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Butterfly garden plan and BPAC update presented to Kewanee CUSD 229 board
Summary
A Floral Design class–chosen butterfly garden for Kewanee High School and an update on the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) were presented to the Board; FFA students are expected to maintain the garden and BPAC organizers described growing engagement and compliance with ISBE requirements.
Leah Loibl presented a plan to the Kewanee Community Unit School District No. 229 Board on Dec. 15 to create a butterfly garden at Kewanee High School. Loibl said the garden design was chosen by students in the Floral Design class, will use native Illinois plants, and that students plan to begin work in the spring. When Board members asked about maintenance, Loibl said Future Farmers of America (FFA) members will handle upkeep.
Separately, Mrs. Minx, Mrs. Shinall and Mrs. Castillo updated the Board on the district's Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) and a recent Bilingual Family Night. Mrs. Shinall noted that the Illinois State Board of Education requires a BPAC for districts with more than 20 bilingual students; she said staff facilitate meetings but do not run them and that the committee has elected officers and has met twice so far this year. Mrs. Castillo said she is "passionate about helping ELL students" and that the parent committee is helping the district better understand and address ELL student needs. Member Christiansen asked about engagement; Mrs. Castillo said staff are working to build community and increase participation.
The presentations were informational and did not require Board action. Board members asked clarifying questions about maintenance, engagement and program structure. The Board then proceeded to other agenda items.
