News

Call to Order

Public Hearing on the proposed 2023 Tax Levy – no one asked to speak.

Public Comment – no one asked to speak.

Discussion – Behavior Intervention Systems
Illinois requires all public schools to identify the academic and behavioral needs of students using multiple tiers of intervention to support students in developing lagging skills, to identify reteaching opportunities, to determine what types of interventions are most effective for individual students and to document individual as well as schoolwide trends. District 54 schools use a variety of proactive, preventative practices including our social-emotional learning curriculum, the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program, and a focus on developing a positive culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

District 54 provides professional development supports to assist staff with behavior management in the classroom and whole school settings. PBIS trainings have been facilitated at the district level and several school specific sessions have been held as well.

The District 54 Special Education staff and school Child Study Teams conduct observations of high needs students, where they gather data to determine if special education services need to be provided or adjusted. Multiple tiers of intervention must be provided in the general education setting prior to qualifying a student for services.

Student behavioral data is continuously reviewed at the school and district level and adjustments to interventions being provided to students in need are made on a regular basis.

Consent Agenda
The School Board approved the following items on the Consent Agenda.

• Resignations, leaves, retirements, employment and salary adjustments of personnel
• Checks dated Oct. 6 and 20, 2023
• The treasurer’s report on cash and investments for September 2023
• The dental and vision insurance rates for 2024
• The continuation with Blue Cross Blue Shield as the excess loss carrier for the district health care plans
• A resolution authorizing attorneys Franczek P.C. to intervene in appeals proceedings before the State of Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board and in Tax Objection Complaint proceedings pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County for the assessment year 2023
• A resolution authorizing attorneys Hodges, Loizzi, Eisenhammer, Rodick, & Kohn to intervene in appeals proceedings for assessment year 2023 before the State of Illinois Property Tax Appeals Board
• The purchase of three Ford trucks
• A contract with Chicago Cooling Towers for cooling tower relining at 26 locations over three years
• The purchase of technology licensing and support from JAMF

Report of the Board President
Board President Jim Pye thanked Goebbert’s pumpkin farm for donating about 4,500 pumpkins to students at three District 54 schools. Link will celebrate its 50^th anniversary on Saturday at 10 a.m. and District 54 will host its annual Partnership Breakfast on Nov. 15.

Illinois Association of School Boards Report
Congratulations to the District 54 School Board, who received an Excellence in Governance Award this week from the Illinois Association of School Boards. This award recognizes school boards that have engaged in activities that lead to excellence in local school governance in support of quality public education. 

Foundation Report
Board Member Bill Harper shared that the Foundation has raised $164,000 for a Crisis Fund to support financially struggling families; runs a Food 4 Thought breakfast program for nearly 1,600; awarded 507 grants for students to participate in extracurricular activities; and supports a variety of STEM enrichment programs so all students have the opportunity to become innovators. To support these programs, order from Lou Malnati’s on Nov. 8 and 20% of sales will be donated to the Foundation. Click here to learn more.

New Business

• The Board approved the minutes of the regular and closed-session Board of Education meetings on October 12, 2023.
• The Board approved the Certificate of 2023 Tax Levy and Resolution, as listed in this board memo.
• The Board approved the Resolution authorizing the Cook County Clerk to reduce the education levy by 80%, the operation and maintenance levy by 10%, and the transportation levy by 10% that is in excess of the limiting rate.
• The Board approved medical insurance rates for calendar year 2024 as recommended by the benefits committee.
• The Board approved Nicholas & Associates to act as construction manager for the building addition at Lincoln Prairie School and for summer 2024 internal renovation work.
• The Board brought revisions to the following policies for a first reading:
  • 4:110(b) – Transportation of Students or Non-District Personnel in Private Vehicles by District Personnel
  • 7:300 – Physical Examinations and Insurance Requirements for Students Participating in Interscholastic and Intramural Sports
  • 7:360 – Entrance Age
  • 7:370 – Student Absences and Homework
• The Board approved the appointment of a representative to serve on the District Citizens’ Advisory Committee for the 2023-2024 school year. 
• The Board approved a proclamation in recognition of American Education Week 2023 and International Education Week 2023, both being celebrated November 13-17.

Announcements
Board members shared comments about participating in Halloween activities and the Read for the Record annual event. They also applauded the number of organizations that work with District 54 to support the families in this community.

Adjournment
The Board adjourned at 8:41 p.m.