Board of Education
The District 125 Board of Education is dedicated to supporting the district’s vision of “Success for Every Student.” As an elected school board, we are also committed to engaging with our community in a clear and consistent way. Below, you will learn more about the board, answers to frequently asked questions and more. We also invite you to stay in touch with us via our Minuteman newsletter.
- Board Members
- Meeting Agendas/Minutes/Bulletin
- District Finance 101
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Stay in Touch
Board Members
District 125 Board of Education
President: Amy Neault
aneault@d125.org
847-415-4136
First year on board: 2018
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Vice President: Steven Frost
sfrost@d125.org
847-415-4130
First year on board: 2000
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Secretary: Roni Ben-Yoseph
rbenyoseph@d125.org
847-415-4133
First year on board: 2022
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Parag Agrawal
pagrawal@d125.org
847-415-4134
First year on board: 2025
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Gary Gorson
ggorson@d125.org
847-415-4131
First year on board: 1999
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Grace Cao
gcao@d125.org
847-415-4132
First year on board: 2022
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Don Tyer
dtyer@d125.org
847-415-4135
First year on board: 2022
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Meeting Agendas/Minutes/Bulletin
Meeting Agendas, Minutes and Bulletin
Agendas, minutes and meeting recordings of District 125 Board of Education and committee meetings for this year are listed below. For more historical information, please navigate to the tabs.
Note: Minutes of regular board meetings are posted upon approval at the next scheduled board meeting. Example: July 2020 meeting minutes will be approved at the August 2020 meeting, and posted the next day.
2025-26 School Year
Monday, August 18, 2025
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, September 15, 2025
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, October 20, 2025
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, November 17, 2025
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, December 15, 2025
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, January 12, 2026
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, February 9, 2026
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, March 16, 2026
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, April 20, 2026
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, May 18, 2026 (tentative)
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, June 15, 2026 (tentative)
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
2024-25 School Year
Monday, July 15, 2024
Special Meeting (10:00 a.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Friday, August 2, 2024 - Saturday, August 3, 2024
Annual Administrative Retreat: Announcement
Monday, August 19, 2024
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Site & Facilities Committee Meeting (6:00 p.m.): Agenda
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, September 16, 2024
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Finance Committee Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, October 21, 2024
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Finance Committee Agenda (6:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
November 2024
Official Notice
Monday, November 18, 2024
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Special Meeting (8:00 a.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Finance Committee Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, December 16, 2024
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, January 13, 2025
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, February 10, 2025
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, March 17, 2025
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, April 21, 2025
Finance Committee Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, April 28, 2025
Special Meeting (7:30 a.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, May 19, 2025
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Special Meeting (7:00 a.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, June 16, 2025
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
2023-24 School Year
Friday, August 4, 2023 - Saturday, August 5, 2023
Annual Administrative Retreat: Announcement
Monday, August 21, 2023
Finance Committee Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, September 18, 2023
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, October 2, 2023
Special Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, October 16, 2023
Site & Facilities and Finance Committees Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
November 2023
Official Notice
Saturday, November 18, 2023
Special Meeting (8:00 a.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, November 20, 2023
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Site & Facilities and Finance Committees Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, December 18, 2023
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Official Notice | Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, January 22, 2024
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, March 18, 2024
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Finance Committee Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, April 15, 2024
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording (*not available due to technical difficulties) | Board Bulletin
Monday, April 22, 2024
Special Meeting (7:00 a.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Special Meeting (4:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, May 20, 2024
Special Meeting/Organizational Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m) - CANCELLED: Agenda
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Special Meeting (3:00 p.m): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, June 17, 2024
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m): Agenda | Minutes
Finance Committee Meeting (6:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting (7:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
2022-23 School Year
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Site & Facilities Committee Meeting (1:00 p.m.): Agenda
Monday, July 18, 2022
Special Meeting (6:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Friday, July 29 - Saturday, July 30, 2022
Annual Administrative Retreat: Announcement
Monday, August 15, 2022
Site and Facilities Committee Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, September 19, 2022
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, October 17, 2022
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
November 2022
Official Notice
Monday, November 21, 2022
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, December 19, 2022
Site & Facilities and Finance Committees Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Special Meeting (6:15 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Official Notice | Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, January 23, 2023
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, February 13, 2023
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, March 13, 2023
Special Meeting (4:30 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, March 20, 2023
Site & Facilities and Finance Committees Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Special Meeting (6:15 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, April 17, 2023
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Monday, May 1, 2023
Special/Organizational Meeting (7:30 a.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Final Meeting of Retiring Board of Education: Minutes
Monday, May 15, 2023
Finance Committee Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Monday, June 12, 2023
Special Meeting (5:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Finance Committee Meeting (6:00 p.m.): Agenda | Minutes
Regular Meeting: Agenda | Minutes | Video Recording | Board Bulletin
District Finance 101
District Finance 101
At Stevenson High School, we are firmly committed to continuing a tradition of strong financial stewardship and full transparency in our use of taxpayer dollars.
