Belvidere Community Unit School District 100 Board of Education met Nov. 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The Board of Education of Community Unit School District #100, Boone, McHenry, DeKalb Counties, Illinois met in a regular meeting November 17, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. at the Districts Central Office, located at 1201 Fifth Avenue, Belvidere, Illinois, which is within the boundaries of said District.
A. Opening Items
Call to Order:
The President called the meeting to order at 5:34 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 5:36 P.M. for the following:
The 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 Mueller made a motion and Member Pigee seconded the motion to adjourn to closed executive session. The President called the question, and the following members voted.
YEA: Mueller, Pigee, Houk, Hoemke, Diestelmeier, Yunk, and Herrera NAY: None
Motion passed.
A special thank you to Sam Peters and the Belvidere High School Cheer Team for kicking off our Regular Meeting of the Board of Education and Board Member Appreciation with a special cheer created just for them! What a great way to celebrate our board that gives so much of their time and energy to our schools, students, and staff. We truly appreciate all that you do!
C. Reconvene in Open Session
Open session meeting reconvened at 6:13 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 Diestelmeier made a motion and Member Hoemke seconded the motion to approve the agenda of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education on November 17, 2025, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Diestelmeier, Hoemke, Pigee, Muller, Houk, Yunk, and Herrera NAY: None
Motion passed.
D. Public Hearing to Waive Limitations on Administrative Costs
The district held a public hearing to waive limitations imposed for administration costs when administrative expenditures per pupil are in or below the 25th percentile for districts of the same type. This waiver must be renewed annually per section 17- 1.5 of Illinois School Code.
WHEREAS, Section 17-1.5 of the School Code states: “School districts with administrative expenditures per pupil in the 25th percentile and below for all districts of the same type, as defined by the State Board of Education, may waive the limitation imposed under this section for any year with the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the members of the school board of the district,” and
WHEREAS, the administrative expenditures per pupil of this district are in or below the 25th percentile for districts of the same type for fiscal year 2024, the most recent year for which such data is available, and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on this resolution on November 17, 2025 at 1500 East Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of Belvidere Community Unit School District No. 100 waives the limitation on administrative costs for FY 2026 as authorized by Section 17-1.5 of the School Code and the superintendent is directed to notify the State Board of Education within 45 days of the date of this action.
E. District Celebrations
1. Board Member Appreciation Day
November 15th is about saying “Thank You” to the District 100 Board of Education. Our Board members spend multiple hours each month on District work, attending meetings, and other responsibilities most will never hear or read about.
On behalf of District 100, we thank all seven members of the District 100 Board of Education for their service to the District and our students, staff and community.
2. AP Scholars
The Board recognized our students from Belvidere High School and Belvidere North High School who earned Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar distinctions for their outstanding academic achievement and commitment to excellence.
3. Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy 2025 Graduates
Dr. Dave Carson and Mr. Frank Mandera were recognized for graduating from the Belvidere Chamber Leadership Academy, a eight-month program designed for emerging leaders and community members who wish to deepen their understanding of Boone County, exploring its history, opportunities, and successes while developing leadership skills that inspire positive change.
4. Illinois Principals Association (IPA) Kishwaukee Regional 2025 Regional Award Recipients
Donald “Bo” Smith, Principal at Meehan Elementary School and Chris Walocha, Principal at Washington Academy were recognized by the IPA Kishwaukee Region for the following Awards:
Bo Smith – Reaching Out and Building Bridges Award
Chris Walocha – Herman Graves Award
District 100 is proud of the work each of you are doing in your schools for your students, staff, and parents each and every day.
5. Board Shout Outs
The following people were nominated by their peers for going above and beyond in District 100.
• Julie Tapia, Gladys Pena, and Larissa Herrera – South Middle School • Kevin Armstrong – Buildings and Ground
In addition, Dr. Schug gave Billy Lewis, Principal, Belvidere High School a huge shout out for hosting the Board and the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education at Belvidere High School.
