H-F Board Notes 6/20/2023

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: June 20, 2023

The Board, administration, retired Superintendent Dr. Von Mansfield, HFEO President Dana Noble, League of Women Voters Representative Sylvia Tufts, HF Chronicle Reporter Marilyn Thomas, and community members celebrated Pat Gnaster's final meeting as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board. An Illinois Association of School Boards Holly Jack Award-winning Administrative Assistant, Pat has selflessly served HF for 20 years.

There was high praise, thank yous and heartfelt sentiments all around, including "beloved," "hardworking," "organized," "she keeps us in line," "personal connections," "caring," "always says yes," "makes our job easier," and "we all need a Pat Gnaster in our lives."

Pat shared that she is humbled. "It has been a rewarding experience getting to work with everyone here at HF," she said. "I have worked with three superintendents who have led in the most professional way. In addition to working with Board Presidents and the Board for the past 16 years who have made it easy to do my job. It has been a privilege and an honor. The Profile of a Viking speaks loudest as to who we want to be. If I can leave with others knowing I represent the competencies of the Profile I will be happy."

The Board of Education honored student-athletes and coaches for being the first IHSA Boys' Track and Field Team State Champions in school history.

Coach Nate Bebbe shared that "it was an amazing season all the way around. I am so proud of how they attacked this season with maturity and drive that we have not had in the past. It's really amazing. I am so proud of them. We are looking forward to how the seniors move on to four-year universities and how wonderful young athletes perform in the future."

Board President Gerald Pauling commended student representatives of the Class of 2024 who addressed the Board about the scheduled graduation date for 2024. They ask that the date return to Sunday as it has been in the past instead of a Thursday as currently scheduled. Mr. Pauling commended them for advocating for themselves in such a positive manner and he encouraged Board and administration to take their sentiments into consideration.

He also thanked Dr. Wakeley for providing the book The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee as professional reading for the Board.

He thanked Mr. Noble, the HFEO board and all teachers who are on the frontlines for our students supporting them inside and out of the classroom.

He also applauded Athletic Director Matt Lyke, Superintendent Dr. Wakeley and Chief School Business Official Mr. Cook for the support they provide for HF's State Champion Teams by making it memorable for student-athletes and supporting them on their journey.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley shared a flyover video provided by DLA Architects of the Net Zero Science Building rendering. The District will receive the bids for this project in the next week.

DLA Architects have been working closely with HF teachers and administrators to design the space around the school's current and future needs. The new building, which will be connected to the G wing in the South Building, will house state-of-the-art Science classrooms, collaborative spaces, and a net-zero learning installation.

This will be only the second Net Zero high school building in the state of Illinois. The other is at Stevenson High School. HF has applied for a $2 million net-zero grant and will hear in early July if it is approved.

The flyover video shows the complete project rendering including some aspects that are listed as alternate bids giving the Board flexibility as it considers the final costs of the project. You can learn more about the project on the HF website.

Board Vice President Nate Legardy shared that the way the Class of 2024 advocated for themselves at the meeting is a reminder of why we do what we do. Also, he remarked that one of the students on the State Championship Track Team honored at the meeting is on his way to Duke University. He is the whole package. We are doing something special here at HF.

He also shared good news that on June 7, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 250 which includes a $500,000 appropriation from the Build Illinois Bond Fund for a grant to HF for costs associated with capital improvements. He extended a thank you to Senator Napoleon Harris for taking his request and championing it through the State legislature.

Board Member Steve Anderson reinforced his regular message to get involved and make a change for common sense gun laws. He said, our kids and their kids deserve a better America than the one we are giving them.

Board Member Michelle Hoereth shared appreciation for the students represented at the meeting including the State Champion Track Team and the Class of 2024 representatives who shared their thoughts about the graduation date.

Board Member Chris Riedel shared his appreciation to all for the work that goes into Fine Arts performances, especially at the end of the school year. He applauded the effort that goes in from the kids, teachers, and families. This is evident in every aspect of the school. The amazing programs that we provide to students and to the community are amazing. It's a testament to this community.

Hope Stovall joins Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233 in a newly created administrative role of Director of Career Pathways and Workforce Development, following Board action tonight. With 12 years of experience in similar positions, she will lead the expansion strategy to bring standard-aligned, high-quality Worked Based Learning to all HF students. She will lead career and workforce development pathways and curriculum development ensuring Illinois State Board of Education standard-aligned learning experiences to prepare all students for their future careers. She also will develop a robust network of industry and workforce partnerships including colleges/universities, local employers, trade unions/associations, economic development regions, businesses, and workforce development agencies to support this work.

Stovall has a proven track record of growing and developing dual credit and student certifications in CTE and expanding work-based opportunities for students at Bloom Township School District 206, Rich Township District 227, and most recently Evanston Township High School District 202. She is also skilled at writing and managing state and federal grants. She was a District CTE Coordinator, Teacher Leader, Business Educator and Summer School Director at Rich Township District 227.

