Regular meeting February 21, 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

Spotlight: Celebrations & Recognitions

Congratulations was extended to the cast and crew of the FMS musical production, Moana. Special thanks to Cheri Crawford, director; Robert Winter, technical director and Kaitlin Heiman, vocal director.

Congratulations were extended to the following students who participated in IHSA state level competitions over the weekend: Jacob Redington: Boys Wrestling. Jacob is Sr. and has signed to wrestle for Cornell College next year. Cadence Diduch: Girls Wrestling. Cadence is a  Jr. and will hit the mats again next year for the Pretzels. Rachel Sdao competed at the IHSA State Speech competition over the weekend, competing on both Friday & Saturday. Rachel is a Jr. and she’ll be back at it next year.

We’ll be cheering for FHS freshman swimmer Tristan Peterson as he represents the Pretzels at the IHSA state swim meet this weekend. Good luck Tristan!

CONGRATULATIONS TIM CONNORS!At the IHSA Individual Events Awards  Ceremony for Speech on Saturday, Mr. Tim Connors was honored with the John M. Hires Distinguished Service Award given by ICTA and the IHSA. Mr. Connors says “Even though my name is on it, it doesn't just go to me.”

LIVE WELL, LEAD WELL AASA Conference: Key Takeaways 

Presented by Dr. Alvarado

The world has changed, and continues to change at an unprecedented rate. Many district leaders are struggling to manage increased staff burn-out and attrition alongside a broad spectrum of educational challenges that range from the classroom all the way to the school board. This is a moment that calls for a different type of leadership. How do we move from the Command and Control Leadership to Trust and Inspire? 

Behavior Data

PBIS Offense Avg Day/Mon - including TM and ODR was presented by school.

Illinois Education Budget

Governor Pritzker presented his budget on Wednesday. A brief report was presented by Supt. Alvarado and will be highlighted in the board meeting minutes.

Bilingual Education Grant

On January 11, 2023, we  received information that our district  was selected as a recipient of the Elevating Educators: Bilingual Education Grant. The Elevating Educators: Bilingual Education Grant assists school districts with

1.  English learners and 

2. a need to increase the number of qualified staff able to support those learners or 

3. support current staff with an Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Transitional Bilingual Education in receiving their Professional Educator License.

 Funds shall be used to assist staff in completing necessary coursework to obtain an endorsement in either English as a Second Language or Bilingual Education or for ELS-TBE holders with completing a program to earn their PEL.

Currently, we are awaiting for the grant application to open on the IWAS System so HR can begin to input our proposal and receive the funding. Stay tuned. 

Information Reports

Finance Committee - report was presented by Dr. Patrick McDermott.

Enrollment & Transportation Update - The board was provided an annual update on the Enrollment and Transportation Center.

New Early Childhood Job Descriptions - As of January 2023, the Preschool For All (PFA)-Expansion grant totaling ($312,936) has been approved for FSD starting this year.  The grant requires the positions of:

• Early Childhood Family Engagement /Education Specialist Coordinator

• Early Childhood Instructional/Pyramid Model Coach

 These positions are grant funded.

Coordinator Job Description - Proposal for an updated job description for the Instructional Technology Coordinator was presented to the board.

Bilingual Director - Proposal presented for a bilingual director, replaces the currently vacated position of bilingual coordinator  with the goal of developing a robust vision for our English Learners that will successfully position our bilingual teachers in meeting students’ academic needs through a targeted system of supports.   

School Safety Update - To provide the Board of Education with important updates regarding school safety, including:

• School culture,

• Emergency preparedness,

• Safety Drills,

• Physical Security Measures,

• Visitor Management, and

• Behavior Threat Assessment Teams

Took Action in Favor of the Consent Agenda:

Freeport School District & CareerTEC bills

Personnel Report, February 21, 2023

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

Boys and Girls Club Community Grant

PRESS Issue 110

Approval of Submission of Waiver/Modification Application to ISBE for Full Day School Improvement Days

2023-2024 Proposed School Year Calendar

Committee Reports

Board Member Williams gave a report from the Curriculum (EC) committee.

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.