Board Brief - 03/12/2025
March 12, 2025
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
John G. Conyers Learning Academy - Broadcasting Club
The Conyers Learning Academy (CLA) Broadcasting Club virtually led the Board of Education in the Pledge of Allegiance at the March meeting. This club provides students in the ABLE and REACH programs with opportunities to build confidence, develop communication skills, and express themselves in a supportive environment.
Principal Starry shared that through hands-on broadcasting experience, students strengthen their teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking abilities while aligning their work with CLA’s level system as both an incentive and a platform for personal growth. Members create broadcast projects, practice active listening, and learn how to give and receive feedback, all while fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work.
The club is led by Matt Kooiker (Intermediate REACH Teacher) and includes the following student members:
Sofia C., Xavier C., Eli F., Noah H., Bryston K., Fey L., Gustavo N., Matan S., Sasha W., and Tahj S.
Student Recognition: 2-Ball Winners
District 15’s annual 2-Ball competition brought together 5th-grade students from across the district for a fun and exciting basketball skills challenge. Students worked in pairs, alternating shots from different point-marked areas on the court, showcasing teamwork, strategy, and skill.
This year’s competition featured two divisions based on school enrollment:
Large School Division: Hunting Ridge, Stuart R. Paddock, Frank C. Whiteley, Lincoln, Gray M. Sanborn, Central Road, and Jane Addams
Small School Division: Marion Jordan, Pleasant Hill, Willow Bend, Winston Campus Elementary, Lake Louise, Virginia Lake, and Kimball Hill
Our student-athletes dedicated time to practicing with their intramural coaches, refining their basketball techniques, and learning the importance of teamwork. The event was filled with energy, sportsmanship and support from parents, teachers, and spectators.
A huge congratulations to this year’s winning teams:
Girls Small School Division: Vivian S. & Evie N. (Pleasant Hill) – Coach Draegert
Boys Small School Division: Michael R. & Mikey B. (Virginia Lake) – Coach Redina
Girls Large School Division: Ellie W. & Emily K. (Hunting Ridge) – Coach Sobel
Boys Large School Division: Oliver A. & Bryce K. (Stuart R. Paddock) – Coach Simonian
We are incredibly grateful to our intramural coaches for their dedication to preparing students, as well as the Palatine Park District for hosting this exciting event at Falcon Park Community Center.
Congratulations to all of our student participants for their hard work and sportsmanship!
Student Recognition: Sienna "CC" A. - Thomas Jefferson Middle School
This month, we proudly recognize Sienna “CC” A. from Thomas Jefferson Middle School for our Student Recognition. CC has demonstrated exceptional leadership, kindness, and school spirit, going out of her way to support and welcome new students into the school community.
As a member of the Principal Advisory Committee, CC plays a crucial role in helping new students adjust to their new environment. While student ambassadors typically assist with logistics like finding classrooms, lockers, and Chromebooks, CC went Above and Beyond by personally accompanying a newly enrolled student to every class for three days. Each morning, she greeted the student at the bus, ensuring they felt welcomed, comfortable, and supported throughout the transition.
Having been a new student herself this year, CC understands how challenging it can be to adjust to a new school. Instead of waiting for direction, she proactively took it upon herself to create an inclusive and welcoming space for others. Her genuine empathy, initiative, and leadership set an inspiring example for her peers and embody the true spirit of a Thomas Jefferson Jaguar.
CC’s dedication to fostering a strong sense of belonging among her classmates is a testament to the values we strive to instill in our students. We are honored to recognize her for this month’s Above and Beyond recognition.
Above and Beyond Staff Recognition: Transportation Department
This month, we are pleased to recognize the Transportation Department as one of our Above and Beyond honorees. Every day, this dedicated team ensures that thousands of students arrive safely at school and back home, navigating hundreds of routes and responding to challenges with efficiency, expertise, and care.
Their dedication was particularly evident in the aftermath of the Country Glen and Long Valley fires, where they worked to ensure displaced students had reliable transportation, providing much-needed stability during a difficult time.
A special recognition goes to Jude Gritter, Assistant Director of Transportation, who played a pivotal role in implementing the district’s new routing software, significantly improving efficiency.
