Quincy Reporter

Community Consolidated School District 181 Board of Education met May 12.

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 May 12, 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, Asim Aleem, and Margaret Kleber. Absent: Adam East. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.

Pledge of Allegiance

William Cotter led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Board of Education Celebrations 

The Board of Education recognized and thanked everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the May 5, 2025, D181 Celebration evening.

The event honored the District’s retirees for their years of service, celebrated the achievements of the ISBE Those Who Excel recipients, and acknowledged the ongoing support of the D181 Foundation.

The D181 Board thanked the administrators for their dedicated years of service to the district, and the significant contributions of Dr. Jeffrey Alstadt, Ms. Megan Byrne, Ms. Terese Molloy, and Dr. Barb Shanahan to the district's success.

The D181 board welcomed Katherine Zulauf as the new principal of Madison School, effective July 1, 2025. Zulauf brings nearly two decades of educational leadership experience, notably as Principal at Rupley Elementary, where she championed an inclusive culture and implemented restorative practices alongside data-driven instruction.

Executive Session 

William Cotter made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session at 6:07 p.m. to discuss personnel. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye”: Grace Shin, Margaret Cooper, William Cotter, Sinead Duffy, Margaret Kleber, and Asim Aleem. ”Nay”: None. Absent: Adam East. The motion carried.

Call to Order 

Jean Duggan, Recording Secretary, took roll call at 7:01 p.m. Board members present were William Cotter, Grace Shin, Margaret Cooper, Sinead Duffy, Margaret Kleber, and Asim Aleem. “Nay:” None. Absent: Adam East. Also present, Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent.

Action Items

Budget Presentation and Approval of the FY 2026 Tentative Budget for Public Display  Ms. Bradford presented the FY2026 Tentative Budget for Public Display for Approval. She noted that the Illinois School Code requires the budget to be displayed for 30 days before adoption.

She said the District is projecting Operating Revenues of approximately $89.2 million, Operating Expenses of $82.1 million, and Transfers of approximately $6,6 million, for an operating surplus of approximately $550,000 for the 2026 fiscal year. The projected revenue split is $84.8 million (95.0%) Local Funding, $3.1 million (3.4%) State Funding, and $1.4 million (1.6%) Federal Funding.

She then shared the upcoming timeline for the budget process:

● May 12, 2025: Board of Education approval to publish the Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget

● May 13, 2025: Fiscal Year 2026 Tentative Budget on Public Display

● May 15, 2025: Legal Ad (Hinsdalean)

● June 16, 2025: Public Hearing at Board of Education meeting and Board approval of FY26 Budget

● No later than July 16, 2025: FY26 Approved Annual Budget filed with the County Clerks of DuPage and Cook Counties and the Illinois State Board of Education

● No later than July 16, 2025: FY26 Approved Annual budget posted on the District’s website, and notice sent to parents and guardians of students

William Cotter made a motion to approve the FY 2026 Tentative Budget for Public Display, as presented. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Meg Cooper, Margaret Kleber, Assem Aleem, Bill Cotter, Grace Shin, and Sinead Duffy. “Nay:” None. Absent: Adam East. The motion carried.

Approval of the Resolution Approving Treasurer’s Surety Bonds

Ms. Bradford presented the Approval of the Resolution Approving Surety Treasurer’s Bonds. She asked that the Board approve a resolution for a $8 million surety bond for the school treasurer, as state law requires (105 ILCS 5/8-2). She noted that this ensures financial protection for the district's funds, and the district will pay the annual premiums for these bonds. She clarified that all necessary documentation will be submitted to the DuPage Regional Office of Education by June 15th.

William Cotter made a motion to approve the Resolution Approving Treasurer’s Surety Bonds, as presented. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Meg Cooper, Margaret Kleber, Assem Aleem, Bill Cotter, Grace Shin, and Sinead Duffy. “Nay:” None. Absent: Adam East. The motion carried.

Approval of the Resolution Appointing School Treasurer and Fixing Treasurer’s Compensation  Ms. Bradford presented the Approval of the Resolution Appointing the School Treasurer and Fixing the Treasurer's Compensation. Pursuant to School Code 105 ILCS 5/8-1, the Board of Education may appoint a non-school board member to serve as School Treasurer. Mindy Bradford was appointed to serve as School Treasurer. The required compensation for the School Treasurer is set at $1.

