Winter Riddle: You can hold me and even shake me, but I am easy to break. I have lots of snow, but it is all fake! What am I?

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With both Boards present for their bi-annual shared Board of Education (BOE) meeting, the group discussed the next steps for the Superintendent search process. The BOE Shared Service committee invited all of the Board members to attend the meeting with BWP search firm on 1/22 to review the updated slate of candidates. The first round of interviews with the Board members will take place Saturday, 1/25. Interviews including staff and community members will follow.

We are excited to announce that Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois State Board of Education Superintendent, appointed in February 2023, will be stopping by our Lake County February Institute Day. We are excited to showcase our local professional development talents while he visits both the prek-5 sessions at Lakes High School and our grades 6-12 sessions at Mundelein High School. If you see him, please say hello and welcome to Mundelein!

Fred Kliora, Security Director

How long have you worked in shared services?

I have worked as the Security Director, in a shared services role, for 3.2 years.

What is your background relating to security?

While on active duty in the United States Navy, I oversaw my ship’s security force and boarding party. I also worked as a Security Officer at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan.

Over the course of 32 years, I have been in various law enforcement roles including: Corrections Officer at the Lake County Jail, Patrol Deputy at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and was a member of the SWAT Team.

I worked at the Mundelein Police Department as a Patrol Officer, Special Operations Officer, Bicycle Patrol Officer, Member of the Lake County Gang Task Force, Member of the Repeat Offender Task Force (Special Agent), School Resource Officer at Mundelein High School, Sergeant, and Commander.

I returned to the Lake County Sheriff’s Officer after retiring from the Mundelein Police Department and worked as a Court Deputy where I was responsible for the safety of the judges and the courthouse.

What process do you use to develop and maintain consistent security standards while respecting each district's unique needs?

I stay connected with various school security related updates and attend annual conferences as well as communicate with other Security Directors in Lake County to discuss current trends and procedures. I frequently touch base with each school's principal to discuss any security concerns and conduct regular walk throughs of the buildings to evaluate any security needs.

What improvements to security have been implemented since participating in the shared services model?

Here’s some of the improvements I have implemented since I began:

• A security office and sally port were built at Mundelein High School.

• The entry way at Washington School was rebuilt for added control and security.

• Implemented School Crisis Plans for each of the five schools.

• Security camera systems have been updated in all the schools.

• Implemented emergency management tools for all administrators.

• Hired and trained security personnel at MHS and CSMS.

• ALICE training and “Stop the Bleed” training has been provided for all staff.

• Emergency procedure guidelines have been updated in individual classrooms, as well as the emergency “go bags”.

• Developed and entered partnerships (MOUs) with local businesses for Emergency Reunification Sites.

How do you effectively manage security priorities and resources across two different district organizations while ensuring equitable service to both?

I stay in contact with all the school administrators at all the schools and grade levels and assist them with their individual needs and concerns. In addition, I field many parents and/or staff concerns at all the schools as related to security, parking, and traffic. All the administrators have my cell phone number, and I make myself available 24/7 to all.

What strategies have you developed to build strong working relationships with administrators and staff across both districts?

I conduct regular walk throughs of all the schools, ensure that I keep in communication with all the administrators, and immediately respond to whichever school may need my assistance whether for an emergency, for a security concern, or simply to maintain a personal and professional relationship.

How do you manage and build relationships with local law enforcement and emergency services for both districts?

Due to my professional experience, I have a personal relationship with all Mundelein police and fire personnel including the chiefs, members of the command staff, patrol officers and fire fighters/paramedics. In addition, I also maintain personal and professional relationships with members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Vernon Hills Police Department, and Libertyville Police Departments.

What methods have proven most successful in coordinating emergency response planning between the districts?

I maintain constant relationships with police and fire administrators which have resulted in some of their annual emergency response and procedure training to be conducted in our schools (during the summer months when students and staff are not present). The Mundelein Police Department and Fire Department also partake in our mandated safety meetings and emergency drills which are mandated by the state.

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”

Out of the 72 poll responses, 75% of us stayed home over break. Everybody loves a great staycation!