March 2024 Board Meeting Recap
Fremont School District 79
Regular Board Meeting
Gabriela Whipple, Board President, thanked all the participants and spectators who took part in the annual PTO March Madness staff basketball game held March 16 at Mundelein High School. Fremont Intermediate and Middle School both held PAWS assemblies to recognize students for setting a positive example within their schools based on their behavior. Our community members are being asked to express their priorities relating to our facility planning process by participating in a survey coming up in April. Information on how to take the survey will be included in our upcoming mailed newsletter and also will be available on our District website.
Dr. Trisha Kocanda, Superintendent of Schools, highlighted the recent virtual Parent University event focused on children and mental health. The event was recorded and is available on the District's YouTube page. Gratitude was expressed to our occupational therapists and adaptive PE staff members who led professional learning sessions for our paraprofessionals. Finally, our District team was recognized in conjunction with National Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day for keeping our schools and grounds in such great shape.
Board of Education Recognition
This month's recognition featured two groups. The first recognition was for three individuals who were selected as “Those Who Excel” award recipients as selected by the Illinois State Board of Education. The next recognition honored the Fremont Middle School wrestlers—along with their coaches—who advanced to the IESA State Meet in DeKalb March 8-9.
Presentations
Dr. Brian Bullis, Assistant Superintendent of Learning, provided an update on the District's transition from a tuition-based full-day kindergarten offering to a tuition-free full-day option for all students. By going tuition-free, the District served 111 students in full-day kindergarten in 2021-22 to 214 (99%) in 2023-24. The increased instruction time for both Math and Reading, along with the introduction of new learning resources, has resulted in improved growth scores for our students.The District has also seen the benefits of improved inclusion and more time for SEL practices. As we plan for the future, the first grade team is preparing for higher readiness learners.
10-Year Student Enrollment Forecast
Zoran Stojakovic of Cropper GIS Consulting provided a virtual presentation regarding the organization's findings from a demographic study of our Fremont community. Utilizing data from the District, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Internal Revenue Service, while taking a wide range of assumptions into consideration, the group created a 10-year enrollment forecast. Based upon their findings and due largely to new developments, such as Ivanhoe Village, FSD79 can expect enrollment growth of 14.6% over the next 10 years. Further projections indicate an enrollment growth of approximately 50% by 2043.
Informational Items
Educational Long-Range Facility Plan
The District's Steering Committee met virtually on February 28 to review its work to date, and examine a summary of a Middle School student school planning activity. The committee also received an overview of the District's facility assessment, including educational adequacy, and enrollment and capacity data. The March 21 meeting will focus on establishing priorities and guiding principles to aid in decision-making and evaluation of various scenarios. The upcoming April community survey will be utilized to further inform the committee of the community's facility priorities.
Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Proposed Resolution
Board member Shawn Killackey is proposing a resolution to the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) that would allow delegates from school boards across the state to vote on the Resolutions Committee Ballot, not just those that can attend the session in person. The resolution would provide all delegates the opportunity to vote via email ballot.
Instructional Materials Annual Report
The Board was given an annual curriculum resource inventory update. The inventory includes print and digital resources that are used to support our curriculum and instruction.
The Consent Agenda and Following Action Items Were Approved:
2024-25 School Year Middle School Field Trips
2024-25 School Calendar and Bell Schedule for Lincoln Early Learning Center
2024-25 Administrative & Licensed Staffing Plan
Technology Purchase: Apple & IT Savvy
- Curriculum Purchase: Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics
- Curriculum Purchase: Vista Encuentros
- Contract with AT&T
- Award of Bid for Elementary School & Intermediate School Tuckpointing
- Award of Bid for Elementary School Fire Alarm Replacement
- Tuition Reimbursement: Educational Support Personnel
- Resolution for Dismissal of a Probationary Teacher
To view the Board Packet materials from the March 18, 2024 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