Glenbard District 87 Board of Education meeting highlights (5-11-2026)

Glenbard District 87 Board of Education meeting highlights (5-11-2026)

Board Highlights feature a brief description of the action items and discussion items on the meeting agenda. Board Highlights do not replace minutes. The minutes are approved by the Board and posted after the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. Present: Tod Altenburg, Jay Bastian, Margaret DeLaRosa, Hetal Lee, Martha Mueller, Pete Nolan and Jim Shannon.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

  1. May has been a meaningful time across Glenbard as we celebrate the people who show up for our students each day. Our schools recognized outstanding student achievements, along with Teacher Appreciation Week and School Principals Day, honoring the impact of our educators and leaders. We also celebrated School Nurses Day and School Speech-Language Pathologist Day, recognizing their vital role in supporting student well-being. In addition, we recognized our transportation team – April 28 marked School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and our drivers were thanked with a breakfast for their continued care and commitment to safely transporting our students.
       
  2. Last week, the Transition Center of DuPage (TCD) hosted a collaborative crossover event with four DuPage County transition centers: Glenbard South, Glenbard North, Lake Park, and Downers Grove South. Students showcased their culinary skills by preparing a variety of breakfast dishes, with support from TCD ProCBS students. The event included a round of judging, with Glenbard North earning the inaugural “Wooden Spoon” award. This experience highlighted student talent, teamwork, and strong collaboration among our transition programs, and we look forward to continuing this new tradition.
       
  3. Glenbard South recently hosted its Distinguished Alumni Ceremony, honoring graduates whose accomplishments have made a meaningful impact in their professions and communities. The event celebrated the strong connection between the school and its alumni while inspiring current students through stories of leadership and service. Congratulations to the 2026 inductees: Dr. Robert Dieter, cardiologist; Anita Krishnakumar, author and professor at Georgetown Law; and Paul Sirvatka, retired meteorology professor at the College of DuPage and creator of NexLab.
       
  4. On May 6, the Glenbard South staff hosted a vibrant “Night of Excellence” to honor the hard work and accomplishments of multilingual learner students. This annual end-of-year celebration and award ceremony recognized the unique cultural and cognitive strengths students bring to our schools. Multilingual learners enrich our community every day, and events like these provide a vital space to celebrate their academic growth and leadership. We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication to mastering multiple languages while thriving in their studies. Thank you to the families and educators for their partnership in making this night a meaningful success for everyone involved.
       
  5. Last Monday, student entrepreneurs from all four Glenbard high schools competed in the second-annual districtwide INCubator Final Pitch Night. Students in the Dual Credit Entrepreneurship courses spent the year developing business ideas into fully realized startups, supported by Glenbard teachers and local business partners who served as coaches, mentors, and judges. Congratulations to Glenbard West’s SipSafe team – Asiyah Hussain, Kate Gusanders, Hannah Kalten, Makenna Grady and Quinn Stallings – who earned first place and a $5,000 award to grow their business, with mentorship from Larry Johnson. Thank you to the students, families, and community members who helped make the evening such a success.
       
  6. In the fall, we are kicking off our first dual enrollment welding program and our students’ equipment has arrived. Glenbard dual enrollment welding cohort is a two-year opportunity designed for 11th-grade students interested in pursuing welding through the College of DuPage. Courses will be held on the College of DuPage campus during the evening and will offer college credit only, with no high school credit awarded. Students may also have the opportunity to earn an Illinois College and Career Pathway Endorsement. While priority enrollment will be given to juniors, seniors may be eligible to participate in the fall and spring courses if space is available. Glenbard students enrolled in the program will follow a structured course sequence leading to a Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Job Readiness Certificate, which signifies readiness for entry-level employment in the GMAW field. Students are responsible for their own transportation to the College of DuPage; although limited PACE bus service is available to the campus, advance planning is recommended.
       
  7. Glenbard proudly celebrated the Ball Horticultural Scholar Award in partnership with Ball Horticultural Company and the G. Carl Ball Family Foundation. This recognition honors students in our Horticulture and Plant Sciences program who are pursuing postsecondary pathways in horticulture, landscape, or environmental science. Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Katarina Both and Kallen Reinheimer of Glenbard East, Nichole Castillo of Glenbard South, and Olive Coe of Glenbard West. We are grateful to our partners at Ball Horticultural Company for their continued support in creating meaningful opportunities for our students.
       
