South West Illinois News

Alsip Hazelgreen Oaklawn School District 126 Board of Education met Jan. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Board and audience stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

Secretary Pierce called the roll.

Present: Marigrace Sinnott-Snooks, President

Lori Ann Pierce, Secretary

Muna Conley

Harry Tannehill

Jennifer Warrick

Therese Zaker

Absent: Joe LaChica

Also Present:

Craig Gwaltney, Superintendent

Steve Gress, Assistant Superintendent

Lori Connolly, Director of Teaching and Learning

Robert Condon, Director of Special Education

Nicole Leggett, Bilingual Director

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Therese Zaker moved, seconded by Harry Tannehill, "To approve the minutes of the November 9, 2023 Regular Board Meeting". Upon roll call, the vote was as follows: Aye: Conley, Tannehill, Warrick, Sinnott-Snooks, Pierce, Zaker. Nay: none. The motion carried 6-0.

CONSENT AGENDA

Harry Tannehill moved, seconded by Jennifer Warrick, "To approve the Consent Agenda". Upon roll call, the vote was as follows: Aye: Sinnott-Snooks, Zaker, Warrick, Tannehill, Pierce, Conely. Nay: none. The motion carried 6-0.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Steve Gress stated that we received a FOIA request from Katharine Casey, SmartProcure and Patrick Lee and we responded within the proper length of time.

FINANCIAL

Muna Conley moved, seconded by Therese Zaker, "To ratify the December bills paid by the District and approved by the Superintendent for November 9, 2023 through December 14, 2023". Upon roll call, the vote was as follows: Aye: Sinnott-Snooks, Warrick, Pierce, Zaker, Tannehill, Conely. Nay: none, Abstain: none. The motion carried 6-0.

Harry Tannehill moved, seconded by Therese Zaker, "To adopt the Resolution Directing the Cook County Clerk to Abate the increase in the 2023 Real Estate Levy due to the section 18-233 of the property tax code." Upon roll call, the vote was as follows: Aye: Tannehill, Pierce, Zaker, Conely, Warrick, Sinnott-Snooks. Nay: none. The motion carried 6-0.

EDUCATION REPORT

Lori spoke about welcoming back the Bricks4Kiz organization that provides STEM focused in-school workshops using Legos. She mentioned that this is always a popular day with our students and teachers! Students in grades K-6 will be engaged in engineering design creating water wheels or suspension bridges as well as learning about kinetic energy and the impact of force. Workshops are beginning this week and will continue throughout the month.

Secondly, Lori mentioned that in a few weeks, our district schools will be participating in the Great Kindness Challenge. Last year, our district schools participated in this world-wide proactive and positive Social Emotional Learning (SEL) focused program promoting a positive school climate. Students and families will be encouraged to display random acts of kindness. Students will be provided with age-appropriate kindness checklists to help support the week. Staff, students, and families shared positive feedback last year. It's a great way to kick off the new year and build a culture of kindness in our district.

Lastly, Lori informed the board that 24 district teachers are participating in a full you of the pilot program Yoga Ed. Yoga Ed is an online platform offering developmentally appropriate breathing exercises, mindful moments, brain breaks, yoga exercises and classes, and relaxation techniques. Activities can range from 1-10 minutes in length. Teachers have access to lesson plans, instructional scripts, resources, a student wellness library and even a faculty wellness library. The group of piloting teachers received an overview training and are engaged with our district's success manager for after-school support sessions. With the on-going needs of students, incorporating this program into the day can provide many benefits for all. Based on the pilot, the program will be evaluated for purchase for the 24-25 later this spring.

NEW BUSINESS

Harry Tannehill moved, seconded by Therese Zaker, "To appoint a Board Committee of Muna Conley and Jennifer Warrick to meet with the administrators and union officers to review the 2024-2025 School Calendar". Upon roll call, the vote was as follows: Aye: Pierce, Warrick, Tannehill, Zaker, Conely, Sinnott-Snooks. Nay: none. The motion carried 6-0.

ADJOURNMENT

Therese Zaker moved, seconded by Jennifer Warrick, "To adjourn the meeting". Upon roll call, the vote was as follows: Aye: Sinnott-Snooks, Pierce, Zaker, Tannehill, Conely, Warrick. Nay: None. The motion carried 6-0 at 7:11 p.m.

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