Board of Education approves changes in Outdoor Education Program

The White Pines Outdoor Education experience will be eliminated at Burr Ridge Middle School in favor of more outdoor education activities for more students at the school. At its November 9, 2004, meeting the CCSD 180 Board of Education unanimously approved a proposal by PE/health teacher Mr. Luke Peterson with support from the administration.

Mr. Peterson proposed elimination of the four day, three night experience at the White Pines Camp in Oregon, Illinois due to 1) lack of flexibility within the program, 2) less than maximum student participation due to the overnight stays, 3) lack of lead up activities and lack of alignment with state learning standards, 4) problems with providing staff at the camp and at the middle school, 5) potential weather problems as the result of a week that is scheduled months in advance, 6) little room to broaden the scope of the program, and 7) participation limited to seventh graders only.

As an alternative, Peterson proposed 5th grade orienteering at the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve and at forested areas of the school district, 6th grade rock-climbing and team building at Indian Boundary YMCA, 7th grade horseback riding at Palos stables, and 8th grade cross-country skiing at Palisades Park and on campus.

Students and staff would benefit, Peterson indicated, in the following ways:
• Involves all Students at BRMS
• Ease of changeability and flexibility
• Easy to broaden yearly
• Ease of working into current curriculum
• Cost savings of nearly $7,000 per year
• Adds to already strong curriculum
• Addresses state standards more closely
• Greater ability to have lead-up and follow-up activities

In other action at its November 9 meeting, the Board . . .

. . . passed a resolution regarding estimated amounts of taxes necessary to be levied in 2004. Despite an overall levy increase of 11.5% to address potential revenue increases as the result of new construction, the Board indicated that the actual tax extension received as the result of this levy will be in the 4% to 5% range. A levy is only a request, whereas the tax extension, calculated by the County Clerk and subject to tax cap legislation, is the real indication of property tax increases. Tax Cap legislation in Cook and DuPage Counties limits the percentage of tax extension increases over the previous year to the Consumer Price Index (currently 1.9%) and a percentage increase in the tax extension proportional to the increase in the school district’s equalized assessed valuation caused by new construction.

Superintendent Frank Rink told the Board that despite levies reflecting increases of between 10% and 15% over the past five years, the actual property taxes received have increased in the range of 4% to 7%. In fact, as the result of recent increases in assessed valuation in the school district, taxpayers should see yet another decrease in their property tax rates for CCSD #180 during the coming tax cycle. The most recent tax rate decreased from 2.40% to 2.25%. Rink indicated that the upcoming tax rate should be in the 2.21% ranges, well below state averages for elementary school. A formal hearing on the levy will be conducted on December 14.

. . . recognized Mr. Ernie Kocher with the Board’s Award of Excellence for Mr. Kocher’s volunteer work with traffic safety and student entry /egress at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School.

. . . discussed its schedule for meetings for the 2005 calendar year.

. . . heard a presentation by the CCSD 180 science staff in regard to scope and sequence of the newly acquired science textbook series.

. . . made a review of the Illinois School Library Media Association’s program components to comply with guidelines that will allow the school district to receive a library grant from the state.

. . . continued its discussion regarding acquisition of an Automated External Defibrillator one year in advance of mandated purchase. The item was tables for further discussion at the December 14 meeting.

. . . discussed Board representation at the November 11, 2004 Burr Ridge Pathway Commission Meeting regarding installation of sidewalk between Glenn Drive and Falling Water Subdivision. Dr. Don Higgins indicated that he would represent the Board.

. . . approved the employment of Mrs. Debbie Baldwin as teachers' aide and Dr. Rebecca Kartje as science teacher, and accepted the resignation of Mr. Bill Russell as science teacher.

. . . heard administrative reports including information from superintendent Rink about the following:

A. November 30 Feeder School Dinner
B. School District Report Cards Delay
C. Technology Infrastructure Update
D. Differentiation Training
E. AMJES Inspection by Fire Chief
F. CCSD 180 Citizens’ Advisory Council
G. CCSD 180 Nutrition, Health, and Fitness Council
H. American Education Week
I. Ventilation at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School Gymnasium
J. Summary of November 2, 2004 Referenda Results
K. Review of Job Sharing Progress and School Improvement Plan Evaluation
L. International Fair

The Board’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

Click here to access the actual minutes of this meeting