Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education met July 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
The first regular meeting of the month of July of the Board of Education of Community Unit School District 200, DuPage County, Illinois, was called to order at the School Service Center, 130 W. Park Ave., Wheaton, IL by Board President Rob Hanlon, on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 7:00 PM.
ROLL CALL
Upon the roll being called, the following were present:
Board Members: Mr. Rob Hanlon
Ms. Julie Kulovits
Mr. Dave Long
Ms. Angela Blatner
Mr. Erik Hjerpe
Mr. Brad Paulsen
Mr. John Rutledge
Also in Attendance: Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent
Mr. Matt Biscan
Ms. Erica Loiacono
Ms. Melissa Murphy
Dr. Brian O’Keeffe
Dr. Chris Silagi
Mr. Jason Spencer
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Board Member John Rutledge led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
President Hanlon and Dr. Schuler acknowledged the tragic loss of Sandburg student Eddie Mayerik and noted his impact on the community.
MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
Based on feedback from the Board, Dr. Schuler requested to table the Policy Posting Consent Agenda (consisting of two agenda items) and indicated these items would be moved to a future board agenda.
Board committees – noted Mr. Paulsen and Mr. Rutledge will serve on the Facilities Committee, Mr. Long and Mr. Hjerpe will serve on the Finance Committee, and Ms. Kulovits and Ms. Blatner will serve on the HR/Policy Committee. Board committee work will start immediately.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Agenda Items & Non-Agenda Items
None
President Hanlon referenced the public comment portion of the last meeting when a speaker’s comment was cut short. The Board wants to foster open communication with the community and will try to make sure that does not happen again.
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Dr. Schuler provided the following updates:
• Gifts to the District – approving several generous gifts from PTA entities tonight. We are thankful for their support, and the support of all entities, including boosters and foundations, who provide critical support for the District.
• Mr. Matt Biscan is in his new role as Asst. Superintendent for Administrative Services. Dr. Schuler recognized the transition from Dr. Kyle and working not to lose sight of FOIA requests that came in. Noted there was at least one that was missed in the transition that is being worked on.
• Centralized textbook/resource manager, Cindy Reuter, has worked out of Woodland for years. The new hire for the position will work out of the SSC and be part of the Educational Services team. This is a busy time for the position with the new ELA materials being delivered and prepared for staff.
• Noted on the personnel report, under reassignment, Ms. Cindy Budzikowski, Math Dept. Chair at WWSHS will move into an Asst. Principal role (vacated when Ms. Campos became Principal of WWS), along with Mr. Jim Brennan, both internal staff from this school. The administrative team for the District is now full.
• Dr. O’Keeffe provided a quick update as to where we are with our summer facilities projects, noting the volume of work (about $9.9 million) that is being done. A summary was provided in the Board green folders – including the type of work, the total cost (with contingency), the building/location the work is taking place, and the percentage completed to date. Dr. Schuler asked the Board as we get closer to completion dates, if they would be interested in a tour of the facilities that were touched (in the early part of August).
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Acceptance of Gifts from Hawthorne Elementary School PTA – Recommend acceptance of the gifts from Hawthorne PTA as presented.
2. Acceptance of Gifts from Madison Elementary School PTA – Recommend acceptance of the gifts from Madison PTA as presented.
3. Acceptance of Gifts from Pleasant Hill Elementary School PTA – Recommend acceptance of the gifts from Pleasant Hill PTA as presented.
4. Acceptance of Gifts to Wiesbrook Elementary School PTA – Recommend acceptance of the gifts from Wiesbrook PTA as presented.
5. Acceptance of Gifts from Franklin Middle School PTA – Recommend acceptance of the gifts from Franklin PTA as presented.
6. Acceptance of Gifts to Monroe Middle School PTA – Recommend acceptance of the gifts to Monroe PTA as presented.
7. Approval to Post the Elementary, Middle, and High School Student Handbook Updates for 2023-24 – Recommend approval to post the Elementary, MS, and HS student handbooks as presented.
8. Approval of Math Instructional Supplies Bid – Recommend approval of math instructional supplies bid as presented.
9. Approval of Foreign Travel Liability Insurance with CLIC – Recommend approval of the foreign travel liability insurance with CLIC as presented.
