September 2025 Board Meeting Recap

Public Hearings

The evening began with a public hearing to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

Regular Board Meeting

Board President Gabriela Whipple commented on the fact that the Board would be voting on the FY26 Budget and Health Life Safety Bonds later that evening and stressed the importance the Board places on financial and facility stewardship. It's important to ensure the schools and facilities are maintained through proper planning and by avoiding deferred maintenance. She also remarked on the hard work of administrators, teachers, and students related to student growth and achievement as progress is made with the District's strategic goals.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Trisha Kocanda thanked all those who had a hand in the Fremont Middle School's participation in the recent Mundelein High School Homecoming Parade. She remarked on attending the ribbon-cutting for the new Transition Center at Mundelein High School, which is being named for recently retired D120 superintendent Dr. Kevin Myers. Finally, she stated how she, along with other District administrators, have been visiting classrooms to witness first-hand all the progress that is being made related to inclusive practices, as so many are working together to best support all students.

Pledge of Allegiance

This month's Pledge of Allegiance was led by members of the Fremont Intermediate School Jr. Hope Squad.

Presentation

Annual Student Growth and Achievement Report

An annual update on our student growth and achievement scores was presented. During the 2024-2025 academic year, FSD79 demonstrated growth for the fourth consecutive year. Our Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) scores from this past year demonstrated strong student performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, using the state's new proficiency cut scores. In ELA, 71% of our students obtained proficiency, maintaining our performance from last year. In math, we had an increase in students meeting or exceeding standards, with 54% total demonstrating proficiency. This student growth and achievement is a testament to our dedicated educators, students, families, and school community.

Informational Items

Development Update

Dr. Kocanda provided an update on new residential developments within the District's boundaries as well as the forthcoming Ivanhoe Village project.

D79 and D120 continue to advocate for the schools and current taxpayers in continuing to encourage the Village of Mundelein to revisit the impact fee agreement for the Ivanhoe Village development. The school districts sent the following letters on August 20: Letter to Village Elected Officials; Letter to the Community
On August 26, 2025, Mayor Meier responded via email to the School Board without addressing the specific requests.
The District has added an Ivanhoe Village status update with specific data addressing some of the misinformation that has been presented. Namely, the fact that the current impact fee agreement will not result in greater payments than other recent residential developments, as was claimed.
On July 31, 2025, the District sent a term sheet request to Pulte Development regarding the impending Walnut Ridge development, which is expected to generate 100 K-8 students from 155 single-family homes. As of September 17, 2025, the District is still awaiting a response.
Next steps for the District include continuing to educate the community, requesting collaboration with the Village of Mundelein to determine specifics of the "10-year lookback" for the Ivanhoe Village project, and determining legislative next steps to offset the enrollment growth impact.

August Institute Days Summary

FSD79 welcomed its staff back for the start of the school year with Institute Days on August 19-20. The Opening Day program introduced the theme "Everyone Matters" as well as a new tradition of recognizing tenured staff. Programming included sessions on safety and security trainings and procedures, professional learning communities, paraprofessional professional development, collaborative sessions, and the Meet and Greet with families.

Parent University: Semester One

The District is once again collaborating with its PTO on the Parent University engagement series. Programming will take the form of in-person presentations, virtual presentations, and other resources. Topics for the first half of the school year included safety and security, social-emotional health and wellness, and supporting parents with students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

FY25 Administrator and Teacher Salary and Benefits Report

Allison Stempien, Executive Director of Human Resources, stated that the State requires posting of an annual salaries and benefits report for all licensed personnel. The FY25 report was shared and will be posted on District's website.

The Following Action Items Were Approved:

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
Resolution 26-02 Authorizing Destruction of Closed Session Audio Recordings
Resolution 26-03 Providing for the Issue and Sale of Not to Exceed $27,500,000 of School Fire Prevention and Safety Bonds and for the Levy of Taxes to Pay the Bonds
Intergovernmental Agreement for Special Education Placement with District 75
Second Reading of Proposed Board Policies

To view the Board Packet materials from the September 22, 2025, meeting, click here.

September 2025 Board Meeting Recap

Fremont School District 79

Fremont School District 79