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Board Meeting Recap - October 2024

The timestamps for the items below correspond with the livestream recording of the board meeting. You can find that video at this link.

1. Opening Items

  • 1.01 Welcome and Call to Order (Mr. Angel, 0:00)
  • 1.02 Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence (Mr. Babjak, 3:40)

2. Public Hearing

  • 2.01 Suspend Regular Meeting (Mr. Angel, 4:22): The regular meeting is suspended to open the public hearing.
  • 2.02 Additional Appropriation 2024 GO Bond (Mr. Ruess, 4:43): Mr. Ruess discusses the 2024 $5 million appropriation bond.
  • 2.03 Patrons’ Comments (5:19): No comments registered.
  • 2.04 Close Public Hearing (Mr. Angel, 5:32): The public hearing closes, resuming the regular meeting.

3. Patrons’ Comments

  • 3.01 Comments on Educational Issues (5:44): No patrons registered to speak.

4. Consent Agenda (Dr. Todd Terrill, 5:51):

  • Approval of previous meeting minutes, personnel changes, employment recommendations, and voucher checks.

5. Action Items

  • 5.01 Title II, Part A Grant (Mr. Hardman, 6:46): Approval sought for a $170,171 grant supporting teacher professional development.
  • 5.02 Title III Grant (Mr. Hardman, 8:06): Approval for $31,824 grant to support multilingual learners.
  • 5.03 Title IV, Part A Grant (Mr. Hardman, 10:08): Approval of a $48,775 grant for student support, including STEM courses, interventionists, blended design specialists, and teacher PD.
  • 5.04 Robots4Autism Grant (Mrs. Paskis, 11:55): Approval to receive $47,375 for a social-skills robot package, expanding resources for special education. We will receive one additional robot similar to the two we received last year.
  • 5.05 2025 Budget (Mr. Ruess, 13:19): Approval of the budget, tax rate, and capital projects plan for 2025.
  • 5.06 Resolution #853 (Mr. Ruess, 15:15): Approval for an additional $5M appropriation to 2024 bonds.
  • 5.07 Resolution #854 (Mr. Ruess, 16:13): Final bond resolution for 2024 bonds.
  • 5.08 Resolution #855 (Mr. Ruess, 17:22): Approval to transfer $1M from the Rainy Day Fund to the Education Fund for educational staff stipends (part of the planned 2024 budget in agreement with the 2023 collective bargaining agreement).
  • 5.09 Appointments and Bond Amounts (Mr. Ruess, 18:41): Annual bond appointments for personnel managing school funds.
  • 5.10 Wheeler Dishwasher Bid (Mr. Ruess, 19:52): Approval of $200,500 for Wheeler Middle School dishwasher replacement.
  • 5.11 Solon Robinson Furniture Award (Mr. Ruess, 20:58): Approval of $65,155 for new furniture at Solon Robinson.

6. Discussion and Report Items

  • 6.01 Policy Updates (Mr. Equihua, 22:02): First reading of updates to the educational records and student welfare policies.

7. Information/Recognition Items

  • 7.02-7.10 Reports from Administrators:
    • Director of Grants/Assessments (Mr. Hardman, 25:01): Update on flexibility waivers applied for title grants.
    • Director of Elementary Education (Dr. Ciochina, 27:53): Notable parent engagement in elementary schools, including 4,000+ attendees for parent-teacher conferences.
    • Director of Secondary Education (Mrs. Ramirez, 30:25): Announcement of the sensory-friendly Matilda performance at CPHS, and the upcoming middle school plays at Taft and Col. Wheeler.
    • Director of Exceptional Education (Mrs. Paskis, 33:07): Acknowledgment of local police for supporting students and families.
    • Assistant Superintendent (Mr. Gianfermi, 35:05): Crown Point High School selected for BSN’s Surge program promoting female athletic participation.
    • Chief Human Resources Officer (Mr. Equihua, 36:22): Launching new recruitment software to streamline applicant management.
    • Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Ruess, 37:41): Expressing thanks for support on budget and bond approvals.
    • Director of Communications (Mrs. Allen, 38:19): Positive outcomes from recent family safety presentations.
    • Superintendent of Schools (Dr. Terrill, 39:18): Updates on district construction projects, including Solon Robinson’s new furniture and playground.

8. Other Business of the Board of School Trustees

  • 8.01 Board Business (41:56): Discussion on Ambassador Program updates, noting the high level of community involvement.

9. Board Statements of Appreciation and Recognition

  • 9.01 Appreciation Statements (43:05): Board members express gratitude to teachers, staff, and the community for their commitment, specifically highlighting the recent parent-teacher conferences, Grandparents Days and the level of parent engagement.

10. Adjournment

10.01 Motion to Adjourn (48:04): Meeting officially closed by Mr. Angel.