News and Notes

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

July 18, 2023
 

New Board Member - Board Approved

The Board approved the appointment of Marcela Duran to fill the seat of outgoing Board member Freddy Gallegos who resigned in May. Duran took the oath of office at the beginning of the meeting and joined the Board for the duration. Her term will expire in May 2025.

Adult Meal Pricing - Board Approved

The School Board adopted the adult meal breakfast rate of $1.95 and the adult meal lunch rate of $3.69 for Fiscal Year 2024. The prices fully cover all costs including USDA Foods fair market value, in accordance with USDA Food and Nutrition Service instruction.

Special Education Transportation Bid - Board Approved

The Board of Education approved the bid from CitiCare Transportation for Special Education transportation services at $52 per route. Since both Districts 75 and 120 use the same company for Special Education Services they benefit by getting a lower rate per route. The Board’s action is pending approval of the bid by the District 120 Board, which will consider the matter in August.

Job Description Updates - Board Approved

The Board approved updates and new job descriptions for 18 different positions. While some are new job descriptions, many are current descriptions with slight changes. The changes will ensure the accuracy of the duties performed by District 75 employees as well as employees who have Shared Services positions in both Districts 75 and 120.

Kristie Fingerhut, President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

June 20, 2023
 

Technical Difficulties

The meeting start was delayed due to technical difficulties with the Zoom streaming service. The meeting was recorded and will be made available for public viewing on the District 75 website.

Review of Academic Goals

In a final analysis of academic data for the 2022-23 school year, District 75 students showed improvement in reading, literacy and math despite an increased expectation for growth. Students met 9 out of 11 district goals that were set to measure student academic growth on the STAR and IAR assessments between the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023.

Purchase of SEDOL Building - Board Approved

The Board agreed to purchase the SEDOL property at 330 N. Ridgemoor Avenue for the price of $630,000. The building is connected to the west side of Carl Sandburg Middle School.

Shared Services Model - Board Approved

The Board approved a declaration and agreements to continue its Shared Services model with Mundelein High School District 120. The agreement includes three priorities: aligning work between the two districts, reallocation of resources for efficiencies and cost savings; and maintaining a positive environment for both school communities. Since 2018, the Shared Services model has saved the two districts more than $9 million while improving communications between District 120, District 75 and other feeder districts including Districts 76 and 79.

Organizational Chart Update - Board Approved

The School Board  approved an updated organizational chart that better reflects a shared services system. The new chart is designed to make the District more collaborative, efficient and accountable in a model that’s long-sustaining. The update will be considered by the District 120 School Board before it can be implemented.

New Job Descriptions - Board Approved

The School Board voted to reclassify two current shared-services positions in the Facilities and Maintenance Department. The move will add additional supervisory responsibility to a pair of positions, saving money by not having to outsource work and improving the efficiency of electrical and mechanical maintenance at both District 120 and at District 75.

Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services - Board Approved

The School Board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) allowing for direct communication between the third-party vendor and the HFS and helping District 75 file Medicaid claims to the state.

Evening Custodial Services Bid - Board Approved

The Board accepted the bid of $508,746 by GSF-USA for the District’s evening custodial services.

Administrative Costs Waiver - Board Approved

The School Board agreed to waive a state rule to allow administrative costs to increase 6 percent, over the 5 percent maximum for the 2022-23 school year. The cost increase did not relate to salaries, but the move of $14,000 from one line item to another. The waiver is possible because District 75 remains in the bottom quarter of all school districts in the state for its administrative costs per pupil.

Board Meeting Dates - Board Approved

The School Board voted to cancel its regularly scheduled July 25 meeting and added two special meetings. The first special board meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 13 for the purpose of interviewing school board candidates. The second special board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18. It is expected to include the appointment of a new school board member.

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Kristie Fingerhut, President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

May 23, 2023

 

Budget Adopted - Board Approved

Following a public hearing, the School Board adopted the budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The biggest changes to the budget were decreases in food service revenue and grant revenue. Those were offset by expenditure decreases in purchased services including food service, custodial and transportation.

Honoring the Outgoing Board President

The Board of Education and Superintendent Kevin Myers presented outgoing Board President Kevin Holly with a plaque and thanked him for his 14 years of service to District 75. Holly led the Board through various changes and improvements including starting the dual language program, the start of one-to-one devices and a shared services agreement with District 120.

