December 2022 Board Meeting Recap
Fremont School District 79
The evening began with a Public Hearing regarding the 2022 Tax Levy. The approved final levy was for an amount of $30,615,455. The 2022 levy is built on new construction valued at $16M, Consumer Price Index (CPI) capped at 5%, and Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) at $987M. With these factors, the levy is 6.95% higher than the 2021 extension as it captures unknown new property growth and a 5% CPI tax cap for existing property owners. Although the District is asking for this amount, the amount received is less. The tax resources will be used to fund high needs areas related to: 1) Improving recruitment and retention of staff in part by addressing below-market salaries, 2) Implementing tuition-free full-day kindergarten, and 3) Addressing ongoing facility maintenance and security needs.
Additional information regarding the levy can be found on our website.
Interfund Transfer Public Hearing
A Public Hearing also was held for an interfund transfer. The FY23 approved budget included a interfund transfer of $200,000 from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Capital Projects Fund. This was a planned transfer per financial committee discussions.
Regular Board Meeting
Dr. Trisha Kocanda, Superintendent of Schools, provided an update on the Superintendent's Entry Plan. Throughout the fall, we have connected with approximately 450 individuals (ages 8 - 80+) through our various focus groups and one-on-one sessions, with those interactions spanning nearly 70 hours. From these interactions with parents, staff, and students, the administrative team compiled a list of themes that emerged. A survey will be distributed to all households within the District boundaries in early January to help verify data from the fall focus groups. This survey will help prioritize the goal areas as we develop the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. The survey will remain open through January 21.
Additionally, Dr. Kocanda provided an update on the search for the District's new Director of IT and Network Security position. Craig Albers from Round Lake CUSD 116 has accepted the position and will be joining the District on February 1, 2023.
Informational Items
New Ivanhoe Village Development
A proposed 700+ acre mixed-use development project located entirely within Fremont School District 79 boundaries was formally annexed by the Village of Mundelein at its Board meeting on December 12. Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz committed to working with the schools and the developer to study the enrollment impact and negotiate a fair and reasonable impact fee schedule.
The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:
Internal Substitute and Tutor Rate Memorandum of Understanding
2022 Final Tax Levy
Abatement of a Portion of the 2022 Taxes
Bid Award for Fremont Elementary School Parking Lot Improvement Project
Medline Property Tax Abatement
Interfund Transfer
To view the Board Packet materials from the December 19, 2022 Meeting, click here.
Fremont School District 79
Address: 28855 North Fremont Center Road, Mundelein, IL
Phone: (847) 566-0169
Website: fsd79.org
Twitter: @FSD79
Instagram: @FSD79
YouTube: youtube.com/FSD79