After the Board: Highlights from the April 28, 2026 Board Meeting

Dear Sycamore Community School District 427 community,

Thank you for taking the time to review After the Board, a brief recap of each month’s regular Board of Education meeting, designed to keep our community informed. Below are the major highlights from the Board of Education meeting held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

Superintendent Video Recap

In addition to this written summary, we are pleased to include a special video recap from our Superintendent, Dr. Kristen Campbell. This brief update is designed to keep you well-informed of district happenings and provide additional context from the meeting.

Student and Staff Recognition Spotlight

The Board recognized:

Edison Hooper - Sycamore Middle School Student
Edison Hooper was recognized for his outstanding academic achievement and perseverance. After winning the Sycamore Middle School spelling bee, Edison advanced to the regional competition, where he earned an impressive second-place finish. His dedication, composure under pressure, and commitment to excellence exemplify what it means to be a Spartan.

Excellence in Education Award Nominees and Recipients
The Board also celebrated the district’s 2025-26 Excellence in Education Award nominees and countywide recipients. This program, sponsored by the DeKalb County Community Foundation and the Regional Office of Education, honors individuals who inspire a love of learning and make a meaningful impact in their schools and community.

Nominees:

• Jolene Ward - Elementary (West Elementary)
• Jenny Tekiela - Middle School (Sycamore Middle School)
• Leah Koehne - High School (Sycamore High School)

Countywide Award Recipients:

• Valtricia Sherwood – Support Staff (South Prairie Elementary)
• Justin Drennan – Administrator (Sycamore Middle School)

These individuals were recognized for their dedication, leadership, and positive impact on students and school culture.

Action Items

Old Business

Consideration to Approve ELA Instructional Resource Adoptions for K-5 and 6-12
The Board approved new English Language Arts instructional resources:

• Amplify CKLA for grades K-5
• Savvas MyPerspectives for grades 6-12

This marks a significant investment in evidence-based, high-quality instructional materials and professional development to support student achievement in our district.

New Business

Consideration to Approve Intergovernmental Agreement for the Provision of Joint Salt Purchasing
The Board approved participation in a cooperative purchasing agreement to secure road salt more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Consideration to Authorize the RFP for Vehicle Acquisition Financing
The Board approved initiating a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to secure competitive financing options for future vehicle replacements.

Consideration to Approve Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the KEC Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP)
The Board approved an intergovernmental agreement to participate in the KEC Alternative Learning Opportunities Program, expanding options to support student needs.

Consideration to Approve the 6-8 and 9-12 PaCE Framework 

The Board approved the Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework for grades 6-8 and 9-12, aligning with state requirements and strengthening college and career readiness efforts.

Bus Hazards Discussion
The Board reviewed identified hazardous bus routes. These designations allow the district to seek state reimbursement for transportation in areas where safety concerns exist.

District and Building Leadership Administrator Annual Contracts FY27
Following executive session, the Board approved district and building leadership administrator contracts for the 2026-27 school year.

Stay Connected

You can view the full agenda and attachments from the meeting on Diligent Community. You can also view the full recording on YouTube.