National School Lunch Program - Board Approved

The School Board voted to enter into an agreement with Arbor Management for its food service program. Arbor submitted the low bid of $721,320. The agreement is for one year with option to renew for four additional one-year periods.

Intergovernmental Agreement with Mundelein Park District - Board Approved

District 75’s intergovernmental agreement with the Mundelein Park District was adjusted to address the Rec connection program moving from Washington School to Dunbar Center. The agreement also provides for transportation provisions, costs and automatic annual renewals.

Construction Management Service Contract - Board Approved

The Board approved the move to appoint David Zaremba, Director of Facilities and Grounds at District 75, and Kevin Quinn, Director of Maintenance and Facilities at District 120, as in-house construction managers. This will increase the district oversight on the Carl Sandburg stage project while decreasing the cost.

Administrative and ESP Compensation - Board Approved

The School Board approved increases for administrators and educational support personnel for Fiscal Year 2024. The move includes 5 percent increases, based upon the rate setting CPI for the district’s levy.

Strategic Plan - Board Approved

The School Board approved a list of action items connected to each of the goals in the District 75 Strategic Plan. The plan includes goals in four categories: student achievement, equity, partnership and fiscal. District 75 staff will take the steps to achieve those goals over the next three school years.

School Board Vacancy - Board Approved

The School Board approved the resignation of Freddie Gallegos and will begin accepting applications for a replacement. Applications are due by noon on June 6 and the Board will interview candidates on June 8. The individual selected to fill the open board seat will serve through May 2025.

Kristie Fingerhut, President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

April 18, 2023

 

Tentative Budget Adopted - Board Approved

Chief Business Official T. Rancak and the District 75 Finance Advisory Committee forwarded a balanced tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2024 to the Board of Education for review and discussion. The biggest changes to the budget were decreases in food service revenue and grant revenue. Those were offset by expenditure decreases in purchased services including food service, custodial and transportation.

Washington Bell Schedule Review

Following a review of Rush University’s Sleep Study Survey and the new bell schedule that was implemented in the 2022-23 school year, the administration reported that there has been no negative impact on academic performance, discipline or behavior despite the earlier start time at Washington School. The results do not warrant adjusting the start time at Washington for the 2023-2024 school year. Administrators told the Board they are looking into providing free breakfast for all Washington students, working with the Mundelein Park District to have a single location for Rec-Connect and continuing the bus transportation route available to families with students at both Washington and Mechanics Grove schools.

Assistant Principal Added - Board Approved

The School Board approved the addition of a third assistant principal position for District 75, allowing for an assistant principal at each of D75’s K-8 schools. Currently, Washington and Mechanics Grove schools share an assistant principal. The move will create a more consistent role for administrators at those two schools and allow for a stronger emphasis on instructional leadership and student support services at the building level at Washington, Mechanics Grove and Carl Sandburg schools.

Kevin Holly, President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

March 14, 2023

 

Budget Discussion

The first draft budget for FY 2024 was presented to the D75 Board of Education Tuesday. The tentative budget will be presented on April 15 and is expected to be adopted on May 23. Once again we have a balanced budget.

Staffing Proposal - Board Approved

The District 75 Board of Education approved an increase of 2.5 full-time staff members on Tuesday. The move included a 0.5 staff reduction at Carl Sandburg School, the addition of two part-time positions at Mechanics Grove and the addition of two full-time positions in special education at Carl Sandburg. The two schools that will increase are Washington and CSMS. The changes are based on both student needs and enrollment numbers.

Special Board Meeting - Board Approved

Due to the election in April, the School Board will host a special board meeting on Thursday, May 11 at 5 p.m. to meet the 40-day timeline for reorganizing the Board. The School Board will seat the new board members and reorganize officer positions.

Ray Rose, Vice-President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

February 21, 2023

Mid-Year Playbook

Principals from Carl Sandburg, Mechanics Grove and Washington schools presented updates to the School Board on the activities taking place to prepare for the next trimester. Each principal talked about reasons for celebrating their progress and stated some ideas for support or improvement. The district is on target in reading (both English and Spanish) and math to meet the goal of reaching proficient or higher in 11 of 12 goal areas.  Superintendent Kevin Myers gave accolades to our students, staff and leadership teams for the progress they’ve made academically.