Additionally, Kathy Pope (43 years of service) and Sue Mayer (30 years of service) are the backbone of the department, masterfully coordinating bus routes, field trips, fire station visits, evacuation drills, and sports trips. Their decades of dedication and institutional knowledge help keep our transportation system running smoothly every single day.
Our dispatchers, often working behind the scenes, are truly superhuman in their ability to manage schedules, answer calls, and solve problems in real-time—ensuring safe and seamless transportation for all students.
The Transportation Department is an essential part of our district, and while much of their work happens behind the scenes, their impact is felt across every school and community. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication, problem-solving, and commitment to student safety.
Above and Beyond Staff Recognition: Jennifer Carey - Lake Louise Elementary School
This month, we are honored to recognize Mrs.Jennifer "Jen" Carey, a dedicated teacher at Lake Louise Elementary School, as our Above & Beyond staff recognition honoree. Mrs. Carey was recently awarded the Award of Meritorious Service by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)—a prestigious recognition given to educators who demonstrate outstanding dedication, leadership, and service to their school communities.
Jennifer’s passion for teaching and unwavering commitment to her students make her an invaluable part of the Lake Louise community. She creates an inclusive and supportive classroom where all students feel valued and inspired to achieve their best. Beyond academics, she fosters strong student relationships through lunch gatherings with current and former students, reinforcing a sense of belonging and community.
Her impact extends well beyond the classroom—she has led initiatives such as a letter-writing campaign for soldiers and veterans overseas and the "Plant the Seeds of Kindness" campaign, encouraging students to engage in acts of kindness and experience their ripple effect. Jennifer is also a collaborative leader, working closely with her team to ensure alignment in instruction and prioritizing consistent, meaningful communication with families.
Her humble leadership, positive attitude, and unwavering dedication to education make her a role model for students, staff, and the broader community. We are incredibly proud to celebrate Jennifer Carey for her remarkable contributions.
Congratulations, Jennifer! You truly go Above & Beyond and make us all #ProudToBe15.
Reminder: Catch Up with Heinz
As a way to connect and engage with D15, residents are invited to attend an informal, discussion-style meeting as a way to learn, connect and engage!
SAVE THE DATE for upcoming commUnity meetings:
- Hoffman Estates Library Branch - April 3, 2025 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM
- District Office (ESC) - April 23, 2025 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Illinois PaCE Framework for Career and College Readiness
Presented by:
- Dr. Lori Lopez, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning & Assessment
- Brittany Henry, Instructional Coordinator
The Illinois Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework provides a structured roadmap to help students in grades 6-12 prepare for their futures. It focuses on three key areas: Career Exploration and Development, Postsecondary Education Exploration and Preparation, and Financial Aid and Literacy. This framework, adopted by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and other statewide education organizations, ensures that students have access to critical career and college planning resources as they progress through middle and high school.
In District 15, PaCE is embedded into the social-emotional learning curriculum with a focus on character development and growth mindset. Students complete interest inventories, career personality quizzes, and goal-setting exercises to help them identify career paths and postsecondary opportunities. The district is utilizing Pathful Explore, a digital career exploration resource, which provides students with virtual job shadowing, career comparison tools, and insights into postsecondary education pathways.
Through this program, students will learn about different career fields, the realities of postsecondary education costs, financial aid options such as FAFSA, and various pathways, including community college, four-year universities, apprenticeships, and trade schools. Eighth-grade students will participate in these lessons this spring, with the full rollout across grades 6-8 planned for next year.
Additionally, students will develop short- and long-term goals using the SMART goal framework, which encourages them to make concrete, achievable plans for their future. The district is committed to continuously refining these units based on student and teacher feedback, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently plan their futures.
You can view the information in Diligent Community or watch the presentation on Youtube.
Education Research Development (ED-RED) Committee
Board Vice President Annerino shared that the Illinois Legislature is actively considering a range of bills that could significantly impact school operations. Lawmakers have introduced over 1,800 new bills, with 900 being tracked for their potential effects on education. The deadline for bills to advance from committee is March 21, 2025.
