Due to COVID-19 precautions, the March 20 School Board Meeting was conducted remotely via phone, allowing community members to listen to the meeting by calling in. Public comment was submitted via email and read during regularly designated times during the eLearning Hearing and the Regular Meeting.

Dawn Livingston, Board President, began the Meeting by thanking the entire school community, especially staff and parents, for their patience and efforts implementing eLearning. She noted the change in School Board Meeting format due to the unprecedented global pandemic.


Maureen Chertow Miller, Director of Technology, and Barry Rodgers, Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, shared information on the District's eLearning Plan, which was developed by administrators and staff and pre-approved by the Regional Office of Education . The State Superintendent recently urged school districts to develop eLearning plans in an effort to ensure continuity of education for children on days in which they cannot be in session.  Although the state relaxed the need for School Board approval of eLearning plans under the current mandated school closure by Governor Pritzker, the District determined it was in its best interest to ensure eLearning remains an option for our students beyond the current situation with COVID-19.  The plan gives the District eLearning capability in lieu of extending the school year with emergency days for up to three years.  

The eLearning plan will provide The Winnetka Public Schools additional flexibility in its learning environment and support the on-going needs of students. Implementation, expectations for general education and special education included in the document were discussed. The District is determining guidelines to ensure that e-communications with students are meaningful, equitable, and keep all involved safe.  The District is in the midst of developing plans that uphold important student privacy, yet address the importance of social connection, albeit remote.  We recognize that this is the time to ensure our student and staff social-emotional needs are addressed as well as continuing with academic learning.

The eLearning plan was approved by the School Board on March 20 and will be valid until June 2022 .

Trisha Kocanda, Superintendent, noted that the District is committed to providing consistent communication regarding the eLearning as we continue to move forward.


Informational Memos


The Board was given an update on Facilities Contingency Projects taking place in our schools.  This month's update includes repair of plaster at Greeley School.
The Board was given an update on the Districts agreement with MSA Engineering to provide further evaluation of facility needs by evaluating our HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Suppression and Electrical needs.  

The Consent Agenda and the following Action Items were approved:

1. Student Fees FY20-21 
2. Service Agreement - Right At School, LLC 
3. E-Learning Program 
4. Settlement Agreement 
5. 2020-2021 Staffing Plan

 
The Complete Board Packet for the March 20, 2020, School Board Meetings is here.
Upcoming Regular Meeting Dates

April 21, 2020
May 19, 2020
June 11, 2020

Regular meetings are open to the public and will be held at Greeley School through June 2020. 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.
The Winnetka Public Schools community empowers every student to flourish in an innovative, experiential environment. We support and challenge all learners to actively engage in continual growth and achievement to make a meaningful difference in the world.  
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