Mundelein High School referendum presentation

The MHS Building Committee presented a report on the Mundelein High School $175 million building referendum on the April 4 ballot. The committee said that many of the common areas are nearing the end of their life span and District 120 will continue spending money on repairs until the space is improved. The committee’s plan calls for the renovation of aging common areas such as the auditorium, kitchen and cafeteria. While the high school program continues to achieve success, the physical facilities are the constraint. The limitations are impacting both academics and activities and creating difficulties with scheduling. The facilities plan will include the addition of a large multi-purpose room, a new competition gym and new space for an enhanced Career and Technical Education program. The plan also calls for a ring road around the campus to alleviate traffic congestion and the development of additional outdoor athletic/recreational facilities on offsite district-owned property.

Job Descriptions - Board Approved

The School Board approved the addition of an administrative assistant for the Facilities/Maintenance/Construction Department. This position will be a shared service position, shared with Mundelein High School District 120.

Kevin Holly, President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

January 24, 2023

 

Teaching and Learning: ASPIRE Academy

District administrators presented a report on the ASPIRE Academy. Due to a general shortage of teachers in the field of education and the need for bilingual educators, Mundelein High School is capitalizing on home grown talent and creating a course pathway for students interested in becoming educators. This semester District 75 is preparing its teachers to be cooperating mentors to host interns from Mundelein High School in their classrooms. The program will start with an orientation meeting at the beginning of the next school year. MHS students would spend three days a week in D75 schools during the full-year course for high school seniors. The students will rotate between Washington, Mechanics Grove and Carl Sandburg Schools, assisting teachers and sometimes working one-on-one with students. More than 30 D75 teachers expressed interest in hosting interns. 

Sleep Study Results and Next Steps

The District 75 Board heard a report from Rush University’s Sleep Study Survey that was completed in October by about 500 people for all grades, K-12. Both District 75 and District 120 shifted their bell schedules at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, with a later start time for older students and an earlier start time for younger students. Overall, the data reflects the most benefits from families in grades 6-12 and the most concerns at grades K-2. The District 75 Administration will review the feedback and report back to the Board any potential options to address the feedback provided.

Public hearing on bonds for fine arts addition - Board Approved

The School Board passed a resolution to execute and distribute $4.5 million in working cash bonds to help finance an addition with a stage at Carl Sandburg School. The resolution sets forth the maximum terms and conditions of the bond issue. The structuring would be purposely configured to have the most minimal impact on the taxpayers as possible. It would also provide the District with the flexibility to fund other long-term projects such as life and safety improvements in the future and District 75 would retain its stable financial rating.

Summer School Stipends - Board Approved

The School Board increased the stipend allowed for the Summer School Leader positions to be in alignment with the hourly rate associated with the summer school teaching staff in the 2022-2026 collective bargaining agreement. Last year the Summer School Coordinator (serving as a principal) and Summer School Site Leader (serving as assistant principal) were paid based on teacher salaries. However, teacher salaries have increased with the new collective bargaining agreement. The two positions will increase from $45 to $50 per hour.

Intergovernmental Agreement: Long-term Substitute - Board Approved

School Districts 75 and 79 negotiated an agreement to permit Fremont District 79 to utilize a District 75 long-term substitute employee for one-day a week as long as the employee is not fulfilling an assignment at District 75. The agreement will allow both districts to better serve Ukrainian students at their schools. District 79 will reimburse District 75 for any days worked at Fremont schools.

Strategic Plan - Board Approved

The District 75 School Board approved the goals for the Strategic Plan, lining them up in accordance with the values the School Board listed in its proposed plan. The goals are:

• Show continual improvement in literacy and math annually based on the appropriate standardized assessment.
• Implement revised curriculum and assessments aligned to state  and/or national learning standards that support and enhance innovative and vision-focused practices and programming to foster high-level achievement.
• Increase the number of school-community partnerships through events, communication, outreach and school culture.
• Inform the Board annually on how the shared-service dollars were reallocated and shared service opportunities were increased.
• Maintain fiscal stability and equitable spending practices.
• Develop 21st century facilities plan to provide excellence in educational and extracurricular opportunities.

