S Caruthers:

Due to the constraints of the Primary Campus, we are looking to build on, add some space. We are at a risk due to being in a flood zone.  During the finance committee meeting, we discuss that there should be a survey of the property. Wanting to add some classroom space, bathrooms, etc.

Total cost to move forward is $33,000.

M Robinson stated we should wait to that survey report before making a further decision.

Melvin Swope has let us know he is no longer able to serve in this capacity as a Board Member.  He was very integral is our separating from the management company.

The recommendation to remove comes to the board.

I am recommending the removal of Melvin Swope.

I make a recommendation to appoint Alyse Nicholson to the vice-president of the board.  I believe she will be a person that will work well with the schools. 

With the removal of Melvin Swope, we are in need of a new Secretary.  I spoke with Jackie and she stated she may be willing.  She stated that she wanted to be a part of the Goverance Committee and you can only do that if you are elected.

I have to bring a slate to the board and I will table these committees at this time

I have to bring a slate to the board and I will table these committees at this time

K McGuire stated that there is additional information in the Comprehensive Tracker as well.

One fundraising event for the schools as a board.

Jessica mentioned our work with Friday to develop one pagers, etc. to support the schools.

Also continuing to support with the Lead Crisis

Karin McGuire gave the report on Academic Health.  Just closed the IReady window, data was presented in the packet.  We have taken photos of all staff for the website.  We are working on marketing.  Project Aware Grant was received.  Yellow House Project is in full swing.

A Shaw gave the report on East Chicago.  Attendance is a little lower in primary grades than upper grades.  We do have a parent meeting on Thursday for 8th grade regarding expectations and graduation.  We do have some staffing openings.  Data is just coming in from the IReady testing.  More information next month.  Enrollment is going forward and increasing daily.  In terms of infractions, we have 16 this month.  Working on the school culture.  Won the EC Public Library summer reading challenge.

Opening are currently being filled by permanent building subs, which is 2.

A Franz gave the report on Primary Campus.  She stated that attendance started out slow, but is building now.  We are still working to enroll our scholars at this point and hope to be able to get as many scholars in as possible.  We do have a partnership with Rose Counseling.  And we did have Grandparents' Day in early September.  Some photos are posted in my report.

Rose Counseling took the place of Brighter Day to support our scholars needing counseling services.  This is o cost to the school.

C Jackson gave the report on Upper Campus.  We are using Dojo as a PBIS program we are usiing to promote attendance and behavior.  We have a plan to reschedule the way we are doing things in order to accommodate the open positions that are still open.  We are constantly trying to our approved applications seated and registered so we are able to make our enrollment.  Had a wonderful open house that was very well attended.  Quarterly Arts and Music Showcase will be held in October.

A Briggs asked, How can we support with enrollment?

Getting the word out about Lighthouse.  Reaching out to the community and making events more inviting to strangers.

A Briggs asked, Is there a person to contact to get through the red tape?

We will walk you through the process and make it as easy as possible to get your child in quickly.

J George said she appreciates the notion of going to homes and knocking on doors.  Do we know if the results are a result of new students coming in?  New teachers?  How can we close the gap of these students who are behind?

Intervention is going to key on what each group needs most.  4th grade is phonics, each grade is individual to the issue they are facing.

J George asked about partnering with tutoring facilities. 

A Nicholson asked how many sections are in ech grade level?  

Dr Holmes gave the report on CPC.  Are missing 4 positions.  Building sub for Biology.  We are using our talent recruiter to interview and look for new candidates for these subjects.  414 is our enrollment and the budgeted enrollment is 503.  Largest issues in terms of infractions, is at the freshmen level.  First Town Hal was with the freshmen.  Pastries with the Principal is on Friday.  Want to reach out to parents.  This is College Go week.  25 student will be attending a visit to IUN and 35 will be attending a visit to PNW.

A Briggs asked if we have a family coordinator?

Yes we do.  We have asked for an RSVP to Pastries for the Principal.

M Robinson asked in regard to the retention of the juniors and seniors, what is the drop out rate?

We expected low numbers in those cohorts, which is why we had front loaded the 9th and 10th grade years

M Robinson stated the Northeastern Illinois University is offering free tuition to qualifying families which most of our kids would qualify for.

S Caruthers asked if we have sent a survey for the high school?

Holmes stated we have not sent a survey yet.  She also stated that we are having conversations with kids although it is not documented.

J George asked about academic growth data

Holmes stated that was information and carry over from the end of the 22-23 school year.

J George asked about the trip.

Holmes stated we are doing a team building for 9th and 10th and then separately with 11th & 12th graders.

M Robinson asked what is the vision of the school?

Holmes stated we are going to keep your kids safe and you are going to learn.  We are not doing a one size fits all here and that will be or caveat.  Excellent education every day for every student.  We will keep pushing it and we will get there.

M Robinson asked is there is any experience we are able to send the freshmen away for an experience that will set us apart from the other schools.

A Payne said that we should look into a new idea for our schools to do some forward planning.

L Franklin gave the report on operations.  Numbers are fluctuating day to day with enrollment and staffing.  We are sending out our first staff satisfaction survey on October 6th.  We are making a conscious effort to keep the people we have.

EC has made a big drive since last week.

First count Day is October 2.  We are using signage marketing at Southlake Mall.

Yellow house project is projected to be finished by January of 2025.

Primary Construction project will be hopefully finished by January of 2025.

SROs have had training.

Transportation has been an issue with behaviors so far this year.

We have been working on SOPs and currently working on Onboarding/Offboarding SOP.

S Caruthers asked when the lease is up at the District office?

December 2024

J George asked what the bus accident reports look like.

L Franklin stated the process.

A Nicholson asked how many applications are in our que?

M Platt stated we have about 85 applications, all of which are SpEd scholars and we are at a 20% enrollment of SpEd at each building.

Thank you for your attendance today.