Watch a Video of the Meeting
RECOGNITION, AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, PUBLIC HEARINGS
GHS Principal Tom Rogers presented the Tradition of Excellence award to:
National Merit Finalists – These students have been identified among the top 15,000 highest scorers on the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT test and were named National Merit Finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. More than 1.3 million students took the 2023 PSAT.
Left to right: Vitaly Starkov, Ethan Ryan, Nicholas Grimes, Ellie Grantcharov and Evelyn Gibbons.
2024 Skaldic Literary Magazine – The 2024 Skaldic: Odyssey, Geneva High School’s Literary magazine, earned an All-American Award from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and a First-Class award from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE-REALM). The magazine earned 4 of 5 marks of distinction. The students listed above are the current GHS students on the Skaldic staff. The other 10 staff members graduated in 2024. The Literary Magazine sponsor is GHS English teacher, Heather Peters.
Left to right: Teacher Heather Peters, All-American and First Class Award Winner Danielle Nasra and Claire Totman
Scholastic Art Competition Gold, Silver & Honorable Mention Recipients - These students submitted artwork and placed in the annual Scholastic Art Competition held in January. All winners had their work showcased in an exhibition at Downers Grove North High School on February 2nd. Students who received a “Gold Key” will have their artwork move on to national judging. Additionally, for the first time in Geneva High School history, Emma Nolan received a nomination for the prestigious “American Vision Award”. The GHS Art educators for these students are GHS Art teacher, Danica Fahmy and Jon Kristofer.
Left to right in top photo: Morgan Reid – Gold Key, John Kozlowski – Honorable Mention, Ryan Fontana – Honorable Mention, Wyatt Curry – Honorable Mention, Von Lautenschlager – Honorable Mention.
Left to right in bottom photo: Emma Nolan – American Vison Award Nomination and Willow Houck – Gold Key.
Not pictured: Mackenzie Benedek – Honorable Mention, Caitlin Cassidy – Silver Key, Drew Hosman – Gold Key and Honorable Mention, Willow Houck – Gold Key, Gold Key and Honorable Mention, Miles Sheppard – Silver Key
IHSA Boys Wrestling State Qualifier: Joseph Pettit competed at the IHSA State Wrestling Meet Thursday, February 20th and Friday, February 21st, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, IL. The team is coached by Tom Chernich.
Left to right: Tom Chernich, Joseph Petitt.
IHSA Girls Gymnastics State Qualifiers: Two gymnasts competed at the IHSA State Gymnastics Meet Friday, February 21st and Saturday, February 22nd at Palatine High School in Palatine, IL. The team is coached by Kim Hostman.
Left to right: Reese Lackey (Placed 4th overall in Floor) and Julia Swierczewski.
IHSA Boys Swimming State Qualifiers: Three swimmers competed at the IHSA State Swim Meet Friday, February 28th – Saturday, March 1st at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, IL.
Left to right: Nathan Walkington, Brady Jordan and Samuel Ortiz.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Todd Latham and Director of Transportation Matt Johnson presented the 2025-26 Preliminary Transportation Budget.
Director of Student Services Anne Scalia and Director of Learning and Teaching Dr. George Petmezas presented a new pilot program for student data management called Panorama.
View the presentations.
PUBLIC COMMENT
A public comment was made by Brian Maher who commented on the City of Geneva TIF 4 proposal.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Superintendent Dr. Andy Barrett shared a preview of the Facility Capacity Analysis that was conducted to determine the available capacity of the school district’s buildings. He shared some of the takeaways, including that the District has room to maintain current programmatic opportunities, reasonable class sizes can be maintained, and there is room to improve the efficiency of elementary school buildings. He added that he will share more as additional data becomes available.
He also talked about the Fox Valley Career Center and its plans for 2025-26, which is aligned with the District’s Strategic Plan Goal for Career and College Pathways.
Dr. Barrett shared the many events that are happening around the District, such as the professional development for educators that took place on the recent county-wide Teacher Institute Day on Friday, February 28. He talked about winter activities that are wrapping up and spring activities are in the works. He reflected that these are great opportunities for students to engage in enriching activities.
Dr. Barrett reminded the Board that students in grades 3-8 will be taking the Illinois Assessment for Readiness tests this week, which is being conducted on a new updated platform. He added that ACT testing will be administered to 9th-11th grade students in mid-April.
Finally, Dr. Barrett reflected on the past year and commented that he has noticed significant growth in student achievement, stronger program offerings, and wonderful co- and extra-curricular opportunities for students. He added that through these activities, students develop valuable life skills that help them form strong relationships and feel connected to their community. He credited the District’s excellent educators.
BOARD DIALOGUE TOPICS & PENDING ACTION CONSIDERATIONS
The Board took action to approve the Finance Committee Calendar. The Board took action to adopt the recommended resources, curriculum and textbooks in the 2025-26 Preliminary Resource Adoption proposal.
WORK-STUDY TOPICS & FUTURE ACTION CONSIDERATIONS
Director of Technology Mike Wilkes presented a recommendation to move the District to a new student information system (SIS) called Synergy, along with members of the core project team including GMSS Principal Terry Bleu, Mill Creek Elementary School Principal Tim Wyller, and GHS Associate Principal Doug Drexler.
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Adam Law presented the 2025-26 Staffing Plan.
BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Several Board members congratulated the students who were awarded the Tradition of Excellence. Several noted they are looking forward to spring events. Another member gave a shout out to Director Petmezas and Director Scalia for the Panorama presentation.
One member talked about the Technology Task Force meeting that was held last week and several thanked Director Wilkes for the information on the SIS. They said they toured the special education facility at Mid-Valley and commented that the individualized support students receive, and the supportive environment was truly remarkable. They thanked the parents who attended the many spring field trips and the community members who welcome students into their facilities for the field trips.
Another member thanked the community member who gave a public comment. They also said they attended the GHS Empty Bowls Fundraiser, saying it was good to see so many people at the event. They attended the Boys Basketball game was reflected that our athletes have done so well this year.
One member reflected on the meeting saying they appreciated the dialogue that the presentations created and enjoyed learning. Another member said they chaperoned the choir’s trip through Europe where they sang in beautiful cathedrals. They added it was a great opportunity for the students to experience life outside of Geneva. They said they are grateful for the teachers and administrators who made the experience possible. They added that they also attended the production of “Annie, Jr.” at GMSS and reminded everyone that GMSN has their performance of “Wizard of Oz” this weekend.