Board Highlights
The Winnetka Public Schools, March 2025
Work Session
FY26 Student Fees
The Board held a Work Session to discuss student fee philosophy and how to set fees for the 2024/2025 school year.
Regular Meeting
Mr. Dan Waters, Board President, reiterated the District’s commitment to belonging for all in our school community.
Mr. Waters also shared that Ms. Katherine Myers-Crum has resigned from the School Board. A letter was sent to The Winnetka Public Schools community with this news along with the Board’s process to fill the vacancy position.
Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, recognized District administration and educators for their unwavering commitment to excellence to benefit our students and families.
Dr. Tess congratulated Carleton Washburne School* Principal Dr. Andrew Fenton, who has accepted a position as the Director of Teaching and Learning in Lake Forest District 67 and The Skokie School Assistant Principal Mr. Larry Joynt, who accepted a Principalship in Elmhurst District 205. *On March 20 it was announced that Crow Island Principal, Dr. Luke Livingston, will be appointed Principal of Carleton Washburne School on July 1, 2025.
Reports on the following Committees were shared by participating Board Members:
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
Winnetka Public Schools Foundation
Stewardship Committee
TrueNorth Leadership Council
Regular Meeting
PRESENTATION
The staffing plan was presented for the 2025/2026 school year. Student enrollment will continue to be monitored closely between now and the start of next school year to ensure that needs are met and the District is effectively planning for 2025/2026.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Bulley & Andrews shared an Executive Summary on construction.
The District’s K-8 math curriculum review continues to progress with valuable learning experiences, classroom pilots, and professional development opportunities. The District remains committed to a research-based approach in selecting high-quality instructional materials for students.
The Board was provided with an update on the District’s Strategic Planning process, facilitated by Dr. Pat Greco of Studer Education. The Core Advisory Team met on March 10 and reviewed data gleaned from recent stakeholder engagement. The Stategic Plan draft will be presented to the Board for approval in April 2025.
A recommendation was made for 2025/2026 fees, which was discussed in a Work Session prior to the Regular Meeting during which the fees were approved.
Selection of Architect for Facility Assessment Plan
The RFQ for a complete facility assessment and the state-required 10 year Health/Life Safety Report was concluded. FGM Architects was the firm recommended by the committee and later approved by the Board. FGM will present their findings in Fall 2025.
2025/2026 Budget Calendar Update
An update on the budget process was provided to the Board. In addition, a Cost Per Pupil Analysis was developed in conjunction with the 2025/2026 staff recommendations. This document will be updated monthly as more information becomes available
Financial Reports for February 2025 were presented. The district operational expenses are currently 58.5% of the annual budget with 64% of the financial calendar elapsed. At this pace, the district would be 9% under budget at the end of the year. Construction expenses for the Referendum work are tracking to budget, with 75% of the funds expended.
The Policy Subcommittee brought forward draft updates for Policies 8:80, Gifts to the District, 4:150 Facility Management and Building Programs, and 6:250 Community Resource Persons and Volunteers for a 1st read and discussion.
The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:
Staffing Plan 2025/2026
Student Fees 2025/2026
Selection of Architect for Facility Assessment Report
To view the entire Board Packet from the March 18, 2025 meeting, click here.