Board Recap

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap: September 10, 2024

School Board President’s Report to the Board

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Susan Szafranski to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties.

Update on Upcoming Events

• September 17:             Policy Committee Meeting (6 pm at Central)
• September 17:             PFA Meeting at Palos East (7 pm)
• September 21:             Palos Park Parade (9 am – noon)
• October 8:                   Regular Board Meeting (6 pm at Central)                         
• October 15:                 Preschool Screening at Central Office (All Day)

Recognition
The board, building administrators, and Dr. Ron Cozza introduced new teachers and recognized teachers who achieved tenure status and those who earned advanced degrees.

Superintendent's Update
Dr. Scarsella reported that it has been a great start to the 2024-2025 school year and was pleased to hear that so many families came out for curriculum nights at the schools. He thanked the Palos Educational Foundation and parent volunteers who helped organize another successful Laps for Literature fundraiser on September 6. He also thanked Palos South students who handed out water to bus drivers during a particularly hot week at the beginning of the year. He closed by congratulating the District 118 School Board which was awarded the Illinois Association of School Board’s Board Governance Award for their efforts to sustain a highly effective school board. He noted that the board members were recognized for the creation of an orientation process for newly elected board members, a superintendent evaluation system, implementing board self-evaluation practices, and creating governing commitments. He also noted that the Board also voted to place an initiative before voters on the March ballot that resulted in the passage of a referendum that ensured free full-day kindergarten for all, a balanced budget, favorable class sizes, and secured $2 million per year in operating funds for yearly capital improvements to school facilities.

Committee Reports

Finance and Facilities Committee
Finance Committee Chair Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on September 3 and during the meeting Dr. Scarsella recommended the school district enter a one-year subscription contract with Thomson Reuters for CLEAR, a residency verification system that provides accurate and reliable annual residency checks. He reported that Mr. Veihman reviewed the final FY25 budget with the Committee and recommended it be sent to the full Board for approval. At the meeting, Mr. Veihman also informed the Committee that the school district has complied with state statute requiring the posting of compensation and share services reports. The Committee recommended Pam Paris and Jennifer Jensen serve on this year’s District Safety Committee and that Susan Szafranski serve as an alternate. At the meeting, Dr. Scarsella shared with the Committee a new sign for the front of Palos East Elementary School.

Education Foundation
Sheila Pacholski, Education Foundation President reported that Laps for Literature was a success and that there is time to still make a donation through the Palos 118 wesbstore. She congratulated the board for presenting a balanced budget. She and PFA President Jennifer Bleskin presented checks for a total of $53,000 to pay for the 22 interactive displays to upgrade the remaining classroom at both Palos East and West. The Foundation’s Trivia Night Fundraiser will be held on February 1, 2025.

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
Jennifer Bleskin, PFA president, reported that the PFA reported that the fall spirit wear sale ends September 18, that the first spirit and theme lunches begin in September and October. Boo Bingo event will be held on October 12 at Palos West. Halloween party sign up will be at the PFA meeting on September 17 at Palos East.

Music Parents Association (MPA)
Mrs. Jensen reported that the MPA held their first meeting on September 9. Harvest Fest will take place on October 25.

New Business

• A public meeting was held on the proposed 2025 budget.
• The Board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed 2025 budget.
• The Board held a vote to nominate Susan Szafranski as the new Board Secretary to replace Dr. Baker who has stepped down.

Secretary’s Report
Secretary Susan Szafranski reported that there were no communications received or sent.

Consent Agenda

• The board approved a consent agenda that included:
• Approval Post Issuance Compliance Report
• Approval of CLEAR for Residency Verification Contract
• Approval of SY25-26 Supply Kits from School Toolbox
• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff-FMLA: Taryn Linke, Speech Pathologist, East; Sarah Bahn, PLC Math Coach, East
• Approval of Personnel Report B-Classified Staff-Employment:Hebah Alajouri, Paraprofessional, West; Isabella Ramirez, Paraprofessional, West; Kristyn Schmidt PT Playground Supervisor, West; Barbara Pierozek, Custodian, Anna Kadlub-Bukowsi, School Nurse, West; FMLA: Deborah McMahon, Paraprofessional, East; Resignation: Destiny McKinney, Paraprofessional West; Annette Washington, Bus Driver Transportation; Artemio Michel, System Administrator, Central
• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated August 13, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes dated September 3, 2024.
• Authorize Payment of Payrolls, Bills Payable and Aggregate Total: $3,100,561.88

Closed Session
The Board went into closed session for the discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity; collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees and the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students.

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap

October 8, 2024

School Board President’s Report to the Board

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and recited one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. Mrs. Paris also appointed Mike Pizur to serve as the District’s delegate to the IASB Assembly. She recognized art teacher Mrs. Gallovitch whose students created the artwork on display in the board room.

Update on Upcoming Events

• October 11: No School – Teacher Institute Day
• October 12:  Boo Bingo at Palos West – 5:00pm-8:30pm
• October 14: No School – Columbus Day
• October 22: Student Outcomes and Accountability Meeting at 6pm at Central Office
• October 25: Harvest Fest 5:30 at Palos South
• November 5: No School – Election Day
• November 6: Finance and Facilities Meeting – Central at 6pm
• November 12: Regular Board of Education Meeting – Central at 6pm

Superintendent's Update
Dr. Scarsella began his report by congratulating Palos East on being named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. He also noted that ISBE will release the 2024 School Report Cards on October 30. He reported that Niche.com released its rankings of the best public schools in Illinois and that Palos South at #59, Palos East at #141, and Palos West at #169. He commended Palos South teachers Mrs. Gina Marek and Ms. Saja Jaber for attending professional development conferences this fall. He thanked the PFA parent volunteers who organized the first Spirit Lunches of the 2024-25 school year at Palos East and West in September. He noted that Palos South students celebrated Start with Hello Week with a cupcake party and game day after school in the Palos South commons in September and thanked Palos South Social Workers Jill Yerkes, Sarah Leahy, and Jill Martinez for organizing the event. He reported that Palos East first graders in Mrs. Sokolov’s and Mrs. Sprecher’s classes celebrated Johnny Appleseed Day on September 26 by learning about all the different kinds of apples and an apple tasting. He thanked the school board members, Palos South Marching Band, MPA parent volunteers, and transportation staff who participated in this year’s Palos Park Autumn in the Park Community Parade. He recognized October as Principals Appreciation Month and thanked principals Jennifer Peloquin, Rob Szklanecki, and Dr. Stuart Wrzesinski and Assistant Principals Allison Grasso, Jennifer Legris, and Kristie Tieri for their leadership at D118 schools. He offered condolences to the families of Mike Gembara and Leena Kheir-Eddin who passed away suddenly in September and October. He reported that he met with officials from ISBE, the Illinois State Police, FBI, and other law enforcement agencies to discuss the high number of threats of violence directed towards Illinois schools. He urged all District parents to read his October monthly message where he provides more details on the topic.

Committee Reports

Safety Committee

Mrs. Paris shared that Mr. Veihman gave an update during the September 17 District Safety Committee meeting on the District’s GIS Mapping plans with Palos Heights Police Department. She reported that Dr. Scarsella reviewed the District’s new Imminent Threat Phone Call protocols, and that the Committee discussed how the protocols will be implemented and first responders provided suggested edits. The Committee also discussed with first responders some of the best practices.

Finance and Facilities Committee
Finance Committee Chair Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on October 1 Chief School Business Official Justin Veihman, shared recap of the 2024 summer capital improvement projects and reported the projects were completed on-time and approximately $70,000 under budget. Mr. Veihman and Craig Podalak from ARCON also reviewed the proposed summer 2025 projects with the Committee. Mr. Veihman reported that the district will apply for a School Maintenance Grant from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and recommended that the Committee approve the disposal of surplus technology equipment.

Policy Committee
Policy Committee Chair Mrs. Susan Szafranski reported that during the meeting September 17, Dr. Scarsella and Mrs. Paris led the Committee in a review of the Board’s Governing Commitments and Communication Expectations.  The Committee also discussed best practices in school board governance. Dr. Scarsella reviewed PRESS Update 115 & 116 with the committee and recommended it be moved to a First Reading before the school board.

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
Mrs. Jensen reported on behalf of the PFA. She noted that the PFA hosted its first spirit lunches at Palos East and Palos West on September 20^th; Boo Bingo would take place on October 12 at Palos West; Read-a-thon will return in February and spring fundraiser will be on March 14. Contact the PFA if you are interested in helping. The first theme lunch at South will be held on October 25. $25,000 worth of spirit wear was sold during the Fall Spirit Wear Sale. The PFA’s next meeting will be November 13 at 7:00 PM at Palos South.

