The River Trails School District 26 Board of Education held a meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. It was also livestreamed on our website. A recording of the full meeting is available for viewing on our YouTube page.
Here are the highlights:
- The Board ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement with the River Trails Education Association (RTEA). The new contract will go into effect on July 1, 2022.
- RTEA President Bob Kastner thanked the Board and administration for the “wonderful working relationship that we continue to have.” He also expressed gratitude to the members of the Negotiating Committee and said, “I’m proud and overjoyed to bring you the news tonight that the RTEA has a ratified contract.” Board member Frank Fiarito later echoed these sentiments and noted the great partnership between the two parties.
- The Board celebrated the River Trails Middle School 7th and 8th grade girls volleyball teams for their conference championships. Several members of both teams were present to receive certificates from Board President William Grimpe.
- Mr. Grimpe provided an update on the ongoing superintendent search. The Board will interview two finalists on April 27 and aims to approve the hiring of a new superintendent in early May.
- Superintendent Nancy Wagner spoke about necessary changes to the 2022-2023 staffing plan. The Board approved the addition of a 3rd grade teacher at Indian Grove and an EL teacher at River Trails Middle School.
- Members of the District Equity Leadership Team (DELT) presented an Equity Action Plan to the Board. This followed work completed by DELT throughout the past year and set equity objectives for the district to accomplish in the 2022-2023 school year. You can view a summary of the EAP and the presentation slides on the Equity page of our website.
- Mr. Fiarito applauded the RTMS field trip to Prairie Trails that occurred earlier in the day. Multiple students visited the net-zero energy school for a tour and to learn about its sustainability features.
- Dr. Lyndl Schuster, assistant superintendent for business services, introduced Kelly Diaz, who was approved by the Board as the district’s Director of Food Services.
- The Board approved the purchase of an electric bus. A Volkswagen Electric Bus grant from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will cover 75% of the cost of the electric bus and charger.
- The Board discussed entering into a partnership with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) for the installation of a permeable paver parking lot and rain gardens at River Trails Middle School. The MWRD would contribute $650,000 to the project, which would provide necessary upgrades to the parking lot and save money for the district. A vote on this partnership will take place at a future meeting.
- The Board approved a partnership with Nania Energy Advisors to act as a consultant as the district renews an electricity contract. The current electricity contract expires on June 30, 2022.
The next regular board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 3 at River Trails Middle School. You can email the board at boe@rtsd26.org.