Media comparisons of school districts addressed at January 20 CCSD 180 meeting

In a report to the CCSD 180 Board of Education at its January 20 meeting, Superintendent Frank Rink acknowledged that media comparisons of school district report card and ISAT data are inevitable because such data is public information. He cautioned, however, that the information published in newspapers requires further explanation because of the diverse cultural and economic characteristics of school districts in suburban Chicago. In a multi-media presentation to the Board, Rink showed how data comparisons among schools could be misleading and confusing. He further reiterated the school district’s commitment to and celebration of diversity, despite the challenges that such diversity brings to the educational setting. References were made, during the presentation, to the positive press that the school district has received relative to ISAT achievement by CCSD 180 students; but Rink indicated that “no matter where we stand in this published continuum, it is naïve and overly simplistic to make judgments about the quality of education that a school district offers based on these articles alone.” Although he was reluctant to make comparisons with other schools because “report card data and ISAT tests were never intended to promote unhealthy competition among districts,” he did conclude the presentation with the statement that, “in light of the media’s preoccupation with comparison studies, I will offer this: ‘Give us the students of any district in suburban Chicago, and the quality of our staff, our instruction, and our programs will have those students meeting or exceeding the achievement they have experienced in their current schools.’”

In other action, the Burr Ridge CCSD #180 Board . . .

. . . adopted the 2004-05 school year calendar, consistent with the calendar adopted by Hinsdale High School District #86.

. . . accepted a donation of $2,500 for health education materials and offered special thanks to Dr. Kelly Guglielmi and the Palos Dialysis Association for their generosity.

. . . honored Dr. Michael Dupont for his generosity in providing flu shots for the staff of the school district.

. . . employed Ms. Christine Bowermaster as Language Arts/Reading Teacher.

. . . reviewed the components a $5,000 INET Nutrition Environment grant received by CCSD 180.

. . . adopted the 2004 Board of Education meeting calendar.

. . . adopted the 2004 Seniority List for review by the Teachers’ Organization of Palisades and for posting as of February 1, 2004.

. . . authorized the Superintendent to investigate costs for possible construction of a performance stage at Burr Ridge Middle School.

. . . approved a request by the Burr Ridge Park District for use of Anne M. Jeans Elementary School facilities for the Park District’s summer program with the stipulation that facilities be vacated by August 13, 2004 for summer maintenance.

. . . expressed its preference that the Anne M. Jeans Elementary School Winter Concert be held in the evenings in the future.

. . . heard a report by Gifted and Talent Enrichment Program Coordinator, Mr. Charles Accardi, regarding materials and presentations that he would like to develop for the program.

. . . accepted the resignations of Mrs. Patricia Wiet and Mrs. Ellen Delos Reyes with thanks to these individuals for their service to the children of CCSD 180.

. . . heard additional reports from Superintendent Rink as follows:

Textbook/Curriculum Review Considerations for 2004-05 and beyond
Impact Aid
“ Those Who Excel” Nomination Forms
Installation of Tiled Flooring at AMJES
Policy Review and March ROE Compliance Visit
Fast ForWord
Generosity of Dr. Higgins
Burr Ridge Land Sales Analysis Study
Cook County Assessor’s Proposal
IASB Workshops
Correction of Student Demographic Information for “No Child Left Behind” Progress
Success for All Site Visits
Citizens’ Advisory Council Meeting Minutes and Summary
Foundation for Excellence

The Board’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

Click here to access the actual minutes of this meeting