H-F Board Notes 1/17/2023

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: January 17, 2023

School Board President Gerald Pauling extended the school district's condolences to the family of a former student who passed away this weekend.

As we look to increase school pride, new door wraps have been installed in North and South buildings. He thanked Dr. Wakeley, Jim Patterson and Carla Erdey for their coordination of this first phase of the project. More HF Red and White are to come throughout the buildings!

Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley shared that Dr. Lawrence Cook has submitted his letter of retirement effective in four years. He applauded Dr. Cook as one of the best Chief School Business Officials in the business and expressed his appreciation. The school district is thankful that Dr. Cook will continue to serve H-F over the next four years.

Board Vice President Debbie Berman congratulated the Unified Soccer Teams for their State Champion accomplishments. She also remarked that the second semester is off to a great start.

Board Member Steve Anderson shared that this is the first year in 10 that he has not been registering a student for classes. He also extended his appreciation to Dr. Cook as his retirement in four years was announced. He appreciates the impact Dr. Cook has had as an H-F administrator over the years and looks forward to the work ahead.

He also shared that the Vikings Baseball Booster Club is hosting its third annual Hot Stove Fundraiser event on Saturday, January 28 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Balagio Ristorante. ​Guest Speaker is H-F Alum and 670 The Score's Laurence Holmes and Emcee is Cecil Archbold. Details and tickets: https://www.vikingsbaseballboosters.com/

Principal Dr. Clinton Alexander shared that students and staff are excited to be back from Winter Break. Student success is growing as we celebrate the highest first semester passing rate going as far back as pre-pandemic in 2016. Student sense of belonging and safety is improving, too, with major disruptions down by 40% over last year.

The administration held grade-level meetings in the first week back from the break to outline our high expectations and celebrate student success in the first semester. He shared that we are working on tightening up tardies and communication will be forthcoming to students and families about procedures to help in this area.

As the Principal's Student Advisory Council works with the administration on ways to increase school spirit they are planning dress-up days throughout the second semester. Disney Day was the first of the spirit days for the second semester as we returned from break.

Chief School Business Official Dr. Lawrence Cook shared that the 2023 maintenance grant was approved which will be used for improvements in the South building. He also thanked the Board of Education for their support and kind words upon the announcement of his retirement in four years.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Jen Hester recognized the Student Services department for the hard work and effort in the course selection process. With behind-the-scenes work, parent and student meetings and collaboration with department chairs and teachers, their dedication to students is evident. Academic departments and the guidance department have worked together to assure students are aware of the many options available to them.

Director of Communication and Community Engagement Carla Erdey expressed gratitude to Catherine Ross-Cook and the many students and staff members who made the Pursuing the Dream event possible. Through storytelling, stepping, drumming, dancing and performing the event showcased the power of words, of lifting your voice and of claiming your rightful place in this world. It was truly a magical evening. VTV recorded the event and will post it to their YouTube Channel when it's ready.

HFEO President Dana Noble shared that the union is collecting funds for the annual HFEO Future Teacher Scholarship to support an H-F student on their journey to becoming a teacher. Primarily supported by current and retired teachers, anyone can contribute to the fund by contacting Dana Noble. The HFEO scholarship program has awarded over $15,000 in six years of existence.

2018 graduate and current social sciences teacher Amanda Fieramosca is the first scholarship recipient to return to H-F as an educator.

It was high fives all around as the Board of Education recognized H-F's two Unified Soccer Teams for earning State Championships!

It has been a banner year for the Homewood-Flossmoor High School Unified programs. Earlier this school year we received our second National Unified Champion Banner, making H-F one of only two schools in Illinois to receive this title twice.

In competition in Schaumburg, the White team defeated Andrew High School 3-2 and then Hoffman Estates High School 4-3. The Red team then beat Matea Valley High School 5-4 and Nequa Valley High School in the final 3-2.

Following their victories, the teams were led back to school with an escort by Flossmoor’s police and fire departments and met by their cheering fans. It is an honor to recognize the teams tonight. We are incredibly proud of all of our Unified athletes and coaches who represent Homewood-Flossmoor High School as tough competitors with big hearts.

• Approved regular meeting minutes
• Accepted hearing officer's findings regarding student discipline
• Approved expenditures, imprest fund and payroll
• Approved extra responsibility contracts for activities, auxiliary and 6th assignments

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, Feb. 21, 2023 - library

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Tuesday, June 20, 2023