
The Board celebrated the IASB School Board Governance Recognition. Dr. Arlana Bedard from the Illinois Association of School Boards presented the award, commending the Board’s commitment to transparent communication, active community engagement, and effective governance practices. She highlighted the Board’s efforts to seek input from the community and committees. She noted that out of the 849 Schools within IASB, only 5% were recognized with this honor this year.
Public Comment
No Public Comment.
Action Items
Approval of the Annual Digital Device Refresh (iPads)
Ms. Mindy Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, and Mr. Matt Kunesh, Director of Technology, presented a plan to refresh student iPads as part of the District’s annual technology replacement plan. The plan includes the purchase of new iPads for K and 3rd grade. The iPads would be leased from Apple for three years at 0% interest. The total cost is $383,307.50, with annual payments of $127,769.16. They noted that the amount is included in the existing technology budget. Also, each iPad will be covered by AppleCare+ for two instances of accidental damage annually.
William Cotter made a motion to approve the annual Digital device refresh (iPads), as presented. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Meg Cooper, Sinead Duffy, Bill Cotter, Grace Shin, and Michael Martin. “Nay:” None. Absent: Margaret Kleber and Asim Aleem. The motion carried.
Approval of the Social Studies Resource
Kristin Reingruber, Director of Assessment, Instruction, and Evaluation, presented an update on the K-8 social studies resource pilot and recommended purchasing TCI resources for the 2025-26 school year.
She said the District is undergoing its 5-year curriculum renewal cycle for social studies resources. A pilot program was conducted with various resources, and TCI was selected based on feedback and a comprehensive rubric. The TCI resources were recommended due to their engaging and customizable content, alignment with standards, and robust online and physical components. The total cost for the five year adoption is approximately $389,097.55.
William Cotter made a motion to approve the purchase of the Social Studies resource as presented. Michael Martin seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Meg Cooper, Sinead Duffy, Bill Cotter, Grace Shin, and Michael Martin. “Nay:” None. Absent: Margaret Kleber and Asim Aleem. The motion carried.
Informational Items
Five-Year Forecasting
Mindy Bradford, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, presented an update on the District’s five-year financial forecast. She said the forecasting aims to provide a comprehensive and interactive planning tool to guide the District’s financial decision-making and ensure long-term stability. The District's latest forecast incorporates updates to all revenue and expenditure line items, with a particular focus on the following factors: student enrollment, tax levies, state and federal revenue, salaries, benefits, curriculum, facility and technology multi-year plans, and capital projects.
The anticipated operation revenue of $89,3 million and operating expenditures of $88.5 million for an operating surplus of $0.8 million. The projected operating fund balance of approximately 48.6% for FY26 and between 45.3-47.8% for FY27-FY30, indicating a healthy financial position for the District.
Full-Day Kindergarten Construction Update
Mike Duggan, Director of Facilities, provided an update on the Full-Day Kindergarten construction projects.
KR Miller
Oak:
The interior construction of the four additional classrooms and two office spaces is complete. A punch list from Healy, Bender, Patton, and Bean has been requested. The completion of punch list items in the remodeled area and as much exterior work as the weather will allow is planned for Spring Break.
Madison:
Continued framing of the glass curtain wall and window installation is planned for Spring Break, in addition to miscellaneous MEP rough and finish work. The expected completion date for this project remains July 25, 2025.
RL Sohol
Walker:
Walker is nearing substantial completion. The ceiling grid, acoustical tile, sprinkler drops, and light fixtures are installed. All casework, marker boards, and tack boards are installed. The installation of plumbing fixtures is complete. Flooring installation, as well as system testing & balancing work, is scheduled to be done during Spring Break. The original expected completion date for this project was mid-July 2025, but the latest anticipated completion date is now May 1, 2025.
Monroe:
Window frames and glass have been delivered, and installation is ongoing. Ceilings and other finishes are expected to be completed over Spring Break. Casework installation is scheduled to start on March 24, 2025. The original expected completion date for this project was mid-July 2025, but the latest anticipated completion date is now May 1, 2025.
Lite Construction
The Lane:
Continuation of MEP work, framing, soffits, and insulation projects are scheduled for Spring Break. Exterior site work will also be started during the break if weather permits. The expected completion date for this project continues to be June 30, 2025.
Elm:
The ceiling grid and acoustical tile, MEP rough and finish work, and installation of the EIFS panels are scheduled for Spring Break. The expected completion date for this project continues to be June 30, 2025.
District Office Building Construction Update
Mike Duggan, Director of Facilities, provided an update on the construction status of the new District Office building at 133 East Ogden Avenue in Hinsdale.
