The Oct. 15 board meeting covered topics such as the recognition of art students and the stipend increase for the role of summer school principal. All members except Edmund Koch were present.
The meeting began with Assistant Superintendent for Business and Chief School Business Official Dr. Jackie Bogan recognizing Kaneland’s food service department in honor of National School Lunch Week.
“Each day, this team works tirelessly to ensure that students have access to healthy, nutritious meals that help fuel their learning,” Bogan said.
Additionally, Superintendent Dr. Kurt Rohlwing honored Kaneland’s art educators and students for their art made during the 2024-25 school year. Art teachers from each school spoke about each student and their art piece. The pieces will be on display in the district office for the next three years.
During public comments, Elburn resident Sheila Albano requested that the board have a public discussion about the status of Kaneland IgKnight Personalized Learning Academy (KIPLA), and she asked if the district plans to extend the program to the high school.
“You kind of promised that you would be looking into that and reporting on that when we had to shut that building down, and we haven’t really seen that publicly,” Albano said.
Board member Dr. Aaron Lawler reported that the education committee discussed new courses being added to the high school curriculum, including more Advanced Placement and honors classes. They also brainstormed ways Kaneland can enhance its special education program.
Director of Human Resources Dr. Chris Adkins asked for the board to consider increasing the stipend for the role of summer school principal, as Kaneland was not able to fill the position this past summer and pays lower than nearby districts. The board approved the increase 6-0.
Rohlwing then honored an abundance of teachers that he and Director of Communications David Chavez felt demonstrated excellence in the classroom. He congratulated senior Faith Maschman and junior Audrey Noring for winning in their respective categories at an Illinois Journalism Education Association (IJEA) competition, the boys soccer team for winning the Interstate 8 conference championship and the percussion section of the marching band for their successful competition season. Student representative Sophia Schroll provided a report on the various events that took place throughout the past week for Homecoming.
The meeting concluded with no closed session. The next Kaneland school board meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 27.
