Finances 

  Strategic Plan

Board Highlights are timely recaps of School Board meetings. They are emailed to staff, parents, and interested community members before the official minutes are approved and posted. 

 

Links to pertinent memos and presentations from the Board packet are highlighted in green. Board packets are posted the day before regularly scheduled Board meetings.

 

Meeting podcasts, packets, and Board information can be accessed using the links on the left. 


Work Session

Beth Martin, Director of Student Services, presented an update on the Extended Kindergarten Day study , including program implementation options and an analysis of logistical and financial factors. The School Board discussed the various options under consideration and may make a decision on lengthening the kindergarten day at the May 17, 2016 meeting. 

Board Organizational Meeting

Officer positions were determined for 2016-2017. Current Board President, Kendra Wallace, was re-elected as President. Kristen Hertel was elected as Vice-President, and Jennifer Pehlke will serve as Secretary. The 2016-2017 Board calendar was approved and meetings will be held at 7:15 p.m. at Crow Island School starting in September 2016. It was also determined that the December 13, 2016, Meeting will be a Levy Hearing only and not a Regular Meeting.

Regular Meeting

Board President, Kendra Wallace, called the meeting to order.  Superintendent, Trisha Kocanda,  shared highlights from the District schools ranging from service projects to instrumental music concerts. She also noted that several staff and students participated in the recent Chicago Google for Education Summit, which the District was selected to host.

Beth Carmody Named Principal of Hubbard Woods School

After an extensive national search, Ms. Beth Carmody was announced as Principal of Hubbard Woods School beginning July 1, 2016. Ms. Carmody has 25 years of experience in education and is currently Principal of Rutledge Hall in Lincolnwood District 74. Previously, she was Principal at Carmel School in Hong Kong and Math Instructional Coach and Differentiation Coach in Deerfield District 109. Daniel Ryan, Principal of Hubbard Woods School, who has been promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Professional Learning and Human Resources starting July 1, 2016, will work with Ms. Carmody to ensure a seamless transition into the role.

Presentations


Science Committee members presented an overview of the science curriculum review process and discussed grade-level expectations that align with the state's recently adopted NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards). A timeline for the curriculum implementation was shared, along with the newly developed Mission and Belief statements intended to guide the Science program at The Winnetka Public Schools.  The School Board is expected to approve the revised science curriculum at the May 17, 2016, meeting.

Representatives from the Computer Adaptive Assessment Selection Committee recommended the adoption of NWEA MAP (Northwest Evaluation Association's Measures of Academic Progress). As a computer adaptive nationally-normed assessment, it provides one measure for progress monitoring and student growth and achievement data. After a detailed review process, MAP was identified as the best fit for the District and later approved by the Board. Starting in the 2016-2017 school year, all students in grades 3 to 8 will be assessed in September and February/March in reading and math.

Informational Memos


The District is in the midst of a comprehensive math program evaluation conducted by Dr. Miriam Sherin, Northwestern University, and Mr. James Lynn, University of Illinois Chicago. The timeline for the evaluation is on track for completion this spring.


  
 3. Summer 2016 Facilities Improvements Bids

A second bid opening meeting was held on April 18, 2016, for the contract to perform summer construction work on District facility improvement needs, primarily at Hubbard Woods School. The recommended bid was approved by the Board.

The FY16 budget provides for a $1,100,000 transfer from the Education Fund (ED Fund) to the Operations and Maintenance Fund (O&M Fund) to supplement budgeted FY16 operational losses in the O&M Fund and the recent transfer to the Debt Service Fund.  Administration recommended the Board authorize publishing a notice of hearing regarding the approval of this fund transfer, which the Board later approved. 


The Village of Winnetka has held open forums with community members to present and solicit comments regarding stormwater management solutions.  The Skokie/Washburne playfield is identified as a potential site for an underground reservoir area.  


Action Items

The Consent Agenda and following action items were approved:
  1. Computer Adaptive Test
  2. Summer 2016 Facilities Contract Award to Lowest Responsive Bidder
  3. Hubbard Woods Principal Employment Contract
  4. Intra-District Transfer Request
  5. Approval of Resolution Calling for a Public Hearing Concerning Proposed Transfer of Funds for May 17, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the Skokie School Resource Center


The Complete Board Packet for the April 19, 2016, School Board Meeting, containing all Memos and Presentations, is here.
Upcoming Regular Meeting Dates
May 17, 2016
June 8, 2016


Regular meetings are open to the public and will be held in The Skokie School Resource Center. Regular meetings begin at 7:15 P.M. Work sessions are also open to the public and may be scheduled at the discretion of the Board. Discussion topics and times for work sessions will be posted on the District website 24 hours in advance.
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