Peotone School Board Approves New Curriculum, Welcomes New Administrators

The Peotone Community Unit School District 207U Board of Education approved a new K-5 English Language Arts curriculum and introduced two new administrators during its April 23 meeting at Peotone High School.

The board unanimously approved the adoption of Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) as the district’s new K-5 ELA curriculum, following an extensive pilot program and evaluation process. Assistant Superintendent Carole Zurales praised the K-5 curriculum committee for their dedication in implementing and testing two different ELA programs while also adapting to a new math curriculum this year.

“These teachers not only most of them were implementing a new math program this year but then took on learning two different ELA curriculums to make sure we have the best program moving forward,” Zurales said.

The new curriculum adoption comes with significant professional development support, with costs largely covered by grant funding. Zurales secured $6,200 through an amended existing grant and an additional $2,250 from the Illinois Literacy Plan Grant to cover implementation costs.

The board also introduced two new administrators who will begin their roles in July. Alicia Jakubek was introduced as the new high school assistant principal, joining from Lincoln Way where she served as an English teacher and student activities coordinator. Jillian Sosnowski, who served as the district’s K-5 instructional coach this year, was promoted to elementary school principal.

“I’m really drawn to I just love the community here and I think to be at a high school where you could know the names of every child you’re interacting with is so appealing,” Jakubek said during her introduction.

The board addressed several significant business items, including approving a $53,687 contract with BEAR Construction for the demolition of mobile classrooms at the junior high school. The mobile classrooms were deemed non-compliant with safety codes, making demolition more cost-effective than bringing them up to current standards.

The board also approved a secure vestibule project totaling approximately $149,803 from Commercial Glazing Inc. The project, which utilizes a $50,000 School Maintenance Project Grant, will add secure vestibules to Connor Shaw Center, Peotone Elementary School, Peotone Intermediate Center, and Peotone Junior High School.

During the public comment period, resident James Bowden criticized the district’s capital project management, particularly regarding the sports field project and HVAC system at Peotone Elementary School. Bowden claimed the district wasted nearly $568,000 on the abandoned sports field project and paid over $250,000 in interest on borrowed money for the HVAC project before bids were obtained.

“In my opinion the HVAC system for Peotone Elementary was poorly planned,” Bowden said. “Borrowing the money 15 months before obtaining the bids was irresponsible.”

John Maxedon raised concerns about district culture and staff turnover, questioning what steps were being taken to improve conditions for new administrators after recent departures.

The board approved a 2025-2026 classified staff salary increase and authorized the superintendent to sign electricity and natural gas purchase agreements for up to 48 months to take advantage of favorable market conditions.

Superintendent Brandon Owens reported that the district had successfully completed a compliance review by the Will County Regional Office of Education, with no concerns identified. However, he noted the district has received 20 Freedom of Information Act requests since the last board meeting, creating a significant administrative burden.

The meeting concluded with recognition of outgoing board members Tara Robinson and Roger Bettenhausen, who were thanked for their combined 40+ years of service to the district.