Cindy Castanon

This strategic plan outlines the Planefield School District's commitment to preparing future-ready learners by integrating AI education into the curriculum. The plan is structured around three strategic pillars: expanding opportunity and access, elevating instructional excellence, and integrating future-ready technology. It emphasizes developing AI literacy with an ethical framework, guided by principles of privacy, security, safety, accessibility, accountability, effective teaching and learning, and equity. The plan details a phased approach across elementary, middle, and high school levels, focusing on foundational skills, deeper understanding, and advanced critical thinking related to AI and digital information.

The meeting of the education committee for curriculum and technology focused heavily on student achievement data in Reading/Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics based on I-Ready assessments. Key discussions included significant gains in ELA scores above the state average, particularly for Black and Hispanic subgroups, and the ongoing challenge of improving mathematics scores, which showed a wider spread in performance across subgroups compared to ELA. The committee reviewed data indicating that a substantial portion of students are receiving targeted reading intervention and honors-level ELA courses. Discussions also covered the impact of newly changed proficiency cut scores for I-Ready, which resulted in more students being categorized near the 'meets' level, and the focus on strengthening Tier 1 instruction across all content areas to benefit all students.

The committee meeting included discussions on kindergarten readiness, student achievement, and growth. The kindergarten experience was redesigned, including updating the supply list, alternating the first-week schedule, and dedicating a pair professional in kindergartens at all schools. There was also dedicated exploration time, and guided recess was implemented. The Illinois high school assessment changed from the SAT to the ACT.

The board meeting included discussions on a range of topics, including recognition of school board members and support staff, achievements of the high school cross country team and students selected for the American Choir Quiral Directors Association, and an upcoming event on social media and human trafficking. There were updates on community relations, administrative procedures related to social media, the school report card, and the community survey. The board also discussed the tax levy presentation, extracurricular transportation analysis, and donations received. Additionally, there were updates on freedom of information requests and announcements regarding Thanksgiving break and upcoming meetings. The board also touched on boundary updates and reevaluation timelines.

The meeting included administration and community reports, covering topics such as foundation funds, scholarships, horizon grants, school projects, and upcoming performances. There were discussions on school year planning, winter sports, middle school transition, and kindergarten updates focusing on the success of alternate starts and the importance of social construct in learning. Community reports highlighted library services, park district programs, and YMCA youth activities. The president's report covered fundraising, financial review, parent group information, and reminders about representing CAPE. The treasurer's report detailed checking balances, and new business included updates on the Miles for Smiles event and YHFL.