Watch a Video of the Meeting
 
Recognition, Awards, Presentations, and Public Hearings

GHS Principal Tom Rogers presented the GHS Varsity Dance Team who placed 3rd at the IHSA State Dance Finals held at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington January 26-27, 2024 for the 14th year in a row. The varsity dance team is coached by Amy VanWagenen. The Varsity Dance Team includes (pictured at left, but listed alphabetically) Brennan Anson, Larkin Cohrs, Avery Cook, Mila Costello, Tatem Doll, Sara Fuerst, Melanie Goodfellow, Brookelyn Graham, Annie Japlon, Emily Johnson, Ava Kerl, Lily Kott, Tea Mathias, Maisy Mocchi, Regan Pairitz and Rachael Wade.

He also presented VEI (Virtual Enterprise International) students with the Tradition of Excellence Award. These students won 1st place in the VE Business Plan competition and will represent GHS in the national competition. The group is led by GHS Business Teacher Jamie Dunlap. Students include (left to right): Alex Fitzgerald, Teacher Jamie Dunlap, Vasiliki Karalis, Minzie Choi, Jacob Van Rossum, and Zachary Pohlman (not pictured Laksh Patel).

 A Public Hearing was held regarding the district’s E-Learning Plan, as presented by Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Shonette Sims.
 
Legislative Update

Board Member Jackie Forbes shared that not much has happened in the state legislature to report on, but she is watching several bills as they move through committees.

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Barrett gave an update on the progress of the Strategic Planning process. The District just received the first draft of the Engagement Report. He said that we are in phase three, Focus on the Future. A presentation will be made at the next board meeting and will be shared with the public.

He added that the District is currently in a time of transition for our students and staff to get ready for next year. GELP and kindergarten are enrolling now for the next school year. GHS students are selecting their courses for next year. Soon parents will be asked to verify if their students are returning to school next year. Dr. Law is working on a staffing plan to ensure that the District has enough staff in place.
 
Dr. Barrett talked about the need for a demographic study to provide enough data for the District to discuss enrollment trends. He said that an RFQ was released in January and five proposals were presented. He made a recommendation to the Board to hire Dr. Charles Kofron from Geodemographic Studies. Dr. Kofron’s firm has done many studies across the country and locally as well. Dr. Barrett thanked Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Todd Latham who spearheaded the RFQ process and reviewed the initial proposals. The study should be complete by the end of the school year.
 
Board Dialogue Topics and Pending Action Considerations
The Board approved a change to the 2023-24 board meeting calendar to remove the May 28 date as it is the same day as GHS graduation. The board also took action to approve the 2024-25 board meeting calendar. Lastly, the board approved the Resolution to Adopt the E-Learning Plan.
 
Board Member Comments
One Board member said they attended the All-District Orchestra concert and a JV hockey game. They said the team is made up of students from GHS and other school districts. They commended Dr. Barrett on his communications with the board. Another member thanked Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Shonette Sims for her work on the E-Learning Plan, congratulated the Tradition of Excellence winners, and shared a comment from one of their neighbors. Another member shared that they attended a PTO meeting at Mill Creek Elementary School and were pleased to see a large turnout of parents and hear their discussions about class sizes.

Another Board member said they attended the Winter Showcase at GHS and commended all involved. They also attended the basketball game where our three GHS alumni were inducted into the GHS Hall of Fame. They added that many concerts are coming up in the spring. They talked about the Class Size Committee and the work they are doing to discuss class size numbers, the challenges they face, and what solutions may work well at different levels that would be equitable, reasonable, and sustainable. The committee meets again next month. Another member said they were able to witness the dance team and commented on how well they represent the District. They discussed the band’s upcoming trip to New Orleans later in the month. Another member volunteered at the Fabyan Fun Fair, enjoyed attending the varsity basketball team, and congratulated the Hall of Fame inductees. They reflected on the dance team’s 14 years of success and commended the VEI students.