10. Acceptance and Approval of the Ten-Year Life Safety Survey for Johnson Elementary School – Recommend approval of the ten-year life safety survey for Johnson as presented.
11. Approval of the IASB 2023-24 Annual Dues – Recommend approval of the IASB 2023-24 dues as presented.
12. Approval of Bills Payable and Payroll – Recommend approval of the bills payable and payroll as presented.
13. Approval of Minutes – June 14, 2023, Open and Closed, and Approval to Destroy Recordings of Closed Sessions Prior to February 2022 As Allowable by Law – Recommend approval of the minutes of June 14, 2023, open and closed, and approve the destruction of recordings of closed sessions prior to February 2022 as presented.
14. Approval of Personnel Report to Include Employment, Resignation, Retirement, and Leave of Absence of Administrative, Certified, Classified, and Non-Union Staff – Recommend approval of the personnel report as presented.
There were comments and/or questions on the following:
• #7- Posting of Student Handbooks
o revisions in the attachment of the agenda item - updated contact information from Dr. Kyle to Mr. Biscan.
o required to post vs. practice - handbooks are posted as we post Board policy changes. This has been the practice of the District.
o Request to incorporate any future handbook changes into the handbooks that are posted for public review on the website; request for the information that is being changed to be highlighted in the posted version of handbooks.
MOTION
Member Hjerpe moved, Member Rutledge seconded to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.
POLICY POSTING CONSENT AGENDA - This agenda (both items #1 and #2) were tabled and moved to Topics for Future Discussion (to a future Board agenda)
1. Approval to Post Revised Policy 2:150 Committees for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post revised Policy 2:150 for public review and comment as presented.
2. Approval to Post Proposed New Policy 2:180 High School Student Ambassadors for Public Review and Comment – Recommend approval to post proposed new policy 2:180 for public review and comment as presented.
POLICY APPROVAL CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of Revised Policy 2:110 Qualifications, Term, and Duties of Board Officers – Recommend approval of revised Policy 2:110 as presented.
2. Approval of Revised Policy 4:60 Purchases and Contracts – Recommend approval of revised Policy 4:60 as presented.
3. Approval of Revised Policy 5:125 Personal Technology and Social Media; Usage and Conduct – Recommend approval of revised Policy 5:125 as presented.
4. Approval of Revised Policy 5:150 Personnel Records – Recommend approval of revised Policy 5:150 as presented.
5. Approval of Revised Policy 5:260 Student Teachers – Recommend approval of revised Policy 5:260 as presented.
6. Approval of Revised Policy 5:30 Hiring Process and Criteria – Recommend approval of revised Policy 5:30 as presented.
7. Approval of Revised Policy 5:90 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting – Recommend approval of revised Policy 5:90 as presented.
8. Approval of Revised Policy 6:135 Accelerated Placement Program – Recommend approval of revised Policy 6:135 as presented.
9. Approval of Revised Policy 6:210 Instructional Materials – Recommend approval of revised Policy 6:210 as presented.
10. Approval of Revised Policy 6:230 Library Media Program – Recommend approval of revised Policy 6:230 as presented.
11. Approval of Revised Policy 8:20 Community Use of School Facilities – Recommend approval of revised Policy 8:20 as presented.
There were comments and/or questions on the following:
• Dr. Schuler noted a document (dated 6.12.23) was included in the Board green folders from ISBE – a resource guide ISBE was required to develop in conjunction with the changes made to policy 5:30, which reflects a substantial process that sits on top of HR departments in all school districts involving an Employee History Review (EHR).
• At the August Board meeting an oral report on the topic will be presented - noting Erin’s Law, Faith’s Law, HR processes, and required pieces of training.
• There were no public comments received on the posted policies.
• Related to policies 5:15, 5:30, and 5:90 – amendments related to Faith’s Law and any further updates expected? There are significant detailed administrative protocols and procedures that sit behind these policies. Ms. Kuntz and the HR department have been working on the implementation of the protocols both for individuals we hire and those leaving the District.
MOTION
Member Long moved, Member Paulsen seconded to approve the Policy Approval Consent Agenda as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.
