Summary
At its Aug. 21 meeting, the Community High School District 218 Board of Education heard several operational reports from staff and trustees, including a technology briefing about newly installed Hudl cameras, construction updates on Eisenhower and Shepherd, discussion of transportation cost-saving measures, a report on Advanced Placement and career-technical gains, initial discussion of an OPEB trust study and plans to implement a public-facing financial dashboard service.
At its Aug. 21 meeting, the Community High School District 218 Board of Education heard several operational reports from staff and trustees, including a technology briefing about newly installed Hudl cameras, construction updates on Eisenhower and Shepherd, discussion of transportation cost-saving measures, a report on Advanced Placement and career-technical gains, initial discussion of an OPEB trust study and plans to implement a public-facing financial dashboard service.
Technology and cameras The district reported installation of Hudl “huddle” cameras in gym and field locations to support live streaming of school events. Board members asked how teachers and families will be notified when cameras are operational and whether an indicator light shows when the cameras are recording; staff said the system is scheduled and can be accessed through the Hudl website, and that staff will follow up on visible indicators and user notifications.
Transportation Board members discussed ongoing transportation cost pressures. The district said it has moved toward in‑district transportation (operated directly by the district) for general student transport and that a vendor has purchased 14–15 minivans to replace taxi service for certain runs, which district staff described as a significant cost saver. The board said two district buses are in service to provide flexible routing during the day. Members noted the district must still comply with McKinney‑Vento obligations for students experiencing homelessness.
Construction and facilities Construction updates for the Eisenhower and Shepherd auditorium renovations and field‑house additions were presented; board members and staff said the renovated spaces look strong in recent photos and that an open house or ribbon‑cutting will be planned after final occupancy is obtained. Board representation on a facility‑use committee was requested and will be placed on the working committee agenda.
Academic programs Trustees reported gains in Advanced Placement performance and career‑technical certifications: board members noted an increase in students earning 3+ scores on AP exams and more AP scholars district‑wide, along with over 4,300 career‑technical certifications earned by students in the prior year.
OPEB trust study A committee discussion introduced the possibility of establishing an OPEB (other post‑employment benefits) trust to prefund retiree benefits. Staff and committee members said the proposal would require additional annual contributions (one estimate discussed a 3% annual increase) over a long period (committee members discussed a 20‑year horizon) and that staff (Tony) will research other districts' experiences and return to the working board meeting with data.
Financial transparency tool (Phaedras) The board heard about a proposed contract with a firm identified as Phaedras (spelled during discussion as H A E D R A S) to provide a public‑facing financial dashboard and an internal dashboard for budget owners. Staff indicated a kickoff with the vendor had begun and that a beta view could be available in approximately three to four months.
Questions from trustees touched on implementation timelines and operational details; staff committed to follow up on Hudl camera indicators, timeline for Phaedras deployment and transport performance metrics.
No formal actions were taken on these operational items during the meeting; they were presented for information and follow up.
