HF Board Notes 6/17/2025

Meeting Date: June 17, 2025

Rising Senior Julian Grisius was honored by the Board of Education for earning a Perfect 36 on the ACT.

In addition to being an incredibly scholar, Julian had his original research published in the Journal of Emerging Investigators. He also presented his research at the American Psychology Association's annual convention on The Effect of the Pandemic on Junior High Students' Behavior, which explored how social isolation and group dynamics during the pandemic influenced students' behavior.

Julian studies Mandarin, motivated by a desire to communicate with his Chinese-speaking grandparents. He showcased his skills at a Lunar New Year celebration at the Flossmoor Library, where he led a calligraphy station.

And, he is an active fencer, competing in events such as the Culver Midwest Open and the Stevenson High School Varsity & JV Open. His fencing profile indicates a strong performance, with a notable win ratio in competitions.

The Board of Education recognized the outstanding accomplishments of the Boys’ Track and Field team, with the coaching staff in attendance to accept the honor on behalf of the student-athletes. The team earned an impressive second-place finish at the IHSA State Finals, coming just five points shy of clinching the championship title.

In a highly competitive meet that came down to the final events, the Vikings demonstrated exceptional talent, discipline, and teamwork. Their performance capped off a remarkable season marked by personal bests and fierce determination.

With a strong core of returning athletes, the future looks bright for the program. Coaches and Board members alike expressed confidence that the Vikings will be a force to reckon with again next season.

The Board also honored the Girls’ Track and Field Team that captured the IHSA Class 3A State Championship —marking the program’s first state title since 2019 and reaffirming its place as a powerhouse in Illinois high school athletics.

With a display of speed, strength, and determination, the team delivered an unforgettable performance at Eastern Illinois University, highlighted by a historic relay win and multiple All-State honors.

The 4x100m Relay team shattered the IHSA All-Time State Record with a blazing time of 45.55 seconds. The record-breaking relay featured stellar performances from London Willingham, Mariyah Robinson, London Jarrett, and Aniya Mullins.

Standout sprinter Mariyah Robinson emerged as a double state champion, winning individual titles in both the 200m and 400m races. Her speed and competitive edge helped power the team to the top of the podium.

Additional All-State performances that contributed to the championship finish include:

Jaloni Wiley – 3rd Place in Shot Put, 5th Place in Discus

Kaiya Collier – 7th Place in 100m Hurdles

Aniya Mullins – 7th Place in 100m Dash

The Homewood-Flossmoor High School Board of Education and Administrators reflected with deep gratitude on the impactful leadership of two departing administrators: Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley, who is retiring, and Dr. Jennifer Hester, who has accepted a new role as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

Board members praised Dr. Wakeley’s steady, student-centered leadership over the past several years. Credited with modernizing district governance, confronting academic challenges head-on, and advancing equity-focused initiatives, Dr. Wakeley led efforts that redefined HF’s strategic direction. His legacy includes significant facility improvements like the Science Building and Culinary and Design Labs, the launch of the “Profile of a Viking” initiative, and a complete restructuring of the district’s communication strategy.

“You put this school community and students ahead of everything else,” said Board Member Chris Riedel. “You are at the top of the list of people I’ve had the privilege to work with.”

Dr. Jennifer Hester, who joined the district during a time of great challenge, was recognized for her courageous and thoughtful leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as her role in enhancing the academic profile of the school. Board members credited her with helping build strong governance practices, implementing instructional changes, and mentoring staff and board members alike.

“OPRF is very lucky to have you,” said Board Member Nathan Legardy. “Thank you for standing in the trenches with us.”

Both leaders leave behind a legacy of excellence, equity, and student-focused transformation. Their vision and commitment have laid a strong foundation for the future of HF.

Dr. Wakeley's impact was honored with this video tribute to his 35-year career in education, 21 of those being as a Superintendent.

The Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233 Board of Education approved leadership transitions in the Office of Curriculum and Instruction as the district prepares for the 2025-26 school year.

Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development Dr. Jennifer Hester has announced her resignation, having accepted a new role as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum at Oak Park and River Forest High School.

