HF Board Notes 1/21/2025

Meeting Date: January 21, 2025

Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley gave a shout-out to our maintenance staff who work tirelessly in the cold to assure our campus remains safe and well maintained. They have been dealing with a water main break in this cold. Often maintenance staff are the unsung heroes working when students are not at school. We appreciate Jim Patterson, Brad Hamilton and each of the maintence staff members for all that they do. He also congratulated Athletic Director Matt Lyke and Basketball Coach Jamere Dismukes for putting on a three-day Martin Luther King Jr Basketball Event this weekend. The amazing weekend ended with an HF victory over Joliet.

Board Member Steve Anderson gave his monthly reminder to get involved in speaking for common sense gun legislation. He also shared that he attended the MLK Basketball tournament including the welcome addition of girls' games. He got to see a very talented bunch of athletes play. He is also proud of our community for celebrating Dr. King with a Day of Service.

Principal Dr. Clinton Alexander gave a shout-out to faculty and staff for coming back from winter break with zeal. Last week, he held a faculty meeting to share data and to keep them encouraged to continue the work they do with kids. School spirit is high here, including the Second Quarter Incentive, where 580 students were eligible to attend for meeting the required attendance, behavior, and academic standards. Tomorrow, we will celebrate the Students of the Quarter and acknowledge 10 students for how they exemplify the Profile of a Viking. He is also preparing for Rising Viking Days, where he and a group of students will travel to our partner middle schools to highlight what we have here and get them excited about being a future Viking.

The Board of Education unanimously approved a transition away from the traditional class rank system and adopted a college-like laude recognition model. Starting with the freshman class of the 2027-2028 school year, this new system will continue to honor students' high academic performance through designations such as summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude. This decision, supported by the Principal and Superintendent, follows two years of discussion. The change aims to reduce stress, foster exploration of diverse interests, and recognize more students—approximately 170 under cum laude distinctions compared to 10-12 Viking Scholars.

Board members highlighted the social-emotional benefits, noting that class rank pressures students to focus narrowly on grades, often at the expense of well-being and broader academic exploration. Research and consultations with colleges reinforced the decision, as class rank's varying significance at institutions hindered its usefulness. The goal is to prepare students for post-secondary success by emphasizing learning over competition, allowing them to take courses aligned with their interests and career goals without the "grade chase." The change reflects a commitment to holistic student development.

Troy McAllister named Head Football Coach and PE, Health and Driver Education teacher. His career highlights include: Coaching record of 113-48, Two Illinois State Championships, State Runner-Up Finish, 2018 Gatorade Coaching Excellence Award and 2020 Max Preps Illinois Top High School Football Coach.

Nate Nesbit named the new Head Girls Volleyball Coach for the 2025-26 school year. Nesbit brings proven experience, a record of success, and a commitment to athlete development to the Viking volleyball program. His accolades include being named Noble Network Coach of the Year three times (2018-2020) and leading a team to a #8 state ranking in 2020.

Board Vice President Nathan Legardy reported that the Planning Committee met on January 17, 2025. The brief but productive meeting included an update on our Instructional Coaches. Year-over-year utilization and summary utilization are very high. The number of Coaches will reduce from 5 to 4 with one coach choosing to return to the classroom full-time. There was also discussion on PRESS policies on the agenda tonight.

• 2025-26 school year calendar
• A resolution in support of Illinois Vision 2030
• Minutes: Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting December 16, 2024 and Regular Board Meeting December 17, 2024
• Instructional Resources for 2025-2026
• Recommended PRESS Policy Updates
• Expenditures, $3,003,030.80, Imprest Fund, $50,914.57, December, 2024 Payroll, $3,507,969.95
• Personnel Retirement/Resignation/Employment Contracts Retirement, Jeanne Miller, English Department Lead, effective June 30, 2028, Retirement, Jeffrey Treppa, Social Science Teacher, effective June 2028
• 2025-2026 Teacher Contract, Troy McAllister, PE/Health/Driver Education, and Head Varsity Football Coach
• Extra Responsibility Contracts: - Activity Assignments, $47,826.42 and Athletic Assignments for 2025-2026 Head Coaches

• The District 233 School Board meets at 7:00 p.m. in the school's Viking Room - unless otherwise indicated. Upcoming meeting dates:

  • February 18, 2025
  • March 18, 2025
  • April 15, 2025
  • May 20, 2025
  • June 17, 2025