Summary of September 19, 2006 Board of Education Meeting

Board of Education maintains low class size by authorizing the employment of additional teachers

The CCSD 180 Board of Education continues to adhere to the preponderance of educational research that shows the correlation between low class size and higher student achievement. At its September 19, 2006 meeting, the Board authorized a fifth section of first grade and a fourth section of fourth grade to keep class size well below 25 students per homeroom. Superintendent Frank Rink commended the Board for its sensitivity to the needs of children: “I am convinced that the more one can impact the education of children in their day-to-day classroom setting, the better the use of school district funds. Although ancillary and supplemental programs are a definite need at CCSD 180, it is a successful core classroom experience that will best enhance the academic achievement of our children. For that reason, I appreciate the Board’s approval for employment of teachers that will immediately reduce class size at two grade levels.” Two additional teachers will be sought immediately.

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

. . . approved the final budget for the 2006-07 school year following a public hearing. The Board saw, in the final budget, a $200,000+ reduction in the projected $750,000 deficit in the education fund due to some expenditure reductions and increases in Title 1 funding. All funds are projected to end fiscal year 2007 with a positive balance.

. . . heard a report from Superintendent Rink regarding the fact that the last and final levy for bond issues will occur in December 2007, with the last payout of principal and interest scheduled for January 2009. This will decrease the tax rate by approximately $0.35. He indicated that an education fund referendum seeking an increase of $0.35 in the tax rate would keep tax rates at the same level due to the dovetailed elimination of the bond levy while generating needed education fund revenues in the amount of about $1.07 million per year. The Board will consider options as the financial status of the school district is reviewed each year.

. . . heard a report by Mrs. Mary Kinsman, full-time Enrichment Facilitator at CCSD 180, relative to the status and plans for the 2006-07 Gifted and Talent Enrichment (GATE) Program.

. . . reviewed revisions to its wellness policy. This particular policy is a relatively new state mandate. Due to CCSD 180 compliance with state and federal breakfast and lunch guidelines and its curricular policy of every-day physical education classes for children, the wellness policy will not require substantial changes within the school district.

. . . reviewed progress in the search for a 2007-08 Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Rink shared with the Board an informational website that he had developed about the position, and indicated that vacancy notices had been posted with the DuPage Regional Office of Education, the Illinois Association of School Administrators, the American Association of School Administrators, and Education Week. The Board assigned Dr. Linda Jones and Mrs. Paula Dupont to assist with the search.

. . . reviewed the September 12, 2006 meeting with representatives of the Laramar Group. A summary, written by Board President Paula Dupont, of the work completed by the Laramar Group at Hinsdale Lake Terrace Apartments was shared with the Board and will be posted in the school district’s next newsletter and on its website.

. . . presented its Award of Excellence to Mrs. Erin Fichtelberg for her volunteerism and contributions at CCSD 180.

. . . heard a positive report about the September 2006 implementation of a breakfast program at CCSD 180. Participation currently averages over 100 students per day.

. . . heard a report by Principals Dr. Debbie LeBlanc and Mrs. Wesley Gosselink about the extremely effective beginning of the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support) Program at both schools.

. . . reviewed Pre-K Program childfind procedures as presented by Mrs. Gosselink.

. . . upheld the administration’s suspension of a middle school student.

. . . employed Gustina Duncan as Hallway Monitor at BRMS, Karen Saddler as Hallway Monitor at BRMS, Qammar Yasin as Teacher Assistant at AMJES, and Connie Roberson as Lunch/Breakfast Program worker/monitor at AMJES.

. . . approved the assignment of Mr. David Crafton to administrative duties for three days per week while Principal Gosselink is on child-care leave.

. . . accepted the resignation of Maura Raslowsky as aide.

. . . heard reports from the administration including the following reports from Superintendent Rink:
A. ROE/Fire Department Building Inspections
B. Fall Athletics
C. Citizens’ Advisory Council – 2006-07
D. PTC – 2006-07
E. Police Presence at BRMS
F. ISAT Data
G. Official Designation of CCSD 180 as meeting NCLB Mandates for Fourth Straight Year
H. Wood siding on BRMS Building
I. Board Participation at “Community Pride Group” Meeting on October 3

The Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

Click here to access the actual minutes of this meeting