Public Comment
No one asked to speak.
Recognition
The District 54 School Board started its meeting by recognizing numerous students and staff members as Ambassadors for Excellence.
- District 54 had 14 students from seven District 54 schools (Addams, Dooley, Eisenhower, Frost, Keller, Lincoln Prairie and Mead) perform in the orchestra or band at the Illinois Music Educators Association Festival in November.
- A sixth-grade student from Hoover recently wrote, illustrated and published his own book. “Bread Boys,” which is available on Amazon.
- Eleven District students had their artwork selected for the STR Partners holiday card.
- Four teams of students were recognized for their performance in the District 54 Fluid Power Challenge in December, including Keller Team Jelly for Best Machine Design, Addams Team Thomas the Train for Best Machine, Frost Team Winners for Best Portfolio and Mead Team Double Trouble for Overall Winner and Best Teamwork.
- Kelly O’Reilly, District 54’s Special Olympics Specialist, received the HERO Award from Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools.
Freedom of Information Act
Three Freedom of Information requests were replied to since the last report to the School Board, related to the energy savings contract, postage equipment leases and salaries for sign language interpreters.
Consent Agenda
The Board approved the following items on the Consent Agenda.
- The minutes of the regular Board of Education meeting on December 7, 2023
- Resignations, leaves, retirements and employment of personnel
- Checks dated Dec. 1, 15 and 29, 2023
- The treasurer’s report on cash and investments for November 2023 and for December 2023
- The monthly update of revenues and expenditures for November 2023 and for December 2023
- The Audit/ACFR (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023
Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Report
IASB is hosting an informational webinar on January 25, entitled
Teacher Retention: A Success Story. District 54 administrators and school board members will discuss strategies they have taken to build a positive culture leading to a 92% retention rate.
D54 Foundation Report
The D54 Foundation is hosting several upcoming events to raise funds to support financially struggling families in District 54:
- A Dine & Share at Local Kitchen on Feb. 16.
- A Windy City Bulls Game on Feb. 29 and
- Mardi Gras Dinner and Casino Night on March 1.
Visit its website at d54foundation/fundraisers to learn more.
New Business
- The Board approved the board member expenses from the 2023 Illinois Association of School Boards Conference.
- The Board approved the appointment of a representative to serve on the District Citizens’ Advisory Committee for the 2023-2024 school year.
Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 7:32 p.m. to closed session for employment/appointment and school matters.
