North Egypt News

Minooka Community High School District 111 Board of Education met Aug. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by President Laura Hrechko. The meeting was held at Minooka Community High School-Administration Building. A physical quorum was present with the following board members answering roll call:

                                         YES      NO

• Laura Hrechko                 X

• Jim Grzetich                                X

• Tim Juskiewicz                X

• Mike Brozovich                           X

• Terry Spivey                    X

• Mike Hoyt                        X

• Bert Kooi                         X

Additionally, present were:

• Dr. Rob Schiffbauer        X

• John Troy                       X

• Dr. Phillip Pakowski       X

• Kristi Boe                       X

• Jamie Soliman               X

• Michele Williamson        X

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments heard.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Administrative reports were provided in the board packet for review.

Dr. Schiffbauer reported that Officer Mackenzie Melendez will be the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Central Campus. She is a an MCHS graduate. The Coaches Cookout is Friday August 22nd at 4:30 p.m. There will be food and scrimmages held by the various fall teams. Dr. Schiffbauer provided a Transportation update, despite being short bus drivers there have been positive changes to transport students as efficiently as possible. He added that Sloane Dempsey, Assistant Transportation Director is doing a phenomenal job overseeing the Transportation Department. Dr. Schiffbauer stated that construction progress is coming along at both south and central campuses and construction updates are always provided on the website.

Mrs. Soliman gave an update on Strategic Plan and Student Focus plans and what will be implemented in the next week. She stated that on early release days, 3rd block is thirty minutes longer and during that time staff is going to request information about their students and learn more about them and ways to support them, as well as making sure they have access to google classroom. This will include completing a student interest inventory, where club/activity sponsors and coaches can reach out to the students’ interests as well as to reach out to the students who have expressed through the survey, that they have no interest and therefore meet and discuss what their interests are. In addition, based on student feedback for more face-to-face time with instructors, drop in’s will be conducted in the classrooms to gather data.

Dr. Pakowski shared the results of the 2024-2025 State Testing Results and the presentation was provided in the board packet for review. Discussed were the following; MCHS Average vs. State Average on ACT, ACT Benchmarks, Pre ACT/ACT growth in the Fall and Spring for grades 9,10 and 11th. Plans for 2025-2026 include increasing ACT trained staff in Math, English and Science, form a Literacy Committee, Class presentations, Increasing ACT prep options and participation, daily Math and English for Freshman/Sophomores starting in the 2026-2027 school year and form a Numeracy Committee – cross curricular Math fluency starting in the 2026-2027 school year.

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Hoyt, to approve the consent agenda as presented:

A. Open Session Minutes

1. July 16, 2025 Regular Meeting

B. Financial Reports

1. Monthly Financial Reports

2. Payment of Bills/Total

3. Employee Payroll

4. Imprest Fund Report/Total

5. Activity Fund Report

6. Treasurer’s Report (Cash/YTD – Exp/Rev)

Voting Aye: Kooi, Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt and Hrechko. Motion was carried Time: 6:15 p.m.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

GCSEC – A meeting was held on August 19, 2025. Mr. Kooi and Dr. Schiffbauer attended and reported that at the meeting the budget was passed, discussed was an ongoing need to fill one on one aide positions. On a positive note, speech pathologists are staffed and therefore utilizing a service is not needed as previously thought. GCSEC is expanding the transition program and purchased another suite in between the other transition spaces at the Lakewood Commons in Morris.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Educational Foundation Update:

The Educational Foundation update was included in the board packet for review. Dr. Schiffbauer reported that a meeting was held on August 19th. Five Teacher grants were approved. Preparations are taking place for the Denim and Diamonds event which will be held on March 21, 2026. Next meeting will be in September to discuss plans for the staff appreciation night.

Legislative Update:

Dr. Schiffbauer discussed that Governor Pritzker signed legislation that will no longer allow School Resource Officers (SRO) to ticket students while in school. In addition, Dr. Schiffbauer will continue to monitor the Transgender restroom policy between Loudoun County VA. and the U.S. Department of Education.

