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

Five individuals 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, March 22, 2003 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. Linda Adcock (Certificated Teacher), Mrs. Julie Bartell (Certificated Support Personnel), Mrs. Shonda Whittaker (Educational Service Personnel), Mrs. Jenifer Mihalkanin (Community Volunteer), and Mr. Charles Accardi (Administrator).

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 14 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 2003 "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 in past "Those Who Excel" programs are 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 14 meeting, the Board . . .

. . . passed a resolution regarding estimated amounts of taxes necessary to be levied in 2002. Despite an overall levy request of 8.41% to address potential revenue increases as the result of new construction, the Board was reasonably certain 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 1.6%) 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 11% and 15% over the past five years, the actual property taxes received have increased in the range of 5% to 7%. In fact, as the result of increases in assessed valuation in the school district, taxpayers should see no increase in their property tax rates for CCSD #180 during the coming tax cycle. The Board also shifted $150,000 of its levy from the Transportation Fund to the Education Fund. A formal hearing on the levy will be conducted on December 17.

. . . heard a presentation by the Burr Ridge Middle School Show Choir under the direction of Ms. Penny Wright. The Board also reviewed several displays created by art teacher Mrs. Mary Plunkett that represented the artwork of Anne M. Jeans Elementary School students.

. . . recognized the SASED Instructional Support Team through a letter of nomination written by Special Education Coordinator Dr. Debra LeBlanc and presented the Board's Award of Excellence to members of the team.

. . . reviewed the 2002 Illinois School District Report Card. The Report Card can be viewed online at http://www.ccsd180.org/180.html.

. . . adopted policies relating to operational services as scheduled in the Board's policy review procedures.

. . . discussed its schedule for meetings for the 2003 calendar year.

. . . scheduled a special meeting for January 9, 2003 at 7:30 a.m. regarding the Cook County Treasurer's role in school finance.

. . . heard a report by Principal Charles Accardi regarding implementation of the Fast ForWord Reading/Language Program, scheduled for late November.

. . . heard a report by Principal Dr. Debra LeBlanc regarding district-wide status of curriculum alignment and curriculum mapping.

. . . increased the monetary compensation of aides working with a particular student with special needs.

. . . accepted the resignation of speech assistant Kim Lechnick effective November 22.

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

Water Costs
Use of Anne M. Jeans Elementary School Parking Lot
Burr Ridge Police Department Rapid Deployment Exercises
Burr Ridge Police Department Emergency Operations Plan
Data-Driven Decisions Retreat
Differentiation Academy
Plans for Development within CCSD 180 Boundaries
Distribution of IASB Conference Materials
Distribution of IASB Constitution and Position Statements
Response to October 8, 2002 ROE Safety Inspection
Partnership with District #86 and University of Illinois
ISAT Testing Waiver
CCSD 180 LPDC
Website Development
Leave Information Booklet for Staff
CCSD 180 Citizens' Advisory Council
April 1, 2003 Board of Education Election
District Holiday Events
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Negotiations with Health Service Providers

The Board's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.