Summary of February 21, 2006 Board of Education Meeting

Burr Ridge CCSD #180 Board of Education to meet with state and national leaders

Inequities in the tax burden within the school district coupled with educational challenges that have arisen due to some shifting demographics will be the focus of a Board of Education discussion scheduled for March 7 with Congresswoman Judy Biggert, State Representative Jim Durkin, State Senator Christine Radogno, and DuPage County Superintendent Dr. Darlene Ruscitti. At its February 21, 2006 meeting, the Board established discussion points for the meeting with the local, state and national leaders.
CCSD 180 is unlike most DuPage County Schools by nature of our cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic diversity.

Despite the educational challenges that our unique mix of students brings to us, we consider diversity a strength of our school district!
• Nearly 70% of CCSD 180 students are minorities.
• Student mobility rate approaches and often exceeds 30%.
• We strongly believe, however, that student exposure to diverse cultures, ideas, and demographics will better prepare them for later life.

Despite the conventional wisdom that would suggest that the schools of CCSD 180 could not meet NCLB Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) mandates based on demographics, mobility rates, and poverty levels, both schools and related subgroups have met AYP for the past three years. There is strong Board commitment to providing programs to meet the needs of children. This has been done without an education fund referendum in the past 15 years. However, interventions to address the needs of our diverse and mobile student population are increasingly draining the reserves of school district funds. The Board will seek suggestions and help from our legislators and leaders as we face the growing challenges.

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

. . . approved a proposal and related funding of $19,000 by the CCSD 180 Foundation For Excellence and of $2,000 to $4,000 by the CCSD 180 Parent Teacher Council for construction of an electronic message sign at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School.

. . . approved a request by the Burr Ridge Park District to continue its before and after-school childcare program at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School for the 2006-07 school year.

. . . approved a request by the Burr Ridge Park District to continue its summer day-camp program at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School for the 2006-07 school year, with some of the revenues redirected to the school district for use of facilities.

. . . approved try-outs by fifth graders for BRMS Boys’ and Girls’ Volleyball Teams, Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Teams, Boys’ and Girls’ Swimming Teams, Cheerleading Squad and Girls’ Softball Team in addition to those activities already open to fifth grade students. Football would not be included as an option for fifth graders.

. . . approved the County of DuPage/Village of Burr Ridge proposal to widen/reconstruct sidewalks/walkways at/near Burr Ridge Middle School.

. . . presented the Board’s Award of Excellence to the Pre-K staff consisting of Mrs. Fran Frisby, Mrs. Candace Scarpelli, and Mrs. Mayra Battistoni.

. . . approved a contract and transition from Nextel to Sprint Mobile Telephone Service at a cost savings to the school district.

. . . heard a musical presentation by students Sarah Fazal, Jake Mihalkanin, Ricky Monegain, Emmeline Paintsil, Greta Rainis, and Gabriella Dupont, who, under the direction of Ms. Carol Collins, were trophy winners at the annual BRMS Instrumental Solo Festival.

. . . expressed support of a proposal by Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso for a smoking ban within public areas of the village. Legislation currently prohibits the use of tobacco products on school property.

. . . discussed the timeline and procedures for selection of the 2007-08 CCSD 180 Superintendent of Schools.

. . . upheld the administrative suspension of a student.

. . . accepted the resignation of Mrs. Elizabeth Wheeler with thanks to Mrs. Wheeler for her service to the children of CCSD 180.

. . . approved a child-care leave of absence request by Mrs. Ann McVady.

. . . heard reports about the following from Superintendent Rink:
A. PTC Family Dance
B. Spring Musical
C. Selection of SASED Executive Director
D. Proposed ISBE Guidelines for Special Education Class Size
E. Student Council Valentines’ Dance
F. Read 180 Progress
G. Illinois State Board of Education Five-year Review of Food Services/Nutrition Program
H. IASB Governing Board Spring Meeting
I Wellness Policy Mandates
J. Jump Rope/Shoot Hoops for Heart Presentations
K. Law Enforcement/Community Center Presenta- tions
L. Staff Development about Instructional/Behavioral Challenges
M. Athletics
N. Spelling Bee
O. SADD Presentation
P. Facility Needs Committee
Q. Bus Delivery
R. CAC Discussion
S. The Challenges of Changing Demographics

The Board’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

The Board will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

Click here to access the actual minutes of this meeting