Press Packet 119 – Second Reading:

A second reading of Press Packet 119 was held and provided in the board packet for review. There were no questions or concerns for approval and adoption at the end of the regular meeting.

Tentative Budget:

The FY26 Tentative Budget was provided in the board packet for review. Mr. Troy stated that this is estimated based on an EAV growth of 6% as well as target a reduction in tax rate. He pointed out the significant revenues in the Transportation Fund, this is a result of taking over District 201’s Transportation department, District 201 will be billed for the services and is reflective in an increase of revenue, conversely in the FY26 Expense there will be increase off setting expense for those revenues. Mr. Troy explained the FY 26 Expense transfers to the Capital for the Education, O&M, Transportation, and Working Cash funds are planned and anticipated deficits as a result of the planned fund transfers. The actual year end Fund Balance as of June 30, 2025 and estimated June 30, 2026 was discussed and are well within Board Policy 4:20 of a minimum of 15-20% of fund balance revenue ratio. The budget will continue to be adjusted and will be presented at the September Budget Hearing.

South Campus Kitchen Fryer:

The district received five kitchen fryer competitive bids. The bids were provided in the packet for review along with a recommendation awarding the new fryer bid to Douglas Equipment in the amount of $32,550.07. There were no questions or concerns and it is anticipated for approval at the end of the regular meeting.

Dump Truck:

The district received six dump truck competitive bids. It was recommended to award the dump truck bid to Ron Tirapelli in the amount of $74,865 due to lower bids that either did not meet the criteria or the resources needed for out of state pick up, time/travel expenses and immediate availability. There were no questions or concerns for approval at the end of the meeting.

Cafeteria Price Increases:

The revised cafeteria prices increase was provided in the board packet. Due to increased labor and food costs and the district running in a deficit it was the direction of board members at the July meeting to increase the cafeteria prices from the previously proposed 9.2% to 10 %. There were no concerns and it is anticipated for approval at the end of the regular meeting.

World Language, Music and Art Department – Items to sell:

Provided in the board packet was a request to sell up to eight (8) tubas and seventy (70) French textbooks at a price determined by the Administration deemed appropriate. There were no concerns for approval at the end of the regular meeting.

International Student Exchange (ISE):

Information on International Student Exchange (ISE) was provided in the board packet for review. There was discussion and the request at the July board meeting to approve ISE as an approved student exchange provider. There were no concerns for formal approval at the end of the regular meeting.

Donation of old Wrestling Mats:

A request to donate four (4) old wrestling mats to the Minooka Wrestling Club. There were no questions or concerns to approve donating the wrestling mats.

ACTION ITEMS

Approval and Adoption of Press Packet 119 as presented:

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Spivey, to approve and adopted of Press Packet 119 as presented. Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 6:33 p.m.

Approval to Post the Tentative Budget as presented.

MOTION: by Hoyt, seconded by Kooi, to approve and post the Tentative Budget as presented. Voting aye: Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Kooi, Spivey and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 6:34 p.m.

Approval to award the new Fryer bid to Douglas Equipment in the total amount of $32,550.07 as presented.

MOTION: by Spivey, seconded by Juskiewicz, to approve and award the new Fryer bid to Douglas Equipment in the total amount of $32,550.07 as presented. Voting Aye: Kooi, Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 6:34 p.m.

Approval to of the sale of up to eight (8) tubas and seventy (70) French textbooks at a price determined by the Administration deemed appropriate as presented. Voting Aye: Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Kooi and Hrechko

MOTION: by Hoyt, seconded by Kooi to approve the sale of up to eight (8) tubas and seventy (70) French textbooks at a price determined by the Administration deemed appropriate as presented. Voting Aye: Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Kooi and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 6:35 p.m.

Approval to award the dump truck bid to Ron Tirapelli Ford in the total amount of $74,865 as presented.

MOTION: by Spivey, seconded by Juskiewicz, to approve and award the dump truck bid Ron Tirapelli Ford in the total amount of $74,865 as presented. Voting Aye: Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Kooi, Spivey and Hrechko. Motion was approved. Time: 6:35 p.m.

