Frankfort School District 157-C Meeting | October 2025

The Frankfort School District 157-C Board of Education on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, focused on significant financial and student support initiatives. The board reviewed a preliminary tax levy presentation and directed the administration to prepare a proposal with a 4.39% increase over the 2024 tax extension for further consideration next month. More details on the tax levy discussion are available in a full story.

The administration also presented a new, detailed student attendance support plan designed to reduce chronic absenteeism through a series of escalating interventions and family support, which is covered in a separate article. In other major business, the board approved changes to its employee health insurance plans for 2026 to address an anticipated 18.6% increase in medical premiums. The board also celebrated receiving a state-level Governance Recognition award from the Illinois Association of School Boards.

Board Approves Personnel Moves
The Board of Education unanimously approved several personnel changes. Tara Fracassi was hired as a full-time Library Clerk at Chelsea Intermediate School at a rate of $20.00 per hour. Kathryn Reilly was also hired at Chelsea as a full-time Paraprofessional at an hourly rate of $18.00. Both hires were effective October 6, 2025. The board also approved a maternity leave request for Victoria Fabianski, a 3rd Grade Teacher, from November 24, 2025, through December 19, 2025.

Hickory Creek Softball Team Honored
The board recognized the Hickory Creek Middle School Varsity Girls Softball team for winning the IESA 3A State Championship. Principal Tricia Dotson, along with coaches Stein and Nemeth, celebrated the team’s achievement. The coaches praised the students for their talent, kindness, and support for one another on and off the field.

Financials and Bills Approved
As part of the consent agenda, the board approved the September 2025 Treasurer’s Report and the payment of bills. The approved bill list for the period of September 17 to October 21, 2025, authorized total payments of $4,679,569.35, which includes payroll and other non-salary expenses. Dr. LeeAnn Taylor noted that monthly revenue was high at $15.3 million due to levy distributions.

Electricity Agreement Authority Delegated
The board voted 7-0 to approve a resolution delegating authority to the administration to execute an electricity supply agreement. Dr. LeeAnn Taylor explained that an electricity auction is scheduled for October 23, and if an acceptable rate is achieved, the district will need to enter a contract that day. The resolution allows the administration to lock in a favorable rate without needing to wait for the next board meeting. The executed contract will be shared with the board in November.

District Enrollment Rises Slightly
Total student enrollment in Frankfort School District 157-C stood at 2,643 as of October 1, 2025. This marks a slight increase of 11 students from the previous month’s total of 2,632. School-by-school enrollment is 793 at Grand Prairie Elementary, 885 at Chelsea Intermediate, and 965 at Hickory Creek Middle School.

Education Foundation Raises $162,000
Representatives from the District 157-C Education Foundation, Jen Bandes and Kelli Chmura, updated the board on their activities. They reported that the foundation raised $162,000 last year, which funded 16 teacher grants across the district. Their main fundraisers are hot lunch sales and an annual casino night, which is scheduled for March 6 at Tuscany Falls.

Legislative Changes to Teacher Evaluations Discussed
Superintendent Dr. Doug Wernet reported that the district’s Professional Growth and Evaluation Committee met to discuss recent state legislation that makes student growth a permissive, rather than mandatory, component of teacher evaluations. Dr. Wernet said the committee decided to maintain the district’s current plan, which weights student growth as 30% of a teacher’s rating. The committee will reconvene in June to finalize any potential changes.

Active Threat Drills Completed
The board received an update on school safety drills. School Resource Officer Tom Mineo of the Frankfort Police Department recently led “Run, Hide, Fight” presentations for students at all three schools. Staff participated in safety drills on October 10, and a district-wide drill for students is scheduled for November 10.