CCSD 180, Anne M. Jeans Elementary School and Burr Ridge Middle School meet “No Child Left Behind” yearly progress requirements

At a review of the state generated school report cards during its December 14 meeting, the Burr Ridge CCSD 180 Board of Education learned that both Anne M. Jeans School and Burr Ridge Middle School met “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) yearly progress requirements as measured through the Illinois Standards Achievement tests (ISAT) taken by CCSD 180 children last April. A combination of the results of both schools also resulted in the entire school district meeting NCLB requirements. In determining “No Child Left Behind” status, the state not only tracks overall student achievement, but also analyzes test results by student ethnicity, poverty level, and special education status. Results of tests taken by children in all categories indicated that both schools are meeting the yearly progress standards established through the federal Education Act of 2002, known as “No Child Left Behind.” Superintendent Frank Rink indicated that “because of our diversity, many demographic subgroups of our students were required to meet the benchmarks established by federal legislation, and we are proud to report that every subgroup and combination of subgroups met those academic requirements. For those who may wonder about sending their child to an ethnically diverse school district, I can only invite them to visit our schools and experience the academic rigor and the rich tapestry of cultures that will better prepare our children for a world and a nation that will flourish only if we accept and celebrate our diversity!”

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

. . . held its public hearing and adopted a tax levy that will maintain its trend of keeping tax rates at a reasonable level for the past decade. The 2.21% projected tax rate reflects a decrease from the previous year’s rate and is well below the 2.50% to 2.55% range that property owners experienced in the 1990’s. For the past four years, CCSD 180 tax rates have actually decreased by well over 12%, meaning that a person with a $500,000 home in 2004 would pay nearly $2,000 less in taxes to CCSD 180 than a person with a $500,000 home in 2000. Despite these decreases, our Board of Education is adamant in its stance not to seek, in the near future, a tax-rate increase via referendum. The district’s tax rate is substantially lower than the average 2.90% tax rate of elementary school districts in the state of Illinois.

. . . listened to a special performance by the BRMS musical ensemble Encore directed by Ms. Penny Wright.

. . . learned that five nominees will represent Burr Ridge CCSD #180 in the 2005 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.

Nominees from Burr Ridge CCSD #180 are
Mrs. Mary Kinsman (Certificated Teacher),
Mrs. Meghan Radtke (Certificated Support),
Mr. Bob Klaus (Educational Service),
Mrs. Paula Dupont (Community Volunteer),
CCSD 180 Foundation for Excellence (Team):
Mrs. Pamela Slater, Mr. John Gervase, Mr. Rob Guglielmi, Dr. John Massimilian, Mrs. Jayne Massimilian, Mrs. Maureen Breskey, Mrs. Kristiana Razma, Mrs. Kris Pielet, Mrs. Gina Stevens, Mrs. Ann Tuchek, Mrs. Renee Paladino, Mrs. Rita Brzowski, Mrs. Katie Ebert, Mrs. Melissa Gramann, Mr. Randy Coleman, Mrs. Tody Mustafa.

. . . presented the Board of Education’s Award of Excellence to student Erluo Li for his citizenship and commitment to learning at Burr Ridge Middle School.

. . . passed a resolution of Gratitude and Congratulations to organizations and individuals responsible for Village of Burr Ridge approval of sidewalk construction between Glenn Drive and the Falling Water Subdivision.

. . . reviewed 2004-5 School Report Cards as generated by the Illinois State Board of Education. The reports can be accessed online at http://www.ccsd180.org/180.html.

. . . reviewed an evaluation of the 2003-04 Anne M. Jeans Elementary School Improvement Plan as presented by Principal Ms. Stephanie Mitchell and heard a report on the status of the school’s 2004-05 School Improvement Plans. Dr. Debra LeBlanc will present improvement plan information about Burr Ridge Middle School at the January 2005 meeting.

. . . following a presentation by Principal Stephanie Mitchell and staff, approved adoption of the Harcourt Reading series for implementation in 2005-06.

. . . heard a presentation by Board Vice-President Dr. Donald Higgins that he will provide the district with information about grant opportunities for acquisition of the state mandated Automated External Defibrillators.

. . . directed Mr. Lou Ebert, Mr. Bob Mihalkanin, and Dr. Frank Rink to form a committee to develop a prioritized capital improvement needs list for the school district.

. . . employed Ms. Jennifer Kotlow as BRMS science teacher.

. . . passed resolutions to authorize school district counsel to intervene in any property tax appeal board cases to protect the interests of the school district.

. . . tentatively adopted the schedule of Board meetings for the coming calendar year. Regular meetings will be held on the dates listed below and will begin at 7:30 PM in the District Office, 15W451 91st Street, Burr Ridge, Illinois 60527 (unless otherwise noted).
Thursday, January 13, 2005 (7:30 a.m.)
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Tuesday, December 13, 2005

. . . discussed the 2005-06 school year calendar as compared to the finalized calendar of Hinsdale Twp. High School District #86.

. . . heard reports from the administration including the following from Superintendent Rink:
A. Report Regarding Feeder District Dinner Meeting
Hosted by HSD #86
B. Information from Mr. Jim O’Hagan about
Computer Tablets as Demonstrated at Feeder
District Dinner Meeting.
C. Bleacher Inspection and Maintenance Upgrade
D. Window Breakage
E. Approval of Five –Year Presidents’ Day Waiver
F. 70 Unit Townhouse Proposal
G. Health Department Inspection Perfect Score
H. December 7 Health and Nutrition Council Meeting
I. Winter Concerts
J. CCSD 180/SDEAA Athletics/Concert Attendance
K. Dental Exam Legislation
L. April 2005 Board of Education Election
M. 2005 International Fair
N. PTC Activities
O. Ed-Red Dinner
P. Happy Holidays!

The Board’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

Click here to access the actual minutes of this meeting