  8. Congratulations to Glenbard West and Glenbard South students who were recognized in the League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn 2026 Democracy Challenge Awards. At Glenbard West, senior Aeva Saucedo earned the top award for Mother of Exiles (visual arts/poem), and junior Sharon Montiel received Honorable Mention for Can’t You Stay Any Longer? (visual arts). At Glenbard South, sophomore Coltrane Cottman earned the top award for They Lynched Lady Liberty (creative writing poem), senior Sofia Maho received Honorable Mention for An Undying Flame (visual arts/poem), and junior Delilah Durek also received Honorable Mention for Lady Liberty: A Woman (video). These recognitions highlight our students’ creativity, critical thinking and thoughtful engagement with civic themes.
       
  9. The district received the following donations: Anonymous, $460.00 to softball at South. David Hackett, $150.00 for math team travel expenses to state at West.
       
  10. The GPS Parent Series recently wrapped up its 30th year serving as a vital resource for our community. Throughout the school year, world-renowned authors and clinicians present relevant, research-based teaching to empower and strengthen families, individuals and communities by sharing practical strategies to help humans of every age thrive. The GPS Parent Series will take a break for the summer and will resume programming in mid-August. To view past programs, visit GPSparentseries.org.
        

THE BOARD APPROVED:

the April 27, 2026 regular meeting minutes and closed session minutes.

invoices for payment.
May 11, 2026
Education Fund                                     $   574,697.76
Operations & Maintenance Fund  $   132,452.91
Debt Service                                           $         5,946.00
Transportation                                        $   210,151.32
Capital Projects                                     $                  0.00
IL Munic. Retire/Soc Sec.                 $                  0.00
Interim – Checks                                   $   146,334.25
Interim – Wire Transfers                    $5,401,796.82
TOTAL                                                       $6,471,379.01

– April 5, 2026 and April 20, 2026 payrolls.
April 5, 2026                                            Gross Payroll            Net Payroll   
Education Fund                                     $ 4,945,534.64         $ 2,956,086.18
Operations & Maintenance Fund  $        42,885.58         $        24,583.64
Transportation Fund                            $          1,633.38          $              874.72

April 20, 2026                                         Gross Payroll            Net Payroll
Education Fund                                     $ 4,966,268.79         $ 2,967,544.37
Operations & Maintenance Fund  $        56,453.98         $       35,538.46
Transportation Fund                            $          1,633.38          $             879.50

Total Payrolls                                          $10,014,409.75        $5,985,506.87

the following personnel items:
LICENSED STAFF – EMPLOYMENT:
Name                            School/Position                                               FTE                Effective Date
Croci, Joshua           West/Special Education Teacher           100%            08/10/2026
Doten, Kiara              West/Mathematics Teacher                      100%            08/10/2026   
Magana, Angel         South/English Teacher                               100%            08/10/2026
Previti, Anna              South/English Teacher                               75%               08/10/2026
Tricase, Nicholas     North/Dean of Students                             100%            07/27/2026

SUPPORT STAFF – EMPLOYMENT:
Name                             School/Position                                              FTE                Effective Date
Gough, Daniel          Transitions/Special Education Asst.     81.25%        05/18/2026

LICENSED STAFF – CHANGE OF POSITION:
Name                             School/Position                                                   FTE             Effective Date
Kass, Braden            East/Dept Chair & Teacher– Math              100%         08/10/2026
Kush, Sara                 DO/Asst. Director, Teaching & Learning   100%        07/01/2026

LICENSED STAFF – LEAVE OF ABSENCE:
Name                              School/Position                                                   Term                            Reason
Rubino, Natalie         West/School Counselor              04/22/2026-05/18/2026       Personal 

accepting the following donation: Glen Ellyn Rotary Club, $500.00 for student events at South.

– two excursions.

– new textbook adoptions 2026-27. The list of nine new textbooks and novels proposed for adoption has been reviewed and approved by the department chairs in the curricular area, the assistant principals for instruction and the principals at each building where the course will be taught. They were reviewed by the Student Performance and Achievement Committee on April 22, 2026.

There are two new textbook adoptions this year for Dual Credit World Music and AP African American Studies. Both of these early college credit courses are new additions to the Academic Program Guide and require textbooks.

For the English department, we have seven new novels. Of the seven titles, six are for student-choice units. Over the past eight years, our English department has steadily increased the opportunity for students to read high-interest novels as a part of literature circles. With literature circles, students are offered a choice of several books that all focus on a similar theme. Literature circles allow for student choice, reflect an ability to differentiate, and are designed to increase student engagement. These recommendations also fit the thematic studies connected to other units within each semester and reflect diversity in a number of areas. Purchasing these novels in OverDrive allows us to purchase titles on demand, a quick and cost-efficient process.

– Board of Education meeting calendar 2026-27. The 2026-27 Board meeting calendar has been provided to administration and to the Board for review and recommended changes. Since discussed at the April 27, 2026 board meeting, an update has been made to the start time of the November 30, 2026 and the April 27, 2027 meetings. This update will allow for more time between the student celebration ceremonies and the start of the business portion of the meeting.

