Park Forest Chicago Heights School District 163

The Board approved the adoption of the supplemental tax levy resolution, BMO Bank bills with noted exceptions, participation in the Rich Township School District 227 enrollment study, extended personal illness leave for a certified staff member, the Consultant Agreement for retired teacher Mary Carroll, the contractual agreement appointing Dr. Karen Burns as the assistant principal at Michelle Obama School, a stipend for a staff member, and the contractual agreement between the Board of Education and Dr. Joyce Carmine as the interim superintendent and administrative consultant.

The Board meeting included a student showcase highlighting Mohawk Primary's Black History Program. The Superintendent's report included attendance data for January. The District has partnered with Rich Township District 227 to provide eighth graders with an online platform, MajorClarity, that enhances college and career readiness. The Board accepted a donation from the National Council of Jewish Women South Cook Mini Grant Program, adopted multiple District Board Policies, retroactively approved a contract between Midwest Mechanical and District 163 for a bipolar ionization project, adopted the Teachers' Retirement System Supplemental Savings Plan Employer Participation Agreement resolution, and approved a quote from Seconds Matter Safety Solutions for a new key card access control system.

The Board of Education recognized three employees for 25 years of service. The Board approved consultant agreements for various roles, including mathematics, performing arts, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. They also approved a Category 2 E-Rate contract for network maintenance and wiring. Purchases of iPads, iMacs, and Chromebooks were approved through ESSER II and CARES Grants. Resolutions were adopted for the sale of technology devices to outgoing board members. The budget for the upcoming fiscal year was directed to be prepared, and a permanent Working Cash Fund transfer was approved. The Interest Earnings Resolution was adopted, and the Hazardous Transportation Routes Report for the 2021/2022 school year was approved. Additionally, the preliminary IMRF Rate for the 2022 calendar year was approved. A lease agreement for vehicle storage and contracts for non-union contractual staff members were also approved.

The Board of Education meeting included a student showcase highlighting women's achievements for Women's History Month. The Superintendent's report included attendance data for February. The board approved the Ombudsman Service Agreement, grade center reassignment, the 2020-21 Reopening Plan for summer school, a milk service contract with Krystal Dairy, a quote from Larsen Construction for replacing vanities and sinks at Algonquin School, the 10-Year Health & Life Safety Survey from Planera Architects, and a contract with Midwest Mechanical for HVAC units and air purifiers.

The Board of Education meeting covered various topics, including reflections on the SEL program at Barack Obama School, attendance reports for March, and several approvals related to agreements, programs, and contracts. These included a Memorandum of Agreement with Local 604, the 2021/2022 school calendar, the RISE Safe Schools Program Application Agreement, agreements with Roosevelt University and Partnership For Resilience, and proposals for asbestos abatement and flooring at Michelle Obama School. Additionally, the board approved parking lot repairs, bid specifications for custodial services, a contract renewal with Preferred Meals, the purchase of Chromebooks, clean energy and solar grant awards, waivers for registration fees, suspensions of grading requirements, and the release of reviewed closed session minutes. Administrative contracts were also approved and amended, and new principals were appointed for Barack Obama School and Michelle Obama School.