|
President's Report
Board of Education President Reese Marcusson reflected on summer reading and thinking and noted some areas to consider:
The incoming kindergarten class will graduate high school in 2030. How will we ensure these students are prepared for their future?
He recently read, "We learn the most from those who aren't a reflection of ourselves." Reese thought this was a quote worth considering.
He also commented that in Chief Justice John Roberts' commencement address for his son's prep school, Roberts wished his son and classmates bad luck. He wanted them to experience bad luck so they learned the importance of chance. Not everything that happens to someone is his or her fault, and blame should not be the default reply.
Reese encouraged people to slow down and open up. Things will happen that parents cannot control, and all will be okay. He remarked that we will meet people who disagree with our views, someone that isn't a math whiz, but can take an engine apart, people that can cook, and write songs. Reese encouraged everyone to seek out people that are not just like him or her, because, as noted above, we learn the most from those who are not a reflection of ourselves. View video for complete report.
Superintendent's Report
Superintendent Mike Simeck introduced Joe Pulio and some of his students to overview the Business Incubator class. All of the students serve on teams that received funding for their business ideas presented at this year's Pitch Night. These students will go on to further develop their business plans and products next year. Joe thanked the LFHS Foundation, Board and Administration for their partnership and support of this successful program. View video for complete report.
Foundation Report
Foundation Chairman Jeff Folker reported that this is the 15th Anniversary of the Foundation. The Foundation has funded almost $2 million in grants since its inception in 2002. The Foundation impacts and supports every student at LFHS. Last year was a record year. The Foundation raised over $175,000 and 35% of LFHS families donated to the annual campaign. The Foundation was able to award $230,000 in grants this year, another record high. Going forward the Foundation leadership hopes to rebrand, raise awareness, grow participation, and increase donations. Jeff thanked all for their support of this important organization. View video for complete report.
Strategic Plan Report
Principal Chala Holland presented the year-end update on the strategic plan. She highlighted major goals and reported progress and metrics on each. Chala also recapped highlights from the year:
- New LFHS School Day
- Implementation of a new Faculty Evaluation Model and TeachBoost
- Implementation of a new Support Staff Evaluation Model
- Implementation of a new PERA/Student Growth Model
- Food Service Expansion and Coffee Shop (The Grind)
- Food Committee Feedback (students, staff, and faculty)
- Art Club mural in The Grind
- New Course Offerings - We are offering 20 new courses (2017-18)
- Development of a Theater Department/Theater course offerings (2017-18)
- Faculty Vetting and Pilot of a new Learning Management System
- Expansion of Student Supports - Peer Tutoring Resource Center, Peer Tutoring (1:1 and cadres), Departmental Resource Centers, Revised Homebound Tutoring Program, Implementation of our new NET (Navigating Educational Transitions) Program, Expansion of Reading supports, interventions and assessments, and Executive Functions "Check and Connect" Support
- Increased Special Education supports and Faculty/Staff Professional
Development - Co-Teaching, Co-Facilitation, Behavioral Interventions, and Universal Design Learning Professional Development
- Special Education Identification and Extended Services
- Re-engaged stakeholders in examining the School Calendar and Exams - Communicated the decision to adopt calendar B1 (2018-19)
ED-RED Report
Committee Chair Sally Davis reported that the Illinois House voted in favor of overriding Gov. Bruce Rauner's vetoes of a budget package, and passed the state's budget. This action eliminated the property tax freeze for the immediate future. She commented that District 115 should now receive its state funding, but it will be interesting to see how, and if, Evidence-Based Funding will be implemented. Sally reported that this model identifies how much money per pupil is needed in each district for every child to have access to a high quality education. View video for complete report.
North Shore Special Education Department (NSSED)
Committee Chair Ted Moorman reported that NSSED approved a $54.1M, balanced budget for 2017-18. He noted NSSED billing rates remain unchanged for the upcoming year. Ted gave a facilities update and remarked that NSSED offers numerous professional development course offerings at no charge to its member districts.
View video for complete report.
July Action Items
July Agenda and Written Reports
July Board Videos
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 Meeting
Monday, September 11, 2017 - Board of Education Meeting 7:00pm, LFHS West Campus Board Room.
|