– intergovernmental agreements with law enforcement partners. Through our ongoing partnerships, the district revised the intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) this year. They represent updated laws and practices, including having school resource officers in our schools. These intergovernmental agreements provide for a school resource officer and authorize the development of guidelines for reciprocal reporting between Glenbard District 87 and the villages of Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights and Lombard, as well as the County of DuPage on behalf of the Sheriff of DuPage County. 

– Resolution Authorizing Recall Notice of Grant-Funded Employees for the 2026-2027 School Year. Glenbard’s human resources department recommends that the Board of Education adopt a resolution authorizing a notice of recall for grant-funded employees for the next school year based on reports and recommendations from members of the administration.

– 2026-27 special services contract for the special student & community projects coordinator. The special student & community projects coordinator provides payment for management of the GPS Parent Series programming and other student and community projects. Ms. Gilda Ross will receive a 3.2 percent contract increase for these services.

– Adoption of the Glenbard Education Association (GEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement. The Board adopted the five-year collective bargaining agreement with the Glenbard Education Association (GEA). The agreement addresses a variety of employment, compensation, benefits, workload, professional learning, and operational topics for future school years. The proposals include updates related to retirement provisions, employee responsibilities, professional development expectations, health insurance, salary structures, extracurricular assignments, staffing considerations, and collaborative programming. The document also included proposed memoranda of understanding establishing joint district-association study groups to review selected programs and operational practices. The average salary increase each year is 84 percent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a reduction of the current 85 percent of CPI.
   

BOARD INFORMATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS INCLUDED:

– Inspire … Empower … Succeed Awards. Congratulations to the South recipients of the district’s Inspire … Empower … Succeed Award: Douglas Gorski (tech & engineering and drivers education teacher), Haresh Harpalani (mathematics department chair and teacher), and Maria Mazza (administrative assistant to the principal). The award recognizes faculty and staff members who: demonstrate exceptional levels of initiative or innovation; exceed expectations and make a positive difference for students; and demonstrate outstanding student service or achievement.

– awards & recognitions. The Board recognized the following 2025-26 Glenbard South parent leaders for their support and dedication to the district:
Glenbard South Boosters Organization – Dawn Cassata (president), Tara Denham (1st vice president), Pam Perron (2nd vice president), Kristy Riley (secretary) and Stephanie Hochstetler (treasurer).

– Performance Services Inc. Guaranteed Energy Savings Contract (GESC) performance review. Performance Services Incorporated (PSI) has been partnering with the district for more than a decade. Over the years, numerous projects have been completed, resulting in operational savings (energy/efficiency) that have benefited the district’s budget. PSI provided a brief presentation summarizing the work and the positive impact these projects have had on our district-wide operations.

– Resolution to Appoint School Treasurer and Approve Treasurer’s Surety Bond. Section 3-8 and Section 8-2 of the School Code (105 ILCS 5/3-8 and 105 ILCS 5/8-2) require Regional Superintendents of Schools to file an affidavit with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) showing which treasurers of school districts in their region are properly bonded. This affidavit must be filed by September 1 of each year.

Section 8-2 of the School Code (105 ILCS 5/8-2) requires each treasurer of a school district to be properly bonded. The penalty of the bond shall be 10 percent of the amount of all bonds, notes, mortgages, moneys and effects of which the treasurer is to have custody. The bond shall be increased or decreased from time to time, as the increase or decrease of the amount of notes, bonds, mortgages, moneys and effects may require. The bond shall be payable to the township trustees of schools over the district or payable to the school board of the district, whichever is applicable. The bond shall be filed with the Regional Superintendent of Schools.

We have worked with our insurance broker, Arthur J. Gallagher, to identify a carrier that would provide Glenbard with the most competitive rate. As referenced above, Glenbard’s Treasurer must be bonded at 10 percent of $199,050,000 or $19,905,000.

The annual cost to purchase the surety bond through Liberty Mutual is $11,943.00. The resolution would appoint Seth Chapman as School Treasurer through June 30, 2027 and authorize the Treasurer Surety Bond per School Code requirements.

– student accident insurance contract renewal 2026-27. Glenbard currently provides student accident insurance coverage for our students. Our broker, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., marketed this program and our incumbent provider, AIG Insurance, responded with a competitive premium cost. AIG has an A rating, which is an Excellent rating through the A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating guide. The policy provides comprehensive coverage for all students participating in school-sponsored activities and sporting activities. This coverage is secondary to all other collectible insurance policies.

