Due to inclement weather, the January 28 regular meeting was conducted on February 4. Highlights of the meeting include:
- Board will reduce fund balance to finance summer 2019 projects - Based on an interim update to the District's long-range financial projections, the Board reached consensus to utilize the District's fund balance to finance $11 million in summer construction costs and defer issuing bonds at present. Remaining Health Life Safety/Master Facilities Plan projects for summer 2020 and beyond are expected to be proposed for the Board's consideration beginning later this spring.
- Additional summer 2019 projects approved - The Board approved two more projects for summer 2019, including mechanical equipment replacement at Lincoln Middle School and plumbing piping replacement work at Carpenter School.
- Superintendent search community engagement extended - Although the timeline for community engagement activities was extended due to inclement weather, search consultants School Exec Connect will present a New Superintendent Profile to the Board on February 11 as planned. The Board also approved its contract with the consultants.
- Student Services monthly updates continue - The Board reviewed the steps undertaken from December to January in the four key areas of staffing, professional development, consistency across the District, and creating a message of inclusion.
- 2019-20 budget planning will begin - The annual financial cycle will officially kick off as the Board authorized preparation of a budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
- 2020-21 school year calendar drafted - A first draft of the 2020-21 school year calendar was discussed, and will be returned pending confirmation of District 207's spring break schedule.
- New Board members will be seated on Monday, April 29 - Following the April 2 election of Board members, D64 will conduct its organizational meeting on Monday, April 29, 2019.
IL Senate recognizes Washington's Blue Ribbon Award - Dr. Heinz (PHOTO/left) and Principal Stephanie Daly (center) shared with the Board an official Illinois State Senate Certificate of Recognition presented to Washington School in celebration of its designation as a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School. Senator Laura Murphy (right) visited Washington recently to present the award.
(RIGHT) Caroline Schaab, Field School, was congratulated by Board members and (from left) Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning Lori Lopez and Superintendent Laurie Heinz for recently achieving National Board Certification -- the “gold standard” for professional educators. Mrs. Schaab joins other D64 staff now holding this certification.
Interscholastic sports teams from the two middle schools are being recognized for the first time this year at Board meetings. Boys Basketball teams were congratulated for their efforts during the recently concluded season.
Emerson’s Dance Club, which is part of the after-school Teen Leisure Club (TLC) offerings, shared their love of dance in a spirited performance before the business meeting began.
