Summary of "Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Board of Education meeting, April 21, 2025"

Meeting Overview

The Adlai E. Stevenson High School Board of Education meeting on April 21, 2025, covered a wide range of topics including recent school events, academic and extracurricular achievements, curriculum updates, personnel changes, financial matters, and a special tribute to a retiring board member.

Key Highlights

School Events and Student Activities:

The school is in the midst of a celebratory period with upcoming senior events such as prom and senior sunrise, alongside ongoing athletic seasons.
The National Honor Society hosted the annual "Kilometers for Africa" fundraising event, involving over 260 students running laps to support technological access in African countries via the Angaza Center.
The school held its annual Anti-Racism and Inclusivity Week, organized by the FIRE club and other cultural groups, featuring performances, food events, and art shows to celebrate diversity and community.
Various academic and career clubs have had successful state competitions:
- HOSA (healthcare club) had 19 state champions and over 50 students qualifying for nationals.
- FBLA (business club) had 112 competitors with 51 qualifying for nationals.
The Sports Broadcasting Club visited Marquee Network studios at Wrigley Field to observe professional sports media operations.
About 80 students from the Computer Programming 2 class toured Google headquarters for real-world experience.
The Table Tennis team represented Illinois against Wisconsin with a perfect record.
The Science Reach team won the top high school award at a regional fair.
The Entrepreneurial Tactics class hosted a student trade show showcasing business ideas to younger students.
Spring athletics are in full swing with undefeated records noted in girls’ water polo and badminton.

Dance Program Presentation:

The dance team, represented by educators Melinda Crigglar, Angela Dolphin, and Tik Tan Clee, presented on their program’s growth, inclusivity, and pedagogical approach.
The dance curriculum is designed to meet students where they are, accommodating both beginners and experienced dancers, with courses ranging from Dance 1 to Dance 4, including contemporary, jazz fusion, and ballet jazz.
The program emphasizes community building, student agency, and peer feedback, fostering a supportive environment where students feel a sense of belonging.
A new "Just Leap" approach was introduced post-COVID, focusing on encouraging risk-taking and enjoyment before refining technique, which resulted in increased student engagement and retention.
Dance leaders (advanced students) mentor peers, enhancing leadership skills and deepening engagement.
The program supports multilingual learners and special education students, with many excelling in dance.
A recent New York trip for 26 students provided master classes, performances, and community-building experiences, highlighted by stories of personal growth and language acquisition through dance.
The dance program uses standards-based grading, which complements the continuous feedback and skill development inherent in dance education.

Curriculum and Academic Updates:

The 2025-26 guidebook was approved with minor changes.
The administrative team is reviewing letters of intent for the 2026-27 school year; updates will be presented next month.
Dual credit courses, such as advanced music production, are offered in partnership with universities like Loyola University and College of Lake County, with syllabi aligned and teachers vetted to meet college standards.
A new College Algebra course is being introduced as a 4.0 credit, non-AP option to provide alternatives to AP tracks.

Personnel and Financial Matters:

Several personnel recommendations were approved, including retirements and new appointments such as the assistant director of communication arts and the director of facilities and operations.
A five-year extension for auditing services with Labbach and Amen was approved at a cost of $176,000 total, reflecting a reasonable increase and favorable market comparison.
The board approved putting the tentative FY 2025-26 budget and the amended FY 2024-25 budget on public display with hearings scheduled for June 16, 2025.
Other first readings included approval of the treasurer’s bond and a music instrument bid.
The district responded to multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, some of which were county-wide and treated as frequent requests, extending response times.

Special Recognitions and Board Member Tribute:

The meeting included a tribute to retiring board member Terry Moons, honoring her 40 years of dedicated service.
A House Resolution from the Illinois General Assembly recognized her leadership in overseeing major campus expansions, hiring key administrators, and shaping the district’s growth.
Board members and attendees expressed deep appreciation for her commitment, highlighting the district’s reputation as a premier educational institution.
Terry Moons reflected warmly on her tenure, emphasizing the school’s community, diversity, and excellence.