Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone School Board for November 17, 2025

Peotone School Board Meeting | November 17, 2025

The Peotone School District 207-U Board of Education meeting on Monday, November 17, 2025, was dominated by public criticism over the district’s handling of a recent bus accident and major financial decisions, including the approval of a tentative tax levy and a plan to issue nearly $5 million in working cash bonds. Community members alleged serious failures in the district’s communication and safety protocols following the October 30 accident involving FFA students. The board also approved a tentative $15.66 million tax levy and, in a split vote, moved to issue up to $4.965 million in bonds to fund its budget.

In other business, the board swore in new member Robert Janeliunas and elected Ashley Stachniak as vice president. The district celebrated significant student achievement, honoring nearly 90 students for top scores on state exams and announcing that all four of its schools earned “Commendable” ratings on the Illinois School Report Card. For more details on these topics, please see the full standalone articles.

News Briefs

Board Approves School Improvement Plans:
The board unanimously approved the 2025-2026 School Improvement Plans for all four of the district’s schools. The plans, which were updated with the latest state assessment data, outline specific strategies and goals for boosting student performance in key areas such as literacy and math. The approval finalizes the academic roadmaps for Peotone Elementary, Intermediate, Junior High, and High School.

High School Course Guide Changes Approved:
Changes to the Peotone High School Course Guide for the 2026-2027 academic year were unanimously approved by the board. The updated guide includes new and revised course descriptions across various departments, as well as adjustments to graduation requirements to align with state mandates, such as a computer literacy requirement beginning with the Class of 2026.

Personnel Moves Include Administrator Extension, Retirements:
The board approved numerous personnel actions following its closed session. The moves included a contract extension for Assistant Superintendent Carole Zurales effective July 1, 2026. The board also accepted the retirements of PJHS 7th Grade English Teacher Carrie Chirico and PJHS Paraprofessional Traci Adams, both effective at the end of the 2029-2030 school year, and PJHS Paraprofessional Deborah Mazurkiewicz, effective at the end of the 2028-2029 school year.

District Facilities Update: Boiler Repairs and Power Outage:
Director of Buildings and Grounds Mike Singleton reported on recent facility issues, including a misfiring boiler at PJHS and a cracked boiler tube at PIC, both of which have been addressed. He also detailed a weekend power outage at PES caused by a tripped breaker after a ground fault. The power was restored, and Singleton confirmed that troubleshooting and any necessary repairs for the outage are covered under the project’s warranty.

P-Card Spending Down $33,000 From Last Year:
During the consent agenda discussion, Trustee Ashley Stachniak noted that district credit card (P-card) spending is down significantly compared to the previous year. She reported that spending is $33,000 less than the same period last school year, attributing the decrease to better adherence to recently enforced spending parameters and checks and balances.

District Honors Cross Country State Qualifiers, October ‘Go Big Blue’ Winners:
The board formally recognized PJHS cross country runners Emma Pena and Andi Thompson for competing at the IESA State meet on October 18. Pena finished in 8th place, earning a medal. The board also honored the staff and students selected for the October “Go Big Blue” award, whose theme was “Inspires with Empathy,” for showing kindness and supporting others.