Aurora Public Schools District 131, IL

Board of Education Business Meeting

The Board will vote on accepting a progress monitoring report for Goal 1 (K-2 early literacy) and hear presentations on curriculum adoption processes and the new Aurora Reads literacy initiative, a joint effort with the City of Aurora, Aurora Public Library, and Cherry Creek School District. Consent items include approval of minutes and personnel action items. Public comment is available in-person.

• Vote on accepting Goal Progress Monitoring Report for K-2 Early Literacy Skills (Goal 1)
• Presentation on curriculum adoption processes and upcoming adoption cycles
• Presentation on Aurora Reads, a city-wide literacy initiative with the City of Aurora, Aurora Public Library, and Cherry Creek School District
• Approval of Personnel Action Items from the Division of Human Resources
• Approval of minutes from previous meeting

The Board of Education held a business meeting on August 18, 2026, and approved the agenda, the minutes from the previous meeting, personnel action items, and the Goal Progress Monitoring report for Goal 1. The meeting also included information items on adoption and supplemental materials, a presentation on the Aurora Reads program, and board work sessions. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved the meeting agenda
• Approved the minutes from the previous meeting
• Approved personnel action items
• Approved Goal Progress Monitoring: Goal 1

Board of Education Workshop Special Meeting

The Board of Education is conducting a two-day Student Outcomes Focused Governance workshop. The session is hosted by The Council of the Great City Schools to focus on governing in service of student outcomes.

• Two-day Professional Development Workshop hosted by The Council of the Great City Schools

The Board of Education met for a two-day Student Outcomes Focused Governance professional development workshop hosted by The Council of the Great City Schools. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 3:16 PM.

• Held professional development workshop (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:16 PM

Board of Education Workshop Special Meeting

The Board of Education is holding a two-day professional development workshop focused on Student Outcomes Focused Governance, hosted by The Council of the Great City Schools. The workshop is designed to enhance the Board's capacity to govern effectively in service of student outcomes. No decisions or public hearings are scheduled; the meeting is entirely procedural and developmental.

• Two-day Student Outcomes Focused Governance workshop hosted by The Council of the Great City Schools
• Board Working Agreement 2024 document attached for reference
• No rezonings, contracts, fee changes, or ordinances on the agenda

The Board of Education met for a two-day Student Outcomes Focused Governance professional development workshop hosted by The Council of the Great City Schools. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and focused on training. The board adjourned at 4:43 PM.

• No decisions made; workshop only

Board of Education Work Session

The Board of Education will review a report on Goal 1 regarding K-2 early literacy skills and the plan for the 2026-27 school year. Members will also discuss the Council of Great City Schools draft implementation timeline.

• Report on Goal 1: K-2 Early Literacy Skills (target of 80% proficiency by May 2031)
• Discussion of Council of Great City Schools draft implementation timeline

Board of Education Executive Session

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education is holding an executive session. The body will discuss the strategy for collective bargaining contract negotiations with AEA.

• Bargaining contract negotiations with AEA

Board of Education Business Meeting

The board voted on a consent agenda that included the adoption of the 2026-2027 budget, insurance renewal, beginning fund balance resolution, and personnel action items. They also accepted progress monitoring reports on early literacy and equity goals. Public comment and recognitions were held at the start of the meeting.

• Adopted 2026-2027 budget appropriation
• Approved 2026-2027 insurance renewal
• Authorized use of beginning fund balance for 2026-2027
• Approved personnel action items
• Approved participation in interest-free loan program

The Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 proposed budget, insurance renewal, and several progress monitoring reports. Additionally, the board authorized compensation increases for classified staff, administrators, and professional/technical staff.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (5-2)
• Approved personnel action items (5-2)
• Accepted Goal Progress Monitoring reports (5-2)
• Accepted Guardrail Progress Monitoring reports (5-2)
• Approved 2026-2027 to 2030-2031 monitoring calendar (5-2)
• Adopted 2026-2027 proposed budget (5-2)
• Approved 2026-2027 insurance renewal (5-2)

Board of Education Work Session

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education holds a work session to review progress on adopted goals and guardrails. Reports on Goal Progress Measures 1.1 (3rd grade literacy) and 3.1 (6th grade equity) and Guardrail Progress Measures 2.2 and 2.3 (staff SEL knowledge and student whole child experience) will be discussed. The board will later vote on accepting these monitoring reports at the upcoming business meeting. Directors will also conduct the fourth-quarter self-evaluation for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Goal Progress Measure 1.1: 3rd grade i-Ready ELA target increase from 20.3% to 28.2%
• Goal Progress Measure 3.1: 6th grade Black/Hispanic students i-Ready ELA/Math target from 10.3% to 15.7%
• Guardrail Progress Measure 2.2: Staff awareness of SEL framework target from 49.5% to 52.5%
• Guardrail Progress Measure 2.3: Student whole child experience survey target from 59.25% to 64.25%
• Board Self-Evaluation Quarter 4 for 2025-2026 school year

