June 2024 Board Meeting Recap
Fremont School District 79
The evening began with a Public Hearing regarding a budget waiver. The District exceeded the administrative cost limitation for FY24 due to retention and recruitment-based salary market adjustments as well as an invoice error due to a vendor not invoicing the District for services rendered.
Regular Board Meeting
Gabriela Whipple, Board President, stated that a collaborative work session with the District leadership team was held prior to the meeting to review the District's strategic goal plans for next school year. The buildings, grounds, and maintenance staff were thanked for their hard work in helping make improvements and repairs to our schools during the summer months. Summer school programs are underway and the teachers were thanked for empowering students outside the traditional school year.
Dr. Trisha Kocanda, Superintendent of Schools, recognized the teachers and staff who are utilizing this time of the year to participate in professional learning. They are also working on various collaborative curricular projects to bring new and innovative approaches into the new school year. Board member Dave Whitson was recognized for his recent retirement from teaching after more than 30 years.
Presentations
Members of the Central Office team provided a year-end update on the District's annual goals for the 2023-2024 school year. The goal areas focused on Community Engagement, Student Achievement, High-Quality Staff, and Financial Stewardship.
Informational Items
Educational Long-Range Facility Plan (ELFP) Update
All district parents and staff received an email regarding the results of the April community survey, and a letter was mailed to all households within District boundaries in the following days. The community-based steering committee held its fifth monthly meeting on May 29. The meeting focused on reviewing the community survey results and providing feedback on initial facility concepts for the short- and long-term.
Professional Learning Survey Update
District teachers, school personnel, and educational support personnel participated in a professional learning survey in May. The planning for next year is being crafted to align with these identified areas, offering a blend of common learning activities and personalized options for development. The survey results will further guide the refinement of these plans to ensure that they resonate with the strategic plan, and are responsive to staff’s professional aspirations.
Student Growth and Achievement Update
Dr. Brian Bullis, Assistant Superintendent of Learning, provided a Spring 2024 MAP data update. In math, seven of the eight grades met or exceeded their growth projections from last spring to this spring. The District has been working to increase the growth of achievement of our females and is currently on pace in that regard. In reading, six of the eight grades met or exceeded their growth projections over the last year.
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Renewals
Ivy Fleming, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, provided an update on employee insurance renewal rates for FY25, which were favorable for the District.
Proposed IASB Resolution: Polling Places in Schools
The Board of Education received a proposed resolution from Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103 asking if other local boards are interested in co-sponsoring it. The proposed resolution would allow schools to hold classes on Election Day if none of the buildings used by students within the district serve as polling places.
The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:
- Second Reading of Proposed Board Policies
- Appoint District Treasurer and Authorize Purchase of Treasurer's Bond
- Submission of Request of Waiver of Administrative Cost Limitation (Expenditure Increase) for Fiscal Year 2024
- Disposal of School District Personal Property
- Collective Liability Insurance Coop Renewal
- Agreement Extension with Quest Food Management Services, LLC
- Purchase Agreement with Unity School Bus Parts
- Service Contract with IMEG for Land Survey
- Amendment to Agreement with HES Facilities Management
- Accept Donation to the Band Scholarship Fund
To view the Board Packet materials from the June 17, 2024 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