ACTION ITEMS
Approval to Post the Tentative Budget & Set the Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Section 17-1 of the School Code requires Boards of Education to adopt an annual school district budget before or during the first quarter of each fiscal year (by September 30). Prior to adoption, the Board must make a tentative budget available for inspection by the public for at least 30 days. Additionally, a public hearing regarding the budget must be conducted.
The Tentative Budget for posting was attached to the board agenda item. The Tentative Budget will be made available for inspection by the public at the School Service Center and also will be posted on the District website.
A public notice (attached to the board agenda item) regarding the availability of the Tentative Budget for inspection will be published in the Daily Herald newspaper, which has a circulation within the local communities. The Public Notice will also include the date of the Public Hearing, which will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at The School Service Center, 130 West Park Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60189.
Dr. Brian O’Keeffe, Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations, provided a presentation on the FY 24 Tentative Budget, which included information on the following:
• Budget Calendar
• Budget Posting
• CUSD 200 Accounting Methods
• CUSD 200 Funds
• Operational Revenues (FY2018 – 2022)
• Operational Expenses (FY2018 – 2022)
• Operating Expense Per Pupil (FY2022)
• Fund Balance History (FY2018 – 2022)
• 2023-24 Budget Highlights
o Revenues
▪ 2022 CPI
▪ Tax Levy Distributions (New Construction)
▪ CPPRT (Education & IMRF/SS Funds)
▪ Interest Earnings
▪ State Funding
• Evidence-Based Funding (EBF) and Categoricals
▪ Federal Funding
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Title I/II/III/IV, IDEA, Medicaid, ESSER Grants
o Expenditures
▪ Salaries and Benefits
• Teachers, Classified Staff, Non-Union & Admins, Benefits, TRS, IMRF Pension Rate
▪ Purchased Services, Supplies, Capital Purchases, Tuition/Other
• Curriculum, Technology, Outsourced Contracts, O&M Utilities, Tuition for Outplaced Students, Student Activity Accounts, Lease Payment for Jefferson ECC
▪ Summer Capital Projects
• Paving, Concrete, Roofing, Flooring, Ceiling & Lights, Construction (LLC Remodels), HVAC, Playgrounds
o Fund Highlights
▪ Education Fund – Revenues & Expenditures
▪ Operations & Maintenance Fund – Revenues & Expenditures
▪ Debt Services: Bond & Interest – Revenues & Expenditures
▪ Transportation Fund – Revenues & Expenditures
▪ IMRF/Social Security – Revenues & Expenditures
▪ Capital Projects Fund
▪ Working Cash
o Revenue by Source – All Funds (Local, State, Federal)
o Revenue by Source – All Funds (Budgeted Revenue Allocation by Source)
o Revenue by Source – Operating Funds (Local, State, Federal)
o Revenue by Source – Operating Funds (Budgeted Revenue Allocation by Source)
o Expenditures by Type – All Funds (Salaries & Benefits, Purchased Services, Supplies, Capital Outlay/Construction, Dues/Fees/Tuition, Other)
o Expenditures by Object – All Funds (Budgeted Expenditure Allocation by Object)
o Expenditures by Type – Operating Funds (Salaries & Benefits, Purchased Services, Supplies, Capital Outlay/Construction, Dues/Fees/Tuition/Other)
o Expenditures by Object – Operating Funds (Budgeted Expenditure Allocation by Object)
o All Funds Summary
o Revenue & Expenditures by Fund – All Funds
o Operating Budget Summary
o Operating Budget Comparison
There was additional information on the following:
• The negotiations with WWEA and the CEA and the impact on the budget timeline. • The public hearing on the tentative budget will take place at the August Board meeting on August 16, 2023.
• CUSD 200 Accounting Methods: cash-basis accounting is used for our budget and in IVisions (financial system) and accrual-basis accounting is used for our AFR (Annual Financial Report) and all financial statements.
• Audited numbers vs. cash numbers (cash numbers are not the numbers that end up on the financial statements).
• The D200 operating expense per pupil is below the average and among the lowest in our benchmark districts.
• Our fiscal year (FY) budget is from Jul 1 – Jun 30, this is the same for the state’s FY budget and TRS. IMRF is calendar year budget, and the federal budget is Oct 1 – Sept 30. This is important as the budget is being prepared (federal grants, may not have those exact dollars because it hasn’t been decided at a federal level).
