The Board of Education held two meetings on Monday, May 8.
Three Board Members were sworn in during the Board's Reorganization Meeting. New Board Member Amy Hamernick and returning members Dean Casper and Darcy Nendza took the oath of office. The new Board of Education then elected officers.
Darcy Nendza was elected President, Julie Berry as Vice President, and Rick Lloyd as Secretary. The Board also approved meeting dates and times for the 2023-2024 school year.
The Board also recognized retiring member John Malloy. Malloy has been on the Board since 2007, and served as the Vice President and President. The Board presented him with a plaque for his service and dedication to the District.
The Board adjourned the reorganization meeting and called the regular May Board Meeting to order.
At the regular Board Meeting:
- Dr. Jeff Stawick, Superintendent, reported:
- The June meeting will be held at Memorial School, following the Board's wish to hold meetings at each building.
- This is Staff Appreciation Week. Dr. Stawick thanked staff for their dedication and service. The Board provided lunch for each building, and school PTO and PTA groups have other events organized for staff throughout the week.
- Fierke held an Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, May 4. Fierke families, community members, and former students, staff and administrators were in attendance. The halls were decorated as a walk through time. There was also a performance by the Fierke Singers and a skit featuring students.
- Memorial is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Memorial has two community events planned this week. On May 9, current students and families are invited to celebrate a trip through time tour of Memorial School followed by a PTA picnic. On May 11, Memorial will host an Alumni Night to welcome the community and all Memorial alumni.
- District 146 and the Tinley Park Police Department will present “Internet, Technology, and Social Media Safety” on Wednesday, May 17. The presentation will be held at CMS and is open to all District 146 families and staff.
- Plans are underway for new kindergarten students. Events include an orientation with a peek into a day in kindergarten, a Meet and Greet session, tours, and goal setting meetings.
- Dr. Clarke and his team are working hard to meet incoming 6th grade students. PTO and PTA groups have invited Dr. Clarke to attend their meetings to meet parents and answer questions from parents and students in attendance. They will also be visiting the schools to meet with incoming 6th grade students.
- CMS held 8th Grade Recognition Night on May 3. Upcoming events for the 8th grade includes a class photo, field trip, 8th Grade Dance, yearbook signing event, and graduation breakfast/practice. Graduation will be held at CMS on May 30 at 6 p.m.
- During public comment, Teri Charpanel, Fierke PE teacher, spoke about concerns with her class sizes.
- Karen Lyons, ESP Union President, thanked the Board for the lunch and gift for teacher appreciation week. She reported they have seven retirees this year, with the majority having 20 years of service or more with the District. She reiterated how much they will be missed.
- At the June Board meeting, Dr. Stawick will ask the Board to approve their participation in Board professional development programs. School Code requires the Board attend these sessions and approve the expenditures annually.
- The Policy Committee has proposed Policy Changes. The Board will be asked to approve these changes at the June Board Meeting.
- Jeff Charleston, Director of Business Services, updated the Board on contract negotiations with ABC Transportation. The Board will be asked to approve a contract in June.
The Board took the following action:
- Approved a three-year contract with PKF Mueller for annual audit services.
- Approved the District e-Learning Plan.
The Board met in closed session to discuss personnel issues before adjourning.
The minutes of the May meeting will be available on BoardDocs once approved by the Board of Education at the June meeting. A recording of the meeting can be viewed on the District's YouTube Channel.
