
Board Highlights
The Winnetka Public Schools, January 2024
2024/2025 Calendar approved
Families may now access the calendar for the upcoming school year, also available on our District website.
Regular Board Meeting
Emily Rose, President, welcomed all to the meeting. She thanked the District’s Buildings & Grounds and Maintenance teams for their efforts keeping our buildings safe in light of recent inclement weather.
Reports on the following Committees were shared by participating Board Members:
Winnetka Public Schools Foundation
Facility Subcommittee & Special Meeting
Crow Island Stewardship Committee
Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent, echoed Ms. Rose in her appreciation for the District staff’s work to keep students and campuses safe during the winter season. Additionally, Dr. Tess shared a preview of the Administration’s anticipated work throughout the remainder of the 2023/2024 school year.
Painting our Portrait:
Monthly, a selection of the five District schools share a video to showcase an initiative that helps support attributes outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate: Global Citizen, Lifelong Learner, Effective Communicator, Empathetic, Resilient, Creative Problem Solver and Collaborative.
Skokie students shared Project Based Learning and skills highlights in this short (entirely student produced!) video.
Presentation
Fiscal Year 2023 Auditors’ Report
Betsy Allen, the District’s auditor from Miller, Cooper & Co. Ltd. presented the audit for Fiscal Year 2023. The School Board then approved the audited Annual Financial Report (AFR) and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year 2023.
Informational Items
An update was shared on this process. Prior to the literacy curriculum recommendation to the Board in April, there will be a work session centered on the literacy pilot and review in March.
2024/2025 Staffing Process
The Board was given an overview of the process for the staffing process as the District prepares for the 2024/2025 school year. Also included is a mention of work being done to standardize hiring practices across the District with more details to follow in February as part of the Mid-Year Goal Updates.
2024/2025 Calendar Recommendation
The Board was presented with a recommended calendar for the 2024/2025 school year, and later approved the calendar. The recommendation is the result of District Calendar Committee (comprised of staff, administrators, Board, parental) input.
The School Board was provided with information regarding Extended School Year for the summer of 2024. Extended School Year is the only summer program this school year due to construction on all 5 Winnetka Public Schools.
The School Board approved the referendum work scope for The Skokie School. This included seven bid packages for various trades.
Carleton Washburne Bid Package
The School Board approved the referendum work scope for Carleton Washburne. This included seven bid packages for various trades.
Security Bid Package-All Schools
The School Board approved two bid packages for the referendum work scope of security improvements for all five buildings. This is work that will enhance and improve security at all of the District’s facilities.
FY25 Budget Calendar & Preparation
The School Board was presented with the Budget Calendar for Fiscal Year 2025 and authorized the CFO, Brad Goldstein to prepare the budget for review by the Board in June.
Project Authorization for Crow Island-Bulley & Andrews
The School Board approved the Project Authorization for the District’s Construction Manager, Bulley & Andrews to manage the construction phase at Crow Island. This work will span both the summers of 2024 and 2025.
Perkins & Will Project Authorization for Additional Scope
The School Board approved the Project Authorization for the District’s Architect, Perkins & Will. This included scope related to the Long-Term Maintenance plan, which is work outside the scope of the referendum. This work will span both the summers of 2024 and 2025.
Bullety & Andrews shared a monthly Executive Summary on construction.
Recommended Updates to School Board Policy – 1st & 2nd Read
The School Board held a 1st read on Policy updates prepared by the Illinois Association of School Boards Policy Reference Service reflecting General Assembly legislative updates, administrative rules, Advisory Board feedback, and continuous improvement. The Policy Subcommittee was unable to convene in January and therefore submitted only those policies for which legislative changes were effective by January 1, 2024 for a 2nd read and adoption.
The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:
2024/2025 Academic Calendar
FY2023 Auditors' Financial Reports
Bid Period 2 - Summer 2024 and 2025 The Skokie School
Bid Period 2 - Summer 2024 and 2025 Carleton Washburne School
Bid Period 2 - Summer 2024 and 2025 Security Bid Package All Schools
FY25 Budget Resolution Directing the Chief Financial Officer to Prepare the FY2025 Budget
Project Authorization for Crow Island School: Bulley & Andrews
Project Authorization for The Skokie, Carleton Washburne, and Crow Island School: Perkins & Will
To view the entire Board Packet from the January 2024 Meeting, click here.