VI. COMMUNICATIONS
Beth Moritz Filip presented a letter from FED ED, recent press coverage, FOIA requests, a letter signed by 134 citizens and, a thank you note from Sue Pappas, retired Carleton Washburne School secretary.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
Approved unanimously
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
A. Information Items
1. Communication
The District Communication Plan is being rolled out according to the schedule presented at the August Board Meeting.
2. Construction
Construction on the District Office is progressing with an anticipated completion date of early December. There are still several items to be completed at Greeley School, including lighting, intercoms and clocks. Crow Island School parking will require a special use permit that Dr. Pingitore will pursue.
3. Human Resources
Dr. Cheever reported on several major initiatives, including Personal Professional Development; Contracts Certification and Compliance; Administration and Faculty Support.
Per a prior Board request, she presented staffing and enrollment data for both the District and individual schools, including student/staff ratios. There are currently 1,783 students enrolled in the District, a decrease of 82 students from last year. There was a net decrease of 2.41 FTE staff. Changes in the way staffing is reported have been made to improve accuracy. This report will now be done quarterly.
Senate Bill 7 (SB7) was reviewed. This major education reform package was approved by the Illinois Legislature in May 2011. The most immediate impact will be in the Reduction -In-Force (RIF) process. Beginning this year, decisions about reductions will be based on evaluations, not seniority. A joint committee of teachers and administrators must be convened by December 1, 2011, to set District procedures for this process. The State has issued guidelines for this. Beginning next year, principal evaluation plans must include data and indicators of student growth, and by the time the bill is fully implemented in 2016, teacher evaluations will include these metrics as well. Additional implications of SB7 will be presented at future Board meetings.
4. Goals Discussion/Recap
The goal setting process was briefly described.
Next steps (to be completed by Dr. Hagerman) include assigning initiation and completion dates, determining administrative and Board responsibilities, and establishing accountability through appropriate evidence and other measures. It was agreed that there will be a progress report on progress toward the goals at monthly Board meetings once they are formally adopted.
5. Special Board of Education Meeting Dates
The Board discussed options for additional meeting dates. It was agreed to begin the regularly scheduled Board meetings early in October, November, and December in order to maximize Board attendance as they work through goal and policy issues.
6. 2008 Regional Office of Education Compliance Report
There has been concern about misinformation circulating about the results of the 2008 audit. An in-depth examination of the report and probes revealed that the District was not as "out of compliance" as believed. In fact the District received four commendations, for Highest Standard of Excellence, clear educational philosophy, clear communication about fifth grade writing scores, and principals who were serving as instructional leaders.
There were 27 additional comments that are categorized as follows:
- 3 commendations
- 2 "meets minimal standards"
- 4 areas of concern
- 13 "instances of evidence not provided"
- 5 comments, recommendations and questions
The District responded to each area of concern by providing evidence and/or bringing the specific item of concern into compliance.
The District is preparing for next audit, which could take place as early as 2012.
7. Response to Resident Communication
Board President Dana Crumley read a Board response to an inquiry from parent Connie Henry.
8. Review of Policy 6:295 - Private Tutoring
The tutoring policy was reviewed, and it was agreed that this would be one of the first areas addressed when the Board conducts policy reviews this fall. Tutoring questions will be included in the next parent survey.
9. Professional Development Feedback from Institute Day and New Teacher Orientation
The District's new teacher Orientation and Mentoring program and Institute Day were reviewed and staff feedback was shared.
It is customary practice to evaluate all professional development activities and to use the information to plan for future events.
10. Board Liaison Updates
Dana Crumley and Thomas Hagerman attended an IASB dinner with Susan Garrett and other local legislators.
Bill Meuer and Thomas Hagermen attended The Alliance for Early Childhood Orientation. Trisha Kocanda joined them for a second Alliance meeting.
Tom Shannon attended an ED RED meeting. ED RED is the lobbying organization for suburban schools, including New Trier and all feeder districts. Pensions, district consolidation and legislation were discussed.
Susan Whitcomb reported on the Plan Commission and affordable housing.
Beth Moritz Filip attended the Central PTO and Winnetka Public Schools Foundation meetings with other administrative team members.
B. Action Items
The following were approved unanimously:
1. Amended Winnetka Professional Agreement
2009-2014
2. 2011-2012 Budget
3. List of Attorneys for District 36
4. IASB Policy Manual Customization Contract
5. Application for Recognition of Schools
2011-2012
IX. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
A. Math Curriculum Update Memo
Dr. Nanci Smith performed her audit last week. Principals Cathy Rosen and Tom Eber are working to create a tool for collecting parent input.
B. World Language Parent Survey
A cost benefit analysis will be performed and followed by parent focus groups to help inform a recommendation to the Board. World Language teachers are implementing program improvements this year as well.
C. World Language Community Survey
Results of last spring's survey were provided.
D. Professional Development in Differentiated Instruction
The annual plan for District Professional Development in Differentiated Instruction was presented. Two of this year's six sessions will be completed by early October. Feedback from the experiences is being collected.
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E. Additional Comments
Ms. Kocanda stated that School Improvement plans and New Trier Freshman perception data will be presented next month. She also thanked the Winnetka Public Schools Foundation for their continued support.
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Dr. Hagerman told the Board that the cabinet has made a commitment to be in the schools every week. It has been most impressive to see what teachers are doing in their classrooms, and how open they are.
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X. PERSONNEL REPORT
Approved unanimously
XI. OTHER BUSINESS
Dr. Hagerman thanked Susan Pershing for her years of service. This was Susan's final Board meeting after almost 10 years of service to the District.
XII. PUBLIC COMMENT
Parent Kenzie Dornweed addressed the Board.
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
