Burr Ridge CCSD 180 streamlining operations, cutting costs

Streamlining office operations and controlling escalating costs without eliminating or lessening programs for children were among action items addressed by the CCSD 180 Board of Education at its June 18 meeting. Superintendent Frank Rink indicated that having had the opportunity to work in the school district for a year allowed him to observe operations and make recommendations for changes that have the potential to increase productivity and reduce costs. Among interventions that have been or will be implemented is the combining of technology coordinator and special education secretary positions at a costs savings of over $8,000 to the district. Rink added, "We are fortunate to have such talented staff available in house to fulfill many of these responsibilities." Other costs savings measures include reduction in the number of paid vacation days for administrators; the reduction of staff in the district office; reductions in meetings/collaborations held during the school day that necessitate substitutes; the assumption of gifted coordinator duties by current administrative staff; in-house creation and production of newsletters and other public reports; restructuring of professional development programs and extra-curricular supervision; an increase in student exposure to the pre-school program without an increase in costs; the recent reduction of some secretarial, custodial, and transportation staff; and the assumption of some busdriving responsibilities by the superintendent.

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

. . . employed teachers Natalie Lesnik (Grade 4), Mary Dybos-Licko (Spanish), and Laura Scott (Science).

. . . employed Karen Harwell as district technology coordinator and special education secretary.

. . . assigned Anne M. Jeans Principal Charles Accardi to district gifted coordinator duties.

. . . employed Jennifer Montgomery as Burr Ridge Middle School secretary.

. . . reviewed a letter of nomination written by Principal Accardi and presented the Board's Award of Excellence to parent Patti Alumbaugh for her voluntary service to our schools and our children.

. . . heard a presentation by Ed Moyer of First Light Consulting regarding work completed this year as the result of the district-wide curriculum mapping and alignment project.

. . . considered approval of a student "drop-off" driveway near the new addition at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School, but opted not to pursue the project due to estimated costs of over $73,000.

. . . discussed future graduation parameters and procedures and expressed a preference to continue ceremonies at Hinsdale South High School.

. . . adopted suggested school district policies relating to Section 300-General School Administration, as scheduled. The policies are posted on the school district's website at http://www.ccsd180.org/Policy/section3.html.

. . . heard a report by Principal Accardi regarding the past, present, and future interventions for gifted programming at CCSD 180.

. . . was disappointed to hear that its Life Safety Amendment to replace dangerous cafeteria tables at Anne M. jeans Elementary School was not approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. The Board directed superintendent Rink to seek bids for table replacement for purchase through Operations and Maintenance funds.

. . . reviewed executive session minutes from February 2002 through May 2002 and deemed them no longer confidential and, subsequently, made them available for public inspection.

. . . made a permanent transfer of interest from the Working Cash Fund to the Education Fund in the amount of $24,782.

. . . learned that Burr Ridge Middle School would increase its participation in the Illinois Elementary School Association tournament series in cross country, track, basketball, and scholastic bowl.

. . . heard reports from the administration including the following reports from superintendent Rink:

A. Construction Update
B. Water Damage at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School Kindergarten Rooms
C. Review of Bus References and Awarding of Bid
D. State of the District Report ­ Board Input
E. Approval of Building Permit
F. Gifted Education Workshops/Summer Plans/2002-03 Interventions
G. State Funding of Education for 2002-03/Safe to School Grant Eliminated
H. Citizens' Advisory Council
I. Board Goals/Superintendent Goals
J. Continued contract with Aramark for Lunches
K. IASB Joint Annual Conference Participation
L. Staff development for 2002-02

The Board's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.