May 2023 Board Meeting Recap
Fremont School District 79
Regular Board Meeting
Gabriela Whipple, Board President, opened by mentioning that the Board recently toured the entire campus to better understand current and future facility needs. The Board also participated in a work session to review and contribute to the upcoming 2023-27 Strategic Plan. Congratulations went out to the graduating Class of 2023, the conference-champion 7th-grade boys volleyball team, as well as all the band and choir students who participated in their spring concerts. A special thank you was expressed to all employees as part of the recent Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.
Dr. Trisha Kocanda, Superintendent of Schools, began by remarking on the reveal of the updated wildcat mascot logo. Additionally, there is much to celebrate this time of year, including the MAP torch-passing ceremonies, the Middle School color run, and the National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony. Special recognition was given to departing administrators Carol Bennett and Dr. Jane Pedersen for their service to the District. The District's Strategic Plan is expected to be approved at the June Board meeting with a rebrand to coincide with its release.
The Board of Education recognized six graduating three-year members of the Fremont Middle School Hope Squad. The Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer self-harm prevention program. Members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers and are trained by Fremont advisors. The program reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention.
Presentations
Pilot Career Technical Education (CTE)
Middle School teacher Don Doll and principal Krista Winkelman presented on the Career Technical Education (CTE) pilot program that Fremont Middle School is slated to launch for the 2023-24 school year. The program is designed as an initial step for students to explore career pathways. These pathways continue as learners move through high school as well as postsecondary education. The program will be implemented as a voluntary 8th-grade flex class for 2023-24, with 85 students already expressing interest in participating. The pilot experience will inform the model for 2024-25 and beyond. We will be one of the first middle schools in the area to introduce a middle school program.
Informational Items
Executive Director of Student Services Entry Plan
The entry plan for Executive Director of Student Services Krista Winkelman reaffirms the District's commitment to collaboration in striving for equitable instruction and learning opportunities for all Pre-K through 8th-grade students in an inclusive environment.
The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:
Middle School Principal Contract for Emily Loerakker
Assistant Director of Student Services Contract for Tegan Dittmer
Lincoln Principal Contract for Katie O'Brien
FY24 Consolidated District Plan
ECRA Group, Inc. Contract Renewal
Frontline Education Subscription Renewal
Common Goal Systems Subscription Renewal
NWEA MAP Subscription Renewal
Resolution Authorizing Disposal of School District Personal Property
Bus Driver Annual Salary Increases and Market Adjustment
Bus Driver Sign-on Bonus and Referral Bonus
District Office Furniture Purchase
Multifunction Devices Contract
Reduction In Force: Maintenance Department
To view the Board Packet materials from the May 22, 2023 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