The Board approved the meeting agenda. Directors voted to retain the April 7 self‑evaluation scores for the June 2 self‑evaluation, keeping the total score at 88. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Kept April 7 self‑evaluation scores for June 2 review (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Board of Education Executive Session

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education held an executive session to discuss a personnel grievance appeal. The board voted unanimously to uphold HR's dismissal in the matter. The session was closed to the public under state law for confidential personnel discussion.

• Board voted 6-0 to support HR's dismissal in a personnel grievance
• Executive session held under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I) for personnel matter
• Meeting held at APS Professional Learning and Conference Center, 15771 E. 1st Ave.

The Aurora Public Schools Board voted to uphold the human resources department's dismissal in the appeal hearing. The motion was carried with six members voting yes; one member was not present. No other actions were taken.

• Uphold HR dismissal (motion carries, 6 yeas)

Board of Education Business Meeting

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education approved several consent items including charter renewals for Aurora Science & Tech High School and Vanguard Classical School, establishment of a new Aurora Science & Tech Middle and High School II, before- and after-school contracts totaling $2,535,780, and designation of APS Avenues as an Alternative Education Campus. The board also accepted a progress monitoring report on 9th grade equity for Black and Hispanic/Latinx students.

• Approved Boys and Girls Club contract ($1,573,080) and Innovation Learning contract ($962,700) for 2026-2027 school year.
• Approved charter renewal for Aurora Science & Tech High School (5-year term).
• Approved establishment of Aurora Science & Tech Middle and High School II.
• Approved charter renewal for Vanguard Classical School (3-year term).
• Designated APS Avenues as an Alternative Education Campus.

The Board of Education approved multiple charter renewals, new charter assessments, and various school service contracts. Members also authorized a policy regarding student communication devices and established a schedule for future policy reviews.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Approved opportunity for audience (7-0)
• Approved conference per diem reimbursements (7-0)
• Approved personnel action items (7-0)
• Accepted GoPM 4.1 (7-0)
• Approved Boys and Girls Club & Innovation Learning after school contracts (7-0)
• Approved AST HS charter recitals (7-0)
• Approved AST II network contract amendment (7-0)

Board of Education Work Session

The board reviews Goal Progress Measure 4.1, tracking 9th grade Black and Hispanic/Latinx students meeting college-ready benchmarks on the Horizon Practice PSAT, and will vote on acceptance at the upcoming business meeting. Also discussed are a draft 2026-2031 progress monitoring calendar and a potential policy on virtual participation for board members.

• Review of GoPM 4.1: percentage of 9th grade Black and Hispanic/Latinx students meeting college and career ready benchmarks in Math and EBRW on the Horizon Practice PSAT
• Discussion of draft Goal and Guardrail Progress Monitoring Calendar for SY 2026-27 through 2030-31
• Board discussion on virtual participation and remote attendance requests, with possible motion at upcoming business meeting
• Discussion of 2026-27 Guardrail monitoring

The Board of Education discussed changes to how guardrail updates are shared and reviewed. Directors decided to allow virtual participation through the end of the current school year. A draft progress monitoring calendar will return for adoption at the June 16, 2026 meeting.

• Approved May 5, 2026 agenda (6-0)
• Decided to allow virtual participation through the remainder of the school year
• Deferred final decision on monitoring calendar to June 16, 2026 meeting

Board of Education Executive Session

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will recess into executive session under Colorado law to discuss a personnel grievance. The board is asked to take action on an appeal hearing related to the grievance, and a motion on the appeal hearing carried.

• Appeal hearing regarding a personnel grievance
• Executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I) for personnel matter
• Motion by Tramaine Duncan, second by Danielle Tomwing, carried on the appeal hearing
• List of yea votes: Duncan, Reinhard, Tasker, Tomwing, Mallory, Charrier, Keke

The Board of Education unanimously approved a motion to reverse the human resources department's determination regarding a staff dismissal. All other procedural motions, including the call to order and adjournment, also carried unanimously.

