H-F Board Notes 11/15/2022

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: November 15, 2022

School Board President Gerald Pauling thanked his Board colleagues for having the hard discussions and being a high-functioning board with thoughtful opinions. He appreciates their professionalism, concern for students, the care they take, and the attention they give to the issues brought before the Board. He also thanked the administrative team for putting in long days to make sure we do things the right way as we care for our students and their families. And, he thanked teachers and staff who are the front line for our students as they process very difficult topics. He also thanked our greater community for their patience as we work through a lengthy legal process. He shared that he appreciates the way our community members stand behind our kids and our school.

School Board Vice President Debbie Berman shared that she is grateful for our staff and administrators who enable students to achieve and for the support of the community.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley shared that today is Board member appreciation day. He extended his appreciation for their time and commitment in this volunteer position. We appreciate your dedication to doing what's best for students and staff, he said. He also thanked Allied Financial and Steve Anderson for a matching donation in recognition of the volunteer hours he dedicates to H-F.

Board Member Steve Anderson I am forutnate to work in a corporation that has a matching program that puts dollars behind the volunteer hours I commit.

Nate Legardy shared that the National Unified Banner Presentation is another example of the accomplishments of our students. He remarked that pride could be seen on the faces of staff at the presentation. The Senior Citizen event was three years in the making and it was great to see community members in our school enjoying the student performances by a vocal group and jazz ensemble. He also shared that we are proud that we give our students a voice and embrace their advocacy. We appreciate hearing from students. One student shared with the Board her appreciation that the school welcomes students' voices and she shared her well-researched thoughts.

Principal Dr. Clinton Alexander shared that H-F has 64 Illinois State Scholars. We also celebrated 10 Students of the Quarter with breakfast for them and their families, certificates and t-shirts. New this year, students nominated teachers for Student Choice Awards and we honored 10 for the first quarter. We also celebrated Unified Soccer with 2 State Champion Teams with a fire truck and police escort last Saturday. This weekend, 200 students are looking forward to the Snowball retreat.

Steve Anderson shared the Finance Committee report from November 1 including:

• Employee benefits on agenda tonight
• Dr. Grossi reviewed the tax levy and tax relief grant that are on the agenda. H-F has given back $12 million to the community through this grant program over the years. We can capture the funding while abating taxes back to the community.
• Mechanical and lighting upgrades and roofing projects are being discussed in the shorter term along with the architects' long-term plan.
• Evidence-Based Funding formula is favorable for H-F
• Contract renewals for transportation, food service and cleaning were reviewed.

Board Vice President Debbie Berman shared that the entire Personnel Committee meeting was held in closed session to discuss topics related to employment of individual staff members.

Nate Legardy shared that much progress is being made including 9 course proposals which are on the agenda tonight. More focus for college and career pathways is at the center of science curriculum changes. AP PreCalc will provide enhanced opportunities for students. PreAP Dance will provide a unique opportunity for students pursuing this field. Two courses for strength and performance for freshmen and sophomores will be available next year. Introduction to Education is a dual credit course that is funded by a state CTE grant. The Restaurant Management course will launch with the new culinary space when it is ready which is anticipate for 2024-25.

He also shared that Director of Student Supports Jen Rudan shared at the meeting a student supports update with Tier 1, 2, and 3 intervention data progressing well. And, we are halfway through the Terrace Metrics rollout. Initial data show high participation levels.

Dr. Wakeley shared at the committee meeting that we will be moving toward Instructional Coaching models as we continue to move forward.

The Board of Education approved new course proposals and course changes, including:

• Introduction to Education, a dual credit course with Lewis University for 2023-24
• Restaurant Management, a future dual credit course with Joliet Junior College for 2024-25 once culinary renovations are complete
• AP Precalculus for 2023-24
• Pre AP Dance for 2023-24
• Freshmen Health/Strength & Performance for 2023-24
• Sophomore Strength & Performance for 2023-24
• Honors Anatomy and Physiology for 2024-25
• Astro-Physics for 2024-25
• Industrial Physics for 2024-25

The Board of Education approved extensions of Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley's contract through June 30, 2027 and Principal Dr. Clinton Alexander's contract through June 30, 2026.

The Board of Education approved the estimated tax levy request of 4.98% over the previous capped extension before abatements. This request will allow the school district to capture the full amount possible and is significantly below the Consumer Price Index of 7.0%.

The levy extension would help the district cover the increased cost in salaries and benefits, high inflation, the increased cost of goods and services, and a projected $2.5 million per year in maintenance project costs, not including renovations and additions. The district relies heavily on local revenue to fund programming and to maintain its buildings and grounds as 59% of the district’s revenue comes from real estate taxes.

At the December 20, 2022 Board meeting, the Board will take action on the recommended 2022 Levy. The estimated levy indicates a total capped fund levy of $43,600,000 (before tax abatements), which is 5.0% above the 2021 extension of $41,530,395 (before tax abatements). Any additional dollars above 5.0% will directly result from new property growth within the District’s property tax base.

The Board of Education approved applying for the FY2023 Property Tax Relief Grant with the Illinois State Board of Education. If awarded the grant by the state, H-F will receive an additional $2,043,011 in its Evidence-Based Funding amount and will abate $2,090,552 to taxpayers. The District is required to abate taxes for two consecutive years to receive the grant. The District is ranked 8th out of 851 eligible districts and therefore it is likely that it will receive the grant.

The Board approved the continuation of the current Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO and HMO plans for Medical/RX, Dental, and COBRA; Discovery Benefits for Flexible Spending Administration; Voya for Basic Life / AD&D and Long-Term Disability and VSP for Vision.

• Approved Regular Board Meeting minutes.
• Approved extended field trips for Fencing.
• Approved expenditures, imprest fund, and payroll.
• Approved extra responsibility contracts for activities, athletics, and cafeteria supervision.

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

Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022

Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Tuesday, June 20, 2023