The DeKalb CUSD 428 Board Meeting held on March 18, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student success and professional development within the district. The meeting featured a presentation by Ms. Sarah Montgomery, who discussed the ongoing partnership with the University of Chicago, emphasizing its positive impact on high school teaching staff and administrative teams.

Montgomery highlighted the continuation of professional development programs, which will now include teams from the district's middle schools. This initiative is funded through Title II, designated for professional development, and aims to improve student outcomes significantly. Montgomery expressed strong support for the "freshmen on track" program, noting its success in improving attendance and graduation rates. She shared personal insights as a parent, underscoring the program's effectiveness in providing timely updates on student performance.

In addition to the partnership with the University of Chicago, the board discussed a professional development request for "Argument Driven Inquiry" (ADI) training, which will also be funded through Title II. This training aims to enhance science education within the district and will involve a "train the trainer" approach to maximize cost efficiency.

Superintendent Dr. Garcia Sanchez reported on recent achievements, including the success of the DeKalb Middle School wrestling team, which placed second statewide, and praised the collaborative efforts of students and staff in various extracurricular activities. Dr. Sanchez emphasized the district's commitment to prioritizing student needs and fostering a collaborative environment among staff and board members.

The meeting concluded with a motion to enter a closed session to discuss collective bargaining matters and personnel issues, ensuring that the board continues to focus on the best interests of the students and the district's educational goals.