Below is a high-level snapshot of three key district financials: your tax dollars at work, our district budget, and our per-pupil expenditures for the previous academic year. For more detailed information and updates about district finances, we invite you to subscribe to our monthly Minuteman newsletter.
Your Tax Dollars At Work
Your Tax Dollars At Work
Over the years, our neighbors have rightfully asked how their taxpayer dollars support our school district. Below is a breakdown if your tax dollars at work, if your property tax bill was scaled down to a dollar. These figures are an average of the tax rates from each of our three largest feeder districts (District 96, District 102 and District 103):
With nearly a third of taxpayer dollars allocated to Stevenson High School, where do those funds go? And why is funding for Stevenson — the only high school in the district — nearly comparable to all of our feeder districts combined? The answer simply put: the size and scope of our school. A few key factors that distinguish Stevenson from its feeder schools:
- On average, student enrollment at one of our feeder districts is 2,560 students. At Stevenson alone, we have more than 4,400 students. Demographic data show that this number is projected to increase to 4,900 by 2030. Additionally, by virtue of each student taking at least six classes per semester, Stevenson employs more faculty and staff.
- Stevenson’s robust course offerings set our school apart from other elementary and high schools in Illinois. As an example:
- The depth and scope of our science and technology curriculum requires funding of state-of-the-art equipment and supplies, such as 3-D printers and other lab equipment, to support our STEM learning experience.
- Our fine arts division, recognized by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, offers students a world-class education that also requires funding for materials and supplies year to year. We have 430 students in our marching band alone, which makes our marching band larger than most marching bands in the Big 10 Collegiate conference.
- Our special education division provides crucial support for many students until they are 22 years old. This division helps students prepare for life after high school through job training and placement, as well as residential learning.
- Our co-curricular experience at Stevenson is another reason why students and families are attracted to our school. Stevenson’s athletics division, which requires equipment, staffing and resources for our more than 2,000 athletes, is comparable to many collegiate athletic departments. Also, our Student Activities division is home to more than 150 clubs that round out the academic experience of our students.
- Stevenson also offers robust student supports, including full-time counselors, deans, psychologists, social workers and tutors to support students throughout their high school journey.
Bang For Your Buck (Per Pupil Expenditure)
Per Pupil Expenditure
As the nation’s top school district, we are proud to see our students achieve excellent educational outcomes while keeping our annual operating expense per-pupil (OEPP) low, compared to comparable districts. The OEPP calculates average spending per student, providing a true apples-to-apples comparison between schools and is the Illinois School Board of Education’s gold standard for measuring school financial performance.
The OEPP excludes certain expenses, like purchased services and capital expenditures, that vary and do not allow for a truly accurate comparison between schools.
Our District Budget
Our District Budget
Our commitment to thoughtful use of our community’s taxpayer dollars cannot be overstated. Our budget is funded primarily through local property tax dollars, every cent of which goes toward advancing the educational experience here at Stevenson High School. In an effort to maintain full transparency on district finances, below is a breakdown of our school district’s current budget, including total operating revenue and total operating expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Board of Education do?
The District 125 Board of Education, which consists of seven elected volunteers, approves the governing policies for the district. The Board’s responsibilities include hiring and periodically evaluating the district’s superintendent; overseeing and approving budgets and expenditures; and planning and approving long-term capital projects.
The Board also approves and monitors the Districts goals, projects and initiatives (“GPIs”). These GPIs are established every year, and outcomes are summarized in a Student Achievement Report every fall of the following school year. The Board strives to continue a tradition of excellence at Stevenson High School through constant improvement as educational best practices advance, student needs evolve and the community changes.
What makes Stevenson stand apart from other public school districts?
To ensure our mission of “Success for Every Student,” which is discussed in greater detail here, we sustain a culture focused on learning, collaboration and results. Our culture of continuous improvement is driven by collective inquiry, innovative instructional practices and learning-centered assessment and grading practices. We implement impactful intervention strategies that provide students with more time and support when needed in order to ensure learning and achievement. As a model Professional Learning Community, we participate in state, national and global initiatives focused on improving educational outcomes.
