Highlights from the October 10, 2017
Lake Forest High School District 115 Board of Education Meeting
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Board President's Report
Vice President David Lane announced that it had been a positive start of school for the students, staff and administration. He commended the administration and staff for listening to a school neighborhood concern and working together as a team to solve it. In this spirit of achievement, he noted that the board is engaged in reviewing how the District 115 Board operates and works in tandem with its shared service partner, District 67. The common goal is to become maximally efficient and more supportive of the community, students, teachers and administration, while making robust gains in offering the best in class education. In summary, David noted that Lake Forest High School is in a strong position and the team is happy to engage and work to make it even stronger.
View video for complete report.
Superintendent's Report
Principal Chala Holland introduced Student Council leaders Trisha Bhagat and Drew Arnson who
provided an update on student activities, including Homecoming, fundraising efforts, upcoming productions and PSAT testing. Chala also discussed the upcoming testing and how it supports the growth model for grades 8-12. She commented that assessments are just a snapshot and test results do not define or create a holistic picture of our students. Chala highlighted a number of upcoming events including Parent/Teacher Conferences (Nov. 2), Open Doors (Nov. 2), Veterans Day Program (November 10), Executive Functioning and the Teenage Brain (Nov. 20) and the Fall Play, You Can't Take It With You (Oct. 12-14).
Superintendent Mike Simeck introduced English teacher Austin Scott and four seniors who contribute to The Forest Scout, the LFHS student newspaper. The students shared how their involvement with the newspaper has impacted and influenced their lives.
Mike discussed the Student Gallup poll and how it measures the school experience for students. He commented on how measuring a school's impact on the whole child will help the school better serve its students on a social/emotional level. View video for complete report.
Education Committee
Lise Eliot noted that the committee met two new administrators, Dr. Patrick Sassen, Director of Educational Services, and Anna Bahramis, Assistant Director of Special Education. Lise commented that these are not new positions, but rather a realignment of duties within the organization. The committee also discussed the Strategic Plan and the Personal Learning Plan development, implementation, and introduction to the school community. View video for complete report.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee had not met. Jennifer Hermes, Chief Operating Officer gave a brief review of the most recent impact of the new state-funding model. She noted that the district is now receiving its payments in a more timely fashion. View video for complete report.
Policy Committee
Diana Kreiling reported that the committee had reviewed a number of policies and that the policies are listed as action items on this meeting's agenda. She commented that some were PRESS footnote updates, while others were policies that had not been reviewed for a number of years. View video for complete report.
Foundation Report
Diana Kreiling reported that 20% of families have joined the LFHS Foundation. The Foundation recently introduced a new logo and tag line, "Investing in Educational Excellence." November is Foundation Month and the Spring Luncheon is scheduled for April 18. View video for complete report.
APT Report
Diana Kreiling noted that the APT directories, both hard copy and online versions, will be coming out soon. Jim Sullivan presented an overview of the Open Doors Program to the Executive Board. He commented that the Open Doors program is still seeking businesses to participate in this career exploration opportunity. View video for complete report.
Booster Report
Diana Kreiling reported that the Boosters provided $1,000 in grants to the Football and Field Hockey Teams. Boosters also sponsor a summer grants program for students. Fall sports are wrapping up and the winter season is underway. Live from Lake Forest, featuring Second City, is scheduled for Saturday, March 10. View video for complete report.
Legislative Liaison
Sally Davis reported that the state is now
implementing the new school funding law by calculating each
school district's per pupil "adequacy number" by June 30. Sally underscored that adequacy was designed by the drafters of the "evidence-based funding" model to determine a district's share of the state's general services funds, not to reflect the full cost of educating a student. Put simply - adequacy does not equate to excellence. M
any of the programs and initiatives that high performing districts such as District 115 utilize to improve student performance and enhance career readiness are not factored into the adequacy minimum. The adequacy minimums do not include funds for:
For more information:
The Board Highlights are not the official minutes of the Board of Education. Minutes, once approved, all board agendas, packets, and videos can be found here.
Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday, November 6, 2017 - Board of Education Meeting 7:00pm, LFHS West Campus Board Room.
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