Foundation
Sheila Pacholski, Education Foundation President reported that Laps for Literature raised a total of $4700 for school media centers. She presented checks to Principals Peloquin, Szklanecki, and Wrzesinski. She reminded everyone that The Foundation’s Trivia Night Fundraiser will be held on February 1, 2025.

Music Parents Association (MPA)
Mrs. Jensen reported that the MPA will be hosting Harvest Fest on October 25.

Unfinished Business

The Board of Education held a first reading of the following policies: Press 115 & 116 Policies: 4:70 Resource Conservation; 4:80 Accounting and Audits; 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedures; 2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedures; 5:100 Staff Development; 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited; 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

Secretary’s Report
Secretary Szafranski reported that the District received no Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and no correspondence was sent.

Consent Agenda
The board approved a consent agenda that included:

• Approval of the application to participate in the School Maintenance Grant Program for FY2024
• Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 2024-3
• Approval of Disposal of Surplus Property
• Approval of Palos West Bookfair Contract
• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff: FMLA: Ananda Kuchinski, Speech Pathologist, West; Retirement: Lori Murphy, Reading Specialist, West; Linda Lowery, 1st Grade Teacher, West
• Approval of Personnel Report B-Classified Staff: Employment: Phyllis Burke, Bus Driver, Transportation; Amanda Ayiti, Paraprofessional, East; Asucena Benitez, Paraprofessional, East; Cruz Correa, PT Playground Supervisor, West; Resignations: Kristyn Schmidt, PT Playground Supervisor, West; Paul Person, Bus Driver, Transportation; Cassandra Montero, Paraprofessional, West
• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated September 10, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes dated September 17, 2024, and October 1, 2024

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap 

November 12, 2024 

School Board President’s Report to the Board 

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Mike Pizur to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. 

Update on Upcoming Events 

• November 19: Student Outcomes & Accountability Committee Meeting at Central, 6pm  

• December 3:    Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting at Central, 6pm 

• December 6:    Senior Breakfast at Palos South (8:30 am)  

• December 10:  Regular Board of Education Meeting at Central, 6pm 

• December 17:  Policy Committee Meeting at Central, 6pm 

• December 23:  Beginning of Winter Break, classes will resume on January 6, 2025 

Superintendent's Update 
Dr. Scarsella congratulated Palos East and Palos South which were both named exemplary schools on the most recent Illinois State Report Card putting them in the top 10% of all elementary and middle schools in Illinois. He thanked all our MPA volunteers who organized this year’s Harvest Fest. He thanked area first responders who visited Palos South to meet with the members of the Palos South SAVE Promise Club and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Hostage Negotiators who conducted a training session for building administrative assistants on fielding threatening/swatting calls. He congratulated District Director of EL, Dr. Huwaida Hamed who recently completed her doctorate in educational leadership with a superintendent endorsement. He recognized the Palos South eighth graders in the Capstone program who met with Palos Park’s Mayor and Village Hall staff to talk about possible community improvement projects for 2024-25. He thanked the parent volunteers who organized the Halloween Theme lunch at Palos South and classroom parties at Palos East and West. He recognized Palos South teachers and staff who held a PBIS obstacle course to celebrate the first quarter. He recognized November 15 as School Board Members Day and thanked the Board of Education for their dedication and service to the District. He thanked Palos South teacher Randy Buvala and the students in the Palos South Art Club for creating artwork to give to the members of the Board. He concluded by noting that the District will host its senior breakfast on Dec. 6 at Palos South Middle School from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

Committee Reports 

Student Outcomes and Accountability 
Committee chair Jennifer Jensen, reported that the Student Outcomes and Accountability Committee met on October 22 and Dr. Ron Cozza, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, reviewed student outcomes data from the 2023-2024 school year and fall data from the 2024-2025 school year the highlights of which included: Palos 118 achieved its highest composite score on IAR since its inception; 90% of Palos South graduates exited the school district at or above grade level in reading; Palos South performed in the top 10% of all middle schools in Illinois and earned an Exemplary rating from ISBE; Palos East performed in the top 10% of all elementary schools in Illinois and earned both an Exemplary rating from ISBE and a national Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education; Palos West earned a Commendable rating from ISBE and increased the percentage of students at or above grade level in reading by 5 points and math by 10 points; Palos 118 students continue to earn high marks on the Illinois Science Assessment, with 74% of 5th graders and 84% of 8th graders scoring at or above grade level in science. Dr. Cozza also shared with the committee information regarding this year’s math pilot in grades K-5.  

Finance and Facilities Committee 
Finance Committee Chair Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on November 6 where Chief School Business Official Justin Veihman informed the Committee that he would be transferring approximately $1.5 million from the Education Fund to the Debt Service Fund to make the final payment on the District’s outstanding debt as promised to the community during the referendum campaign. Mr. Veihman presented the tentative levy to the Committee.  He recommended the school district continue with its long-standing practice of proposing a balloon levy to ensure it captures all new property in the district.  Mr. Veihman recommended the tentative levy be approved by the Board at its November monthly meeting and that a hearing date be set for December 10th prior to approval of the final levy. Mr. Veihman recommended the purchase of Tyler Technologies Turn by Turn System and Parent App.  The Turn-by-Turn system consists of a heavy-duty tablet mounted in each bus to provide turn by turn directions for each bus route, including the ability to automatically reroute buses due to road closures and detours.  The Parent App will allow for automated late bus notifications for parents. Mr. Veihman concluded by providing the Committee with an update on upcoming capital projects proposed for Summer 2025. 
 

Parent Faculty Association (PFA) 
Jennifer Jensen read a report on behalf of the PFA president, which noted that Boo Bingo was held on October 12th and was well attended with 250 tickets sold. She thanked the volunteers who helped organize the event. She reported that the first theme lunch was held at Palos South October 25th and was a Halloween party with music and prizes. She thanked all parents who helped. She said that the fall spirit wear sale was the largest to date. The Charleston Wrap sale is going very well with over $4,000 in profits so far. The sale closes November 15, and there is still time to order. The PFA Read-a-thon will return in February and a spring fundraiser on March 14th. Planning committees will be meeting in the coming weeks. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the PFA. 

Music Parents Association (MPA) 
Mrs. Jensen reported that the MPA hosted another successful Harvest Fest in October. 
 
Foundation 
Sheila Pacholski, Palos 118 Educational Foundation President, reminded everyone in attendance that the Foundation Trivia Night Fundraiser would be held on Feb. 1 with Dr. Baker serving as host and trivia master. Teams can sign up through the District 118 webstore. 

New Business 
The Board voted to approve the 2024 Tentative Levy and Set Public Hearing Date. 

Unfinished Business 
The Board voted to approve Press 115 & 116 Update for Policies: 4:70 Resource Conservation; 4:80 Accounting and Audits; 2:260 Uniform Grievance Procedures; 2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedures; 5:100 Staff Development; 7:20 Harassment of Students Prohibited; 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited. 

Secretary’s Report 
Mrs. Szafranski reported that the District received Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from Amani Rashid Abukhdeir and Joseph Kurtz for video footage and from Smart Procure for purchase order information and employee contact information. She reported that all requests have been completed. 
 
Consent Agenda 
The board approved a consent agenda that included: 

1. Approval of the Purchase of Tyler Technologies Transportation Software 

2. Personnel Report A-Certified Staff - FMLA: Bailey Zeilenga, Music, West 

3. Personnel Report B - Classified- Employment: Jeffrey Donato, Custodian, South; Victoria Bezpalko Paraprofessional, West; Constance Koehnke, Paraprofessional, West; Termination: Rita Perez, Custodian, South 

4. Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated October 8, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes dated October 22, 2024, and November 6, 2024 

5. Authorize Payment of Bills Payable and Payrolls and Aggregate Total: $4,381,619.60 

Closed session 
The Board went into closed session to discuss a recommendation to terminate employment. Following the closed session, the Board voted to terminate the employee. 

December 10, 2024 

School Board President’s Report to the Board 

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Mr. Dan Cox to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. 

Update on Upcoming Events 

President Pam Paris reviewed upcoming dates for December and into 2025: 

• December 17: Policy Committee Meeting (6pm, Central) 

• December 20: Early Dismissal        

• December 23-January 3: Winter Break  

• January 7: Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting (6pm, Central) 

• January 13: Preschool Screening at Palos Central Office (All Day)  

• January 14: Regular Board of Education Meeting (6pm, Central) 

• January 20: No School (MLK Day)   

• February 1: Foundation Trivia Night 

President Paris also recognized the artwork on display as being from Mrs. Ruth Augsburger’s 5th grade art classroom representing students’ sneaker design projects. 

