At its October 16, 2001 meeting, The CCSD 180 Board of Education moved a step closer to new facilities in the school district when it contracted with the Downers Grove architectural firm Wight and Company for the construction of two additional kindergarten classrooms at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School and the expansion of cafeteria and kitchen facilities at Burr Ridge Middle School. The project will utilize the "design/build" method of construction that eliminates a general contractor at substantial savings to the school district. The project will be completed with existing funds and will not result in an increase to the tax rate of residents of Burr Ridge CCSD #180. Expected completion of the construction project is early in the 2002-2003 school year.

In other action, the Board . . .

. . . approved an employment contract for Ms. Leslie Rademacher as kindergarten teacher, and learned that the full-day kindergarten program is scheduled for implementation on October 29, 2001.

. . . approved a proposal by William Norris to establish an Adventure Club at Burr Ridge Middle School. Student activities will include rock-climbing, orienteering, canoeing, and camping.

. . . heard a vocal music program presented by the Grade 7 and 8 girls choir under the direction of Mrs. Penny Wright.

. . . due to favorable rates and a savings of nearly $40,000 in employee out-of-pocket premium expenses, approved a shift to the Blue Cross/Blue Shield fully funded health insurance plan for 2001-02.

. . . in the spirit of good-will and fairness, reimbursed to CCSD 180 staff members, the difference between their September payroll deduction for health insurance and the current, lower deduction.

. . . presented the Board of Education Award of Excellence to students Delaney Goddard, Ariel Goddard, Ana Andonopolous, and Franzi Andonopolous for their Red Cross Relief efforts.

. . . hired Charlene Coleman as a teacher's assistant.

. . . reviewed a policy review schedule that will address all Board policies at CCSD #180.

. . . reviewed a summary by Superintendent Rink regarding the 2001 Fall Enrollment and Housing Report. Of the 781 Pre-K through 8 students enrolled at CCSD 180 in 2001-02, 43.41% are White, 29.96% are Black, 17.54% are Asian or Pacific Islander, 8.96% are Hispanic, and .13% are Native Americans. 203 students come to the district with bilingual backgrounds in 25 different languages. 30% of our students are eligible for free and reduced lunches.

. . . reviewed the new school district logo and motto (World-Class Dedication to Excellence).

. . . reviewed a summary of recent ISAT results, including superintendent Rink's short-term goal of having our CCSD 180 students exceed by 10% or more the percentage of state-wide students who meet and exceed standards.

. . . scheduled a special board meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 2002 at 7:30 AM to consider placing on the March 2002 ballot the abolishment of the Cook County Treasurer's responsibilities relative to school district financial issues for CCSD 180.

. . . approved membership in the Consortium for Educational Change, promoting collaboration and cooperation among school district stakeholders.

. . . designated Dr. Frank Rink as CCSD #180 representative to the School Association of Special Education in DuPage (SASED) and named Mr. Lou Ebert as the alternate representative.

. . . to accommodate legislation regarding school board reorganization, changed the November 20, 2001 board meeting to November 13, 2001 at 7:30 p.m.

The Board's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.