Dear District 67 Community Member,
To keep you informed, we will be sending you the District 67
Board Report on a monthly basis. Please note: These are not the official minutes of the Board of Education. Minutes, once approved, board agendas, packets, and videos
can be found here.
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Board President Mike Borkowski commented that one of the best ways to be involved in District 67 is by serving as a Community Representative on one of our Board Committees. Community members interact with Board Members and Administrators, participate in the important committee work of the district, and provide invaluable input from our citizens, parents and other stakeholders. District 67 is currently seeking applications for the Education Committee and Finance and Operations Committee. All Lake Forest residents are invited to apply for these positions. Appointments to these committees are for two-year terms and will be based on interest and qualifications. More detailed information regarding the committees and application process will be posted on our website, sent to all newsletter subscribers and the media. Mike encouraged all interested individuals to apply by Friday, April 28, 2017.
Mike introduced Niki Singh a DPM student who shared her story about being bullied. She shared how she used her creativity, intelligence and passion to respond in a positive manner. Niki recorded a song and, with the help and support of her parents, established a website that promotes the importance of inner strength and self-confidence. Mike commented that her story is both a reminder that our Vision calls for us to care about every student and also a message of hope, resiliency, and self-advocacy. He commented that her story is very powerful, and that she is just one example of our incredible student body.
View video for complete report.
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Superintendent Mike Simeck announced that the K-4 Math Game Night was a huge success. Over 45 families attended for an hour of games that were designed to increase mathematical thinking and questioning. He expressed thanks to the K-4 Math Specialists for coordinating the event, the APT for sponsoring the treats, the Spirit of 67 for sponsoring the board games, and our teachers and administrators for their support.
Next year, District 67 will be offering Lake Forest residents, with children ages 3-5 years, an exemplary early childhood experience in the Community of Learners Preschool. The purpose of the program is to optimize the potential of each child through nurturing individual student growth in an integrated preschool setting. Parent Information Sessions will be held: Thursday, April 6, at 9:00am and 6:45pm at Sheridan School.
Mike encouraged all parents to complete the National School Climate Inventory (CSCI) as it closes this week.
View video for complete report.
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Learning Spaces Design Plan
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Representatives from Green Associates presented an assessment of the district’s classrooms, including furniture, storage, lighting, etc. They met with staff and students to gain feedback and explore various classroom options that support and optimize student learning. Green Associates will now prototype a different classroom option in each school. Using this feedback, Green will recommended configurations for five test classrooms for next year. The Board will consider these plans and funding in a future meeting.
View video.
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Finance & Operations Committee
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Rob Lemke reported that the committee reviewed the 2017-18 Quest Food Services contract. The renewal shows a 1.5% increase. The committee also overviewed historical data with regard to student fees. Olson Transportation had requested a mid-year and next year increase, due to the extremely tight busing market. The committee also discussed the Community of Learners Preschool that will be offered in the fall. Rob also reported that the committee discussed year-end projections, which are favorable, and reviewed upcoming summer projects
View video.
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Jeff Folker reported that the committee met in a joint session with the District 115 Policy Committee. The purpose of this meeting was to review new policies 2:125, Board Member Compensation; Expenses, policy 5:60, changes were necessitated by the Local Government Control Act, Policy 2:120, Board Member Development and 8:32 Meeting Protocols. The policies are on the Board of Education agenda for a first reading
View video.
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Board Operating Procedures Committee
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Jeff Folker stated that the committee had reviewed a draft version of the Board Operating Procedure Manual and made further revisions. A Board Workshop was held to review the draft manual. The committee will incorporate Board feedback, continue to review with the full board, and anticipate a final draft for Board consideration later this year.
View written report
View video.
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North Suburban Special Education District (NSSED)
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Suzanne Sands announced that the council heard a presentation from one of the founders of Special Education, Madeleine Wills. The council discussed inclusion and its importance of keeping our students at their local school when possible. Suzanne announced that she had been nominated to serve as the President of the NSSED Leadership Council.
View written report
View video.
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Beth Clemmensen announced that there have been numerous attempts to reach a Grand Bargain at the state level but there has been no resolution. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) recently filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois alleging that the state-funding mechanism is unfair on the basis of underfunding minority populations. Nothing has happened regarding this lawsuit. Similar lawsuits have also been filed in Kansas and Michigan. The Kansas Supreme Count did rule in favor of the suit. Beth will continue to monitor and report on the progress of the legislative efforts.
View video.
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Suzanne Sands mentioned that the slate for the 2017-18 Foundation Board has been announced. She highlighted the recent Grants in Action and the Talent Show. Suzanne announced that the Opening Doors for Education Home Tour is scheduled for May 4, 2017.
View written report
View video.
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Jeff Folker announced that the APT held its District-wide annual meeting in March. The 2017-19 Executive Board slate of officers was approved (President: Desiree Witte, Treasurer: Ann Kiesling, Communications Secretary: Marty Vander Velde, Everett President: Kate Leech, DPM President: Beth Laufenberg). Superintendent Simeck gave a State of the District report that indicated District 67 is very strong. He highlighted that reading and math scores are 2-3 grade levels above the national average, one-fifth of incoming LFHS freshmen are in the top 5% of the nation, and the district has the 2nd lowest tax rate in Lake County. Renee Romero Schuler, a local painter, sculpture and author shared stories and inspirations from her life.
View written report
View video.
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For More Complete Information:
Next Meeting:
Tuesday, April 25, 2017, 7:00pm, LFHS West Campus, Board Room.
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