Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 Board of Education met Feb. 23.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
A. Opening Items
Call to Order:
The President called the meeting to order at 5:32 P.M.
Roll Call:
Members present were Mr. Diestelmeier, Mr. Herrera, Mr. Hoemke, Mrs. Houk, Mr. Mueller, Mr. Pigee, and Mrs. Yunk.
B. Closed Executive Session of the Board of Education from Section 2 of the Open Meetings Act
The meeting adjourned to closed executive session at 5:34 P.M. for the following:
The security procedures, school building safety and security, and the use of personnel and equipment to responds to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8); appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees, representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees – 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(2), 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 – 5 ILCS 120/(c)(5), and student disciplinary cases – 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9).
Member Hoemke made a motion and Member Mueller seconded the motion to adjourn to closed executive session. The President called the question, and the following members voted.
YEA: Hoemke, Mueller, Pigee, Houk, Diestelmeier, Yunk, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
Thank you to David Zimmerman and Mark Miller-Cornejo and our seniors from BHS and BNHS for opening the Board Meeting with a selection from Frozen. We always appreciate the talents of our students.
C. Reconvene in Open Session
Open session meeting reconvened at 6:18 P.M. with the Pledge to the American Flag.
Roll Call:
Members present were Mr. Diestelmeier, Mr. Herrera, Mr. Hoemke, Mrs. Houk, Mr. Mueller, Mr. Pigee, and Mrs. Yunk.
As a reminder, President Herrera announced all Board Members are expected to follow the approved Meeting Norms and Board Protocols.
Approval of Agenda
President Herrera inquired if any Board members wished to have any items amended or moved from the agenda.
Hearing none, Member Hoemke made a motion and Member Distelmeier seconded the motion to approve the agenda of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education on February 23, 2026, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Hoemke, Diestelmeier, Pigee, Mueller, Houk, Yunk, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
D. District Celebrations
1. STEM Century Book Release
Dr. Cassandra Schug and Mr. Matthew Fry were recognized for being contributing authors in the newly released book, STEM Century. In their featured chapter, ‘Thinking Differently About STEM,’ they chronicle District 100’s unique journey in fostering student engagement and cultivating vital community partnerships. Their contribution highlights D100 as a leader in preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.
2. School Superintendent Association (AASA) Graduations
Dr. Carson was recognized for completing the National Aspiring Superintendents Academy. This program is designed for transformative leaders who are preparing to take the helm of a school district, focusing on the strategic and systemic skills necessary for the modern superintendency.
Additionally, Dr. Schug was celebrated for graduating from the National Superintendent Certification Program. This is a significant milestone that honors experienced leaders who have demonstrated a mastery of the professional standards and the complex demands of district-wide leadership.
3. HRS Level 3 Certification – Perry Elementary School
The District was pleased to announce that Perry Elementary School received the achievement of Level 3 certification in Marzano High Reliability Schools. Level 3 certification means Perry Elementary School has created a “Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum,” which requires schools to create a single curriculum that is taught by all teachers.
With Perry’s recognition as an HRS Level 3 school, the Belvidere School District is now an HRS Level 3 school district. This landmark achievement is the culmination of over a decade of dedicated work. It signifies that every school within District 100 has successfully implemented rigorous systems to ensure a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture (HRS Level 1), effective teaching in every classroom (HRS Level 2), and a guaranteed and viable curriculum (HRS Level 3).
4. Board Shout Outs
The following people were nominated by their peers for going above and beyond in District 100.
• Julie Briggs, Sabrina Rios, and Theresa Pearson – Caledonia Elementary Schools
• Julia Harding – Belvidere Central Middle School
• Keith Kleckler – Belvidere North High School
• Carlee Jones and Jennifer Polky – Belvidere Central Middle School; Melanie Arvidson, Linda Colson, and Rikki Holton – South Middle School; Joe Hansen, Kirshna Seuring, and Leigh Ann Walbaum – Belvidere High School; and Payton Petruchuis, Lis Schurman, and Andrea Woldman – Belvidere North High School – WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) and Link Crew
E. Student Council Reports
• Elle Rhode, from Belvidere High School, provided the board with a report of what has been taking place at Washington Academy, Meehan Elementary School, South Middle School, Belvidere High School, and Everest High School.
• Azkary Quintero, from Belvidere North High School, provided a report on what has been happening at Caledonia, Lincoln, Perry, and Seth Whitman Elementary Schools, Central Middle School, and Belvidere North High School.
