Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone CUSD 207-U for December 15, 2025

Peotone CUSD 207-U Meeting | December 15, 2025

The Peotone CUSD 207-U Board of Education met on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, to address several major financial and administrative items. Key actions included the approval of a $15.6 million tentative tax levy and the seating of Steven Clark as a new board trustee. The board received a clean annual audit and discussed the future of $4.8 million in unused bond funds. Additionally, administrative reports focused on the “Go Big Blue” initiative and emergency repairs to the junior high boiler and elementary school electrical systems. For more detailed information on these topics, please see the full standalone articles.

Big Blue U Launch:
Assistant Superintendent Carole Zurales announced the launch of “Big Blue U,” a professional development initiative for staff set for January. The program will feature keynote speaker Eric Curts and focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. Breakout sessions will cover topics such as Canva 101, dyslexia simulations, and explicit reading instruction, utilizing the expertise of the district’s own staff members.

Underwriting Services Approved:
The board approved a proposal from Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. to provide underwriting services for the district’s Series 2026 taxable bonds. Stifel offered the lowest fee of $3.886 per $1,000 of bonds, beating a proposal from Robert W. Baird. The recommendation was made by PMA Securities, noting Stifel’s extensive experience with Illinois K-12 school districts.

Enrollment Analysis Paused:
During the committee meeting, Superintendent Brandon Owens recommended pausing a proposed $9,000 enrollment analysis study by RPS and Associates. Owens suggested the district wait until the current facility feasibility study by Wight & Co. is complete. He noted that the district can already perform much of this data mining internally using its existing Forecast5 software.

PTO Success:
Representatives from the Peotone Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) thanked the board and staff for the success of the recent pancake breakfast. The event served over 650 people and raised more than $10,000. The funds will be used to support teachers, staff, and students across all district buildings.

Personnel Changes:
The board approved several personnel actions, including the contract extension of Assistant Superintendent Carole Zurales through July 2026. Other moves included the hiring of a new district registrar and several changes in status for transportation staff. The board also accepted the retirement of PJHS teacher Carrie Chirico, effective at the end of the 2029-2030 school year.

Student and Staff Recognition:
The board honored November’s “Go Big Blue” award winners for exemplifying “Critical Thinking.” Staff recipients included Billy Robinson, Amy Cameron, Brian Cann, Natalie Clay, and Stephanie Bonnema. Student recipients were Isabella Denny (PHS), Keaton Denny (PJHS), Mary Campbell (PIC), and Royce Hess (PES). High school student Isabella Denny was specifically praised for her work in securing multiple “Ag in the Classroom” grants for the district.