• Call to order motion carried (7 yea, 0 nay)
• Motion to reverse HR's dismissal determination carried (7 yea, 0 nay)
• Adjournment motion carried (7 yea, 0 nay)

Board of Education Executive Session

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will recess into executive session to develop negotiation strategy for collective bargaining contracts with the Aurora Education Association (AEA). The closed session is scheduled from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Aurora Central High School, conducted under Colorado statute C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(e)(III). No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Executive session to develop strategy for collective bargaining negotiations with AEA

The Board of Education entered executive session to develop strategy for negotiations regarding collective bargaining contracts with AEA. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded during this session.

• Recessed into executive session for AEA contract negotiation strategy

Board of Education Business Meeting

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will hold a business meeting with consent agenda items including approval of sign language interpreter contracts exceeding $750,000, a substitute services contract with Kelly Education, and adoption of dual-language curriculum. The board will also discuss and may vote on a resolution restricting flavored tobacco. Information items include a preliminary 2026-27 budget forecast and a proposed cell phone policy required by state law. Public comment is held in-person at the meeting.

• Resolution to restrict flavored tobacco products (discussion/action)
• Approval of additional agency contracts for sign language interpreter and SPED provider services (expenditures exceed $750,000)
• Contract with Kelly Education to operate substitute program for 2026-27 school year
• Presentation of proposed Student Communication Devices (Cell Phone) Policy JT/JT-R per HB 25-1135
• Preliminary 2026-27 budget forecast update

The meeting included several action items under the consent agenda and a discussion regarding a Menthol Ban Resolution. No specific vote tallies or outcomes were recorded in the provided text for these actions.

• Agenda approved
• Minutes approved
• Personnel Action Items approved
• GoPM 2.2 and GuPM 2.1 monitoring approved
• Sign Language Interpreter & SPED Provider Services approved
• Dual Language School curriculum adoption approved
• Kelly Education substitute services approved

Board of Education Retreat Special Meeting

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education held a retreat special meeting on April 18, 2026. The board participated in team building, an Emergenetics session, and a meeting with a Council of Great City Schools facilitator. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that failed.

• Team building activity led by Board President Tramaine Duncan
• Emergenetics session with facilitator Dr. Debbie Brown
• Meeting with Council of Great City Schools facilitator Greg Klein for governance board work
• Motion to adjourn made by Tramaine Duncan, seconded by Danielle Tomwing, but failed

The Board of Education conducted a retreat featuring team building, Emergenetics, and governance work with the Council of Great City Schools. No substantive policy or budgetary decisions were made during the meeting.

• Motion to adjourn failed (3-0, with 3 members not present at vote)

Board of Education Executive Session 2

This is an executive session of the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education. The board will recess to discuss a personnel grievance under state law. No public votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Appeal hearing for a personnel grievance under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I)

The Board of Education voted to uphold a Human Resources determination concerning a personnel grievance and resignation. The decision was made during an executive session held under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I).

• Upheld Human Resources determination regarding resignation (7-0)

Board of Education Executive Session 1

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education held an executive session to discuss a personnel grievance. The board conducted an appeal hearing and voted 5-2 to uphold the Human Resources determination regarding a resignation. The motion was made by Tramaine Duncan and seconded by Tiffany Tasker, with Vicki Reinhard and Kristin Mallory voting nay.

• Appeal hearing on a personnel grievance
• Board voted 5-2 to uphold HR determination on resignation
• Executive session held under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I)
• Meeting held at APS Professional Learning and Conference Center

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education voted to uphold a Human Resources determination regarding an employee resignation. The board recessed into executive session under state law to discuss the personnel grievance before casting a final vote. Written confirmation of the action will be issued in the coming days.

• Upheld Human Resources resignation determination (5-2)
• Recessed into executive session for personnel grievance
• Adjourned meeting at 5:56 PM

Board of Education Work Session

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will hold a work session to monitor progress on Board-adopted Goals and Guardrails, including high school graduation rates and elective course access. The board will also conduct its third-quarter self-evaluation and review board practices such as attendance and school visits.

• Progress monitoring report on Goal 2: High School Graduation (GoPM 2.2) targeting college/career readiness in 11th grade
• Progress monitoring report on Guardrail 2: Whole Child (GuPM 2.1) focusing on elective course access in art, music, and PE
• Board self-evaluation for the third quarter of 2025-2026 school year
• Discussion of board absences and school visit practices

The Board of Education completed its third quarter self-evaluation for the 2025-2026 school year, resulting in a total score of 88. The session included reports on high school graduation goals and elective course access. The board will vote on accepting these progress monitoring reports at the upcoming business meeting.

• Approved the April 7, 2026, agenda (7-0)
• Completed third quarter Board self-evaluation with a score of 88
• Adjourned the work session (7-0)

Board of Education Special Meeting

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting to vote on personnel action items and the nonrenewal of one-year-only employees for the 2026-27 contract year. Both items were approved unanimously by six members present, with one member not present. The meeting also included a call to order and adjournment as procedural items.

