Highland Park Board of Education Meeting - 7/27/2026

The Highland Park Board of Education held a hybrid workshop and voting meeting on July 27, 2026, focusing extensively on addressing chronic absenteeism across its schools. The meeting included a detailed presentation of corrective action plans with data on absenteeism rates, contributing factors, and current tiered strategies at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels. Board members discussed potential policy changes to align local attendance regulations with state guidelines, including tightening excused absence allowances and consequences related to course credit denial. Procurement-related items approved included contracts for athletic transportation, structural repairs, cafeteria alterations, asbestos removal, and professional development services. The board also approved grant applications, budget transfers, and membership renewals, and discussed ongoing capital improvement projects such as the high school baseball field renovation and modular classroom approvals. Additionally, the board reviewed updates on technology initiatives and policies, including new regulations on student cell phone use during instructional time. Several motions related to budget approvals, contract awards, and policy updates were passed during the meeting.