Kristen Bordenaro

The meeting included discussions and approvals related to the Wauconda High School Science and Math Department Chairs, an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Wauconda, Schoolwide Improvement Plans, the SEDOL Budget for 2025-2026, and the Treasurer for 2025-2026. Also addressed were the approval of a bid for transportation of students with special needs, summer sealcoating at various schools, updated staffing plan, base salaries for personnel, non-union staff salaries, substitute teacher compensation, graduation/promotion exercises, meeting planning calendar, membership renewals in IASB and LUDA, administrators compensation, multi-year administrator contracts, policy additions/revisions, and release of closed session minutes. The board was also informed about a broken pipe at Wauconda Grade School.

This report details action plans for two strategic goals within the Wauconda Community Unit School District 118. Strategic Goal #7 focuses on providing comprehensive student support services to meet the needs of the whole child, with an action plan to develop and implement a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). This includes training staff on MTSS, utilizing Panorama for student screening, and documenting the MTSS framework at each school level. Strategic Goal #8 focuses on fostering equitable access to school experiences and opportunities. Action Plan 8A involves analyzing audit results of staff, student, parent, and community feedback to inform school improvement. Action Plan 8B focuses on establishing school-centered student voice teams to promote a safe school environment. The plan includes conducting a study of current student committee representation, developing protocols for adding student voice committees, and determining student interest through surveys or nominations.

The strategic plan focuses on fostering well-rounded learning opportunities for students, expanding demographic representation in classes, offering language courses at the middle school level, and expanding elective course opportunities for grades 6-12. It also aims to expand elementary education programs to help students reach their full potential, including investigating options for full-day kindergarten, expanding 3rd-grade accelerated opportunities, and expanding specials opportunities for grades K-5.

The goals and objectives are organized into seven areas: community, curriculum and instruction, extracurricular activities, resources, student support services, staff, and facilities. The community goal focuses on developing collaborative partnerships. Curriculum and instruction aims to provide a curriculum that helps all students reach their full potential. Extracurricular activities strive to offer opportunities for all students. Resource management focuses on aligning resources to strengthen the educational system while maintaining financial responsibility. Student support services aim to provide a comprehensive program meeting the needs of each student. Staff goals include selecting, developing, and evaluating qualified personnel. Finally, facilities aim to maintain high-quality facilities for students, staff, and the community.

The Committee of the Whole of the Board of Education meeting included updates from the Wauconda High School principal on the school's focus on rigor, relevance, and relationships, including student achievements and upcoming professional development. A discussion on the District's technology program initiative for FY2025-2026 was held, covering AI guidance for staff, students, and parents, budget allocation for technology upgrades and replacements, and the planned installation of network infrastructure and Chromebook refresh.