Board of Education Meeting Notes

Date: Monday, November 18, 2024

Opening

• Meeting called to order at 7:01 PM.
• Roll call confirmed by Michelle.
• Members present: Ms. Demming, Mr. Rising, Mr. Karubas.
• Mr. Karubas led the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Introduction of students Jasmine, Tiana, and Emily on the board.

Board Salute

• Recognition of 323 Indian Prairie student musicians.
• Participation in Illinois Music Education Association District 9 Festivals.
  • Junior Festival: 119 students (29 in band, 54 in choir, 49 in orchestra)
  • Senior Festival: 204 students (34 in band, 82 in choir, 56 in orchestra, 12 in jazz band, 20 in vocal jazz ensemble)
• Acknowledgment of competitive selection process.

Student Representative Report: Emily Shield

• School: Waubonsie Valley High School
• Clubs and Activities: 42% student participation (1,132 students).
  • Speech, scholastic bowl, and chess expected strong seasons.
• Athletics:
  • Girls swim and dive: 21st in state.
  • Girls tennis: First ever IHSA sectional championship, 20th in state.
  • Girls cross-country: First state qualifying team.
  • Football: Qualified for IHSA State Playoffs.
  • Girls golf: Regional champion.
• Academics:
  • Rated top 25 high schools by Niche.
  • AP exam registration ongoing.
  • 5 CTE Presidential Scholars, 10 General Presidential Scholars.
  • 14 National Merit Semi-Finalists.
  • FAFSA workshop scheduled for January 8th.
• School Initiatives: Executive functioning, disciplinary literacy, student attendance.

Spotlight: Career Connections Program

• Presenters: Allison Herr, Molly Owls, Ryan Van Campen, Laura McGarren.
• Program Highlights:
  • Developed over 13 years, presented at state/national conferences.
  • Focus on introducing freshmen to career pathways.
  • Use of interest inventories, career fairs, and panel presentations.
  • Collaboration between students and community professionals.
  • Emphasis on preparing students for real-world opportunities.

Superintendent Report: Dr. Talley

• Thanks community for supporting bond referendum with 74% approval.
• Plans to enhance schools with funds.
• Clarification on Fisher Middle School's performance above state average.
• Encouragement to support those in need during Thanksgiving.

Consent Agenda and Reports

• Approval needed for consent agenda items D through R.
• Professional services contract with White & Company for summer 2025 work on secure vestibules and Waubonsie Valley auditorium.

Tentative Tax Levy Presentation: Matt Shipley

• Levy Request:
  • Operating fund: $347 million, 4.5% increase.
  • Bond and interest: $25.5 million, 0% increase.
• Challenges:
  • Property taxes largest revenue source (78% of revenue).
  • District's funding at 85% adequacy level.
  • Proposed tax rate decline, lowest in 15 years.
• Next Steps:
  • Public hearing on December 16th.
  • Formal adoption of levy.

Additional Discussions

• Legislative advocacy and upcoming school board conference participation.
• Motion to adjourn was made and passed.