April Board of Education Notes

Prior to the April Board of Education meeting, a Public Hearing was held as part of the process to renew the District’s SIP Day waiver.

During the regular meeting held at Fierke Education Center, the Board Recognized three students who were honored with the Koepel Award during the 2025 Math Challenge Awards. The Koepel Award is given to students who qualify for in the District’s Math Challenge every year they are eligible. Students are eligible from first through eighth grade and must pass a preliminary test before being accepted as a Math Challenge participant.

The three 8th grade students recognized this year were Addison Tarchala, Gwenyth Sands, and Evelina Gecevis.

The Board heard the following from Superintendent Dr. Jeff Stawick:

• The May Board of Education Meeting will be held at Memorial School on Monday, May 12. The Board’s Reorganization Meeting will immediately precede the regular meeting with new Board Member Rich Bajner being sworn in.
• A Contact Flow Chart has been developed in an effort to help families determine the best person or department to contact with questions or concerns. The flowchart will assist in continuing to develop strong school-home partnerships.
• This year’s Kindergarten Screening will be held on April 30 at the Administration Center. There are 96 children registered so far.
• The District 146 Special Olympics is scheduled for April 25 at CMS. This has become a favorite event for many District students and staff.
• On April 24, the District will host the Young Authors Celebration at CMS. Participating students will be recognized and the winning students will have their stories acted out live on stage.
• The following events for 8th grade students have been planned: Washington, D.C. Trip– April 30-May 2; Recognition Night– May 5 at 6:30 p.m.; Six Flags Field Trip– May 16; Dinner Dance– May 21 at 4:30 p.m.; and Graduation– May 28 at 6 p.m.
• CMS has also been preparing to welcome 5th grade students. They have been meeting with PTOs and PTAs and will host a Step Up Day this spring.
• A tentative schedule of next year’s Board Meetings was presented. The Board will be asked to approve the schedule at the May meeting.

The Board also heard the following:

• The Teachers Union Vice President gave an update from each of the schools. Students and staff have been doing great with state testing, enjoying field trips, collecting donations for supply drives, and celebrating at special events in-school and after-school events.
• Curriculum Coordinator Carey Radke informed the Board that the Illinois Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework has been posted on the District and CMS websites. This information is required by state law.
• Buildings and Grounds Director Matt Shanahan shared information about the Central Middle School domestic hot water boiler replacement project scheduled for the summer of 2025. The Board will be asked to approve the proposal at the May meeting.

The Board took the following action at the meeting:

• Approved the request to renew the SIP Day School Code Waiver with the Illinois State Board of Education.
• Approved salary increases for classified, non-union educational support personnel.
• Approved the Food Service Contract with Whitsons.
• Approved the District Literacy Plan, allowing the Curriculum Department to apply for the Illinois District Literacy Grant.

The Board met in Closed Session to discuss personnel and collective bargaining matters.

Following Closed Session, the Board:

• Approved the hiring of James Safarik, the new CMS Dean of Students for the 2025-2026 school year.

The minutes of the April 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.

The next regular Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, May 12, 2024 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at Memorial School, 6701 W. 179th Street in Tinley Park. The Board's Reorganization meeting will immediately precede the regular meeting.

Prior to applying for a SIP Day Waiver with the Illinois State Board of Education, school districts are required to hold a Public Hearing to gather input. The waiver will last five years and is required in order for the District to institute SIP days.

You can stream all of our monthly Board of Education meetings live on YouTube. Past meetings are also available to watch at the same link.

Minutes from the most recent meeting will be posted to BoardDocs after the Board of Education approves them at the following month's meeting.

Please complete the form below if you have any questions or comments about this month's Board of Education Meeting, or Board business.

• Dr. Jeff Stawick, Superintendent
  
• Kelly Voliva, Director of Student Services
• Dr. Wendy Wolgan, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
• Jeff Charleston, Director of Business Services/CSBO
  
• Vern Bettis, Director of Technology
• Matt Shanahan, Director of Buildings and Grounds
• Brooke Dundas, Coordinator of Bilingual Education
• Brianne Oliver, Special Education Coordinator
• Carey Radke, Curriculum Coordinator

Community Consolidated School District 146

Robert Procunier Administration Center

6611 W. 171st Street

Tinley Park, IL 60477

708.614.4500