Following the Reorganization Meeting, the newly seated Board of Education called to order its regular May Meeting.
The meeting was held at Memorial School and began with the recognition of the Young Authors District Grand Champions. The District’s Young Authors were honored at a Celebration Event in April where the Grand Champions were announced. One Champion was selected for each grade group: Kindergarten-1st Grade, 2nd-3rd Grade, 4th-5th Grade, and 6th-8th Grade.
The students recognized at the meeting were Madison Silva (Kruse, Kindergarten), Mason Esquivel (Kruse, 2nd Grade), Clara Zaker (Fierke, 4th Grade), and Hailey Johnstone (CMS, 7th Grade).
Following the recognition, the Board heard the following from Superintendent Dr. Jeff Stawick:
- The Curriculum Department has received a $2,500 literacy grant. The funds are already being used to continue updating curriculum.
- The District held Kindergarten Screening on April 30. There were 95 incoming kindergarteners screened during the event. The Kindergarten and ELL teams were thanked for their support and assistance throughout the process.
- A group of 8th grade students traveled to Washington, D.C. where they visited national monuments, museums, and historical sites. Staff and chaperones reported that all of the students were engaged, respectful, and represented the District well.
- The CMS Band recently traveled to Walt Disney World in Florida where they performed at Disney Springs, took part in an animation and soundtrack clinic, and had some free time to explore the parks.
- Pre-construction meetings with DLA and Reed Construction are being held to develop the schedule and logistics for the CMS renovation, and to finalize material submittals. Staff at CMS have been packing up materials and organizing their rooms as everything in the school will be relocated to the two gyms upon the last day of school. Over the summer, CMS staff and private music instruction will temporarily be moved to Memorial.
- At the June Board meeting, the Board will be asked to approve their participation in Board professional development programs.
The Board also heard the following:
- The president of the teacher’s union said staff are busy in the buildings with MAP testing, field trips, author visits, and end-of-the-year planning. She also thanked the Board, Administration, PTOs, and PTAs for their recognition of Staff Appreciation Week.
- The ESP Union thanked the Board, staff, and families for all of the attention and affection shown during Staff Appreciation Week, and the recognition throughout the year.
- Curriculum Coordinator Carey Radke told the Board that the District is initiating a phased adoption of a new ELA resource for grades K-5, Amplify CKLA. The first phase, beginning in 2025-2026, is professional learning and exploration.
- Mrs. Radke also explained that the Illinois Consolidated District Plan (CDP) is required by ISBE in order to apply for and receive federal grant funding. The Board must approve the plan before it is submitted to ISBE, and they will be asked to do so at the June meeting.
- A list of items to be declared as surplus was submitted to the Board. They will be asked at the June meeting to approve the items for sale, donation, or disposal.
The Board took the following action at the meeting:
- Approved the purchase of whiteboards and tack boards as part of the CMS renovation project.
- Approved the replacement of the domestic hot water boiler at CMS. A portion of this project will be covered by the State of Illinois Maintenance Grant.
- Approved the replacement of a boiler at Fulton.
- Approved the Board of Education Meeting Dates for the 2025-2026 school year.
The Board met in Closed Session to discuss personnel and collective bargaining matters.
The minutes of the May meeting will be available on BoardDocs once approved by the Board of Education at the next meeting. A recording of the meeting can be viewed on the District's YouTube Channel.