Approval of the Cafeteria Price Increase as presented.

MOTION: by: Kooi, seconded by Juskiewicz, to approve the Cafeteria Price Increase as presented. Voting Aye: Kooi, Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, and Hrechko. Time: 6:36 p.m.

Approval of International Student Exchange (ISE) as presented.

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Hoyt to approve of International Student Exchange (ISE) as presented.

Hearing no objections. Motion carried. Time: 6:36 p.m.

Approval to donate the identified four wrestling mats to the Minooka Wrestling Club as presented.

MOTION: Spivey, seconded by Hoyt to approve donation the identified four wrestling mats to the Minooka Wrestling Club as presented. Voting Aye: Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Kooi and Hrechko. Motion was approved. Time: 6:36 p.m.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

MOTION: by Juskiewicz seconded by Hoyt, to adjourn the meeting to executive session for the purpose of discussing matters related to minutes, the appointment, compensation, discipline, dismissal, employment and performance of specific employees of the district, student discipline, and collective bargaining. Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 6:37 p.m.

RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

MOTION: by Spivey, seconded by Hoyt, Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:04 p.m. OPEN SESSION

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Spivey, Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:06 p.m.

ACTIONS FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION

Closed Session Minutes

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Hoyt, to approve the closed session minutes as presented:

• July 16, 2025, Executive Regular Meeting

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:06 p.m.

Personnel

Resignation(s):

Cynthia Martinez - Bus Driver - eff. 8/13/2025 - resignation

Amber Naser - Bus Driver - eff. 8/1/2025 - resignation

Joan Coop - Bus Driver - eff. 8/20/2025 - resignation

Haylee Pehlke - Custodian - eff. 7/29/2025 - resignation

Sandra Olmos - Bus Driver - eff. 8/4/2025 - resignation

Sarah Lemke - Library Aide - eff. 8/5/2025 - resignation

Wendy Thompson - Bus Driver - eff. 7/31/2025 - resignation

Oriana Zaragoza - Bus Driver - eff. 8/4/2025 - resignation

Paige Schoolman - Assistant Athletic Director - eff. 7/28/2025 - resignation

Ashlee Veleker - Special Education Aide - eff. 7/30/2025 - resignation

Mary Hamiti - Administrative Assistant to the Principal - eff. 8/28/2025 - resignation

Matt Marino - Social Studies Teacher - eff. 6/30/2030 - retirement

Karla Jacobs - Campus Monitor - eff. 8/12/2025 - resignation

MOTION: by Kooi, seconded by Juskiewicz, to accept the following resignation as presented: Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:07 p.m.

LOA:

Motion: by Hoyt, seconded by Kooi, to approve the following leaves of absence as presented, pending receipt of proper documentation as presented.

Robert Swanson - Teacher - Science from approximately 8/11/2025 - 2/28/2026 (Days TBD) under the Family Medical Act (FMLA)

David Barrett - Transportation Director from approximately 8/11/25 - 11/28/2025 (Days TBD) under the Family Medical Act (FMLA)

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:07 p.m.

Employment:

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Spivey to approve the employment of the following certified staff member(s) for the 2025-2026 school year as presented, pending proper paperwork and background check deemed favorable by the MCHS #111 Administration:

Jacob Karp – First-year Probationary Teacher – World Language – BA+15/Step1

Voting Aye: Hoyt, Kooi, Spivey, Juskiewicz, and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:08 p.m.

MOTION: by Hoyt, seconded by Juskiewicz, to approve the employment of the following support staff member(s) as presented, pending proper paperwork and background check deemed favorable by the MCHS #111 Administration.

Anthony Galba - Bus Driver

Natalia Walsh - Bus Aide

Herminia Marsh - Bus Aide

William Thurn - Bus Lead Mechanic - effective 8/11/2025 - $40.00 per hour

Joseph Anderson - Bus Driver

Voting Aye: Kooi, Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:08 p.m.

