BOARD BRIEFS
Board of Education Regular Meeting
Thursday, October 17, 2024
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Thank You Principals!
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages all communities to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week October 20-26 and Principal Appreciation Day on October 25. This is a state-endorsed recognition that was first approved by the Governor in 1990 and is annually celebrated. At the October Board Meeting, we recognized each of our building principals, provided them with a certificate, and a small token of appreciation for all that they do. We thank them for their hard work and dedication to our students and community!
Superintendent Omar Castillo shared with the Board that he had the opportunity to present at the annual IASA Conference in Springfield during one of the general sessions this Fall. He was one of seven Ignite Presenters with a presentation on how Keeneyville District 20 is "Embracing our Newcomer Families." This was a great opportunity to showcase at the state level the great things that our district is doing!
Board Meeting Highlights
- The Board approved consent agenda items including routine financial and personnel reports. Other consent agenda items included the approval of the following: Keeneyville School District 20 Emergency Operations Plan and Annexes, and Memorandum of Understanding Hiring Grid for Certified School Nurses.
- The Board discussed reorganization of the Board Committees, including the Strategic Plan Committees on Teaching & Learning, Climate & Culture, School Community Engagement, and District Finance & Facilities. Other Board Committees include the following: SASED, Board Policy, Calendar, Parent Teacher Advisory, and Health & Wellness Committees.
- Mr. Brian Marroquin presented the Financial Dashboard.
- Dr. Castillo shared the Superintendent's Report to the Board, which included the Student & Staff Attendance Dashboard and Principal Recognition Presentations.
- Dr. Carrie Buckley presented the Fall Benchmark Data for each of our schools, highlighting the areas of growth for our students.
- The Administrators submitted written reports to the Board, but did not present oral reports at this meeting. Some of the highlights included the following:
- The elementary social students task force comprised of K-5 teachers has begun their work on reviewing the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Sciences.
- This year's first Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting was held on September 24. The next meeting will be an informal parent workshop on October 15th.
- The Finance and Facilities Committee continues to work on plans for the Greenbrook Main Office Expansion Project. Preliminary estimates were also reviewed for the 2024 Tax Levy, which will be presented at the November meeting and approval will be sought at the December meeting.
- The District held a Newcomers Night on October 2nd with over 20 families in attendance. Information was shared regarding Skyward, ParentSquare, and other tips for navigating our district. Guest Speaker Ovi Vasquez spoke to the parents that evening, as well as to our Newcomer Students during the school day.
- The District has started using a new translation device which will help us to eliminate some of the language barriers and allow for live and interactive communication with our students and families who do not speak English.
- The District Threat Assessment Team held its annual meeting on September 30 to review and discuss our protocols for handling threats to self and others. Members of the committee include district and building administrators, social workers, psychologists, general and special education teachers, and local law enforcement.
- The Annual Emergency Response and Crisis Plan Review Meeting was held on September 30 to review and discuss the district's Emergency Operations Plan and safety protocols. Attendees included district and building administrators, local law enforcement and representatives from our local fire departments. The group reviewed our current emergency response protocols, classroom guides, and emergency announcements to ensure common language and expectations for emergencies. Safety Drills and after-action reports were also reviewed and discussed.
Upcoming Events
- Thursday, October 24 - NO SCHOOL - Parent-Teacher Conferences (2-7pm)
- Friday, October 25 - NO SCHOOL - Parent-Teacher Conferences (8am-1pm)
- Monday, October 28 - SW Girls BB @ Westfield 4pm
- Tuesday, October 29 - SW Girls BB vs. Roselle 4pm
- Friday, November 1 - 1st Trimester Ends
- Tuesday, November 5 - NO SCHOOL - Election Day
- Tuesday, November 19 - WB Bingo Night 6pm
- Thursday, November 21 - Regular Board of Education Meeting 7pm, SW Innovation Center