• Tax levies – every budget has two different tax levies – FY 24 budget has the second half of the 2022 tax levy and the first half of the 2023 tax levy.
• Interest earnings – an increase from last year. Hearing that there could be one or two more increases by the Fed.
• CPI announced today as of June at a 3% increase year over year (lowest increase since March of 2021).
• Evidence-based funding – the District is still in Tier 3.
• Mandated categoricals – timing is an issue here concerning the use of last year’s guide in the budget.
• ESSER Digital Equity Grant – used to purchase all new Chromebooks for freshmen at both HS.
• The District is part of NIHIP pool for benefits – the trend for this year is not moving in a positive direction which may require discussions at the pool level and the local level regarding plans offered.
• The District will be in the last year of the food service contract with Organic Life, moving to year three of a five-year contract with custodial services, and moving into the second year of a two-year agreement with both IL Central, Sunrise, and Citizens Taxi for transportation.
• Summer capital projects – a recommendation from audit firm (Baker Tilley) that all capital projects be paid out of the capital projects fund (60); paying for LLCs out of O & M Fund (20) vs. Fund 60; or paying all out of fund 60.
• How the tax levy works and how it is extended by the clerk’s office as it relates to tax objections and refunds.
There were comments and/or questions on the following:
• Fund 60 as it relates to funding capital projects; concern over not having enough to cover the $7.2 million Sherman Dergis annual obligation in the coming year
• The commitment to Sherman Dergis, inflation, and adjusting the number.
• Board Finance and Facilities Committees – agenda topics regarding Sherman Dergis funds and the amount going forward.
• Outplacement costs and the legal responsibility being two times the cost.
• Expenditures by type – debt service is included in the dues/fees/tuition/other line item.
• TIF 2 and the monies going out to the taxing bodies are not a one-time occurrence.
• Evidence-based funding and moving from one tier to the next – D200 is in tier 3 (funding ratio percentile within the model is 95%). It is possible within the next five years we could end up at 100% fully funded (Tier 4).
• Request to get information on the staffing/enrollment ratio by level sheet broken down by certified and classified staff. Also requested a document with instructional staff directly supporting kids (classroom teachers and any intervention staff) by student ratio.
• Class sizes for the upcoming school year will approach closer to where they were in 2019- 20.
• IL state report card – number of teachers (FTEs) and students – 2017 vs. 2022.
• Changes in Title funds – driven by changes in allocations at the federal government level (determines the overall budget) and then each school budget is based on local demographics.
• Are there more opportunities to find additional grant dollars? Utilize partnerships to identify other sources of revenue.
• Any reasons for not attaching a thorough list of assumptions to the tentative budget docs for the community? If there is something the Board would like to see, this can be done. Staffing/enrollment assumptions, fee changes, etc. were noted.
• Sherman Dergis policy – the history of creating the policy in 2017 and the $7.2 million allocation.
• What decisions does the Board need to make to position for harder decisions in the coming years?
• Fund 20 vs. Fund 60 – balance what the auditors tell us in terms of priority; want to make sure we are compliant with that.
• Board committees are where the detailed conversations happen. The committees can then come back and report to the full board.
It was recommended that the Board of Education post the Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2024, and set the Public Hearing for said Budget on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 7:00 pm at The School Service Center, 130 West Park Avenue, Wheaton, Illinois 60189.
MOTION
Member Paulsen moved, Member Hjerpe seconded to post the tentative budget for FY24 and set the public hearing for said budget on August 16, 2023, at 7:00 PM as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.
Approval of the Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of Monies from Operations and Maintenance Fund to Capital Projects Fund
At the November 9, 2022 meeting, the Board of Education approved a number of capital projects to be completed in the summer of 2023. These are projects that have been identified in both the Facilities Master Plan as well as the Capital Facilities Plan. The committee recommended using Operations and Maintenance operating funds for these capital projects. Therefore, funds are requiring transfer from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Capital Projects Fund. In order to complete the transfer, a resolution must be approved by the Board of Education. There is no cost for this transfer. The transfer is included in the FY24 Budget document. A copy of the resolution was attached to the board agenda item.There was no additional information provided.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the resolution authorizing the transfer of monies from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Capital Projects Fund.
MOTION
Member Rutledge moved, Member Long seconded to approve the resolution authorizing the transfer of monies from the Operations and Maintenance Fund to the Capital Projects Fund as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.