"We are incredibly grateful for Dr. Hester's leadership, commitment, and passion for student learning over the past five years," said Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley. "Her work has strengthened HF’s curriculum, expanded professional development for staff, and positively impacted countless students. We thank her for her outstanding contributions to HF and wish her all the best in this next chapter of her career."

With Dr. Hester's departure, Dr. Lisa Marie Dallacqua will transition into the role of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Dallacqua, who was recently hired as Director of CTE, Career Pathways and Workforce Development for HF, brings a strong background in curriculum leadership and a passion for developing student-centered learning pathways. Before joining HF, she worked at Township High School District 113 in Highland Park as assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment. She previously was assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment at East Aurora School District 131 from 2019 to 2024 and was principal at Western Avenue School in Flossmoor from 2017 to 2019.

To fill the Director of Career Pathways and Workforce Development position, the Board approved the hiring of Asa Gordon. Gordon currently serves as Director of Middle and Secondary College and Career Readiness at East Aurora School District 131. He brings more than 25 years of experience in educational programming, college and career readiness, and program development.

Gordon anticipates earning an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Aurora University in 2026, as well as holds advanced degrees in Administration, Supervision, and Instructional Leadership. His work has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education with a "Those Who Excel" award for outstanding achievement in early career education.

"We are excited to welcome Asa Gordon to HF and look forward to his contributions in expanding our college and career pathway programs," said incoming Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Norrell. "We are equally excited to welcome Dr. Lisa Marie Dallacqua into her new leadership role. These leadership transitions, combined with the strength and expertise of the current administrative staff, position us well to continue advancing our mission of providing exceptional educational opportunities for all students."

Dallacqua and Gordon will begin in their new roles on July 1, 2025.

• Heard the Planning Committee report made by Vice President Nathan Legardy.
• Approved contract agreement with Learning Forward, for an Instructional Coaching Academy, at a cost not to exceed $43,120, beginning May 1, 2025 and ending on June 30, 2026. This expands the capactiy of leaders to further grow the Instructional Coaching program. Two new coaches were hired to focus on math and science, respectively.
  
• Approved contract agreement with Teachstone, Inc. for Instructional Coaches training and use of an observation tool to support all teaching staff, in the amount of $10,750, beginning August 1, 2025. The tool will be used by the Intructional Coaches to assess interaction in the classroom as part of the coaching process.
  
• Approved Special Sine Die Meeting Minutes and Organizational Meeting Minutes of May 6, 2025
  
• Approved annual agreement with the School Employees Loss Fund (SELF) for insurance, $138,905
  
• Approved Annual purchase of Property and Liability Insurance through the Collective Liability Insurance Cooperative (CLIC), $293,078
  
• Approved FY2026 Consolidated District Plan
• Amended Policy 6:282
  
• Accepted the Hearing Officer’s Findings regarding Student Discipline Matter - Suspension Hearing – Student #32603
  
• Authorized of June and July, 2025 Expenditures and June and July, 2025 Payroll
  
• Approved of April Expenditures, $2,210,405.33, May Expenditures, $2,334,450.71, Imprest Fund, $50,226.50 and Ratification of May, 2025, Payroll, $9,375,357.74
• Approved Personnel: Resignations: Jennifer Schalk Administration - Director CI & PD, Ashley Alex Teacher - Math and Jamere Dismukes Teacher - Reading, Appointments: Chenise Belue 504 Coordinator, Mylan Reeves SPED Teacher, Samuel Key Guidance Counselor, Jason Pluister Teacher - Social Science, Janet Hicks Occupational Therapist, Adjustmetns in Appointment: Nicholas Kapchinski Outplacement Coordinator, Rockeya Wilson Dean of Students, Retirement: Steven Szymkowiak Teacher - Health/PE/Driver's Ed.

• The District 233 School Board meets at 7:00 p.m. in the school's Viking Room - unless otherwise indicated. Upcoming meeting dates:

  • July 15, 2025 - Cancelled
  • August 19, 2025
  • Septemer 16, 2025
  • October 21, 2205
  • November 18, 2025
  • December 16, 2025
  • January 20, 2026
  • February 17, 2026
  • March 17, 2026
  • April 21, 2026
  • May 19, 2026
  • June 16, 2026