6. Board Celebrations
• Member Hoemke shouted out our Performing Arts Program and the students and staff involved with the arts!
• Member Pigee gave a shout out to student Erick Roman, Belvidere North High School for his sportsmanship during the football season and compassion for players on the opposing teams!
He also gave a shout out to Lea Hendrickson, teacher at Lincoln Elementary School for the gifts her class made for Board Member Appreciation Day.
• Member Mueller shouted out Mr. Zimmerman, the students, staff, and those behind the sense to make the play, Peter and the Starcatcher, such a great performance and experience.
• Member Houk thanked Donna Schelonka and the Belvidere High School students for the delicious treats from the Woot Woot Wagon and cards for Board Member Appreciation Day.
• President Herrera recognized the groups and individuals:
o Blue Thunder Football Team and their amazing season and wished them well at their semifinal game coming up.
o Seth Whitman Elementary School and their first ever Dia de los Muertos Festival. It was such a great event with student performances, face painting, puppet making, food, and so much more!
o Rene Mandujano and his staff for presenting at the La Cosecha Conference.
o All our amazing teachers who were nominated for the Golden Apple Award. We wish you all luck in the next round, but to us, you are all winners!
F. Student Council Reports
• Elvis Luna, Student Council Treasurer, 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.
G. Board of Education Committee Reports
• Business Services Committee Meeting – November 5
Business Services Committee minutes were submitted for review and included the following:
• Strategic Plan – Goal 5
• Sunday Facility Use – Jr. Thunder Youth Basketball
• Sunday Facility Use – Special Olympics
• Sunday Facility Use – Belvidere Youth Baseball
• Sunday Facility Use – PAC Rockford Youth Orchestra
• Sunday Facility Use – Belvidere Bandits Wrestling
• Excess Property Disposal – BNHS CTE Textbooks
• Excess Property Disposal – BHS AP Psychology Textbooks
• Student Activity Fund Account Request – BNHS Amped on Algebra
• Preliminary 2025 Tax Levy
• Play-based Kindergarten Update
2. Educational Services Committee Meeting – November 5
Educational Services Committee minutes were submitted for review and included the following:
• 2025-2026 District Scorecard Updates
• High School Proposed Course Catalog Updates
• Annual Review of Summative Designations
• Illinois Report Card Recap
• Play-based Kindergarten Update
• Cell Phone Policy Reading Recommendation – The Anxious Generation
3. Policy & Personnel Committee Meeting – November 13
Policy & Personnel Committee minutes were submitted for review and included the following policies for a first reading:
• Strategic Plan – Goal 4
• 2:120 Board Member Developments
• 2:150 Committees
• 2:270 Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited
• 4:10 Fiscal and Business Management
• 4:30 Revenue and Investments
• 4:80 Accounting and Audits
• 4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs
• 5:10 Equal Employment Opportunity and Minority Recruitment
• 5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting
• 5:100 Staff Development Program
• 5:200 Terms and Conditions of Employment and Dismissal
• 5:280 Duties and Qualifications
• 5:300 Schedule and Employment Year
• 6:20 School Year Calendar and Day
• 6:40 Curriculum Development
• 6:60 Curriculum Content
• 6:130 Program for the Gifted
• 6:160 English Learners
• 6:300 Graduation Requirements
• 6:310 High School Credit for Non-District Experiences; Course Substitutions; Re-Entering Students
• 6:315 High School Credit for Students in Grade 7 or 8
• 7:70 Attendance and Truancy
• 7:140 Search and Seizure
• 7:150 Agency and Law Enforcement Requests
• 7:180 Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation, and Harassment
• 7:190 Student Behavior
• 7:290 Suicide and Depression Awareness Prevention
• 7:315 Restrictions on Publications; High School
• 7:340 Student Records
• 8:30 Visitors to and Conduct on School Property
The following policies were reviewed for changes to legal references:
• 4:140 Waiver of Student Fees
• 4:190 Targeted School Violence Prevention Program
• 5:190 Teacher Qualifications
• 5:220 Substitute Teachers
• 6:260 Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs
• 6:320 High School Credit for Proficiency
• 7:10 Equal Education Opportunities
• 7:130 Student Rights and Responsibilities
• 8:100 Relations with Other Organizations and Agencies
In addition, the following policies and personnel items were reviewed and discussed:
• 4:55 Use of Credit and Procurement Cards
• 7:190 Student Behavior in reference to new Cell Phone Policy
• Administrative Handbook Addendum
• MOA for Middle School Content Leader Stipend
H. 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:
• Matt Zickert regarding the recognition of Carl Hobbs, Board Member Appreciation, Erick Roman and Ben Bucher for making the First-Team All State, Illinois School Report Cards, and Budget
• Wendy Taylor regarding Board Member Appreciation Day, SNAP and Breast Cancer Collections, and growth within Illinois School Report Cards
Hearing no one else wished to address the Board, President Herrera closed the hearing of visitors.