Approval of the D.A.R.E. 5th Grade Keepin’ It Real Program Materials
Through a collaborative partnership with our Wheaton Police Department, District 200 recently piloted the D.A.R.E. Keepin' It Real Program in 5th grade at Hawthorne Elementary. The program focused on responsible decision making in many settings, including drug prevention. Through ten 45-minute lessons a D.A.R.E. trained police officer taught students about decision-making, confident communication, and helping others. At the conclusion of the 2023-24, we plan to assess the impact of the D.A.R.E. program through an evaluation of student discipline data, social emotional data, and school stakeholder feedback.
Feedback from the pilot of the D.A.R.E. program was positive and strong from both staff and students. The core concepts of responsible decision-making, exercising self-control, communicating confidently, and developing strong relationships were valued by those that participated in the program. The program also allowed our Wheaton Police Department to form strong relationships with our 5th-grade students. For the 2023-24 school year District 200 plans to expand our partnership with the Wheaton Police Department and provide this programming in 5th grade at all of our elementary schools. The materials have been on display at the School Service Center. Feedback has been shared with the Board of Education.
Funding for the program that includes training and instructional materials has been provided by the Wheaton Police Department with the exception of materials for both Bower and Johnson. District 200 will cover the cost of these materials at $2876.80 for the 23-24 school year.
There was additional information on the following:
• Evaluating the impact of the program in three ways
o looking at student discipline pieces for students in 5th grade related to decision making, looking at the SAEBRS screener data, and designing a tool for students, teachers, and administration to provide feedback.
There were comments and/or questions on the following:
• Evaluate any like curriculum pieces - how teachers feel about this program vs. others.
• The partnership with the Wheaton Police and the studies with efficacy are great.
• Concern over not looking at alternative curriculums for this area and those that may have higher efficacy rates. After this year, suggest we review what other DARE-like curriculum is out there.
• Wheaton Police and their efforts with community outreach – this is another element of building confidence and trust between the police and our residents.
• Like the concepts – peer pressure, stress and dealing with stressful situations, bullying, communication, and helping others. These are all important skills that tie into SEL.
• Glad this is happening in 5th grade, before going to middle school where things become difficult.
• Communicate and reinforce the parent engagement piece of this.
It was recommended that the Board of Education approve the D.A.R.E. Keepin' It Real 5th grade program materials as presented.
MOTION
Member Blatner moved, Member Paulsen seconded to approve the D.A.R.E. Keepin' It Real 5th grade program materials as presented. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.
ORAL REPORTS
Vision 2026 – Middle School Capital Projects Concept Update
At the February Board of Education Meeting, representatives from Perkins and Will provided the Board of Education with concepts for potential future capital projects at Edison, Franklin and Monroe Middle Schools. The Board reviewed and discussed the concepts, along with some cost projections. The Board gave direction for the administrative team to assemble a community engagement team to plan and execute a community engagement strategy and report the feedback to the Board of Education this fall. That work is underway as we prepare for the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year.
Following some initial feedback from the community engagement committee, administrators reviewed the concepts presented at Monroe Middle School and investigated a third concept for that building. The concept involves a potential intergovernmental partnership to address both the needs identified through our Master Facility Plan and some needs identified for community recreation and athletic space. This concept was discussed with the Board Facilities Committee and was shared with the full Board of Education at this meeting to determine if it should be developed further prior to the fall community engagement sessions.
There was additional information on the following:
• Referenced the Monroe Joint Use Study from Perkins & Will (P&W).
• Context/history – last spring the Board was presented with concepts (mid and high) for each of the three middle schools to review and discuss which would both solve the problems/needs of each school as well as provide educational improvements for each school.
• An option was explored at a neighboring District in Lombard that looked at the opportunity to simultaneously address a need at the middle school with some of the community needs and opportunity for recreational athletic space. Visited the school to understand what they did, and how they approached it and explored whether this was a viable option for the District to consider. Monroe is the only site where it made sense to explore based on land availability.
• P&W provided a test concept option that was shared with the Facilities Committee, who requested this be brought to the full Board to discuss if this is something the District should move forward to continue to explore as an option as we move into the community engagement through the fall.
