After the Board: August 4, 2026

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, August 4, 2026.

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.

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Organizational Structure & Financial Leadership

Dr. Kristen Campbell shared an updated organizational structure for the 2026-27 school year following a review of district operations, workflows, and administrative capacity.

The updated structure includes the redistribution of responsibilities from four positions that will not be replaced, resulting in approximately $301,639 in structural savings for FY27.

Dr. Campbell also shared plans to move forward with a Director of Finance position. Any recommended candidate for the position will be brought to the Board for approval.

Athletics & Sycamore Sports Boosters

Athletic Director Chauncey Carrick provided an overview of the partnership between Sycamore Athletics and the Sycamore Sports Boosters. The Sports Boosters contribute approximately $75,000 annually to support middle and high school athletic programs, in addition to funding special projects. The discussion also highlighted the important role community organizations, including the Sports Boosters, Music Boosters, Sycamore Education Foundation, and our PTOs, play in supporting opportunities for Sycamore students.

Learning & Teaching

Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Maurice Davis, provided an update on preparations for the 2026-27 school year, including the distribution of approximately 21,000 new curriculum materials, professional learning to support Amplify CKLA for grades K-5 and myPerspectives for grades 6-12, and efforts to strengthen school improvement planning through teacher involvement, student data, and increased collaboration across grade levels.

Operations

Chief Operating Officer, Jeremy Bell, shared an update on efforts to strengthen district operational systems and prepare for the 2026-27 school year, including improved financial controls and purchasing procedures, accounts payable and compliance processes, summer facility work, transportation routing, technology and Chromebook preparation, and staffing needs.

Board Goals

The district continues to align department work and leadership responsibilities with the Board Goals for Student Achievement, District Finances, and Governance & Organizational Excellence.

Administration is also developing measurable roadmaps and progress-monitoring systems to provide greater transparency around how the district is progressing toward these goals.

Board Action

Old Business

8.01 Consideration to Approve Middle School and High School Novel Recommendations

The Board approved the recommended middle school and high school novels. This marked the second time the recommendations were presented to the Board for consideration.

New Business

9.01 Consideration to Approve Resolution for IMRF Authorized Agent

The Board approved a resolution designating an authorized agent for the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). The designation allows an authorized district representative to act on behalf of the district for applicable IMRF matters.

9.02 Authorization to Prepare the FY 2026-2027 Tentative Budget

The Board authorized the Interim Director of Finance to prepare the district’s FY 2026-27 Tentative Budget in accordance with Illinois School Code.

The budget development process will continue through the Business Services Committee and future Board meetings before the final budget is presented for adoption.

Action Items from Executive Session

The Board approved amended employment contracts establishing goals for the Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

The leadership goals include measurable priorities and timelines aligned with the district’s Board Goals. Areas of focus include curriculum systems, financial planning and monitoring, facilities planning, strategic planning, community engagement, and increased transparency through ongoing reporting.

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