June 2026 Board Meeting Recap

Regular Board Meeting

Board President Gabriela Whipple remarked on the recent eighth-grade graduation ceremony, wishing all the students well as they move on to high school. She stated appreciation for the collaborative work of teachers, staff, and administrators throughout the school year to ensure that all students feel a sense of belonging and receive a high-quality education. Finally, she wished teachers, staff, students, and families a safe and enjoyable summer.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Trisha Kocanda stated that the District is in the midst of various construction projects, the majority of which will be completed in time for the return of students and staff in the fall. She shared that District administrators participated in an annual planning retreat to look back on the recently completed school year and plan for the year ahead. Various summer school programs are now underway, and she thanked the participating teachers for their continued efforts to support students. Finally, she shared that the District was recognized by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for its communication efforts, earning three top honors—Award of Excellence—for a photo, "Fremont Digest" mailed newsletter, and for the "Join the FSD79 Team" promotional video.

Presentation

End-of-Year 2025-26 Annual Goal Report

Members of the Central Office team provided a year-end update on the District's annual goals for the 2025-26 school year. The goal areas focused on Community Engagement, Student Achievement, High-Quality Staff, and Financial Stewardship.

Informational Items

Development Update

Dr. Kocanda stated that no new residential developments have surfaced, and the District continues to monitor the litigation with the Village of Mundelein regarding impact fees for the Walnut Ridge development, with a hearing set for July 2.

Staffing and Enrollment Update

Allison Stempien, Executive Director of Human Resources, stated that the District continues to monitor enrollment to determine staffing needs. Since the regular Board meeting in March, the District has added a kindergarten section. Recruitment efforts proved fruitful, as the District has been able to hire all positions that were included in last winter's staffing report.

Student Growth & Achievement Update

Dr. Brian Bullis, Assistant Superintendent of Learning, provided a Spring 2026 MAP data update. He shared that five of the eight grades met or exceeded their growth projections in math from last spring to this spring. Eighth grade achieved the highest national achievement mark in math, scoring at the 93rd percentile. In reading, five of the eight grades met or exceeded their growth projections from last spring to this spring, with eighth grade scoring in the 91st percentile nationally.

Student Assessment Update

Dr. Bullis stated that the decision has been made to administer MAP Growth testing for kindergarten and first-grade students only in the spring starting next school year. It has been determined that the inclusion of FastBridge reading assessments three times a year would make those assessments redundant. Additionally, FastBridge math screeners are being incorporated three times a year for kindergarten through second-grade students. The District will continue to monitor K-2 implementation and will adjust its approach accordingly.

2026-27 Draft Board Development Goals

An initial draft of the Board's development goals for the 2026-27 school year was presented for discussion. Based on Board feedback, the intent is for the plan to be brought forth for approval at the August regular meeting.

Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Considerations

Ivy Fleming, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, stated that the District is being mindful of numerous considerations in planning its FY27 budget. At the state level, these considerations include transportation funding being prorated and the potential reduction or elimination of funds from the Teacher Vacancy Grant. At the federal level, there is the potential for the reduction of various Title grants. These potential cuts are not unique to FSD79, as all school districts are in similar situations. FSD79's FY27 total projected revenue is $42.3 million, and its total projected expenditures are $52.1 million, which includes $10.4 million in one-time capital costs.

The Following Action Items Were Approved:

1. Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
2. Intergovernmental Agreement with Districts 75 and 73 for Shared Services at Lincoln Early Learning Center
3. Proposal from Direct Fitness Solutions
4. Proposal from Shaw Industries, Inc.
5. Agreement with Securly
6. Agreement with Infinite Campus
7. Collective Liability Insurance Coop Renewal
8. Resolution 26-22 Authorizing Disposal of School District Personal Property
9. Resolution 27-01 Authorizing Prompt Payment of July Bills
10. Resolution 27-02 To Appoint District Treasurer and Authorize Purchase of Treasurer's Bond
11. Resolution 27-03 To Approve Additional Health Insurance Contribution for Educational Support Personnel
12. Second Reading of Updated Board Policies
13. Release and Separation Agreement

To view the Board Packet materials from the June 15, 2026, meeting, click here.

Address: 28855 North Fremont Center Road, Mundelein, IL

Phone: (847) 566-0169

Website: fsd79.org

Instagram: @FSD79

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/fremont-school-district-79

YouTube: youtube.com/FSD79