• This option looks at some of the joint use within our facilities, in this case with the park district – and involves some of the outside space around the school (Graf Park facilities), and some areas in the school (in most cases the gymnasium). Noted at Monroe some of the performing arts space could be joint use as well.
• Indoor recreation/sports spaces are in high demand within the community. Any opportunity to share some of that in a shared use would be well served.
• The new concept does not show any reconfiguration internally but focuses on newly added space in those recreational facilities. This could be a combination of hard court and turf indoor space.
• Conceptually, the new spaces could be shared space. This could be with the local park district.
• This option would free up space inside of the building that could be used for renovation concepts – science labs, student services, etc.
• With this concept, expanding evening and weekend use of the facilities would mean the need to look at how to expand parking. Shared use concept for parking? The need for exploring this with the county/fairgrounds property.
• The goal for tonight was to introduce the concept. Have talked with the park district and they are having some of the same conversations at their level.
• This is a test-level concept – is there enough interest to build out this concept?
There were comments and/or questions on the following:
• The objective/driver behind this – could potentially defray some of the costs by looking at shared responsibility of any new shared space, but maximizing the opportunity to put money toward facilities that would get used by the school and the community. Recognizing a shared interest with a community partner.
• Is there a benefit to going bigger?
• Amazed at how often the fields at Graf Park are rented out to many different groups in the season. Once winter comes, it is not in use due to weather. Think there would be a demand for that indoor space. Like the collaboration with the park district. Curious about the budget implications.
• Would like to expand the conversation beyond the park district. Noted the fairgrounds/county. Would like to expand to other entities and other potential users. • Any consideration to having a community-based fitness center for after hours?
• A needed additional resource for the community; a very engaged site with all kinds of recreational and sports activities; would be a benefit for Wheaton Park District residents; reconfiguration of property to the east – possible or not?…do not believe we can go east; would like to see how our facility plan improvements overlay into this concept – as it relates to middle school electives and academics; exploring flipping the gymnasium with the futsal space; budget implications; love the idea of partnerships; potential IGAs (Intergovernmental agreements).
• Fantastic we continue to reach across our scope and build relationships with community partners; the creativity in reaching out to other groups; a lot of work to be done and support to continue to explore this concept.
Dr. Schuler will add this topic to the Facilities Committee agenda.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Vision 2026 – Work Plan Priorities for 2023-24
District 200 has utilized strategic planning as a tool to guide the work of the District and School Board. Our current strategic planning effort, Vision 2026, started with the development of our Portrait of a Graduate. That work involved two rounds of community input, and the work of a design team that developed the Portrait based on the input and community engagement sessions. The Portrait was presented to the Board of Education in January and launched the development of our Vision 2026 Plan. Each school year, the metrics identified on the Vision 2026 Dashboard are monitored and results are reported to the Board of Education throughout the year at the Committee of the Whole and Regular Board of Education Meetings. Additionally, specific work plans or improvement strategies are identified each year to address the areas of priority in the Vision 2026 Plan or the results on the Vision 2026 Dashboard. Each summer, the Board of Education reviews and provides input on the Strategies for the upcoming school year. Once approved, the work plans support the development of School Improvement Plans and work plans for the upcoming school year.
The Vision 2026 Dashboard includes both the metrics monitored by the Board of Education each school year and specific strategies aligned to the areas of priority in the Vision 2026 Plan or the results on the Vision 2026 Dashboard. The administration reviewed the draft of the strategies for the 2023-2024 School Year. The goal is to bring a final copy of the strategies to the August Board Meeting for proposed action and approval.
There was additional information on the following:
• The Vision 2026 Dashboard (on the website) consists of three tabs –
o The home tab has the strategic plan and all of the elements included in the plan.
o The indicators tab has the metrics identified as important to monitor (history will get added to each of those as the new data points get developed).
o The strategy tab is where the annual work plans are built. The priorities established through the strategic plan – identified what are the things we are going to do this year to address the goals established.
• The history of the work toward the goals – leave year one history as we move into the second year of the four-year plan.
• Members of the Senior Leadership Team were asked to highlight the key work areas identified for their departments. Board members were asked to take the information shared, and take the next month to review (this is all accessible on the public website). Would like to get to a point next month for the Board to give this the formal okay to solidify the focus for the upcoming year.
