Board President, Ms. Kendra Wallace, opened the meeting by welcoming Superintendent Trisha Kocanda, and thanking staff for all of the work they are doing to prepare for the school year. Ms. Kocanda expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming school year and appreciation to those who worked throughout the summer to lay the foundation for a successful year.

Ms. Kocanda concluded her opening remarks by announcing that in order to respond to the Board's request for additional discussion time at the Board table, the following change in Board meeting structure is being implemented. The Superintendent's report will be separated into two categories:

Ms. Kocanda shared her structured plan for a smooth transition. It incorporates opportunities to gather feedback from community, parents, staff, and students; plans for verifying the information; identifying priorities and setting goals; and development of a shared vision. She noted that the regular work of the District will continue as she implements the plan. Monthly updates will be provided and she anticipates presenting a shared vision and refined Strategic Plan in Spring 2015.

2. Mobile Device Implementation & Timeline

Director of Technology, Ms. Maureen Miller, discussed the implementation of the 1:1 Mobile Learning Initiative. Her presentation this month highlighted some of the ways that technology can support and transform teaching and learning. She also provided details about logistics, infrastructure, distribution, staff training, student orientation, and parent/community education. Her October presentation will focus on the integration of technology within classrooms including vision and belief statements, and desired outcomes.

 

3. Curriculum Update 2014-2015

Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, Ms. Alison Hawley, provided a detailed overview of the work that will be the focus for the 2014-2015 school year. Summer accomplishments, major initiatives, upcoming staff presentations, opportunities, and challenges were also discussed.  

 

4. Budget Update FY2015

CFO, Dr. Susan Pingitore, presented the tentative FY2015 budget. She noted that while it includes updated revenue estimates, there are still a number of variables in draft form at this time. The budget will be refined and a formal budget hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on September 23, 2014. The final budget will be presented and the Board will take action at the regular meeting following the hearing.

 

1. PARCC Assessment

The Partnership Assessment for Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), a computer-based assessment, will be replacing the ISAT. It will be administered to all students in grades 3-8 for math and English language arts/literacy in March and May of 2015. 

 

2. Staffing & Enrollment Update

Preliminary enrollment is 1,762 students (as of August 15). Projected enrollment was 1,745. Staff has been reduced by approximately 3.1 FTE from the 2014-2015 school year. An updated summary including student enrollment and staffing will be shared at the September Board meeting.

 

3. Dream Green

The Greeley School PTO requested that the District's architect design and bid the Dream Green project, and manage construction. The PTO will fund the project and maintain the playground.

 

Maintenance and repairs were performed at all five District buildings during the summer months.

The Illinois State Board of Education conducted its comprehensive audit in May 2014 and determined that District 36 was in full compliance with all regulations. No areas of concern were reported. The District received 11 commendations. 

 

6. Board Planning Calendar

A preliminary Planning Calendar that includes key initiatives and items that the Board will be asked to take action on during the 2014-2015 school year has been developed. The Board will provide feedback next month.

 

Action Items

 

The Consent Agenda and the following Action Items were approved unanimously.

1. Dream Green Resolution 

2. Intra-District Transfer Request

 

Regular meetings and work sessions are open to the public and will be held in the Hubbard Woods School Resource Center. Regular meetings begin at 7:15 P.M. Work sessions 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.