William Cotter made a motion to approve the Resolution Appointing School Treasurer and Fixing Treasurer’s Compensation, as presented. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Meg Cooper, Margaret Kleber, Assem Aleem, Bill Cotter, Grace Shin, and Sinead Duffy. “Nay:” None. Absent: Adam East. The motion carried.

Board Committees: Charis, Calendars, and Liaison Appointments

Finance

Bill Cotter made a motion to approve Asim Aleem as the Chair of the Finance Committee, Adam East as the Co-Chair, and Sinead Duffy as the Alternate. Meg Cooper seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Grace Shin, Meg Cooper, Sinead Duffy, Margie Kleber, Asim Aleem, and Bill Cotter. “Nay:” None. Absent: Adam East. The motion carried.

ASC 

Bill Cotter made a motion to approve Grace Shin as the Chair of the Academic Success Committee, Meg Cooper as the Co-Chair, and Sinead Duffy as the Alternate. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Grace Shin, Meg Cooper, Sinead Duffy, Margie Kleber, Asim Aleem, and Bill Cotter. “Nay:” None. Absent: Adam East. The motion carried. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Grace Shin, Meg Cooper, Sinead Duffy, Margie Kleber, Asim Aleem, and Bill Cotter. “Nay:” None. Absent: Adam East. The motion carried.

Liaison Appointments 

Bill Cotter made a motion to approve the following Liaison Appointments:

● PTO - Grace Shin

● D181 Foundation - Sinead Duffy

● Policy - Bill Cotter and Margie Kleber

● Insurance - Margie Kleber

● PTAC - Grace Shin

Grace Shin seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Grace Shin, Meg Cooper, Sinead Duffy, Margie Kleber, Asim Aleem, and Bill Cotter. “Nay:” None. Absent: Adam East. The motion carried.

Committee Calendars 

Bill Cotter made a motion to approve the 2025-2026 Committee Calendars. Margaret Kleber seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” Grace Shin, Meg Cooper, Sinead Duffy, Margie Kleber, Asim Aleem, and Bill Cotter. “Nay:” None. Absent: Adam East. The motion carried.

Informational Items 

Superintendent Search Update 

Dr. Hector Garcia, Superintendent, and BWP consultants Mark Friedman, Joe Porto, and Anne Noland shared updates on the Superintendent Search. The District 181 Board of Education is actively moving forward with its search for a new superintendent. The board outlined key parameters and timelines for the process, emphasizing a commitment to finding the best candidate to lead the district.

Mr. Friedman highlighted that the search will be confidential to protect candidates. The district will gather input from administrators, teachers, staff, PTO/parents, and community partners through an online survey. BWP will screen applicants, and the Board of Education will conduct interviews in multiple rounds, with tentative dates set for late May and early November. The Board of Education is targeting a vote on the new superintendent by December 15th, followed by a reception to welcome the new leader.

This structured approach demonstrates the Board's dedication to a thorough and transparent search. The community can anticipate regular updates as the process unfolds and the district moves closer to selecting its next superintendent.

Full-Day Kindergarten Financial Update 

Ms. Bradford provided a financial update on the Full-Day Kindergarten projects. The total budgeted amount is $19,171,616. As of April 30, 2025, the District has spent $14,644,223 (76%) of the total project budget. She noted that Oak and Walker have the highest percentage of spend to date, at 85% and 87% respectively, since those two projects are nearing substantial completion.

District Office Building 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.

The administration is working with the Village of Hinsdale to receive approval for the exterior site work. Revised renderings, addressing the Planning Commission’s concerns, are scheduled to be presented on May 14, 2025. The interior renovations are proceeding on schedule and are not hindered by the discussions regarding the exterior work.

The key interior work, including painting, ceiling grid, tile installation, flooring, millwork, and mechanical systems, is nearing completion. The furniture and appliance delivery is scheduled for May 19, and the elevator work is expected to finish before the move-in date.

