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January 17, 2023 Board Meeting

Regular meeting January 17, 2023, OF the Freeport School District Board of Education

The Board received numerous reports that will be detailed in the Board Meeting Minutes:

Superintendent’s Report

 Executive Order Update

For the  33rd month in a row, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has reissued his COVID-19 disaster proclamation. According to the governor's website compiling all the proclamations and executive orders, the 37th published proclamation expired Jan. 6. A separate state website compiling such orders and proclamations also shows the most recent published order expiring Jan. 6. 

Bus Driver Shortage

Much like many districts, we are continuing to experience a school bus driver shortage. Due to the shortage, we do not have as many flex(substitute) drivers as needed to cover regular driver absences and field trips. We have created a contingency plan for days where we have more open routes than drivers. We will also combine routes as necessary to reduce the impact on families. If we have to move into our contingency plan, families will be notified as well as affected schools. 

 

December Attendance by School 

Month

State

District

FHS

FMS

CSS

BH

CEN

EMP

JFIB

LD

August

92.50%

92.51%

90.76%

93.77%

88.27%

92.84%

96.06%

94.02%

96.11%

93.38%

September

92.50%

91.64%

90.36%

92.14%

91.58%

90.80%

93.15%

91.74%

93.91%

91.77%

October

92.50%

90.63%

88.43%

90.48%

93.05%

90.10%

91.45%

90.13%

93.44%

91.64%

November

92.50%

89.32%

87.66%

87.71%

90.52%

88.22%

91.00%

89.00%

92.66%

91.41%

December

92.50%

90.11%

88.32%

87.61%

88.72%

93.64%

91.67%

92.31%

94.00%

90.41%



ESSER II & III: 

Spending report update is available on our website

Update on FSD Community Partnerships 

Freeport SD 145 has partnered with FHN, VOICES, Children’s Home and Aid, and Rosecrance to assist students in the school setting with Mental Health services and support. These services and supports are in collaboration with Community Partnership and Mental Health Grants provided through the Illinois State Board of Education.

  • FHN - supports CSS

  • Voices - supports FMS & FHS

  • Rosecrance - CSS, FMS, & FHS (PPS)*

  • Children’s Home and Aid - Freeport SD

To better share the work of these organizations, the Equity Department is hosting a “Chili Night Out” Mental Health Fair on Monday, January 30, 2023, at Freeport Middle School, from 6 pm - 8 pm. This event will provide an opportunity for families in the school district to receive  more information and resources around Mental Health and Self-Care Awareness. Families will also receive a light meal consisting of chili and a dessert.

 

What We May See in the 103rd General Assembly

Year 1: Active year for legislation. The majority party will be able to pass whatever legislation they want to due to being in the super majority. Details provided in Board Meeting minutes:

National Sex Education Standards Mandate 

Mandate for Halal/Kosher Meals Option 

Right to Read Act / Comprehensive Literacy Legislation.

School Discipline Restrictions 

            Early Childhood Education Structural Changes 

 

Update on our Bilingual Education Program

Section 1.783 Requirements for Administrators of Bilingual Education Programs

  • Section 1.783 Requirements for Administrators of Bilingual Education Programs Beginning July 1, 2014, no individual shall be assigned to administer a bilingual education program with 200 or more students unless that individual is licensed in accordance with Section 1.705(n) of this Part and meets the requirements of either subsection (a) or (b) of this Section, as applicable.

  • A person designated to administer a transitional bilingual education program shall: 

    • A) hold the bilingual education at minimum, endorsement issued pursuant to Section 1.781 of this Part; or 

    • B) hold the English as a new language endorsement issued pursuant to Section 1.782 of this Part, with a language designation.

Trend from the Illinois State Report Card

  1. Currently, FSD 145 has 225 English Language Learners in the Bilingual Program.

 

Information Reports

 

The Monthly Financial Report: 

The Monthly Financial Report was presented by Dr. Patrick McDermott through Dec. 31, 2022.

 

Cardonex Proposal: 

Approval is sought of a new contract with Cardonex. To more efficiently schedule our students into teams and classes as well as more efficiently schedule our staff at FMS and FHS in courses students need or request. Financial Impact, $24,999.

 

Differential Request 2022-2023: 

A Differential Committee, comprised of equal representation from the FEA and FSD 145 was established to review proposals for changes in job descriptions, positions category placements & new positions on the differential schedule. 4 applications were submitted to the differential committee.  Following the process established to consider any changes, the committee met, reviewed the requests, and respectfully request that the recommendations  be considered for approval for the 2022-23 school year. 

 

Took Action in Favor of the Consent Agenda:

Freeport School District & CareerTEC bills

Personnel Report, January 17, 2023

Took Action in Favor of the Following  Item(s):

Cardonex Proposal

Committee Reports

Board members gave committee reports, including: Curriculum, Equity

The public is always invited and encouraged to attend Freeport School District Board of Education meetings. ​The next scheduled regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 6:00 PM.  Meetings are held at the FSD administrative office, located at 500 E. South St and can be accessed virtually. Information on joining the meetings can be found here.