The Lyons Township High School District #204 Board of Education conducted a Regular Action Meeting on Monday, November 15, 2021, in Room 103 at North Campus. The following items occurred during the meeting:
Board President Kari Dillon reminded those addressing the Board that individuals are expected to behave with respect and civility toward others and shall not use vulgar or obscene language, or impede, delay, disrupt or interfere with a Board meeting. For full policy details, consult the Board Policy manual on the District’s website.
Public Comment
Community member and member of CommUNITY Diversity Group Becky Lorentzen spoke in support of LT’s diversity initiatives.
LT Education Association President Andrew Johannes restated support of Paraeducators and the speedy conclusion of their negotiations. He noted the following: The broadband upgrade has significantly improved technology · LTEA opposes arming of teachers · The Association is pleased that Northshore Clinical Labs will begin COVID screening and encourages those eligible to get vaccinated · Supports the Equal Opportunity School initiative and work done by Director of Equity and Belonging Dr Jennifer Rowe · He added that November is the month of gratitude and expressed thanks to the members of the Board of Education and Drs. Waterman and Tyrrell for their leadership, the teachers for their hard work, the phenomenal LT students and for the constructive solutions brought forward by our communities.
Student Representative to the Board Report
Student Representative to the Board Aamina Qureshi noted the following student activities: The A Capella Club will be performing in the upcoming Variety Show next Friday · Speech Team placed 2nd in the recent Fremd High School Tournament · Art club is hosting a t-shirt tye dye fundraiser · Recycling Club organized a battery drive this week · Model UN was awarded Best Small Delegation, their third 1st place finish so far this year · Latinos Juntos Club hosted Loteria Night, a bingo-styled game · Snowball held its annual successful 2-day retreat · Fall sports seasons are coming to a close with several top finishes and winter sports are beginning soon · The fall blood drive collected nearly 50 donations · Theatre Board presented Wizard of Oz last weekend · Thirteen senior athletes participated in the fall National Signing Day · Four students earned honorable mentions in the annual 4x5 Art Exhibit · Congratulations to the November Students of the Month who were recognized at the monthly award ceremony.
Superintendent’s District Report
Dr. Waterman commented on LT’s recognition of American Education Week, with today as School Board Member Day, designed to recognize the outstanding efforts of nearly 6,000 elected school board members throughout the state. This is an opportunity to build community awareness and understanding about the essential role of locally elected board of education members. School board members are entrusted with the guardianship of tax dollars, adopting public policy to give voice to that leadership, and volunteer countless hours to public service– all of which has a direct impact the quality of life and safety in our communities. Thanks to each and every LT board member – past and present – for all of your hard work and dedication to our students, staff and community.
- Wednesday is Education Support Professionals Day. Our paraeducators and administrative assistants play vital roles helping ensure LT and its students are successful. We can never share our appreciation enough for all they do.
- Friday is Substitute Teacher Day. Many thanks to the substitutes who are available at a moment’s notice and who work so closely in collaboration with staff and students. We are so grateful to have such a skilled group of individuals working with LT.
Dr. Waterman informed the Board that LT celebrated Veterans Day this past Thursday with a video showcasing servicemen and women connected to LT. It served as a fitting reminder for us to pay our respects to those who have served, standing united in support of our veterans. This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service. Today, we continue the tradition by paying tribute to the service, sacrifice and contributions of all veterans. Thanks to staff who made ceremony possible. I’d like to remind our community of 72,000 alumni to please share their military service information with us so that we may recognize them on our Wall of Honor. A database of LT alumni veterans detailing branch of service, years of service and any medals earned is accessible through a touchscreen monitor and the website. The Wall of Honor also memorializes the history of military service at LTHS through our century-long history. Thanks to each and every veteran – past and present – for all of your sacrifices.
LADSE Director Elle Ambuehl recognized LT student Lydia Schiferl with an Empowered by Assistive Technology Award for the great strides she has made in her communication and academics. This recognition extends to her team of teachers and parents who, with the help of assistive technology, have helped Lydia be successful and more independent.
Dr. Waterman thanked Jewel/Albertsons for helping host the communitywide COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at LT, which administered 348 COVID-19 boosters and 627 pediatric vaccines. Second doses will be administered Saturday, December 4.
The following FOIA requests were submitted since the last Board meeting:
- Parents requested any and all communication referencing their student.
- Two requests requested communication regarding the the rental of an LT facility by an outside group.
- A Patch.com reporter requested information on the district’s contract with School Tech Team and the minutes for the Board meeting during which the contract vote was taken.
- A community member requested general ledger transactions showing accounting for pandemic-related state and/or federal funds.
Business
The Board approved the 2021 tentative estimated property tax levy of approximately $74 million, which represents a 3.08% increase over the prior year and a projection of $60 million in new property to be added to the tax rolls.
The Board approved the resolution authorizing a supplemental tax levy of 1.4% to pay the principal of and interest on outstanding limited bonds.
The Board approved the 2022-2023 School Calendar, which identifies August 22 as the first day of school and ends first semester before winter break. Details include: 176 school days - 83 days First Semester, 93 days Second Semester and 183 teacher work days. Significant Dates include the following:
· First day of School: August 22
· Election Day: November 8
· Last day of Semester 1: December 23
· First day of Semester 2: January 10
· Spring Break: March 27-31
· Last day of Semester 2: June 1
· Teacher Work Day: June 2
· Graduation: May 31
The Board heard a presentation on efforts supporting and operationalizing the district’s equity statement. The presentation discussed:
- Create a professional learning system with offerings that address the professional/educator learning gaps that maintain and reinforce educational inequities
- Create connections with students to authentically understand their experiences and aspirations and to co-create a school community that values and prioritizes belonging for all
- Address the opportunity gaps that persist and maintain the educational and social inequities that threaten dignity and belonging
- Assess the effectiveness of current programming and make recommendations for improvements through an equity lens and with a demand for high standards and rigor for all students
PUBLIC COMMENT
- Parent Laura Tussing questioned curriculum standards and literary value in regard to summer reading list options.
- Parents Elizabeth and Braden Slezak noted the decline in student test scores and district ranking. They questioned the new grading policies and asked the Board to adjust the approach for second semester.
- Parent Molly McShane discussed several new health-related pieces of legislation.
- Student Leslie Mendoza questioned why students are required to wear masks and said it is taking a toll on students’ mental health. She also expressed displeasure over the recent LT Book Club topic.
- Student Addisyn Schaefer noted that masks have increased student depression and is affecting learning.
- Parent Lindsay Dillon expressed concerns that masks don’t work and are interfering with speech and social communication.
- Parent Kara Farrell questioned the new vision for grading and said it was creating a lack of motivation for grades.
- Paraprofessional Karen DalPorto questioned the policies, procedures and practices regarding COVID testing.
- Resident David May urged the Board to sell LT’s Willow Springs property and invest the monies to help improve outcomes for students.
- Resident Liz Layden encouraged the Board to host a Young Hearts for Life event, thanked the Board for agreeing to plant more trees on campus and thanked LT for hosting a communitywide COVID vaccination clinic.
- District 229 Board Member Rob Cruz urged the Board to welcome all advocacy groups in the district.
- Bill See questioned the mask mandate.
- Mary O’Dowd urged the Board to formally recognize Turning Point USA.