I. Approval of Consent Agenda Items
2. Minutes
3. Personnel Report
4. Financial Reports
5. Bills
6. Reduction-in-Force (RIF) Joint Committee Agreement
7. Excess Property Disposal – BHS Psychology Textbooks
8. Excess Property Disposal – BNHS CTE Textbooks
9. Sunday Facility Use – Belvidere Bandits Wrestling
10. Sunday Facility Use – Belvidere Youth Baseball
11. Sunday Facility Use – Jr. Thunder Youth Basketball
12. Sunday Facility Use – PAC Rockford Youth Orchestra
13. Sunday Facility Use – Special Olympics Illinois
14. Student Activity Fund Account Request – BNHS Amped on Algebra
15. Request for Fundraisers
16. Donations
President Herrera inquired if any Board members wished to have any items removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration.
Hearing none, Member Pigee made a motion and Member Hoemke seconded the motion to approve Consent Agenda Items #2-16, as presented.
President Herrera recognized the following donation:
• Expo markers, highlighters, sharpies, pens, mechanical pencils, and papernote flare markers from Newell Brands – Benjamin Moore for Lincoln Elementary School students
• Backpacks from Jan Ambrosia for Perry Elementary School Students
• School Supplies from Barker Plumbing, Christ the Rock Lutheran Preschool, First Baptist Church, Pearl Place Senior Apartment Community, and Temp Bros for Perry Elementary School
• Headphones from First United Methodist Church for Perry Elementary School Students
• Mini pumpkins and gourds from Mary Burbach, Susie’s Garden Patch for Belvidere High School National Honor Society’s annual Halloween Trick or Treat Event
• $150 from Belvidere IOU Club & $200 from Boone County Arts Council for Belvidere North High School Band
The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Pigee, Hoemke, Diestelmeier, Houk, Yunk, Muller, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
J. Roll Call Action Items
1. Revisions to Existing Board of Education Policy 1:30 School District Philosophy
Member Hoemke made a motion and Member Houk seconded the motion to approve the Revisions to the Existing Board of Education Policy 1:30 School District, as presented.
