President’s Report
Board President David Lane thanked Dr. Holland and the staff for developing and offering a variety of new support resources to our students. David noted that over the past several years, staff has worked to increase and align our academic, social, and emotional supports at LFHS. David congratulated the music students (band, choir and orchestra) who were selected to participate in the ILMEA Music Festival, the 143 students who recently were recognized as Illinois State Scholars, and nine students who were named National Merit Scholars. David reported that the Board will be voting on a new 4-year teachers’ contract later in the meeting. The contract is designed to recognize our high-quality staff, ensure market competitiveness and the District’s financial health. He thanked all who were involved in the negotiating process for their efforts. David commented that it is important to reflect on the many good things that are happening in the District and be supportive of one another.
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Superintendent’s Report
Student Body President Sarah Bires announced a new initiative, Student Council Appreciates, that recognizes a faculty member or club every month. This month they selected the Band. She also discussed the school-wide food drive and an upcoming collection for needy families.
Principal Chala Holland thanked everyone who participated in the Veterans Day celebration, including guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Vickie Argueta and the Community Veteran Honoree Ted Moorman. She also praised all who were involved in the Lake Bluff Veterans Day celebration, particularly the students who orchestrated the event. Chala acknowledged all who participated in Parent/Teacher Conferences, and encouraged anyone who was unable to participate to reach out to their child’s teacher if they would like to meet.
Superintendent Mike Simeck recognized the State Champion Girls Tennis Team and the 3A State Champion Boys Golf Team and congratulated them for their team and individual accomplishments. Mike overviewed the Illinois Report Card data, reporting that the LFHS’s graduation rate is 99%, and our English Language Arts proficiency percentage and graduation rate ranks us as the top public school in the state, along with New Trier. Mike commented that the state continues to move the cut scores for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Designation and also applies a bell curve to all school districts in the state. He stated the District received a Commendable score this year due to three areas: changes to weighting of Chronic Absenteeism (LFHS has a much higher chronic student absentee rate than its peer districts), addition of the science scores to the calculation, and greater participation and inclusion of student survey data to get points on the matrix. By addressing these three areas in the future, we anticipate that our rating will return to Exemplary next year and remain so in the future. Mike concluded his report with a discussion of the District’s identified Key Performance Indicators that are linked to our District ambitions of achievement, involvement, school connectedness and emotional wellness.
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Public Participation
Residents presented their thoughts regarding upcoming IASB Resolutions (Board consideration later on the agenda), student groups, the Lake Bluff Veterans Day celebration, student representation in district decision making, and the LFHS Veterans Day celebration.
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Education Committee
Tom Nemickas reported that the Committee discussed the value of the LFHS diploma and the work around a guaranteed and viable curriculum. The focus is to better align and streamline the policies and procedures to ensure a uniform experience for all.
Finance and Operations Committee
Sally Davis reported that the Committee reviewed a modified Charter to align with District 67’s Charter. They reviewed the background that led to the tentative levy that is on the meeting’s agenda. The Committee welcomed new members Bob Geldermann and Casey Murray.
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Legislative Liaison
John Noble reported that there has been no update from the state regarding the Property-Tax Task Force. ED-RED has formed three ad-hoc groups. John commented that he attends the Finance and Mandates ad-hoc meetings and will share updates as information becomes available.
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Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
John Noble summarized the work around KPI’s that have been developed to show and measure progress towards the District goals. John overviewed the operational metrics with a goal to publicize the KPI’s in December 2019.
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Upcoming Meetings
Monday, December 9, 2019 - Board of Education Meeting 7:00pm, LFHS West Campus Board Room.
