February 2025 Board Meeting Recap

Regular Board Meeting

Board Secretary Shawn Killackey filled in for the Board President and stated that a letter was sent to District 79 and District 120 families last week regarding the forthcoming Ivanhoe Village development and the disappointing negotiations between the developers and the School Districts to date. The districts will continue to advocate in order to maintain our educational priorities and so that current taxpayers don't need to endure a financial burden from the development. Additionally, the Board heard a presentation from the District's Student Services department at its February 3 Finance and Facilities meeting regarding special education programming. Teachers and staff were thanked for their efforts in supporting all students.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Trisha Kocanda recapped the recent Parent Book Club event focused on "The Anxious Generation." She thanked all who participated in an open dialogue on the topic of student technology use and she appreciates the Fremont PTO for their continued collaboration on our Parent University series. She also thanked Countryside Fire Protection District for engaging with our elementary school students this week on fire safety. Finally, three new superintendents will be taking over soon at Mundelein High School District 120/75, Diamond Lake District 76, and Stevenson High School District 125. We look forward to our continued collaboration with these surrounding districts and their new leaders.

Pledge of Allegiance

This month's Pledge of Allegiance was led by students from Lincoln Early Learning Center and members of the Fremont Middle School Service Club.

Board Recognition

This month's meeting featured a recognition for David Brenner, a parent representative on the District's Technology Review Committee. Mr. Brenner has served on the committee for the last 11 years.

Presentation

Ivanhoe Village Development Negotiations and Timeline

Dr. Kocanda provided an update on the District's negotiations with the developers of the proposed Ivanhoe Village development, which is slated to produce 3,700 residential units and add 1,000 additional students to the District once complete.

Background Shared:

• Recent developments in Mundelein, Hawthorn Woods, and Wauconda result in 505 residential units.

• These new developments, coupled with Ivanhoe Village, are expected to put the District at school capacity in the following years:

• Elementary School - SY2028

• Intermediate School - SY2031

• Middle School - SY2033

• Impact fees are paid by developers to school districts to offset the costs related to the specific and uniquely attributable impact of a new development. In order for the District to justify this specific impact, the following studies were conducted:

• Ivanhoe Village Impact Study by Johnson Research Group

• 10-year enrollment forecast by Cropper GIS

• School capacity analysis by DLR Architects

• Educational Long-Range Facility Plan by DLR Architects

• Financial forecasting by PMA

• After an initial meeting with District 79 and District 120 on January 22, the developers ceased negotiations with the School Districts.

• The School Districts shared an update letter with their respective communities on February 21 expressing their disappointment with the process, asking the Village of Mundelein to slow down the development plan process, and asking the Village's assistance in renewing negotiations.

• Four legislators sent a letter to the Village on February 24 expressing their displeasure with the developers' unacceptable behavior towards the School Districts and outlined an expectation that the Village take corrective action and provide the School Districts with a seat at the table.

• The School Districts remain undeterred and will continue to pursue all options for appropriate consideration.

Informational Items

District Discipline Task Force Update

Krista Winkelman, Executive Director of Student Services, provided an update on the committee, which is new to the District this year. The committee is reviewing current practices, examining best practices, updating discipline practices, and making necessary changes to the Family Handbook. District staff has been provided professional development on the topic and new areas have been identified that will be incorporated into the 2025-2026 Family Handbook.

Away for the Day Initiative Update

The District conducted a survey of students, parents/guardians, and staff regarding the District's new Away for the Day initiative this year in which students need to put away their electronic devices during the school day. The survey results indicate a positive reception to the initiative, while highlighting areas for improvement related to communication and enforcement. The District Discipline Task Force is reviewing the survey results and will determine areas for enhancement.

Right at School (RAS) Wednesday After-School Program

The District has been examining the sustainability of its no-cost Wednesday Right at School program due to student safety issues, loss of instructional time, staff demands, and cost of programming. Families participating in the program had the opportunity to participate in a survey. Based upon a review of the data, starting in 2025-2026 the District intends to limit the program to 100 students, begin the program the first week of September, require registration for the entire school year, and require constant parent pick-up or bus transportation. The program will continue to be offered at no cost to families.

The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:

1. 2025-26 School Year Annual School Fee Approval
2. 2025-26 School Year Lincoln Early Learning Center School Calendar
3. Concussion Oversight Committee Recommendation
4. Resolution 25-18 Providing For The Reduction In Force Of Educational Support Staff

To view the Board Packet materials from the February 24, 2025 Meeting, click here.

Address: 28855 North Fremont Center Road, Mundelein, IL

Phone: (847) 566-0169

Website: fsd79.org

Twitter: @FSD79

Instagram: @FSD79

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