OPRFHS 3-20-14

Oak Park River Forest High School Board

March 20, 2014

Mary Haley, Observer

Present: John Phelan- President, Jeff Weissglass-Vice President, Sharon Patchak-Layman, Ralph Lee, Jackie Moore, Steve Gevinson, and Tom Cofsky

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 in the school library for the purpose of recognizing the school wrestling team that won the IHSA wrestling championship.  Principal Nate Rouse and President John Phelan spoke about how the team exemplifies the qualities of student athletes.  Mr. Phelan presented certificates to the wrestlers.

The meeting then reconvened in the board meeting.

Introductory Reports:  Joey Cofsky, Student Council Liaison, reported that the Student Council had a successful fundraiser with the help of Potbellys and Winberies.  A student forum is scheduled to present views on the food service.

Joey reported that students and teachers are pleased by the availability of more math tutors.

Dr. Isoye gave the superintendent’s report.  In addition to the success of the wrestling team, OPRF students took honors in the Junior Science and Humanities Symposia, the USA Biology Olympiad, the Scholastic Bowl, the Special Olympics, the National Forensic League National Tournament, the Moody’s Mega Math Challenge, and the Illinois Dance Festival.

Consent Items:  All were passed.

Action Items:  All were approved.

Information:  Student Intervention Directors Jonathan Silver and Alysia Wallace went over some of the key items in the 1st Semester Student Discipline Report.  Three recurring issues were highlighted:  failure to serve DTS, implementation of the suspension reduction program, and the work of the parent/teacher committee reviewing the discipline policy.  Most of the unserved DTS resulted from students being tardy to class.  The introduction of PLASCO has increased the number of DTS issued.  Mr. Silver noted that a high percentage of students receiving these DTS were African American male students.  A similar pattern was reported in the number of students receiving suspensions, although the suspension reduction program has been successful in reducing the number of days students have been actively suspended from school.  Mr. Rouse, OPRFHS principal, said that these patterns are troubling to him as principal as well as an African American man.  He believes that finding more ways for students to develop relationships with school staff is essential in decreasing the racial disparity both in terms of detentions and academics.  Mr. Rouse also encouraged teacher training to develop more strategies to help students.  Dr. Moore recounted her conversations with some students during Black Professional Day.  Students are very aware of the disparities at OPRFHS, including what is perceived as double standards by some staff.  Moore emphasized the need for staff to be aware of this as well as responsibility of students to follow procedures and to positively advocate for themselves.   Mr. Weissglass who serves on the parent/teacher committee reminded the board that the committee’s purview is to recommend changes for next year. It does not include addressing the issue of racial disparity. 

Philip Prale, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, reported on Project Lead the Way, a series of hands-on project-based elective courses that focus on engineering.  Two programs are currently offered:  civil engineering and digital technology.  Students who enter the courses as freshmen are sticking to the program all four years, and the program is filtering into Districts 90 and 97.  These are not honors courses and that attracts students of different abilities.  More effort can be made to attract female students.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:38.