Among the key legislative items:
Mandatory Dyslexia Screening (SB 1672): This bill would require K-3 students to be screened for dyslexia twice per year, beginning in the 2025-26 school year. However, no state funding or staffing support has been provided, leading Ed Red to oppose the legislation.
Statewide Cell Phone Ban: Proposed bills in the House and Senate would restrict student cell phone use in schools. Ed Red is advocating for local decision-making, as many districts, including CCSD15, already have effective policies in place. The district's Cell Phone Subcommittee will present recommendations to the Board this spring.
Third-Party Contract Restrictions (SB 1799 / HB 3357): This legislation would limit emergency provisions for third-party contracts, such as contracted bus drivers, to 90 days, with only one possible extension requiring union approval. Ed-RED opposes this, as District 15 relies on contracted drivers to ensure full bus route coverage.
PE Waiver Limitations (HB 1358): Would restrict PE waivers to a single three-year period, with no renewals, which could impact scheduling, gym space, and student access to graduation-required courses.
Ed Red continues to monitor these developments closely and will provide further updates as legislation progresses. For more information, visit ED-RED’s website.
one-five Foundation
Board Member Taylor provided an update on the One-Five Foundation’s ongoing initiatives. The 50/50 raffle fundraiser remains open, with the drawing scheduled for Monday, March 17, at noon. The current jackpot stands at $13,600, and those interested can still purchase tickets at https://www.one-five.org/. Additionally, in April, the One-Five Foundation will launch its Staff Appreciation Program to recognize the dedication and hard work of District 15 employees. More details on this initiative will be shared at an upcoming Board meeting, but information will be available on the One-Five website prior to that. Families and staff are encouraged to visit https://www.one-five.org/ for the latest updates on these initiatives.
Finance Committee
Board Member Hunt reported that there were no new updates from the Finance Committee at this time. However, she took the opportunity to share information from the North Cook Division Spring Meeting, which was held on March 4 at Hilton. Representing District 15 and serving as a division officer, she attended discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) in education, including emerging tools like Gemini and Notebook LM alongside ChatGPT.
Additionally, she provided an update on the Resolution Committee process. The official 2025 Resolution Form will be available in mid-April, with a submission deadline of June 25, 2025. Board members were encouraged to review the ISBE position statements included in their packets to prepare for discussions on a potential resolution submission. The committee will meet in August to review submissions, hear testimony, and make recommendations. Board members should anticipate further discussions on this matter in the coming months.
Equity Committee
Board Member Ader reported that the Equity Committee is closely monitoring rapid changes at the federal level and their potential impact on Illinois and District 15. Of particular interest are recent announcements from the Department of Education, especially regarding federal funding.
District 15 currently receives $14 million in federal funding, and any reductions or policy shifts could disproportionately impact the students who rely on these resources the most. Given the fluid nature of these changes, Board Members Ader and Khan are meeting consistently with Dr. Heinz and maintaining weekly communication to stay ahead of developments and assess any potential implications for the district.
- 9.1 Resolution: Honorable Dismissal of Teacher - APPROVED
9.2 Resolution: Dismissal of First Year Probationary Teacher for Reasons Other Than Reduction in Force - APPROVED
- 9.3 Approval of Personnel Report: Administrative, Certified and Non-Certified Staff - APPROVED
- 9.4 Approval of Second Reading of Board Policy 4:080 Accounting and Audits - APPROVED
- 9.5 Approval of Bid #25-006 Conyers Learning Academy Mechanical Replacements - APPROVED
- 9.6 Approval of Bid #25-007 Central Road Elementary Mechanical Replacements - APPROVED
- 9.7 Approval of Bid #25-010 ESC Parking Improvements - APPROVED
- 9.8 Approval of Bid #25-011 Central Road Elementary Paving Improvements - APPROVED
- 9.9 Approval of Bid #25-012 Stuart R. Paddock Elementary Paving Improvements - APPROVED
- 9.10 Approval of Bid #25-013 Plum Grove Middle School Parking Improvements - APPROVED
- 9.11 Approval of Bid #25-020 Emergency Transportation Services - APPROVED
- 9.12 Resolution abating the working cash fund of the District - APPROVED
Next meeting of the Board of Education
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held at Walter R. Sundling Middle School, 1100 N. Smith Street, Palatine, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.