Public Hearing 

The board held a public hearing concerning the 2024 Tax Levy. There were no public comments. 

Superintendent's Update 
In his report, Dr. Scarsella thanked Palos 118 area seniors who attended the Senior Holiday Breakfast at Palos South on December 6. He also thanked Palos South Principal Dr. Stuart Wrzesinski, Assistant Principal Jennifer Legris for hosting, Mr. Makropoulos and Mrs. Schuller for providing the musical entertainment from our eighth-grade band and Performing Arts Ensemble, the Pace Setter Students who provided table service for the seniors in attendance, and the Central Office staff for organizing the event. He recognized Palos 118 Cardinal Choirs which hosted their winter concerts for Palos East and West families and thanked music teachers Mrs. Negley and Mrs. Zeilenga for their efforts. He thanked the Palos East student council for their work hosting a food drive in November, collecting 1,273 food items for the Palos Heights Food Pantry. He recognized Palos South’s student council which raised $1,589 for the charity Veteran’s Honor Flight. He congratulated ALPS students Elliott Anderson, Richard Lee, Claira Drapa, Hyacinth Speropoulos, Livie Scheetz, and Nate Tellone who won awards at the 2024 Young Inventor Challenge. He also thanked ALPS teachers Julie McNamara and Erin Gocke for all of their efforts on behalf of the ALPS program. He recognized Palos East which celebrated being named a National Blue-Ribbon school with a blue-ribbon carpet walk, and celebration assembly in November. He thanked everyone who participated in the celebration of American Education Week in November and also thanked the PFA for providing funds for the assembly presentation. He concluded by wishing everyone a relaxing winter break, and a happy New Year and reminded everyone of the early dismissal day on December 20, and that school buildings will be closed December 23 through January 3 with classes resuming on January 6, 2025. 

 Committee Reports 

Student Outcomes 
Committee chair Mrs. Jennifer Jensen, reported that Dr. Cozza provided an overview of how Palos 118 students performed compared to their peers statewide and informed the Committee that Palos 118 students performed in the 98th percentile in ELA, the 94th percentile in Math and the 92nd percentile in science.  Dr. Cozza also pointed out that both instructional spending per pupil and operational spending per pupil both declined year over year. Mrs. Deval, Mrs. Dodds and Dr. Hamed provided academic data on EL and special education students.  They shared that none of the subgroups were considered underperforming by ISBE.  Some of the main takeaways from the data include Palos 118 students with disabilities scoring the highest in ELA proficiency in South Cook and the District 230 feeder schools and Palos 118 EL students scoring in the top 5% statewide in ELA. 

Finance and Facilities Committee 
Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on December 3, and that Mr. Veihman reported that as of the end of FY24, the total audited fund balance of the school district was $17,917,990 and the three-year average total operating expenditures is $32,128,985. Mr. Veihman reviewed a proposed salary and pension payment adjustment for classified paraprofessionals filling in as certified substitutes in emergency situations. Mr. Veihman also asked the Committee for permission to apply to participate in the Clean School Bus Rebate Program. 

Foundation 
Mrs. Sheila Pacholski, Palos 118 Educational Foundation President, reminded everyone in attendance that the Foundation Trivia Night Fundraiser would be held on Feb. 1. Teams can sign up through the District 118 webstore. 

Parent Faculty Association (PFA) 
Mrs. Jensen read a report from the PFA which noted that Palos East and Palos West hosted their second spirit lunches in November. They extended a thank you to all the parent volunteers. The Charleston Wrap fundraiser ended with over $4,300 in profits. Thank you to all the families that supported our fundraising efforts. The PFA’s Read-a-thon will kick-off in early February. Please send ideas for encouraging students to read to the PFA. The PFA will host a spring fundraiser for adults on Friday, March 14th at the Signature Barn in Orland Park. The next public meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:00 PM at Palos West. 

Music Parents Association (MPA) 

Mrs. Jensen, MPA liaison to the Board, reported that the bands would perform on December 11 and 12 at Palos South and that the MPA was working on a fundraiser for March. 
 
New Business 

The Board voted to approve the following new business: 

• Adoption of Resolution Determining the 2024 Tax Levy 

• Adoption of the Resolution Allocating Tax Levy to Individual Funds of the District and Apply a Loss Cost Factor 

• Disclosure of Fund Balances 

• Disclosure of Operational Cash Balances and Annual Average Operating Expenditures 

• Appointment of Director of Teaching and Learning 

Consent Agenda 
The board approved a consent agenda that included: 

• Approval to Keep Closed Session Minutes for the Preceding Six-Month Period and to Destroy Audio Tapes of the Closed Session Minutes through June 2023 

• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff: FMLA: Eric West, SPED Teacher, South; Intermittent FMLA: Saja Jaber, EL/Bilingual Arabic, East 

• Approval of Personnel Report B-Support Staff: Employment: David McKrieth, Bus Driver, Transportation; Brandon Meyer, Bus Driver, Transportation; Julie Kloehn, Paraprofessional, West; Anna Majchrowicz, Paraprofessional, East; Cameron Richardson, District Network Specialist, Central; Resignation: Catherine Biggane, Paraprofessional, East; Enas Jarrar, Paraprofessional, West; Asucena Benitez, Paraprofessional, East; Retirement: Yolanda Natanek, Bus Driver, Transportation 

• Approval of Minutes Regular and Special Meetings, Regular Meeting dated November 12, 2024, and Special Meetings dated November 19, 2024, and December 3, 2024 

• Authorize Payment of Bills Payable and Payrolls and Aggregate Total Approval: $2,695,032.92 

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap 

January 14, 2025

School Board President’s Report to the Board 

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Dan Cox to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. Mrs. Paris recognized Mrs. Marina Gallovitch who was present along with artwork from her students at Palos West. She also noted some important upcoming dates: 

Update on Upcoming Events 

• January 20: No School (MLK Day) 

• January 24-25: Palos South Drama Club Presents: Newsies (6 pm at Stagg High School) 

• February 1: Foundation Trivia Night 

• February 7: Half Day Teacher Inservice 

Superintendent's Update 

Dr. Scarsella congratulated the Palos South sixth and seventh grade girls’ basketball team which won the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) Championship in December in which players Madeline Jackovac, Maeve Coffey, and Rosie Barry were named to the SWIC All-Conference team and Madeline Jackovac also earned the SWIC tournament MVP award. He also thanked coaches Scott Adams and Randy Buvala for their efforts in guiding the team this year. Dr. Scarsella recognized Principal Rob Szklanecki, and Assistant Principals Alison Grasso and Kristie Tieri who attended with a group of District 118 teachers a Professional Learning Communities conference as part of their professional development. He recognized Palos West students who collected 1,035 pairs of mittens and gloves as part of their annual mitten drive now in its 34th year. He thanked Palos West 2nd grade teacher Nicole Judd who organized the fundraiser with her students. He noted that the collected mittens and gloves were donated to Joliet School District 86. He also recognized the eighth graders at Palos South who presented their community improvement plans as part of their capstone projects. He also thanked Capstone teachers and facilitators, Brittney Kmiecik, Jeremy Mancilla, Ann Marie Ruprecht, and program coordinator Katie McDonough. He congratulated Palos East teacher Ruth Augsburger who renewed her National Board Certification from the National Board for Teaching Standards. He recognized Mrs. McNamara and Mrs. Goke for their work in organizing the ALPS classes at Palos East and West, who presented a mock trial of John Wilkes Booth in December. He concluded by thanking Palos East’s student council which assembled 100 goodie bags for Ronald McDonald House in Oak Lawn in December for families who were staying over the holidays. He also thanked Student Council advisor Mrs. Casey for organizing and Keith Rehr in Operations for delivering the donations. 

Superintendent’s State of the District Address 

Dr. Scarsella delivered his annual state of the District address which can be viewed HERE. 

 
Committee Reports 

Policy Committee 

Mrs. Szafranski reported that the Policy Committee met on December 17, 2024, when Dr. Scarsella reviewed with the members PRESS Policy Update 117 which he recommended be moved to a first reading. Dr. Scarsella and Communications Director Mr. Stein reviewed Policy 8:10 and discussed the District public relations program. The committee directed administration to explore options for a branding initiative. Dr. Scarsella reviewed Vision 2030 and asked the committee to consider adopting a resolution in support. 