Tackle football is not covered by this plan and parents must purchase optional coverage for this sport in advance of an accident. This information is communicated to families as part of our annual registration process and our football coaches make families aware of this optional coverage as well.

The 2026-27 annual premium cost for District 87 for this program is $99,500, which is a flat renewal with no increase from last year. The premium is priced based on history of claim activity. The coverage benefits for our students are the same.

– student accident insurance catastrophic coverage 2026-27. High schools in Illinois are required to provide catastrophic insurance coverage for students participating in Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sanctioned athletic events. Glenbard is required to provide a certificate of insurance proving compliance with the plan of coverage promulgated by the IHSA.

Glenbard currently utilizes Gerber Life Insurance Company as our provider. The proposal from Gerber remains flat at $3.10 per student participating in IHSA athletic events. We project 3,784 participants for 2026-27 for a total premium cost of $11,730.40. This policy provides for a maximum benefit of $5 million. Gallagher’s Public Entity & Scholastic Division proposed the Gerber Life Insurance program to Glenbard.

This policy provides coverage for athletes and student managers, student athletic trainers, marching band, cheerleaders and dance team, Special Olympics basketball, and track & field.

– athletic trainer contract renewal. District 87 has utilized Athletico to provide athletic training services for our athletic programs. Our assistant principals for athletics have been very satisfied with their services.

The district currently contracts for two trainers each at West, South and North, with one trainer at East. East and West have one employee staff member that is a certified trainer that provides this function. Therefore, all of our sites have at least two trainers on hand to support our programs.

Athletico approached the district last month expressing a desire to extend the contract, but also expressing their inability to do so without an increase well above the cost of inflation. Our prior three-year contract increases of 4 percent failed to keep up with the costs necessary to staff these services. In essence, Athletico has reported that they have been operating at a deficit this past year.

Given the great partnership, we feel it is best to secure an additional long-term contract despite the larger-than-typical increases. The market indicates that we would likely not see a better value from another vendor. Our current contract is $280,000 annually, plus the hourly cost of summer school trainer services. Athletico has indicated that they will require an increase in the hourly rate from $25 to $45 as part of the renewal. We would recommend no other changes to the agreement other than the cost increases, which include a total estimated annual contract cost of $314,000 for 2026-27, $331,000 for 2027-28 and $344,000 for 2028-29. 

Glenbard’s attorney reviewed the original agreement, and the district is in the process of getting an addendum for the extension prepared for board approval.

Freedom of Information Act requests. By School Code, a Board of Education is to be informed at its regular meeting of any requests made under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the status of the district’s response. Here are the recent FOIA requests to which the district has responded:

DATE RECEIVED: 3/31/2026
REQUESTOR & COMPANY: Justin Wenig (Starbridge FOIA)
REQUESTS SUMMARY: All purchase orders and/or payment records for non-person/vendor entities, such as companies, organizations, or contractors from January 1, 2025 to current date. Records should include, at minimum:

  • Purchase date
  • Vendor name
  • Line item description
  • Line item quantity
  • Line item Amount

Examples of relevant reports/records may include: check registers, procurement reports, standard PO detail reports, warrant/claims reports, and purchase order history reports, among others.
This request excludes any purchase orders or payments issued to staff, employees, or individuals for payroll, reimbursements, stipends, or other personnel-related expenses.

   
DATE RECEIVED: 4/7/2026
REQUESTOR & COMPANY: Oshea Smith (Sunlight Access)
REQUESTS SUMMARY: I am requesting an electronic summary of purchase orders (not the individual purchase orders themselves) issued by Glenbard Township High School District 87 from 12/1/2025 through February 28, 2026.
This report may also be referred to as an accounts payable summary, check summary, check register, check warrants, vendor payment summaries, expenditure/disbursement reports or vendor analysis report. Any spreadsheet or report that lists vendor names, brief descriptions of purchases, and total amounts would be fully responsive to this request.
If available, please include:

  • Vendor name
  • Description of purchase or payment
  • Total price or amount paid

    
DATE RECEIVED: 4/24/2026
REQUESTOR & COMPANY: Michael Johnson
REQUESTS SUMMARY: I respectfully request copies of records relating to any security camera, surveillance camera, access control, or related low-voltage security system projects performed by Griffon Systems, Inc. for your district from January 1, 2020 to present.
Please include:

  • Contracts, proposals, quotes, purchase orders, or agreements
  • Invoices, payment records, and check registers
  • Scope of work, specifications, and project descriptions
  • Bid documents or procurement records
  • Any records identifying subcontractors or additional vendors involved
  • Any certified payroll records submitted
  • Any records reflecting compliance with the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act
  • Any permits, approvals, or inspection records related to installation work
  • Board meeting minutes approving the project