Burr Ridge CCSD #180 employees nominated for Illinois State Board of Education “Those Who Excel” Award

Five nominees will represent Burr Ridge CCSD #180 in the 2003 Illinois State Board of Education “Those Who Excel” awards program. The program annually recognizes and honors people who have made outstanding contributions to elementary and secondary education. Nominees complete biographical packets that are reviewed by a selection committee comprised of representatives of statewide education organizations. An awards banquet and ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2004 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield during which the Illinois Teacher of the Year is announced from among winners in the Classroom Teacher category.

Nominees from Burr Ridge CCSD #180 are Mrs. Lori Hassler (Certificated Teacher), Mrs. Teresa Armstrong (Certificated Support Personnel), Mr. Tony LaCassa (Educational Service Personnel), Mrs. Laura Valcour (Community Volunteer), and the Sixth Grade Team consisting of Mrs. Linda Adcock, Mrs. Julie Bartell, Ms. Carol Collins, Ms. Debbie Kelley, Mrs. Deborah Panatera, Mr. Bill Russell, and Ms. Penny Wright.

Board President Jill Ann Coleman made reference to the quality of services these individuals provide as the announcement of district nominees was made at the November 13 Board of Education meeting. Superintendent Frank Rink, while making the announcement, indicated, “Effective schools are characterized by widespread rewards and recognition. In view of our schools’ world-class dedication to excellence, I am thrilled to announce our nominees for the 2004 “Those Who Excel” program. The impetus behind this participation is not to have staff and community members compete with one another for a nomination, but to recognize the good that all do for the benefit of children. I am pleased to nominate these world-class candidates for recognition.”

Current CCSD 180 staff and volunteers who have been recognized with past “Those Who Excel” awards are Mrs. Linda Adcock, Mrs. Julie Bartell, Mrs. Shonda Whittaker, Mrs. Jenifer Mihalkanin, Mr. Charles Accardi, Mrs. Cathe Smith, Mrs. Kathy Dineen-Hendricks, Mrs. Darlene Lavenhagen, Mrs. Gloria Pavese, Ms. Peg Chludzinski, Dr. Debra LeBlanc, and Dr. Frank Rink.

In other action at its November 13 meeting, the Board . . .

. . . passed a resolution regarding estimated amounts of taxes necessary to be levied in 2003. 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 2.4%) 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 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 2.52% to 2.40%. A formal hearing on the levy will be conducted on December 16.

. . . heard a presentation by the Burr Ridge Middle School Advanced Ensemble, “Encore,” under the direction of Ms. Penny Wright. The Board also reviewed several displays reflecting work by 8th grade students and art teacher Mrs. Mary Plunkett and reflecting the recently concluded Enrichment Cluster activities at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School.

. . . recognized Mrs. Harsh Shah with the Board’s Award of Excellence for Mrs. Shah’s volunteer work with the school district.

. . . adopted policies relating to instruction as scheduled in the Board’s policy review procedures.

. . . discussed its schedule for meetings for the 2004 calendar year.

. . . authorized purchase of new basketball uniforms for the boys’ varsity team.

. . . directed the superintendent to solicit bids for a possible phased installation of air conditioning at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School.

. . . made a review of the Illinois School Library Media Association’s program components.

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

A. November 4 Feeder School Dinner
B. PILT/Impact Aid
C. NAFIS Report
D. Differentiation Training
E. ISAT Testing Waiver
F. Leave Information Booklet for Staff
G. CCSD 180 Citizens’ Advisory Council
H. American Education Week
I. School Improvement Plans
J. Air Conditioning Estimates
K. Staff Flu Shots from Dr. Dupont
L. ROE health/Safety Compliance Visit
M. Safety Training for Staff
N. Telephone Maintenance Cost Savings

The Board’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

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