Summary
of March 21, 2006 Board of Education Meeting
Burr Ridge CCSD #180 Board of Education responds
to stakeholder concerns
Educational challenges that have arisen due to some shifting
demographics and input from school district stakeholders have
resulted in some new programs and plans approved by the CCSD 180
Board of Education. At its March 21,
2006 meeting, the administration summarized suggestions from parents who
attended a meeting held to allow them to provide input on March 13. Suggestions
included (1) the use of parent volunteers to help with monitoring, supervision,
and instruction; (2) training of staff to better meet the varying needs
of children in the school district and (3) implementation of leveled learning,
tracks, ability grouping, and more differentiation of instruction.
The Board was receptive to the suggestions, and directed the administration
to initiate programs and procedures to address the concerns. In addition
to immediate implementation of the READ 180 program to assist struggling
readers, the administration was directed to prepare a proposal for flexible
ability grouping in the school district. The Board will review that proposal
in April for possible implementation at the beginning of the 2006-07 school
year.
The Board also approved the administration’s request for staff training
in the Positive Behavior and Supports Program, an Illinois State Board
of Education initiative promoting a proactive systems approach for creating
and maintaining safe and effective learning environments in schools.
In light of possible changes to the curricular and scheduling structure
of the school district, Superintendent Frank Rink indicated, “our
students having a past record of some academic success does not preclude
the need for additional instructional and behavioral interventions. However,
and despite the conventional wisdom that would suggest that the schools
of CCSD 180 cannot 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 all 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 continues to be proactive as we face the growing challenges.”
In other action, the Burr Ridge CCSD #180 Board . . .
. . . heard a presentation by members of the vocal music ensemble group,
Encore, which also includes members of the cast of Guys and Dolls, the
spring musical to be presented on April 27, 28, and 29.
. . . heard an update by Mrs. Wesley Gosselink regarding the district’s
gifted services.
. . . reviewed data from Hinsdale Twp. High School District 86 regarding
results of Explore//Plan//ACT Tests for the entire High School District
and for students from CCSD 180.
. . . approved the $2,325 proposal submitted by All Pro Electric, Inc.
for electrical service to a new electronic message Board to be constructed
at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School as funded by the CCSD 180 Foundation
for Excellence and the CCSD 180 Parent Teacher Council (PTC).
. . . designated Dr. Frank Rink as CCSD 180 Representative and Mr. Louis
Ebert as Alternate Representative for two year terms on SASED Board of
Control.
. . . presented the Board’s Award of Excellence to Mrs. Joanne Mennemeier
for her volunteer and public relations contributions to CCSD 180 and its
students and staff.
. . . approved membership in Fed Ed, an advocacy organization representing
Chicago Suburban Schools at the federal level.
. . . in consideration of its school district constituents and the current
state of the economy, established that the student fee structure for 2006-07
remain at 2005-06 rates.
. . . held a discussion regarding the March 7, 2006 meeting with legislative
leaders.
. . . met with Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso regarding police assistance
at CCSD 180 schools.
. . . discussed the timeline and procedures for selection of the 2007-08
CCSD 180 Superintendent of Schools.
. . . upheld the administrative suspension of a student.
. . . approved a contract with Bark Associates, Ltd. for the Fiscal Year
2006 audit.
. . . passed a resolution of Recognition/Congratulations for Burr Ridge
Middle School Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team – Second Place
Trophy Recipient of Small School Division of Southeast DuPage Conference.
. . . accepted the resignation of Mrs. Rebecca Stiglitz with thanks to
Mrs. Stiglitz for her service to the children of CCSD 180.
. . . accepted with regret the resignation of Mrs. Linda Adcock with thanks
to Mrs. Adcock for her service to the children of CCSD 180.
. . . heard a report by Vice-President Dr. Donald Higgins about his attendance
at the Illinois Association of School Boards DuPage Division Spring Conference.
. . . offered employment as 2005-06 Read 180 teacher to Mr. Michael Wehrli.
. . . offered employment as 2006-07 Principals to Dr. Debra LeBlanc and
Mrs. Wesley Gosselink.
. . . heard reports about the following from Superintendent Rink:
A. A Guide to Successful School Board Meetings
B. Waterfall Glen Xtreme 10
C. Water Leakage
D. Guys and Dolls
E. AED Training
F. ISAT Testing
G. March 23 PTC Event at McDonald’s
H. Bus Delivery
I. Read 180
J. Secret Forest Developer Impact Donation
The Board’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 18,
2006 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.
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