Summary of December 19, 2006 Board of Education Meeting

Renovations partially address need for more classroom space at CCSD 180

A double-digit percentage increase in enrollment has CCSD 180 officials looking for more classroom space. At its December 19 meeting, the Board of Education reviewed ten potential renovations at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School and Burr Ridge Middle School that would provide more classroom space for the 850+ students that are served by the school district. The potential projects were presented by the district’s architectural firm, Wight and Company. Analyzing value to the district and costs, the Board opted to authorize the renovation of a storage room in the 2002 kindergarten wing at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School that will provide an additional classroom at the school. Architects for the school will begin the planning/bidding/ renovation process immediately. The estimated cost of the project is $20,000 to $30,000. Current fund balances will be able to cover those costs. Superintendent Frank Rink indicated that any new construction of classrooms at either school would require a tax-rate increase referendum. Additional lockers were also approved for installation at Burr Ridge Middle School.

In other action at its December 19 meeting, the Board . . .

. . . held its public hearing and adopted the 2006 tax levy. Taxpayers residing in Burr Ridge Community Consolidated School District 180 should see yet another decrease in their property tax rates for CCSD #180 during the coming tax cycle. The levy will result in a decrease from 2.03% in 2005-06 to approximately 2.02% for the upcoming cycle. The tax rate has decreased in the past six years from 2.56% in 1999 to the current estimate of 2.02%. Superintendent Rink indicated that the upcoming tax rate is well below the state average of 2.90% for elementary schools.

Despite an overall levy increase of 13.22% to address potential revenue increases as the result of new construction, Rink 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 3.4%) and a percentage increase in the tax extension proportional to the increase in the school district’s equalized assessed valuation caused by new construction.

. . . in public session, heard three presentations by parents who enthusiastically endorsed the candidacy of Dr. Debra Leblanc for the CCSD 180 Superintendency.

. . . in public session, heard a presentation by a former employee who explained her rationale for attending CCSD 180 activities and events.

. . . recognized Mr. Frederick Livingston and Mrs. Ruth Livingston with the Board’s Award of Excellence for their commitment to education and to children.

. . . discussed its schedule for meetings for the 2007 calendar year. Board meetings are tentatively scheduled for January 16, 2007; February 20, 2007; March 20, 2007; April 17, 2007; May 15, 2007; June 26, 2007; August 21, 2007; September 18, 2007; October 16, 2007; November 20, 2007; and December 18, 2007.

. . . reviewed the Hinsdale Twp. H.S. Dist. 86 2007-08 calendar in anticipation of the decision-making process to establish a 2007-08 CCSD 180 calendar. Further discussion will take place at the Board’s regular January 16, 2007 meeting.

. . . approved a request for child-care leave by Mrs. Danielle Vita.

. . . reviewed cost quotations for gymnasium carpet/flooring at Anne M. Jeans Elementary School and opted to have the existing carpet professionally cleaned for the current school year.

. . . was entertained with a selection of holiday songs by “Encore,” the district’s select choral ensemble group under the direction of Ms. Penny Wright.

. . . offered employment as a special education aide to Ms. Katherine Barkstrom.

. . . reviewed and made its first reading of proposed Burr Ridge CCSD 180 Section 7 Policies (7:220 to 7:340) – Students. Second reading and adoption are scheduled for the January 16, 2007 meeting. Superintendent Rink informed the Board that only Section 8 – Community Relations – remains in the Board’s policy review schedule for this cycle.

. . . reviewed and accepted the 2005-06 audit. Due to the delay in receiving the audit, the Board authorized the superintendent to seek cost estimates from other firms for future audits.

. . . opted not to authorize the placement of a clothing/shoe collection bin on the grounds of Burr Ridge Middle School.

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

A. Breakfast Program Grant
B. Athletics and Chess
C. Arrival of Parker Gosselink
D. Health and Nutrition Council
E. Winter Concerts
F. April 2007 Board of Education Election
G. PTC Art Attack/Barnes and Noble Fundraiser
H. CCSD 180 Holiday Dinner
I. 2007 Those Who Excel Program
J. E-Rate
K. December 1, 2006 Snowday
L. SASED Visit at June 2007 Board Meeting
M. Three-year Asbestos Inspection
N. Analysis of Nutrition Value of CCSD 180 Lunches
O. Happy Holidays!

The Board’s next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.

Click here to access the actual minutes of this meeting