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Hoyt, to approve the following extracurricular employment/volunteer(s) for the 2025/2026 school year as presented, pending proper paperwork and background check deemed favorable by the MCHS #111 Administration:

Brian Bain - Flag Football (Girls) - Volunteer

Michael Hamilton - Band Activities Director - Assistant Sponsor - Step 4

Michael Hamilton - Band Director - Marching - Assistant Sponsor - Step 4

Michael Hamilton - Band Director - Jazz - Sponsor - Step 4

Michael Hamilton - Indoor Percussion - Head Sponsor - Step 4

Rylie Bolsoni - Cheerleading - Winter (Girls) - Assistant Coach - Step 2 (step correction from July meeting)

Holly McNicholas - Band - Volunteer

Jennifer Devereux - Band - Volunteer

Melissa Chew - Band - Volunteer

Brooke Kapanowski - Band - Volunteer

Jennifer Broderson - Band Volunteer

Dan Carrico - Band - Volunteer

Nicole Collins - Band - Volunteer

Coryn Kaney - Band - Volunteer

Thomas Stokke - Basketball (Boys) Assistant Coach - Step 6

Andrew Knoll - Wrestling (Boys) Assistant Coach - Step 1

Jeffrey Goddard - Band - Volunteer

Chris Erickson - Band - Volunteer

Michelle Erickson - Band - Volunteer

Ashlee Veleker - Band – Volunteer

Voting Aye: Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Kooi and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:09 p.m.

MOTION: by Juskiewicz, seconded by Hoyt, to approve the extracurricular appointments of returning sponsors, coaches and volunteers for the 2025/2026 school year as presented:

Dylan Witte - Band Section Instructor - Sponsor

Ashley Tutt - Track (Girls) - Assistant Coach

Brian Bain - MAC - Volunteer

Jay Dahlberg - Football - Volunteer

Shane Longest - Football - Volunteer

Dylan Meyer - Football - Volunteer

Ryan Gough - Football - Volunteer

Walter Mason - Football - Volunteer

Rachel Remus - Band - Volunteer

Kelly Harrison - Band - Volunteer

Matt Reed - MAC - Volunteer

Jennifer Dykstra - Band - Volunteer

Monica Esquivel - Band - Volunteer

Diedra Goddard - Band - Volunteer

Erin Kurns - Band - Volunteer

Jessie Lowell - Band - Volunteer

Jennifer Lyons - Band - Volunteer

Julie Macias - Band - Volunteer

Annette McCammon - Band - Volunteer

Kevin McCammon - Band - Volunteer

Kelly McKirdie - Band - Volunteer

Kelly McIntyre - Band - Volunteer

Andrew McIntyre - Band - Volunteer

Ryan Ott - Band - Volunteer

Dawn Rogowski - Band Volunteer

Justin Rogowski - Band - Volunteer

Angelina Shultz - Band - Volunteer

Anthony Siebert - Band - Volunteer

Natalia Siebert - Band - Volunteer

Jody Stieg - Band - Volunteer

Tara Wilhelm - Band - Volunteer

Voting Aye: Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Kooi, and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:10 p.m.

MOTION: Hoyt, seconded by Juskiewicz to approve the engagement letter for Litigation Support with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc (WJE) as presented. Voting Aye: Kooi, Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, and Hrechko. Motion carried: Time: 7:11 p.m.

MOTION: Hoyt, seconded by Kooi to approve the Emergency Bus Driver Contracts as presented: Voting Aye: Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Kooi, Spivey and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:11 p.m.

MOTION: Juskiewicz, seconded by Hoyt to approve Transportation attendance bonus Memorandum of Understanding as presented. Voting Aye: Spivey, Juskiewicz, Hoyt, Kooi and Hrechko. Motion carried. Time: 7:11 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMNT AND COMMUNICATIONS

Minooka Community High School achieves Best High School ranking by U.S. News and World report in 2025- 2026.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: by Hoyt, seconded by Juskiewicz to adjourn the meeting.

Hearing no objections. Motion was approved. Time: 7:12 p.m.

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/WebViewer/1417?file=4bc1e405-44d7-4302-abea-99a3bb587dda