Thomas Jefferson Junior High School principal Justin Warnke, associate principal Andrew Neidlinger and dean of students Alisa Zawodny presented the school's improvement plan for the 2023-24 school year. They discussed Jefferson’s efforts in implementing Gradual Release of Responsibility guided instruction and win-win discipline progressive follow-up structures. They also shared information about student participation in school athletics and activities outside the classroom.

Each public body shall periodically, but no less than semi-annually, meet to review minutes and recordings of all closed meetings. A determination is then made in open session that (1) the need for confidentiality still exists as to all or part of the minutes or (2) that the minutes or recordings or portions thereof no longer require confidential treatment and are available for public inspection.

The Board of Education reviewed the closed session minutes as required by School Code 5 ILCS 120/2.06 and determined that the need for confidentiality exists for all unreleased minutes, with the exception of: August 21, 2023, Item 1 and August 28, 2023; and that the recordings from closed session minutes of March 2022 through August 2022 be destroyed.

The Board of Education approved the 2024-25 school calendar as presented and discussed at the January 22, 2024 meeting.

The Board of Education approved the following technology purchases:

• Networking switches totaling $16,962.24 from CDW-G of Vernon Hills, IL under the FCC's E-Rate program; 60% of this purchase will be covered by E-Rate and 40% by the school district.
• Redundant server backup program for $51,413.04 from Abtech Technologies, Inc. of Vista, CA
• Continuation of internet services with Education Networks of America (ENA) of Nashville, TN
• Continuation of fiber optic services with Clearwave Communications of Harrisburg, IL

In accordance with federal E-Rate participation guidelines, the Board of Education acknowledged Woodridge 68’s compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Specifically, that the school district purchases, maintains and monitors web content software and web filtering software regarding the daily use of school district-owned devices and networks to help ensure that students do not have access to inappropriate images, videos or content that may be harmful to, or inappropriate for, children.

The following topics were discussed by the Board of Education. Any action has not yet been taken.

• Parent-teacher advisory committee
• Budget update - revenue assumptions
• Student fee schedule
• Tentative transportation contracts
• Food service RFP
• Employee benefits insurance renewal
• Capital improvement plan
• Tax appeals
• 2024-25 school board meeting schedule

The next Woodridge School District 68 Board of Education regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 18, 2024 at 7:30pm at the District Administrative Center. All regular Board meetings are also streamed live on the Zoom platform; links to the livestream will be posted on the district calendar. A schedule of upcoming meetings, notices and agendas are posted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/) on the district website through BoardBook.

Stuart Vanorny, President

Dr. Cricel Molina de Mesa, Vice President

Joshua Christ | Scott Coley | Donna Hebreard | Thomas Ruggio | Dr. Joann Wright

Meet the Board