Hawthorn Board Highlights

The Board approved the 2026 to 2027 student calendar, updated student fees for the upcoming school year, and summer school fees for 2026.

Present

• Robin Cleek
• George Fievet
• Michael Engle
• Joel Finfer
• Stephanie Peters
• Karl Borchers
• Julie Clifford

Absent

• None

A former Hawthorn student, now attending Vernon Hills High School, shared concerns about foreign language course availability at the high school level. She emphasized the importance of clear communication about language options prior to high school registration so students can make informed choices.

The Board shared birthday wishes with Superintendent Dr. Hannigan ahead of his upcoming birthday.

The Board recognized outstanding student athletes and teams for representing Hawthorn at the state level.

A Middle School North golfer was honored for qualifying for and competing in the IESA State Girls Golf Tournament.

Track and Field athletes from both Middle School North and Middle School South were also recognized for qualifying for and competing in the IESA State Track and Field Meet.

Each honoree received certificates and medals in recognition of their achievements.

One of the goals of the Board of Education is to recognize the accomplishments of those who play a significant role in advancing Hawthorn’s tradition of excellence. This includes teachers, staff, students and community members. Nominate someone for recognition today!

Board members who attended the IASB Triple I Conference shared key takeaways from sessions they attended. President Cleek also shared updates from regional health networking groups focused on student mental health and community resources and reminded members about upcoming ED RED events. She closed by wishing the community a happy holiday season.

Legislative updates included discussion of proposed legislation related to cell phone use in schools.

The Board received updates on leadership and financial changes at SEDOL. These included the approval of a new superintendent beginning in July 2026 and the adoption of a revised tuition funding model starting in the 2026 to 2027 school year. The new model bases tuition on actual student usage, with additional financial projections expected later this spring.

Updates included results from recent energy efficiency reviews confirming that building improvements have been effective, with only minor recommendations noted. The Middle School South library and office renovation project is currently in the bidding phase.

The Board also received updates on transportation coordination, student behavior support on buses, and welcomed a new permanent head chef to district food services.

Key to 73 Foundation

The Foundation continues to support students and families through funding for the Eagle Net hotspot program and planned scholarships for summer programming. Planning is also underway for the annual golf outing scheduled for June 5. Community members are encouraged to get involved or learn more at keyto73foundation.org.

Wellness Committee

• No report was shared this month.
• Next meeting: January 27.

One of the Superintendents for the Day shared reflections from classroom visits and district walkthroughs, highlighting positive student behavior and engagement. He concluded by suggesting that pajama day should happen every day.

Hawthorn continues to make steady academic gains, even as state and national expectations rise. Students are showing stronger skills in reading and math, schools earned strong state ratings again this year, and key student groups are making meaningful progress. Beyond academics, students are engaged, supported, and active in school life, and the district is using new whole-child data to guide improvements. Overall, the report shows a district moving in a positive direction while staying focused on strengthening growth, attendance, and enrichment opportunities for all learners.

The Board reviewed a proposed copier refresh following a formal request for proposal process. Drafts of the 2026 to 2027 student calendar, student fees, and summer school fees were also reviewed in preparation for action later in the meeting.

The next Board of Education meeting will be held on January 15, 2026 at Hawthorn District Office.