Finance and Facilities Committee 

Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on January 7, 2025, and that Dr. Scarsella and Mr. Veihman provided an update on upcoming capital improvement projects, including the classroom renovations at Palos East and Palos West, a design-bid-build arrangement with Midwest Mechanical for the installation of new self-contained unit ventilators, and the lease-purchase of (4) 2026 72-passenger buses to replace buses with expiring leases. Mr. Veihman recommended that the Board appoint he and Dr. Scarsella to prepare the tentative FY26 budget. Dr. Scarsella reviewed the draft RFP for branding services with the Committee. 

Foundation 

Mrs. Sheila Pacholski, Palos 118 Educational Foundation President, reminded everyone in attendance that the Foundation Trivia Night Fundraiser would be held on Feb. 1. Teams can sign up through the District 118 webstore. Mrs. Pacholski also lauded the Board and administration for their work to balance the District’s budget. 

Parent Faculty Association (PFA) 

Mrs. Jensen read a report from the PFA which stated that the organization would host a spring fundraiser on Friday, March 14th at Signature Barn in Orland Park with the theme of masquerade party. She reported that ticket sales opened on January 14 and would be open until February 21st or until sold out. Visit the PFA’s website to learn more. The next spirit wear sale will be in January with additional information coming soon. Read-a-thon returns in February the theme of “Reading Roundup.” The kick-off event is on Friday, February 7th from 5:00 -7:00 PM at Palos South is free to everyone in the district. The event will include bounce houses, a mechanical bull, games, and crafts. Food will be available for purchase from Mucha Salsa Mexican Restaurant. Parents must attend with their student. This is not a drop off event. The next PFA Board meeting is on Tuesday, January 21st at 7:00 PM in Palos West’s Media Center. The opening date and time for Palos East and West’s Valentine’s Day class party sign-ups will be announced at the meeting. 

Music Parents Association (MPA) 

Mrs. Jensen reported that the MPA would meet again in February. 

New Business 

The Board voted to approve the following new business: 

• Appoint Susan Szafranski and Dan Cox to the District Handbook Committee 

• First Reading: Press Issue Update 117 Board of Education Policies: 2:105 Ethics and Gift Ban; 2:120 Board Member Development; 4:30 Revenue and Investments; 4:170 Safety; 5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment; 5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited; 5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; 5:230 Maintaining Student Discipline; 6:60 Curriculum Content; 6:135 Accelerated Placement Program; 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities; 7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusions of Students; 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment; 7:200 Suspension Procedures; 8:10 Connection with the Community; 4:60 Purchases and Contracts; 4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs; 5:125 Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct 

• Adoption of Vision 2030 Resolution 

• Approval of Allison Grasso as Palos East Principal for the 2025-26 school year 

Secretary’s Report 
Board Secretary Mrs. Susan Szafranski reported that the District received Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from SEIU Local 73 and from District 142 for Superintendent contract information and that both requests have been completed. 
 
Consent Agenda 
The board approved a consent agenda that included: 

• Approval of Resolution Setting the Fiscal Year and Designating Persons to Prepare Budget 

• Approval of the Purchase Agreement with Midwest Mechanical for Classroom Unit Ventilation Installation 

• Approval of the Five-Year Lease Purchase agreement with Midwest Transit for School Buses 

• Approval of Bookfair Contract for Palos South 

• Approval of Personnel Report A- Certified- Employment: Colleen MacKinnon, SPED Teacher, East, FMLA: Eric West, SPED Teacher, South; Intermittent FMLA: Saja Jaber, EL/Bilingual Arabic, South; Retirement: Deborah Satler, 6th Grade Science, South; Randy Buvala, Art/Social Studies, South 

• Approval of Personnel Report B - Classified- Employment: Tiffany Stirling, Paraprofessional, West; FMLA: Helen Hatzis, Paraprofessional; East; Resignation: Thomas Hayes, Custodian, West; Isabella Ramirez, Paraprofessional, West 

• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated December 10th, 2024, and Special Meeting Minutes dated December 17, 2024, and January 7, 2025. 

• Authorize Payment of Bills Payable, Payrolls, and Aggregate Total: $2,713,277.73

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap

February 11, 2025

School Board President’s Report to the Board

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Jennifer Jensen to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. Mrs. Paris acknowledged the artwork on display provided by Mrs. Augspurger’s Palos East Art Club and students in Mrs. Gallovitch’s art classes at Palos West.

Update on Upcoming Events

• February 17: No School (Presidents Day)
• February 19: South Trivia Night (6:30 pm)  
• March 3: No School (Pulaski Day) 
• March 4: Registration for 2025-26 school year opens 
• March 12: PFA Meeting at Palos East (7 pm)
• March 14: Preschool Screening at Central Office (All Day)
• March 14: PFA Masquerade Ball (6:30 pm) 

Superintendent's Update
Dr. Scarsella reported that he attended one of Palos South drama club’s performances of Newsies Jr. at the end of January at Stagg High School. He thanked all the District families who came out to support the students and faculty in the cast and crew. He noted that both nights were sold out, and it was another phenomenal show. He thanked parent volunteers in the PFA who organized another fun, successful theme lunch at Palos South at the end of January. The theme for January was Star Wars. He thanked the volunteers with the Palos 118 Educational Foundation for their efforts in organizing another successful Trivia Night Fundraiser. He also recognized IT Director Scott Fox, and his IT team of Luis Martinez and Cameron Richardson for handling the audio and video set up for the night. Dr. Scarsella closed by thanking the PFA members who hosted a free family event to kick off their annual Read-a-thon on February 7 which included family activities and games.

Committee Reports

Finance and Facilities Committee
Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on February 4, 2025. He reported that Mrs. Erin Deval, Director of Student Services outlined a proposal to expand the District’s Functional Special Education Program to grades 6 through 8 at Palos South following a similar expansion conducted for grades k-3 in school year 23-24, and a second expansion of the program in school year 24-25 for grades 4-5 at Palos East. The committee recommended the approval of the plan to expand the program for grades 6-8 for the 2025-26 school year. Mr. Kelly reported that Kevin Bissell, lead auditor from Cherry Bakaert LLC, presented the financial audit findings of their firm for FY24. He indicated that the District ended the 2024 financial year with a $2.18 million surplus due to the Debt Service Levy abatement. Also at the February 4 meeting, Mr. Veihman reviewed with the board the current student fees and recommended no increases or decreases for the 2025-26 school year. He shared with the committee that the District offers a waiver of student fees for the families who can demonstrate financial hardship.

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
Mrs. Jennifer Bleskin, PFA President, reported that their annual Read-a-thon runs until February 24 and had already raised over $19,000 in donations. A spirit wear sale will begin during the first week of March. The Masquerade Party fundraiser will be held on March 14. The PFA will host theme lunches at Palos East and Palos West in February, and volunteers will organize Palos 118 Day with the White Sox on May 4.

Palos 118 Educational Foundation
Mrs. Sheila Pacholski, Palos 118 Educational Foundation President, reported that over 150 people participated in The Foundation’s largest Trivia Night fundraiser on February 1, netting approximately $14,000. She thanked the board members who supported the event and Board President Pam Paris and board member Dr. Tim Baker for serving as co-hosts for the evening. She also thanked IT Director Scott Fox and District IT staff Luis Martinez and Cameron Richardson who oversaw the setup of the audio/video equipment for the event. Mrs. Pacholski said that The Foundation plans to move ahead with assisting the District in its tech upgrades initiative at Palos South in the coming year. She announced that the next trivia night would be held on January 31, 2026.

Music Parents Association (MPA)
Mrs. Jensen, MPA liaison to the Board, reported the MPA Board met in February and set dates for March 1 for solo and March 14 for full band competitions. Its popcorn sale fundraiser will be March 5-21.

Unfinished Business
The Board voted to approve a second reading of the Press Issue Update 117 which included changes to Board of Education Policies: 2:105 Ethics and Gift Ban; 2:120 Board Member Development; 4:30 Revenue and Investments; 4:170 Safety; 5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment; 5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited; 5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting; 5:230 Maintaining Student Discipline; 6:60 Curriculum Content; 6:135 Accelerated Placement Program; 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities; 7:100 Health, Eye, and Dental Examinations; Immunizations; and Exclusions of Students; 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment; 7:200 Suspension Procedures; 8:10 Connection with the Community; 4:60 Purchases and Contracts; 4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs; 5:125 Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct

Secretary’s Report
Board Secretary Mrs. Szafranski reported that the District received Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from Smart Procure for purchase order information and the request was completed.