• The strategy to implement learning acceleration strategies and programming – the major work tactic is to adopt and support the implementation of resources for core instructional areas.
o Work projects noted include: ELA and social studies curriculums for grades 6-8, Illustrative Math (grades 6-8), and supporting implementation for Bookworms (grades 3-5 ELA), increasing math achievement in grades K-12 with a focus on communication and collaboration.
o Technology component – design and implement computer literacy standards into the high school (HS) curriculum (new mandate by ISBE that all HS students receive a course in computer literacy.
• The strategy to design and implement a balanced assessment system – critical to support learning acceleration, measuring and monitoring student progress.
o Work projects noted: focusing on and expanding the use of the District analytic tool and classroom assessments.
• The strategy aligned with the Portrait of a Graduate (POG).
o Work projects will focus on two components of POG – supporting work with math focusing on collaboration and communication.
o Technology component – looking at digital tools and subscriptions the District supports and how they are directly related to POG work (with communication and collaboration) and focus on digital citizenship opportunities as technology grows more prevalent in students’ lives.
• The strategy designed around post-secondary opportunities (college and career readiness work) includes work on both Career Pathways and Early College coursework.
o Work projects include continuing to add transferable dual-credit Gen Ed courses, continuing focus on a fourth year of math for identified students, continuing the partnership with Technology Center of DuPage (TCD), expanding Career Pathways (IT Pathway and the Arts, AVT & Communications Pathway), supporting SchooLinks, review middle school (MS) electives, and review graduation requirements.
• The strategy to expand professional learning for staff (noted the resources D200 has invested in - instructional coaching at all levels).
o Work projects include taking the information gathered from coaches and admins last year and outlining a vision for instructional coaching based on the input, having each building set a focus as to how they want to grow and strengthen their instructional coaching program, supporting staff with the implementation of Bookworms and IM, and implementing a mentoring program for all new staff.
• The strategy to support the social and emotional needs of students includes ensuring school connectedness for all students.
o Noted a six percent increase in the student connectedness rate (from 89 to 95%).
o The continued work around students participating in co-curricular activities/clubs and implementing co-curricular connectedness strategies for the sophomore class.
o Will also gather a baseline of participation at the MS level for co-curriculars.
o Student voice –Student Leadership Council development.
• The strategy to implement SEL programming aligned with our District SEL framework.
o Work projects include focusing on behaviors (especially at the elementary level) and providing comprehensive training and resources for staff at this level (Tier I behavioral work), using quarterly discipline data at the secondary level to support school teams, implementing a strategic attendance improvement process, and adopting the PREPaRE Crisis Support System to support the mental health of students post-crisis.
• The strategy to utilize assessment and screening data to differentiate our support.
o Utilizing a balanced assessment piece that looks at both emotional and behavioral health data to make decisions at the building level, district level, and the student needs.
• The objectives related to maintaining the strong fiscal health of the organization.
o Ensuring the budget is balanced on an annual basis, ensuring that our financial HR needs are aligned toward the strategic plan, maintaining performance as it relates to financial metric areas (both at the state and from an external perspective), and ensuring all contracts are meeting our overall financial, operational, and academic strategies.
• The strategy to address facilities projects identified in the Facilities Master Plan.
o Developing a plan for adding more innovative spaces for learning (aligns with POG), developing a plan to address facility needs at three MS, implementing a capital facilities improvement plan consistent with Sherman Dergis policy, continuing implementation of elementary playground replacement plan, and developing an LLC renovation plan at all levels (if defined as appropriate).
• The strategy to develop and maintain robust technology systems.
o Annually assess the stability and security of District Technology Systems - Includes the Transition Center joining the overall District network, completing the migration of our phone system (landlines) to cloud-based solutions, evaluating the current firewall solution, conducting annual network penetration testing, and continuing ongoing cybersecurity education and phishing campaigns with staff.
o Continuing to ensure comprehensive data systems (Student Information System and HR/Business System) are accessible and usable for staff.
o Regularly evaluate digital tools and subscriptions to ensure they are meeting the needs of the school system.
