The Community High School District 218 Board of Education voted Sept. 18 to authorize solicitation of bids for an addition to Richards High School’s gymnasium and adopted a resolution of commendation for Richards junior Grace Tresch, whose student film was selected for screening in New York.

The board approved Bid No. 1516, a request to advertise for contractors to submit proposals for the Richards gymnasium addition. Board discussion noted the site constraints at Richards and described the project as creating an additional gym space; the board said it intends to discuss design and related options at a follow-up meeting. The district indicated the planned work would begin in summer, without specifying the year.

The bid authorization was moved and seconded and passed on a roll-call vote. Board members voting “yes” during the recorded tally were Steve Lealius, Carol (surname not specified in the record), Nora (surname not specified), Sheila (surname not specified) and Candice (surname not specified). The meeting transcript records the outcome as "motion carries." The motion did not include a named mover or seconder in the transcript record.

Earlier in the meeting the board adopted a resolution of commendation for Grace Tresch, a Richards High School junior. Dr. Jacobson introduced the resolution and praised the long-standing practice of the board to honor students and staff: "It has been the policy of the board of education to present resolutions of commendation to staff, students, and community members who have excelled academically, athletically, professionally, or in other areas of service to others," he said. The resolution notes Tresch’s Bulldog Media Production work on a video, "The Outside Kitchen," which was selected for the All American High School Film Festival and is scheduled to screen Sunday, Oct. 19, at the AMC Empire 25 in Times Square.

The meeting also approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the Aug. 21 regular meeting and closed session, employee medical and dental insurance renewal, approval of expenditures (CHSD 218 payment of bills and max payables), and personnel recommendations (Personnel List 2025-9). That consent motion passed on a roll-call vote recorded in the transcript with the same five board members voting in favor.

Other informational items discussed in the reports to the superintendent included the district’s financial reports for June and July, a technology update, student enrollment increases (the transcript references an increase of "about 100" students in August), general maintenance and construction updates (including ongoing work on Eisenhower and Shepherd Auditorium renovations and field house additions), summer school programs, student withdrawals for 2024–25, and state and federal grant program reporting for fiscal year 2024–25. Board members thanked maintenance and operations staff by name for overseeing projects.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution of commendation for Grace Tresch (Richards High School student film accepted to All American High School Film Festival): outcome — approved; roll-call votes recorded as yes from Steve Lealius, Carol, Nora, Sheila; Candice not clearly recorded in the transcript for that vote. Mover/second: not specified in transcript.

- Consent agenda (minutes, insurance renewal, expenditures, Personnel List 2025-9): outcome — approved; roll-call votes recorded as yes from Steve Lealius, Carol, Nora, Sheila, Candice. Mover/second: motion and second recorded but not attributed to names in the transcript.

- Bid No. 1516 — request to advertise for bids for Richards High School gymnasium addition: outcome — approved; roll-call votes recorded as yes from Steve Lealius, Carol, Nora, Sheila, Candice. Mover/second: not specified in transcript.

The board adjourned following the bid vote. The transcript shows the board plans further discussion of Richards site options at an upcoming meeting and indicated construction schedules and design details will be addressed in subsequent meetings.