• Approval of Personnel Action Items as presented by the Division of Human Resources
• Approval of Nonrenewal of One Year Only Employees (OYO) for the 2026-27 contract year

The Board of Education approved Personnel Action Items and the nonrenewal of One Year Only employees for the 2026-27 contract year. Both items were passed without discussion.

• Approved Personnel Action Items (6-0)
• Approved Nonrenewal of One Year Only Employees for 2026-27 contract year (6-0)

Board of Education Business Meeting

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education approved consent agenda items including extensions of four food service contracts totaling approximately $8.9 million for the 2026-2027 school year. Personnel action items and nonrenewal of one-year-only employees were tabled. The board also accepted goal and guardrail progress reports and approved a policy on board organizational meetings.

• Approved extensions of food service contracts: Greco (produce, $1.6M), Shamrock Foods (prime vendor, $5.5M), Tyson (chicken/beef, $900K), SA Piazza Wild Mike's (pizza/cheese, $900K) for 2026-2027
• Personnel Action Items tabled by board motion (7 yea, 1 nay)
• Nonrenewal of One Year Only Employees for 2026-27 tabled (6 yea, 1 nay)
• Accepted Goal Progress Measures 1.2, 3.2, 3.3 and Guardrail Progress Measures 3.2, 3.3 reports
• Approved Policy BDA (Board Organizational Meeting) as presented

The Board approved several individual items including meeting minutes, progress measures, and food service contracts. However, the consent agenda failed to pass as a single block following a request for information regarding employee resignations. Personnel action items were tabled for future consideration.

• Approved March 17 agenda (7-0)
• Approved March 3 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Tabled Personnel Action Items (6-1)
• Tabled Personnel Action Items OYO (6-1)
• Approved Goal and Guardrail Progress Measures (7-0)
• Approved Policy BDA, Board Organizational Meeting (7-0)
• Approved 2026-2027 Food Service contract extensions (7-0)
• Approved 2026-2027 Dairy Service Agreement (7-0)

Board of Education Work Session

The Board of Education will review progress on Goals and Guardrails, including early literacy and 6th-grade equity targets. They will also discuss a self-evaluation that was tabled to April, and continue discussions on their work with the Council of Great City Schools.

• Progress monitoring of Goal 1: Early Literacy (3rd grade CMAS ELA) and Goal 3: 6th Grade Equity for Hispanic/Latinx and Black students
• Guardrail 3: Stakeholder Engagement progress measures on School Accountability Committees and stakeholder feedback
• Board Self-Evaluation for Quarter 3 tabled until April work session
• Discussion of continued work with the Council of Great City Schools
• Board monitoring timekeeping by Director Duncan

The Board of Education tabled the Quarter 3 self-evaluation to allow all seven directors to attend in April. Members also discussed continuing their work with the Council of Great City Schools for one year while exploring other governance options.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Tabled Board Self-Evaluation Quarter 3 until April Work Session (5-0)

Board of Education Executive Session

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will recess into executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I) to discuss a personnel matter, specifically the recommendation of dismissal of an employee. This is an action item listed as an Appeal Hearing. The meeting is closed to the public.

• Appeal hearing regarding recommendation of dismissal of an employee
• Executive session under Colorado statute for personnel matters

The Board of Education entered executive session to discuss a personnel matter regarding a recommendation for dismissal. Following an appeal hearing, the Board voted to uphold the termination.

• Recessed into executive session to discuss employee dismissal (5-0)
• Upheld the termination (5-0)

Board of Education Business Meeting

The Board of Education decided on several administrative and facility items, including the acquisition of residential land and the approval of new district goals for 2026-2031. The body also voted on personnel actions and charter school enrollment changes.

• Approved $1.35 million purchase of two residential parcels east of Hinkley High School
• Approved 2026-2031 Goals, Guardrails, and Goal Targets
• Approved increasing Lotus School for Excellence enrollment cap from 1,200 to 1,425 students for SY 26-27
• Approved Xcel Energy rebate of over $3.1 million for six electric buses and charging infrastructure
• Approved conference per diem reimbursements for the December 2025 CASB conference

The Board of Education approved several items including a $1.35 million land purchase near Hinkley High School and the 2026-2031 Goals and Guardrails. They also passed a resolution establishing a process for considering a classified employee union.