Consent Agenda

• The board approved a consent agenda that included:
• Approval of Student Fees for School Year 2025-2026
• Approval of Bookfair Contract for Palos East with Anderson Bookfair
• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff: Resignation: Saja Jaber, EL/Bilingual Arabic, South
• Approval of Personnel Report B - Classified: Employment: Alicia Guerrero, PT Playground Supervisor, West; Corissa Thanos, Paraprofessional, East; Melissa Mucha, Paraprofessional, East; Susan Murray, Paraprofessional, West; Resignation: Tanisha Ford, Paraprofessional, East; Amanda Ayiti, Paraprofessional, East; Retirement: Patricia Perez, Custodian, West
• Approval of Regular and Special Meeting Minutes-Regular Minutes dated January 14, 2025, and Special Meeting Minutes dated February 4, 2025
• Authorize Payment of Bills Payable, Payrolls, and Aggregate Total: $2,622,552.98

March 11, 2025 

School Board President’s Report to the Board 

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Mark Kelly to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. 

Update on Upcoming Events 

• March 14: Preschool Screening at Central Office (All Day) 

• March 14: PFA Masquerade Ball Signature Barn, 8831 W. 143rd St. Orland Park (6:30 pm) 

• March 18th Policy Committee Meeting at Central (6 pm) 

• March 24th-28th Spring Break 

• March 31st Non-Attendance Day 

• April 1st Election Day 

• April 1st Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting is Canceled 

• April 8th Regular Board of Education Meeting at Palos West (6pm)   

Recognition 

The Board of Education recognized Palos South students by distributing the Presidential Academic Excellence Awards. 

Superintendent's Update 
In his report to the board, Dr. Scarsella commended Palos West students who collected 3,708 non-perishable food donations as part of their annual Souper-bowl of Caring fundraiser. He recognized the Palos South Student Council’s Trivia Night Fundraiser which raised $1,383 for the Palos South Student Council group. He thanked the volunteers who hosted Valentine’s Day parties and two spirit lunches in February. He recognized the Palos South Environmental Club which raised $233 for an animal Shelter in Tinley Park. He thanked the Functional staff at Palos East and West for organizing an outing to see a Chicago Wolves game with students in the functional program. He thanked Palos South Social Worker Sarah Leahy and Palos East Psychologist Katie Djikas for organizing the Snowflake, a youth empowerment program that emphasizes the benefits of working together to create a positive impact in their school. He recognized Palos South which hosted Say Something Week at the beginning of March and closed the week with a parade attended by area first responders, district administrators, and members of the board of education. 

Committee Reports 

Finance Committee 

Mr. Kelly, Finance Committee Chair, reported that the Finance Committee met on March 4, 2025, and in that meeting Dr. Scarsella provided an update on the projected staffing plan for SY25-26. Mr. Veihman, Chief School Business Official, shared the 5-year financial projections with the Committee, which indicate balanced budgets through the end of the projection period. Mr. Veihman also reviewed bids received for the planned 2025 summer capital improvement projects and that all were under cost estimates. Dr. Scarsella recommended the purchase of a student data warehouse to allow the school district to better analyze the effectiveness of academic programs, track the progress of student groups and identify attendance trends. Dr. Scarsella recommended the approval of a contract to abate asbestos at Central Office. Dr. Scarsella shared with the Committee the recommended 2025-2026 school year calendar. Dr. Scarsella asked the Committee to cancel the April 1 Committee meeting date due to Election Day. Dr. Scarsella reviewed with the Committee the two proposals received by vendors for branding services. 

Parent Faculty Association (PFA) 
Mrs. Jensen, reported, on behalf of the PFA, the Masquerade Party fundraiser is on March 14th at Signature Barn in Orland Park. The PFA spring spirit wear sale is open through Monday, March 17th. Visit the PFA’s website to order. The Readathon raised over $50,000 and logged over 340,000 minutes read by students across the district. The PFA will host White Sox Family Day on Sunday, May 4th.  Palos East and West choirs will be on the field singing the national anthem before the game. Tickets are on sale now. PFA’s next board meeting is March 12th at 7:00 PM at Palos East’s Media Center.  
 

Music Parents Association (MPA) 

Mrs. Jensen, MPA liaison to the Board, reported that the MPA popcorn sale fundraiser runs until March 21. 
 

New Business 
The Board of Education voted to approve the purchase of a property at 12701 S. 104th St. 

Secretary’s Report 
Board Secretary Mrs. Susan Szafranski reported that the District received a Freedom of Information Act request from Allium Data for insurance information and that the request was completed. 

Consent Agenda 
The board approved a consent agenda that included: 

• Approval of Bid Results for 2025 Summer Projects 

• Approval of Contract for Student Data Warehouse Services 

• Approval of Asbestos Abatement Project at Central Office 

• Approval of 2025-2026 School Calendar 

• Approval of Contract with Green Closet Creative for Branding Services 

• Approval of Van Gogh Contract, East, West and South 

• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff: Resignation: Jennifer Legris, Assistant Principal, South 

• Approval of Personnel Report B- Classified Staff: Employment: Lewis Porrata, Bus Driver, Transportation; FMLA: Salam Sweis, Custodian, West; Resignation: Nicholas Crawford, Technical Support, East; Melissa Mucha, Paraprofessional, East 

• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated February 11, 2025, and Special Meeting Minutes dated March 4, 2025 

• Authorize Payment of Bills Payable and Payrolls: Aggregate Total: $2,823,451.74 

Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items 

Mrs. Loren DeAngeles addressed the Board about concerns regarding the District’s response to bullying. Dr. Rasha Atallah addressed the Board on the topic of social media posts about students. Mrs. Barbara Cachey addressed the Board on the topic of paraprofessional compensation and benefits. Mrs. Erin Kelly addressed the Board on the topic of parents discussing students on social media. 

Closed session 

The Board of Education went into closed session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity; collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees; the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired; and student disciplinary cases and the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students. 

April 8, 2025

School Board President’s Report to the Board
President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Susan Szafranski to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties.

Update on Upcoming Events

• April 16           Palos West Fine Arts Fest (5 pm) 
• April 18           No School 
• April 21           No School 
• April 29           Student Outcomes and Accountability Committee – Canceled
• April 29           Board Reorganization Meeting at Central (6 pm)
• April 30           Palos East Fine Arts Fest (5 pm)
• May 4              Palos 118 Day with the White Sox
• May 13             Regular Board Meeting at East (6 pm)

Recognition
The Board of Education recognized Palos West students by distributing the Presidential Academic Excellence Awards.

Superintendent's Update
In his report to the board, Dr. Scarsella commended Ms. Stephanie Hill and her class at Palos South which held an IAR Gala in March to celebrate the students taking their final practice test in preparation for the start of Illinois Assessment of Readiness testing. He thanked Palos East teacher Dr. Tim Pritchard and Palos South 6^th grade math teacher Kelly Zdralevich who celebrated PiDay on March 14 (3/14) by encouraging students to memorize as many digits of the number Pi (π) as they could. Winners at both schools got to deliver a pie to the face of their teachers. At Palos East, Carter Lester memorized 63 digits, Ibraheem Mahmoud memorized 68, and Safa Najjar memorized 87 digits. At Palos South, the winners were Massa Ramadan (29 digits), Belquis Elfeqy (31 digits), Morgan Frankiewicz (53 digits), Addison Karlin (80 digits), and Laney Kribs with 92 digits. Teacher Debbie Satler, who will retire after 35 years in D118, also agreed to celebrate with a pie to the face. Dr. Scarsella recognized the students from Palos South who competed in the annual SWIC mathletes contest The seventh-grade team took 2^nd place. Brian Kaufmann received a 1^st place award, and Mohammad Abdelhamid secured a 2^nd place award. He congratulated all the students who took part as well as coach Mrs. Gina Marek.  Dr. Scarsella thanked the students in the Capstone program at Palos South who presented their community improvement plans Capstone teachers and facilitators, Brittney Kmiecik, Jeremy Mancilla, Ann Marie Ruprecht, and program coordinator Katie McDonough for their dedication and hard work.  He congratulated Palos South’s 8^th grade girls volleyball team and Coach Marty Duggan which won their 6^th straight SWIC championship and finished the season with an overall record of 18 wins and 1 loss. Dr. Scarsella also congratulated Palos South’s sixth and seventh grade girls volleyball team and Coach Scott Adams which finished with a SWIC Season Championship record of 15-1 in the regular season and a 17-2 finish in second place in the post-season tournament. He recognized Palos South’s student council which held a pop tab collection drive in March to benefit the Ronald McDonald House collecting a total of 44.8 pounds of pop tabs for the non-profit. He extended his thanks student council members and South teachers Stephen Schaaf and Justin Berard for organizing the fundraiser. 