F. Board of Education Committee Reports
1. Business Services Committee Meeting – February 3rd
Business Services Committee minutes were submitted for review and included the following:
• Strategic Plan – Goal 5
• Mathematics Curriculum Resources Adoption & Extension
• World Language Curriculum Resource Adoption
• Clinic Asbestos Remediation RFP
• Clinic Remodel RFP
• Excess Property Disposal – CMS Band Textbooks
• Excess Property Disposal – BHS Psychology Textbooks
• Excess Property Disposal – BNHS Athletics
• School Tour of Seth Whitman Elementary School
2. Educational Services Committee Meeting – February 4th
Educational Services Committee minutes were submitted for review and included the following:
• Strategic Plan – Goals 1 & 2
• Special Education Department Updates
• Summer School Programming for 2026
• Strategic Plan Mid-Year Summary
• Mathematics Curriculum Resources Adoption & Extension
• World Language Curriculum Resource Adoption
• School Improvement Grants
• Bilingual Audit Committee
3. Policy & Personnel Committee Meeting – February 19th
Policy and Personnel Committee minutes were submitted for review and included the following:
• Strategic Plan – Goal 4
• Policy 6:20 School Year Calendar and Day
• 6:40 Curriculum Development
• 6:50 School Wellness
• 6:130 Program for the Gifted
• 6:150 Home and Hospital Instruction
• 6:160 English Learners
• 6:190 Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Activities
• 6:235 Access to Electronic Networks
• 6:240 Field Trips
• 6:255 Assemblies and Ceremonies
• 6:280 Grading and Promotions
• 6:290 Homework
• 6:300 Graduation Requirements
• 6:315 High School Credit for Students in Grade 7 or 8
• 5:125 Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct
• 5:140 Solicitations By or From Staff
• 5:181 Return to Work Program
• 5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leave
• 7:190 Student Behavior
• BEST MOA
• Homeschool Requirements to Play District 100 Sports
4. First Reading of Policy 5:125 Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct
5. First Reading of Policy 5:140 Solicitations By or From Staff
6. First Reading of Policy 5:181 Return to Work Program
7. First Reading of Policy 5:330 Sick Days, Vacation, Holidays, and Leave
G. Hearing of Visitors
Members of the public and employees of District #100 were able to make comments or ask questions of the Board. The following individuals addressed the Board:
• Gayle Steltenpohl, Leage of Women Voters, regarding advocating opt out of federal voucher program
• Matt Zickert, regarding Perry Elementary School and finances
• Catherin Insley, regarding keeping Perry Elementary School open • Mike Speek, regarding keeping Perry Elementary School open
• Abby Cameron, regarding Perry Elementary Schools HRS Level 3 Certification
• Teresa Tice, regarding the Food Service Director release and replacement
Hearing no one else wished to address the Board, President Herrera closed the hearing of visitors.
H. Demographic Study Presentation
In May 2023 the Board contracted with MGT (formerly Davis Demographics) to conduct a demographic study for the district. That contract included annual updates for three years to monitor changes that were unknown in the area (the closure of manufacturing plant and new economic development in the area). This is the final report under the current contract.
I. Approval of Consent Agenda Items
2. Minutes
3. Personnel Report
4. Financial Reports
5. Bills
6. Case Management / Workload Plan for Special Education
7. School Improvement Grant Funds
8. Excess Property Disposal – CMC Band Textbooks
9. Excess Property Disposal – BHS Psychology Textbook
10. Excess Property Disposal – BNHS Athletics
11. Overnight Field Trip Requests
12. Donations
President Herrera inquired if any Board members wished to have any items removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration.
Member Yunk wished to have item 3. Personnel Report removed for separate consideration.
Member Houk made a motion and Member Hoemke seconded the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items #2, 4-12, as presented.
President Herrera recognized the following donation:
• Sweatpants and underwear from the Belvidere Woman’s Club for Lincoln and Perry Elementary Schools
• $80 from Rockford Chapter of Illinois Society of Professional Engineers for South Middle School Math Counts Competition Registration Reimbursement
The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Houk, Hoemke, Diestelmeier, Pigee, Mueller, Yunk, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
Member Distelmeier made a motion and Member Hoemke seconded the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items #3, Personnel Report, as presented.
The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Diestelmeier, Hoemke, Pigee, Houk, Mueller, and Herrera
ABSTAIN: Yunk
NAY: None
Motion passed.
