Oak Park River Forest High School Board
August 27, 2015
Mary Haley, Observer
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Present: Jeff Weissglass-President, Jackie Moore-Vice President, Tom Cofsky, Steve Gevinson, Sara Dixon Spivy, Fred Arkin and Jennifer Cassell
Steve James was present to film the meeting for the documentary approved by the board in April.
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Mr. Weissglass called the meeting to order at 7:41.
The board recognized the Boys’ Wrestling team that won the state championship.
Public Comment: Several people including one OPRFHS student asked the board to reconsider the date set for the 2016 graduation ceremony. Because of the Memorial Day weekend, the date was moved to the Thursday preceding the long weekend. This conflicts with IHSA state championship events. Speakers asked the board to include students’ opinions in setting the date.
Kristen McKee, Reading Intervention Specialist, and other teachers from the department spoke about the effectiveness of the Elements of Reading course. There is a perception that proposed audit is targeting the course.
Consent Items: All items were passed unanimously.
Action Items: All items were approved.
Discussion: Board members agreed that the proposed 2016 graduation date presents problems, especially for student athletes. More input will be sought from students, families and staff.
Concerns about the Reading Program Audit were discussed. Members stated that the purpose of the audit was not to threaten the Elements of Reading program, but to diagnose strengths and weaknesses in the overall program. Phil Prale, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, will resubmit all the comments and concerns to the Instruction Committee.
Jeff Weissglass presented a pool update focusing on the possibility of a referendum in March 2016. Both a bond referendum and an advisory referendum were discussed. The board felt that an advisory referendum was not needed since the 2015 school board election had provided a platform for public feedback. The district does not need a bond referendum to finance pool construction, but concerns were expressed about financing new initiatives from the Strategic Plan and from recommendations of the Long Term Facility committee. More information from this committee is needed.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:56.
