H-F Board Notes 4/18/2023

This is a summary of the happenings at the Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233 Board of Education meeting. It is not the official meeting minutes, but rather a summary to assist the H-F community in understanding the workings of the Board of Education. The official minutes can be found on the H-F website in the School Board section once approved by the Board.

Meeting Date: April 18, 2023

School Board President Gerald Pauling shared that tonight is the end of an era as it is Vice President Debbie Berman's final official meeting. In 2014, Debbie was appointed to the Board and then retained her seat for a total of 9 years. He explained, that's a lot of time to dedicate to a community organization or a school board. He explained that she always answered the call when asked to serve in leadership roles and she asked what else she can do. He applauded her for:

• Being selfless and putting your personal views aside to seek what is best for the students and community.
• Being a compass of the Board helping navigate the topics being addressed by the Board.
• Being tenacious on behalf of students, Board and district. She speaks up for HF. Taking positions even when not popular. Questioning when needed.
• Being present for our students be that the Grammy winning alumni Christopher McBride's workshop with the jazz band, at football games or fine arts performances.

The Board and Administration shared glowing comments and thank yous for Vice President Debbie Berman who chose to not run for re-election after nine years serving the Board. She was lauded for her commitment to always doing what is right for students, even if it makes the adults uncomfortable. Her leadership and mentorship have been a great example for fellow board members, staff and the community. Debbie's ability to ask the tough the questions while remaining respectful of the work of the administration and teachers was also applauded. It was agreed that she cares desperately for this school and community and it shows in everything she has done as Vice President, Chair of the Personnel Committee and a member of the Planning Committee.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley shared that HF is a special place. Just since Friday, we've had Grammy, Emmy and NFL alumni return to campus. There are incredible people who have come through HF and who want to continue to be connected and give back.

• Alum and 2023 Grammy Winner Christopher McBride (Class of 2002) worked with jazz students and recorded an episode of Walking the Path with Wakeley.
• Alum John Michael Schmitz who plays football for University of Minnesota and is a possible NFL first round draft pick and alum Jamezz Kimbrough who plays football for Central Michigan University and just worked out with the Bears came to campus.
• Alum Scott Adameitz' parents were on campus to present one of his Emmys to HF to recognize the impact the school had on preparing him and to inspire the next generation of students.
• The mother of alum Jarrod Higgins', also known as Juice WRLD, met with us about mental health initiatives and music opportunities to honor the memory of her son.

Principal Dr. Clinton Alexander provided an update including last week was successful with State testing on campus thanks to Dave Kush and his team. And, we will celebrate Administrative Assistants next week with musical and spoken word performances, luncheon and a video tribute. Also the final HFPA meeting of the year will be on May 4 at 6:30 pm in a hybrid form.

Board Vice President Debbie Berman congratulated Dr. Scott Wakeley, Pat Gnaster and the HF Communications team for being recognized by the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association.

Board Member Steve Anderson congratulated Chris Riedel, Gerald Pauling, Nate Legardy and Pam Jackson for their election results. He shared that Saturday is Earth Day and opening day or baseball in Homewood and Flossmoor. He encouraged community members to support the teams and celebrate as a community. He also shared that if you want to see change please write your legislators gun violence.

Board Member Pam Jackson shared that she was able join the Emmy winner's parents this morning and that she gets goosebumps thinking about all of the excellent people who have gone through HF. She also commented that safety of our students needs to continue to be top of mind for HF. We do a great job and are looking at technological improvements as we move forward. She gave a shout out to the administration in this transition year with new people and new faces. She said we haven't missed a beat and have continued to look at ways to take HF to the next level. She also shared that she is excited about re-election and the work ahead. She is committed to putting in the work.

Board Member Cynthia Turnquest congratulated the newly elected and re-elected Board members saying it will be a pleasure to serve with you.

The Board of Education honored Debate students for their recent success. In Lincoln Douglas Debate Senior Peyton Jackson debated almost undefeated to the finals and is the 2nd place LD debater in the state of Illinois. Junior Kevin Gibek finished strong as the 3rd place LD debater in state having only lost 3 ballots all weekend. Because IHSA does not allow the same school to be more than once in the top 3, Kevin was placed at 4th (but 3rd place if checking the bracket). The Lincoln Douglas team also finished among the top speakers in the state. Kevin Gibek was the 2nd place speaker in state, Peyton Jackson is 3rd, and Senior Diego Rosales finished 12th.

Victoria Koblick was named Director of Alumni Relations and Development in light of the upcoming retirement of Ann Cherry. Vicky currently serves as Human Resources Specialist and previously was Public Relations and Human Resources Assistant at HF. She's held similar positions for other school districts as well. Known for her ability to make every person feel like they are the most important person, she is a master of building relationships and engaging others in the mission of the school. She will be a tremendous asset in building on the success Ann has established in the alumni office. Vicky will focus on advancing alumni relations and expanding business partnerships to support students' career pathways. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations with minors in Graphic Technology and Mass Communications from Illinois State University.

The Board of Education approved the creation of five Instructional Coach position. Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Jen Hester presented a proposal for five Instructional Coaches to support teachers' in the development of their instructional practices. "We have demanded a lot of our teachers over the past three years and these Instructional Coaches will provide job-imbedded support," said Hester. Their role is to be a classroom supporter, instructional specialist, data coach, connection to support teams and collaborator. Implementation of the Instructional Coaches will be added with zero increase in full-time equivalent positions. All coaches will teach one period and then be available to coach the other periods.

Board Member Nate Legardy shared the Planning Committee report. 180 students are part of the reading support interventions and there has been 15% growth in Lexile scores for these students.

Nearly two-thirds of HF students have completed the Terrace Metrics behavioral health survey. during first semester and the second administration of the survey will be in May. The results give staff really good information about where our students are with their mental health and allow the school to provide specific supports. Not many other school districts are making this kind of investments in students' mental health and wellness.

Summer curriculum work will set the table for success in future years. Summer work hours for guidance and special ed and others to move the district forward.

Vice President Debbie Berman shared the Personnel Committee report including Merit Pay for administrators. She said, HF provides modest merit pay as as token of recognition for the ways they go above and beyond. Dr. Wakeley's evaluation and merit will be determined after the Board concludes that process.

• Special Meeting of the Board Minutes, April 11, 2023
• Regular Board Meeting Minutes, March 21, 2023
• Board Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting Minutes, March 16, 2023
• Summer 2023 Curriculum Projects
• Summer Work Hours Request – Guidance/Special Education
• Approval of Expenditures, $1,519,143.63
• Approval of Imprest Fund, $49,110.34
• Ratification of March, 2023, Payroll, $2,749,873.77
• Personnel Contracts 2023 - 2024 Extra Responsibility Contracts, Summer School/Summer Academy, $327,536.62 , 2023-2024 Contract – Janet Hicks, .8 FTE, Occupational Therapist, MA+15/19, $82,139.47, 2023-2024 Contract – Jeannette LaPlante, .4 FTE, Science Teacher, MA/12, $32,381.20
• Merit pay for administrators. Dr. Wakeley shared that this is about work done above and beyond the regular job requirements. He emphasized that all of our administrators do excellent work in their day-to-day duties. Merit pay recognizes the extra the do which varies year-to-year based on the role of the administrator and the circumstances of the year which results in variance in the amounts awarded.

The District 233 School Board meets at 7:30 p.m. in the school's South Building Library - unless otherwise indicated. Upcoming meeting dates:

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Tuesday, June 20, 2023