Waterloo Community Unit School District 5

This document outlines the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, a statewide initiative to improve literacy outcomes for all learners, particularly Black and Brown children, English Learners, and diverse learners. The plan emphasizes foundational literacy for life, promoting evidence-based teaching practices through a structured framework, continuous educator learning, and strong leadership. It focuses on Tier 1 instruction and aims to guide schools in adopting systematic and culturally relevant curricula to address inequitable outcomes.

The Board of Education meeting included an executive closed session to discuss personnel and legal matters. Key business actions included the amendment of the consent agenda, approval of seniority lists for non-teaching personnel, and authorization of new bank signature cards. The Board accepted a grant from the Monroe County Electric Cooperative and approved various student trips. Employment actions were taken regarding custodial and Kennel Klub staff, and several resignations were processed. The Board approved the treasurer's report, student activity reports, and monthly bill payments. Additionally, the Board discussed the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar, reviewed athletic and extracurricular achievements, and received a report on a proposed high school cooling tower replacement. Formal approvals were granted for the junior high school bleacher replacement bid, an emergency exception for gym mold remediation, high school course selection guides for multiple years, extra-duty assignments, and the disposal of surplus cafeteria equipment. Finally, the Board set the high school graduation date and accepted a donation for the athletic department.

The board conducted a public hearing regarding the amended school district budget for FY2024-2025. Key actions included approving the amended budget, authorizing various bids for school services such as dishwasher installation, paper products, and trash collection, and accepting multiple grants and donations. Personnel actions involved approving resignations, retirements, and new hires for teaching and staff positions for the upcoming school year. Additional business included approving contract agreements for facility improvements at Rogers Elementary, Waterloo High School, and W.J. Zahnow Elementary, as well as a memorandum of understanding regarding temporary wages and student fees for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Board discussed and took action on several items including the preparation of the tentative amended budget for the upcoming fiscal year and the scheduling of a public hearing. The Board accepted the 2025 Certificate of Status of Exempt Property and approved the summer session for Kennel Klub. Several donations were accepted for various high school activity accounts. Personnel matters were addressed, including new hires, resignations, and a leave of absence request. The Board reviewed the treasurer's and student activity reports and approved payment of monthly bills. Superintendent reports included updates on FOIA requests and the potential dissolution of the current athletic conference. Other actions included awarding a contract for pavement improvements, approving a change order for junior high bleachers, updating extra-duty assignments, adopting the 2025-2026 school calendar, approving new job descriptions, and finalizing employment contracts for administrative and teaching staff.

This document outlines strategies for redefining, refocusing, and reinvigorating family and community engagement in schools. It emphasizes shifting from parent involvement to active parent engagement through a 'Super Six' framework. Key strategies include developing a strategic engagement plan, fostering a welcoming environment, implementing effective communication, soliciting and utilizing feedback, leveraging community partnerships, and incorporating fun and engaging activities. The overarching goal is to build trust, ensure families feel valued, and ultimately enhance student academic success, particularly in remote learning environments.