The District 153 school board on Monday, Nov. 14, gave special recognition to four staff members in Student Support Services who completed graduate work.
Dr. Sharon Perry, a school psychologist, was awarded a doctorate degree in school psychology with an emphasis in clinical mental health from Loyola University Chicago. She has been a member of the District 153 staff for eight years.
Three school social workers were recognized as recent recipients of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) degrees.
Wendy Gatewood received the degree in July. She has been a social worker for 20 years, and the last three have been with District 153.
Tanya Duplessis received her degree in June 2020, during the pandemic. She has been a social worker for District 153 for 18 years.
Elizabeth Hackett completed her coursework for the LCSW degree a week before schools closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic. She has been at James Hart School for 17 years.
The board also thanked the volunteers with the Citizens for Homewood Schools for their efforts for four months leading up to the Nov. 8 referendum. Voters gave overwhelming support to raise the overall tax rate. The change will give District 153 a new and consistent source of funding. Board members say they will be able to eliminate the district’s $2 million deficit and the need for borrowing to cover outstanding costs.
The committee was co-chaired by Mike Dickover and Annie Lawrence, who worked with committee members Sarah Young, Hope Zawaski, Christine Scully, Becky Popelka and Carol Humm.
School Board President Shelley Marks told them: “You guys are amazing! Everyone came together to make sure (everything) got done. You are small but mighty…what a quality group of volunteers you are. I appreciate what you did for our school so much, and the impact of this referendum will be felt for years and years and years. From the bottom of my heart, and the board’s, thank you!”
In other business, Superintendent Scott McAlister reported the addition at Churchill School has been bricked and he anticipates the two classrooms and two small group meeting rooms will be ready when students start second semester in January.
The board also voted to approve four new clubs: All Kids Bike Club and a reconfigured Music Club at Willow School and a Lego Club and a GSA Club at James Hart School.
The time for the next board meeting on Dec. 12 was changed. The board will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on the district’s tax levy. The board will meet immediately afterward.