Committee Reports

Policy Committee
Mr. Cox, Policy Committee Chair, reported that the committee met on March 18 to discuss board policies 8:10, 8:90, 4:110, 5:270, and 2:130. He reported that the that the committee recommends that the Board of Education revise Board Policy 8:10 to include a reference to Exhibit 1.

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
Mrs. Bleskin, PFA President, reported that the PFA Readathon raised over $50,000 and are distributing incentives for those who participated. Final spirit and theme lunches will be held on April 11 and April 25. The spirit wear sale items are being delivered in April. White Sox Family Day on May 4 tickets are on sale through the PFA website. The Masquerade fundraiser raised $14,000. She thanked the sponsors and businesses that donated and supported the event. End of year class parties are being organized, and volunteer signups will open in May.

Music Parents Association (MPA)
Mrs. Jensen, MPA liaison to the Board, reported that the MPA would host their next meeting in May.

New Business

• The Board of Education approved the following under New Business:
• Approval of Resolution of Honorable Dismissal of Teacher(s)
• Approval of Resolution of Dismissal of First, Second- or Third-year Teachers for Reasons Other than Reduction in Force
• Approval of Honorable Dismissal of Education Support Personnel Employees
• Rejection of Exterior Improvement Project Bids
• First Reading – Board of Education Policies 8:10 Connection with the Community

Secretary’s Report
Board Secretary Mrs. Susan Szafranski reported that the District received and fulfilled the following Freedom of Information Act requests:

• ad.cuius.bonum@proton.me for vendor payment information (Requests #1-10)
• Renee Radnis for IT Director salary and benefit information
• Mike Pizur for Board of Education email correspondence

Consent Agenda
The board approved a consent agenda that included:

• Approval of Classified Starting Hourly Wages
• Approval of Non-Bargaining Unit Salaries
• Approval of 2025-2026 District Consolidation Plan
• Approval of Library/Media Grant Report to the Board
• Approval of 2025-2026 Student Behavior Plan
• Approval of Personnel Report A- Certified Staff: Employment: Alison Moreau, Elementary Literacy Coach, East/West; Resignations: Brooke Schuler, 4^th Grade Teacher, East; Caitlin Karr, Functional Teacher, East; Katelyn Engle, 5^th Grade Teacher, West; Stavroula Koutsis, Pre-School Teacher, West; Jennifer Perecich, Kindergarten, East
• Approval of Personnel Report B- Classified Staff: Scott Bailing, Custodian, East; Brody Longtin, Technical Support Specialist, East; FMLA: Joan Morris, Bus Driver, Transportation; Anne Lally, Paraprofessional, West
• Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings - Regular Meeting dated March 11, 2025, and Special Meeting dated March 18, 2025
• Authorize Payment of Bills Payable and Payrolls: Aggregate Total: $3,162,734.98

Public Comments on Non-Agenda Items
Mrs. Loren DeAngeles read a statement to the Board of Education about her concerns regarding the impact of bullying.

Closed Session
The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity; and student disciplinary cases and the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students.

Action Following Closed Session

The Board voted to approve the following appointments:

• Appointment of Andrea Ramoley as Palos East Assistant Principal
• Appointment of Sarah Leahy as Palos South Assistant Principal

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap

June 10, 2025

School Board President’s Report to the Board

President Pro Tem Susan Szafranski welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Jennifer Jensen to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. Mrs. Szafranski gave an update of upcoming dates and events:

• June 18               Registration Assistance at Palos South (9 am – noon)
• June 19               District Central Office and School Buildings closed for Juneteenth. 
• July 4                  District Central Office and School Buildings closed for July 4th holiday. 
• July 10                Registration Assistance at Palos South (4:30 pm – 6:30 pm)

Superintendent's Update
Dr. Scarsella congratulated Palos South’s SAVE Promise Club which was named a winner of a SAVE Club Award from the non-profit organization Sandy Hook Promise. He recognized the ALPS students who hosted career expos at Palos East and West before the end of the school year and thanked ALPS teachers Mrs. Erin Gocke and Mrs. Julie McNamara for organizing the event. He thanked Dr. Stuart Wrzesinski, his staff, and the Pace Setter students who hosted Step-up Day for the fifth graders who will be attending Palos South in 2025-26. He congratulated the 2025 eighth grade graduates, Presidential Award recipients, and National Junior Honor Society inductees. He thanked the parent volunteers for organizing and hosting end-of-year parties at East and West. He reminded families to complete registration before our Skyward system upgrade on July 11. He noted that the District will host registration assistance events on June 18 from 9 a.m. to noon and a second on July 18 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Palos South. He reminded everyone that school building offices will be open by appointment-only June 16 through July 31. He concluded by offering his best wishes to Dr. Ron Cozza, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, on his retirement after 21 years of service.

Committee Reports

Safety Committee
Mrs. Szafranski reported that the District Safety Committee met on May 14 and that Mr. Justin Veihman, Chief School Business Official gave an update on GIS Mapping, Swatting Call Training and planned improvements to the school district’s emergency rapid notification system. Mrs. Terri Dodds, Assistant Director of Student Services, conducted the annual review of the school district’s Threat Assessment Protocols and Crisis Management Plan. Dr. Scarsella shared updates on the school district’s Reunification Plan. The Committee also engaged in dialogue with first responders and committee members on best practices in school safety.

Policy Committee
Mr. Cox reported that the District Policy Committee met on May 27 and that Darby Dwyer from Green Closet Creative discussed branding ideas with the committee. Dr. Scarsella reviewed PRESS Policy Update 118 and recommended the policy updates be moved to First Reading. Dr. Scarsella shared a report of findings regarding the school district’s career exploration curriculum and recommended the Board adopt a resolution to retain local control over its curriculum pursuant to legislation passed by the General Assembly.

Committee of the Whole
Mrs. Szafranski reported that the Board of Education members met on May 27 for a committee of the whole meeting on the topic of best practices in school board governance and reviewed policies, procedures, and norms related to those practices.

Finance Committee
Mr. Quinn, reported that the committee met on June 3, 2025. Chief School Business Official Mr. Justin Veihman recommended a $1.0 million transfer from the Education Fund to the Special Education Fund to cover the existing deficit in the Special Education Fund. He also recommended the abating of $4.2 million from the Working Cash Fund to the Operations & Maintenance Fund and permanently transferring those dollars to the Capital Projects Fund to pay for this summer’s capital improvement. Mr. Veihman reviewed the bids for fuel and recommended the board accept the bid price from Avalon Petroleum based on satisfactory services performed in the past and having the lowest bid. Mr. Veihman recommended the approval of a three-year contract for content filtering services with Deledao for $36,000. Mr. Veihman recommended that the board set the paid lunch fee for the 2025-2026 school year at $3.25 for students, $3.75 for adults, and set the price of milk to $0.50. Mr. Veihman presented the preliminary summary for FY26 school year budget and reported the preliminary budget is balanced. Mr. Veihman reviewed the District cash reserves balances and recommended no spend down of funds for FY26.  

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
Mrs. Jennifer Bleskin, PFA President, reported that the PFA organized volunteers to plan and run end of year parties for students. She reported that the PFA raised $70,000 during the 24-25 school year. She thanked Katie Mendoza, who has retired as a volunteer, for her ten years of service to the PFA.

Foundation
Mrs. Sheila Pacholski, Foundation President, congratulated Dr. Ron Cozza on his retirement from Palos School District 118. She presented the District with a check for $30,000 for technology upgrades at the school buildings. She reminded everyone that Laps for Literature will be held September 12, and the Trivia Night fundraiser will be on January 31, 2026.

Secretary’s Report
Mrs. Szafranski reported that the district received Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from SmartProcure and Suzan Atallah and that all have been completed.

