November 2023 Board Meeting Recap
Fremont School District 79
The evening began with a Public Hearing regarding the 2023 Tax Levy. The approved final levy was for an amount of $32,279,027. The 2023 levy is built on new construction valued at $11.2M, Consumer Price Index (CPI) capped at 5%, and Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV) at $1,060,601,128. With these factors, the levy is 6.41% higher than the 2022 extension as it captures unknown new property growth and a 5% CPI tax cap for existing property owners. Although the District is asking for this amount, the amount received is less. The tax resources will be used to fund high-needs areas related to: 1) Improving recruitment and retention, 2) Addressing ongoing facility maintenance and security needs, and 3) supporting the strategic plan while maintaining health fund balances. The District is also abating approximately $700,000 to taxpayers to reduce the debt levy burden.
Additional information regarding the levy can be found on our website.
Regular Board Meeting
Gabriela Whipple, Board President, thanked all who attended and planned the Veterans Day assemblies at the schools on November 10. The District was honored as a 2023 Top Workplaces award recipient by the Chicago Tribune, based on employee feedback and aligning with the District's strategic planning efforts. A moment of silence also also observed for longtime bus driver Kit Putkonen, who passed away earlier this month.
Dr. Brian Bullis, Assistant Superintendent of Learning, stepped in for Dr. Kocanda who was out with an illness. He thanked staff and families for their collaboration on the recent parent-teacher conferences. Gratitude was expressed to the School Board for their efforts in recognition of Illinois School Board Member Day, which was November 15. Dr. Bullis also remarked on District highlights connected to the Strategic Plan. A Parent University event was held on November 14 with Lt. Balmas from the Lake County Sheriff's Office presenting on tips and reminders for safe technology use by students. Additionally, Referral GPS was launched, which is a free resource that offers access to mental health services for families and staff. Finally, the District hosted a bus routing task force in order to examine safety and efficiency on our bus routes.
Board of Education Recognition
This month's recognition was for the FSD79 staff members who are participating in the BloomBoard certificate and degree program via the Illinois Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program. They were thanked for continuing their education for the betterment of our students.
English Language Learning
Kelsey Crowley (Special Education Teacher - Resource)
Melissa Duitsman (1st Grade Teacher)
Dana Gallup (1st Grade Teacher)
Angela Schieffer (Teacher on Special Assignment)
Maggie Watson (Reading Interventionist)
Special Education (LBS1)
Sandi Bade (5th Grade Teacher)
Rebecca Cole (Early Childhood/Preschool Teacher)
Rebecca Garcia (5th Grade Teacher)
Teacher License
Anusa Ramani (Paraprofessional)
Informational Items
Elementary & Intermediate Schools Administrative Restructure
On the heels of feedback gathered from families and staff since mid-October, the District is recommending a return to a traditional principal structure on our Elementary and Intermediate Schools campus, primarily to lower the ratio of students, staff, and families served by the school leader. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, both schools would be served by one principal and one assistant principal. Stefan Ladenburger will be assigned the principal of Fremont Intermediate School. A search will commence for the next principal of the elementary school, with the goal of recommending the preferred candidate to the Board in January 2024.
Director of Buildings and Grounds Succession Plan
In preparation for the retirement of longtime Director of Buildings and Grounds, Dan Wagner, in June 2025, and with tremendous enrollment growth on the horizon, it is recommended that the District invest in a year-long transition, hiring the next director for a July 1, 2024 start. This search process for the interim Director would start in December and coincide with an internal study of the Building and Grounds Department to ensure the department is efficient and staffing levels are accurate for the District’s current and future needs.
Student Growth and Achievement Correction
In reviewing ISBE’s recently released Illinois Interactive Report Card information, the District realized it previously communicated an incorrect data point to the Board. At the September 18 board workshop and meeting, it was shared that the percentage of our students that met or exceeded standards this past spring in math on IAR was at 42%, when the correct number was actually 39%. Although lower, this represents an increase of 7 percentage points over the past two years as we work to reach and exceed our pre-pandemic achievement levels. This had no bearing on any other components of the presentation and all other data points were accurate.
The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:
Amend Fremont School District 79 K-5 Administrative Structure
2023 Final Levy
Abatement for Debt Services
FY23 Audit and Annual Financial Report
Disposal of District Assets
Resignation Agreement
To view the Board Packet materials from the November 27, 2023 Meeting, click here.
Fremont School District 79
Address: 28855 North Fremont Center Road, Mundelein, IL
Phone: (847) 566-0169
Website: fsd79.org
Twitter: @FSD79
Instagram: @FSD79
YouTube: youtube.com/FSD79