[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6271287,"mediaKeyId","3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0","parentId",3029282,"title","HR seeks annual travel authorization for teacher recruitment; trustees ask for outcome data on international hires","audioSeconds",1652,"startMs",4673000,"endMs",6325000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0&start=4673&end=6325","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0/thumbnail_4673000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6271287/Illinois/HR-seeks-annual-travel-authorization-for-teacher-recruitment-trustees-ask-for-outcome-data-on-international-hires","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271287-766b8bbb50a3b0b251b5cb19d7f4fbbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153021&Signature=fi7afIOd18uSGik1opDqZc3NlRC3kN4xP0Cjb23X7cplQdijRe3roXyVb0vAKfi5dx~6PUI2pjKXLU5gW4972fk5EuDRFzZNfHw1hRt55e8qENJOempEE7EIBsfypZKx9HiUyxSTTF0Rd2XdgtH-pwR9z0DpwcffjGdxomAS~GYyY72X0cOzBEbB~w8fBIsa8wVWSeI884R2J0en0cZbapLejwkZMFOOsvd6~aQB2sR14CexcXOXU2VxvDc80VCtBQ5~0X3ypJ0N2I196ucT32MF8DSfiqbithKuSsKVtbNKlx-o5JfpsGRtj33KWRKckRT9Fm2qWHsqRykxjYCQuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Waukegan CUSD 60","date","2025-04-17T01:00:09.023Z","article","Waukegan CUSD 60 Human Resources staff asked the Operational Services Committee on April 15 for an annual travel authorization to support teacher recruitment at HBCUs, regional job fairs and international recruitment efforts, including recent travel to Spain.

Mister Figueroa explained that recruitment is both local and international and that the district has used international recruitment to fill vacancies the district otherwise struggles to fill. He said recent international travel (Spain) and ongoing HBCU outreach have yielded hires and that, over the last two years, much of the travel costs were covered by a recruitment grant rather than general district funds.

Trustees acknowledged the national teacher shortage and the district’s reliance on recruitment outside of the immediate area. Several trustees asked for better documentation of the program’s measurable results: how many vacancies are filled, retention statistics, which positions are most impacted (bilingual and special education were cited), and whether classroom-language or accent barriers had affected student learning in specific cases.

Board members raised re‑anchoring strategies as well: strengthening local recruitment, tapping retired teachers, and offering incentives to make the district more competitive relative to larger neighboring employers. One board member recounted a case where a student struggled with a teacher whose accent impaired classroom comprehension; trustees asked HR to report such outcomes and steps taken when language barriers affect instruction.

Figueroa said the authorization is an annual administrative tool that provides flexibility to act when recruitment opportunities arise; staff noted recruiting activity is often funded by grants. Trustees asked HR to provide a more detailed report on recruitment outcomes — including a summary of teachers hired through international and domestic efforts and retention metrics — at the next reporting cycle.

The committee did not take a final vote on the travel authorization at the April 15 meeting; staff said they will return with outcome data and a clearer accounting of grant vs. district funding for recruitment travel.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 15th, 2025 - Operations and Student Achievement Committee Meetings","oneSentenceSummary","Human-resources staff requested an annual travel authorization to continue domestic and international teacher recruitment. Trustees supported ongoing recruitment but asked for detailed outcomes — how many vacancies filled, retention data and evidence of classroom-language fit — and urged development of backup recruitment strategies.","taxTitle","Waukegan CUSD 60, School Boards, Illinois","taxId",14972,"location","Illinois","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6271292,"Board splits on facility-fee waiver request for Lake County Legacy semi-pro basketball; superintendent to meet with organizer",891,3650000,4541000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0&start=3650&end=4541","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0/thumbnail_3650000.jpg","/articles/6271292/Illinois/Board-splits-on-facility-fee-waiver-request-for-Lake-County-Legacy-semi-pro-basketball-superintendent-to-meet-with-organizer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271292-f20db6e2d453cf23a66402171377817b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153021&Signature=HfqhA-W9a7gLqmz7BCBUIFqLMbr-lLBky0bmZqwL7PGHPSBsmtIyFe2z79jRcb3G5rv3W71Hw2E94YGixEFTAALfWrd9YR8owjG9e6tHrYY60ZVITCEYqxLwIYSYMSRcMIlr0SIZJ8BOl1gg9NHEMD-2KhFnvtsb5yGcrxEA37AUQo2gnom43Yt4MRRk5WWwm4QaR3hLtXCtqqpRLWzdzwjIiR2Lr14O~fTrHw5y7KDnASkX8S0COLnK1gRp7KHYJ5ddTogAWq7q~UKXpzns9NFyREAeEunBMP0r4p9y3imUllIbqwE4lSJE5QAAX2TZdc-LdoHyv1jeN2a1BiKOzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Operational Services Committee on April 15 discussed a facility rental waiver request from Lake County Legacy Inc., a semi‑professional basketball organization whose owner, Henry French, asked the district to waive rental fees for use of school facilities.