He said the administration is working with the Village of Hinsdale to get their approval for the exterior site work so that the last portion of the work can be bid on as soon as possible. It appears that the District will be on the Planning Commission docket as follows;
● March 10-25 - Completion of Public Meeting Notice Requirements Due to Proximity to Single-Family Zoning District – 15-30 days before the Plan Commission Public Meeting
● Village staff to submit a notice to the newspaper no later than March 17 to be published no later than March 20
● Last day for mailings and posting sign by applicant is March 25
● April 9 - Plan Commission Meeting – Public Meeting
● May 6 - Board of Trustees – First Reading / Consideration of Approval
● May 14 - Plan Commission Meeting – Approval of the Findings and Recommendations (Applicant does not need to attend)
● May 13 - Board of Trustees – Second Reading / Final Consideration (Applicant may or may not need to attend, pending the results of the First Reading)
Mr. Duggan said the exterior work is not a roadblock to Construction, Inc., as they continue progressing well on all interior work.
Construction Status Update
● Drywall work has begun with the first and second floors and is expected to be complete by March 14, 2025
● All interior furniture and finishes have been selected and ordered
● Utility switchover work is ongoing
● MEP rough-in is nearing completion
● Fire alarm rough-in is ongoing
● Weekly OAC meetings are ongoing and have been very productive
Winter MAP and SIP Update
Krisitn Reingruber, Director of Assessment, Instruction, and Evaluation, presented an update on the winter 2024 Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment and School Improvement Plan (SIP) progress.
She shared that Grades 1-7 completed the MAP assessment in reading and math between December 9-20, 2025. The data will be used to evaluate instruction, adjust student support, enrich curriculum, and inform course placement. The results include achievement data by district, decile, school, and grade level, as well as growth data by grade, cohort, and building. The presentation also included a preview of the upcoming NWEA 2025 norms update.
The school/building goals are linked to student performance on MAP and focus on the end-of-year achievement and growth targets. Lastly, she provided an update on student learning within each building and the progress toward spring goals.
FOIA Update
Dr. Garcia shared that the District received two requests and completed both since the last FOIA update at the February 24, 2025, Board meeting.
Consent Agenda
Personnel
Certified Licensed Educators
Administrators
| Resignation | |||
| Name | Position | Location | Effective Date |
| Megan Byrne | Pupil Service Administrator | Oak & The Lane | June 30, 2025 |
| Terese Molloy | Pupil Service Administrator | Madison & Elm | June 30, 2025 |
| FY26 Administrator Salary | |||
| Name | Position | Location | Salary |
| Erick Jones | Assistant Principal | CHMS | $116,343 |
| Ronald May | Assistant Principal | HMS | $128,466 |
| Mindy Bradford | Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations | District | $204,895 |
| Gina Herrmann | Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources | District | $192,194 |
| Kathleen Robinson | Assistant Superintendent of Learning | District | $207,810 |
| Erica Ekstrom | Assistant Superintendent of Student Services | District | $166,658 |
| Kristin Reingruber | Director of Assessment, Instruction and Evaluation | District | $142,964 |
| Jeffrey Alstadt | Director of Communications and Safety | District | $96,424 |
| Michael Duggan | Director of Facilities | District | $123,104 |
| Catie Norton | Director of Financial Services | District | $118,055 |
| Matthew Kunesh | Director of Technology | District | $129,189 |
| Levi Brown | Principal | CHMS | $155,480 |
| Sara Olson | Principal | Elm | $154,083 |
| Cory Burke | Principal | HMS | $142,241 |
| Barbara Shanahan | Principal | Madison | $138,067 |
| Erin Eder | Principal | Monroe | $130,253 |
| Effey Nassis | Principal | Oak | $136,854 |
| Kristin Cummings | Principal | Prospect | $147,858 |
| Brandon Todd | Principal | The Lane | $153,399 |
| Eric Chisausky | Principal | Walker | $153,238 |
| Kylee Nosalik | Pupil Service Administrator | CHMS/Prospect | $103,906 |
| Michelle Nugent | Pupil Service Administrator | Monroe/The Lane | $102,835 |
| Christopher Reid | Pupil Service Administrator | HMS | $110,194 |
| Hector Garcia | Superintendent | District | $312,301 |
| Resignation | |||
| Name | Position | Location | Effective Date |
| Alison Emroll | Art Teacher | Walker | June 3, 2025 |
| Sarah Hein | Social Studies Teacher | HMS | June 3, 2025 |
