April 8 Board Brief

April 8 Board Brief

Dear District 30 Family,

Mrs. Ursula Sedlak began the meeting by congratulating Mr. Keith Karchmar and Mr. Jeff Zuercher on their re-election to our Board of Education. She also congratulated and officially welcomed Dr. Stephanie Yohannan, who has been attending our meetings and preparing to join our Board on April 29. 

Last night’s Board Meeting included several inspiring presentations, including our Willowbrook School Report, which gave us a look into the incredible teaching and learning throughout this challenging year! 

Presidential Award for Educational Excellence Resolution Approved

The Board of Education read and approved the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence Resolution that will be distributed to students who have earned a cumulative average (3.75 out of 4.0) in the sixth, seventh, and through the second trimester of eighth grade with staff recommendations. The President’s Education Awards ceremony is sponsored in cooperation with the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the United States Department of Education.

Hodgson Consulting Contract Approved

After conducting a needs assessment and search of area service providers, the Board supported the administration’s recommendation to authorize an agreement for managed network services with Hodgson Consulting & Solutions to assist in the oversight, maintenance, and management of our network infrastructure. Hodgson services will bolster our technical support in support of our strategic plan.

Storm Sewer Easement Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Northbrook Park District Approved

In support of the Elementary Capacity Project, the Board approved an IGA with the Northbrook Park District to support a required new underground detention system to address stormwater runoff. This system will have an underground pipe leading to a newly installed stormwater structure before tying into a Village system. While underground, the pipe and stormwater structure are on Wescott Park property and, therefore, require an IGA to codify the existence and maintenance responsibility of the pipe/stormwater structure.

Phased Operations Update

The Board and I shared sincere appreciation for our staff’s commitment, students’ engagement, and parents’ partnership. The fact that everyone continues to give more during this time was recognized and celebrated.

The Phased Operations update included rising area COVID-19 metrics, mandated State IAR and Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) testing plans. Maintaining our models this year as we continue to be responsive to individual student needs, plans for in-person fifth and eighth-grade celebrations, and in-person Maple Graduation plans on May 30, 2021, at Glenbrook North’s Athletic Stadium were also shared.

Looking Ahead to the 2021-22 School Year

The Board was also advised that plans for next year anticipate mitigation strategies to continue with a return to more normal operations with Willowbrook PreK-5, Wescott K-5, and Maple 6-8. Continuing a remote option for “families of students who are at increased risk of severe illness” is currently in place from the Illinois State Board of Education. Plans to support families with this need are also underway and were shared. 

Elementary Capacity Project Update

The Board was updated on our Elementary Capacity Project that kicked off at Wescott School on March 20. Pictures of construction, including footings for the new gym and preparations for underground water detention, were shared. This essential capacity project is progressing as expected and is projected to be completed in August, in time for the first day of school on September 2, 2021.

District Time Study Committee Summer Curriculum Report

Colleagues from the District Time Study Committee presented on the work developed from Summer 2020. Details of the K-5 master schedule, sharing of multiple documents, discussion around prep and plan within the PLTs, and a future program evaluation were just a few of the facets highlighted. In addition, conversation about continuing to build teacher capacity and acclimating new staff to culture and climate were also discussed as important outcomes of the district’s Board Goal #1- Increase District 30’s capacity to systematically collaborate within grade-level teams to execute the cycle of continuous instructional improvement. Thank you to Kery Obradovich, Lainie Levin, Rachel Rabinowitz, and Anna Davis for their terrific presentation!

TEAM Read Summer Curriculum Report

Thank you to Rachael Jennings, Kate Kamin, Sharon Latek, Amy Schutz, Jeannine Staunton, and Rachel Rabinowitz for their outstanding TEAM Read presentation. Together, they created a Phonics Belief statement and solidified resources that support Phonemic Awareness this past summer. They also developed many other resources, including pacing guides to utilize with students in Kindergarten and first grade for the 2020-2021 school year and beyond! 

Willowbrook School Report

Thank you to Dr. Carlson for providing an inspiring glimpse into Willowbrook School. Several clips of our in-person and full-remote learning were shared, reinforcing the incredible teaching and learning that has continued throughout this year. We were brought back to the first day of school on August 20, enjoyed morning announcement dancing, the use of Zoom with in-person learning to generate safe group work, and so much more! Willowbrook Strong was on full display, as was the care and pride Dr. Carlson has for Willowbrook and District 30!

Let me know if you have any questions, and feel free to join us at our next Board Meeting at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 29, 2021, at Maple School. We will celebrate Mrs. Ursula Sedlak’s eight years of service as we seat our new Board of Education with Dr. Stephanie Yohannan. All are welcome!

Sincerely,

Dr. Brian K. Wegley
Superintendent