Board Highlights
The Winnetka Public Schools, February 2025
February 2025
Work Session
A Work Session focused on Differentiation was led by Dr. Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning. Dr. Mathison outlined the definition of differentiation and the resources needed to effectively implement differentiated instruction. District principals shared how educators are focusing on meeting student needs through differentiation by analyzing performance data and working in collaborative teams to develop instructional plans.
Regular Meeting
Dan Waters, Board President, noted the focus of the evening would be on a mid-year update toward the District’s Annual Goals and School Improvement Plans. He lauded the fact that there has never been more data available to teachers and parents in the history of the district, helping educators actively meet the needs of each student. He also recognized that data is a tool to support educators: “the true magic happens in each of their own classrooms in their own way.”
In light of National Public Schools Week, Mr. Waters stated that you will hear the term “you belong here” in the District. He noted the District’s commitment to student services, equity and inclusion, in order to ensure that every student receives the educational opportunities they deserve in our schools. According to Mr. Waters, “When we say You Belong Here we mean EVERYONE.”
Superintendent, Dr. Kelly Tess, said that the Administration was eager to present a mid-year progress update to the Board after five months of targeted work toward annual goals and school improvement plans. “At this point in the year we still have three full months of instructional time remaining and lots of opportunity to continue on a path of growth; however, I want to reiterate that we are seeing a level of growth across our grade levels and buildings that we have not seen before. Our students are meeting benchmarks earlier in the year than in previous years and growth amongst our youngest students is exceeding projections. This does not happen without hard work. Our teachers, associates, coaches and administrators are those getting it done.”
Reports on the following Committees were shared by participating Board Members:
- Finance Subcommittee Meeting - February 4, 2025
- Winnetka Public Schools Foundation - February 5, 2025
Presentations
Annual Goals and School Improvement Plans: Mid-Year Update
Central Office administration, along with building principals, provided a mid-year update of the District Improvement Plan and individual School Improvement Plans. The Plans align with the District’s Strategic Planning efforts, which officially commenced in January 2025. This streamlined format is intended to ensure clarity surrounding District priority work and goals, which are data-driven and focused on best addressing current student needs.
Informational Items
The K-8 math curriculum review continues with resource pilots across middle school grades.
Pilot Progress:
Grade 7 completed the Big Ideas Math & You pilot and will begin Illustrative Mathematics (Imagine Learning) after spring break. Teachers attended training on February 10.
Grades 6 and 8 are piloting Big Ideas Math & You as planned.
Grade 5 will begin piloting Big Ideas Math & You in February.
Next Steps:
Ongoing collection of teacher and student feedback.
March 10 Math Leadership Team meeting to review pilot progress, finalize K-4 pilot plans, and prepare for grade 7’s next pilot.
Continued communication on pilot updates and feedback opportunities.
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 will reconvene March 10 to review data gleaned from recent stakeholder engagement.
Preliminary 2025/2026 Staffing Plan
This first preliminary staffing plan for the 25/26 school year was shared. Staffing priorities include taking into account student enrollment, special education needs, programmatic reallocation, and financial commitments. Overall, the projected staffing implications show certified staff FTE (Full Time Equivalent) going up by 6.8 FTE (includes both reduction/increases in staff as explained in the memo due to the above priorities), and instructional classified staff decreasing by 3 FTE for the 25/26 school year.
A preview of student fees was shared with the Board in preparation for the March meeting. There will be a work session to discuss the fee rates for 2025/2026.
Construction continues to progress as scheduled. The Financial Report slides show the progress of each contract and funding remaining.
Bulley & Andrews shared an Executive Summary on construction.
Bid Results: Crow Island Landscaping/Playground
The bid opening for the Crow Island Landscaping and Playground Installation. Multiple bidders submitted, the lowest bidder was KD Landscaping. After performing a scope review with the company, it is recommended that their bid of $313,646 be accepted.
Project Authorizations for Construction Projects
There are many projects that have needed additional architectural services. This includes the Crow Island Landscaping, Security and Hardware Services, and Services for Skokie and Washburne, and Crow Island. The scope of work was presented and later approved.
The Greely PTO proposed a furniture donation for the cafe area of the teacher’s lounge. The cost of the furniture is $13,000, requiring Board approval.
The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:
- Owners Representative Agreement between The Winnetka Public Schools and Cotter Consulting
- Greeley PTO Furniture Donation
- Perkins & Will Additional Services: Project Authorization Exhibits for Crow Island Door Security and Hardware Security Modifications Skokie and Washburne, Architectural Services Crow Island Faculty Kitchen
- Bid Approval Crow Island Landscaping and Playground Installation
To view the entire Board Packet from the February 25, 2025 meeting, click here.