CALUMET CITY, Ill. (June 26, 2024) – At the June 25 meeting of the District 215 School Board, Superintendent John Robinzine recognized TF South students for their “fabulous” Student Art Showcase in April. He chose Opeyemi Olubunmi as the winner of the Creative Merit Award and showed the Board Olubunmi’s piece that will be displayed in Robinzine’s office.
Public comments
Several TF South students signed up for public comment, using the opportunity to request that the board reconsider the resignation of Coach Andre Richmond. Students expressed concern about the potential loss of the girls’ wrestling team and anime club without Richmond’s leadership. The board acknowledged their comments and expressed appreciation for their participation in the meeting.
Building reports
TF North Principal Brian Rucinski reported increased honor roll numbers — 411 students this year, about 30 more than last year. The girls soccer team and the boys baseball team both won the sportsmanship award this year, and the culinary garden is thriving. Rucinski also reported on various maintenance projects going on in the building this summer.
TF South Principal Jake Gourley highlighted enrollment in summer camps and the Summer Bridge program. He also thanked the maintenance and grounds crews who work throughout the summer and keep the campus looking well-cared-for. Gourley also endorsed the IT internship program, describing the scene when a team of interns came in to resolve his printer problems as a class exercise. “I felt like I was at a teaching hospital!” said Gourley, impressed with how the IT staff coached the students through the stages of assessing the problem and noting their enthusiasm when they solved it.
Raymond Williams, Principal of the Center for Academics and Technology and the Center for Alternative Learning, highlighted the success of the construction program, sharing a parent’s testimony about how the class influenced her son’s career path.
“Now he’s pursuing a dual degree in civil engineering and architecture and will attend UConn School of Engineering this fall,” said Williams.
Williams also noted that students from the welding program are currently competing at the Skills USA national competition, showcasing the district’s commitment to career and technical education.
Superintendent’s report: Extending the Ridge Road TIF District
Superintendent Robinzine invited representatives from the Village of Lansing to present detailed information about their request to extend the Ridge Road TIF district. Details of that presentation are reported in a separate article. (See “District 215 School Board hears case for Ridge Road TIF extension.”)
Consent agenda and action items
The board unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included meeting minutes, a personnel report, financial items, and policy updates. They then moved on to action items, approving contracts for curriculum management, therapy services, and office renovations. The board also voted to settle an agreement and release a claim to former employee Lupe Ramirez, and made decisions about several student alternative placements.
District 215 Board meeting schedule
The D215 Committee of the Whole typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. Regular Board meetings are generally held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and are held at the TF Center for Academics & Technology, located at 1605 Wentworth Avenue, Calumet City, Illinois.
