Board approves partnership with EAB and agrees to explore a therapy‑dog program

Cook County School District 130’s board approved two new initiatives at its Feb. 17 meeting: a contract‑style partnership with EAB to help with staffing, retention and leadership transitions, and a directive to explore the feasibility of a therapy‑dog program in district schools.

EAB’s representative described a phased approach that begins with district leadership and building‑level alignment, then moves to employee‑group conversations and targeted strategies. When asked how EAB preserves anonymity while soliciting candid employee feedback, the presenter said the work is structured to protect privacy while gathering actionable input from school employees and leadership.

The motion to approve the EAB partnership passed by roll call with one member recorded as voting "No." During discussion, board members pressed for details about the scope and privacy protections of the work and asked how EAB supports superintendent transitions and change management; the presenter said EAB has programs that assist districts through leadership changes and strategic planning.

Separately, the board voted to proceed with an exploration of a therapy‑dog program. Staff said the exploration would include a committee review of options, allergy and safety considerations, insurance and implementation timelines; administrators cautioned the effort would be exploratory and would require additional board approvals before any dogs are introduced into schools.

Next steps: Administration will finalize the EAB contract terms and privacy safeguards, and the therapy‑dog committee will develop a recommendation for board consideration.