January 2025 Board Meeting Recap

Regular Board Meeting

Board President Gabriela Whipple stated that members of the Board and District administrators visited Manhattan Junior High School last week to visit their new school and see how they designed the building to create an innovative learning environment. The visit will help our District with our future planning. The Board is planning to welcome a new member this spring and orientation meetings are scheduled to help ensure a smooth transition and implementation. She also remarked on the evening's presentation from the Human Resources department and reiterated the Board's commitment to supporting the hiring and retention of high-quality staff.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Trisha Kocanda outlined the numerous efforts that were utilized to communicate the recently approved 20-year Educational Long-Range Facility Plan to our various communities, village leaders, and other constituents. She also remarked on last week's Parent Involvement Night event at Lincoln Early Learning Center with children's entertainer Jim Gill and thanked all the District staff who helped our schools continue to run smoothly despite the cold weather. Finally, she encouraged everyone to support our fine arts programs and their various upcoming events.

Pledge of Allegiance

This month's Pledge of Allegiance was led by first-graders from Fremont Elementary School.

Board Recognition

This month's meeting featured a recognition for fifth-grade student leaders from Fremont Intermediate School who are involved in the Student Council.

Presentation

Allison Stempien, Executive Director of Human Resources, provided an update on the District's strategic goal area: Talent Recruitment & Development.

• The District Organizational Wellness Survey administers and prioritizes key areas to maintain positive morale.
• The Wellness Committee continues to create wellness offerings for staff throughout the year.
• To support new staff, the District implements 30-, 60-, and 90-day retention interviews, recognition programs, new mental health benefits, and multi-faceted professional learning.
• FSD79 is enhancing partnerships with aspiring educators, including hosting student teachers, providing student observations, a speech language pathologist internship, and a no-cost licensure program for current staff looking to earn a teaching degree.
• The District is working to strengthen administrative leadership via numerous methods, including regular administrative meetings, training networks, committee involvement, and leadership cohorts.
• A mentoring program is being developed for administrative assistants and lunchroom supervisors, while enacting one for paraprofessionals and substitutes.

Informational Items

Mid-Year Strategic Goal Update

A mid-year update was provided on the District's progress toward the Strategic Plan's annual goals. In addition to items noted in the Talent Recruitment and Development presentation, additional highlights include:

• Creation of Fremont mental health resources
• District-wide professional development for discipline & behavior
• Mock reunification run-through
• 100% of PLC teams implementing essential standards in the classrooms for at least one course/subject
• Updated early entrance, single subject, and whole grade acceleration procedures
• Increased percentage of 8th graders completing Algebra I or Geometry
• 100% K-5 student participation in a universal oral reading fluency test and early literacy measures
• Approved Educational Long-Range Facility Plan and financially healthy five-year forecast
• Production of "Fremont Leads" Podcast

Winter MAP Assessment Update

Brian Bullis, Assistant Superintendent of Learning, provided an update on the District's student growth and achievement following the winter NWEA MAP test. According to NWEA, five of our eight grades met or exceeded their growth projections from last winter to this winter in mathematics. Grade 6 experienced the largest jump in cohort growth percentile over the past year. In reading, six of our eight grades met or exceeded their growth projections from last winter to this winter. Grade 4 experienced the largest jump in cohort growth percentile over the past year.

Institute Day Recap

The District held a staff institute day on Monday, January 6, allowing staff the opportunity to engage in another full day of learning and collaboration. Some of the highlights from the day included a session with literacy partner The Reading League, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training, a session on Restorative Practices, professional learning communities (PLC) collaboration, paraprofessional learning and collaboration, and a variety of wellness breakout sessions. Staff reported a 94% satisfaction rate with the day's offerings and collaboration.

Safety and Security Update

FSD79 is working on a variety of safety and security initiatives, including:

• Revising its crisis management plan to align with standard response protocols, including developing action plans for various emergency scenarios,
• Reviewing cyber security report,
• Making staff safety training materials available via the staff intranet,
• Identifying security enhancements as part of the first phase of the Educational Long-Range Facility Plan, and
• Monitoring progress of the most recent campus security audit.
• Sharing information regarding safe gun storage with our families.

The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:

1. Destruction of Closed Session Audio Recordings
2. Support IL Vision 2030 Resolution
3. FY2026 Proposed Annual Budget
4. Disposal of School District Personal Property
5. School Fees
6. Phone System Migration Approval
7. Letter of Agreement with Fremont Education Association, IEA/NEA: Salary Schedule
8. Letter of Agreement with Fremont Education Association, IEA/NEA: Retirement Date
9. Dismissal of Educational Support Staff Employee

To view the Board Packet materials from the January 27, 2025 Meeting, click here.

Address: 28855 North Fremont Center Road, Mundelein, IL

Phone: (847) 566-0169

Website: fsd79.org

Twitter: @FSD79

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