• Approved February 17, 2026 agenda (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (6-1)
• Approved Personnel Action Items (6-1)
• Approved conference per diem reimbursements (6-1)
• Accepted Goal and Guardrail Progress Measures (6-1)
• Approved 2026-2031 Goals, Guardrails, and Goal Targets (6-1)
• Approved $1.35M Hinkley property purchase (6-1)
• Approved Lotus School for Excellence enrollment cap increase (6-1)

Board of Education Work Session

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education holds a work session to review progress monitoring reports on early literacy, high school graduation, and diversity/equity/inclusion measures. The board also discusses governance policy task force work and finalizes school and committee assignments. No formal votes are taken on the progress reports at this session; acceptance will be voted on at a future business meeting.

• Progress monitoring report on Goal 1 (early literacy): 3rd grade CMAS literacy from 19.7% to 28.2% by 2026
• Progress monitoring report on Goal 2 (high school graduation): 4-year graduation rate from 75.9% to 78% by 2026
• Guardrail 1 progress measures on staff DEI awareness and community perception of APS commitment to equity
• Governance Policy Task Force discussion led by Directors Mallory and Tasker
• Finalization of board member school assignments and committee appointments

The Board of Education reviewed progress on literacy, graduation, and DEI goals. Members finalized their school and committee assignments for a two-year term. The board also discussed ongoing governance policy development.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Finalized school and committee assignments
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Board of Education Business Meeting

The Board of Education met to approve personnel actions and review progress monitoring reports. Discussions focused on 9th grade equity goals for Black and Hispanic/Latinx students and student safety benchmarks.

• Approval of Division of Human Resources Personnel Action Items
• Review of Goal Progress Measures 4.2 and 4.3 regarding 9th grade equity
• Review of Guardrail Progress Measures 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 regarding student and family safety and climate
• Student performance presentation by Laredo Elementary

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education approved its agenda and previous meeting minutes. The board also voted unanimously to approve personnel action requests and accept the Goal Progress Measures (GoPM) and Guardrail Progress Measures (GuPM) reports tracking 9th-grade equity and student safety metrics. Ten residents, staff members, and students provided public comment on classified unionization efforts and AI use in schools.

• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved personnel action requests as presented (7-0)
• Accepted Goal Progress Measures 4.2 and 4.3 reports (7-0)
• Accepted Guardrail Progress Measures 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 reports (7-0)

Board of Education Executive Session

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will hold an executive session immediately following the regular business meeting. The board will discuss Superintendent contract negotiations and consider authorizing a $1.35 million purchase of two residential parcels east of Hinkley High School to ensure emergency and maintenance access to playfields.

• Superintendent contract negotiations (personnel matter, executive session)
• Purchase of two residential parcels east of Hinkley High School for $1.35 million, funded by cash-in-lieu of land dedication funds
• Discussion and possible action under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) and (a)

The Aurora Public Schools Board recessed into executive session to discuss the superintendent's contract; the motion to recess carried unanimously. During the session staff recommended a $1.35 million purchase of two parcels east of Hinkley High School, but no vote was recorded. The board then adjourned the executive session, and the adjournment motion also carried unanimously.

• Recessed into executive session (motion carried, 7 yeas)
• Adjourned executive session (motion carried, 7 yeas)

Board of Education Work Session

The Board of Education will review progress monitoring reports on Goal 4 (9th grade equity) and Guardrail 4 (student physical and psychological safety) based on beginning-of-year data. They will also discuss renewal of the Council of Great City Schools contract, potential legal implications of Guardrail 3 language, and conduct their second-quarter self-evaluation. A vote on accepting the progress monitoring reports will occur at a future business meeting.

• Goal Progress Measure 4.3: percentage of 9th grade Black & Hispanic/Latinx students meeting college-ready math benchmarks targeted to rise from 17.9% to 29%
• Guardrail Progress Measure 4.1: student physical safety perception target from 77.9% to 80%
• Guardrail Progress Measure 4.2: student psychological safety perception target from 73.6% to 85.8%
• Discussion of Council of Great City Schools contract renewal and associated costs
• Discussion of legal implications of Guardrail 3 language as currently written

The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education held a work session reviewing student progress metrics and board operations. Directors approved the meeting agenda and established a two-member task force to evaluate options for renewing or replacing the district’s Council of Great City Schools contract, which expires April 1. The board also completed its second-quarter self-evaluation, scoring 98 points across five governance categories. The session focused on discussion and procedural updates rather than binding policy or budget votes.

• Approved January 6 meeting agenda (7-0)
• Formed a two-member task force to evaluate Council of Great City Schools contract renewal options by February
• Completed second-quarter board self-evaluation, recording a total score of 98 points
• Scheduled next regular board meeting for January 13 at 6:00 PM