J. Roll Call Action Items
1. Vision Statement
Member Houk made a motion and Member Pigee seconded the motion to approve the Vision Statement, “Community rooted. Every child included. Learning, innovating, and leading – thriving today and prepared for tomorrow.”, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Houk, Pigee, Diestelmeier, Hoemke, Yunk, Mueller, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
2. Resolution Authorizing the Engagement of a Licensed Real Estate Broker
Member Diestelmeier made a motion and Member Mueller seconded the motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing the Engagement of a Licensed Real Estate Broker, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Diestelmeier, Mueller, Houk, Hoemke, Yunk, Pigee, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
3. Facility Master Plan Polling Questions
Member Pigee made a motion and Member Mueller seconded the motion to approve the Facility Master Plan Polling Questions, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Pigee, Mueller, Yunk, Diestelmeier, Houk, Hoemke, and Herrera NAY: None
Motion passed.
4. Mathematics Curriculum Resources Adoption and Extension
Member Diestelmeier made a motion and Member Hoemke seconded the motion to approve the Mathematics Curriculum Resources Adoption and Extension, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Diestelmeier, Hoemke, Pigee, Mueller, Houk, Yunk, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
5. World Language Curriculum Resources Adoption
Member Mueller made a motion and Member Houk seconded the motion to approve the World Language Curriculum Resources Adoption, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Mueller, Houk, Pigee, Hoemke, Yunk, Diestelmeier, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
6. District Safety Plan
Member Hoemke made a motion and Member Mueller seconded the motion to approve the District Safety Plan. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Hoemke, Mueller, Diestelmeier, Houk, Yunk, Pigee, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
7. Approval of BEST Memorandum of Agreement
Member Diestelmeier made a motion and Member Yunk seconded the motion to approve the BEST Memorandum of Agreement, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Diestelmeier, Yunk, Pigee, Mueller, Hoemke, Houk, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
8. Appointment of Matt Fry, Principal at Everest High School for the 2026-2027 School Year
Member Diestelmeier made a motion and Member Hoemke seconded the motion to approve the appointment of Matt Fry as Principal at Everest High School for the 2026-2027 School Year, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Diestelmeier, Hoemke, Houk, Mueller, Yunk, Pigee, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
9. Additional Sick Day Leaves for Employee 022326-SS
Member Houk made a motion and Member Pigee seconded the motion to approve additional Sick Day Leave for Employee 022326-SS. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Houk, Pigee, Yunk, Mueller, Diestelmeier, Hoemke, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
10. Additional Sick Day Leaves for Employee 022326-CH
Member Diestelmeier made a motion and Member Houk seconded the motion to approve additional Sick Day Leave for Employee 022326-CH. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Diestelmeier, Houk, Hoemke, Yunk, Pigee, Mueller, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
K. Board Discussion
The following items were discussed by the Board of Education:
1. Budget Update
Dr. Schug & Ms. Armstrong shared an update with the Board on the current state of the budget and projected budget deficit. This update helped to provide context on how much of the anticipated budget deficit the District may experience, and how the District is taking steps to ensure that we have a plan to address the deficit in the following school years.
2. Facilities Master Plan Funding
Anne Noble from Stifel and Bob Lewis from PTMA presented information on funding options available to the district for the implementation of the Facilities Master Plan including deferred maintenance. All options maintain the district’s commitment not to raise the annual debt service tax levy.
3. Facility Master Plan Next Steps
Nexus was in attendance to review the overall progress on Phase 1 projects, an update on the polling timeline and scope discussion, an overview of the scope of the work for Perry Elementary School, and overall look at milestones and next steps.
4. Upcoming Contract Renewals & Reports
L. Administration Reports
The following items were presented to the Board of Education, or will be brought back in March due to time constraints:
1. Superintendent Comments
2. Strategic Plan Update
3. Strategic Plan Mid-Year Summary
4. Special Education Department Highlights
5. Summer School Programming for 2026
6. SY26 6th Day Enrollment – Second Semester
7. School Activity Reports
8. Department Highlights
9. FOIA Log
10. A Look Ahead to Upcoming District Events – Found on the Board of Education Calendar
M. Adjournment
Having no further business to conduct, Member Mueller made a motion and member Yunk seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The President called the question, and the motion passed on a voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 9:52 P.M.
https://district100.community.highbond.com/document/143c4e1c-4c70-4f8b-a4cd-7dce50abe0e6/
