Regular meeting of the Freeport School District Board of Education
May 16, 2023
The Board received numerous Reports that will be further detailed in the Board Meeting Minutes:
Superintendent’s Report
Student & Staff Spotlight:
Congratulations were extended to the cast, crew and directors of the FHS stage production of CLUE.
Wishing well to the FHS Girl Track team members who are going to the State Meet on Saturday.
Congratulations to the 2023 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Award winners who will be honored at ISBE’s annual banquet in Bloomington on Saturday.
Graduation exercises for the Class of 2023 will take place on Sunday at 2 PM in Pretzel Stadium.
Enrollment Update
In the first month of 2022 (2022-2023), we had 25 new students; in the first month of 2023 (2023-2024), we have 71. Enrollment by school is as follows:
Early Childhood News
Five classrooms have completed their learning spaces redesign. Three more will be completed in the summer at the end of July. Not only is the environment different, but the change has had a direct link to changes in our instructional practices. Other programs and districts are requesting visits to see our early childhood classrooms:
Cindy Poegel, Autism specialist notes:
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The calming elements of the room impact students AND adults in a positive way. Also, it seems to naturally reduce adult chatter making language processing and regulation less challenging.
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The reduction of clutter also has a very positive impact on our students, especially those with autism who are less able to ignore irrelevant information in their environment.
Information Reports
Monthly Financial Report
The financial report through April 30th was presented by Dr. Patrick McDermott.
New Job Description - Information Technology Support Specialist
As our district continues to grow and evolve, we are integrating more sophisticated technology systems, such as video surveillance and building access controls, into our daily operations. Simultaneously, we are also expanding our commitment to the 1:1 initiative, providing each student and staff member with their own device to enhance productivity, learning, and collaboration. With these developments, the need for expanded IT support has become critical.
MANNRS National Conference
The Freeport High School junior chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences(MANRRS) would like to attend the MANRRS National Conference held in Chicago, IL March 20-24, 2024. This conference will take the place of the Illinois Junior MANRRS Leadership Conference which FHS students have attended during the past two years.
The Illinois Junior MANRRS Leadership Conference will be held during the MANRRS National Conference. Activities directed at high school students will include the following: leadership development programming, networking with colleges and industry professionals, and exploration of industry sites in the Chicagoland area. Students will also connect with other Junior MANRRS chapters in Illinois, sharing their experiences and ideas about how to make our organization more successful and impactful.
Differential Request 2023-24
A joint committee was established to review proposals for changes in job descriptions, positions, category placements & new positions on the differential schedule. 14 applications were submitted to the differential committee. Following the process established to consider any changes, the committee met, reviewed the requests, and respectfully requests that the 5 recommendations be considered for approval for the 2023-24 school year.
Took Action in Favor of the Consent Agenda:
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Freeport School District and CareerTEC Bills
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Personnel Report, May 16, 2023
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IASB Membership Renewal
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Fuel Bid
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2022-2023 Final School Year Calendar
Took Action in Favor of the Following Previously Presented Item(s
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Transportation Memorandum of Agreement
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Student Dress
Committee Reports
Report were provided by:
Member Charlene Williams, Curriculum & Instruction, Equity
Member Martha Furst, Finance
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 June 6, 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.
