The information below summarizes pertinent action and discussion items from the District 38 Board of Education (BOE) meeting held on February 14, 2022. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings or, for your convenience, watch them streaming live. Meetings are recorded and posted to our website within 48 hours for viewing at a later date. The BOE posts meeting agendas 48 hours in advance of meetings, and board packets prior to each meeting and board minutes once approved on our BoardDocs website.
NOTE: There will be updated communication regarding masking tomorrow, February 17
Kenilworth School District 38 Board Briefs

Highlights from the Regular Meeting on February 14, 2022
Certified Union Negotiations Update: Board President, Evan Lukasik, read a joint statement on behalf of the Board of Education and the Kenilworth Education Association (KEA) to announce that a tentative agreement had been reached. The parties will be working together over the next couple of weeks to finalize the written agreement for the KEA and Board of Education to formally approve and sign. The Board is thankful for the opportunity to collaborate for the benefit of our students and is committed to strengthening its positive relationship with the KEA to achieve the common goal of continuously improving the culture and climate of the District.

COVID-19 Mitigation Update: Superintendent Kate Donegan provided a COVID-19 Mitigation update given the recent court ruling in Sangamon County regarding universal masking. The District has continued its work in reviewing its COVID-19 mitigation strategies and developing an “off-ramp” plan for when local control in these decisions is granted.

We have been listening to community feedback regarding current mitigation measures and have also been consulting with other New Trier Township districts, the health department, legal counsel, and a committee of local medical professionals as we prepare for the outcome of the pending appellate ruling, changes in state mandates, or other modifications. As always, our top priority is the safety and security of all of our students, faculty, and staff.This plan includes a series of metrics to help guide the decision making.
Master Facilities Plan (MFP) Update: Frederick Quinn Corporation (FQC) and DLA Architects presented construction documents including an award recommendation letter for twenty-nine (29) trade packages to the lowest responsible contractors for their respective bid packages.

The Board approved the bid packages for the expansion and renovation to Joseph Sears School, as recommended by Frederick Quinn Corporation.
Extended School Year (ESY) and Summer School Programs: Extended School Year (ESY) services and Summer School programs will be available to qualifying students this summer. ESY and Summer School will run concurrently. Both programs will run for three weeks, Monday through Thursday, for the three full weeks leading up to the return to school (weeks of August 8, August 15, and August 22). Students will attend from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM for English Language Arts and/or from 10:10 AM to 11:10 AM for Math. ESY and Summer School will be in person on The Joseph Sears School Campus and COVID precautions will be implemented.
Student Services Presentation: Dr. De La Cruz shared a presentation on Student Services including Special Education, Section 504 plans, and English Language services. The presentation outlined each of these services including how eligibility is determined and what types of supports students receive once they qualify for these services. The presentation will be shared at the 2nd Cup of Coffee on Thursday, February 17 at 8:30 am and information will be provided at the JSSPVA Board Meeting on Wednesday, February 16 at 8:20.
An Update from the Board President: Mr. Lukasik announced that due to a change in residency, he will be vacating his seat on the school board effective on February 16. He thanked fellow board members, administration, staff, and the community for their support and commitment to the District. The Board of Education will begin the process of filling this seat for the remainder of Mr. Lukasik's term (April 2023) as delineated in an established District 38 policy.
Board of Education Calendar Review:
  • March 3, 2022, Building & Finance Committee meeting
  • March 14, 2022, Regular Board meeting
  • April 7, 2022, Building & Finance Committee meeting
  • April 11, 2022, Regular Board meeting
Questions -- Please direct your questions or comments to the Kenilworth School District No. 38 Sounding Board that was created to provide community members the chance to share comments, questions, compliments and concerns. All messages are sent to the Board of Education members, Superintendent/CSBO, and the Board of Education Secretary. You can communicate with us by sending an email to listen@kenilworth38.org. Thank you!
Kenilworth School District No. 38 Board of Education
Responsibility, Kindness, Honesty, Respect