CUSD 200

Board Meeting Highlights

April 9, 2025 at Hubble Middle School
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Board Highlights are meant to provide highlights of each Board of Education meeting, and are not intended to be an all-inclusive recap. Please click on this link to view a complete recording of the April 9, 2025, Board of Education meeting.

Host School Report

The April 9, 2025, Board of Education meeting was hosted by Hubble Middle School. During the meeting, Principal Dr. Jon Pilkington was joined by two students who shared their positive experiences at Hubble Middle School. The students talked about the school's positive culture and the many opportunities available for students to get involved and make friends.

Recognitions & Achievements

At each regular Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Schuler recognizes one community partner for their involvement, dedication and commitment to supporting our students, staff and schools in a variety of ways. 

As part of the April Board Meeting Community Partner Recognition, Dr. Schuler recognized Robb Davidson and Cody Sumner, the co-founders of Axiom Media Group in Wheaton. Robb and Cody have supported CUSD 200 with a number of video and photography projects over the years. Recently, Robb, Cody and the entire team at Axiom Media have partnered with our high schools to welcome two student interns to their team. This partnership gives students a work-based learning opportunity as part of our Broadcast Media Career Pathway Program. 

CUSD 200 extends our heartfelt thanks to Axiom Media Group for their ongoing commitment to our students and schools. Their willingness to share their expertise and provide real-world experiences for our students is truly invaluable.

Community Partnership Recognition

Student Ambassadors Report

The Wheaton North High School Student Ambassadors Carla Fonseca Gonzalez, Abigail Williams and Luke Bellini, and the Wheaton Warrenville South Student Ambassadors, Lauren Dedio, Katelyn Groves and Max Dudick, provided the board with a presentation on good news, updates and feedback on a variety of topics from their respective schools.  

Approval of Franklin Middle School Boundary Change

During its meeting on April 9, 2025, the Board of Educated approved a boundary change for Franklin Middle School. Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, the matriculation pattern will change from Monroe Middle School to Franklin Middle School for the following subdivisions: 

  • Gary Gardens subdivision

  • The apartments on Executive Drive one block north of Schmale Road

  • Carol Stream Crossing 2 Apartments

This change was made following an official request from a group of residents within the Washington boundaries. CUSD 200 hosted two engagement sessions and provided a Google Form Survey to gather feedback from families who would be impacted by this change. All of the feedback received was in support of the change. 

Approval of Student Devices Related to Chromebook Refresh and New Career Pathway Courses

The District utilizes a refresh cycle for Chromebooks. Traditionally, Chromebooks are leased every four years to stay current with the evolving technology. This purchase includes Chromebooks, protective cases for middle school devices and technology equipment in support of Project Lead The Way Engineering Career Pathway courses that will be offered at both high schools. 

The financing for this purchase (separate action item) will be for a period of four years and all equipment will be owned by CUSD 200 at the end of the lease. The total cost of this equipment will be $2,012,475.20.

Department of Innovation and Technology Work Plan Update

During the Board of Education meeting, Jason Spencer, the Executive Director of Innovation and Technology provided the Board with an update on the work plan progress as outlined in the Vision 2026 Strategic Plan. 

Additionally, Mr. Spencer’s presentation highlighted the work CUSD 200 is doing in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). As such, the Board was given an overview of the Ethical Use and Guidance around the Use of AI that is used for staff and students in CUSD 200. 

During his report, Mr. Spencer also detailed the research and feedback he gathered from staff in the district regarding 1:1 Chromebooks for students, and how Chromebooks are utilized in the classroom.

Middle School Capital Project Update

During its meeting, the Board received an update on the Middle School Capital Projects that were outlined in the passed November 2024 Referendum.

The presentation included a review of the project schedule and updated renderings of the new additions at Franklin, Edison and Monroe middle schools. 

Series 2025 General Obligation School Bond Sale Recap

During its meeting, the Board received a recap of the General Obligation School Bonds - Series 2025 competitive sale and closing from March 2025.

Discussion Regarding CAC Feedback About Cell Phone/Cell Device Policy

Over the last few weeks, the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) has spent time reviewing CUSD 200’s current cell phone policy for elementary, middle and high school students. During the Board of Education meeting, the Board reviewed and discussed a summary of the research and stakeholder feedback. 

The HR/Policy Committee will take all of the research and feedback and bring a recommendation to the Board in May.

Environmental Biology Textbook Posted for Community Review

The high school science department team is recommending a new Environmental Biology textbook, Savvas's Environmental Biology.  

These texts will be available for community review at the School Service Center. Any questions related to this textbook can be directed to Ian Smith, Director of High School Instruction, ian.smith@cusd200.org or (630) 682-2464. Community members with questions will receive follow up communication from a member of the Educational Services Department. All community feedback will be shared with the Board of Education.

High School Novels Posted for Community Review

High School staff are recommending six texts be added to their approved novel list. These books are for the following courses:   

  • AP Literature and Composition

  • AP Language and Composition

  • Junior English

  • Sophomore English

  • Military History  

These texts will be available for community review at the School Service Center. Any questions related to this textbook can be directed to Ian Smith, Director of High School Instruction, ian.smith@cusd200.org or (630) 682-2464. Community members with questions will receive follow up communication from a member of the Educational Services Department. All community feedback will be shared with the Board of Education.