She earned Masters degrees from the University of Central Arkansas and Chicago State University, an Education Specialist degree from Northern Illinois University, Type 75 School Leadership Certification from Concordia University and a Bachelors degree from University of Central Arkansas.

Dave Dore was promoted to District Special Educator Director for Homewood-Flossmoor High School District 233, following Board action last night. The director position opened when Dr. Angela Taylor accepted a position in her hometown in Ohio.

Dore is a student-centered leader focused on curriculum development and instruction that prepares students for their futures. He is respected by is HF peers, students and families and is well-versed in the administrative and legal aspects of the position assuring the rights of students are upheld in the educational process.

Dore was a Special Education Teacher at HF for 15 years before taking the role of Director of Special Education for Norridge School District 80 in 2020. He returned to HF as Special Education Department Chair where he has served since 2022.

He earned Masters degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Olivet Nazarene University, a Director of Special Education Endorsement from Lewis University and a Bachelors degree from Illinois State University.

The Board of Education authorized the President and Secretary to sign a three-year agreement with the Homewood-Flossmoor Maintenance Association, effective July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026, as recommended by the Director of Human Resources, the Chief School Business Official, and the Superintendent.

The Board of Education approved a three-year agreement beginning in the 2023-2024 school year with Avigilon Alta Video Surveillance System for $243,495 as recommended by the Director of Information Services, the Chief School Business Official, and the Superintendent.

This is part of a broader security plan including integrating AI with door locks, cameras, phone systems, public address systems and single-button lock down. All of these features improve safety and allow the district to be more proactive in assuring safety of students and staff.

• Special Board Meeting Minutes, June 13, 2023, Special Board Meeting Minutes, June 12, 2023, Special Board Meeting Minutes, May 16, 2023, Regular Board Meeting Minutes, May 16, 2023
• Annual agreement with the School Employees Loss Fund (SELF) for insurance, $114,453
• Annual purchase of Property and Liability Insurance through the Collective Liability Insurance Cooperative (CLIC), $236,572
• Property/Equipment Disposal – Obsolete Copy Machines
• Field trip Request (Out-of-State Travel) – Debate
• Authorization of June and July, 2023 Expenditures and June and July, 2023 Payroll
• Approval of Expenditures, $2,955,576.47
• Approval of Imprest Fund, $52,269.68
• Ratification of May, 2023, Payroll, $8,474,015.51
• Resignations: Marina Brennan, School Psychologist, effective July 13, 2023; Bailey Golliday, English Teacher, effective May 22, 2023; Angela Taylor, Director of Special Education, effective July 7, 2023
• Extra-Responsibility Contracts – Activities, $5,906.00 4.12.5 Extra-Responsibility Contracts – Auxiliary, $3,310.81 4.12.6 Extra-Responsibility Contracts – Summer Staffing, $12,579.50
• 2023-24 Teacher Contracts, Daniel Bullock, Culinary Arts Teacher, BA/11, $69,682.35; Deena Cassady, Fine Arts Teacher, MA+15/14, $90,519.00; Mario Coleman, Physics Teacher, MA/12, $80,953.00; Karen Crispe, Fine Arts Teacher, MA/18 (.4), $38,000.80; Kathleen Dreger, School Counselor, 2nd MA+15/Off (.4), $58,786.00; Jena Dudek, Special Education Teacher, MA/15, $87,977.00; Brittany Henderson, School Psychologist, 2nd MA/2, $62,921.00; Angelica Hernandez, Spanish Teacher, MA/16, $90,319.00; Robin Noble, Instructional Coach, MA/15, $87,977.00; Kizawanda Olowe, School Counselor, 2nd MA+15/Off, $122,274.00; Kimberly Peterz, Early Childhood Teacher, 2nd MA+15/17, 109,211.00; Duane VanSlyke, Social Worker, MA+15/Off (.4), $58,786.00; Shannon Mills, Social Science Teacher, BA/4, $59,287.00
• 2023-2024 Administrator Contracts: Hope Stovall, Director Career Pathways and Workforce Development, $144,500.00; David Dore, Director Special Education, $138,500.00
• Approved resignation agreement and release pertaining to Assistant Principal Quitman Dillard.
• Approved merit pay of $10,000 to Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley for the 2022-23 school year with a heartfelt thank you from the Board. Merit pay recognizes the extra administrators do which varies year-to-year. Merit pay for the administrative team was approved at a previous meeting.

The Board of Education meeting dates for the 2023-24 school year. Meetings will begin at 7 p.m.

• July 18, 2023 - canceled
• August 15, 2023
• September 19, 2023
• October 17, 2023
• November 21, 2023
• December 19, 2023
• January 16, 2024
• February 20, 2024
• March 19, 2024
• April 16, 2024
• May 21, 2024
• June 18, 2024