GHS Principal Tom Rogers presented the Tradition of Excellence award to GHS Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science (ACES) Team. They participated in the state competition on April 3, 2024 and finished in 6th place. Charlie Winterhalter placed 2nd in the Engineering Graphics competition. Andrea Turek finished top 10 in Biology, Vasilisa Pozdeyev finished Top 10 in English, and Mason Wiedow and Apollo Foard both finished top 10 in Chemistry. The team is coached by Zach Evans. The team also includes: Lily Coats, Ellie Grantcharov, Soren Larson, Caroline Madden, Meghan Monroe, Jack Riviere, Catelyn Schleyer, Colin Sprague, Annie Tomko.

2024 RetireesAssistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. Adam Law introduced Principal Tom Rogers who recognized Brian Burns who is retiring this year. Geneva Middle School North (GMSN) Principal Dave Carli recognized retirees from the middle school including Brenda Engelhardt, Val Demich, and David Kimball.  Williamsburg Elementary School (WES) Principal Dr. Julie Dye recognized Karen Baumgartner who is retiring from WES.  Mill Creek Elementary School (MCES) Principal Tim Wyller recognized Dan Medernach who is retiring from MCES.  Assistant Superintendent Shonette Sims recognized Julie Williams who is retiring from the Technology Department. Assistant Superintendent Todd Latham recognized Mary Dunmead who is retiring from the Transportation Department. 

Consolidated District Plan – Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Shonette Sims presented the Consolidated District Plan. View the presentation slides.

Safety and Security Coordinator Tim Baker gave an update on Safety and Security for the District. View the presentation slides.. 

Board member Jackie Forbes updated the Board on the bills that are in progress in the state legislature.  

Superintendent's Report 
Dr. Barrett shared quick updates on the Strategic Planning process where the group is working on proposed goals, and objectives and building a digital dashboard with indicators that will track the plan’s progress publicly. A full presentation will be given at the May Board of Education meeting. 

He explained that the demographic study is in progress, and we are waiting for birth data from the state of Illinois. The results of the study will help the District predict future enrollment by developing a metric that will indicate the average percentage of all students who start kindergarten and continue through the Geneva 304 school system each year.  

Dr. Barrett updated the Board on the end-of-year activities that the schools are doing, year-end performances, the high school prom, and graduation planning in the works.  

The Board took action to approve the 2024-25 Recommended Staffing Plan, the Support Staff Working Agreement and the 2024-25 School Fees. 

Board Member Comments 

Several Board members congratulated the retirees this year and wished them well. Several board members commented on the high school’s production of “Mama Mia” last weekend, complimenting the music, the band, the sets, the crew, the students, and the teachers who contributed and congratulated the theater boosters for their hard work to support the play. One member gave a shout-out to art educators after attending the Heartland Art Walk. Another member said they were impressed with the Williamsburg Student Leadership Team from the last meeting. One member talked about the Class Size Committee meeting that is coming up and said they were excited about the interviews in the works for the new teachers who will be hired.