At Monday night’s District 186 School Board meeting, the board spent most of the night on the superintendent search: 1,500+ survey responses are in, with top traits including inclusive, safe schools; strong communication and collaboration; finance/budget chops; equity and cultural responsiveness; and effective board relations.
What’s next in the search:
– Focus groups: Oct 22–23
– Applications due: Nov. 14
– Interviews: December
– Target appointment: January 2026 (start July 2026)
You’ll also hear about:
– Celebrations: SHS girls volleyball city champs, Lindsay Elementary’s 25th, ELC’s 20th on Oct. 9 (5–6:30), and a United Way Day of Action campus refresh.
– Student opportunities: MLK essay contest (grades 5–12, cash prizes—ask your school admin). Plus a new Empowering All Abilities Conference Nov. 15 at Lanphier with a keynote and community partners.
– Urgent health reminder: 88 students currently excluded for missing immunization/physical paperwork; Oct. 15 is the state deadline even if you have an appointment—get forms to your school.
– Jerome TIF concerns: projected $4.33M hit to the district over the life of the TIF, with a revenue-share shift that would drop the district’s slice to ~18–20%. The village missed the initial 90-day window to pass ordinances; action could come at a future meeting.
– Pay updates: Approved raises for SEIU Local 15 (4% in 25–26, 3% in 26–27), Project Scope staff (12% then 5%), and PTSP (2.4% then 3%).
– Leadership: The superintendent’s contract was extended through June 30, 2026, with retirement planned after 25–26 and a 3.75% final-year increase.
– Dates: No school on Indigenous Peoples’ Day; early dismissal Oct. 16 for conferences; no school that Friday. Next board meeting Oct. 20, at 5:30.
Want the full picture on the search timeline, TIF impacts and what’s next for families? Watch the recap.