The agenda classified the event as a classification‑5 event, which under district policy is only eligible for a facility‑only waiver; the agenda listed a $3,000 fee for facility use while the full invoice presented to the board was just over $6,000. \"As a board, we can suspend our own policy,\" Board President Ewing said, but other trustees urged caution and adherence to policy.

Several trustees said the program offers community benefits, internships and student opportunities. French described plans for student internships in broadcast and social media, and said he funds the team from a culture-and-climate stipend; he also requested the district’s support to make games accessible to families who cannot attend in person.

Board members disagreed about whether to grant a full waiver. Some members urged following the written policy to remain consistent. Others — including trustees who cited the program’s youth and community benefits — urged the superintendent to find alternative funding or to meet with the organizer to identify options.

Superintendent and staff said they would meet with French to explore solutions and to bring a clarified request back to the board for a public vote at the next meeting. \"I'm gonna meet with you tomorrow. Let's see what we can figure out,\" the superintendent told the organizer.

No final action was taken at the committee meeting; the item will be scheduled for the next board meeting after the superintendent’s follow-up with the organizer.","Waukegan trustees debated waiving facility fees for Lake County Legacy Inc.'s semi‑pro basketball events. Policy allowed only a facility-only waiver for classification‑5 events, but several trustees urged flexibility. The superintendent offered to meet with the organizer before the item returns to the full board for action.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6271297,"District adjusts budget and funding source for Robbie Lightfoot playground ADA replacement",214,734000,948000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0&start=734&end=948","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0/thumbnail_734000.jpg","/articles/6271297/Illinois/District-adjusts-budget-and-funding-source-for-Robbie-Lightfoot-playground-ADA-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271297-eba9617d1cc3122e85036aae9d533fae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153021&Signature=KBLt71HqV1dOvNIbglIko21WkwxWcaUK4m3ydcKsjI6gVdO6-aWkCOjyFsIkP5O2VVA8BEaDNQWbk05dFuz4dgsOI-aF4t~yH~lpmNBRi47K4iavXRTwMR~anltOkzUauUl9Z6o1c3ftVH63X4Y3UzhDgIKuScgIhxgwWIaN6KpbMd68Rb2vOBJ5xg0kxk1klQP-PKmgqU3SS9IxpEAX29jhOCbWf8c2Glm4cVZLSJHt6T-3-6mWrSlx~6qbKMxEdY0wFNo6f4QkXBj2SV--arUZYWUz30Uuum6V-OyAu~1SmBGF7hI5gegJgUxQu0nDwbCQDhgJmrxhEc0kIBeJdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Waukegan CUSD 60 staff told the Operational Services Committee on April 15 they will adjust the Robbie Lightfoot playground project budget and funding source after an earlier allocation from a pre-K grant could not be used.

Administrators said the project — a replacement to make the playground ADA-accessible — was previously billed partly to an $80,000 pre-K grant contribution. Because the work was not completed in the prior fiscal year, the administration said it could not apply the prior grant funds and instead would charge the full project to Fund 60 capital projects. Staff presented an updated project total of about $171,000 inclusive of invoices from two vendors; an earlier figure discussed in the meeting referenced a larger number that staff said they were correcting downward.