The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Hoemke, Houk, Pigee, Diestelmeier, Yunk, Muller, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
2. Revisions to Existing Board of Education Policy 2:230 Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board
Member Pigee made a motion and Member Houk seconded the motion to approve the Revisions to the Existing Board of Education Policy 2:230 Public Participation at School Board Meetings and Petitions to the Board, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Pigee, Houk, Mueller, Hoemke, Yunk, Diestelmeier, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
3. Resolution to Waive Limitations on Administrative Costs
Member Houk made a motion and Member Pigee seconded the Resolution to Waive Limitations on Administrative Costs, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Hoemke, Houk, Yunk, Mueller, Diestelmeier, Pigee, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
4. High School Proposed Course Catalog Updates
Member Diestelmeier made a motion and Member Mueller seconded the motion to approve the High School Proposed Course Catalog Updates, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Diestelmeier, Mueller, Hoemke, Yunk, Pigee, Houk, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
5. Play-based Kindergarten Update
Member Hoemke made a motion and Member Pigee seconded the motion to approve the Play-based Kindergarten Update, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Hoemke, Pigee, Yunk, Diestelmeier, Mueller, Houk, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
6. Administrative Handbook Addendum
Member Yunk made a motion and Member Diestelmeier seconded the motion to approve the Administrative Handbook Addendum, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Yunk, Diestelmeier, Hoemke, Pigee, Houk, Mueller, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
7. MOA for Middle School Content Leader Stipend
Member Yunk made a motion and Member Houk seconded the motion to approve the MOA for Middle School Content Leader Stipend, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Yunk, Houk, Diestelmeier, Mueller, Hoemke, Pigee, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
8. Possible Action to Approve 2025-2026 Administrative Contract for 10- Month Administrator / School Health Services and Nursing Administrator
Member Diestelmeier made a motion and Member Pigee seconded the motion to approve the 2025-2026 Administrative Contract 10 Month Administrator / School Health Services and Nursing Administrator, Kristy Ward, as presented. The President called the question, and the following members voted:
YEA: Diestelmeier, Pigee, Hoemke, Mueller, Houk, Yunk, and Herrera
NAY: None
Motion passed.
K. Board Discussion
The following items were discussed by the Board of Education:
1. Upcoming Contract Renewals & Reports
L. Administration Reports
The following items were presented to the Board of Education:
1. Superintendent Comments
2. Strategic Plan Update
3. Illinois Report Card Recap
4. First Reading of the 2025 Tax Levy
5. School Activity Reports
6. Department Highlights
7. FOIA Log
8. A Look Ahead to Upcoming District Events
• Triple I Conference – November 21-23
• Business Services Committee Meeting – December 2
• Educational Services Committee Meeting – December 3
• Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education – December 4
• Policy & Personnel Committee Meeting – December 11
• Regular Meeting of the Board of Education – December 15
• Business Services Committee Meeting – January 6
• Policy & Personnel Committee Meeting – January 8
• Regular Meeting of the Board of Education – January 20
• Parent Teacher Advisory Committee Meeting – January 23
• Business Services Committee Meeting – February 3
• Educational Services Committee Meeting – February 4
• Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education – February 5
• Policy & Personnel Committee Meeting – February 12
• Regular Meeting of the Board of Education – February 23 **
• Business Services Committee Meeting – March 3
• Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education – March 5
• Policy & Personnel Committee Meeting – March 13
• Regular Meeting of the Board of Education – March 16 – Belvidere Central Middle School **
• Educational Services Committee Meeting – April 1
• Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education – April 2
• Business Service Committee Meeting – April 7
• Policy & Personnel Committee Meeting – April 9
• Regular Meeting of the Board of Education – April 20
• Business Services Committee Meeting – May 5
• Educational Services Committee Meeting – May 6
• Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education – May 7
• Parent Teacher Advisory Committee Meeting – May 14
• 2026 High School Graduation – May 17
• Regular Meeting of the Board of Education – May 18 – Caledonia Elementary School **
• Business Services Committee Meeting – June 2
• Educational Services Committee Meeting – June 3
• Potential Special Meeting of the Board of Education – June 4
• Policy & Personnel Committee Meeting – June 11
• Regular Meeting of the Board of Education – June 15
M. Closed Executive Session of the Board of Education from Section 2 of the Open Meetings Act
The meeting adjourned to reconvene closed executive session at 7:50 P.M. for the following:
The 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.
N. Reconvene in Open Session
Open session meeting reconvened at 9:08 P.M.
Roll Call:
Members present were Mr. Diestelmeier, Mr. Herrera, Mr. Hoemke, Mrs. Houk, Mr. Mueller, Mr. Pigee, and Mrs. Yunk.
O. Adjournment
Having no further business to conduct, Member Mueller made a motion and member Pigee seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. The President called the question, and the motion passed on a voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 9:09 P.M.
https://district100.community.highbond.com/document/ee81dff7-2773-4db8-b010-5717dc379bae/
