Geneva School District 304 News Article

January 13, 2025

RECOGNITION, AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, PUBLIC HEARINGS 

Lead Auditor Scott Duenser of Wipfli, LLC presented the FY2024 Annual Financial Report & Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. 
Director of Technology Michael Wilkes presented the Preliminary 2025-26 Technology Capital Plan.  Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Shonette Sims presented the Annual English Language Learners Presentation. 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 
Board member Jackie Forbes reported that the lame-duck legislative session began, and newly elected officials were sworn in. She shared a summary of the bills going through the lame-duck session including one bill related to halal and kosher meals which was vetoed and is returning with appropriation.
  
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT 
Superintendent Dr. Andy Barrett noted what is occurring with school resuming such as a new semester starting at the high school, 5th and 8th grade students preparing to transition to the next level, administrators working on scheduling for next year, working on a staffing plan for next year and making progress on the strategic plan goals. He thanked the O&M staff for all the work behind the scenes to keep our buildings safe and clean all day and during the night so school can be in session. 

Lastly, he shared a quote by Mr. Rogers that communicated thanks to everyone who stepped in to help over the winter break to support students through a very difficult situation that occurred.   

BOARD DIALOGUE TOPICS & PENDING ACTION CONSIDERATIONS 
The Board took action to approve updates to policies that were proposed by the Policy Committee. The Board took action to approve the FY2024 Annual Financial Report & Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. The Board took action to approve the Preliminary 2025-26 Technology Capital Plan. 

WORK-STUDY TOPICS & FUTURE ACTION CONSIDERATIONS 
The Board reviewed proposed updates to policies.  

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS 
Two members said they are looking forward to the new semester. Several members mentioned the loss the community experienced saying how the impact is felt throughout the community; one member urged everyone to check in with each other and seek out mental health support if needed. One board member thanked O&M staff for keeping the sidewalks and parking lots clean and safe.

They said they participated in the transitional program for 8th graders and were impressed by the amount of information and dedication required to create these events for students to ensure they make smooth transitions to the next level. Another member talked about how we each do our part as a community. One member talked about how being a community unit school district creates a great sense of community.

They attended the transportation luncheon and thanked them for taking students to their activities safely – such as driving to Normal with the band and the football team. They attended the Geneva Unified Basketball game and said watching the team is a joy. They attended the Facility Music Recital and said it was fun to see our talented teachers perform. Another added that Geneva is a great community that pulls together when times are good and not so good. 

They also said they attended the City’s Planning Commission meeting and were impressed to see three of our bus drivers in attendance to discuss an intersection that they feel is unsafe.    

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