The Lyons Township High School District #204 Board of Education conducted a Regular Action Meeting on Monday, April 18, 2022, in the Reber Center at North Campus. The following items occurred during the meeting:
For more information regarding the Board of Education, which includes a link to view the livestream of all meetings, please visit the LTHS Board of Education website.
Agenda-Related Public Speaker: Elizabeth Slezak
Communications
LT Education Association President Andrew Johannes addressed LT’s grading policy, calling for expansion of the Grading Implementation Team to include more teachers. He also requested that additional teacher support, training and feedback be incorporated into future grading changes, along with clear explanations on why grading changes are taking place and how the changes will benefit students. He went on to thank teachers and staff for their help in administering the recent PSAT. Finally, he recognized the hard work the administrative assistants perform on a daily basis and asked the Board to consider their contributions as they review their compensation.
Student Representative to the Board Report
Student Representative to the Board Aamina Qureshi highlighted the following student activities: • GEMS Club hosted an Introduce a Girl to STEM event for 35 middle school girls. • NHS hosted a National Day of Service on April 9, with 350 members participating. • Wind Ensemble was named a finalist in the Illinois Superstate Band Competition. • Science Olympiad placed 2nd place in Regionals and is heading to State. • Student Council is busy preparing for All School on Friday. She also noted that Prom Tickets go on sale this week, 16 students sign letters of intent to play their respective sports in college and Tens By Teens is this weekend.
Superintendent’s District Report
• With just six weeks left in the school year, Superintendent Waterman noted there are many upcoming activities scheduled throughout the remainder of April and in May. LT is already keeping an eye on next year, with the Class of 2026 Open House scheduled for next week and Online Registration details to be released soon.
• Arab American Heritage Month
During April’s Arab American Heritage Month, LT is concentrating on celebrating Arab identity, thwarting negative stereotypes and providing teachers with Arab history and cultures all in support of Arab American students. On April 13, LT hosted a Ramadam Reflections for teachers and community members to connect and celebrate the Muslim Faith and to learn more about Ramadan. In addition, LT Reads Student and Staff Book Club selected the novel, Internment, written by Samira Ahmed, a local writer. The book focuses on the story of one teen girl who is forced into an internment camp for Muslim American citizens and brave enough to try and speak out, to try and fight back.
• Testing
Throughout the last several weeks, LT has administered the Illinois Science Assessment, SAT, PSAT 9, and PSAT 10. Advanced Placement Exams will be administered in May. Superintendent Waterman thanked the Office of Assessment and Research for their work, as well as so many others who proctored, helped setup spaces, worked on non-standard testing, and all of the other tasks that go into administering tests to thousands of students.
• Vita Plena Award
The April Vita Plena award was presented to paraprofessional Vanessa Benson who began her career at LT in 2008. She works with students and staff in the Transition Program, a program that continues education and services for students age 18-23 who have already met graduation requirement and are continuing to work toward individual goals. She goes above and beyond for students on a daily basis, serving on interview committees and doing whatever is necessary for students, staff and community.
• Superintendent Waterman noted that later this month, LT will be participating in two community-wide events: A panel discussion on the achievement gap hosted by the League of Women’s Voters and a day-long conference on Building an Inclusive Community hosted by the Leadershop.
• FOIA
Three FOIA requests were made since the last Board meeting:
- A parent requested hallway and bus footage regarding a specific incident.
- An organization requested insurance and bond claims, court filings, invoices and payments associated with LTHS for Case Number 2021-CH-04844.
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A reporter requested minutes of the March LT Education Association Executive Board Meeting.
Business
• The Board reviewed approved 22 summer workshop proposals. A few of the highlights include co-teaching training, training for Equity Ambassadors, optional technology training for teachers, new course creation for Yoga, Data and Probability, Sustainable Urban Agriculture and Introduction to Healthcare Careers. Time will also be dedicated for integration of SEL practices in PE classes, time to plan professional learning and goals, and development of alternative forms of assessment for core math courses. $54,107.50 will be paid for by Title I and Title II grants with the remainder, $38,852, coming from District funds.
• The Board approved grant-funded capital requests in the amount of $56k, which includes LTTV editing suites, fabrication band saw, electric convection range and WLTL portable video streaming, as well as $147,000 additional/replacement furniture-related items (i.e. teacher and student desks and chairs) to be used in the 2022-23.
• The Board reviewed the 2022-23 Textbook Requests, which include class sets, removal of instructional material that has not been used, and several new text requests. Texts up for adoption will be placed on public display for 30 days.
• The Board reviewed the Summer Reading List, which includes recommended books for students to continue reading over the summer. The list includes classics, sequential books, new best sellers and non-fiction. English teachers will highlight the novels in class, the website will include information and video reviews, and local bookstores and libraries will include displays.
• The Board reviewed a grading practices update presented by Director of Curriculum Scott Eggerding. Three main questions were addressed:
1) What are other high schools doing with changes to grading practices?
2) How do colleges view changes to grading practices?
3) How are we involving and supporting teachers with the implementation of grading practices?
• The Board approved the Creative Writing and Fashion Club to move from pilot status to official club status. The Board also approved an assistant for Rock Climbing Club for safety purposes and an assistant coach for Water Polo.
Non-Agenda Related Items Public Speakers
Board Vice President Alison Kelly reminded those addressing the Board that individuals are expected to behave with respect and civility toward others and shall not use vulgar or obscene language, or impede, delay, disrupt or interfere with a Board meeting. For full policy details, consult the Board Policy manual on the District’s website.
- Susan Hughes
- Angel Partin
- Elizabeth Slezak
- Becky Lorenzen