| Grace Hafner | Kindergarten Teacher | Madison | June 3, 2025 |
| Sara Denlinger | Music Teacher | Madison | June 3, 2025 |
| Callaghan Thomas | Teacher Grade 4 | The Lane | June 3, 2025 |
| Lane Advancement | |||||
| Name | Position | Current | Advanced | Salary | Effective Date |
| Dia Berey Wingate | Math Teacher | BA, 6 | MA, 6 | $75,553.83 | January 28, 2025 |
| HCHTA Notice of Retirement under the July 1, 2023-June 30, 2027 Contract | |||
| Name | Position | School | Retirement date |
| Kathy Doyle McNeela | Teacher, ESL | Elm/Monroe | June 2029 |
| Jamie Guerin | TOSA | Districtwide | June 2029 |
| Deborah Cornacchia | Science Teacher | HMS | June 2026 (Changed from June 2027) |
| Helen Dunlea | Gr. 4 teacher | Madison | June 2025 (Changed from June 2026) |
| Change in FTE for the 2025-26 school year | |||
| Name | School | SY 24-25 assignment | SY 25-26 assignment |
| Jessica Hanstad | CHMS | 1.0 FT Language Arts | .5 Language Arts |
| Lori Stellwagen | CHMS | .5 FTE Social Studies | 1.0 FTE LA/SS |
| Leave of Absence, Unpaid parental | |||
| Name | Position | Location | Dates |
| Perry Penn | Teacher | Oak | November 10-December 19, 2025 |
| Employment | |||||
| Name | Position | Location | FTE | Hourly rate | Effective Date |
| Elvia Hurtado de Marinez | Night Custodian | Districtwide | 1.0 | $16.54 | TBD |
| Omar Guevara | Head Custodian | Districtwide | 1.0 | $19.54 | March 3, 2025 |
| Resignations | |||
| Name | Position | Location | Effective Date |
| Mary Ann Carmona | Instructional Assistant | Walker | March 7, 2025 |
| Heather Duffy | Administrative Assistant Main Office | CHMS | February 28, 2025 |
| Carol Banashak (resigning to retire) | Instructional Assistant | Oak | August 4, 2025 |
| Susan Reinhardt (resigning to retire) | Instructional Assistant MRC | Prospect | May 30, 2025 |
| JoAnn Scott | Instructional Assistant | Walker | March 13, 2025 |
| Change in Position | |||||
| Name | Orig.Position | New Position | Building | New rate of pay | Effective Date |
| Daisy Fulgencio | Head Custodian/ Walker | Building Engineer | CHMS | $28.50 per hour | March 1, 2025 |
| HESS Notice of Retirement under the 2022-2026 Contract | |||
| Name | Position | School | Retirement date |
| Michelle McGrath | Instructional Assistant | HMS | June 2028 |
| Gerianne Salach | Administrative Assistant | HMS | June 2029 |
| FY26 Exempt Salary | |||
| Name | Position | Location | Salary |
| Jean Duggan | Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Board of Education | District | $93,296 |
| Rob DuChateau | Senior Systems Administrator | District | $97,983 |
| Chris Conkright | Maintenance Supervisor | District | $78,579 |
| Michael Frankovic | Systems Administrator | District | $79,759 |
| Timothy Awoyemi | Help Desk Tech Team Lead | District | $64,272 |
| Alyssa Gawron | HR Assistant | District | $61,800 |
| Katherine Netko | Payroll Coordinator | District | $73,109 |
| Brian Bresnahan | Business Office Coordinator | District | $72,615 |
| Deborah Prasch | Buildings and Grounds Coordinator | District | $85,773 |
| Angela Rangel | Registrar/Receptionist/HR Assistant | District | $69,475 |
The Board was asked to approve the following minutes:
● Regular Business Meeting - February 24, 2025
Monthly Financial Report
The Board was asked to approve the monthly financial reports from February 2025.
Committee Reports
Finance and Facilities Committee
● The Finance and Facilities Committee met on March 11, 2025. The topics for discussion are as follows: ○ Five-Year Forecasting
○ Monthly Financials
○ Approval of the iPad Device Refresh
○ District Office Building Construction Update
Academic Success Committee
● The Academic Success Committee met on March 6, 2025. The topics for discussion were as follows: ○ Winter MAP and SIP Update
○ District-Level Committee Updates
Gifts and Contributions
The Board was asked to accept the following gift with gratitude:
Donor Name: Office of the Secretary of State Library Grant Program
Donation: $2,631.11
Beneficiary: CCSD 181 Students and Staff
Value: $2,631.11
Payment of Bills and Reimbursements
Bills and reimbursements were presented in the amount of $1,935,914.80.
William Cotter made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Mike Martin seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” William Cotter, Grace Shin, Margaret Cooper, Sinead Duffy, and Michael Martin. “Nay:” None. Absent: Margaret Kleber and Asim Aleem. The motion carried.
Adjournment
William Cotter made a motion to adjourn at 8:04 p.m. Michael Martin seconded the motion. All in favor. The motion carried.
https://go.boarddocs.com/il/hccsdil/Board.nsf/files/DFKTXQ798870/$file/2025_03_17_Reg.%20Bus.%20Mtg.%20Min..pdf
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