Board President Gerald Pauling and Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley observed a moment of silence in memory of Ron Simonson with gratitude for his craftsmanship in the construction of the science building.
They extended condolences and support on behalf of HF to his wife Kelly, his children Dani (Brad) McCabe, Michelle Moss, and Josh Moss, his grandson Max, and his sister Linda.
Student Representative Jaila Parrish shared positive feedback regarding lunch options from students. She also suggested starting an entrepreneur scholarship that could be funded by local businesses. Mr. Pauling responded that he would share that idea with HFPA and other organizations that might be interested in starting that scholarship.
School Board President Gerald Pauling shared that CBS2 was on campus for the School Spotlight featured segments throughout the morning and evening newscasts showcasing our students, academics, athletics and activities all over campus. He also extended a thank you to the teachers and staff who chaperoned the Turnabout Dance this past weekend.
Mrs. Erdey also celebrated HF's Multicultural Student Achievement Network students and Mrs. Ross-Cook who will share their experiences during the Student Voice in Supporting Your District’s Equity Plan workshop for Illinois school communicators at Northern Illinois University in Naperville next month.
She also expressed gratitude to the HF Communications team including Jennifer Jones, Rhys McIntyre and Victoria Koblick for their assistance as HF hosted the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association statewide workshop this month. Mrs. Erdey and Maine Township 207 Director of Communications Brett Clark facilitated a workshop on writing a strategic communication plan for school communication professionals from throughout the state. She was told by several attendees that HF is the most welcoming school they have ever encountered from the moment they stepped in the door.
The Board of Education approved a resolution to abate property taxes as a result of its participation in the FY2024 Property Tax Relief Grant (PTRG) program. The FY2024 Property Tax Relief Grant (PTRG) provides property tax relief for its taxing body. For the next two years, HF will receive $1,867,352 in additional Evidence Based Funding to abate $1,910,159 to its taxing body. Please note: to be eligible to receive increased funding in the future EBF allotment, the district is required to abate $1,910,159 for each of the next two years; after which, any additional funding received as a result of the FY2024 PTRG in EBF may be abated to the taxing body if the district elects to do so.
Personnel Committee Meeting – 1.18.24 – Board Member Pam Jackson shared the committee report including a staffing update provided by Jodi Bryant, news that the ISBE Compliance Onsite Visit resulted in an exemplary report on HF's processes, and updates to leave policy 5.250 that would be voted on later in the meeting.
Planning Committee Meeting – 1.25.24 – Board Member Chris Riedel provided the report including the Instructional Coaching program update with preliminary information as it gets started and looking forward to additional data to come, a slight revision to the bell schedule for next year to have period 7 consistently at the end of the day but no major changes, Instructional resource proposal for classes next year and Press Policy updates have been recommended.
Finance Committee Meeting – 1.30.24 – Board Member Steve Anderson provided the report. The full agenda included science building and culinary project updates that we are on time and on budget, options for consideration in the development a 10-year capital plan as we determine priorities for the future, fund balance reserve policy which is on the agenda for action tonight, property tax appeal and certificates of error process, property tax relief grant which is on the agenda for action tonight, legislative updates and financial audit. HF earned the highest rating possible with ISBE Financial Recognition.
Following several years of research and discussion, the Board of Education approved a resolution to revise Policy 4:20 Fund Balances. The new policy states that the Board should target an aggregate fund balance of not less than 50% of its operating expenditure, representing six months of operation. The previous policy was for 10 months in reserve. This revised policy allows the district to have adequate fund balances to maintain levels of service and promptly pay its obligations, while also allowing flexibility to use fund balances towards emergency or one-time expenditures, such as capital improvements or major repairs.
