The July 28 board meeting covered topics such as an introduction to the new board committees and an update on referendum construction. All seven board members were in attendance.
The meeting began with Director of Human Resources Dr. Chris Adkins introducing the high school’s new Dean of Students, Steve Lucas. Lucas is entering his 15th year in education and 7th year as an administrator. He has held previous positions as a business teacher at West Aurora High School, Dean of Students at Batavia High School and Director of Athletics and Activities at Plano High School.
“I am definitely blessed to be working in a community like Kaneland,” Lucas said.
Prior to the meeting, the board held committee meetings to discuss education, finances and facilities, human resources and community engagement in depth.
“[The committees] were created as a platform for discussion and feedback in addition to the formal Board of Education meetings,” Board President Bob Mankivsky said.
Board member Dr. Aaron Lawler and Mankivsky, who hosted the Education Committee meeting, said their meeting consisted of discussions about the new curriculum and its implementation at the elementary school level as well as special-education services throughout the district. At the Finance and Facility meeting, board member Scott Stalcup reported that they listed goals and agendas for future committee meetings. Board members Ryan Kleisner and Edmund Koch led the Human Resources (HR) Committee, where they discussed HR’s responsibilities each season and HR’s role in implementing curriculum. Finally, the Community Engagement Committee examined the referendum website.
Continuing on the topic of the referendum, Superintendent Dr. Kurt Rohlwing reported that the district has chosen Kaneland community members to be a part of the core planning team. Members will provide feedback throughout the construction process related to the referendum. The first core planning meeting will take place on August 13. Additionally, the steering committee, consisting of administrators and industry partners, toured some other school districts in northern Illinois for inspiration.
Director of Communication David Chavez presented the new district website. Factors that influenced the decision to switch platforms were to improve usability, reduce congestion and make it overall easier to use. The new platform specializes in education websites, which assures compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. There is a new section on the site offering resources for parents, including supply lists and registration directions for new families.
Rohlwing announced new John Shields Elementary School Principal Lea Russelle, and he said that she will be introduced at an upcoming meeting. He also stated that the new elementary school curriculum has arrived, allowing some teachers to begin training with it. Assistant Superintendent for Business and Chief School Business Official Dr. Jackie Bogan reported that the district has ended the school year at a deficit of approximately $3.5 million, which is smaller than what was projected. The school district was able to add $120,000 for salary and benefits back into the 2025-26 budget.
The meeting concluded with a closed session with no possible action as a result. The next Kaneland school board meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 11.