\"The initial amount is being adjusted,\" a staff presenter said, adding the final invoice of roughly $171,000 is inclusive of both vendors. Questioning from board members focused on why the $80,000 pre‑K contribution was removed and whether waiting for next year’s grant cycle would have been an option. Administrators said the project timing prevented use of last year’s grant funds and the pre-K dollars were reallocated to other district transportation needs, not returned to the state.

Staff said the project funds were amended to ensure correct budget coding and to amend the earlier approval. The item was informational at the committee meeting and will be processed administratively through the capital projects fund; no further board action was taken at the committee meeting.

Trustees asked staff to clarify grant timing and to provide the rationale to the public before final administrative approval.","Waukegan staff told the committee they are adjusting the Robbie Lightfoot playground project budget to $171,000 and moving full funding to Fund 60 capital projects after pre-K grant funds could not be used because the project carried into the next fiscal year.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6271302,"Board considers feasibility audit of food service after complaints about menu, waste and vendor performance",826,2810000,3636000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0&start=2810&end=3636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0/thumbnail_2810000.jpg","/articles/6271302/Illinois/Board-considers-feasibility-audit-of-food-service-after-complaints-about-menu-waste-and-vendor-performance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271302-93375003a7180462847a7e17283b2cbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153021&Signature=mcmmeE8vrQbczCab8rv7HspCp8t2NQDthSiMo~Om~ww00pvFjWbdTWyPHp2-dgITV~dH6eMaRsso1XoM-XQX2nQPW~5fJRYiSH8HIARuSTQ3S9~vc4J1AO-Tg11NUDW-JBnXhvHvZ4fMzIPNf0GhN-pF1rn29~uNe5xcwd51w7YuDed4wlkGSf2PYSREkry5K24A1lcqBdteJunEf5pO3LZE9Z1Oz7KdZDXg~uqd0XLjqbSZZUwxFqyOOGq8pRQtDy1mkjCrC8nuoP4DZh-l01ILD~X9YJBSwJa~5x1PJc7CcKd6E6N6TKpxCqt53X8y~jlObc1cY7QWDbmvH96x3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Waukegan CUSD 60 leaders presented a proposal on April 15 to hire an outside firm to perform a feasibility audit of the district’s food service operations, a review trustees said is intended to go beyond routine ISBE compliance audits and to inform whether the district should seek a new vendor.

Deputy Moulton described the review as “above and beyond” standard compliance checks. The scope would examine receiving, storage, procurement, program management and market research so the district can evaluate efficiency and, if warranted, design an effective RFP process to solicit other vendors. \"This goes above and beyond that, that reviews it does review the program, but it also looks at areas of potential improvement for efficiency,\" Moulton said.

Trustees raised several concerns during discussion: potential duplication of work already done by state or internal auditors, the likely cost of reimbursables and travel for consultants (estimated at $5,500 plus reimbursables in the agenda), and whether the audit will collect employee feedback. Board member Miss Lensing specifically asked that the vendor describe how it gathers employee input; administrators agreed employee voices are important and said they would ask the vendor to include that in the scope.

Several board members described practical problems prompting the audit: students throwing away raw vegetables (raw broccoli was cited), inconsistent meal acceptance and concerns about the current provider’s daily operations. \"If they don't actually eat and it goes into the garbage, what did that actually mean?\" a trustee asked, noting selection and waste affect program value.

Administration said the audit was requested by the board to evaluate whether the district should continue with the current contractor; staff identified the current arrangement as a D'Excel contract with operational oversight by Sodexo. The consultant would produce a market-cost analysis, a timeline and a list of items to address should the district pursue a new RFP.

Staff said they will return findings to the board and that the final recommendation could be to maintain the current provider if the audit supports that course. Trustees asked that the vendor evaluate employee feedback mechanisms and provide cost-savings or contract-performance metrics when the report returns for board consideration.

