The Scoop: February School Board Meeting Recap

By Sarah DeMaranville

At its February meeting, the Geneseo Board of Education reviewed the district’s Winter 2026 Data Progress Report, a Behavioral Interventions Committee summary, and the Superintendent’s monthly report. See all reports here.

Academic Data

Winter MAP data for grades 1–8 shows:

  • Reading proficiency at 60%, compared to 58% last spring.

  • Math proficiency at 49%, compared to 46% last spring.

The district administers MAP assessments in fall, winter, and spring to monitor student growth.

Attendance data was also presented. First quarter district attendance was 96.2%. Second quarter attendance was 94.4%.

Behavioral Interventions Committee

The Board reviewed a summary of the January 14 Behavioral Interventions Committee meeting.

The committee reviewed policies and procedures related to student misconduct, discipline for students with disabilities, and bullying, intimidation, and harassment.

According to the summary, the committee “shared data regarding bullying incidents in our district last year and this year, noting there are very few incidents in Geneseo.”

The committee also discussed staff training, including de-escalation training and trauma-informed practices, and reviewed classroom behaviors and Tier 1 supports. The committee plans to meet twice per year, with the next meeting scheduled for fall 2026.

Superintendent Report

Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado provided updates including:

  • Dean Johnson was named Blackhawk Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association.

  • Collective bargaining discussions are ongoing.

  • February 16 will serve as a snow make-up day.

  • The 5Essentials Survey is open to students, staff, and families.

  • Approximately 60 GHS juniors took a practice ACT on February 6.

  • Melanie Henderson was introduced as the new Assistant Principal at Geneseo Middle School.

Next Steps

The district reported plans to continue developing sections of the strategic plan, identify and monitor action steps and metrics, focus on data collection and professional development, and share information with the Board of Education and the community.

Sources: Winter 2026 Data Progress Report; Behavioral Interventions Committee Summary (Jan. 14, 2026); Superintendent Report to the Board (Feb. 6, 2026).

The Geneseo Current independently prepares this recap using publicly available Board reports and documents. The district does not review or endorse this publication.

SNAP Restaurant Meals Program Expands Access to Prepared Meals

by Sarah DeMaranville

Colona, Kewanee, and Geneseo Pizza Huts have now joined the Restaurant Meals Program, allowing eligible SNAP customers to use their benefits to purchase prepared meals. This expands access to hot meals for individuals and families in the community who meet program requirements.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is designed to help individuals who may not be able to prepare meals for themselves or who lack stable housing access hot, prepared food using their SNAP benefits.

Under the RMP, eligible SNAP recipients can use their Link/EBT card to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants. The program serves individuals who are 60 years of age or older, disabled, homeless, and the spouses of elderly or disabled participants.

Eligibility is determined automatically by the state. SNAP customers who qualify for the RMP have EBT cards that are coded to work at approved restaurants. Restaurants do not determine eligibility—transactions are approved or declined electronically based on the customer’s status.

What the Program Offers

The Restaurant Meals Program allows eligible participants to:

  • Use SNAP benefits to purchase hot, prepared meals

  • Access food options when cooking or food storage is not possible

  • Receive a 10% discount on all menu items at participating restaurants

  • Choose from restaurants required to offer healthy and nutritious menu options

Participation in the RMP is limited to states that have adopted the program. Currently, only a small number of states participate, and restaurants must be approved by both the state and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

Restaurants participating in the RMP must meet federal and state guidelines, including authorization from FNS and a signed agreement with the state. Once approved, EBT transactions are processed automatically for eligible customers.

Improving Access with Dignity

The Restaurant Meals Program recognizes that access to food is not one-size-fits-all. For seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness, the ability to purchase a prepared meal can be essential to maintaining health, independence, and dignity.

“Being part of the Restaurant Meals Program reinforces that Pizza Hut is more than a place to grab a meal—it’s an active part of the community. For families, seniors, and individuals who may not have access to a kitchen, a warm and familiar meal can make a meaningful difference. As a local business owner, accepting EBT aligns with our values of accessibility, dignity, and supporting our neighbors, and we hope this initiative helps reduce barriers for those facing food insecurity by providing greater access to reliable, prepared meals.”

- Ross Addis, Director of Operations, Geneseo & Colona Pizza Hut locations

With Pizza Hut’s participation, local residents who qualify for the RMP now have another option for accessing meals—bringing the program’s purpose closer to home.