The District 64 Board of Education held a regular meeting on Thursday, April 18th, in the Hendee Rooms.
Spotlight on Jefferson Early Childhood Center
Jefferson Early Childhood Center Principal Michele Barkley presented to the School Board how Jefferson is building community and belonging with our District’s youngest students. Jefferson has hosted many events throughout the school year that promoted that togetherness and taught the importance of belonging and accepting others regardless of their differences.
Barkley recognized the importance of their Parent Advisory Committee in making all these events a success. “Thank you for dedicating your time and energy to Jefferson. Your willingness to volunteer reflects your genuine concern for the well-being and success of our community,” said Barkley.
On top of that, we also got to celebrate the Jefferson Butterfly Buddies! More than 30 Jefferson students attended the meeting to be recognized for being Butterfly Buddies throughout the year. This program recognizes students who are fabulous friends to others, lend a helpful hand, or are wonderful workers!
Approval of ELA Curriculum
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Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning Dr. Samantha Alaimo led a presentation on the K-8 English-Language Arts (ELA) curriculum and the adoptions of Amplify CKLA and HMH Into Literature. You can view the presentation here.
The K-5 English-Language Arts (ELA) Curriculum Review was conducted by Meghan Keefer, K-5 ELA Curriculum Specialist, and included administrators and K-5 classroom teacher representatives from all five elementary school buildings. Other staff, including psychologists, SPED teachers, Library Information Specialists, English Language Teachers, and interventionists, were all part of the committee. Consultative support was also provided by Dina Pappas, K-5 Science/SS/K-8 Health Curriculum Specialist, and Kara Forrest, K-8 Intervention Facilitator.
The 6-8 ELA Curriculum Review was conducted by Lindsey Harrington, ELA department chairperson, and Ursi Cosentino, ELA department liaison, along with ELA classroom teachers from Emerson and Lincoln. Other staff, including SPED teachers, English Language Teachers, interventionists, Library Information Specialists, instructional coaches, and administrators, were all part of the committee. Consultative support was also provided by Meghan Keefer, K-5 ELA Curriculum Specialist.
“We’re really excited about this adoption. Truthfully,” said Dr. Alaimo. “We feel really good about our decision.”
Amplify CKLA will be adopted for grades K-2 for the 2024-25 school year. More dialogue needs to be had about the structure and schedule for Amplify CKLA at the grade 3-5 level, which will be implemented in 2025-26. The total cost for Amplify CKLA is $330,878.
HMH Into Literature will be adopted for grades 6-8 and 5th grade C of C ELA. The total cost for HMH Into Literature is $439,190.
Approve Contract for Regular Education Transportation Services
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Safeway was chosen to provide regular education transportation services through the 2026-27 school year. “Going out to bid was advantageous at this time; we’re looking to save approximately $300,000 using this model for regular education,” said Chief School Business Official Dr. Adam Parisi.
Approve the Fifth Amendment to the Special Education Transportation Services Contract
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This extends the agreement with Lakeview Bus Lines for special education transportation services through the 2024-2025 school year.
Approve Lincoln Phase 1A Construction Contract with Midwest Mechanical
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Phase 1A will be done at Lincoln Middle School starting this summer. You can read more about what phase one entails in this January 25th Board Meeting recap. The $10 million worth of bonds sold earlier this year will pay for this work.
Phase 1 at Lincoln is a different project than the possible $98.3 million bond measure on which we have been gathering community input regarding the District's critical safety and facility needs. You can find more information on the possible bond referendum at www.d64.org/2024proposal.
The approved contract with Midwest Mechanical was for $1,677,864. This initial contract covers much of the design work for the next 14 months and pre-purchases of some mechanical equipment.
Approval of Recommended Personnel Report
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Consent Agenda
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Approval of Minutes
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