Cowden-Herrick Community Unit School District 3A

The board meeting addressed several agenda items, including the approval of the FFA Convention trip, the School Maintenance Project Grant application, and the purchase of Chromebooks through the ECF Grant. Discussions also included extending the Families First Coronavirus Response Act provisions and addressing personnel matters in a closed session, specifically regarding the hiring of a junior high cheerleading sponsor and a volunteer junior high boys' basketball coach.

The board meeting agenda included several key items such as the approval of the 2022-2023 Risk Management Plan, a learning partner agreement with Atlantic Research, and the review of serious safety hazard routes. The board also authorized the superintendent to prepare the tentative school district budget and considered rescheduling the September board meeting. New business involved managing confidential closed session minutes and recordings, approving bids for various school supplies and fuel, discussing a memorandum of understanding with the union regarding teacher evaluations, and approving the replacement of window lintels at the elementary school. Additionally, the superintendent's report and closed session discussions regarding personnel matters were scheduled.

This document outlines a Discipline Improvement Plan for Cowden-Herrick CUSD #3A, mandated for districts identified on the Top 20% Exclusionary Discipline list. The plan provides a structured approach for reducing exclusionary discipline and racial disproportionality, emphasizing data review, problem definition, performance measurement, and analysis of underlying causes, including implicit bias. Key strategies involve implementing improved actions such as multi-tiered systems of support, social-emotional learning, and restorative justice practices. The primary goal is to lessen exclusionary discipline through proactive measures like reinforcing handbook rules and evaluating effectiveness by comparing current and historical discipline data.

The board meeting agenda includes a budget hearing for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and consideration of the budget for approval. Additional business topics include a request to support the Village of Cowden in pursuing a Safe Routes to School Grant and the approval of National FFA Convention trips. The meeting will also feature a closed session to discuss personnel matters, including appointments, employment, compensation, and administrators' contracts, followed by action on staff retirement notices and extra-curricular sponsor resignations.

The board meeting agenda included items such as approving current board bills and the treasurer's report, scheduling future special and regular meetings, and approving IHSA and IESA memberships for the upcoming school year. New business featured discussions on an intergovernmental dual credit agreement with Lake Land College, the replacement of high school lockers, and the consideration of investment accounts. Additionally, the superintendent's report was presented, and closed session actions involved addressing a coaching resignation, staff leave requests, and hiring for maintenance and open personnel positions.