Ms. Bradford shared that the total budget for the District Office is $5,105,500. As of April 25, 2025, the District has spent $2,263,894 (44%) of the total project budget.

Full-Day Kindergarten Curriculum Update; 

Assistant Superintendent of Learning Dr. Kathleen Robinson outlined the extensive planning process underway during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years. The district is moving forward with plans for its full-day kindergarten program.

Dr. Robinson said the planning committee consisted of a diverse group of educators, including district administrators, building principals, teachers, and specialists, and has been developing the full-day kindergarten program.

She said the program will embrace a rigorous academic foundation while integrating purposeful play to develop students' academic, social, and emotional skills. The district's mission is to provide a program that promotes academic excellence and social-emotional well-being, with a vision to create a dynamic and inclusive program that fosters a passion for learning.

Dr. Robinson shared that the committee has been developing curriculum for all content areas, expanding resources, incorporating social-emotional components, and planning for movement and play. She said the district aims to create a strong foundation for lifelong learning through this new full-day kindergarten program.

ELA Pilot Update 

Assistant Superintendent of Learning Dr. Kathleen Robinson provided an overview of the ELA Pilot, which will take place during the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Robinson shared that the Department of Learning is in the final stages of planning a K-5 ELA resource pilot program.

She noted that the pilot is part of the district's 5-year curriculum renewal cycle, with the last K-5 ELA resource pilot and purchase having occurred in 2019. The district has been reviewing a list of K-5 core ELA resources, including American Reading Company ARC Core, Benchmark Advance, CKLA Amplify, Wit & Wisdom, and Magnetic Literacy, as well as supplemental resources for foundational skills and vocabulary/word study. The resources are being evaluated based on their alignment with state standards and district goals, comprehensive coverage of literacy components, research-based instructional materials, and instructional support for all students.

Dr. Robinson said the next steps in the pilot process include completing a resource feedback rubric, analyzing pilot data, comparing the effectiveness of core and supplemental programs, considering budget and implementation requirements, and making final recommendations to the Board of Education.

FOIA Update

Dr. Garcia shared that the District received two requests, completed one, and is completing the second one since the last FOIA update at the April 21, 2025, Board meeting.

Consent Agenda

Personnel 

Certified Licensed Educators 

Employment- Pending successful completion of the onboarding process & background check
Name	Position	Location	FTE	Effective Date
Catherine Burch	4th Grade Teacher	Elm	1.0	August 15, 2025
Sydney Wade	Kindergarten Teacher	Oak	1.0	August 15, 2025
Isabelle Hornig	1st Grade Teacher	Oak	1.0	August 15, 2025
Allicia Smrha	5th Grade Teacher	Elm	1.0	August 15, 2025

Resignation
Name	Position	Location	Effective Date
Gabrielle Pastiak	Teacher of Special Assignment	Districtwide	June 3, 2025

Change in FTE for the 2025-26 school year.
Name	School	Position	2024-25 FTE	2025-26 FTE
Erin Joyce	TBD	Kindergarten Teacher	.5	1.0

Clubs - effective for the 2024-2025 school year.
Name	School	Club	Stipend
Meredith Bailey	Prospect	Robotics Club	$481.25
Barbara Topol-Matt	Prospect	Panther Prep	$1,085,00
Molly Litman	Prospect	Panther Prep	$1,085.00
Julie Williams	HMS	Student Council	$507.50

Kristin Robinson	Oak	Elementary Chorus	$665.00
Jaime Sciacotta	Walker	Elementary Chorus	$1,120.00
Christina Belfiore	Walker	Walker Book Enfluencers	$210.00
Patricia Mardula	Madison	Recess Read Aloud	$700.00
Lauren Culver	Madison	Elementary Orchestra	$665.00
Megan Hoff	Madison	5th Grade Safety Patrol	$140.00
Grace Hafner	Madison	Student Council	$778.75

Classified Staff

Employment -Building & Grounds Summer Worker
Name	Position	Location	Hourly Rate	Effective Date
Timothy Blader	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
Michael Stewart	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
Aidan Garcia	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
Ana Sarabia	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
Monica Fernandez	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
Maria Padilla	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
Finn Cummings	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
Brennan Cummings	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
John Horton	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
Joseph Pisani	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
Julian Waelter	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025
Hector Alvarez	Summer Worker	B&G	$15.00	Summer 2025

