H-F Board Notes 9/20/2022

This is a summary of the happenings at the Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233 Board of Education meeting. It is not the official meeting minutes, but rather a summary to assist the H-F community in understanding the workings of the Board of Education. The official minutes can be found on the H-F website in the School Board section once approved by the Board.

Meeting Date: September 20, 2022

The Board of Education and administration shared enthusiasm for the start of the 2022-23 school year.

School Board President Gerald Pauling thanked Dr. Alexander and the building administration for efforts with Homecoming planning, both for the increase in school spirit and for the commitment to maintaining a safe environment for the celebrations. He also shared that he enjoyed the new staff Meet and Greet that gave Board members an opportunity to get to know new staff in a relaxed setting.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley shared his appreciation for the community involvement in the Hidden Gem, especially the showing of support from H-F students and staff. Approaching mile 5 of the half-marathon and being greeted by cheerleaders, band members and numerous student groups on campus is the highlight of the race. He also shared a very positive letter from a participant in the Gem who lives in another community who wrote about how special our community is. Dr. Wakeley said he couldn't agree more.

Principal Dr. Clinton Alexander shared recent successes on the school's communication goal, including a marked increase in the number of views of the new staff eNewsletter, H-F Happenings. The response has been favorable to the new communication tool aimed at keeping staff members in the know. He also shared that the school spirit surrounding Homecoming has been energizing. There has been a higher demand for dance tickets than in the past, and the school has made more tickets available to meet that demand. It's been a great Homecoming celebration so far.

Board Member Steve Anderson shared that he and those he talks with in the community appreciate the quality and timeliness of communications coming from H-F this school year. Enhancing communication is a Board goal in response to feedback from the community and H-F is making strides towards that goal. He also shared his enthusiasm for Homecoming activities and gratitude for Viking TV's great coverage of the Seniors vs Staff basketball and Powder Puff games.

Board Member Michelle Hoereth shared that when she was campaigning for the board election she held a listening tour with students to seek input on their vision for H-F. This week she provided those thoughts to Dr. Wakeley for his consideration as the district makes plans for the future. Three recurring themes were evident in students' remarks: mental health support, a sense of belonging, and inclusivity, all of which are part of the district's Strategic Plan efforts.

Board Member Pam Jackson shared that Dr. Alexander has brought positive energy to H-F, which is a huge hit with students. She has enjoyed seeing Board members, staff, administration, and students connecting with the community at the Hidden Gem, District 161 Movie Night, Flossmoor Fest, and the first home football game of the season. The new leadership team has hit the ground running, and communication has been noticed by the community. She is also excited about the thought leadership taking place and happy to hear that the district is examining data to identify opportunities for improvement. She looks forward to ongoing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work and efforts to assure all students have a sense of belonging at H-F.

Board Member Nate Legardy shared that the external written and visual communication efforts are outstanding. The climate on campus is noticeably different as we emerge from COVID and students want to be engaged at school and with each other. The high demand for Homecoming dance tickets is an indicator of this enthusiasm. Kudos to the staff who plan these activities for students. He also thanked Director of Operations Jim Patterson for the improvements he has made to school facilities. He attended the H-F Resiliency Project kickoff and is impressed with this important initiative to measure and support student and staff behavioral health. He also thanked Superintendent and Board Secretary Pat Gnaster for her efforts over the past eight months to transition board policies to the online PRESS policy format that is now available on the H-F website.

Board Member Cynthia Turnquest shared that she echoes her fellow Board members' enthusiasm for the start of the school year. It's great to see the school year start with everyone hitting the ground running and she is excited for all that is to come for H-F.

Director of Communications and Community Engagement Carla Erdey shared that the Your VOICE Matters communication audit process has been running smoothly. Response to the survey from students, staff and parents was high providing a reliability rate of between 3.7% and 4.7%, which surpassed our goal. Focus groups are ongoing and the response has been very favorable toward the Board's and administration's desire to hear what people think about communication and engagement. The results of the audit will be used to develop a strategic communication plan that is called for in Goal 4 of the district's Strategic Plan.

The Board of Education held a public hearing regarding the 2022-23 budget. There were no public comments or questions at the hearing.

In action, the Board of Education unanimously approved the budget. Overall, the budget is balanced with projected revenue of $63,495,588 and projected expenditures of $63,312,909, resulting in a slight surplus.

Highlights include instructional enhancements in technology and renovation construction to enhance science, culinary, and fashion design programs as we prepare students for future career paths. Roofing projects and resurfacing of the indoor track, as well as an increase for contractual purchased services including utilities, transportation, cleaning services, professional development, and field trips are included in the budget.

Revenues include an increase in state and federal grants, a 2.72% increase in property tax income, and a 7.4% decrease in other local revenue. State Evidence-Based Funding remains flat.

The Board of Education unanimously approved the Southland Career and Technical Education Center Joint Agreement (SCTEC), which allows school boards to enter into joint agreements with community college districts and other school districts to provide career education or advanced vocational training.

As H-F prepares our 2,700+ students to enter the workforce, a comprehensive vocational training center is a vital component of the college and career preparation our students deserve and our community expects.

The program will provide career awareness and exploration leading to certificates, credentials, licenses and internships. The Southland Career and Technical Education Center will introduce students to viable career options and will provide a skilled workforce for the Southland in the areas of most need, which could include construction, manufacturing, aviation, public safety, urban agriculture, information technology, and logistics and supply chain management. The center will be an economic engine to strengthen our local community, while providing students with viable career options in high-wage, high-skill and high-demand occupations.

This agreement does not cover a financial commitment for the construction of the facility. It is anticipated that will be funded through grants and other outside sources that are being sought by the Center.

The Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing the proposed Homewood School District 153 referendum that will be on the November 8, 2022, General Election Ballot, to enhance the physical assets to continue meeting the educational needs of students in Homewood School District 153, who are future Vikings.

• Approved minutes from the August 16, 2022 meeting.
  
• Approved the 2022-23 annual tuition rate for non-resident students at $19,222.97.
  
• Approved compensation reports required by Public Acts 96-0435 and 97-0609.
• Approved personnel action including, resignation, hiring and extra responsibility contracts.
• Authorized the Superintendent to submit an application for the FY23 Round 1 School Maintenance Project Grant with the Illinois State Board of Education for up to a $50,000 matching grant to support roofing projects.

The District 233 School Board meets at 7:30 p.m. in the school's South Building Library - unless otherwise indicated. Upcoming meeting dates:

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022

Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Tuesday, June 20, 2023