New Business
The Board conducted a first read of Press 118 First Reading Policies: 2:260 Uniform Grievance; 2:265 Title IX Grievance Procedure; 5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment; 5:20 Workplace Harassment Prohibited; 7:10 Equal Educational Opportunities; 7:20 Harassment of Student Prohibited; 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment; 4:15 Identity Protection; 4:80 Accounting and Audits; 5:100 Staff Development Program; 6:150 Home and Hospital Instruction; 6:235 Access to Electronic Networks; 7:60 Residence; 7:70 Attendance and Truancy; 7:190 Student Behavior; 7:200 Suspension Procedures & 7:210 Expulsion Procedure; 7:250 Student Support Services; 7:255 Students Who are Parents, Expectant Parents, or Victims of Domestic or Sexual Abuse-NEW; 7:270 Administering Medicines to Students; 5:60 Expenses; 7:310 School Sponsored Publications and Websites; Elementary Schools; 7:340 Student Records; 7:185 Teen Dating Violence Prohibited

 Consent Agenda
The board approved the following under a consent agenda:

• Adoption of Resolution Opting Out of State Mandated Career Exploration Curriculum
• Approval of transfer from Education find to Special Education fund
• Approval of Resolution for Abatement of Working Cash
• Approval of Results of Diesel Fuel Bid FY25
• Approval of Content Filter Contract
• Approval of MOU-2025-2
• Approval of Meal Prices for the FY26
• Approval of Closed Session Minutes for Preceding Six-Month Period and to Destroy Audio Tapes of Closed Session Minutes up to December 2023
• Approval of 25-26 School Supply Kits with School Tool Box for East, West and South
• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff - Employment: Sara Cassidy, Kindergarten, West; Ellie Engel, Functional Speech Language Pathologist, East/South; Jennifer Bernat, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, West; Lily Kelly, Kindergarten Teacher, East; Angela Grebenor, Social Worker, South; Madeline O’Donnell, 5th Grade Teacher, West; Kambrie Long, 5th Grade Teacher, East; Amy Clemons, Part-Time Music Teacher, West; FMLA: Patrice Alfini, Speech Language Pathologist, West; Jaclyn Creaven, Pre-Kindergarten Special Ed, West; Resignation: Taryn Linke, Speech Language Pathologist, East
• Approval of Personnel Report B- Classified Staff- Employment: Matthew Dahlstrom, Custodian, West; Gina Miller, Office Clerk, South; Jill Wolak, Paraprofessional, South; Resignation: Corissa Thanos, Paraprofessional, East; Ekaterini Vaselopulos, Paraprofessional, South; Anne Copps, Paraprofessional, South; Alexis Alfini, Paraprofessional, West; Retirement: Darlene Sierzega, Nurse, East.
• Approval of Regular meeting minutes dated May 13, 2025, and Special Meeting Minutes date May 27, 2025, and June 3, 2025
• Authorize Payrolls, Payment of Bills Payable and Aggregate Total: $2,593,211.66

Closed Session
The Board went into closed session to discuss personnel matters.

Following closed session, the board voted to approve Erin Deval, Director of Student Services, as Assistant Superintendent.

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap

August 12, 2025

School Board President’s Report to the Board

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Kevin Quinn to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties.

• Update on Upcoming Events
• August 13 - Parents can access Skyward for class assignments (Grades PK-5) and homeroom/connections (grades 6-8) at 9 a.m.
• Bus assignments can be viewed via the My Ride K-12 app.
• August 15 – Supply Drop Off Day (9 a.m. to noon)
• August 19 – Policy Committee Meeting at 6:00pm at Central
• August 20 – First full day of school for 1st through 8th grade students.
• Times for visitation day for preschool and kindergarten students will be coming from your child’s school.
• August 21 – First day of regular attendance for preschool and kindergarten students.
• First day of Zero Hour at Palos South.
• August 27 – Late Start Wednesdays begin. All schools start 30 minutes later. Dismissal time remains the same.
• September 1 – Labor Day (No School)
• September 2 – West Curriculum Night 6:30-8:00 pm
• September 3 – South Curriculum Night 6:00-8:00 pm
• September 4 – East Curriculum Night 6:30-8:00 pm
• September 12 – Palos 118 Foundation Laps for Literature

Superintendent's Update
Dr. Anthony Scarsella reminded everyone that school begins August 20 and that enrollment is 2,085 students. He reviewed summer capital improvement projects, which included classroom renovations at both Palos East and Palos West and that all came in on time and on budget. He thanked the Operations Department for preparing schools to welcome back students and staff for a new school year. Dr. Scarsella reminded everyone of the importance of students attending school daily and that parents can contact school principals for attendance support. He also encouraged parents and guardians to take the time to review the updated attendance information on the D118 website under the Resources heading. He also encouraged parents to review the Parent Notification List under the Resources heading. He asked parents to check their child’s backpack daily to ensure that no prohibited items are brought onto the bus or into our schools and encouraged them to inform their school if they notice their child having negative feelings toward attending school. He encouraged parents to get involved with the Parent Faculty Association (PFA), the Educational Foundation, and the Music Parents Association (MPA). He reported that parents can access their child's class assignment information through Skyward on August 13. He reminded parents of kindergarten and 6^th grade students that a physical form must be on file before August 20 or they will not be allowed to attend classes on the first day of school. Dr. Scarsella encouraged parents to download the MyRide K12 App and ParentSquare to stay up to date on bus route information and messages sent from their schools and the District. He reminded everyone of the Supply Drop Off day on August 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. He also thanked the teaching staff who spent some of their summer break working with students at STEAM camps, sports and band camps, as well as those who taught at our Extended School Year program at Palos West for our special education preschool and functional students.

Committee Reports

Finance and Facilities Committee
Dr. Baker reported that the committee met on August 5, 2025 and that Chief School Business Official, Mr. Justin Veihman shared the tentative budget with committee members, indicating the budget is balanced and he anticipates a surplus at the end of the fiscal year, most of which will be utilized to fund capital projects next summer as promised to the community during the 2024 referendum.

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
Mrs. Jensen, reported on behalf of the PFA, noting that its fall spirit wear sale will run August 15 to September 7. Spirit and theme lunch volunteer sign-ups will open on the PFA’s website in August. The PFA will host a Family Barn Dance on October 3 at Palos West. The PFA Board meeting will be on September 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Palos East Media Center.

Foundation
Mrs. Jensen reported for the Foundation. She reported that The Foundation will be attending curriculum nights in September and that directors will be available to answer questions. The Laps for Literature fundraiser for media centers will be held on Friday, September 12 and flyers will be distributed to the schools.

Music Parents Association (MPA)
Mrs. Jensen reported that the MPA will hold their first meeting in September.

New Business
The board voted to ratify the adoption of the 2025-26 fiscal year tentative budget and approve a bid for the Palos West parking lot.

Unfinished Business
The Board of Education approved a second reading of PRESS Update 118

Secretary’s Report
Mrs. Szafranski reported that the District received Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from Smart Procure, Public Info Access, and Data Bid and that all requests have been completed. 

Consent Agenda

The board approved a consent agenda that included:

• Approval of Appointment of IMRF Designated Agent
• Approval of Personnel Report A-Certified Staff-Employment: Kayla Federici, Speech Language Pathologist, East; Brianna Tejack, 5th Grade Teacher, West; Stephanie Bukas, K-1 Special Education, West; Resignation: Amanda Schuller, Music/Social Studies/Executive Functioning Teacher, South Retirement: Jennifer Tiernan, 2nd Grade Teacher, West
• Approval of Personnel Report B-Classified Staff-Employment: Patricia Baker, Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, Central; Kendall Meyer, Paraprofessional, East; Iwona Gul, Paraprofessional, East; Paula Murphy, Paraprofessional, South; Amy Kaczor, Building Secretary, South, Anthony McClennon, Custodian, West; Joseph Damico, Custodian, West; Brianna Vargas, Nurse, East; Alicia Guerrero, Full-Time Playground, West; Julissa Lopez, Full-Time Playground, East; Anne Johnson, Full-Time Playground, East; Olena Vynnyk, Part-Time Playground, West; Resignation: Derrick Blakes, Bus Driver, Transportation; Ana Palacios, Building Secretary, South; April Palmer, Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, Central; Laurie Murphy, Paraprofessional, South; Tiara Spain, Paraprofessional, South
• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated June 10, 2025, and Special Meeting Minutes dated July 8, 2025, and August 5, 2025.
• Approval Payment of Bills Payable and Payrolls: Aggregate Total: $8,519,088.12

September 9, 2025

School Board President’s Report to the Board

Video

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and asked Kevin Quinn to recite one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties.

Update on Upcoming Events

• September 19: Spirit Lunches at East and West
• September 20: Autumn in the Park Parade at 1 p.m.
• October 3: PFA Barn Dance at Palos West at 6 p.m.
• October 10: Teacher Institute Day (No School)
• October 13: Columbus Day (No School)
• October 14: Regular Board Meeting at Central (6 p.m.)
• October 17: Harvest Fest at Palos South (5:30 pm)

Recognition

The board, building administrators, and Mr. Szklanecki introduced new teachers and recognized teachers who achieved tenure status and those who earned advanced degrees.

Superintendent's Update
Dr. Scarsella reported that he was pleased to see so many families attended curriculum nights to learn more about their students’ upcoming year. He congratulated the early childhood program at Palos West which was the recipient of a Gold Circle of Quality Award from the Illinois State Board of Education. Dr. Scarsella commended Dr. Wrzesinski, Mrs. Leahy, and the staff at Palos South for their fun kick off for their PBIS program. He reminded parents to download the My Ride K-12 app for bus updates, and the ParentSquare app for updates from their schools and the District.