Board Vice President Ray Rose said the District goals become the foundation for which everything we do, going forward, will be built on. The next phase is the action plan in which the Administration will make action plans to achieve the goals set by the Board.

Kevin Holly, President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

December 13, 2022

 

Public hearing on bonds for fine arts addition - Board Approved

The School Board held a public hearing regarding its intent to sell $4.5 million in working cash bonds to help finance an addition with a stage at Carl Sandburg School. A portion of the funding for the project would come from funds the district has previously saved with the remainder coming from the bonds.

The structuring would be purposely configured to have the most minimal impact on the taxpayers as possible. It would also provide the District with the flexibility to fund other long-term projects such as life and safety improvements in the future and District 75 would retain its stable financial rating.

Job Descriptions - Board Approved

The School Board approved revised job descriptions for four positions and added a job description for a new position, a second payroll clerk. Like the current payroll clerk, the position will be a shared service role with School District 120. This new position allows both districts to have a backup position in payroll as well as provide more effective service for each district.

Insurance Program representatives named - Board Approved

The District 75 Board of Education named its Chief Financial Officer T. Rancak as its representative to the Northern Illinois Health Insurance Program (NIHIP) and its Human Resources Coordinator Tina Routledge as its alternate representative. 

FY24 Registration Fees - Board Approved

The School Board agreed to a slight increase in the registration fees for Fiscal Year 2024 while changing the process to make programs, field trips and clubs more equitable and accessible to all students. Fees for grades pre-K to fourth grade will increase from $117 to $120 in FY24; for fifth grade they will rise from $168 to $170; in sixth and seventh grades from $220 to $235; and in eighth grade they will remain at $235.

By combining the costs for technology fees, educational field trips (not including Camp Duncan or Springfield), end-of-year celebrations, clubs and one free Tier I activity, District 75 will have one single fee waiver process for those in need of financial assistance. Families who cannot afford certain fees will no longer have to  go through a multiple fee waiver process and all children, no matter their financial status, will have access to the same experiences including band, field trips, sports, clubs, intramurals. 

Accelerated Programming Plan - Board Approved

The School Board approved the District 75 Accelerated Learning Plan, setting up an application process for those requesting early entrance to kindergarten or first grade, acceleration to a higher grade level in a single subject area, or acceleration to a higher grade level in all subject areas. The plan sets specific guidelines for the application process including application deadlines. It fulfills a requirement by the Illinois State Board of education.

 

Kevin Holly, President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

November 15, 2022

Working Cash Bonds - Board Approved

The School Board took the first step toward issuing $4.5 million in working cash bonds to help finance a new fine arts addition to Carl Sandburg School. A portion of the funding for the project would come from funds the district has previously saved with the remainder coming from the bonds.

Public Hearing on Working Cash Bonds sale - Board Approved

The School Board passed a resolution to hold a public hearing in December on its intent to sell $4.5 million in working cash bonds. The bonds will be used to help finance a new fine arts addition to Carl Sandburg School.

Adoption of Tax Levy - Board Approved

The District 75 Board of Education adopted both the tax levy resolutions and the certificate of tax levy. The estimated levy is a formal document that sets the amount of property tax dollars that can be levied by a taxing district for the operation of the school district. The 2022 levy, the total amount of taxes imposed by the district, and capped at no more than 5 percent higher than the previous calendar year, totals an estimated $19.3 million. No one commented during the Public Hearing on the 2022 levy. 

Specialized Transportation - Board Approved

The School Board agreed to purchase two mini buses and hire two drivers for specialized transportation services. Currently, the district spends $200,000 annually to a transportation company to provide three special education bus routes. While the buses and drivers will save the district an estimated $136,000 over four years.

School Calendars - Board Approved

The School Board agreed to adopt proposed school calendars for the next two years. While these initial calendars are subject to change, it does provide parameters and some key dates for future planning. Highlights for the 2023-24 calendar include a starting school on Aug. 16, winter break from Dec. 23 to Jan. 8, spring break from March 25-29 and school ending on May 23. The 2024-25 calendar includes a start day of Aug. 15, winter break from Dec. 20 to Jan. 7, spring break from March 24-28 and school ending on May 28. 

