Beecher Board of Education Meeting | November 12, 2025

The Beecher Board of Education’s meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, was highlighted by the recognition of numerous students for outstanding achievements, most notably high school senior Wences Baumgartner, who broke the IHSA state record for career soccer goals. The board also gave its consensus to move forward with creating a new in-district special education classroom for grades 3-5 to better serve students and reduce costs associated with out-of-district placements. Additionally, the board approved several key contracts for high school door replacements, temporary junior high janitorial services, and snow removal. A number of personnel changes, including resignations and new hires, were also officially approved.

News Briefs

Settlement Agreement Approved:
Following a closed executive session, the board voted to approve a settlement agreement in the matter of A.M.C.B and A.S.C.B vs. Beecher Community School District 200-U, Case Number 23 CV 4345. The motion noted the approval was subject to attorney review. No further details were provided in open session.

Personnel Changes Approved:
The board approved a series of employment actions. Resignations were accepted from Junior High Custodian Dennis Martz, Elementary School Custodian Angel Haran, Head Boys Golf Coach David Serafin, and High School Boys Varsity Soccer Coach Dawn Compton. The board also accepted the resignation of Kevin Martewicz as Girls Head Golf Coach and subsequently approved his employment as the new Head Boys Golf Coach. Veronica Martinez Garcia was hired as a full-time custodian and Jennifer Wyma was hired for a district social media position. Steve Nelson was approved as a volunteer junior high boys basketball coach.

Family Thanks Board for Memorial Bench:
During public comment, Michelle Pazo, the daughter of former district bus driver Cheryl Leman, delivered an emotional thank you to the board. She expressed her family’s gratitude for a memorial bench placed at the school’s athletic entrance in her mother’s honor, calling the plaque “beyond perfect.” She also thanked the district for having a school bus present at her mother’s wake, stating it brought her personal comfort and showed how much being a driver was part of her mother’s life.

Veterans Day Program Praised:
Administrators from all three schools praised the success of the district’s in-school Veterans Day events. The day included a breakfast for local veterans, who then visited classrooms to speak with students about their military experiences. Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham thanked the staff who organized the event, calling it “outstanding.”

Preliminary Tax Levy Figures Discussed:
Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham provided a brief preview of the 2025 property tax levy. He noted the tentative tax rate is projected to be 4.99, a slight decrease from last year’s 5.09. A full levy presentation and public hearing will be held at the December 10 board meeting.