No final board vote was recorded at the April 15 committee meeting; staff said the work would proceed and results would be returned to inform a later renewal or RFP decision.","District staff proposed a feasibility audit of the district’s food service program to review procurement, storage, efficiency and market costs and to guide a potential future RFP. Board members sought clarity on scope, employee feedback mechanisms and whether the work duplicates mandated ISBE audits.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6271307,"Waukegan board delays renewal of $90,000 safety consultant agreement amid concerns about redundancy and cost",1841,953000,2794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0&start=953&end=2794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029282-ecef1fe7ab5a0f68f92cde4b0413ceb0/thumbnail_953000.jpg","/articles/6271307/Illinois/Waukegan-board-delays-renewal-of-90000-safety-consultant-agreement-amid-concerns-about-redundancy-and-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271307-a01e8783ac72cbf04c6f1a934047dbf1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153021&Signature=DpeQ4ePUeAqT3TcEa2FpTU0dMcgSfbYHrMAEU1Bkq8PIhAp7mDfP0bMHYYDJ6PR61neRr28VQzYCKswMJi9lJI7e~th9CDULHzVfWzrMV5opT9mQMRi~Y0l0Rp6coO6Qjp7In65bLYa5Dc5W5Swn8V1YeHRpH9FMn8ScOBUtPPKikVS0XJZAv6TITCJvfSCSRkIbID74qbEaZX0lCgpBmFvbGuIaFM3BDiN7VvlG4Wj4aEHLhA94FI7InEJN742Wcz4rb~UoOOI846Dwj35E1gkV5gdenUl1IojLhh~y5ot-n2n4~MxOcGt6yXGFQbH10qN2UNcGkKkZnSqYApxdQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Waukegan CUSD 60 trustees on the Operational Services Committee on April 15 paused consideration of a proposed renewal of the district’s safety and security consultant agreement with RJ Harris and Associates, citing concerns about overlapping duties, contract cost and limited documentation of outcomes.

The committee requested detailed evidence of the consultant’s work and cost savings before voting. \"I can't support it. It's redundancy,\" board member Miss Hannah said during the discussion, adding that the funds might be better used to hire additional safety officers. Board members also asked for a clearer breakdown of past trainings, audits and liaison work the firm has delivered.

The renewal under discussion would continue a fixed-price scope of work that includes professional development, building vulnerability audits, coaching and liaison activities. Staff said the contract as proposed would total roughly $90,000 for the period if approved and was presented as a continuation of services first contracted in the 2022–23 school year. Deputy Moten described the renewal as “in response to things that we've seen recently in the district, as well as an uptick,” and said the scope extends beyond the safety department to include coaching and liaison work.

Director Wilson explained the consultant's role in establishing a scope-and-sequence for safety officer professional development and noted audits and continued building walkthroughs. \"RJ Harris has helped with scope and sequence of professional development for our safety team,\" Wilson said, pointing to training delivered at the start of the school year and ongoing in-service work.

Board members pressed staff for more specific evidence of value: which schools received audits, the number of training hours delivered, which staff groups were trained and any realized cost savings tied to the consultant’s recommendations. Several trustees suggested parts of the consultant’s work — for example, soft-skills training and some HR-related organizational work — might be handled internally by district departments.

Staff confirmed Chief Wallace, identified in meeting discussion as a former police chief, is part of the RJ Harris team and would be among those compensated under the proposed agreement. The committee also discussed whether some consultant tasks should be scaled districtwide instead of targeted only to safety staff.

Rather than take action, the committee directed staff to return at the next full board meeting with supporting documentation: a scope-and-sequence of training delivered, a list of audits and their status, baseline hours or a summary of engagement frequency, and any cost-savings or measurable outcomes linked to the consulting work. The item will be reintroduced for action after the board reviews that supplemental material.

The committee did not vote on the contract renewal at the April 15 meeting; members said they want more data and clearer justification before a decision.

The item was informational at the committee meeting and staff said they will provide the requested documentation and cost-analysis at the next board meeting.","Board members debated renewal of a safety and security consultant agreement with RJ Harris and Associates, raising questions about overlapping duties, monthly cost and measurable results. The committee asked staff to provide training logs, audits and cost-savings analysis before the item returns to the board.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

HR seeks annual travel authorization for teacher recruitment; trustees ask for outcome data on international hires

Board splits on facility-fee waiver request for Lake County Legacy semi-pro basketball; superintendent to meet with organizer

District adjusts budget and funding source for Robbie Lightfoot playground ADA replacement

Board considers feasibility audit of food service after complaints about menu, waste and vendor performance

Waukegan board delays renewal of $90,000 safety consultant agreement amid concerns about redundancy and cost