Committee Reports

Finance and Facilities Committee
Finance Committee Chair Mr. Pizur reported that the Finance and Facilities Committee met on September 2 where Mr. Veihman presented the final FY26 budget to the committee. Mr. Veihman also notified the committee that due to the delay with Cook County property tax receipts, it is highly likely the district will face a cash shortfall by late October or early November and recommended the issuance of tax anticipation warrants to address the temporary cash flow issues created by Cook County’s delay in distributing property tax receipts. Mr. Veihman shared with the committee the revised Facilities Use Procedures and notified the committee that the district has complied with the posting of compensation and shared service reports. Mr. Veihman requested approval to dispose of surplus technology equipment. The Committee appointed board member Jennifer Jensen to serve on the District Safety Committee.

Policy Committee
Policy Committee Chair Mr. Dan Cox reported that the committee met on August 19 and Dr. Scarsella reviewed PRESS Update 119 with the committee and a recommended revision to Board Policy 7:60 Residence to provide clarity around the requirement to be a resident of the school district at time of enrollment. The Committee also discussed the Board’s participation in the Palos Park Autumn in the Park Parade and branding initiatives pursuant to Board Policy 8:10 Connection with the Community.

Education Foundation
Sheila Pacholski, Education Foundation President reported that Laps for Literature will be held on September 12.

Parent Faculty Association
PFA President Mrs. Jennifer Bleskin reported that Tickets for the PFA's October 3 Family Barn Dance are on sale with the event running from 6-8:30 p.m. at Palos West.$10 tickets can be purchased via the PFA's website (www.palos118pfa.com). She thanked all families who purchased fall spirit wear. The PFA’s next Board meeting is Wednesday, September 24th at 7 p.m. in Palos East’s Media Center.

Music Parents Association (MPA)
Dr. Wrzesinski reported that the MPA will host Harvest Fest on October 17 starting at 5:30 at Palos South.

New Business

• A public hearing was held on the proposed 2026 budget.
• The Board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed 2026 budget.
• The Board voted to authorize the issuance of Tax Anticipation Warrants
• The Board held a first reading of Press Update 119 and a revision of Policy 7:60
• Secretary’s Report

Dr. Baker reported that the District received FOIA requests from the Foundation for Fair Contracting and Smart Procure and that both had been completed.

Consent Agenda

• The board approved a consent agenda that included:
• Approval of a facility use agreement with updated fee schedule
• Approval of the Disposal of surplus property
• Approval of FMLA leave for Jillian Lundy
• Approval of classified employment report B
• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated August 12, 2025, and Special Meeting Minutes dated August 19 and September 2, 2025.
• Authorize Payment of Payrolls, Bills Payable and Aggregate Total: $4,421,405.65

Closed Session
The Board went into closed session for the discussion of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity; collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees and the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students.

President’s Report and Board Meeting Recap

October 17, 2025

School Board President’s Report to the Board

President Pam Paris welcomed everyone in attendance and recited one of the sections of the Oath of Office to affirm the board’s commitment to faithfully discharge their duties. Mrs. Paris also was appointed to serve as the District’s delegate to the IASB Assembly.

Update on Upcoming Events

• October 17^th: Harvest Fest at Palos South at 5:30pm
• October 21^st: Student Outcomes & Accountability Meeting at 6pm at Central
• November 4^th: Finance and Facilities Committee Meeting at 6pm at Central
• November 11^th: Veterans Day Assembly at 9am at Palos South Middle School
• November 11^th: Regular Board of Education Meeting at 6pm at Central
• November 18^th: Student Outcomes & Accountability Meeting at 6pm at Central

Superintendent's Update

In his report to the Board of Education, Dr. Scarsella recognized the students at Palos West who celebrated International Peace Day in September. He thanked the Palos 118 Educational Foundation for organizing Laps for Literature in September and thanked everyone who participated and volunteered. Dr. Scarsella thanked the PFA for organizing the first Spirit Lunches of the 2025-26 school year and a Barn Dance at Palos West. He encouraged parents to visit the PFA’s website for more information on how to participate and volunteer. He recognized Palos South for organizing Start with Hello Week and hosting a Meet New People Mixer in the Palos South commons and thanked South Social Workers Jill Yerkes, Angela Grebenor, and Jill Martinez for organizing this important week of events. He thanked Palos 118 school board members, and Mrs. Cozzi from transportation for their participation in this year’s Palos Park Autumn in the Park Community Parade. He recognized Palos West’s early childhood program for receiving a Gold Circle of Quality Award from the Illinois State Board of Education and thanked West teachers Jill Rafter and Lee Harwig, Assistant Director of Student Services Terri Dodds, and Para-Pro Lillian Sobczak for their work on applying for the award. He recognized the Cardinal sports teams who had a successful fall season with the Palos South Girls Softball team finishing with an undefeated regular season record of 11-0; the Boys Cross Country team which placed first in the Southwest Interscholastic Conference meet, and the girls team which finished third in the SWIC. He closed by recognizing October as Principals Appreciation Month and thanked principals Jennifer Peloquin, Allison Grasso, and Dr. Stuart Wrzesinski as well as Assistant Principals, Sarah Leahy, Andrea Ramoley, and Kristie Tieri for their dedication and leadership.

Committee Reports

Safety Committee

Mrs. Jensen shared that the District Safety Committee met on September 18 and that Mr. Veihman and Mr. Fox provided an update on improvements to safety technologies for the 2025-2026 school year including upgrades to the district’s security camera system, automated alert system and installation of new emergency pull stations at all three schools. Mrs. Dodds shared an overview of the district’s recently revised Violent Event Reunification Plan. Feedback was shared by members of the committee regarding the information shared by administrators and suggestions were made for additional safety improvements.

Policy Committee
Policy Committee Chair Mr. Dan Cox reported that the Policy Committee met on October 7 and reviewed Policy 8:10 and discussed the school district’s logo and branding guide. The Committee reviewed policies 8:25, 8:80 and 4:150 as they pertain to accepting and acknowledging donations. Director of Communications and Community Engagement discussed Policy 2:220 and recommended the district change electronic board agenda vendors. The Committee also reviewed the 2025 IASB Resolutions Committee Report and directed its delegate, Pam Paris, to vote in favor of a proposed resolution concerning funding for school buses.

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)
Mrs. Jennifer Bleskin, PFA President, reported that the organization has volunteer openings for those interested in helping with Halloween parties and needs volunteers to run Art Chat sessions which start in October.

Foundation
Mrs. Sheila Pacholski reported that the Foundation’s Laps for Literature event raised $5,100 for the District 118 media centers and she presented the checks to the school building principals. She noted that the Foundation’s next fundraiser, Trivia Night, will be held on January 31, 2026.

Music Parents Association (MPA)
Mrs. Jensen reported that the MPA will be hosting Harvest Fest on October 17.

Unfinished Business. The Board approved the following policy updates: 

·       Second Reading PRESS Update 119

·       Draft Updates -2:80 Board Member Oath and Conflict; 2:130; Board-Superintendent Relationship; 7:140 Search and Seizure; 7:300 Extracurricular Athletics; 2:220-E9 Exhibit – Requirements for No Physical Presence of Quorum and Participation by Audio or Video During Disaster Declaration; 2:240-E1 Exhibit – PRESS Issue Updates; 2:240-E2 Exhibit – Developing Local Policy

·       Policy 7:60 Residence

Secretary’s Report
Secretary Szafranski reported that the District received a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request from Michael F. Henry and that the request was completed. There was no correspondence sent.

Consent Agenda
The board approved a consent agenda that included:

·       FMLA: Nicholas Shein, Math Teacher, South; Katie Pastiak, 5th Grade Teacher, West

·       Retirement: Linda Lowery, 1st Grade Teacher, West

·       Employment: Paola Evans, Part-Time Playground Supervisor, East; Farida Elserafy, Paraprofessional, West; Ashley Donaldson, Custodian, East

·       FMLA: Kathy Pagoria, Administrative Assistant for Operations and Business, Central

·       Resignation: Hebah Alajouri, Paraprofessional, West; Gloria Lopez, Paraprofessional, East; Savannah Speed, Paraprofessional, East; Scott Balling, Custodian, East

·       Termination: Anthony McClennon, Custodian, West; Jenny Merneigh, Part-Time Playground Supervisor, West

·       Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes dated September 9, 2025, and Special Meeting Minutes dated October 7, 2025

·       Authorize Payment of Bills and Payrolls and Aggregate Total: $4,056,437.81