Resignation
Name	Position	Location	Effective Date
Frank Gadzala	Instructional Assistant RISE	Walker	May 5, 2025

Employment
Name	Position	Location	Hourly Rate	Effective Date
Emily Mellens	School Nurse	Walker	$34.09	August 15, 2025

Summer Programs 2025
Name	Position	Hourly Rate	Effective Dates
Regina Lee	ESY IA	$22.53	June 9, 2025 - June 27, 2025
Laura Monyek	IA - All Programs	$18.00	June 9, 2025 - June 27, 2025
Merrie Burket	ESY IA	$21.19	June 9, 2025 - June 27, 2025

Approval of Minutes 

The Board was asked to approve the following minutes:

● Regular Business Meeting - April 21, 2025

Monthly Financial Report 

The Board was asked to approve the monthly financial reports for April 2025.

Policy Review - First Read - Approval for Public Display 

The Board was asked to approve the following policies for public display:

● 2:260 - Uniform Grievance Procedure

● 2:265 - Title IX Grievance Procedure 

● 4:15 - Identity Protection 

● 4:80 - Accounting and Audits 

● 5:10 - Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment 

● 5:20 - Workplace Harassment Prohibited 

● 5:60 - Expenses 

● 6:231 - Objectives of Selection of School Library Materials 

● 6:235 - Access to Electronic Networks 

● 7:180 - Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment 

● 7:185 - Teen Dating Violence Prohibited 

● 7:190 - Student Behavior 

● 7:200 - Suspension Procedures 

● 7:210 - Expulsion Procedures 

● 7:270 - Administering Medicines to Students 

● 7:310 - Restrictions on Publications, Elementary Schools 

District 181 Local Literacy Plan 

In January 2024, the Illinois State Board of Education approved the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. The plan called on districts to review their current literacy practices to ensure they are aligned with literacy research. The action required includes the review of the K-8 literacy curriculum, district resources, interventions, staff training, and development of a local literacy plan. The plan will be used to guide the District’s work for the next two school years to improve literacy across the district. The Department of Learning has also applied for additional grant funding from the state to be used toward the purchase of new student materials.

2025-2026 Assessment Calendar

The Board was asked to approve the presented 2025-2026 D181 Assessment Calendar.

PaCE

The Board was asked to approve the D181 Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework, which is designed to provide students with guided exploration of postsecondary planning and options in a manner that is consistent with adolescent development. The developmental work in the middle school framework is intended to prepare students to more fully engage with the PaCE Framework throughout their high school years.

Consolidated District Plan

The Board was asked to approve the SY26 Consolidated District Plan.

Committee Reports 

Academic Success Committee

● The Academic Success Committee met on May 1, 2025. The topics for discussion were as follows: 

○ 2025-2026 Assessment Calendar

○ ELA Pilot Update

○ Full-Day Kindergarten Curricular Update

○ D181 Math Assessment Retake Procedures

○ District-Level Committee Updates

Finance and Facilities Committee

● The Finance and Facilities Committee met on May 6, 2025. The topics for discussion were as follows: 

○ Full-Day Kindergarten Financial Update

○ District Office Building Update

○ Monthly Financials

○ Budget Presentation and Approval of the FY26 Tentative Budget for Public Display 

○ Resolution Approving Treasurer’s Bonds

○ Resolution Appointing School Treasurer and Fixing Treasurer’s Compensation

Payment of Bills and Reimbursements 

Bills and reimbursements were presented for $1,959,188.72.

William Cotter made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. Sinead Duffy seconded the motion. On roll call, the following members voted “Aye:” William Cotter, Grace Shin, Margaret Cooper, Margaret Kleber, Asim Aleem, and Sinead Duffy. “Nay:” None. Absent: Adam East. The motion carried.

Adjournment 

William Cotter made a motion to adjourn at 8:34 p.m. Grace Shin seconded the motion. All in favor. The motion carried

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/hccsdil/Board.nsf/files/DHKRCY6D696B/$file/2025_05_12_Reg.%20Bus.%20Mtg.%20Min..pdf