The District 146 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 5 at Memorial School.
The Board recognized Kathy Benz, School Nurse at Fierke Education Center, for her actions and response to an emergency while on a field trip. Benz’s quick thinking, skills, and actions saved the life of the student having a medical emergency. The Board thanked Benz and presented her with a special, framed resolution.
The Board also recognized four students who won the top prizes at the District 146 Young Authors Celebration. The Young Authors competition is broken into four grade-level groups: Kindergarten and 1st Grade, 2nd and 3rd Grade, 4th and 5th Grade, and Middle School. One winner is chosen in each group. This year there were more submissions than ever before. This year’s winners were: Isabella Espinoza Cardenas (Memorial, 1st Grade), Stella Massaro (Fulton, 2nd Grade), Griffin Couture (Fulton, 4th Grade), and Margaux Perell (CMS, 7th Grade).
At the Board Meeting:
- Dr. Jeff Stawick, Superintendent, reported:
- Central Middle School hosted their graduation ceremony on May 30 with 237 eighth grade students moving on to high school.
- On May 25, the District celebrated 17 staff members who are retiring. Dr. Stawick thanked them for their dedication and years of service to the District 146 community. He also recognized the Teachers Union for planning the celebration.
- Last week, Memorial’s 5th grade students went on a two-night field trip to White Pines and experienced outdoor learning, horseback riding, wilderness training, and much more. Those who didn’t attend the trip were treated to outdoor educational activities at Memorial. The administration is looking into how to offer this opportunity to students at all schools.
- District 146 will take part in the Tinley Park Police Department’s National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
- Family engagement and welcome activities are being planned for the upcoming school year. New kindergarten and new student events, along with open houses and curriculum nights have been added to the District’s online calendars.
- A new Educational Support Personnel (ESP) Evaluation Instrument has been developed. The District worked with the union on this update and each ESP staff member will receive a copy of the Evaluation Instrument in August.
- Summer School and Extended School Year programs will run Monday through Thursday from July 10 to August 3. There are 215 students enrolled in the programs. STEM, Music, and Art will be integrated into the learning experience this year.
- Board Members have been registered for the Joint Annual Conference held November 17-19, 2023.
- The Board will once again be hosting one of their meetings at each of the schools next year. Details will be shared once locations are confirmed.
The Board took the following action:
- Approved a four year employment contract extension for the Superintendent.
- Approved a $1 increase to the food service employee hourly rate.
- Approved the general education transportation contract with ABC Transportation.
- Approved the amended 2023-2024 School Calendar. The calendar was amended to align the hours of Parent Teacher Conferences with the Teachers’ Employment Contract. The half SIP days scheduled before the parent teacher conferences will also be changed.
- Approved policy changes proposed by the Policy Committee.
- Approved School Board Conference Attendance for the 2023-2024 school year. School Code requires the Board attend training and approve the expenditures annually.
The minutes of the June meeting will be available on BoardDocs once approved by the Board of Education at the next meeting. A recording of the meeting can be viewed on the District's YouTube Channel.
