Curricular Issues dominate May 21, 2002 CCSD 180 Board Meeting

Curriculum at Burr Ridge CCSD 180 took center stage at the May 21, 2002 meeting of the Board of Education. The Board approved a proposal by social studies teachers Mary Kinsman and Beverly Bankroff involving a change in the fifth grade social studies curriculum for the 2002-03 school year that would shift the focus from U.S. History to World Geography. Superintendent Frank Rink indicated "The majority of school districts around the country are bound to a certain curriculum chronology by the texts that are published. I admire the work of our staff in proposing a plan that is in better alignment with standards and assessments. Therefore, I enthusiastically endorse the change in curricular chronology proposed by our staff."

The Board also approved a request by math/science teacher Greg Mocek to teach "transitional" math to all of his "regular" eighth graders; made a district-wide Grades 1-8 adoption of Zaner-Bloser spelling materials; and approved approved use of CCSD 180 facilities for summer technology workshops sponsored by Ms. Jessica Bogie.

In addition, the Board heard a report by Cathe Smith summarizing the progress of the Reading Literacy Program at CCSD 180 for the 2001-02 school year. The Board was also entertained by a presentation of the Burr Ridge Middle School Juggling Team sponsored by Bill Norris.

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

. . . held the required public hearing and approved a budget amendment that addresses the need for additional expenditures in the Operations and Maintenance Fund for new additions at both schools..

. . . reviewed a letter of nomination written by Burr Ridge Middle School Principal Dr. Debra LeBlanc. and presented the Board's Award of Excellence to outstanding teacher Julie Bartell for her work in the Behavior Improvement Center Program.

. . . heard a presentation by several parents regarding staff dismissals.

. . . learned that the Foundation for Excellence had approved thirteen grant applications submitted by staff. The applications reflect innovative and creative ideas for student programs within the school district.

. . . reviewed suggested school district policies relating to Section 300-General School Administration, as scheduled. The policies are posted on the school district's website at http://www.ccsd180.org/Policy/section3.html.

. . . heard a report by Superintendent Rink and Anne M. Jeans Elementary School Principal Charles Accardi regarding the Gifted Committee's visit to Quincy, Michigan School system where committee members reviewed the interventions used with the Schoolwide Enrichment Model.

. . . approve the amended calendar for the 2001-02 school year reflecting the January 31, 2002 snow day.

. . . expressed its congratulations to Jenifer Mihalkanin & Brenda Cramer who were recent school district honorees at a ceremony hosted by the DuPage Division of the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

. . . contracted with First Student for bus service for the 2002-03 school year contingent upon the Superintendent checking references.

. . . accepted the resignation of Technology Coordinator Barry Bankroff at the end of the 2001-02 school year, with thanks to Mr. Bankroff for his service to the children of CCSD 180.

. . . employed Andrea Armatys as Grade 5 Teacher for the 2002-03 school year

. . . heard reports from the administration including the following reports from superintendent Rink:

Construction Update/May 20 Permit Hearing
Impact Aid Update and NAFIS Spring 2002 Conference Report
CCSD 180 Enrollment Projections by Information Management Systems
CCSD 180 National Science Foundation Grant Application
June 22 Board Members Conference
Reputation of School District's Special Education Services
Replacement of Classroom Maps, Globes, and Related Materials
Tech 2000
Belltower bulletin
Semi-annual Report to CCSD 180 Residents
Graduation
Foundation Grants
Staff Development Plans for 2002-03
ACT Accomplishments of BRMS Grads
Citizens' Advisory Council
Summer School
State and Federal Entitlement Grants
2002-03 School Year Tuition Rate
Concerts and Presentations

The Board's next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of Burr Ridge CCSD #180.