August 2022 Board Meeting Recap
Fremont School District 79
E-Learning Plan Public Hearing
The evening began with a Public Hearing regarding the renewal of the District’s E-Learning Plan in lieu of utilizing Emergency Days at the end of the school year.
Regular Board Meeting
Gabriela Whipple, Board President, welcomed all in attendance. She provided the following updates:
Members of the Board of Education enjoyed the opportunity to attend the District’s Institute Day for teachers and staff on August 15.
Teachers were commended for their preparations for the start of the new school year.
The BOE met with a field director from the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) at the July meeting. It was an opportunity for the Board to renew their practices.
Going forward, non-confidential items on the monthly Board meeting agenda will be available to the public beginning at noon on the day of Board meetings.
FSD79 intends to begin live streaming monthly Board meetings, no later than November.
The Board Policy handbook is now available on the District’s website.
Dr. Trisha Kocanda, Superintendent of Schools, remarked on the following items in conjunction with the start of the new school year:
It has been a positive start to the school year. In an effort to build a sense of connection, this year’s theme is “Better Together.” Teachers are focused on building relationships.
The Elementary, Intermediate, and Middle Schools will be hosting their respective Curriculum Nights this week.
The Board’s July 25 approval to reduce full-day kindergarten tuition and waive fees for those families qualifying for financial assistance impacted 21 students.
Board of Education Recognition
The Board of Education instituted a new agenda item this month as it will be recognizing groups or individuals for their service or an accomplishment. The first group to be recognized was the District’s Maintenance Department for all that they do to maintain, update, and improve the District’s buildings and grounds on a daily basis.
Presentations
Ivy Fleming, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, provided the Tentative Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The revenues for FY23 are budgeted to be $33,038,951 and the expenditures are budgeted for $32,887,300. The over FY23 budget is expected to be .73% lower than FY22 primarily due to lower debt payments. ESSER II and III federal grants expenditures were also reviewed. FY23 ending fund balance is projected to be at $31,163,259.
The Administrative team presented their draft annual goals for the 2022-23 school year. The areas of focus consist of Community Engagement, Student Achievement, High-Quality Staff, and Financial Stewardship. The Board of Education will vote to approve the goals at the September 26, 2022 Board Meeting.
Informational Items
FSD79 hosts a variety of summer programs each year for incoming 1st through 8th grade students. The goal of these programs is to provide learning opportunities for our students throughout the summer. This past summer, we were fortunate to hold three different sessions. We held a three-week in person Summer School Session I at the beginning of the summer, a two-week in-person Summer School Session II at the end of the summer, and a remote Summer Boost session throughout the summer.
The District’s unwavering commitment to a culture of safety promotes a continuous improvement approach. This memo outlines a summary of work District officials have been engaging in this summer, along with sharing upcoming next steps.
The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:
Resolution Authorizing Disposal of School District Personal Property
Technology Purchases
Waiver of Requirements of Board Sick Leave Policy and Sick Leave Provision of Collective Bargaining Agreement
Resolution to Renew E-Learning Program in Lieu of the District's Scheduled Emergency Days
Resolution Adopting TRS Supplemental Savings Plan
Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of Education of Fremont School District No. 79 and the Fremont Education Association (FEA) Regarding Tenured Evaluation Cycles
New Anaphylaxis Policy
To view the Board Packet materials from the August 22, 2022 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