November 2024 Board Meeting Recap

Public Hearing

The evening began with a public hearing regarding paving repairs to school grounds related to health, life, and safety amendments.

Regular Board Meeting

Board President Gabriela Whipple and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Trisha Kocanda reiterated the District's commitment to safety and security amid a recent threat of school violence. They commended those who followed through on the culture of "See Something, Say Something" by proactively reaching out to school administrators and local law enforcement. Dr. Kocanda reinforced the resources the District has in place to support those who may need assistance. The District remains committed to being vigilant with its safety and security protocols.

Dr. Kocanda remarked on the recent Veterans Day holiday and the assemblies and activities that the schools participated in to recognize those in the military. The District received four awards from the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) for its financial report, mailed newsletter, Fremont Feature video series, and an informational sheet. The District has launched a new podcast focused on highlighting student leadership. Additionally, the Board will be attending this week's Joint Annual Conference in Chicago and will be hosting two panel presentations.

Pledge of Allegiance

This month's Pledge of Allegiance was led by members of the Fremont Intermediate School PAWS Committee.

Presentation

Members of the Steering Committee presented the recommended 20-year Educational Long-Range Facility Plan (ELFP) to the Board. The phased plan takes the following factors into consideration:

• Enrollment Growth (additional 1,000 students over the next 20-25 years)
• Educational Priorities
• Facility Assessment (maintenance & repair)

The Steering Committee has been meeting since January 2024 and has incorporated the community's goals and priorities. The plan, which will be voted on by the Board at its December 18 meeting, will serve as a dynamic roadmap for future planning.

Informational Items

Draft 2025-26 K-8 School Calendar

Allison Stempien, Executive Director of Human Resources, presented a draft of the K-8 school calendar for the 2025-26 school year. The winter break and spring break continue to align with those at Mundelein High School and Stevenson High School. The first day for students will be August 21, 2025, while the final day (without emergency days) is scheduled for June 5, 2026. The school calendar for Lincoln Early Learning Center is forthcoming.

First Reading of Updated Board Policies

The Policy Committee met on November 11 to review updates from PRESSPlus Issue 117, released on October 30. Discussions focused on wording changes to various policies in response to recent legislation, legal decisions, and a district-initiated revision to the Fund Balance policy.

The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:

1. Health Life Safety Amendments
2. Resolution 25-05 Authorizing Funds for Paving Projects
3. Resolutions (25-06, 25-07, 25-08) for 2024 Final Levy
4. Resolution 25-09 Authorizing the Abatement of a Portion of the 2024 Taxes
5. Resolution 25-10 To Join the Intergovernmental Agreement known as The Omnia Purchasing Cooperative
6. Resolution 25-11 Authorizing Disposal of District Personal Property
7. Award of Bid: #02-2025 School Buses
8. District-wide Tuckpointing Project
9. 2025 School Maintenance Project Grant
10. Substitute Premium Rate Plan
11. Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Resolutions

To view the Board Packet materials from the November 18, 2024 Meeting, click here.

Address: 28855 North Fremont Center Road, Mundelein, IL

Phone: (847) 566-0169

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