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Board President's Report
Board President Reese Marcusson
congratulated all the newly elected board members, and welcomed Dr. Nemickas. Reese commented that he was humbled to continue to serve as president. He reported that David Lane was elected to serve as Vice President, and Ted Moorman was re-elected as Secretary. Reese discussed "adulting" - a term used to describe our responsibility to do the grown-up mundane things in life. He commented that we all want our kids to be successful adults. Parents, teachers, school staff and the community have a role in developing self-reliant, problem-solving young people. Reese commented that our students are getting the support they need to be successful. We need to ensure our students feel safe to push themselves, try, struggle, fail, ask for help, and learn, that is what develops resilient adults.
View video for complete report.
Superintendent's Report
Principal Chala Holland commented that
there are approximately 200 more Advanced Placement (AP) exams being administered this year. The school has made accommodations for the growing student participation and is planning for greater participation in the future.
Chala highlighted a number of successful school activities including the recent musical, and Student Service Recognition Night. She discussed the Prom, Business Incubator Pitch Night, and upcoming opportunities for stakeholders to learn about the exam schedule survey results. Chala thanked the Foundation for the recent grants, and for the ongoing support of the students and staff
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Superintendent Mike Simeck thanked the APT for all their support. He congratulated and thanked the Foundation for their record-breaking support, and donations to the school of over $230,000. View video for complete report.
Emotional Wellness/CSCI Report
John Maher overviewed the CSCI school culture and climate survey and reported there were no results in the negative range. All stakeholders rated three of the 11 dimensions (social-emotional security, social and civic learning, and social media) in the neutral range, and all other dimensions in the positive range. Next steps include the development of a 3-year Well-Being Plan, consideration of modifications to the Health and Wellness for Life Class, establishment of a 10th grade Health curriculum, development of a peer mentoring program, and creation of more professional development related to social emotional learning and well-being. Written report.
View video for complete report.
Education Committee
Committee Chair Lise Eliot reported that the committee overviewed the Career Connections initiative. The goal of this program is to provide every student with knowledge about careers to help students formulate a career goal prior to graduation. The Open Doors program places students in job-shadowing and service experiences. It is always a challenge to identify mentors across all spectrums of career opportunities.
The committee also reviewed the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for students. She outlined the three levels of support, which include peer tutoring and resource center support, targeted help for individuals, and fundamental skill development. The Board viewed a video about Peer Tutoring that was produced to advertise the program to students. View video for complete report.
Finance Committee
Committee Chair David Lane noted that many topics the committee discussed were action items on the Board's agenda. He reported that bus fees will increase due to rising transportation costs. The committee also reviewed the 5-year capital plan, the theater rigging proposal, and the growing needs of the transition program. View video for complete report.
Communications Committee
Diana Kreiling reported that the committee brainstormed additional ways to communicate to external stakeholders. The district will look for new ways to reach local groups and organizations. They also discussed an Open House for residents in the fall. The Board Meeting Highlights continues to be well received. The district sends it to over 3,300 recipients. The newsletter continues to have an open rate of around 43%. To put this in context, the educational industry average of these types of newsletters is 24%. The Board Meeting Highlights is also sent to all staff members and those metrics are not reflected in this data. View video for complete report.
Education, Research, Development (ED-RED)
Sally Davis noted there are no signs of a comprehensive bipartisan State budget in view. As the debate continues on how to overhaul the current school funding formula, there seems to be agreement on the use of the Evidence Based Funding Model. Another potential impact for schools is the state budget. There is a growing possibility that K-12 education may not receive appropriation for FY18, beginning in July 2017. Additionally, several bills have been filed that would put new processes and limitations in place regarding school debt issues. A Cook County judge dismissed the CPS lawsuit alleging that the way the state funds schools violates the civil rights of minority students. Sally will continue to monitor and report on the progress of the legislative efforts.
View video for complete report.
For more detailed 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
Monday, June 12, 2017 - Board of Education Meeting 7:00pm, LFHS West Campus Board Room.
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