Salina Claps

This strategic plan for Riverside School District 96 outlines key initiatives across five target areas: Student Learning & Student Experience, Learning Environment & School Culture, Talented & Invested Staff, Communication & Community Engagement, and Finance & Facilities. It aims to provide a high-quality, engaging curriculum, enhance school culture and safety, develop committed staff, strengthen community engagement, ensure financial transparency, and modernize facilities.

The meeting included a public hearing for the approval of the FY 25 budget. The superintendent provided updates on the start of the school year, summer school program highlights, staff professional development, and student enrollment trends. The Board addressed facility projects, including the completion of play and parking separation, and discussed future infrastructure assessments. Discussions were held regarding the governance of the Proviso School Township Treasurer's office and potential impacts of state legislation on the district. Additionally, the Board reviewed policy drafts, planning documents for committee meetings, and upcoming meeting schedules.

The board discussed several items, including a proposed budget calendar and financial projections, as well as upcoming technology-related projects for the next school year. There was a discussion regarding transportation challenges for sports teams and potential solutions. The Education Committee provided updates on the curriculum review process for elementary science and English language arts, highlighting the ongoing pilot programs and the expected timeline for recommendations. Additionally, the Policy Committee discussed the ongoing review of Section 5 policies, while the Facility Committee noted upcoming meetings to discuss contractor schedules and maintenance projects. The Personnel Committee reported on discussions regarding administrative contracts.

The meeting featured a summary of the district's annual audit, which resulted in a high financial strength designation. Discussion topics included a proposal for additional social work staffing, an overview of the student assessment calendar and state-mandated testing data, and a presentation on the district's equity plan involving structured student conversations and staff professional learning. Additionally, a draft of the school calendar for the upcoming academic year was reviewed, focusing on adjustments for election days and instructional dates.

The board received a presentation on the 2024 Student Achievement Report detailing student performance across assessments, growth, and state report card metrics. A proposal to increase the Elementary Special Education Teacher FTE by 1.0 to support growing student needs was introduced. The board also designated a representative for the upcoming IASB Joint Annual Conference and reviewed various resolutions and policies. Furthermore, the board addressed facility improvement projects, specifically approving design services for the Ames boiler replacement while declining the proposed design services for the Blythe Park window replacement.