• The strategy to engage our community on an ongoing basis to determine its priorities, foster partnerships, and promote learning.
o Continuously engage all stakeholders by communicating important updates and utilizing the voices of our students through completing the migration to the new websites, executing the annual Community Engagement Plan, using the Community Leadership Team to gather feedback regarding the MS facility needs, and expanding social media presence.
o Maintaining active engagement with all of our municipalities and key community partners including our annual State of the Schools presentation, meeting quarterly with Wheaton and Warrenville networking groups, and maintaining active involvement in Chambers of Commerce, Service Clubs, and other community groups.
• The strategy to hire, develop and retain diverse, high-quality staff.
o Actively recruit a diverse pool of candidates - work projects this year focused on attending local college/university job fairs to recruit new candidates for district vacancies, continuing to work with administrative teams on strategies to attract, hire and retain diverse staff, and supporting the implementation of the D200 staff affinity group.
• The strategy to maintain competitive wages.
o Exploring benefit incentives related to the CEA contract, and exploring pay scale adjustments for CEA roles dealing directly with student behaviors.
• The strategy to proactively address staff shortage and workforce needs.
o Continuing to work to recruit, hire and retain staff for difficult-to-fill District positions and to explore new communication strategies that address difficult-to-fill positions.
• The strategy to implement a “Grow your Own” teacher career pathway.
o Implement a celebratory event that highlights the students from Intro to Teaching course, create a system that keeps us connected with graduates who pursue education degrees, and work with COD on communicating their education pathway to current students.
• The strategy to actively support dual credit certification for secondary teachers includes creating incentives for current teachers to attain certification to teach dual credit courses.
• The strategy to maintain and enhance a positive organizational culture through continuing to work collaboratively with first responders and community partners through the Safety Committee to update and enhance school safety protocols.
o Noted work to create a “safety umbrella” that assists the safety committee in making decisions about new ideas and protocols and working with Student Services on the PREPaRE-trained staff to respond to emergencies.
• The strategies to monitor the 5 Essential Survey (through the state of IL) satisfaction feedback and plan and to regularly conduct an employee morale and engagement survey to ensure a continuous improvement cycle.
There were comments and/or questions on the following:
• SchooLinks is a College and Career platform that the Board approved last year for students to utilize in grades 8-12. Parents will also have access to this platform.
• A lot of work identified for the year.
• What are the truly transformative things embedded that may alter the course of the work we are doing as a school district? There may be different perspectives on this from individual Board members. It may be hard to put individual things/pieces into buckets.
• CUSD 200 staff affinity group – state-run program vs. District? Came from a program sponsored by ISBE, supported by the District. A group of D200 staff are a part of that affinity group/network.
• Question to define “secondary level” as it relates to the quarterly discipline data review to support school teams and behavioral efforts - this is for both HS and MS levels.
• A reminder to the Board – should see the things identified on the dashboard that were identified as a priority by the Board in the Supt. evaluation process. Will continue to come back to the dashboard and on the work plan priorities throughout the year and in regular updates.
• Next step – have always asked the Board to take action and approve this, not a requirement, but important for the admin team to have clarity as a team on where to focus time and energy. Board members were asked to summarize their comments regarding the work plan priorities and send them directly to Dr. Schuler so he can compile the feedback.
WRITTEN REPORTS
Monthly Financial Reports
FOIA Report
Board Communication Log
REPORTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Board Committee Reports
• The Board Facilities Committee met on June 8, 2023. The meeting notes were attached to the agenda item.
Other Reports from Board Members
• 2023 IASB Delegate Assembly at the Joint Annual Conference (JAC) in November
o The deadline has passed to submit resolution proposals.
o Any Board Member that is interested in being the delegate to represent District 200 at the JAC should contact Board President Hanlon. One Board Member is needed from each District to participate in the Delegate Assembly.
TOPICS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION
2023-2024 Budget – Public Hearing
NEXT REGULAR MEETING
August 16, 2023, 7:00 PM, School Service Center
CLOSED SESSION
Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11)
MOTION
Member Kulovits moved, Member Hjerpe seconded to adjourn the meeting to closed session for the purpose of 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(11). Upon a roll call being taken, the vote was AYE 7, NAY 0. The motion carried 7-0.
There was no action expected following the Closed Session.
The meeting adjourned to Closed Session at 9:37 PM.
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3696/CUSD200/3417903/Minutes_Jul_12_2023.pdf
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