Shared Services Declaration - Board Approved

The District 75 Board reaffirmed its shared services agreement with Mundelein High School District 120 which was originally adopted in 2018 and began in 2019. The benefits of the Shared Services model include financial efficiencies and staff efficiencies. By the end of fiscal year 2023, the two districts are projected to have saved more than $9.1 million from the sharing of services. 

Teaching and Learning Update 

Administrators and teachers presented an update on the District 75 Teaching and Learning program. The District is in its third year of working with literacy consultants who are helping staff in reading, writing and foundational skills development. Staff is focused this year on small group instructional practices, consistent writing instruction and the inclusion of literacy in other areas of the district including at libraries, in the middle school social studies curriculum and by encouraging reading for the District 75 community.

District Learning Data

Staff presented a brief update on data it has been monitoring throughout the implementation of literacy and math initiatives. At this point, the data shows improvement for students in grades 3-8 compared to the learning loss during the summer of 2021.

Kevin Holly, President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

November 8, 2022

Shared Services Update  

The District 75 and District 120 Boards of Education met to review their Shared Services declaration and reaffirm their support of the model that began in 2019. The benefits of the Shared Services model include financial efficiencies and staff efficiencies. The number of staff employed under the shared services model has grown from 12 in 2019 to 27 today. By the end of fiscal year 2023, the two districts are projected to have saved more than $9.1 million from the sharing of services.  Those savings continue to be reinvested back into programs that benefit students and improve student achievement.
 

Kevin Holly, Board President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education

District 75 School Board Meeting Notes

October 18, 2022

Waiver Title Grant Schoolwide - Board Approved

The School Board will apply for Washington School to receive a Schoolwide Title Grant access. If approved, the waiver would allow the district to use federal funds on free and reduced services for programs that serve all students in the school. Currently Washington is limited to using Title Grant Funds to specifically targeted students. 

The title grant funds are typically used schoolwide when a school poverty rate is at 40 percent or above. Washington falls slightly below that threshold, and would need a waiver to use the funds schoolwide.

Job Descriptions - Board Approved

The Board approved the updates to seven job descriptions. The job descriptions now include a statement that applicants have the ability to fluently speak, read and write in English and Spanish (preferred). The positions descriptions include jobs for secretary, administrative assistant, receptionist and clerk. These are not new openings; the jobs are currently filled.

Tax Levy - Board Approved

The District 75 Board of Education adopted a $19.38 million tax levy. The estimated levy is a formal document that sets the amount of property tax dollars that can be levied by a taxing district for the operation of the school district. A Public Hearing on the Tax Levy will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at the beginning of the Board’s monthly meeting. 

Strategic Planning 

The Board of Education discussed the next steps in creating a District 75 Strategic Plan.

Each Board member will define their own vision of the five main goals listed on the strategic plan by the end of October. The Board will then meet to discuss the points and build a consensus. The point of building common goals, Board Vice-President Ray Rose said,  is so the Board will be able to “monitor where we’re going so we keep moving in the direction we want.

“We’re building a foundation for the work we will be doing in the future,” he said.

Funding a fine arts addition

The School Board further discussed plans to finance a new fine arts addition to Carl Sandburg School. The Board last discussed the project during its Sept. 20 meeting and has since worked with various stakeholders to gather information and feedback. The cost of the addition, originally estimated at $4.5 million, is now expected to be somewhere between $5.8 m. to $6.8 m.

The district would need to borrow about $4 million in bonds to help pay for the project, about $1 million more than previously discussed. It is considering a financing option that would have the least impact on taxpayers while allowing the district to remain financially stable. To cover any unknown contingencies, the Board would consider using an additional $1 million in fund balance, if needed. A large portion of the funding for the project would come from funds the district has previously saved. 

An update and recommendation will be discussed at the Nov. 15 School Board meeting. 

Resolutions Committee - Board Approved

The Board of Education discussed and voted to direct Board Secretary Kristie Fingerhut, the District 75 delegate to the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), to vote on resolutions on behalf of the Board. The IASB delegate committee will meet during the Triple I Conference in November. 
 

Ray Rose, Board Vice-President
On behalf of the District 75 Board of Education