Anne M. Jeans School and Burr Ridge Middle School students meet and exceed “No Child Left Behind” yearly progress requirements

At a review of the state generated school report cards during its December 16 meeting, the Burr Ridge CCSD 180 Board of Education learned that both Anne M. Jeans Elementary School and Burr Ridge Middle School met “No Child Left Behind” yearly progress requirements as measured through the Illinois Standards Achievement Tests (ISAT) taken by CCSD 180 children last April. In determining “No Child Left Behind” status, the state tracks not only 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 reported that an error in the way the percentage of students who took the test is calculated had initially placed the middle school in the “does not meet” category, but the state has since resolved the glitch by allowing schools to resubmit accurate data. The percentage of CCSD 180 students who met and exceeded standards on the ISAT tests rose dramatically in 2003.

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

. . . adopted a tax levy that will maintain its trend of keeping tax rates at a reasonable level for the past decade. The 2.36% projected tax rate reflects equity with the previous year’s rate and is well below the 2.50% to 2.55% range that property owners have experienced for the past twelve years. Owners of a $400,000 home will pay approximately $3,150 in property taxes for CCSD 180. The district’s tax rate is substantially lower than the 2.90% average tax rate of elementary school districts in the state of Illinois.

. . . employed special education teacher Ms. Danielle Young and teacher aide Ms. Christine Bowermaster; and accepted the resignation of aide Mrs. Ellen Delos Reyes.

. . . presented the Board of Education’s Award of Excellence to student Fatema Cuterywala for her citizenship and commitment to learning at Burr Ridge Middle School.

. . . accepted a generous donation from a family for the purchase of twelve new varsity girls’ basketball uniforms and opted to purchase eight additional uniforms for the team to complete the set.

. . . learned that a Healthy School Nutrition Environment grant written by Dr. Frank Rink and Mrs. Laura Valcour had been approved for a grant award of $5,000 by the Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program.

. . . heard a report by Principal/Gifted Coordinator Mr. Charles Accardi and Teacher Mrs. Terri Torres regarding the progress/status of the Gifted and Talent Enrichment (G. A. T. E.) Program at CCSD 180.

. . . 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).

Tuesday - January 20, 2004
Tuesday - February 17, 2004
Tuesday - March 16, 2004
Tuesday - April 20, 2004
Tuesday - May 18, 2004
Tuesday - June 15, 2004
Tuesday - August 17, 2004
Tuesday - September 21, 2004
Tuesday - October 19, 2004
Tuesday - November 9, 2004
Tuesday - December 14, 2004

. . . discussed the 2004-05 school year calendar as compared to the finalized calendar of Hinsdale Twp. High School District #86.

. . . reviewed and accepted the FY2003 audit.

. . . heard an initial presentation by Superintendent Rink about the “Success for All” Program and authorized teacher site-visits to other schools to learn more about the reading-based program.

. . . reviewed results of a poll taken of students and the Citizens’ Advisory Council regarding their sentiments about honor roll and honor roll assemblies. Recognition for academic achievement will continue via publication of the names of honor roll students, and Principals may conduct up to two honor roll assemblies per year.

. . . reviewed the minutes and related summary of the November 2003 Citizens’ Advisory Council meeting.

Heard reports from the administration including the following from Superintendent Rink:

A. Closed Session Legislation Changes as of January 2004
B. Tech 2004
C. Activity Funds
D. PILT Update
E. Nutrition Grant
F. EdTech Formula Grant
G. Area Schools’ Referenda
H. Infrastructure Upgrades/Cost Savings
I. Winter Concerts
J. CCSD 180 Athletics
K. Cafeteria Health Inspections
L. Happy Holidays!

The Board’s next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 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