On September 11, the Board of Education met for the Committee of the Whole and Regular Board meeting, discussing the following topics. 

• The Board discussed conducting a survey for all families and staff regarding emergency closure days. These emergencies include hazardous weather or other emergencies threatening the safety of students, staff members, school property, etc. A survey will be sent out in the near future asking parents and staff their thoughts on the use of emergency closure days.

• The Board approved Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to facilitate the strategic planning process for the District which will include receiving input from Orland 135 stakeholders.

• Dana Karczewski presented the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) data from last school year. Kindergarten - 3rd-grade students in Reading and Math overall achievement percentile increased from fall to spring testing. Fourth - 8th grade achievements in reading and math decreased from fall testing to spring. Data is still being analyzed regarding past scores, which may affect the statistics. 

• The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) data was also presented from the last 3 years. The IAR test is for students in 3rd-8th grade in reading and math and is taken once a year. In English Language Arts (ELA), from the 2021 to the 2023 school years, every grade level trended in a positive direction. For the Math IAR, all grades in 3rd-8th grade trended positively from the 2022 school year to 2023 except one. The Teaching & Learning Department is implementing professional learning for staff to increase rigor within instructional times, increase opportunities for collaboration among staff members, and dedicate time and support to assist students with various Social Emotional Learning (SEL) needs, which can positively address academic performance and outcomes. 

• A public hearing was held on a proposed modification of the Illinois School Code that would allow District 135 to waive its administrative expenditure limitation. The main reason for this waiver was the addition of a Special Education Coordinator to support students and staff.  Public notice of this hearing has been posted since August 24, 2023.

• Scott Beranek, Director of Finance, presented the FY24 Budget and provided updates on any changes or adjustments.  A public hearing was held for the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed budget, which has been on public display at the Administration Center since August 7, 2023.

• Ted Schulz, Director of Buildings & Grounds, provided a recap of summer projects that included HVAC servicing, LED lighting updates, painting, new sink installations, landscaping, and staff lounge updates. The construction projects at the five schools are going well. The few traffic issues that arose at the beginning of the school year have been resolved. All projects are on schedule. Updates of the projects can be found on the District website. 

• The Board approved joining a mass social media litigation. Hundreds of school districts are addressing major social media companies due to the negative impacts of social media use by young people, such as anxiety, depression, and other anti-social behaviors that have resulted in increased expenses related to supporting students through additional services and school personnel.

• Superintendent Bryk introduced the One District, One Theme for this school year: Rise with Resilience, which coincides with three books across the grade levels. Primary grades will be reading Rosie Revere Engineer, intermediate grades will be reading A Rover’s Story, and junior high students will be reading Before The Ever After. 

On August 14, the Board of Education met for the Committee of the Whole and Regular Board meeting, discussing the following topics. 

• The Board and members of the public were given a tour of Jerling Jr High to see the updates made to the school over the summer. Updates included new flooring on the first floor, a new fitness center, and fresh paint around the building. 

• Three firms presented strategic plan proposals to the Board during the July COW. The Board discussed the three presentations and the purpose of adopting a strategic plan.  The Board decided to table the conversation for more time to research the proposals. The Board will resume the discussion at the September COW. 

• District construction updates were given by the Director of Buildings & Grounds, Ted Schulz. All drop-off and pick-up procedures were reviewed concerning safety around construction sites. Principals will be communicating procedures to families before the start of school. All construction project updates can be found on our website.

• Energy agreements for gas and electricity were presented. The Board approved an Energy Agreement for electrical service with MC2, at a cost not to exceed $0.05633 per Kilowatt Hour (kWh), effective August 18, 2023, through August 28, 2025. The Board also approved an Energy Agreement for electrical service with Symmetry, at a cost not to exceed $0.429 per Dekatherm Hour (dth), effective August 1, 2023, through July 21, 2025. 

• The Board approved the sale of four lots on the 15600 Block of 82nd Avenue to Blackwater Development for $425,000.

• Superintendent Bryk reminded families that Popsicles with the Principals will occur on Wednesday, August 16th. Junior High families are welcome from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, and Kindergarten - 5th grade are welcome 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. 

• The Board approved hiring Jordan McCollom as the new STARS Program Director effective July 31st, 2023. 

On July 10, the Board of Education met for the Committee of the Whole and Regular Board meeting, discussing the following topics. 

• Three different firms presented strategic plan proposals to the Board. A proposal for which firm they would like to move forward with will be presented at an upcoming Board of Education meeting with the goal of implementation in the Winter/Spring of 2024. 

• The Board approved the sale of four lots on 15600 Block on 82nd Avenue. The Board will open sealed bids on August 9th at 2:00 pm. More information can be found by contacting the Business Office at 708-364-3312 or on our website.

• The Board of Education approved a transportation contract with First Consulting for transportation management services. First Consulting will facilitate the daily transportation operations for the District with American School Bus and Sunrise Bus Company. 

• The Board of Education approved Scott Beranek as the District’s treasurer and IMRF Agent. 

• The District approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County. 

• The Board approved changes to the school academic calendar, including October 6th becoming an Institute Day and March 19th becoming a Non-Attendance Day for the presidential primary election. The last day of school is scheduled for June 3, 2024.

• The Board approved the hiring of Michael Hawrysio as the new Assistant Principal at Liberty School and Stephanie Baltrusis as the new Coordinator of Special Education.

• District construction updates can be found on our website.

• Superintendent Bryk reminded families that National Night Out, hosted by the Orland Park Police Department, is on August 1st from 5-8 pm at the Civic Center.