Dear LFHS Community,
To keep you better informed, we will be sending the Board Highlights on a monthly basis. These are not the official minutes of the Board of Education. Minutes, once approved, all board agendas, packets, and videos can be found here.
Board President's Report
Board President Reese Marcusson announced the retirement of Board Secretary
Linda Barrett. He noted that Ms. Barrett served
LFHS students, staff and school community for almost 20 years.
He thanked Ms. Barrett for her service.
Mr. Marcusson also commented that last month was National Principals Month. He stated, "I don't think we need a declaration to remind us how fortunate we are to have Dr. Holland at the helm of Lake Forest High School. Dr. Holland's vision and determination to implement what's best for each student is a mobilizing force at our school. This is most obviously, and recently, evidenced
through our new school schedule and student supports."
Superintendent Mike Simeck overviewed the LFHS goals and areas of focus. He discussed college, career, and life readiness, as well as equity and access, underscoring the unique academic, social and emotional needs of each student. Full report here.
Alan Wahlert, Director of Teaching and Learning and Tom Meagher, Assistant Principal of Student Services examined the quantitative data related to standardized testing, Advanced Placement program and trends related to academic achievement. Highlights of the report included:
- ACT - The average composite score continues to improve for students of all levels.
- AP - We administered the greatest number of AP exams in school history and our percentage of passing grades improved.
- Honors Classes - Participation in Honors classes continues to increase.
- Student Growth - Continuing to support student growth across our entire continuum of courses and levels. Full report here.
Education Committee
Committee Chair
Lise Eliot welcomed two new committee members Gail Gamrath and Judith Arnstein. The committee discussed a variety of aspects of the new school day schedule and supports. Jim Sullivan, Assistant Principal presented information about the new SAT prep course. This test is more closely aligned to standards and ties into a suite of tests from 8th grade onward that better track student growth.
Finance Committee
Committee Chair John Powers noted that the financial stability of LFHS is strong.
Mr. Powers thanked former board members who put the district on this trajectory. He reported that net taxes for existing property owners will be slightly lower in 2017. This small adjustment is due in part to a .7% increase in CPI, projected new property growth
of an estimated $22 million, and the savings related to the July refinancing of the series 2006 referendum bonds in the amount of $27 million. Mr. Powers gave a food service update and reported that the East Campus renovations were completed on time and on budget. The committee is focusing on the 5-year financial projections to make sure the district is managing capital expenditures, anticipating state initiatives, etc.
For more detailed information:
Next Meeting
Monday, December 5, 2016, 6:30pm, West Campus.
|