What is the school doing about on-campus safety and security?
Campus safety is an ongoing priority that the Board and Administrative team revisit regularly. In partnership with local law enforcement, we have built a multi-layered safety plan to mitigate the risk of harm on campus. Over the years, we have made significant enhancements to our safety and security measures:
- Anonymous reporting system for safety, bullying or racists incidents
- An around-the-clock surveillance network of hundreds of cameras and dedicated security personnel that monitor movement on campus
- A visitor sign-in and background check system so that we know who is on campus and their purpose for being in our buildings during the school day
- Automatic door-locking systems on every door in the building
- A robust team of security personnel, including armed school resource officers
- An annual Situational Awareness Day, dedicated to guiding students through discussions on safety in the event of a critical incident
Can you explain the relationship of budgets, tax levies and property tax rates and how they are calculated?
Every year, local assessors determine the equalized assessed value (EAV) of each property in the taxing body. At the same time, taxing bodies — such as public libraries, public schools, park districts, etc. — hold public meetings and post their proposed budgets and their proposed tax levies.
Once EAVs are determined and budgets are approved, the county clerk’s office determines the taxing body’s tax rate by dividing the body’s total EAV by its tax levy, generally limiting increases in the tax levy to the lesser of 5% and the inflation rate.
Finally, the local treasurer’s office collects tax payments and distributes funds to the taxing bodies.
Thus, a taxing body’s tax rate depends both on the amount of its levy and on its property values. Two districts may have the same tax levy (and collect the same amount of taxes), but the district with higher property values will have a lower tax rate and the district with lower property values will have a higher tax rate. Thus, a district may spend more (and collect more in taxes) per student than Stevenson but still have a lower tax rate if the other district has higher property values. Also, Cook County puts more of the property tax burden on commercial properties and less on residential properties, which skews comparisons of school districts in different counties.
The Illinois State Board of Education calculates each school’s annual operating expense per-pupil (OEPP), which calculates average spending per student and provides a true apples-to-apples comparison of financial efficiency between schools. We consistently have one of the lowest OEPPs of comparable high school districts in the Northshore area.
How do you plan for the future and make decisions about construction?
Each year, Stevenson High School, along with Districts 96, 102, and 103, receives and shares enrollment projections from DecisionInsite, an industry leader in enrollment data and analytics. Current enrollment in our feeder districts and projected enrollment data, which takes into account numerous demographic factors, are critically important for long-term planning of physical property needs. Historically, our enrollment projections have been very accurate.
Why is there so much pressure to take AP class? How many AP classes should a student take?
Our mission is to achieve “Success for Every Student.” Each year, the Board of Education approves an annual set of goals, projects and initiatives to achieve our mission. One of our current goals is that “The percentage of students in each graduating class who will complete a college-level course (AP, dual credit, and articulated credit courses) will increase yearly.”
At Stevenson, Advanced Placement is the most popular option among students.
This goal has become a mainstay of our GPIs because research shows that students who have at least one college level experience (CLE) in high school see stronger academic outcomes and are more likely to graduate from college compared to those who do not have a CLE in high school. This is true for students who take just one CLE. A single CLE gives students the opportunity to experience the rigor of a college-level course and develop the skills they need to navigate a post-secondary learning environment.
Our goal is only that each student take one CLE during their time at Stevenson. How many AP courses a student actually takes is a very personal question that should only be answered by the student and their family in consultation with the student’s SST.
What are you doing for students’ mental health?
One of our goals is centered on student social-emotional learning (SEL). We recognize that adolescent mental health and well-being is integral to a student’s ability to engage and learn at school. Our dedicated Director of Social Emotional Learning oversees professional development with faculty and staff to ensure learning in the classroom, on the field and in clubs supports student SEL development.
In 2020, Stevenson established the Wellness Initiative which focuses on four pillars to support “whole” student wellness: mindset, restoration, movement and nutrition. These pillars are integrated into many aspects of the teaching and learning experience at Stevenson, including the Patriot Wellness Center where wellness principles are taught in curricular and co-curricular activities.
Our Student Services Division also has robust experience addressing students’ social-emotional needs in tandem with their academic needs. This wellness programming includes Freshman Advisories and a Freshman Wellness Day in the spring. Additionally, every student is assigned a student support team to provide supports as needed throughout their time at Stevenson.