Learning Update
Presentation
Mask Optional/Recommended: Scott Warren, Superintendent, explained the rationale behind the district moving to a mask optional/recommended plan effective February 22. The change occurred after state and court rulings, making the Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines no longer in effect. Administration reviewed current mitigation plans and determined that a mask optional/recommended plan could be put in place because of the availability of vaccines, the decline in COVID hospitalization cases, in-house weekly testing for COVID, the decline in local COVID cases and the low number of positive cases in our schools.
COVID Metrics: COVID numbers in Lake County and the District 103 area are declining.
Modified Mitigation Plan: D103 developed a modified mitigation plan based on the district’s decision to move to a mask optional/recommended plan. The plan includes rationale for the change, social emotional education for students, mitigations for COVID cases in classrooms, and visitation procedures.
Transportation: Federal mandates require students to wear masks on buses. Dr. Warren will review this mandate with the district’s attorney.
Vaccination Clinic: The district hosted a vaccine clinic on February 12 at Laura B. Sprague School. There were 106 shots administered that day including booster shots and pediatric vaccines.
Enrollment Review & Staffing Plan
The Board received updated enrollment numbers following a slight increase in enrollment in January. Patrick Palbicke, Assistant Superintendent for Business, explained that the uptick in enrollment will be considered when reviewing the 2022-2023 staffing plans. Currently there are 1,905 students enrolled in early childhood through eighth-grade classes. That number is expected to increase slightly for the next school year. Enrollment projections will be used to determine classroom sections needed and help guide the staffing plan for next year.
Back Up Generators
The District is investigating the cost of installing generators at Sprague and Half Day Schools. Daniel Wright is the only school with a generator at this time. Costs are being reviewed for generators to operate critical systems for safety and security during temporary power outages as well as having the ability to operate the entire school.
HVAC Units
The District continues to investigate the most economical way to purchase and install HVAC units at Sprague and Half Day for the multipurpose rooms.
Associate Compensation
The Board approved the starting rate of English Learners (EL) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) associates from $15 an hour to $17 an hour, including increasing those individuals already in these positions. The Board took this action in order to remain competitive with neighboring districts.
iPad Lease
The Board approved a four-year lease in the amount of $111,144 that will provide 390 new iPads to first- and fifth-grade students who will use the devices beginning with the 2022-2023 school year.
Energy Resiliency Commission
The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) allowing Veregy to review the district’s gas and electric usage with possible recommendations for upgrades. The MOU will have no financial burden to the district.
