Hawthorn Board Highlights

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Present: Michael Engle, Karl Borchers, Joel Finfer, Julie Clifford, George Fievet, Robin Cleek, Wes Polen.

• George Fievet thanked the Hawthorn PTO for gifting the Board discount cards.
  
• Robin Creek said that the Cougar Athletic Boosters at Vernon Hills High School announced upcoming events and ways to get involved, including a $40 family membership and the upcoming Cab Bash fundraiser in March.

The Hawthorn Board of Education Recognition Committee was thrilled to recognize several staff and students who have proudly represented Hawthorn District 73.

Congratulations to Ms. Jen Katz who was recognized for her outstanding dedication, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to student growth and learning as a Speech Language Pathologist at Hawthorn Elementary South.

Quest employee Ms. Mitzy Diaz was also recognized tonight for her positive impact at the Hawthorn School for Young Learners. Her commitment to knowing each student by name and need, engaging them with warmth and encouragement, and collaborating with staff exemplifies the caring, student-centered spirit of our district.

Finally, the ILMEA participants were recognized this evening. Each student was recognized for their exceptional achievement in being selected to participate in the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District 7 Music Festival. Among more than 700 auditioning middle school students from 84 schools, they demonstrated the hard work, dedication, and musical skill necessary to earn a spot in this prestigious event.

One of the goals of the Board of Education is to recognize the accomplishments of those who play a significant role in advancing Hawthorn’s tradition of excellence. This includes teachers, staff, students and community members. Nominate someone for recognition today!

• Board President Robin Cleek wished everyone a happy winter break and reminded the Board to respond to Ms. Flores if they would like to attend the ED red dinner on January 27, 2025.
  
• Cleek opened the floor up to the board members who attended the 2024 IASB•IASA•IASBO Joint Annual Conference that took place November 22-24 in downtown Chicago to share their summaries of the sessions they attended.

In his superintendent's report, Dr. Hannigan simply wished everyone a happy holiday break and expressed gratitude for the support throughout the year.

Dr. Hannigan explained that this is an updated data sharing agreement between District 73 and District 125. The purpose is to facilitate the sharing of information as 8th grade students from District 73 transition to high school in District 125. The key points are:

• The agreement has been revised to align with the latest student data privacy regulations.

• Similar agreements are also forthcoming with Districts 120 and 128, as District 73 students transition to those high school districts as well.

• The updated agreement with District 125 was brought forward for the board's consideration, with the intent to approve it at the next board meeting.

  
  

Dr. Hannigan noted that the agreement is relatively the same as previous versions, just updated to comply with current student data privacy requirements.

Dr. Hannigan provided an overview of the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar:

• The calendar includes 174 student attendance days, 2 parent-teacher conference days, and 4 institute days.

• The staff start date is Monday, August 18 and the student start date is Thursday, August 21.

• The tentative last day of student attendance, excluding emergency days, is Monday, June 1.

• The calendar committee surveyed staff, and 79.7% preferred to keep the fall parent-teacher conferences during the week of Thanksgiving.

• The calendar also includes a recommendation to have an early release day on the evening of parent-teacher conferences. This will give staff an additional hour at the middle school and 55 minutes at the elementary schools to prepare and host the conferences.

• The calendar is still being coordinated with Fremont and Mundelein for the Lincoln attendance days, as Lincoln students need to be in attendance for a minimum of 165 days per the grant requirements.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held on January 165, 2025 at Hawthorn District Office.