Kristen Gemmell

The special public meeting addressed several action items. Key discussions included the employment approval for Dr. Sharon Nepote as Principal of Chelsea Intermediate School for the 2015-2016 school year, stipulating an annual rate of $90,000. Additionally, the Board approved the contract renewal with Aramark Education Services, which set the contractual increase for the following year at 0.08% and the prepayment discount at 2.9%, resulting in a total contractual cost of $802,429.32.

This annual plan for FSD 157-C provides updates on various strategic goals and initiatives. Key areas of focus include enhancing instructional practices, improving special education services, refining curriculum and student support systems, and integrating technology. The plan also addresses district security, cybersecurity, human resources development, financial transparency, and long-term enrollment planning, with an emphasis on community engagement and communication.

The Board of Education meeting included a presentation on the State of the District, covering strategic plans, enrollment growth, facility master plan projects, technology upgrades, curriculum and instruction updates, special services, human resources, business and operations, and community engagement. The board discussed the Chelsea construction project, additional athletic intramural and after-school clubs for the 2023-2024 school year, initial fund balance surplus/deficit estimates for fiscal year 2024, and recommended updates provided by the Policy Reference Education Subscription Service (PRESS). The board also approved the reappointment of the Board Treasurer for fiscal year 2024, the renewal of related service contracts for 2023-2024, the Illinois State Board of Education Consolidated District Plan for Federal Grant Funding for fiscal year 2024, the disposal of surplus, and the payment of bills for April 2023. Additionally, the board approved recommended intramural and clubs at Hickory Creek Middle School, recommended updates for the 2023-2024 Personnel Manual, and personnel recommendations effective August 30, 2023.

The Board discussed updates on in-person and remote learning pathways, including the return of students after an adaptive pause and the option for students to switch to remote learning. Updates were provided on the impact of Tier 3 Mitigation on extra-curricular programming and a plan to inoculate district employees as soon as the state moves into Phase 1b of the COVID vaccine roll out. The Board reviewed the Chelsea Facility Master Plan and updates to the 2021-2022 school calendar, as well as PRESS updates. The Board approved the 2021-2022 Student Fees, Parent/Student Handbook, and a resolution to authorize the preparation of the FY 2021-2022 Tentative Budget. They also approved the Financial Services Agreement with PMA Financial, Amendment 45 to the Professional Services Agreement with FGM Architects, and the full abatement of the 2020 Debt Service tax levy. Additionally, the Board approved the Transportation Agreement with Lincoln-Way School District 210, the addition of a day porter to the GSF custodial contract, and the Pickleball Intramural for Hickory Creek students. They also approved notices of intent to retire from teachers, an extension of leave days for approved COVID related purposes, and the employment of a Special Education Paraprofessional. The Board approved the payment of bills for December 2020 and the employment of Rachel Newcomb as the Chelsea Intermediate School Principal. They also approved the FGM Architects Inc. Settlement Agreement and Release.

The Board of Education meeting included recognition of Chelsea Intermediate School for the U.S. National Blue-Ribbon School award. The superintendent reported on wellness initiatives for staff and students, safety drills conducted at schools, and the upcoming end of the first quarter. Updates were provided on the Education Foundation's fundraising efforts and the treasurer's reports. Discussions covered the Chelsea construction project, employee health insurance plans for 2023, the tax levy process, and the capital improvement plan. The board approved the audit report, annual statement of affairs, policy updates, payment of bills, intervention in property tax appeals, employee health plans, a technology purchase, conference attendance, and personnel actions including the employment of a paraprofessional and a notice of intent to retire.