Hawthorn Board Highlights

Board Vice President George Fievet reflected on Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders’ recent visit to Hawthorn, which included stops at Townline Elementary and the School of Dual Language. State and regional education leaders and elected officials joined the visit, which gave guests an opportunity to see classroom learning, Professional Learning Communities and district programming in action.

Present

• Robin Cleek
• George Fievet
• Julie Clifford
• Michael Engle
• Stephanie Peters
• Joel Finfer

Absent

• Karl Borchers

There was no public comment at this meeting.

• Shared an update from the recent Mundelein Village Officials meeting, which included information sharing and collaboration among local governmental partners.
• Clarified that, moving forward, public comment will remain limited to the designated public comment portion of the Board agenda.

• Shared that the Ed-Red kickoff luncheon was sold out and noted that the Illinois General Assembly is not scheduled to return to session until after the election.

• Reported that the most recent SEDOL Executive Board meeting was held September 24, with the next scheduled for October 22.
• The next SEDOL Governing Board meeting is scheduled for December 2.

• Shared updates related to the early sunset of the Mellody Farm TIF, upcoming student fees and paid transportation.
• The committee reviewed transportation operations and continued efforts to address student behavior on buses.
• The committee also received updates on food service, district grants and technology/security initiatives.

• Shared continued updates on district food service operations and new meal options available to students.
• Discussed technology work underway following Impact Networking’s district onboarding.
• The committee continues to monitor facilities, transportation and operational needs across the district.

• Shared updates from the Key to 73 Hawthorn Education Foundation and upcoming Foundation activities.
• The Wellness Committee is scheduled to meet October 27.

The Foundation's first-ever partnership with Bad Momz of Comedy was nearly SOLD OUT! A night full of laughs, fun, and most importantly, giving back to our Hawthorn D73 students! 💙💛

• Reflected on Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders’ recent visit to Hawthorn and thanked staff who helped showcase the district.
• Shared updates related to district planning and current initiatives.
• Previewed the annual State of the District: Student Achievement report, which is expected to be presented to the Board in November.
• Discussed ongoing collaboration with the Hawthorn Education Association and the district’s long-range financial forecasting and planning work.
• Provided an update on School Improvement Plans and work underway across district schools.

• The Board received the district’s annual independent financial audit for Fiscal Year 2026.
• The district received a clean audit opinion.
• Auditors reviewed the district’s financial statements, internal controls and required compliance procedures.
• The report reflected the district’s continued focus on sound financial management and long-range planning.

The Board reviewed preliminary plans for facility improvement projects anticipated for summer 2027. Projects discussed included:

• A renovation of the Aspen Elementary library.

• Playground improvements at Elementary North.

District administration reviewed the proposed scope of the projects and the planning process that will continue before work begins.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held on November 12, 2026 at Hawthorn District Office.